A scowl crossed the face of six year old Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze as he watched his mother and father training in the yard with his twin sister. Now most in Konoha wouldnt find the scene odd or out of place but in and of itself there was one problem: him or the lack of his presence. Like most kids he wanted to be a shinobi like his parents and wanted to train a little to have a slight edge when him sister enteted the academy next year but his parents seemed to only be focused on his sister. "Tomorrow Naru-chan Im all yours I promise, you know your sister needs all the help she can get with her chakra control" was just the latest excuse his mother had given him and it was all a lie. Tomorrow would come and she'd give him another excuse while focusing on his sisters training. Turning away from the window as his mother, sister and father were all laughing about something he cursed under his breath. 'Where were we in lessons fox?' the young blonde asked mentally as he took a seat at his desk where he already had supplies set out.

'Chakra theory kit' a female voice replied looking at the young boy from within the recesses of his mind. 'And how many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me fox? I do have a name you know.'

'About as many times as I tell you to stop calling me kit. Physical age and size doesnt mean squat when you get in any number of life death situations like the ones Ill face as a shinobi' Naruto thought back finding the appropriate folder in the neat stack. "Chakra is the mix of physical and mental energies used to produce the use of jutsu. Chakra has other uses aside from practical combat skills related to shinobi lifestyles. Every living being possesses chakra and no matter the minute amount one may possess, that chakra can be used to benefit that way of life. For example, farmers in Earth Country are well known to use chakra in their cultivation of food so that it it takes less time to grow but also absorb more nurtrients from the soil to make it healthier for you." The blonde boy glanced between illustrations and looked thoughtful as he mulled over what he read. It wasnt master level sealing arrays like his fathers work but for a six year old it was slightly challenging even with it being dumbed down for younger readers.

'Chakra isnt all for making things go boom' the voice said with a snicker at the expression on his face.

'I got that part fox' Naruto thought with a mental glare. 'I was thinking about other means it could be used for. If its practical applications are near limitless than I wonder what ways we havent thought to use it yet.' His eyes closed as he focused on the space where he spent his nights. When he opened his eyes he found himself in a classroom that with the sole inhabitant, besides himself, being a woman. If he had to guess just on how she looked he'd peg her as in her early thirties but really in shape for a woman that looked to just be entering the physical prime of her life. Long crimson red hair in a ponytail reached her butt as two long strands hung around her heart shaped face, her skin flawless and without blemish. Unlike most moden women he saw that walk around in clothes that flaunted their bodies she wore a rather conservative and traditional, but still flattering, royal blue kimono decorated with flower petals printed in a way that looked like they were being blown on a breeze in the night sky. Golden eyes met his gaze as he took a seat and waited patiently for what was coming next- teacher mode. He and the fox spirit got along well but when it came to his studies she made sure he knew what he was reading about and had no questions.

"Ok kit, list off the ways you are currently aware of that chakra is used in the world around you" the fox woman said as she summoned a seat and sat in front of him.

"Shinobi use it for fighting and jutsus of all categories, I dont understand the whole concept but one of dads books says Snow Country uses it to power something called 'trains' to travel long distances faster than going by foot, its used to produce electricity by all the major villages, the paper said Earth Country farmers use it to grow more food in less time... Um, oh yeah some shinobi like that dog guy who bothers my sister use it to track people down if they committ crimes" Naruto said pinching his chin in thought.

"Thats a good start but chakra, like the paper said, has the potential for a million yet undiscovered uses in both shinobi and non-shinobi ways. Chakra is as alive as you or me so as much as people use it willy nilly to their hearts content, you have to remember that you have to respect it. Theres a saying that goes "Dont bite the hand that feeds you" which roughly means dont take anything for granted, that includes the use of chakra. It very well could be the difference between a shinobi living or dying on the battle field or if we're talking about it in a non-shinobi way could be the difference between having the power in your house to watch your favorite show or not" the woman said. Seeing Naruto stare at her with a cocked head she had to fight to keep in a squeal becuase it was adorable on him and decided to try a different explanation. "Its as alive as we are, treat it with respect like you show me and I can say with pretty good odds it wont hurt you if you usd it to do something."

"Why didnt you say it that way in the first place? I know I spend a lot of time learning from books and lessons with you meaning Im pretty smart for my age group but Im still only six" Naruto said with a pout.

The fox woman couldnt help the giggle at the cuteness that was the scene before her as she took the few steps to kneel beside his desk. "I know kit but sometimes I forget that. For only being six you are so smart and mature that I try to... compensate for everything you miss out on in the real world" she said hugging the blonde as he sighed softly against her neck before small arms wrapped tightly around her waist as he nuzzled into her.

"I know you do and I appreciate your efforts. Its nice to know someone cares... Hitomi kaa-san" Naruto said closing his eyes enjoying the warmth coming off the fox spirit even if the warmth was only mental.

Hitomi smiled softly and held Naruto closer as he called her kaa-san. It wasnt the first time he'd been vocal about being appreciative about her efforts to not only teach him to be strong and smart while still treating him as a child to let him enjoy his childhood but it was the first time he'd called her kaa-san she would be a bold faced liar if she said her metaphorical heart didnt clench. "Ill alway care my precious sochi. Those two can ignore you in favor of your sister but kaa-san will be here for her kit, forever and always" she whispered softly and kissed his forehead. The quiet heartfelt words brought tears to her eyes as she felt the fabric of her kimono get wet around her stomach. Lifting Naruto into her arms properly she held the small boy close to her chest and rocked him. "Its time for you to return my kit. We'll play later I promise" she said once she saw the tears had stopped falling from Narutos eyes.

"Hai..." Naruto said softly and looking down. He didnt want to leave, it wasnt like his 'parents' would have anything interesting to say to him at dinner and pawn off questions about his day as genuine interest in their eldest childs life. Of course Naruko would butt in before he could say anything of substance and launch into a rant his parents would solely focus on.

"Its only three hours my precious sochi. You can still talk to me you know this" Hitomi said tipping Narutos head up so his eyes met hers.

"I know its just... I wish you had a real body so we could be together all the time instead of these moments in my head" Naruto said with a sigh.

"Then become a strong shinobi and find a way to make me a body" Hitomi said catching his attention. "You're smart my kit, I have every faith in you. If anyone can find a way to give me a body I know you can."

Naruto smiled a little as his eyes beamed with pride at the confidence Hitomi had in him. "I promise Ill find a way to make you a body kaa-san" he said holding his pinky making the fox woman laugh a little.

"I know sochi" Hitomi said catching her pinky around Narutos. "Now scoot, go eat something and take a bath before you come back her you stink." She stuck her tongue out playfully as he glared cutely before bopping her on the nose.

"I do not" Naruto said before disappearing from his mind.

'I must thank you Kushina. Yours and your husbands poor choices have given me the kit I always wanted' Hitomi thought waving her hand making the classrom melt and changed into a comfortable home with a fireplace that already had the fire roaring making it cozy. 'He'll know a mothers love and support from me since you seem inept at doing it for both your children.' She curled up on a couch to await her sochis return. The thought of the term made her smile softly as her eyes looked into the fire.