(Updated: 6/23/18)

Welcome one and all to Essence of Chaos! This is an update of this chapter and all following chapters up to chapter 5 will be updated versions. I've removed the prior author's note in favor of a brief shorted exposition on some topics that I generally find are important to fanfiction readers.

First of all this story was originally intended to be an "all redheads" fic as a way to satiate my desire for a NarutoXmultipe redheads Fanfic. (e.g. The Harem will consist almost entirely of redhead girls from Naruto with only two spots open for others)

The second important thing about this story is that it will be a "nice Sasuke" fic. As in the Uchiha will not be the royal prick he usually is. He won't be goody-two-shoes, but he won't turn into a psychotic madman hell bent on revenge either.

On the topic of assholes who will be nice in this story… Kurama will also be OOC, but still brutal and barbaric at times.

Disclaimer (I don't own any part of Naruto.)

Prologue

Kakashi Hatake was late… very very late. Under normal circumstances he would only be about a half an hour behind schedule, but today he was irritated. And to anyone who knew the lazy bones Jonin… that wasn't easy to do. Annoyed sure. Who wasn't irritated on occasion? Yet for the usually level headed Hatake to actually be perturbed about something? That was a fairly rare occurrence.

But it was one that to be expected. Why? Because he had opened his carefully concealed mouth at just the wrong time.

Worst of luck for him.

It had started that morning with the usual routine. Wake up… read for an hour. Eat… read some more. Get dressed and head out to Hokage's tower for any missions… (reading all the while). But that was where his pleasant morning had taken a noticeable turn for the worse. When he'd arrived at the Hiruzen's spacious office it was in a state of uproar.

The Hokage, who was usually a kind and grandfatherly figure, was in a full tilt shouting match with Saya Haruno, arguably the most annoying woman in all of Konoha. (if not the entirety of the Land of Fire) Their voices were angry and belligerent and by the diminutive… almost skittish demeanor of the AMBU… the two had been at it for a while. A part of him actually felt sorry for them.

Kakashi landed and managed to reign in the urge to release his self admitted annoying catchphrase. And boy… was he lucky he did.

"YOU OLD CRIPPLE! HOW DARE YOU PUT MY DAUGHTER ON THE SAME TEAM AS THAT HATEFUL THING! I WILL NOT ALLOW HER TO BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF!"

Hiruzen shouted back, "YOU WILL REFRAIN FROM CALLING THE BOY THAT! HE IS NO ANIMAL AND WILL BE TREATED AS A NORMAL BOY! HIS NAME IS NARUTO UZUMAKI AND IF YOU CALL HIM A THING OR A DEMON ONE MORE KAMI DAMNED TIME I SWEAR YOUR PRECIOUS DAUGHTER WILL BE SENT TO LIVE WITH HIM!"

Kakashi looked on in growing fear… not for his own safety, but for the AMBU who seemed to be wilting under the Hokage's anger. However… thankfully, Saya's mouth snapped shut like a steel trap. Her wide angry eyes (not at all attractive in Kakashi's opinion) were drilling holes in Hiruzen.

The old man relaxed back into his chair with a sigh, his gaze falling coldly on the village council member before him. "Sakura was in the exact middle of the class, Sasuke at the top, and Naruto at the bottom. Their talents balance out and more importantly all three require specialized attention. I did not put her on the same team as Naruto on purpose… I assure you. If I had known you would complain so loudly I might just have given her to one of the other teams."

"THEN DO IT!"

"I will do no such thing. The places are set and there is nothing you can do or say about it to change my mind or the outcome of the situation. Sakura Haruno is officially part of team 7."

There was a pause and Kakashi decided it would be the perfect time to drop in on the conversation….

How wrong he had been….

So now he was walking towards the Academy where he would meet the rest of his team. He grumbled, still greatly agitated. "They just had to see me with my Icha-Icha, didn't they? This sucks the big one. All the reading I could have gotten in while they were training… gone."

That was his punishment for being there at the wrong time. Saya had at last agreed to let her daughter stay on his team but the moment she saw the little orange book... Well, you could probably guess what happened. She declared that he was not to read "porn" in front of the girl. And Hiruzen… either out of desperation, maliciousness, or some other hidden sadistic tendency… had agreed with her. It didn't even make sense! The Hokage was the one who bought him the last book when it came out as congratulations for completing his first S-rank mission alone!

In effect he was banned from reading Icha-Icha while with his team. And THAT was not acceptable. Not even a teeny tiny little itty bitty bit. It was so far up on his un-cool list, he might have to make a new one. "Out of all the things you could have banned… why?"

A short time later Kakashi fixed a smile in his one visible eye, much as he would have done if he held a monocle there and walked into the academy. He immediately turned right and into one of the classrooms. The door opened and…. Nothing. He blinked in momentary surprise. He'd been expecting a greeting from his new students. Instead he received, possibly the coldest reception he'd ever had the displeasure of getting from a Genin.

Sasuke Uchiha, dark and silent as the rumors said he was, didn't even bother looking at him. His dark eyes were focused on the black board at the front of the class. Kakashi figured he was trying to train his killing intent… or something else stupid like that.

Sakura Haruno (He'd have to get back at her somehow) was staring at Sasuke with the upmost admiration.

"Great…. A fangirl. That's the last thing I need."

Kakashi turned to the last member of the team. His smile faded. A small blond boy sat at one of the desks, chin resting on his crossed arms. He was either pissed off about something or he was mimicking the Uchiha. One or the other. He hoped it was the former. He wasn't sure if he could cope with to brooding preteens without his precious erotica.

A full minute passed as he took in the potentially awkward situation. Then he decided that some fresh air was definitely part of the solution. "Yo… be on the roof in five minutes for introductions." Not even a glance apart from the pinket turning slightly from her dark avenger.

Kakashi grimaced and Shun-shined away.

He didn't have to wait long for his prospective students to arrive. Sasuke appeared first and walked over to sit down at one of two benches. Sakura followed like an obedient puppy, sitting down close to him. Kakashi waited for the blond to arrive. The boy was a long time in coming, but eventually Naruto walked into view and sat down.

Kakashi glanced at him… somewhat worried. This wasn't how the Hokage had described Naruto at all. He was supposed to be an overconfident bundle of energy with an unpredictable streak a mile wide. Not a downer with a glare and bags under his eyes. And keeping in kind who his parents were… this was defiantly out of character.

Kakashi mentally pinched himself before speaking. "Well…. In case you didn't know, I Kakashi Hatake, am your new sensei. Now why don't you three introduce yourselves?" Black hair and blond hair didn't even twitch. Pinky spoke up first, giving Kakashi some hope as to her prospects. Then his ears caught up with his head.

"Um… perhaps you could give us a demonstration sensei?"

Kakashi felt as though he'd been smacked. "Seriously? She doesn't know how to introduce herself? Okay... This is going to be a long… long…day."

"If I need to explain how to introduce yourself then I might as well send you back to the academy, because you obviously don't have enough common sense to be a ninja. Any more questions?" His voice was blunt like the side of a rock hammer and her eyes went wide. She blinked back in shock. It was then that Kakashi remembered she was Saya's daughter and almost certainly coddled. He would have to break his back just to get though that stubborn shell of incompetence. "This isn't going well." He coughed. "-Ahem- Now… Sasuke. How about you introduce yourself then? I assume you know how."

Sasuke didn't move, but he did speak.

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha. There's not a lot of things I like. Learning new jutsu is one of them… I dislike many things… I don't feel like telling you what my hobbies are. As for what I want to do… My goal is to kill a certain someone… Slowly."

As he finished Kakashi received a brief flash of clarity. "I am going to hate my life for the next few months… I can see it now. Kakashi and squad 7, the most dysfunctional team in the history of the Hidden Leaf." This sudden vision disturbed him more than he was willing to admit to himself. He figured that it was time for the real tie breaker.

"So Naruto. Why don't you tell us about yourself?"

The blond's eyes rose to meet his. Kakashi experienced a chill. Naruto coughed once before speaking. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki. I like ramen and training… and sleeping. I dislike not being able to sleep for six days straight… and I also don't like bullies or people who are rude to me. I spend most of my time training. And… my goal is to become Hokage."

Naruto looked into the cyclopsian gaze of his new teacher. It was so… very hard not to be angry. He was exhausted… wiped. He couldn't muster the energy to smile at this point.

Kakashi, for his part, looked surprised, which for some reason pissed him off. It might have been because he was almost an hour late to the meeting. Or it could have been because the man looked like he'd had a good night's sleep. Something he hadn't had in a while. Or it might just have been that the guy reeked of dogs. Naruto made a mental note to prank the living hell out of him… as soon as he was feeling better.

The main problem with that was simple. He wasn't quite sure if he would feel any better. Sleep… it seemed to have decided to put his name at the top of its black list. He wanted rest, but every time he closed his eyes and let darkness take him the nightmares started. After four sleepless nights he'd given up on resting at all. That was almost 64 hours without sleep so far. Even knowing that he was a Jinchuriki now… it was still far too long without some decent shut-eye.

Kakashi seemed to regain his composure and looked back to the group as a whole. He sounded slightly nervous. "Well, now then… I guess you three are what I have to work with. Anyway, all three of you still need to pass one last test before you're a part of squad 7."

"What!?" That was Sakura, looking worried. Sasuke muttered, "Figures…."

Naruto sighed tiredly and pinched himself to keep awake. Kakashi took in their responses. He decided to change from his usual schedule. "The test is to see if you're actually worth my time. It will take place at noon tomorrow at training field 7. And make sure you don't eat anything before hand or you'll throw up."

Sakura looked confused but nodded. Sasuke frowned. This all seemed just a bit abrupt, especially given how long it took him to show up. "Is that all? Or can we go now?"

Kakashi waved his hand easily. "You're free to go now my precious little almost Genin."

Immediately Sasuke stood and left, quickly followed by Sakura. Kakashi glanced at Naruto as the blond slowly stood. His posture showed sheer exhaustion. That was a bit worrying… He knew the boy wasn't supposed to look like this. "Hey Naruto, wait a moment."

Naruto halted a second later, swiveling on one foot. "What is it sensei?"

"Are you alright? You look done in."

A moment passed and the boy nodded. "I'm fine. Just need to get some sleep."

"What was that comment during your introduction about? Have you really not slept for six days? If so I can stall the test. I seriously doubt anyone could pass my test when they're dead on their feet."

Naruto gave him a look. It dripped anger like the poisonous fangs of a serpent. Kakashi was gripped by a powerful urge to step back, but he was already at the edge of the roof. Naruto whispered something… half to himself and turned away, walking back into the academy and down the stairs.

The silver haired Jonin scratched his chin in deep thought. After a while he decided to speak with the old man about this… He felt as though something was wrong with Naruto. Something very wrong.

Ooo

Ooo

Later that day Naruto lay in bed. His eyes closed… unable to sleep, but unable to stay awake. He walked the thin boundary between one world and the next.

He didn't dare cross over into the realm of dreams. Visions of fire and blood filled every moment, stealing any chance for rest. But with each passing moment he came closer to the edge. Closer to the land of darkness.

Naruto's eyes flickered once… then twice, and finally closed. His head lolled to the side as his body relaxed, complete exhaustion overtaking him.

Ooo

-The next day-

Ooo

Kakashi stood in front of three kids… who were in various states of weakness. Sasuke looked a bit tired, but otherwise normal. Sakura had large circles under her eyes like Naruto and her stomach would growl ominously ever few moments. Obviously she'd taken the bait and skipped breakfast.

Naruto on the other hand… looked like a zombie. His eyes were half closed and he was barely standing. Ever couple seconds he would twitch and his head would rise, his eyes focusing on him for a second before dropping again. Kakashi knew that he wouldn't be able to do much of anything in that state… Sasuke, who was watching the blond suspiciously, probably realized the same thing.

"I think we have a bit of a problem guys." Kakashi turned to Sasuke and Sakura. "I don't think our boy Naruto is feeling well. How about you two wait here and work on some kind of plan for the test. I should probably take Naruto to the hospital to see what's wrong."

Sakura nodded. "Um… I think I remember hearing him say something about being tired in class… Maybe he just needs a nap or something."

Kakashi had taken note of that already, but listed her comment as a bonus since she wasn't a completely lost cause when it came to observation. "You might be right. Naruto? Are you listening?" The blond didn't answer. He asked again but Naruto didn't even shift.

Sakura scowled. "Hey are you deaf? Answer Kakashi sensei!" She reached out and put a hand on his shoulder ready to shake him. Naruto reacted like a gunshot, his arm snaking around hers locking it out straight. Sakura cried out in pain as Naruto spun towards her, keeping her arm locked and bringing his hand to bear. Kakashi darted forward to intercept the strike. He grabbed his wrist and pulled the two of them apart.

"Naruto BAKA! What the hell?!"

"Naruto! What are you doing?!"

He didn't answer. Kakashi bent down and his lone eye widened.

Naruto was asleep.

His eyes were shut and his breathing steady. The dark circles under his eyes were much more pronounced than Sakura's and he felt… cold. "Good Kami… He did that just from reflex?" Kakashi didn't know what to make of that. Either the kid was holding back on his exam or something odd was up. Plus his talk with the Hokage hadn't yielded anything of interest. He was in the dark.

After a moment of consideration he turned to the other two Genin. "Sakura Sasuke. the test is cancelled for today. I'll send a message hound once I have this sorted out. Go ahead and train for now."

They nodded as Kakashi picked Naruto up and Shun-shined away.

He reappeared just seconds later in the Hokage's office. The instant he did his keen ears registered a conversation cutting off. He glanced around the room, searching for the aged Kage. Hiruzen was there standing by the window that overlooked the east side of the village. Beside him was his son Asuma.

The Hokage turned and saw Naruto in his arms, worry suddenly flashing across his wrinkled face. "Kakashi! What happened?!"

"Naruto collapsed before I could start the test. I think he's suffering from acute exhaustion but I can't see a good reason for it."

Asuma turned as well. "Has he been overtraining himself again? Choji and Shikamaru tell me he's a training nut surpassed only by Guy and Lee."

Kakashi shrugged. "I was stopping by to tell you before I take him to the hospital to get checked. At first I thought he was sick but those with his… condition… can't get sick."

"That is true…" Hiruzen admitted with a touch of unease apparent in his voice.

They paused as Naruto mumbled and twisted in Kakashi's grip. "Huh? Naruto?" He realized the boy was still out of it. He was mumbling in his sleep. Hiruzen stepped forward to examine him but stopped dead when the boy grumbled loudly.

"Shut up….stu..pid fox….."

Kakashi looked up at Hiruzen as the old man's eyes went wide. "No. Please tell me I didn't just hear that…"

Ooo

Naruto groaned as he opened his eyes. Only to feel something wet drop on his face. He looked up and glimpsed a dark shadowed ceiling. Confused and still very tired he just lay there, wondering how he'd come to be laying here. A moment passed and another drop of liquid fell, plopping between his eyes.

He groaned again and forced himself to sit up. Something about the darkness around him told him that something was very… different, but he was just too exhausted. The knowledge refused to make any impression on him. So, deciding that there was nothing else for it, he rose to his feet. He was bit unsteady at first. However he regained his balance quickly as he looked down at himself... not really understanding why he wasn't wet from the water obscuring the floor.

Then his ears registered a sound.

At first he thought it was a large bee. Then he realized bees didn't live underground. A few seconds passed before it registered that he was listening to someone humming.

Naruto turned around. He was in a long dark corridor. The sound was echoing down the hall behind him. He felt a stab of curiosity and walked back down the watery path before him. It seemed to be made of a dull grey stone and there were three odd things in the ceiling of the corridor. They seemed to be pipes but at the same time he didn't think they were. Yet all he could do was follow where they led.

He walked for a long time, turning occasionally with the bends in the tunnel. Water sloshed at his feet, ankle deep and luke warm. Time passed and humming became more distinct, becoming a voice. It was feminine. That much he was sure of. Other than that though… he still hadn't the faintest idea what was going on.

Naruto felt a tug in his chest as he at last saw a doorway… and the faded bar of light that showed through. Some of his exhaustion faded away and he moved swiftly towards it. A few steps later he reached out for the doorframe, sticking his head out to see what was inside.

Amazement caught him off guard and he stepped inside. It was a huge chamber, so massive that he couldn't see the ceiling. And through the center ran bars, each as wide as two men standing abreast. The cathedral sized room was grey and dank. But at the same time it was oddly comforting.

"Where… where am I…?"

"Your subconscious."

Naruto's eyes flicked to the cage bars that split the room in half. His jaw dropped. Inside was a beautiful girl… she looked no older than seventeen, though her long crimson hair was longer than she was tall. It fanned out around her as she sat on the other side of the divide.

He looked her up and down. She was completely naked… which helped in the assumption that she was not human. Black marks like cursive script traced a circle around her stomach. Her pale skin was flawless besides that. Naruto caught her gaze and found dark red eyes the color of blood. Red slits that seemed inquisitive. And behind her drifted nine thick tails covered in dark orange fur.

Naruto blinked and stepped back… "Kyuubi…."

"I don't really like that name. Why don't you come closer and I'll tell you my real one?"

Her voice was sweet and pleasant… rich and… commanding. It sent shivers down his spine and he felt a compulsion to move closer. "Shut up stupid fox… I know what you are. You're… the thing… the demon that destroyed my village."

She cocked her head and her… ears… long and dark orange turned downward. "I did attack your home… but it wasn't my choice."

Naruto wasn't sure exactly what happened all those years ago but he knew she couldn't be telling the truth. He shouted, "YOU LIE!"

"I don't… You should know better than most that not all is what it seems. The villagers call you demon when you are not. Is it such a stretch to think they are wrong about me as well?" She crooked a finger… tipped with a small black claw. "Come here boy. I want to talk to you face to face…"

He stepped back even though his stomach wrenched in protest. "Why should I listen to you!? You're a monster!"

Her head dipped and her small shoulders slumped. "Yes… I am. But that doesn't mean we cannot speak honestly. Please come closer."

Naruto saw her hurt expression and almost gasped in pain. Red eyes rose to meet his and Naruto lost his battle with curiosity and longing. He wanted to move to her… and so he did. She smiled as he stopped at the bars to her prison. He sank to his knees, leaning against the cool metal. A moment later she stood and stepped closer. Naruto saw the orange blur of her tails as she sat down across from him. His eyes took in her features.

She was stunning… truly breathtaking… inhumanly so. Her red lips quirked a bit as she leaned forward, looking at him more closely. Despite her being what she was he couldn't prevent a blush from spreading across his cheeks. She was naked after all. Her breasts swayed slightly, drawing his eyes away from her face.

She giggled. "So… this might be interesting. You're my first male container. Hm… What's your name young man?"

"I…I'm Naruto… Uzumaki…"

"Oh?... So you are her son. I guess Kushina didn't survive."

Naruto broke out of his trance and looked back into her eyes. "Y..you knew my mom?"

"She was my previous vessel. Though we rarely spoke. Actually… this form of mine…. is very similar to hers, although I took it from my first container. What you see is merely a form I choose to take. I have no true body."

"What about my mom though!? And how did she get stuck with you!?"

The red headed demon shook her head. "Naruto… I don't want to be trapped here anymore than in your mother. I am a prisoner within your mind with no power to escape. Don't make it seem like I want any of this."

"Then why!?"

She pursed her lips and leaned back. "Because of humans. We Biju… all of my kind are powerful and humans have sought this power for decades. I have lived within the minds of three separate generations. For your information your village hunted me down for it."

"Is that why you attacked them….?"

"I was not myself at the time. A Shinobi was controlling my actions during the attack. I never would have tried to kill your parents… Your father and I spoke more often than Kushina ever did. I'm telling you…. I never intended to hurt the people of this the village or cause you any pain."

Naruto looked down. He was at once excited that she knew his family and guarded that she might lie to him about them. Or worse that he would find out his parents weren't who he hoped they were like. "My parents. You knew both of them….?"

"Yes."

He felt tears welling in his eyes and quickly dashed them. "What… what were they like?"

She smiled a bit. "Kushina was a lot like me… sort of. She had a bad temper, but she was a kind woman. Over all she was a generous person. As for Minato-kun… He was always calm and collected. He rarely did or said anything without thinking about it before hand. He was also very kind… A bit too kind sometimes. Both of them were powerful… but you probably already know that." She shifted, seeming a little uncomfortable. "If you want to speak to someone who knew them well speak to Hiruzen Sarutobi… if he's still alive."

Naruto's eyes went wide. "Jiji knew them!"

A confused look crossed her features. "Why of course. He had to. All of the Hokage's predecessors knew each other well."

"Hokage…? What do you mean? The Yondaime sealed you inside me. He's the only other Kage who was alive at the same time as the Sandaime."

The Kyuubi blinked, still seeming a bit cofused. "Yes… your father… the Yondaime Hokage. You did know that… right?" Her pupils contracted. "No… No you didn't know."

Naruto was frozen. He felt like he'd been paralyzed. Shock, fear, amazement, and anger mixed in his mind. It seemed like an hour passed as he sat there… stunned by her words. He couldn't believe it. His father had been the Hokage? It was like someone had just told him that he was the host for the Kyuubi….

He let out a pained bark of laughter. "Oh wait... I was already told that…" Naruto swallowed hard and stared up at her. "So.. you really are the Kyuubi?"

She crossed her arms over her generous bust. "My name is Kurama. Please address me by that. I dislike being branded with that term."

"Kurama… And you didn't attack the village because you wanted? Someone was making you do it?"

She nodded. "It was the day you were born… I suspect that someone powerful was taking advantage of your parents. You see there are only a few times at which both male and female Jinchuriki are weakened. For females it is compounded though. When you mother was giving birth, the pain of it weakened the seal to the point that it almost released me." Kurama looked sorrowful. "Something happened…. I was released. The last thing I remember was coming out of a great rage and being forced into you."

"So why!? Why am I here?!... Why… can't I get any sleep? All the nightmares I've been having…"

She scooted as close to him as she could without touching the cage bars. Her eyes had taken on a more urgent cast. "I'm sorry, but that was my fault in all likelihood. I have been desperate for contact of late. I felt something happening outside, but not being able to see anything for years is… frightening. Minato sealed me tighter than I have ever been sealed before. I couldn't even hear your thoughts until a few years ago…" Kurama gestured to him with one delicate hand. "I felt the seal weaken a little less than a week ago… at least that's how long ago I think it happened… I still can't read your memories so I have no hint as to what happened… However I tried my best to weaken the seal more."

"Why? Isn't that a bad thing?"

"I felt the need to speak you. It's been twelve years since I spoke to anyone. Can you imagine how lonely I was?"

Naruto looked back at her. He felt like crying… but he couldn't. He gathered his voice and croaked out, "Yes… The village hates me. I get beaten and no one will talk to me. The stores refuse to sell me anything but trash… Even Jiji can't help me all the time. He's too busy." He choked but forced himself to continue. "A few days ago my sensei almost died trying to save me from someone who tried to kill me…"

"Naruto… come here…." Kurama held out her arm and Naruto threw himself forward. She hugged him tightly, leaning her head on his as she dragged her fingers through his hair. "Don't worry. I'll protect you from now on. Kushina and Minato were kinder to me than any humans ever have… You will be my little kit… Naruto-kun… please sleep soundly…"

She smiled as she felt him relax in her arms. She pulled him fully into her side of the seal and laid back against the bars with him lying in her lap. Kurama's eyes were drawn to the chamber around them. The gloom lifted slightly causing her to twitch her ears. She looked down to the boy. He reminded her of a very young Kushina a bit… if very sad. "I'll be there for you… I won't let the village hurt you for my actions Naruto…. My Naruto…."

Ooo

Ooo

Hiruzen and Kakashi let out a collective sigh as Naruto's writhing body relaxed suddenly. Kakashi had taken him to the hospital even as he began convulsing. He didn't stop either. After a few minutes they were forced to strap him down. The Sandaime ordered him to be given something to calm him down….

The injection didn't work.

Almost an hour later he was sleeping soundly. They watched now, thankful that he seemed to be resting finally. "I'll leave off the test until further notice. When we're sure he's recovered I'll do it then." Kakashi smoothed his fingers through his hair, his one uncovered eye red with worry.

Hiruzen nodded in agreement. "Good… but I want at trusted member if the Yamanaka clan to look through his mind to find if he is unstable. We can't take any chances on the Kyuubi getting loose."

"I understand that. Would you like me to get Inoichi?"

The old man nodded. "I suppose he would be best at it. Yes. Bring him here as soon as you can."

Not ten minutes later Inoichi stood over the bed looking concerned as the rest of them. He was the current head of the Yamanaka clan, a man of average height with prominent cheekbones and platinum blond hair tied in a ponytail. His pale blue eyes slid over Naruto's unconscious form for several seconds before he formed a chain of handseals. Then kneeling by the side of the bed he muttered, "Mind Walking technique."

He closed his eyes in preparation to leave his body….

Inoichi's eyes snapped open as pain exploded behind his eyes. He deactivated the jutsu a second before the excruciating pain could knock him out. Gasping he stood and stumbled back from the bed.

"What happened?!" Hiruzen asked sharply.

"I… I don't know. I activated the jutsu… but before I even entered his mind something managed to stop me dead. It left me stranded for a moment. Not a pleasant experience."

Kakashi had paled slightly and taken a step forward. "How is that possible? Naruto hasn't received any training to resist Yamanaka mind techniques. And besides that he's barely a Genin. You're a Jonin and head of your clan. How is it that he blocked you?"

Inoichi shook his head. "I have no way of knowing. You're right. It shouldn't be possible, but he does have the Kyuubi and he is aware of it now. I hazard a guess that the beast might have something to do with it, but truly there is no method for extracting the knowledge without hurting him. As you know.. I'm more of an offensive infiltrator when it comes to my clan's jutsu. My wife has more skill with the gentle side of the branch."

As they spoke Naruto shifted a little, his breath coming out easily. Hiruzen grimaced. "I will return to my duties. Please contact me if there is any change, but for now leave him be."

They nodded before scattering to their various tasks and jobs, leaving Naruto to rest.

Ooo

Ooo

Much later Naruto opened his eyes again and yawned, stretching his arms out. He looked around himself but for the life of him he couldn't remember how he'd gotten here. Wherever "here" was. He didn't recognize the grey walls or the huge metal bars to his right.

It didn't take long for a teasing voice to speak from just behind his head. "You're a brave little boy… Falling asleep on the most powerful demon in existence like that. Either you have great trust in me or you lack a sense of self preservation."

Naruto jerked forward and turned around to see… her. She was smirking at him. Naruto colored as he glanced down…. only for his eye to snap back to her eyes in embarrassment. "Sorry… Kyu…. I mean Kurama."

"No matter Naruto-kun. Just remember that I'm not human. This body… for all its beauty is just a copy. There really isn't any reason to be embarrassed."

"I know.. it's just you're naked ya know…" He trailed off trying not to meet her gaze or stare at any of her assets. Even for a boy as young as him it wasn't easy.

Kurama just smiled. "You remind me of Minato-kun. He was always too awkward when he visited me too albeit… for different reasons."

Naruto perked up. "So you really met my dad?"

"I told you that already didn't I? Yes. Minato used to come and talk to me often enough, although what we discussed wasn't what you would call… personal. We talked easily enough. He was usually more curious about my abilities than anything else."

He crossed his legs and asked, "What do you mean by that? You're not human… so can you use jutsu?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Why yes. That's part of the reason why I choose this form over others. However it takes some time to revert to this form outside. In reality I have only taken a human form once."

"So why was my dad so interested in what you could do? Is there like some whole bunch of demon jutsu or something?!"

Kurama shifted, wrapping her tails around herself in an effort to make the boy more comfortable. "I have many abilities… nine in particular. All of them are passive to a certain degree. And many of them are shared with my sisters and brothers. In addition to that I can use most of the human jutsu you have learned about."

Naruto was wide eyed. "But you have like… never ending chakra right? So you could beat anyone if you were using jutsu…."

She smirked. "You certainly are interested all of a sudden… Why are you so eager to learn jutsu?"

Naruto looked fierce for a moment. "So I can become strong and prove to everyone in the village that I'm not useless. That I can be a hero! I'll become Hokage and everyone will have to respect me!"

Kurama sighed, a note of sorrow in her voice. "Naruto…. That isn't how it works. The people must respect you first… before you can become Hokage. The Hokage isn't simply a powerful warrior. He is also the guardian of his people and the leader of the village. If you want the respect of the village… you will have to become something so great as to outweigh the hate they have for you."

"Is that something you're willing to do?" She asked curiously.

"Of course!"

"Well then… would you like my help? I can give you strength… though there will be a cost."

He looked hesitant for a moment. Then he nodded. "I want your help Kurama."

"How silly of you. You don't even ask what the cost will be. Never make that mistake elsewhere Naruto. You can't know if someone will take advantage of you."

"Oh…. I guess you could tell me…. But I need all the help I can get right!?"

She sighed inwardly. "As you wish… now come here Naruto. You are the manifestation of your conscious mind… I need contact with you in order to use my powers." He paused before moving forward and letting her wrap her arms around him. "This will feel…. Odd. Try to relax."

Ooo

Ooo

Naruto jerked awake in a white hospital bed… in a plain white room. He looked around, his eyes taking in his surroundings. He sighed inwardly. At least there wasn't anyone else in the room. A loud bang to his left caused him to jump. His eyes flicked to the door leading out. "What was that?!"

"Calm down. It's part of the changes I made. You can't expect to have me alter you without making your senses keener. You humans are so oblivious most of the time."

"Hey!" Naruto muttered indignantly.

"Hey yourself. For now all I did was heighten the strength of your vision and hearing. Once you get used to that I'll work on your sense of smell… then touch and taste. Keep in mind the senses build upon each other so each alteration will feel just as sudden and strange as the last."

"What about…?"

"Oh. Right. I have stopped restricting the flow of my chakra to a certain degree…. However this isn't a complete blessing. Remember that you have poor control already. You have the same amount of chakra as a strong Jonin at the moment… not counting my own chakra."

"I know you told me that… but what does that have to do with using jutsu again?"

A sigh came from the back of his mind. "As I said…. The more chakra you have, the harder it becomes to control. Most Shinobi have a pitiful amount of chakra… which is part of the reason why there is such a high demand for Uzumaki and similar clans. Clans such as yours are infamous for their dense chakra." She snorted at something before saying, "I recall Minato once saying that only two clans in existence have the ability to reliably contain me. The Uzumaki and Kaguya. Although even during the time of the First Hokage… that clan was dwindling."

"Why would such a strong clan be getting smaller though? Wouldn't they be powerful enough to protect themselves?"

"Not all Shinobi prize peace. The Kaguya clan was well known for its bloodlust. Few could match it. Eventually they made so many enemies that they were overwhelmed."

"That's…. sad." Naruto frowned and scratched his cheeks, which were itching a bit. The feeling was odd but surprisingly pleasant.

Kurama's voice seemed to lower in slight disappointment. "It is I suppose… Now do me a favor and do a self inventory. I want to see how my other tinkering went."

"Self what?"

"Just look at yourself."

Naruto was puzzled by her insistence and lifted his hands to examine them. His eyes bugged out. The tips of his finger had changed. Instead of the thin nail… there was a tiny claw. About half an inch long… and sharp. They were white as bone. He was quite unable to keep his shock from coming out louder than he intended. "WHAT!?"

"Shush… get out of bed and find a mirror. And try not to scream before I teach you how to hide your appearance."

He swung his feet out of bed and heard a few soft clicks. Looking down he saw his feet bore claws as well. With a rising panic Naruto searched for a mirror but found none in the immediate area. Instead he opened the door to the bathroom and looked there. Immediately he caught his reflection in the mirror. He froze.

At thirteen years old he still had much of the baby fat of a child… lending his face a round shape. His tanned skin showed the amount of time he spent outside training. The three whisker marks were still there… though they looked slightly darker… and thicker. What truly caught his eye were his eyes. The blue remained but the pupils were just like Kurama's. As he leaned forward he noticed fangs sticking out of his open mouth. He smiled into the mirror. His canines were long and sharp, pearly white… and a bit scary. Naruto thought absently, "Could have made my eyes red ya know… that would have been cooler…. Or orange."

"Orange…. Really?"

"Yeah! Orange, my favorite color, believe it!"

She sighed. "I can make them red, but it's just another thing you will have to hide." Inwardly the fox was pleased though. She didn't expect him to accept the changes she'd made so readily. The claws were valuable as they would make his Taijutsu more deadly. The newly heightened senses would be priceless as a Shinobi and that was perhaps the easiest thing to improve at the moment. If only she could give him her sensory abilities, but that would require years to accomplish. "Your village isn't likely to find them appealing as you."

Naruto nodded. "Okay… well?!"

"Don't be so impatient kit."

He waited, anticipating the change, not blinking. Then slowly… his eyes darkened, turning black for a moment before brightening to an arterial red. He grinned. "Now my eyes are just like yours!"

"Was that what you wanted?... I'm flattered."

He could almost hear her smiling at that. His ears dropped. "Guess I can't ask for a tail huh…. I'm not sure I could hide that from anyone."

Kurama apparently thought the same because she suggested. "Let's see if you can pull of an advanced transformation before we go giving you extra appendages. By the way… you should take a look at your ears…. I… couldn't help myself on that score."

"Huh?"

Naruto tilted his head down and realized that his human ears were gone. "Holy!? Are these real?"

"Of course. And they're more effective on top of your head than on the sides. They can swivel… unlike human ears which don't move at all. And much cuter…."

He nodded and searched for anything else that was abnormal. Nothing struck him as unusual now. Naruto turned away from the mirror and walked back into the main room. He was still dressed in his regular outfit… thankfully, but he didn't know if he was supposed to wait for anyone to check up on him.

"It's good that no one is there. Let me show you how to do a long lasting transformation before some poor nurse dies of shock."

"I wouldn't…."

"Think about it. The demon child walks out of a room with red eyes, fox ears, claws and fangs. If someone didn't try to kill you, I'd be shocked. From what you showed me of your memories… you must be careful. I can supply you with enough chakra that NO ONE will be able to dispel the illusion, but many high ranking Shinobi will still be aware that it is there. So… be cautious."

"Okay… okay. I will, but I can't keep it going all the time right?"

She went silent for a moment. "When you sleep I have more power to affect you… I will do my best to funnel enough chakra to keep it going even while you sleep. Otherwise… it would be an excellent idea to put your mind to work, thinking up a new jutsu for just that purpose."

Naruto nodded and waited as a series of images and feelings ran through his mind, detailing how to perform the jutsu. It took a while for him to get it right and cover all the areas, but soon enough… Naruto stood as normal as never. He grinned at his success just as his ears registered the door opening. He looked to the side as the door halted and Hiruzen walked in. Naruto's face split into a grin as he ran to hug the old man. Hiruzen embraced his warmly, chuckling at the strength. Then he heard a few ribs crack ominously before Naruto finally let go.

He grunted and straightened. "I'm -crack- glad you're feeling better Naruto. Tell me… what happened?"

"I was having nightmares and I didn't sleep for a long time but I'm all better now that K…."

"NARUTO!"

He hesitated and… realized he'd almost gone right ahead and told the old man about Kurama. He grinned and scratched the back of his head, "Hehehe… um… anyway, I'm much better now… How long was I out?"

Hiruzen's eyes flickered for the briefest moment with suspicion. Then he smiled. "No more than a day and a night. I'm honestly surprised you recovered so quickly. Kakashi told me you fainted from exhaustion but I suppose you're tougher than most…" He bent down. "But if these nightmares start again you can come to me alright. I'll always be around when you need someone to talk to."

"Okay…"

He sighed and groaned faintly. "Now... I believe you might do well for some ramen. How about I take a break from my paperwork and have lunch with you?"

Naruto blinked in amazement. "REALLY!?" That was the first time the old man had ever offered to go along with him. The first time he might be able to walk down the street without anyone cursing him. With gramps there he couldn't do wrong!

Kurama's voice came through warningly. "Naruto-kun. Remember that his duty is to the village first, not to you. Don't tell him about me. He wouldn't believe you and even if he did, he wouldn't trust me. He didn't know of my relationship with your parents."

"Don't worry I won't!"

Ooo

Ayame heard the flap to the ramen stand pulled aside but didn't bother turning around. It was probably Naruto… well, it was almost always Naruto. The boy almost single handedly made up half of their profit. And considering that he didn't have any real income… that was a feat in and of its self. But maybe she should have taken him to the market one of these days. Ramen every single day couldn't be healthy.

She smiled as she heard the usual call. "Ayame-chan! One Miso Ramen please!" Turning around she nodded… and stopped dead. Two dark eyes hovered over an amused smile. Her lips moved but it was a few seconds before any sound came out. "…L.. Lord Hokage!?"

Hiruzen chuckled. "Well… it's good to hear that at least some of the new generation know my title…. Eh Naruto?" He nudged the boy with an elbow, managing to make him grin sheepishly.

"Yeah well… I'd rather call you by your name than just calling you Hokage, but your name is kinda…"

The old man raised an eyebrow in mock anger. "And exactly what is my name if I may be so bold as to ask?"

"Um…." Naruto glanced away. "…old…"

Ayame looked horrified until Hiruzen laughed. "I guess you're back to your old self already." He turned his gaze on the young cook. "That'll be one Beef Ramen for me." The old Kage patted Naruto on his messy blond head. "Come now, take a seat Naruto-kun."

The young ramen chef just nodded dumbly as the two of them took their stools. "Coming right up."

A while and a great many bowls of ramen later Hiruzen waved slowly to Naruto as the blond sped off through the village. His smile waivered then fell, his eyes turning serious. Something was off about the boy. He could feel the wrongness that made him seem unclean. The Sandaime turned and walked back to the tower, thinking on what he had seen. "An illusion… I'm quite sure of it, but Naruto couldn't possibly have made it. Even though his grades at the academy were sabotaged by Mizuki.. he still has no talent in Genjutsu thanks to his Jinchuriki status… So how does he come to have such a powerful one clinging to him?"

Sarutobi was concerned to say the least. Such a powerful illusion should have been obvious to all but a few dim civilians. The sheer amount of chakra that was being used to sustain it meant that it couldn't easily be dispelled. And despite that he'd only noticed it when he'd nudged Naruto. The entire walk to the ramen stand and their talk in the hospital… he hadn't noticed it at all.

And that was what truly concerned him. His thoughts grew ever darker as his mind worked double-time to unravel the mystery. "I must be getting old… Maybe I'll get Danzo to send one of his ROOT members to keep a close eye on him. At least I know Danzo's methods and his forces are terrifyingly loyal…"

The old man sighed as he walked, wondering if life was getting more complicated or if he was just becoming too slow to keep up.

Ooo

Ooo

Naruto was almost to his apartment when he changed course. His excitement after his talk with the old man needed release. And the easiest way to achieve that was through training. His feet took him away from his home and back towards training field 44. He'd found it months ago and it was his favorite hangout. The dark forest was filled with all manner of huge animals and beasts.

Which was why it was so perfect. He hadn't seen a single person besides himself there in all the times he'd gone to train. He suspected it was because of the animals and the eerie feel of the place. Well… he didn't know about eerie. It was just a forest. No ghosts lived there or anything like that. And all the animals tended to avoid him. He'd only been attacked once and as far as he was concerned giant spiders were no problem.

Naruto looked around, making sure no one was watching before he sprinted forward and leaped the metal fence which bordered the forest's edge. Inside it was dark and shadowed, with only small patches of light showing through. But it was as close to home as he could get outside his cramped apartment.

He sped through till he found his personal training area. It was a large clearing he'd cleared of grass. It tended to be damp here and he didn't like slipping all over the place. Three massive trees bordered the clearing each as wide as a house. On one of them he'd scraped off a good deal of bark and wood, leaving a smooth surface. He'd carved his training regimen and what his physical limits were into the wood so he didn't have to keep track in his head.

Naruto ran over and pulled out his kunai, scratching another day into the worn surface. Then he sat down with his back to the tree and closed his eyes. He tried to reach out with his mind but nothing happened. "Well that didn't work… um how do I get there?"

Kurama asked curiously. "What are you trying to do?"

"Oi! Kurama! I was trying to get to where I could talk to you again but I didn't know how."

She was pensive for a moment. "There is a special kind f meditation that you humans invented which allows you to fall inside your subconscious. For those of great mental fortitude it gives them a place where they can think and train for years without spending a single day in the outside world."

"COOL!"

"However for Jinchuriki it works differently. Instead of taking you to the core of yourself, it brings you to where your mind and the mind of the best connect. For us it is the seal. That is where you saw me. A room that touches both of our minds and binds us together."

Naruto thought, "So how do I get to see you again?"

"Do you really want to see me…? Or do you merely wish to ask me something?"

"Well…um… both."

"Very well. However you don't yet have the skill or patience to come to me on your own. But I can bring you here of my own accord."

Naruto was about to answer her when he felt himself falling… fast. A second later he was sitting on warm stone. He looked around. "Huh? How did I?"

"Welcome back Naruto… Now what did you wish to ask?" Kurama's tone was curious and playful. "I assume there is something important you wanted if you had to talk to me face to face."

Naruto turned around and saw Kurama lounging against one of the cage bars again. Her attire had changed. Instead of her being stark naked like before she wore a long white Kimono with blood red trim. He scratched his head nervously. "Actually.. I uh, wanted to see you. I mean what I wanted to ask and seeing you was to different things!"

She quirked one eyebrow. "So you wanted to see me just to see me… but you also have a question… Very well. What is it you want to know?"

He paused for a moment. "It was just that… I was thinking when I was sitting with Jiji that.." He trailed off.

"That what?"

"That I'm a Genin, but only barely. I mean you said I had a lot of chakra and Kage Bunshin take a lot of chakra. I thought that the only reason I beat Mizuki was because of that… I.. don't know if I'm ready to be a Genin…"

Kurama smiled. "Well to be perfectly honest Kushina could have handed your head to you on a silver platter even at ten years old. Thirty years ago, training for Konoha Shinobi was much more intensive. Despite your talent with clones, the fact that you were held back by your mentors means you still aren't as strong as you should be." Her ears dropped a bit. "Again it's my fault that I didn't find a way to speak to you sooner."

Naruto noticed her saddened look and frowned. "Is there any way you can make me stronger!? I don't want to be dead weight with the team. I know Sasuke is an ass and all but he's really good with Taijutsu and Ninjutsu. And Sakura has great chakra control. I just have a lot of power… but I can't use it very well…"

"I can…."

"Great! So you can tr…."

"But everything has a cost Naruto. I can give you incredible hearing… but human ears aren't designed for it. That is why fox ears were needed. I can give you an excellent sense of smell, but because you have a human nose I have to rework how your senses are perceived by your brain and how the chakra flows through you."

"Yeah.. but.."

She sighed, "You must understand that I have chakra control that far surpasses any of the Kage, however changing your body is extremely difficult. A change in eye color is simple and quick because it does not change how you see, ears not so much, and giving you a keen sense of smell is even harder. Actively changing you chakra network….."

He pouted. "So you can't make me stronger…"

"Don't give me those eyes kit. I can do anything! However… the seal severely limits how much chakra I can use. Meaning that the less chakra I have circulating through your body… the longer it will take to change anything."

"So how can you….?"

"In order to drastically affect any part of you, I need more of my chakra running through the area than you. My chakra, despite being a part of you since birth, is still my chakra and it doesn't mix well with yours. It is the same problem that users of medical Ninjutsu have. The body will always try to reject foreign chakra even if it is helping."

Naruto sat back, thinking it over. "So she can make me stronger but it just takes a long time? Or what about elements? Sasuke can do "Fire Ball jutsu" but I can't use anything like that…" "Kurama… can you give me control over elements and stuff? Like how Sasuke can use fire when the other kids in class can't."

She smiled. "I can do that. As I already said, I can use most of the jutsu you humans can, excluding some lightning, Water, and all of Earth style."

"Um… is sounds like you can only do like half."

Kurama scowled. "Silence kit. I am greatly diminished from my full power. An entire half of my chakra is gone. You try doing jutsu after someone cuts you in half."

"What do you mean by missing half of your power?"

"Simply this… the Yondaime thought I had gone insane. He wasn't about to seal me in my entirety into his son. It would have been a death sentence for you. Instead he sealed the Yang half of his chakra into you. And sealed the Yin half into himself moments before his death. You see Naruto… a Shinobi's elemental affinity is often limited to the balance of their Yin and Yang chakra, which is in turn often hereditary."

She brought her hand forward and the floor between them began to change, a diagram appearing before them. "Yin chakra is every bit as important and strong as Yang chakra. However… Because I am made up exclusively of Yang chakra, certain elements are drastically more difficult for me. Earth style is the domain of the Yin chakra. Those ninja who had overwhelmingly more Yin chakra than Yang often become powerful Earth users." Naruto leaned forward as the diagram moved with her words, forming a pentagram with the five elements arranged according to their association with either of the chakra types. "Each type of chakra had a primary focus and two secondary focuses. For instance… Yang chakra's primary elemental focus is Wind, followed by Lightning and fire. While Yin chakra's primary focus is Earth, followed by Water and Fire."

"Ah! That means I would be great with wind right!? Because you're all Yang chakra and our chakra is connected so I'd have way more Yang chakra than anything else!"

She smirked. "Right you are. Because of your massive imbalance in Yang chakra you would have an equal affinity for Wind Release…. although it isn't guaranteed."

"What do you mean by that? I mean I have to have wind with all of that right?"

"Your elemental affinity isn't entirely dependent on the balance of Yin and Yang chakra. Your blood decides your Elemental affinity. For example… I believe your father's main affinity was either wind or lightning… with his secondary affinity being the other. As for Kushina, I believe she had a minor affinity for Fire and a massive one for Water. Although… she always kept me under such a tight watch…"

She sighed once more and continued. "Now if you inherited Kushina's elemental affinity that means you will have a massive affinity for fire…. The likes of which hasn't been seen in decades if not centuries… but if you gained Minato's, it could be the same either way. As both Wind and Lightning are strong on the Yang side of the spectrum."

Naruto sat there for a moment thinking. "So that probably means I'll be real bad at Earth Release…"

"Unfortunately… yes. Very much so. It won't be impossible for you to learn it, but it certainly wouldn't be easy. And Water Release won't be easy either. But you're lucky either way. Most Shinobi only have an average affinity for one element. You have a good chance for a strong affinity in two."

"So?! Can you train me in them… or I mean, find out what they are first and then train me?" He was bursting at the thought of having personal training sessions with the Kyuubi. It would be beyond anything he could have hoped for. Forget Kakashi. He was being taught by Kurama, like being trained by one of the Kage but all the time and better!

She leaned forward and caught his hand, dragging him into her lap. Naruto didn't resist, but shifted to get comfortable. Kurama giggled a bit as he accidently grabbed one of her tails. "Now now.. I'll try to determine your affinity. It shouldn't take very long. Just close your eyes for me Naruto."

He did so and waited. Kurama's body was very warm as if she radiated heat. It was almost tempting to doze off, but he still wanted to train.

Unbeknownst to him, Kurama's face had twisted into a frown of concentration. "For some reason, I'm finding it rather difficult to find his affinity… Perhaps my vision is too focused. I'm just looking for three elements… It's entirely possible he has a talent for Water Release only. I've seen stranger things…"

A few minutes passed and Naruto was starting to wonder if she was going to stop stoking his hair. As much as he enjoyed the attention, it was a bit distracting. He almost jumped out of her lap as she let out a clear laugh, like a chorus of bells. "Ah… my kit. How lucky we are to be you. It seems you are rather special…if I do say so myself."

He twisted around to look her in the face. She was grinning broadly. "What do I have?"

"Three things… one of which I didn't expect… and a second which amazes even me. You have three affinities… that in and of its self is special. I'd say only five percent of Shinobi are born with three… However that isn't what makes it special."

"Well! Are you going to tell me? Come on Kurama!"

"Settle down young one. I'll save the best for last. First let me tell you that you have a slightly above average affinity for Water, obviously from your mother. However….you also have what Shinobi call a blood line."

"What's that?!" Blood line sounded really cool and powerful… He thought it sounded a bit familiar too, like Iruka had mentioned it in class when he was half asleep.

"It is usually passed down from generation to generation. And if the parent has a bloodline trait, the child will almost always have the same. However the reason it took me so long is that I've never actually met someone with this one." She eyed him mischievously. "You have matching affinities… as in they are perfectly equal in strength, for Wind and Lightning. I've heard of many Combination-Ninjutsu for those two at once, but in my entire life I've never met someone with a genuine bloodline."

Naruto was ecstatic. "What's it called?!"

Kurama flicked her tails in thought. She seemed to be thinking about what it was. "I didn't tell him the truth… I just know that he wouldn't be able to restrain himself. Minato had the Kekkei Genkei for Wind and Lightning although he kept it a secret from almost everyone. And Kushina was brilliant when it came to her fire techniques, but to have inherited all three… and equally? To be born with the first Kekkei Tota in decades… and only the fourth in recorded history? I'm not sure how he'd take it…"

She tilted her head, looking down at his excited face, wondering just what to say. If he went blabbing to someone he could get himself in serious trouble. As an Uzumaki he was prime real-estate already. And as soon as the village revealed who his father was… he'd have every family in Konoha throwing their daughters at him. Not only was he royalty, but he had two of the most famous clans in his lineage.

To add a Kekkei Genkei would just be overkill. He'd have to worry about arranged marriages and political alliances. Even with what she'd told him… he might still be targeted for kidnapping. Kumo was notorious for that sort of thing and Iwa wasn't much better. If anyone found out that he had a Kekkei Tota it would be painting a bulls eye on his back.

Even smaller villages would risk war for the chance to wield a power like that, not to mention her. Son of the Fourth Hokage and one of the last Uzumaki…. The Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi… and possessing the rarest bloodline in history to date. There would be absolutely no chance for peace. Even if there wasn't a minor war over him he'd be dogged by everyone and their second eldest daughter. It wasn't in the least bit helpful that he was going to look just like his father when he was older. Once he shed his skin as a weakling the girls would be chasing him clan and bloodline or not.

Kurama smiled and patted Naruto on his head, rubbing between his foxy ears. He almost purred, making a happy rumble in his chest. "It's a lesser version of something called Plasma Release Naruto. It's beyond rare. As far as I know the true version is completely extinct." She grabbed hold of his face with both hands, bringing his soft crimson eyes close to her own. "I need you to promise that you won't tell anyone about this. I promise to train you, but you MUST not reveal this ability."

He looked forlorn. "But why Kurama….?"

She pulled him into a hug. "Because I say so okay? I don't want you to get hurt. Others will try and steal you from here and take your powers for their own." Naruto's hands brushed over one of her tails as he craned his head back to look in her eyes. "They would do that anyway to take me from you. So promise that you'll keep this between us two."

Naruto had closed his eyes once again. "I promise. And Naruto Uzumaki never goes back on his word."

She smiled as he closed his eyes, letting head fall on her shoulder. Soon he fell asleep. "He seems to like it here. Perhaps he's growing too attached to me… If this keeps up he won't be able to sleep without coming here…" One hand rose to touch the tips of his ears. "Naruto… I wonder what your parents would say, with me deciding to raise you now? Would they understand? I think Minato might but Kushina would be jealous." Kurama smiled slightly and relaxed. "A little rest wouldn't hurt right now. I doubt anyone will come here anyway so the Henge can drop for now…"

She closed her eyes and drifted off.

Ooo

Ooo

And that's a wrap. No long author's note this time. Just a few words on the pairings.

Confirmed girls: Karin, Tayuya, Fem-Gaara, Karui

Possible girls: Amaru, Honoka (Keep in mind both are redheads), Ryuzetsu, Haku, Koyuki, Shizuka

Girls who won't be included: The usual girls from Konoha, those who have a large age gap with Naruto, and either of the Female Jinchuriki.

Keep in mind that there is quite a bit of gender bending in this story. So if you have an interesting idea for a switch you'd like to see… put it in the reviews. So with all that in mind PLEASE REVIEW! That's what makes the writing easy!