Chapter 12 The family grows
Naruto meticulously reviewed his notes, the faint sound of Urashiki's labored breathing echoing in the dimly lit room. Deep gashes marred Urashiki's body, each cut meticulously placed to maximize pain without delivering a fatal blow. The scent of blood and sweat mingled in the air, a testament to the intense interrogation that had transpired.
"So, Kaguya could be a potent ally against your clan. Unfortunately, I don't know where she is, but with your horn, I could locate her quite easily." Naruto mused aloud, holding Urashiki's horn in one hand while flipping through his notes with the other. The papers binding Urashiki began to move, cocooning him once again in a thick, suffocating embrace.
"I have to give it to him. It took him a few hours before he cracked. Now, let's see... oh, that's how it goes." Naruto muttered to himself as he exited the room. In an adjacent, empty room, Naruto retrieved a paintbrush and began drawing intricate symbols on the floor and walls. Each stroke was deliberate, the lines forming complex patterns that glowed faintly with chakra. Kurama's voice echoed in his mind, a deep rumble of concern.
"Do you think this is a good idea? She could be quite dangerous." Naruto continued sketching, his expression hardening with determination.
"I need allies, Kurama. We can't just stand by and wait for the next attack." he responded, his voice unwavering. Kurama grumbled in agreement.
"I suppose you're right. The time between attacks on our lives is getting shorter. If we can recruit her as an ally, it might tip the scales in our favor. But don't trust her completely. We may have a common enemy, but that doesn't mean she isn't also your enemy." A small smile tugged at Naruto's lips at Kurama's wisdom.
"Don't worry, we'll handle this together, partner." he reassured. After finishing the intricate symbols required for the ritual, Naruto placed the horn in the center of the room and channeled chakra into the ground. The formulas he had drawn began to glow and pulse with life, the energy swirling around the room. He slowly sat down, crossing his legs, and entered a meditative state. Suddenly, a spectral apparition appeared: a creature with devilish horns, purple skin, and a sickle. Its hand reached out towards Naruto, touching his head and extracting his soul.
Naruto found himself standing in a circular chamber, chains extending from the walls to wrap around a woman suspended in the air. She had beautiful pale skin, rabbit-like horns, dot-like eyebrows, and eyes reminiscent of the Byakugan.
This was Kaguya Otsutsuki, the legendary figure who had betrayed her clan centuries ago. She seemed to be in a deep slumber, but Naruto's presence stirred her, waking her for the first time since her imprisonment. Her face was a mix of ethereal beauty and stern seriousness, her eyes opening slowly as she took in her surroundings. Kaguya's gaze fixed on Naruto, her voice both commanding and otherworldly.
"Who dares to awaken me from my eternal slumber?" she demanded, her tone dripping with authority and curiosity. Naruto took a deep breath, steadying himself.
"I am Naruto Uzumaki, and I seek your aid against the Otsutsuki clan." he declared, his voice strong despite the gravity of the situation. Kaguya's expression softened ever so slightly, a flicker of interest in her eyes.
"Very well, Naruto Uzumaki. But know this: my trust is not easily earned, and my wrath is unparalleled. Why should I aid you in this endeavor?" Naruto met her gaze with unwavering determination.
"Because we share a common enemy, and together, we can ensure their defeat. I offer you a chance at redemption, to fight for a cause greater than yourself." Kaguya pondered his words, the chains around her rattling slightly as she considered his proposition.
"You are brave, Naruto Uzumaki. Perhaps too brave for your own good. But I will hear you out. Speak, and let us see if your cause is worth my aid." Naruto outlined his plan, detailing the impending threats and the need for an alliance against the Otsutsuki. As he spoke, the chains around Kaguya loosened ever so slightly, her interest piqued by his earnestness and resolve. The room seemed to hum with energy, the future of their potential alliance hanging in a delicate balance.
Back in the real world, Naruto's body remained in deep meditation, his chakra pulsing in waves as the ritual continued. The air was thick with tension, every moment crucial as he sought to turn the Otsutsuki enemy into a powerful ally.
After contemplating for a moment, Kaguya's eyes narrowed with cold calculation.
"Fine, I'll join you. But how do you expect me to aid you when I am restrained by these chains and devoid of a physical form?" Her hands rattled the heavy chains that bound her, the metal clinking ominously. Naruto pondered for a moment, his mind racing through potential solutions. He knew her location but couldn't fathom a way to reach the moon directly. Then, a revelation struck him.
"I've got it. I just need a fragment of your soul. With that, I can bring you back to life where I am. Uzumaki Soul Rebirth Jutsu." he explained, moving closer with a determined look. Kaguya considered his proposition, weighing her options. If the boy was truthful, she had much to gain. Besides, the moment she returned, she could betray him if needed.
"Fine, take part of my soul with you. But if this is a trick, you will regret it." she threatened, her eyes flaring with the distinctive veins of the Byakugan. Naruto chuckled at her response, his whiskered face full of confidence.
"I'm not an Uchiha. I don't stab like those red-eyed rodents. This might hurt a bit. I'm going to seal part of your soul inside me, then use that to pull your essence into a suitable vessel. Fortunately, I have one of your siblings." he said with a gleeful smile, recalling his recent capture of an Otsutsuki who had dared to threaten his loved ones. Kaguya found this amusing, the thought of her enemy being sacrificed brought a cruel smile to her face.
Naruto extended his hand, meticulously drawing multiple seals on his body in preparation. Once finished, he placed his hand on her forehead. Kaguya screamed as part of her soul was being torn from her, the sensation akin to having her limbs ripped off. The process took an excruciating hour, yielding only a small fragment of her soul.
"We're finished." Naruto said, panting and sweating from the effort. Kaguya glared at him, her teeth grinding in fury.
"This better not be a trick, boy, or I will inflict pain so severe that you will not sleep for decades." she threatened, her chains rattling as she attempted to lash out. Naruto bowed his head respectfully.
"I apologize for the discomfort, but you'll be free soon enough." he assured her, fading away as he returned to his body. Back in the real world, Naruto made his way to the room where Urashiki was restrained. He teleported to his favorite fishing spot in the forest, sending out a paper clone to gather some white robes. Unwrapping the cocoon, he found an exhausted Urashiki lying on the floor, blood pooling around him. Naruto quickly stepped on his face, grinding his heel.
"What do you think you're doing, getting blood all over my favorite dock?" he growled, snapping his foot down and shattering Urashiki's teeth, causing him to scream in agony. Binding him with chains, Naruto began the ritual, drawing intricate symbols on the ground. As he started transferring Kaguya's soul, it began pulling from its prison, forming into Urashiki's body. The process took several hours, starting at 2 AM and finishing as the sun began to rise.
Naruto had to use most of Kurama's chakra just to maintain the jutsu. When it was over, Urashiki's body slumped to the ground, his skin molding and reshaping. But instead of the adult woman they expected, a young girl with bone-like protrusions resembling rabbit ears and pale white skin lay before them. She looked like Kaguya, but the jutsu seemed to have reverted her age to match Naruto's.
"This is unexpected. Wasn't it supposed to bring her back to life?" Kurama asked curiously, as Naruto stood dumbfounded.
"Yeah, the jutsu is supposed to reincarnate her. Why is she my age?" Naruto pondered the predicament. The fox demon raised an eyebrow.
"You mean resurrection?" Kurama sought clarification. Naruto shrugged.
"Aren't those two things the same?" The fox demon growled in frustration.
"No, you fool! They are not the same thing. Reincarnation means becoming a different being. Resurrection means bringing the same being back to life." Kurama clarified angrily. Naruto, embarrassed by his blunder, contemplated what to do next. Kaguya, now a young girl, stood there in her birthday suit, silent and observing her surroundings.
She began putting on the robes, which were far too large for her, resembling a blanket. She remained silent, looking around as Naruto freaked out over his major mistake. Naruto approached her cautiously.
"Kaguya, I know this isn't what we planned, but we can still work together. We need your help." he said, trying to sound reassuring. Kaguya looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and anger. In her eyes, there was a strange amalgamation of familiarity and alienation, as though her memories had been fragmented and reassembled in a chaotic manner. The scene around her seemed both known and unknown, creating a disorienting effect that left her silent and introspective. Her steps were tentative, her gaze shifting rapidly as she tried to make sense of her surroundings.
Without a word, she suddenly leapt off the dock, attempting to harness the powers she once commanded effortlessly. However, the cruel reality of her new limitations struck swiftly as she plunged into the river, the weight of her heavy robes pulling her down to the depths. Naruto stood frozen, his eyes wide with shock at her unexpected action.
"What did she just try to do?" he called out, his voice tinged with confusion as he watched her sink. Kurama's voice resonated in his mind, offering an explanation.
"I think she's unable to access her jutsu. It's likely she has no recollection of the deal you made. Since she's been reincarnated into a different body, most of her knowledge about the Otsutsuki might be lost or deeply buried within her mind." Naruto nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the river where she was now thrashing desperately.
"I wonder what jutsu she's performing at the moment." he mused aloud, though it quickly became apparent that she was not performing any jutsu, but was instead drowning.
"I don't think she knows how to swim." Kurama commented dryly as the girl's struggles became more frantic. Realizing the severity of the situation, Naruto sprang into action.
"Oh crap." he muttered, creating a paper clone that dove into the river to rescue her. The clone struggled against the current but eventually managed to pull her to the dock, her waterlogged robes making the task arduous. Shivering violently and clearly in shock, she remained silent as she stripped off her soaking wet clothes. Naruto, feeling a mix of embarrassment and concern, turned away to give her some privacy. Moments later, he felt her hands tugging at his robe, which she quickly wrapped around herself for warmth. When he turned back, he saw her pouting at him, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger.
"Cute." he whispered under his breath, only to be met with a swift kick to his knee. He winced in pain, clutching his leg.
"Seriously, what was that for?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine confusion. She didn't respond verbally, her silence and piercing glare speaking volumes. Kurama's voice chimed in again, offering insight.
"I think she's upset about the whole reincarnation thing but doesn't fully understand why. Her memories are fragmented from her previous life." Naruto let out a deep, exasperated sigh, feeling the weight of the complicated situation pressing down on him. He moved closer and gently picked Kaguya up in a princess carry, her body tense but compliant. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she buried it in his chest, avoiding eye contact.
"Hey, don't worry. I'll take care of you. It's my responsibility." he reassured her softly as he carried her back towards their home, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and compassion. As they walked, the early morning light began to filter through the trees, casting a soft glow over everything. Naruto could feel the enormity of his new responsibility settling on his shoulders. Despite the bizarre and challenging circumstances, he was resolute in his commitment to protect and guide her.
"We'll figure this out together." he whispered, more to himself than to her, as the first rays of dawn illuminated their path. Back at the house, Fuka and the other girls were still asleep, oblivious to the events that had transpired. Naruto carefully carried Kaguya inside, setting her down gently on a futon and covering her with a blanket. He sat beside her for a moment, watching her as she slowly drifted off to sleep, her face finally relaxing. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her—once a powerful and feared being, now reduced to a state of vulnerability and confusion.
"I promise, I'll help you regain your strength and memories." Naruto vowed quietly, his resolve hardening as he watched over her. The road ahead was uncertain and fraught with danger, but he knew he couldn't turn back now. He had made a promise, and he intended to keep it, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
Naruto slumped into a chair, falling asleep almost immediately, the exhaustion from the previous night overtaking him. He managed only a few hours of rest before he was jolted awake by the sound of shouting and screaming.
Groggy and confused, he felt Kaguya's arms wrap around him tightly, her grip like a vice. Instinctively, he held her close, positioning her behind him protectively, his senses sharpening as he prepared to face any threat. In front of him stood Sarada, Tenten, and Fuka, their weapons drawn and expressions fierce. Fuka, crafting a shimmering paper dagger in her hand, demanded.
"Why are you protecting an Otsutsuki?" Her voice was a mix of confusion and accusation. Sarada, her Sharingan glowing ominously and chakra crackling around her fists, approached with a steely determination.
"Is she mind-controlling you?" she questioned, her voice tinged with urgency. Tenten remained silent but poised, her blade ready to strike with lethal precision. Naruto raised his hands in a gesture of peace, his voice calm but firm.
"It's not what you think. Let me explain." he began. As he recounted the events of the previous night, detailing his encounter with Kaguya and the ritual that had gone awry, the tension gradually dissipated. The women, initially skeptical, began to understand the complexity of the situation. Laughter, tinged with relief, broke the tense atmosphere as they realized their mistake. Kaguya, however, was not amused. She crossed her arms, her expression a mixture of annoyance and vulnerability, and pouted with a childlike defiance. Naruto couldn't help but chuckle.
"You're cute when you pout." he teased gently. Kaguya's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she quickly looked away, embarrassed but secretly pleased by his compliment. With the misunderstanding cleared, Fuka suggested,
"Naruto, we should go on a date. We haven't had proper alone time amidst the chaos." Naruto agreed, though the suggestion caused the other two women to express their jealousy with disapproving shakes of their heads.
"We'll have our time too." he promised, hoping to placate them. To ease the tension, Naruto pulled out Zabuza's blade, presenting it to Tenten with a flourish. Her eyes lit up with pure joy, and she practically bounced around, marveling at the weapon's beauty and elegance.
"This is... incredible!" she exclaimed, running her fingers along the blade's edge with reverence. Her excitement was infectious, and for a moment, the worries of the day were forgotten in her delight. Next, Naruto handed a wad of cash to Sarada.
"Can you buy some clothes for both you and Kaguya?" he asked. "If you do this for me, I'll owe you one favor—anything you want." Sarada nodded, accepting the task with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Anything?" she echoed, her mind already spinning with possibilities. With the situation somewhat settled, Naruto and Fuka prepared for their date. As they reached the edge of the village, Naruto was about to transform to conceal his identity, but Fuka stopped him, firmly placing a hand on his arm.
"If you transform, there's no point in going on this date." she stated with conviction. Naruto was taken aback.
"I can't expose you to the hatred of the village." he tried to persuade her, his concern evident. But Fuka remained resolute, her decision unwavering.
"I love you, Naruto Uzumaki." she declared, her voice filled with conviction. "I don't want to be seen with anyone else." Naruto's heart skipped a beat at her words. The sincerity and strength in her voice left him no room for doubt. Taking a deep breath, he nodded, deciding to show his true form. As they walked hand in hand into the village, he felt a mix of anxiety and determination. The villagers' stares and whispers seemed to fade into the background as he focused on Fuka beside him. Her presence was a beacon of warmth and acceptance in a world that had often been harsh and unforgiving. They strolled through the bustling streets, the morning sun casting a golden glow over the village.
Fuka pointed out various stalls and shops, her excitement contagious. Naruto found himself relaxing, enjoying the simple pleasure of being with her. They stopped at a small café, its cozy atmosphere a welcome respite from the outside world. Sitting across from each other, they shared stories and laughter, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. As the day turned into evening, Naruto realized that this was what he had always longed for—a sense of belonging, of being accepted for who he truly was. He squeezed Fuka's hand, gratitude and love shining in his eyes.
"Thank you for today." he said softly. "It means more to me than you can imagine." Fuka smiled, her eyes twinkling with affection.
"We're in this together, Naruto. No matter what." she replied, sealing her promise with a gentle kiss.
Fuka led Naruto toward Ichiraku Ramen, his favorite spot. Yet, as they neared the cozy shop, Naruto's steps faltered and eventually came to a halt just a few feet from the entrance. Memories of his younger days flooded back, vividly replaying the countless times Teuchi, the kind-hearted shop owner, had offered him free bowls of ramen with a warm smile. Those moments had been a beacon of light in his otherwise dark childhood. But the fond memories were tainted by the subsequent suffering Teuchi had endured because of Naruto.
The villagers, harboring their hatred for Naruto, had turned on Teuchi, vandalizing his beloved shop and even attacking his daughter, Ayame. Guilt weighed heavily on Naruto's heart, constricting his breath.
"What am I doing?" Naruto's thoughts spiraled into a pit of despair.
"If people see me with others, they'll get hurt." He glanced at the hand he was holding and then into Fuka's eyes. Her smile was genuine, but beneath it, he could see her concern, a reflection of the turmoil brewing inside him. Naruto abruptly released Fuka's hand and stepped back, tears welling up and streaming down his face.
"What am I doing? I'm so stupid. I'm putting her in danger." he muttered, clutching at his hair as if trying to pull himself out of his spiraling thoughts. Fuka reached out, her voice gentle and soothing.
"Darling, I'm here. Just relax." she said softly. But her words barely penetrated his racing mind. Dark scenarios played out in his head—Fuka in danger. His heart pounded, anxiety threatening to overwhelm him completely. Seeing his distress, Fuka tried to hold him, but her touch only intensified his fear. He imagined people seeing them together and directing their hatred toward her. He was about to push her away when he suddenly stopped, his eyes catching sight of someone familiar.
Teuchi, the man who had shown him kindness when no one else would, stood there. He had come out of his shop to check on the commotion. Their eyes met—Naruto's filled with terror, Teuchi with warmth and kindness. Teuchi walked over to Naruto, a gentle smile on his face. He placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's head.
"Long time no see, Naruto Uzumaki. It's been years since you visited my ramen shop. Come on, get a bowl." he said, his tone that of an old friend. Naruto's anxiety began to dissolve, replaced by confusion and an overwhelming sense of relief. Why would Teuchi still care about him after everything that had happened? Overwhelmed, Naruto burst into tears, unable to comprehend why this man, and others like him, would show him such kindness despite his past. Teuchi's eyes softened even more as he saw the tears streaming down Naruto's face.
"Hey now, no need for that." he said gently. "It's alright, Naruto. Everyone goes through tough times. What's important is how we move forward." Naruto, still weeping, nodded. Fuka, sensing the shift in Naruto's demeanor, smiled warmly. She placed a reassuring hand on his back, gently guiding him toward the shop. Teuchi led the way, the familiar aroma of ramen wafting through the air as they entered. Inside the shop, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, just as Naruto remembered. The steam from the boiling pots of ramen, the clatter of bowls and chopsticks, the soft chatter of customers—it all felt like a comforting embrace. Teuchi motioned for them to sit at the counter.
"What'll it be, Naruto? The usual?" he asked, already reaching for a bowl. Naruto wiped his tears and managed a small smile.
"Yes, please." he replied, his voice still shaky. Fuka sat beside him, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and happiness.
"I'll have the same." she said, giving Naruto's hand a reassuring squeeze.
After Naruto finally calmed down, he took a moment to reflect, his mind still swirling with the events of the past and the emotions of the present.
"Teuchi, why are you so kind to me?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion and vulnerability. He needed to understand why, after all these years, this man still treated him with such warmth and affection, as if he were his own son, despite the long absence. Teuchi didn't hesitate in his response.
"You're a kind kid who was dealt a bad hand. Born in a village filled with idiots who don't think before pointing a finger." His voice grew cold with anger, his usually cheerful demeanor replaced with a rare seriousness. The memory of the villagers' cruel treatment of Naruto ignited a fire in his eyes. Naruto was taken aback by Teuchi's words. He sat quietly, processing the response, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions.
"Thank you, but I caused you nothing but trouble. Your business started failing because of me. Your daughter…" His voice faltered, his eyes clouding with the painful memory of Ayame's injuries, the day he felt utterly alone again. Teuchi slammed his hand on the table, the sudden sound echoing through the shop and grabbing everyone's attention.
"Naruto, did you throw the rocks at my daughter? Did you vandalize my shop, calling me a demon lover? No, you didn't. You can't blame yourself for the actions of others, and I could never blame you for that either." His voice was firm, filled with both righteous anger and profound wisdom. Naruto, surprised by the aggressive yet kind response, remained silent for a moment, a small smile forming on his face as he realized his friend hadn't changed over the years. The shop, with its familiar smells and warm atmosphere, felt like a sanctuary from the harsh world outside. Fuka stood by silently, allowing Naruto to reconnect with an old friend, her presence a comforting reminder of the love and support he now had.
"How is Ayame? Is she okay after the incident?" Naruto asked cautiously, aware it was a sensitive topic. Teuchi inhaled deeply before exhaling.
"Yeah, she's doing alright. She helps me with the shop but blames herself for you leaving all those years ago. She couldn't let those people talk badly about you any longer and shouted at them. And then…" His voice trailed off, the painful memories causing his usually steady hands to tremble slightly. Naruto remembered that day vividly. He had found Ayame beaten and tossed in an alley, her innocent face bruised and bloodied. His eyes glowed red as he recalled hunting down the men responsible, breaking each of their fingers slowly, savoring their screams.
"Yes, and I made sure they never came back." he said darkly, his tails swaying more rapidly, a reminder of the demon fox within him. Fuka placed her hand on his thigh, and he turned to see her warm smile, which melted away his anger, his eyes returning to normal. Her touch was grounding, a beacon of light in his often turbulent life. Teuchi finally finished preparing their bowls, packing extra pork for them, his way of showing he still cared deeply for Naruto.
"Let's drop the gloomy subject for now. We should celebrate. It seems you've found someone special. This one's on me." Teuchi said cheerfully, his face breaking into a wide smile, laughter bubbling up from deep within him. Naruto couldn't help but smile, feeling like a kid again, as if those dark days had never happened. The camaraderie and the shared history made the moment feel almost magical.
They joked and talked while finishing their ramen, the atmosphere lightening with each shared memory and laugh. As Naruto was about to leave, Teuchi coughed to get his attention, a soft, almost tentative sound.
"Naruto, can you please come by more often? Ayame really does miss you." he said, his eyes pleading, the deep affection he held for Naruto clear in his gaze. Fuka stepped forward, her presence strong and reassuring.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure we come over on dates. And if he starts moping around about this place, I'll drag him here myself." she said jokingly, her voice filled with playful determination, making Teuchi burst out laughing.
"Oh, Naruto, she's definitely a keeper." Teuchi said, his voice filled with genuine laughter, the sound rich and warm. Naruto smiled, squeezing Fuka's hand, the connection between them palpable.
"She definitely is, but she does have expensive taste." he joked, his eyes twinkling with affection. Fuka leaned close to his ear, her breath warm against his skin.
"I might have an expensive taste, but you like what you see, don't you, naughty boy?" she whispered seductively, her voice low and teasing, causing him to shiver.
"Yeah, I do." Naruto replied, his voice shaky as his face blushed, the combination of her proximity and her words making his heart race. Fuka smiled, finding his reaction adorable, and kissed his cheek, sealing the moment with a promise of many more to come.
Naruto blushed, trying to suppress his embarrassment, as he and Fuka waved goodbye to Teuchi. They began strolling around the bustling streets of the Leaf Village, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. The warm, nostalgic atmosphere contrasted sharply with Naruto's inner turmoil. He didn't notice the cardboard box trailing behind them until he heard a faint shuffling sound. Turning abruptly, Naruto saw a poorly disguised cardboard rectangle painted to look like a rock.
He raised an eyebrow, bemused by such a blatant attempt at spying. With a swift motion, he lifted the box, revealing three small children crouched underneath. Konohamaru's eyes widened in shock.
"Boss, how did you see through my genius plan?" he exclaimed, clearly astounded that his clumsy ruse had failed. Fuka, curious about the children, turned to Naruto.
"So, who are they?" she asked, wanting to know more about her boyfriend's connection to these kids. Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.
"Well, he's my apprentice. I've been training him." he explained, feeling a bit embarrassed that his apprentice had attempted such a foolish stunt. Konohamaru stood up proudly, a smug smile spreading across his face.
"That's right, pretty lady. I am the Fox Spirit's apprentice, and these two are my loyal teammates." he announced with flair, prompting the other two to strike dramatic poses. The boy with a perpetually runny nose posed first.
"I am Udon, the smartest ninja in my class." he declared, his voice nasally due to his congestion. The girl with the orange hair stepped forward and struck a pose.
"I am Moegi, the cutest ninja in the village." she proclaimed with confidence. Fuka found their antics adorable, charmed by their youthful exuberance. However, a question lingered in her mind.
"Wait, why didn't you come to visit Naruto?" she asked curiously. Konohamaru's face fell into a frown.
"Well, if you must know, my grandpa said that I must stay away from Naruto since somebody was attacking him. But I said to hell with that, so I'm protecting my master from the shadows." he spoke with a boldness that belied his young age, which made Fuka giggle.
"Wow, you must be so powerful, but unfortunately, the threats have already been taken care of. Sadly, we won't see your true power." she teased, laughing softly. Konohamaru looked disappointed that he wasn't able to protect his master but was relieved the threat was over, allowing him to visit.
"Hey, Fox Spirit, can we play ninja?" he asked eagerly, longing to spend time with his mentor. Naruto glanced at Fuka, who nodded encouragingly. As they began to play ninja, darting around the village streets, Fuka cheered her boyfriend on. However, Konohamaru soon ran headlong into a tall boy wearing a black onesie adorned with face paint. Konohamaru fell back, wincing from the impact.
"Hey, kid, you should apologize when you bump into somebody." the boy growled, lifting Konohamaru by the collar with an intimidating sneer. Naruto stepped forward, his voice firm but calm.
"Hey, drop the boy, please. It was an accident." The boy with the face paint sneered at Naruto, his eyes filled with disdain.
"And what are you going to do about it?" he challenged, his tone dripping with arrogance. A blonde girl with a long metal fan on her back stepped forward, her eyes narrowing at her brother.
"Kankuro, quit making a fool of yourself. We're not here to start trouble." she chastised him sharply.
"Shut up, Temari. I'm just trying to have fun with these Leaf Village shinobi." Kankuro retorted, his voice laced with irritation at his sister's interference. Naruto's eyes hardened, his protective instincts flaring.
"I'm only going to say this once more. Put. Him. Down." he said, his tone icy and laughed mockingly at Naruto, the sound grating and filled with arrogance. In an instant, Naruto moved with lightning speed, his movements a blur. He grabbed Kankuro by the neck and slammed his head into the ground with a force that shook the earth. He began dragging him along, leaving a deep dirt trail, Kankuro's mummy puppet backpack tumbling behind.
Fuka, eyes wide with concern, quickly scooped up Konohamaru, ensuring the boy's safety. Pinning Kankuro to the ground, Naruto's face was a mask of rage. He created paper shurikens with a flick of his wrist, launching them with deadly precision at the blonde girl, Temari. She reacted quickly, sidestepping the attack, but her relief was short-lived as the shurikens curved mid-air, their true target the backpack. Kankuro barely managed to unravel himself from the puppet, dodging the deadly projectiles. His eyes flared with anger as he saw his chakra strings severed. Naruto's eyes glowed with an intense, fiery red, a manifestation of his inner fury. His gaze was sharp and unyielding, piercing through Kankuro and Temari.
"Kankuro, you should have listened to me." Temari said, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and frustration as she saw the dangerous situation escalating. Naruto pointed a finger, summoning his Beast Ball Pistol. He fired multiple shots. Kankuro dodged two, but the third struck his thigh, sending him sprawling. Naruto aimed another shot at Kankuro's head, intent on ending it. Just as he fired, a pillar of sand erupted, blocking the fatal strike. Naruto's eyes snapped up, meeting the cold, indifferent gaze of a red-haired boy with no eyebrows, perched atop a nearby tree.
"Kankuro, that's enough. You've made a big enough fool of yourself already. And you, fox boy, what's your name?" Gaara's voice was icy, devoid of any emotion as he descended gracefully, landing beside his siblings. Naruto was momentarily stunned, feeling an inexplicable connection with this enigmatic sand ninja. Inside Naruto's mind, Kurama chuckled darkly.
"Oh, so this is Shukaku's host." the fox mused, clearly finding the situation amusing.
"Who is that?" Naruto asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and confusion.
"Naruto, Shukaku is my little sibling. And he's my biggest pain in the ass." Kurama replied, speaking with a mix of exasperation and fond memory, recalling their tumultuous past. Understanding dawned on Naruto, a realization that sparked a determined resolve within him. Instead of responding verbally, he blitzed towards Gaara with a speed that left the sand siblings in shock.
They couldn't believe someone would dare to approach Gaara so recklessly. However, Gaara's protective sand did not rise to meet the threat, allowing Naruto to get close. Gaara's confusion was evident as Naruto's arms wrapped around him in a firm, almost desperate embrace, lifting him off the ground.
"It's nice to meet you, little brother." Naruto said, his voice filled with warmth and relief. He laughed, a genuine, hearty sound, treating Gaara with an affection that spoke of deep, unspoken understanding. Gaara, utterly bewildered, found himself enveloped in an unexpected kinship, the fox boy's laughter and joy breaking through the walls he had built around his heart.
Fuka watched the scene unfold, her heart swelling with emotion. She saw Naruto's spirit coming alive, his joy contagious. Gaara's siblings, initially tense and ready to defend, now stood in stunned silence, witnessing an unprecedented moment of connection between their brother and the fox boy. The village seemed to pause, the air thick with a mix of astonishment and a newfound sense of unity.