Summary: (AU) Kyuubi never attacked Konoha and instead fell in love with the Fourth Hokage and married him. She soon gives birth to a hanyou son named Naruto. Watch Naruto as his journey to become the first hanyou Hokage Pairings: NaruHina, Sasu?
AN: This is my first pure Naruto story, though some ideas from Inuyasha are present, like hanyou, youkai, and some of the abilities Naruto will gain in the future.
I CHOSE THE NAME FOR THE YONDAIME BEFORE THE REVEAL HIS NAME WAS MINATO. I'M NOT CHANGING IT AT THIS POINT.
Ken Uzumaki sighed as he listened to the forest around him. He had finally managed to catch up with all the paperwork he had to deal with as the Hokage of Konoha and taken the afternoon off to celebrate. Leaving old Sarutobi in charge, Ken had taken a walk in the forest of Konoha and enjoyed the fresh afternoon air. Ken enjoyed the peace and quite in contrast to the noise of the village that was his responsibility. An approaching chakra signature caught Ken's attention and he looked up to see a large nine-tailed kitsune approaching him. The fox's fur coat shone like silk and the red fur seemed to capture the essence of fire. Ken stood up and stared at the kitsune for a minute before bowing in greeting. To his surprise the kitsune returned the gesture. The Hokage reached into his hip pouch and pulled out a package of rice balls. Holding one out to the kitsune, the man asked, "Would you like to join me for a snack Kitsune-dono?" The kitsune seemed to nod and walked up to Ken calmly. Ken held the rice ball out for the kitsune, who daintily accepted the morsel and started chewing as she, as Ken could now tell since the kitsune was close enough to make out such details as its gender, sank down to the ground beside the Hokage. Ken slowly reached over and started scratching behind the kitsune's ears, which caused the fox to relax even further and emit a happy sort of purr. Ken grinned and passed his new friend a second rice ball as he enjoyed his own part of the repast. When the rice balls where devoured, Ken sat scratching the kitsune's ears some more as they watched the forest slowly grow darker around them. As twilight occurred, Ken regretfully stood up and bowed once again to the kitsune. "Kitsune-hime, I thank you for such a memorable afternoon. I am afraid I must leave now, but I hope we might meet again!" The kitsune stared at Ken for a minute before bowing again and walking off into the trees. The Hokage smiled and headed towards Konoha, happy to have spent the afternoon in such pleasant company and hoping to repeat the experience again.
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Ken soon found the kitsune shared his wishes to repeat their relaxing afternoon the next time he was free and in the woods. It soon became a habit for the Hokage to bring a new snack each time and talk with his new friend while they shared the food. The kitsune even followed the young Hokage back to the village for shelter from a sudden hailstorm during the winter one time. Village children said that the kitsune would watch them as they played in the forest and help any of them that found themselves separated from the others. The kitsune would often wander the streets of Konoha beside the Hokage as time went on, getting snacks from shop owners and letting the children of Konoha treat her like a giant puppy. Many of the villagers would bow to the kitsune and considered her to be a lucky omen for the village.
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About a year after he first met the kitsune, Ken was once again waiting in the woods for his friend to join him. The kitsune always arrived after Ken did unless he met her on the way to their meeting spot under the tree he had been lying under that first time a year ago. The familiar chakra signature of his friend approaching caught Ken's attention and he grinned as he looked up to call a greeting, "Konnichi wa Kitsu…" only to stop and stare in surprise. Instead of the nine tailed kitsune, Ken saw a young woman dressed in a blue kimono. Long red hair the same color as the kitsune's fell down to the middle of her back, while bright green eyes looked at the Hokage above slightly flushed cheeks. But what really caught Ken's attention was that the woman had red fox ears on top of her head and nine red fox tails with white tips waving slightly behind her. "Konnichi wa, Hokage-sama," whispered the woman. Ken slowly stood up, his eyes never leaving those of the woman. "Is that you Kitsune-Hime?" he asked softly. The woman kept her gaze locked on Ken's as she said, "Hai, I am your friend Kitsune-Hime. I did not approach you in this form before because I wanted to judge your character and get to know you before appearing like this." Ken slowly walked over to the kitsune woman and raised one of her hands to his lips. "Kitsune-Hime, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Uzumaki Ken, Fourth Hokage of Konoha," said Ken as if they were meeting for the first time as he kissed her hand. The kitsune woman blushed and replied, "Arigato, Hokage-sama, I am Kyuubi no Kitsune." Ken smiled and gestured for Kyuubi to join him. The two talked as they ate the pork buns Ken had brought this time as Ken asked Kyuubi several questions about kitsune that he remembered from child hood stories. Kyuubi relaxed more and more as the afternoon wore on and soon the two felt as comfortable as they had when Kyuubi had stayed in her fox form.
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Kyuubi's human form soon became a common sight in Konoha. She would often play with the children of the village or watch them for their parents in the park while the adults went shopping or ran errands. Ken would join her at the park if he had the time, telling the children stories from his past missions and things he had seen in his travels as Hokage. Many of the villagers were indebted to Kyuubi, who soon became a doctor and was now the head of the Konoha hospital. The legendary healer Tsunade had tested Kyuubi and found the kitsune's skills to be at slightly below her level, meaning Kyuubi was the best medic nin in Konoha. Many lives were saved thanks to her skills and children who she visited in the hospital called Kyuubi the fox angel for her tender loving care. The whole village seemed to glow with life when ever the Hokage and Kyuubi were together and the children said that Kyuubi's eyes lit up whenever Ken walked into the park or she caught his scent as he approached. Thus it was no surprise that Ken one day asked Kyuubi to marry him. The Kitsune woman had tears in her eyes as she accepted and all the children who had been watching the couple from behind the bushes and trees jumped out of hiding and started cheering.
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The wedding of Kyuubi and Ken Uzumaki was a huge event in Konoha. The other four Kages all attended with the various Lords from different countries. Ken's former sensei and the legendary frog senin Jiraiya came to give his pupil his blessing, as well as a signed collection of his Icha Icha Paradise book series, which Ken promptly threw into the trash when Jiraiya wasn't looking, only to see his student Kakashi grab the books and run away with the outline of a grin showing through his face mask. The ceremony had to take place in a large clearing outside Konoha because Ken invited the boss toad, Gamabunta, since the toads where his preferred summoning animals. Sarutobi presided over the ceremony at Kyuubi's request, mainly to keep Jiraiya, who was taking the role of best man, from making any rude or perverted remarks. The entire village attended and the festival that followed lasted for three days. Ken and Kyuubi spent their honeymoon on a remote island of the Mist country.
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Ten months after the wedding, Kyuubi gave birth to a healthy baby boy with blond hair and bright blue eyes. Ken was surprised to find the boy had two soft fox ears on his head, but Kyuubi simply said it was his kitsune blood showing. She promised to train their son, whom they named Naruto, in using his kitsune powers to shift his shape into an entirely human form so he could live a normal life. Naruto's birth was marked by much excitement in the village, which had already heard the news of the birth of the second son of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Sasuke and would later rejoice at the birth of the heir to the Hyuga Main house, Hyuga Hinata. These three children were often in each other's company, since their mothers would often get together during meetings of the clan heads with Ken. Sasuke was a quiet boy, often sitting in a corner with a picture book by himself. Naruto was just the opposite, a bright loud bundle of energy that was into everything. Hinata would often accompany Naruto on his adventures and play with him, seeming to come out of her quiet shell when the blond kitsune boy was around and talk more often. In fact, Hinata's first word was 'Naruto'. Hinata's cousin Neji was also a frequent playmate of Naruto's since he had to fulfill his duty as a member of the Hyuga Branch house and protect Hinata and never left her side.
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When Naruto was two years old, Kyuubi started training him in using his kitsune powers. Before this time, a special seal placed on Naruto kept his kitsune blood dormant and gave him a human appearance. Naruto soon learned how to shift his shape, create the mysterious blue fox fire, and even talk to other animals. Kyuubi would sometimes transform into a pony sized fox and let her son ride on her back as she trotted through the village. The villagers would call out greetings to the two as they passed, which Naruto happily returned. Naruto was often given free treats on these rides and he would often be seen with his mouth crammed full of sweets and cookies and desperately clutching onto his mother's back as a stomach ache caused him to feel miserable.
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During one particular evening fox back ride when Naruto was three years old, Kyuubi was heading towards home when a masked man rushed past her carrying a girl over his shoulder. Naruto saw that the girl was Hinata from her easily recognizable jacket. "Konnichi wa Hinata-chan!" yelled the blond boy happily. The man carrying Hinata spun around in surprise, since he hadn't seen Naruto or Kyuubi. Kyuubi's eyes widened as she saw Hinata's arms were tied together by rope on her wrists and the girl's mouth was gagged. One of Kyuubi's tails grabbed Naruto and set him on the ground as she grew to the size of a man and started growling at the man holding Hinata. The man leapt back in fright, then Kyuubi pounced and knocked him over while a tail grabbed Hinata and pulled her out of her grasp. Naruto ran over and used his blunted practice Kunai to cut Hinata free and removed the gag from her mouth. "What's going on Hinata-chan?" he asked. Hinata sniffed and threw her arms around Naruto as she started crying.
"He…he…he kidnapped m…me!" sobbed Hinata. "He said he would learn the secrets behind my clan's bloodline limit the Byakugan. Neji-ni-san was with me and tried to fight him off to save me, but he was to strong. I couldn't get away and he tied me up and… and…" Hinata's words cut off as her sobs cut off her ability to speak. Kyuubi was now growling angrily and gave off a loud howl into the air. Almost instantly, Ken was at his transformed wife's side and staring at the trapped man in shock after pulling off the man's mask. "You're the ambassador from Kumo, what is going on here?" asked the shocked Hokage. Naruto glared at the Cloud Nin and said, "Hinata-chan says this man kidnapped her and attacked her cousin Neji when he defended Hinata-chan!" Ken's face darkened as he glared at the man. The loving father was gone, temporarily replaced with the Fire Shadow to protect the future generation of Konoha. Ken made a quick series of hand seals that paralyzed the Cloud Nin. Kyuubi shifted back to her human form and picked up Hinata and Naruto, placing one child on each shoulder while Ken slung the captured Cloud Nin over his shoulder. The group proceeded to the Hyuga mansion, where they were met with a search party led by Hinata's uncle Hizashi. The older Hyuga was overjoyed to see his niece safe and quickly led them into the house where his brother Hiashi was comforting his wife Hikari as she wept over Hinata's favorite stuffed bear. As soon as Hinata's mother saw her daughter safe in Kyuubi's arms, she rushed over and hugged Hinata, Kyuubi, and Naruto all at once as she thanked them for saving her daughter.
Ken and Hiashi had left with the Cloud Nin to question him, leaving their wives to comfort the children. "How is Neji-kun?" asked Kyuubi as she noticed the boy was no where to be seen. Hizashi sighed and said, "Neji is in bed. The kidnapper used some thunder jutsu on him and he suffered horrible burns." Kyuubi gasped and stood up immediately. "Take me to see him at once!" she said. Hizashi led Kyuubi, Naruto, and Hinata to the part of the Hyuga compound where the Branch family lived. The four of them entered Neji's room and finally saw the boy lying on a futon. Kyuubi gasped, since Neji's entire body seemed to be covered in burn marks and bandages. Neji's eyes opened slightly and he smiled weakly when he saw Hinata looking at him. "Hinata-sama, you're safe." Hinata nodded and gently took Neji's right hand, one of the few places not injured on his body. "Kyuubi-san and Naruto-kun saved me; if it wasn't for them I might be halfway to Kumo by now." Neji's eyes shifted to Naruto. "Naruto-kun, please take care of Hinata-san for me. I know you have the strength to succeed where I failed." Kyuubi scowled and said, "Hyuga Neji, stop talking like you are about to die! I am the head of the hospital and I am not about to let one of my son's friends die! As for failing, you're only four years old and have much less experience than that man. I sensed a few of hisTsubos were closed, so you did land a few hits. You should be proud and train harder to protect Hinata in the future." The kitsune woman made a few seals and caused a green glow to surround her hands. Kyuubi gently ran her hands over Neji's body, healing the minor damage and easing his pain. Neji's body relaxed as he sank into a deep sleep with a smile on his face. Kyuubi continued healing Neji until the burn marks had all faded and Neji was soon able to sit up. Hizashi smiled at his son and placed his hand on Neji's shoulder. "You have made me proud this day Neji. You risked your life to protect Hinata-chan and earned the respect of the entire Main House, Hiashi is even talking of ending the division between our houses and removing the curse seal for your bravery." Neji's pale eyes widened and he stared at his father in shock. Hinata smiled and hugged her cousin while Naruto congratulated the boy. Hiashi and Ken soon joined the people surrounding Neji's bed and praised his bravery and skill. Ken promised Hiashi his support in unifying the two houses into one Hyuga house with no distinction between Main and Branch. Hinata's mother also stopped by to thank Neji, kissing him on the forehead to show her gratitude. (AN: Hanabi hasn't been born yet as far as I know and I think Hinata's mom died giving birth to Hanabi, though I'm not sure about this and she won't die in this fic)
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Neji recovered completely within two days thanks to Kyuubi's initial healing. Negotiations had been going on between Kumo and Konoha because of Kumo breaking their peace treaty. The Raikage himself came to Konoha to facilitate the negotiations and it was discovered that the kidnapper was a renegade Cloud Nin and the Raikage gladly killed him for bringing such a disgrace to the village and for killing the ambassador he had sent with the treaty. In the end Ken managed to get Kumo's scroll of forbidden scrolls for a week and copied it for future reference. The Raikage formally apologized to Hinata and Neji for all the trouble the rouge had caused them. The Hyuga children easily accepted his apology, though Neji muttered something about wanting to kick the kidnapper's ass before he would forgive the kidnapper.
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Hiashi quietly watched the Hyuga council enter the clan's meeting room. The Hyuga head had always been secretly angered by the council elder's refusal to stop using the curse seal on the branch house members. His anger had intensified when he saw Neji get punished for allowing Hinata to be kidnapped. All the adults had left the boy alone to recover and one of the elders, Hitoshi, had taken it upon himself to inflict the punishment. Luckily, Hiashi and Ken had heard Neji's screams of pain and put a stop to the unjust torment. Now, Hiashi hoped to forever eliminate the gap between the branch and main houses. All eyes focused on Hiashi as he rose from his seat to address the council. "Esteemed Elders, I have called this meeting to discuss the consequences of the attempted kidnapping of Hinata. The kidnapper was a nukenin (missing Nin) from Kumo and has been killed by the Raikage himself for attempting to cause war between our countries. However, the situation of my nephew Neji is the main reason I have called this meeting. Shortly after Hinata's return, thanks to Kyuubi-san intercepting the kidnapper, Neji was resting from the wounds he sustained while trying to defend Hinata. The boy risked his life to protect Hinata from a Jounin level nukenin and was heavily injured, so when Ken-sama and I heard him scream in pain we ran into the room, only to find Neji holding his head as Hitoshi-sama used the curse seal on him. You can see that he is not here at this council and the reason is that he has been arrested for his cruel treatment of Neji," said Hiashi. The elders muttered among themselves, Hitoshi had been the most senior of the elders and opposed many of Hiashi's ideas. Hiashi knew without him the other elders would have little chance of opposing him. Hiashi then resumed speaking, "I now ask Uzumaki Kyuubi to speak on her diagnostic of Neji's condition."
All eyes fell on Kyuubi as she stood from her seat beside Ken and Naruto. Kyuubi cleared her throat before saying, "Neji-kun was already injured before Hitoshi activated the curse seal and the pain of the seal reopened some of his wounds that had been healed by me. Neji almost died from the amount of pain he felt! It took all my skill to repair the damage done to Neji's nerves and body from the pain Hitoshi put him through!" One of the elders opened his mouth to protest, but Kyuubi cut him off. "Neji was lucky to survive his encounter with the nukenin and the agony of the curse seal; however, the fact is that if the curse seal is activated for him again he will die!" Hiashi cleared his throat to signal he wanted to speak and Kyuubi nodded for him to go ahead. "Neji's bravery has shown that he is totally devoted to keeping Hinata safe. I therefore request the removal of the curse seal from Neji." The elders instantly stood up to protest, only to feel immense killing intent radiating from Kyuubi. "I have lived for many years and I have never seen anything as stupid as this division between the branch and main houses. You are just encouraging the branch house to rebel and if it wasn't for people like Hinata-chan who don't care about the differences they might already have rebelled!" exclaimed Kyuubi.
A few years later, when Naruto was seven, a great tragedy befell Konoha. While Ken was in Hidden Grass negotiating a treaty with Hidden Grass and Stone, Sasuke's older brother Itachi slaughtered his entire clan, except for Sasuke, who had stayed late to practice his shuriken throwing with Naruto. Sasuke arrived home just in time to see Itachi kill their parents. Itachi then used his new Mange-Sharingan to force his little brother to watch him kill their parents for seventy two hours in his head. Itachi fled the village, becoming a Nukenin and leaving a devastated Sasuke behind. Luckily, Naruto happened to pass by on his way to the store for Kyuubi and smelled the blood in Sasuke's house. Naruto soon had Sasuke in Kyuubi's care. Kyuubi immediately started getting the paperwork processed that would allow Ken and her to adopt Sasuke. The boy was responding well to being surrounded by the people who were like a second family to him and Naruto's natural cheerfulness combined with Hinata's kind treatment allowed him to get over his grief and resume living, although he rarely smiled any more and was a dark contrast to Naruto's boundless enthusiasm. Sasuke now trained hard with the goal of avenging his clan one day and soaked up anything Ken could teach him. Naruto and Sasuke were often seen together and many people called them brothers. When they entered the academy it was quickly established that the two were the best of the class and they were always competing in the various activities. Sasuke however, was a loner and only let Naruto and Hinata get close to him while Naruto was friends with several of the other boys in the class, Kiba Inuzuka, Shikamaru Nara, Chouji Akimichi, and Shino Aburame. Hinata had few friends because of her quiet nature except for Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka. Unknown to all these young aspiring shinobi, they all had a destiny to become part of the greatest generation of shinobi that Konoha would ever see.
Next chapter starts where the manga does, so get ready for the Graduation Exam!