Chapter 8

Minato was having a bad feeling. The same one he got when Kushina went on a rampage. As much as he loved his wife he was not stupid enough to not notice the temper she had. He just knew that when they found out what happened to her alternate, it was not going to be pretty.

Ino was silently giggling. The fact that they were probably going to see the reaction of the priestess only made her want to bust a gut laughing in anticipation. She knew how she would react to what Naruto said and that was what made it funnier to her as she was going to be watching the reaction.

Hiruzen could only smirk. It seemed that things with this Naruto were the same as with their own. It was never a simple thing it was always unforeseen things or something simple that spiralled out of control. He knew that he should not be smirking at this but he could not help but smirk at the situations that the boy keeps finding himself in.

Budapest, Comme Chez Soi restaurant

Naruto took a little while to calm himself down and went to see his two mates at the restaurant. He was mentally exhausted. After casting an illusion around them so no one could hear their conversation Naruto went through the whole tale….

"….And so they want me to go back to Japan, marry some Inari Priestess and become a respectable member of zenko society…." said the blonde kitsune in conclusion.

Naruto got a totally unexpected reaction. He looked up and saw Selene and Ildi with identical, flat looks on their faces. They said in unison, "And what did you tell them Naruto?"

This got a giggle from the women in the room. The fact that the men had horrified looks went unnoticed by the females around them. It was something that always confused the men, women could be so in tune with each other that they could almost read each others minds

Naruto thought to himself a bit fearfully, 'Yikes! It seems the girls have bonded a lot more quickly than I thought possible!' "I told them to leave me alone or I'd raze their homes to the ground."

Selene and Ildi both relaxed. "Well then, it sounds like they got the message then." said Selene. "Are you okay Naruto? That had to be a huge emotional strain on you."

Ildi nodded. "Don't worry Naruto; us girls will take good care of you until you're feeling better."

Naruto sweat dropped. 'I guess they were worried I was going to run off back to Japan.'

Selene took Naruto's hand and said, "Let's go home." she had sympathy in her eyes. "I can tell you are hurting inside."

Naruto felt Ildi take his other hand. "Go home with big sister Selene. I'll take care of you tomorrow night."

Naruto soon kissed Ildi goodnight and trailed Selene's Jaguar back to the mansion in his BMW…

…

"They seem to be getting along well" Tsunade said out loud without actually realising it. Tsume however responded. "The pack mentality probably helped. The girl could sense that Selene was the alpha between them, be it by age or just strength, this made her the follower." this got some confusion from those in the room.

"This would mean that unless she is replaced Selene would be the alpha of his mates" explained Tsume. This was enough for them to understand and while the women did not like the fact that there was a harem, they understood the mechanics. The fact that they are more feral and more in tune with their instincts probably led to this situation being acceptable for them.

Ördögház Mansion

When Naruto got back to Selene's room she quietly closed the door behind them and looked into his sad eyes. Selene kissed him gently and said gently, "You don't have to be indestructible all the time Naruto. I love you. I'll keep your heart safe."

Naruto slowly lowered himself to his knees and wrapped his arms around Selene's slender waist. He whispered her name cried quietly in her embrace for a long while before he finally settled down. Selene just held him and listened to him as he spoke about his Mother and everything that his meeting with the kitsune had brought to the surface. A few hours later Naruto was sleeping deeply and Selene was awake holding him. 'I'll protect you my kitsune. I know Ildi will too.' thought the Death Dealer as she drifted off to sleep…'We both love you…'

…

Nara Prefecture, Japan, The Temple of Inari

Inari Priestess Himeko was having a vision of the past that was tied very much to the present…

…

"Well this should be interesting" muttered the kage simultaneously, all of who immediately and pointedly ignored.

Vision start…

A radiantly beautiful kitsune woman with long red hair and violet eyes was sitting in the seiza position inside the Palace of Toyoura on a cushion when a large number of kitsune came in and kneeled before her. Once they rose their faces seemed to be etched in stone.

"You brought that child here yesterday Kushina-sama." said a counsellor that seemed to be the spokesperson for the others. "The council of fifty decreed that he was not to be allowed in the Palace of Toyoura under any circumstances."

The now named Kushina stood up and said in a dark tone, "You are an advisory council of fifty. Bringing my little son here did no harm to any of you or anyone. He is of my blood. Are you…defying me counsellor?"

"There are thirty eight of us here who agree Kushina-sama." said another. "That is a majority vote. For this trespass that vile child must be put down."

"I see." said Kushina. Suddenly her power exploded to such a degree that all of the windows and blinds were blown out of the bottom three floors of the Palace of Toyoura. The thirty-eight counsellors before her trembled in terror as she drew her sword. Kushina's long red hair waved violently in tune with her anger. The Celestial Daughter's voice roared with a power that shook the heavens themselves. "In the name of goddess Inari-sama herself if you harm my son Naruto in any way YOU WILL DIE ONE THOUSAND DEATHS BY MY HAND!"

The room had been steadily flooded by a killing intent so strong that it was almost visible. The fact that if one knew where to look (which they all did) they would have seen a red outline with hair floating up into nine separate tails, went pointedly unsaid.

The kage were being reminded rather forcefully of the Uzumaki clan and their loyalty to family first. Tsunade however was just sitting silently smirking. Minato just sighed and shook his head in thought of his wife's rage. It was an inevitable and terrible thing.

Those of the rookies were shifting uncomfortably, this was an amount of killing intent that they had never or at least very rarely been exposed to. Whilst kakashi was grimacing in memory of the times that the woman had directed it towards him and his sensei.

"K-k-kushina-sama!" shrieked one counsellor in fear.

"The time for talk is over!" raged Kushina. "For six long years you have persecuted my son and heir. I decree that the thirty eight of you will die for this treachery!"

An explosion ripped through the countryside and there wasn't a single zenko that did not feel the wrath of the Celestial Daughter Kushina-sama. It chilled them all to the marrow….

….

The Palace of Toyoura was demolished and burning when Inari's High Priestess Kokoro arrived twenty minutes later. In the centre of the destruction a sphere of energy closed around the bloodied but still standing nine tailed form of the Celestial Daughter Kushina. Kumara's daughter screamed, "When I am freed all of you and your descendants will pay dearly for this betrayal! I swear it on Inari's name and my Otou-sama Kumara's alike!" The sphere closed and Kushina let out one last earth shaking roar before the seal was complete and the land was silent.

Kokoro stared in horror and summoned the other Priestesses to aid her. The dying and dismembered bodies of the rebellious council members lay strewn and strung everywhere the priestesses looked and it brought them to tears. After searching through the smouldering wreckage only six of the thirty eight survived Kushina's wrath…the vast majority of them were literally torn apart and were five to seven tails themselves. Six of them were nine tails. Of the remaining six counsellors, two succumbed to grievous wounds by the next morning and another committed seppuku in shame of her actions. The remaining three were scarred for life….

Isamu….Who had half his face burned off by the superheated fox fire of the Celestial Daughter. The muscles and tendons were literally fused with the bone and no healers could fix the damage done. In addition the burning claw marks across his torso would cause him pain for the rest of his existence.

Nobuko….Who lost her left hind leg and had two tails torn off. Kushina only hit her once and it knocked her out of the battle until the sealing took place.

Yuudai….Who was crushed so badly by the Celestial Daughter that he would never walk properly again.

"W-we used the remaining powers of the thirty two dying souls to seal the Celestial Daughter. It was barely enough to hold back her wrath. What have we done?!" sobbed Nobuko as she shivered from the memories of losing her tails and leg.

"We did what was necessary!" spat Isamu through the half of his face remaining.

Yuudai whimpered, "We only sought to rid the world of that tainted half breed! The Celestial Daughter-"

"You sought to kill Kushina-sama's one and only son?!" roared Kokoro in anger. "You wished to harm an innocent boy and took his Mother from him?" Kokoro stormed over to the seal and picked up Kushina's bloodied sword. "You three that survived are accursed. You are banished from Inari's lands. While the Inari Kitsunes may ignore Naruto none are allowed to harm the child. This is my decree as the High Priestess of Goddess Inari-sama." Kokoro took the sword in hand and cleansed it with holy water. She turned back to Isamu, Yuudai and Nobuko "I am giving this blade to the Celestial Daughter's only son. I foresee that it will hunger for your blood and her son will finish what his Mother started in the distant future. When he takes your accursed lives Kushina-sama will once again be free and all you efforts against Inari's rule will come to naught."

Yuudai cried out, "My body is broken and crushed High Priestesses Kokoro! Have mercy! Surely Inari-sama-"

"Inari-sama has no mercy for those who deny her will and commit such vile and tainted acts!" growled Kokoro. "Go! Flee to the four corners of the Earth. There is no escaping Inari's wrath….If I were you I would pray that Kushina-sama doesn't exterminate every last drop of your bloodlines for this treachery when she is freed. Be gone! Even the Yako who do not follow Inari-sama will avoid you like the plague that you are."

"Well now we know" muttered out the fourth. He was not at all surprised by the destruction that his wife had wrought. She was one of the most powerful women of her time. The bit however that caused a shiver to run down his spine was the oath. She just like her son had never made an oath that she would not keep. True there were the rare times in which external forces kept it from happening but if she could help it, she would hold to her word.

The woman in question was fuming non too peacefully in her chair. There was an aura hovering around her that made every one near her feel nothing but dread. No this was not a happy woman.

….

Within days the three maimed Kitsunes were removed by force from the Inari Kitsune lands. Isamu left angrily on his own swearing he would return one day. He openly denounced Kokoro's judgment and claimed he was in the right. Nobuko and Yuudai left quietly with the help of their descendants which left with them for parts unknown. As crippled as they were; the only way they could leave was to be carried. Yuudai in particular was in a cart being pulled along by others. Nobuko could at least walk some as crippled as she was….

….

Once the traitors were dealt with High Priestess Kokoro went to the small home that Kushina kept in the human village she stayed in. She saw that Alexander Corvinus was not around and approached Naruto who was playing in the yard. It was obvious the youngster sensed something was terribly wrong because the little boy seemed very distracted and depressed. Kokoro was in the guise of a little old woman and approached the blonde boy. "Excuse me child, are you Uzumaki Naruto?"

Naruto looked up and said, "Yes, I'm Naruto Obaa-san. Can I help you?"

Kokoro looked at the boy sadly. "This is for you child." She said as she set Kushina's gleaming sword in front of him.

Naruto's blue eyes started to tear up. "T-this is my Kaa-chan's sword! Where is Kaa-chan?!"

"She is gone child. Learn to use this sword well, for it is yours now." said Kokoro with a tear in her eye.

"N-no!" said Naruto as he burst into tears. "What hap-" When Naruto looked up the old woman was no longer around. She had vanished into thin air….

Vision end…

This caused Kushina to smirk at her husband, her sochi was a mothers boy and she could not help but rub in into her husbands face. True this was not her son but an alternate, however this did not stop her being happy about the fact. It was immediately followed by sadness and rage at what had just happened.

….

Himeko came out of her vision with a start and saw her Great-Grandmother Kokoro standing there with an unreadable smile on her face. Kokoro looked just as young as in Himeko's vision but she was a 1700 year old nine tail that was to be treated with the greatest of respect. Kokoro retired centuries ago and passed the torch to Himeko's Grandmother who had also long since retired…."Hiiobaa-sama?" asked Himeko in shock.

"Well if we did not know just how long lived they were we do now" said Ohnoki getting shocked nods from those in the hall. It also illustrated just how old Naruto was. It said that he was 1400 years old and this woman had several generations of children in a similar time frame.

"Well hello Himeko-chan." said Kokoro humorously. "Had any interesting visions lately?"

Himeko frowned. Her Great Grandmother Kokoro was easily the most mysterious person Himeko ever met and though the great granddaughter was extremely good at reading people Kokoro had always been a riddle wrapped with an enigma to Himeko. Kokoro never got out much but she always knew exactly what was going on. 'I never even sense when Hiiobaa-sama sneaks up on me. How…vexing.' thought Himeko.

"Fufufufu! You're 1000 years too young to detect me Himeko-chan." said Kokoro laughing with a widening smile at her granddaughter's obvious irritation. "Come along child; we have much to talk about." 'Himeko-chan is so easy to tease.' Kokoro mentally chortled to herself.

…

Budapest, Ördögház Mansion

Naruto awoke and found himself snuggled into Selene's bosom. She was resting peacefully as she cradled him in her arms. 'Selene takes such good care of me. I've never felt so peaceful and safe as this. I'll need to tell Ildi everything too. I love my mates. Maybe I can finally find some happiness in my life with them.' He sighed softly. 'I don't want to get up but Marcus wants to talk about our brother William today….I'll just rest here a little longer with my sweet Selene. She and Ildi are more than I deserve.'

An hour later Naruto awakened Selene with a gentle kiss and she softly ran her fingers though his hair. "Are you alright Naruto?" she asked concerned.

Naruto kissed her again and said softly, "I'm alright thanks to you Selene. Thank you for taking care of me last night. I love you." The two kissed once again and held each other for bit before Naruto got up and took a shower. He then went to talk to Marcus.

"Well it was a lot to take in." said Hiruzen " after being ignored your entire life only for them to appear and basically try to use you. Very few would take that well. That is not including any resentment that had grown over the centuries."

The others could only nod at this as it was not uncommon for such a resentment to cause issues. The resentment between Konoha and Iwa being a good example as it was still festering and had caused several incidents when the shinobi met out in the field.

….

Soon Marcus was sitting with Naruto as the two looked over an aerial map of a ruined castle in the Carpathian Mountains. They had discussed Naruto's unwelcome situation with the zenko but now they were discussing something else….the place where William Corvinus, their brother and the first and most powerful werewolf was imprisoned. Naruto said, "So you and William are identical twins but he lost his mind after being bitten by a rabid wolf. Soren was pretty cooperative in revealing his prison's location and now you say Amelia has confirmed it?"

Marcus nodded. "We must free him Naruto. Amelia was hesitant but she revealed that half the key to William's cell is hidden within Viktor's own flesh."

"And the other half?" asked Naruto.

"It was a pendant given to Viktor's daughter Sonja." explained Marcus. "Lucien has it as a memento of her as she was his mate and has promised to lend it to me once Viktor has been put down once and for all."

"So what do you intend to do Marcus?" asked Naruto. "I understand you want our brother to be free but if he's insane then he needs to be treated. We need to figure out a way to heal him so he can assume a human form again with his mental facilities intact….Between the lycans and the vampires a lot of research has been done on the Corvinus Strain. I'll bet the Old Man's people know a lot too. If we want to truly free William we need to develop a serum of some sort to turn him into a lycan or at least regain his sanity."

"Good boy" muttered Tsunade. The boy was actually using his head, true this was a different version but it showed that there was intelligence within his head as going off half cocked would only make things worse.

Marcus pondered for a few minutes. "A serum? Do you think it's possible?"

Naruto nodded in affirmation. "It will take time and patience but you know as well as I do that everyone would help. We can't afford another werewolf plague and the lycans regard them as family. I think Lucien will help. Freeing our brother only to see him possessed with madness isn't the thing to do. Even the Old Man would agree." Naruto gripped Marcus' shoulder. "I know he's your twin and matters more than anyone to you but you have to use logic in this situation. Let's end the vampire/lycan conflict for good and then pool our resources to save William."

"I would be totally in favour of this." said Amelia as she entered the office. "If William Corvinus can be cured then I would fully support releasing him."

Marcus raised an eyebrow and said, "I never thought you would support such an action Amelia."

Amelia said, "Ever since Naruto here arrived things have happened that I believed would never be possible. The fact we have a ceasefire and are negotiating a peace with the lycans alone is something I find incredibly baffling."

"No truer words have ever been said" grunted out Ohnoki. He might not like the boy but it was true that he seemed to have a knack for doing what should not be possible.

"Technically we are all family if you think about it." said Naruto. "It will take centuries to heal the wounds but this is a start."

Marcus nodded, "I'm hesitant but I'm going to call Father and see if he's willing to lend his support."

….

Nara Prefecture, Japan, The Temple of Inari

Kokoro and Himeko went back to Kokoro's cottage she shared with her husband Eiji of sixteen centuries. At the time he was out. "Your Hiiojii-sama Eiji is out fishing with some of your Uncles Himeko-chan so we can speak in private." said Kokoro as she started to make some tea for them to share. Himeko was always amazed at her Great Grandparent's home. It looked like a tiny cottage outside but was a huge mansion inside. Himeko often wondered how many kitsune illusions were spun around the place but Kokoro and Eiji were extremely sneaky and playful with their many children and grandchildren and would never tell.

Kokoro soon set some tea down to share with her great-grandchild and said, "Tell me what you saw in your vision Himeko-chan. Don't spare any details as it is very important."

Himeko spent the next hour describing what she'd seen and the horrors of Kushina-sama's being sealed away. Kokoro nodded non-committally as she recalled things from memory as her grandchild described them. Finally Kokoro said, "You saw the three I banished away Himeko-chan. Did you hear their names though?"

The younger Inari Priestess cocked her head to the side in confusion. "Of course I heard them Hiiobaa-sama. They were named Yuudai, Nobuko and Isamu. Why do you ask?"

"Because Inari-sama herself banished those names and no one has spoke of them for 1400 years." said Kokoro gravely. "The goddess would only allow one with the power to seek those three traitors out to hear those names. Your duty has been ordained since Kushina-sama's horrible sealing. You are to lead Naruto-sama to hunt those three treacherous ones down and help him end them forever to free Kushina-sama from her imprisonment. I thought you were the one but it wasn't until today that I had the proof."

"Can you tell me what happened to Naruto-sama after you gave him Kushina-sama's sword?" asked Himeko. "Did he learn to wield it?"

Kokoro smiled again. "I believe you may have heard of a ronin warlord kitsune that was never a yako or a zenko either. "He was known as the Blood Red Tide."

Himeko gasped. "The Blood Red Tide? From when I was little I heard he was unstoppable and the Council fears him."

"Well it looks like my sochi's reputation is a big and powerful one." said Kushina with a mile wide grin. The hint of insanity in her eyes however did not make anyone feel comfortable. Those that knew her though knew that it was just her sadistic streak coming to the forth for a moment and would return to normal soon enough.

The sadism of an Uzumaki was something to be scared of. The kage were just glad that the clans natural mischievous side gave them a semi-safe outlet even if it did cause an inordinate amount of paper work for them, it was better than what could have been.

Her Grandmother chuckled. "And well they should. He is the son of Kushina-sama and the Grandson of Kurama-sama. Through the centuries he led a terribly difficult life but it has made him stronger than any of us. I was prepared to raise him myself after his Father abandoned him in grief but so many of the zenko blamed him for what happened to Kushina-sama that it was safer to let him grow up alone among the humans. As I foresaw he has eclipsed Kushina-sama in strength and it is time to hunt those three traitors down and fulfil Inari-sama's will."

Himeko asked, "Is Naruto-sama good or evil then?"

Kokoro poured some more tea for them. "That depends on your point of view I suppose…Let me tell you some of Naruto-sama's history. I have been watching over him through visions for a long time…"

…

Budapest, Lycan Den, a week later

Naruto was spending the day with his mate Ildi. She also comforted him a great deal along with Selene and over the last week the three had meals together several times. Naruto was very happy that Ildi and Selene seemed to get along so well. They pair often had meals together when he was busy running messages between Lucien and Marcus. The only problem he found is they tended to make plans first and inform Naruto later…

"So anyway, my Daddy is really interested in meeting you Naruto. He said so when he dropped off my new Ducati." said Ildi. "He will want to meet Selene too but right now it's still too tense to bring a vampire/kitsune hybrid into a lycan den. It wouldn't be a good idea for her to go at this point especially given big sister Selene is a Death Dealer by trade. She totally agreed."

"You want me to meet your parents Ildi?" asked Naruto. It was kind of an alien concept to him.

Ildi smiled. "Of course I do! You are my mate after all. I've met your Dad….You don't have to be nervous Naruto. I'm sure Mom, Daddy and my six brothers (cough*idiots*cough) will all like you just fine."

"Oh that poor girl" exclaimed Ino at the thought of having six brothers. The idea alone was enough to send shivers up her spine.

"it is not that bad" chuckled out Tsume, The other females looked at her with wide eyes causing the clan head to roll her eyes.

"She is from a pack rather than a family thus she is more likely to be used to the rough housing, probably did some herself. It is part of the feral mentality." having gotten used to being the go to reference as they were the closest to what was being shown thus having the most knowledge. This however did not stop her from throwing a playful glare at her old friend Kushina who was too busy giggling to care.

"How far away do they live?" asked Naruto.

"Mom and Daddy's den is in Vienna in Austria." said Ildi enthusiastically. "There is a whole lycan neighbourhood there believe it or not. Big sister Selene and I discussed it over the phone and in person while you were helping Lucian and Marcus figure things out. You need a break Naruto. We can go to Vienna for the weekend. It's only about two and a half hours from here. It will be fun! Have you ever been to Vienna?"

At this a map of the area showed on the screen with a reference from the elemental nations so that they could compare and understand the scales that were being talked about.

Naruto nodded. "Yes but not since before World War I when this whole area was the Austro-Hungarian Empire."

"Cool! We can go biking together." said Ildi excitedly. Then she got a look of utter horror on her face. "You can ride a motorcycle can't you Naruto?" she asked in a frightened tone. "It's very important in my family."

Naruto smiled softly. "I have a bike back in Japan. Of course I can ride a motorcycle. Why is it so important?"

Ildi sighed in relief. "Daddy and my brothers are all motorcycle mechanics. They live and breathe bikes. I grew up in a bike shop helping out. What kind of a motorcycle do you have back in Japan?" 'Please let it not be a scooter….'

"It's a gun metal coloured custom Honda Gold Wing Valkyrie." said Naruto as he got out his phone. "Here's a picture of it."

"Oh thank god!" said Ildi in relief as she looked at the picture excitedly. "I just knew my mate would have good taste in bikes! A big, powerful and dangerous looking cruiser. Daddy will completely approve!"

Naruto smiled as Ildi gushed over his bike. 'Ildi's family sure has some interesting priorities.'

"It's a shame you don't have a bike here Naruto." said Ildi. "It would be so cool if we could ride out to Vienna together. It would make a great impression on the whole den."

"Well they have their priorities" grunted both of the Nara at the same time only to look at each other and grumble out "Troublesome" much to the amusement of those around them.

…

With Selene…

Naruto called Selene on the phone. She was down in the Death Dealer's armoury servicing her weapons when Naruto called with a strange question. "Do I like motorcycles? I used to ride one in the sixties, why?" asked the dark haired beauty.

"Ildi's family considers motorcycles more important than lifeblood apparently so I'm going to buy one for this trip to Vienna." said Naruto. "Do you want one Selene? Ildi loves her Ducati so she doesn't want another."

Selene set down her pistol she'd been cleaning. "Well, I thought you didn't want to spend a lot. You're always so frugal."

"I'm frugal with MY money. This time I'm spending the Old Man's money, not mine." said Naruto. "A couple of motorcycles aren't going to put a dent in his billions."

The room could not help but burst out into laughter. It was a very Naruto thing for him to say. It was also how he got his revenge upon his sensei when he went upon the training trip. He just put it all upon a tab for the sage to pay.

Selene had to cover her giggle with a cough. (She couldn't be seen giggling around her fellow Death Dealer's. Selene had a reputation to uphold). "I'll pick out something when you get back from Vienna. Is Ildi there?"

"Hold on and I'll put her on." said Naruto.

Ildi picked up the line. "Hi big sis! What's up?"

"You and Naruto are going motorcycle shopping right?" asked Selene. Hearing Ildi's hum of affirmation Selene said, "While you're at it get him into some appropriate clothes for a biker. Preferably black leather. That trench coat and suit he always wears is so boring. Get him something with style."

Ildi giggled. "I like the way you think sis! I'll get him decked out. Are you sure you don't want to come along?"

"There's too much stuff to do here at Ördögház today. I'll trust your judgment." said Selene.

"Okay, will do sis! We'll stop by later." said Ildi a little too gleefully for Naruto's tastes. He didn't know what was going on but he got a shiver up is spine…

…

Chuckles broke out in the room at the fact that he was having an instinctual reaction to his mates talking on the phone. A piece of technology that the kage swore to start work on getting due to the sheer convenience.

Nara Prefecture, Japan, The Temple of Inari

Himeko and Tsukiko were listening to the quivering Chie's report of what had happened on her disastrous trip with Kazuo-sama. Kokoro was also there out of curiosity.

"Beauty is only skin deep? FORCED into a loveless marriage with some SHREW of a priestess?!" screeched Himeko at the top of her lungs. "How dare that ingrate! He's never even met me! That scoundrel is in no place to judge ME!"

Kokoro chuckled. "It seems Naruto-sama has grown up to be quite interesting. To think he's gazed upon your beauty and found you wanting Himeko-chan. Fufufufu!"

"What is it with grand mothers and their teasing!"whined Tsunade as memories of Mito doing similar to her made their way back into the fore front of her memory. The fact that the other girls in the room were also grumbling about it just proved the fact that it had happened to them all. They also conveniently forgot about how they had all at one point or another teased their friends and had taken great pleasure in doing so.

Himeko practically had steam coming out of her ears. "To think I actually felt sorry for that lowlife! To think I was planning to help that buffoon! I'm so angry I could spit fire!"

Tsukiko (ever the voice of reason) said, "Obaa-sama, please don't tease Himeko. Himeko, calm yourself; you are frightening young Chie."

Himeko looked over at the quivering Chie and forced her anger down somewhat. "I'm sorry I frightened you Chie-chan…I'm just-just so very angry! But I'm not angry at you; I am angry at him!"

Kokoro asked, "Did you get a good look at Naruto-sama Chie-chan? Could you show us what he looks like?"

Chie nodded and said, "I did Kokoro-sama, but-"

"Well then do show us his appearance." chortled Kokoro. "I want to see what Himeko-chan's future husband will look like. Fufufufu!"

"I wouldn't marry that ingrate if he was the last kitsune on the face of the earth!" shrieked Himeko red in the face.

Kokoro continued to laugh. "Don't be shy about your feelings Himeko-chan! Tell us how you really feel!"

"Arrrgh!" roared Himeko stamping her foot angrily before she teleported away in a swirl of fox fire.

The laughter in the room was causing some of them to not be able to breath. The fact that this was a very Naruto thing did not help. The boy just had a natural charisma that if he wanted to befriend you it was basically a done thing. However it also gave him the ability to do the opposite.

Chie was hiding behind Tsukiko by this point and Tsukiko sweat dropped. "Was that truly necessary Obaa-sama? Himeko-chan was already coiled up like a spring!"

"Fufufufu! Himeko-chan is just so easy to tease." said Kokoro merrily. "I just can't help myself. Besides, Himeko-chan is too spoiled to having everything her way." Then Kokoro added with a slight bit of disapproval in her tone. "You've let her grow a bit too arrogant Tsukiko-chan. If she is to become High Priestess to Inari someday then she needs to show some humility. Himeko-chan is incredibly gifted and powerful but that's no excuse for her being egotistical. This little trip she has to take to see Naruto-sama could be just the splash of cold water in the face she needs to stop acting like a brat!"

Tsukiko sighed, "You are right of course Obaa-sama. Her Father and I spoiled her and let her get away with too much."

Kokoro returned to smiling softly. She turned to Chie. "It's alright to come out now Chie-chan. Don't be scared little one. I actually I would like to see Naruto-sama's appearance. Since Himeko-chan ran off to have a tantrum it's safe now."

Chie just sighed… 'What am I going to do with Himeko-sama?'

…

"Poor girl being stuck in the middle of all that." sighed out Hashirama. He could not help but feel bad for the girl. He himself just wanted to have a simple life but was caught in the middle of the clan wars, then it was the village. It was always just one thing after another and his simple life just faded into a distant and long forgotten memory.

Budapest, Hungary

Naruto was in one of the largest motorcycle dealerships in Budapest with Ildi. He had ridden over with her on Ildi's Ducati. She was like a child in a candy store as she darted about looking at all of the things there. She finally settled her big brown eyes on a bike that she liked best; a sport touring bike that a salesman was only too eager to show her. It was obvious Ildi was in love. She shot over to Naruto who was calmly looking over several manuals. The salesman had given up on him as a window shopper due to his non committal attitude. Naruto didn't look like any sort of biker anyway….

Ildi said with big eyes, "Naruto, come here! This one!" She soon dragged him by the arm over in front of a silver and black BMW R1200RT. "This one!" she repeated eagerly.

Naruto smiled and said, "You want that one Ildi? I thought you liked your Ducati."

"I want it for you Naruto! It is sooo cool!" said Ildi excitedly. "You'd look great on this ride. Let's take one for a spin!"

The blonde kitsune looked over his younger mate's choice of bike with an appraising eye. The look in her big brown eyes made him want to buy it for her but it just didn't suit him. "This looks like something that would be ideal for you or Selene. I've got something else in mind. Are you sure you don't want it Ildi?"

Ildi's face fell but then she perked back up as she imagined Selene on the bike. "Hmmm….big sis would look pretty awesome on such a badass set of wheels. We should surprise her! It would look great beside my Ducati. Hmmm…"

Naruto went over to a big Triumph Rocket III Roadster. "This is what I was thinking about."

Ildi looked at the big bike with wide eyes and said. "Naruto, are you just planning to scare off lesser bikes or do actually need that kind of power?"

This caused Kushina to bust her gut laughing as that is the sort of thing she would do. Show her authority in a not so subtle way. Even in her marriage with Minato, despite him being the Kage of the village it was a well known fact who was actually in charge.

"It reminds me of my Valkyrie back in Japan." said Naruto as he looked the Triumph over. "Besides, a big and intimidating cruiser has always been my preference. It makes a statement." Naruto put his hand on the seat and used his psychometry to feel the machine. "Nope, not this one." On the fourth one down he said, "This one is the one I believe." After checking the rest out with psychometry he came back to the fourth one and said. "Yes, this definitely is the one."

"Because it's big and black?" asked Ildi with a smile.

"No, this one feels just right." said Naruto. He went over to the counter and said to the manager. "I want to test drive the black Triumph."

The manager loomed a bit over Naruto. Naruto didn't look particularly rich or poor and the man asked, "Are you sure you can afford or handle a bike like that son?" The manager wasn't really trying to be intimidating; he just wanted to know.

Naruto pulled out a black card courtesy of his Father and handed it to the manager whose eyes got rather large. "N-no limit?" he asked.

"Something like that." said Naruto mysteriously. "So can I take that one out for a test drive or do I need to take my business elsewhere?"

Naruto and Ildi were out on the road in record time….

….

An hour later….

"I can't believe I'm dressed this way. I normally just wear jeans and a t-shirt when I'm riding." said Naruto as he looked in the mirror. His clothes looked like a cross between Ildi and Selene's choices in gear. Black leather, black boots, black helmet. 'All I need now is pistols like Selene and Ildi pack. I look like a Death Dealer or someone out of a Mad Max movie. There is a fortune in leather wrapped up in these clothes. At least I talked Ildi out of the studded or spiked wristbands. I guess I should count that as victory.' Seeing the happiness dancing around in Ildi's eyes Naruto couldn't help but smile under the helmet though.

Ildi was beaming at her mate's appearance. "Yes, big sis will definitely approve. So will my Mom!"

Naruto went ahead and had Ildi pick out an outfit for herself as well. Since she no longer had to shed her clothes to shape shift into her lycan/kitsune form she could wear some nice form fitting clothes. 'Well, I don't know about me but Ildi and Selene look hot in tight black leather…I'd better stop thinking about this. I'm starting to get aroused.'

The manager of the place was only too delighted to ring up their purchases at the register. After Naruto paid a fortune on Alexander Corvinus' tab the pair hit the road and decided to see Selene at Ördögház Mansion. Ildi understandably didn't want to step inside the vampire's coven so Selene met them outside the gates.

"I have to say I like them Ildi." said Selene as she appraised Naruto's new appearance. "This new look shows off your body much better Naruto. We should have done this a while ago. By the way, I know you don't have anything to compensate for but that is one big Triumph. I like it."

The girls were soon discussing filling out the rest of Naruto's (lack of) wardrobe and Naruto sweat dropped. 'I guess even ruthless Death Dealers and relentless lycan trackers still like to talk clothes. My mates never cease to amaze me.' The three soon decided to go out to dinner and Selene rode with Naruto on his Triumph.

Ino was the next to laugh closely followed by the other females in the room. The men however had to sweat drop at this. It would seem to be a universal fact that when it came to shopping and clothes, all women had a spot for the sport of shopping. Much to their chagrin.

….

The Frigate Sancta Helena

One of Alexander Corvinus' accountants brought an item to her superior's attention. "Naruto spent how much on a motorcycle?!" asked Alexander in shock….

Michael Corvin knocked upon Alexander's office door. Hearing his Grandfather bid him to enter Michael asked, "Is everything alright Grandfather?"

Alexander set the printout to the side and said in a flat tone. "Your Uncle Naruto is doing his best to drive me insane. I don't know if he's being a prankster like his Mother or if it's psychological warfare. I believe of my four children that Naruto is both the most kind-hearted and most insidious at the same time…." Alexander noticed Michael was trying to stifle a chuckle. He was actually quite pleased to have developed a Grandfather/grandson relationship with Michael. It did the Corvinus Patriarch a great deal of good to have family again. The fact he was actually in touch with both Marcus and Naruto again helped too. "So brings you by Michael? Did you just drop in to visit or did you make a discovery? Either is fine of course."

"Actually, we've made some discoveries regarding the differences between lycan and werewolf versions of the Corvinus Strain." said Michael brightly. "That biochemist Singe (cringe) that works as a doctor for the lycans had some basic data and we were able to build upon it. I'm a surgeon but this project piqued my interest. I did study brain chemistry a great deal after all."

"Tell me more." said Alexander eagerly. 'I never dreamed we'd be able to save William from his insanity…Naruto, you never cease to amaze me with your ideas…'

"Yup," said Minato "That would be a good way to describe someone" whilst trying and failing to look innocent so as to not draw his wives ire. Luckily for him she was enjoying the description of her son either being a prankster or using psychological warfare, it had been said about her as well so she was glad that he was continuing the tradition.

…

Kyoto, Japan

Lady Kurami was visiting a certain, incredibly hateful and malicious old kitsune that was a business partner of hers. He was in his full nine tailed form and she was in her human form as she felt no reason to display her seven tails. The old kitsune had a grudge as wide as the Pacific Ocean against Naruto that went way back before Kurami's time (and she was 700 years old). She visited him face to face because he had some superstition about electronics and was very secretive. Kurami didn't particularly care as she and the old nine tails strictly talked business. They had been business partners for centuries and she said smiling rather saucily, "It's unusual for you to contact me out of the blue old man Isamu. What reason do you have for calling me out here with no notice?"

"Naruto…." growled the old kitsune missing half his face under an illusion. "We are allies and I want you to help me destroy him once and for all."

Kurami laughed. "I told you long ago that I intend to have Naruto-sama as my mate. You threatened to withdraw your money but without my protection network and contacts your opium dens and other drug rings will collapse overnight. I still fail to see why you hate him so much. Did he damage the left half of your face you always hide under an illusion?"

"Well you cant say that she is not dedicated" whispered out Tsunade. This got nods from those who heard however they were paying more attention to the conversation now that they knew this was one of the attackers. Kushina had a feral look in her eyes along with a mix of a grin and a growl.

Isamu growled, "That half bred fiend will collapse the zenko! Hi is a threat to Inari-sama's will!"

"And a drug pushing, hateful old relic such as yourself is the righteous bearer of Inari's will?" asked Kurami sarcastically. "I find that very difficult to believe. I'm not even a follower of Inari so the zenko's collapse would mean nothing to me. I'm a yako remember old man?"

"Blasphemous woman!" growled the half faced old kitsune. "You yako only live by Inari-sama's grace! You just refuse to acknowledge her authority!"

"Preach to someone who gives a damn old man." said Lady Kurami cynically. "I'm admittedly no saint but considering how many human lives you've destroyed through your drugs and other contraband you're far more corrupt than I could ever hope to be."

Isamu growled, "You will never see Inari's pure land. I have done what I have to do to counter Naruto's threat. Time is running out quickly; do you not understand?!"

Kurami's purple eyes gleamed. "Is that fear I detect in your voice old man?" Isamu took a swipe at her but she easily dodged it and laughed. "How did I not see this before you old schemer? You aren't on a crusade for Inari or anyone else. You're afraid for yourself!"

"Be silent vixen!" roared Isamu angrily. "You know nothing!"

"I trust my instincts old man. They've kept me alive for a long time." hissed Lady Kurami. "I know cornered prey when I see it. If I have to choose between saving your ancient hide and Naruto-sama I'll side with him in a heartbeat. Bother me about this subject again and you will regret it in the extreme you old relic. I can take the financial loss of your money but you won't survive without my protection. Don't you EVER forget it!" With that Lady Kurami vanished in a swirl of fox fire leaving Isamu to ruminate alone in his den….

"Time is running out…." Isamu whispered to himself as the pain across his torso and face flared up again. He hissed in pain. "Even today Kushina-sama curses me from beyond…. You'll pay for this insolence Kurami…."

….

With Kurami….

The beautiful vixen was pondering what to do with this situation. Isamu had influence but nothing on par with her own. She also had a far superior information network even if she had a public rather than secret persona because she owned several electronics corporations.

'That crafty old bastard will no doubt vanish overnight again. To think all these years he had me actually believing that he was actually trying to follow Inari in his own twisted way. I despise being manipulated! He even took a swipe at me…His disrespect towards me is going to cost him dearly…I wonder if I could gain Naruto-sama's favour by revealing that doddering old fool to him. I don't know if it's true but Isamu believes Naruto-sama is after him and that's good enough for me. That old relic has been on this earth far too long anyway…'

…

Budapest, Lycan Den

Naruto was lying in bed curled up with Ildi. She'd been very passionate with her lovemaking that night and they wore each other out. The blonde kitsune was listening to Ildi's soft breathing as he thought about the day. It was strange. He'd been at dinner with his mates and they were just discussing normal, everyday things and the road trip that he and Ildi were going to be taking tomorrow morning to meet Ildi's family. Naruto wasn't sure whether or not he should be dreading it or not. On the one hand he was going to Vienna with his beautiful mate Ildi to theoretically just have a nice time and forget about the war he was trying to end.

On the other hand Ildi had asked him to try to not be too rough with her Father and brothers who no doubt would try to intimidate him and establish their dominance over him….

Flashback….

Ildi was fidgeting a bit. "Daddy is very used to being the alpha at the Lycan Den in Vienna. He's the oldest and the strongest. I'm sure he'll try to put you in your place and the six idiots will be right behind him to establish some sort of hierarchy over you."

"The six idiots?" asked Naruto confused. "Who are you talking about Ildi?"

"My six older brothers." said Ildi. "I have no doubt they'll try to start something….and then you'll turn into your dump truck sized fox form curb stomp them and Daddy. I mean the six idiots will probably deserve it but I don't want you to put them in the hospital." Naruto was about to reply but Ildi continued, "But then again; you are my mate and should be allowed to defend your honour! I mean, you playing runt ball with the six idiots might be for the best but I really hope you don't have to make an example out of Daddy….But he was all up in arms about me still being his little girl and telling you the way it is."

"Ummm….Ildi, I was planning to meet your family; not beat them up." said Naruto as he hugged her. "I'm not going to need to resort to violence unless I'm attacked or something. Even then it shouldn't be an issue. I'll be respectful to your Dad and Mom."

Ildi kissed him and smiled. "You're such a good mate Naruto. I'm sure it will be fine. I just got worried over nothing. If you have to send them running for their lives that's just the way it is."

The blonde kitsune sweat dropped…

Flashback end…

"This is going to be one interesting adventure this weekend…" muttered Naruto before he joined Ildi in the land of dreams….

The Blood Red Tide could win wars but how would he fare trying to make a good impression on Ildi's overprotective family?

The very idea of Naruto meeting a girls family was amusing to his friends. Before it was due to him not exactly being a social person. For reasons that they now knew and were still beating themselves for not noticing.

Now however he was famous and was being chased by literal hordes of fan girls. Something that they all found hilarious as the ways that he had found to evade them were always amusing.