Hanyou Family: Chapter 6.

Past and Future: Naruto, Inuyasha and Kagome.

Please, Read and Review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Inuyasha.

Kagome strode through the hallways of the apartment building, with Kakashi close behind. Soon, she reached the correct door and threw it open. Her eyes found the balcony door inside wide open, before cruising around to find her husband and the injured child.

She quickly found them, Naruto was seated on the counter near the sink, with Inuyasha nearby running a cloth around the boy's bare arms and chest.

"Inuyasha?" she softly called, while Kakashi moved to a corner near the doorway.

"You got here faster than I thought." the hanyou complemented, his ears twitching lightly. As she moved towards him and Naruto, Kagome's stopped his hand with her own, the priestess quickly looked over Naruto's body. She was surprised to see he barely had any of the smaller cuts that she would expect from such a tumble. Some bruises on the boy had even begun to colour.

'Hmmmm? I had never expected him to heal this quickly. Still, there are plenty of scrapes and skids on his arms and legs. Thank Kami that nothing hit his head,' Kagome surmised.

"Alright. Naruto-kun, can you move into the bathroom for me? And Inuyasha. Can you fetch the medical ointments and herbs from my satchel? I'll finish cleaning Naruto-kun's injuries there and take care of any on his legs."

Inuyasha nodded, before leaving to fetch the bag as Naruto nodded, somewhere in a daze, moving off the counter and into the bathroom.

Kagome followed, setting Naruto to sit on the toilet-seat as she knelt down in front of him.

"Naruto-kun?" At those words, a pair of deep blue eyes nearly melted Kagome's heart. As they met her own brown eyes, a blue sea of awe and hope met the conviction and compassion of fertile brown earth.

Swallowing back her emotions, Kagome returned to her task.

"I can make any injuries you have better right now. Then, if you want, I can fix those tears in your shirt. Can you hold still for me for just a short while?" She promised.

Naruto look up silently. '…she…her smile…it's like those other people give to kids I see at the playground…when they get hurt and a parent comes and...' he thought. Until the question came through, and he began to nod.

Inuyasha returned with Kagome's bag, then moved back through the doorway to lean on the far wall, keeping his eyes on the pair all the while. Kagome herself also reached for a first-aid kit from the cupboard, recalling how she used to help her brother Souta with his own 'owies' when he was little. And doing the same thing for Shippou, and Songo's children.

'Well, I never thought I would treat cuts and bruises with modern band-aids and gauze after our wedding.' She thought. Modern-esq bandages and first-aid was certainly another plus that she was guilty thankful to have in Konoha.

The Hanyou-couple kept their attention fixed on Naruto, while Kakashi leaned back, present but disinterested. Or at least, he appeared to be. His eye crossed between the three figures, unable to stop a growing curiosity in his mind.

'Inuyasha-san won't take his eyes off of them,' he observed. 'But that look is not the same kind of concern he had for Kagome-san in the Hokage's office. His focus is resting only on Naruto.'

'I hope Hiruzen-sama doesn't regret their chance encounter with Naruto yesterday. When Anko and Kurenai informed him they had met, it made sense to let it play-out to keep Kagome and Inuyasha from learning about the Kyubi. Still, after that incident, Kagome is not going to leave the matter of Naruto's predicaments alone. And Inuyasha might be even more demanding than her,' he observed. 'Well, the ANBU shadowing followed my silent orders, and Hokage-sama will likely be here very shortly.'

His lazy disposition aside, Kakashi could be observant and insightful. Especially with all the time he took to watch and think; now, he continued watching them, as Kagome's voice kept Naruto calm and easy under her care. The boy would wince at some minor stings, but Kagome's herbs were more comfortable than other disinfectants would have been. Minutes later, she was tying off the last bandages and to boy was on his feet again.

"Domo-Arigato Kagome-san!" Naruto cried, happily. Walking around the corner with Kagome just behind him. He was smiling, as if the pain and discomfort was gone.

"You're very welcome Naruto-san." She replied, before glancing at the clock.

"Wow! It seems lunchtime has come around already. Hey!" her voice reached everyone present. "Anybody hungry for a mid-day meal?"

"Huh! Food? Yeah-yeah-yeah! That's be great, Kagome-san, dattebayo!" Naruto replied, his face lit-up by the offer, nodded eagerly.

"I wouldn't mind a small bite, if it's not too inconvenient, Kagome-san." Kakashi gave a simple reply, while Inuyasha nodded.

Kagome moved to the stove and began looking over ingredients they had been bought two days past and began to prepare rice, pork-strips and several vegetables.

"Hey kid." Inuaysha spoke-up, as his wife had begun to cook. "That bastard who kicked you around outside. Does that kind of thing happen often? People treating you like unwanted trash?"

Kagome's face left the counter, frowning at her husband while Naruto stopped in his tracks. "Uh…Yeah. It's happened before, but not a lot," the boy explained. "Almost everybody treats me like that. But not all the time!" Inuaysha was surprised as the boy perked-up at the last comment.

"Iruka-sensei started to be a lot nicer to me two months ago! And Teuchi-san and Ayame nii-chan are always really happy to see me. And so is Jiji-san!"

Kagome was surprised. "Jiji-san!? You told us yesterday you live alone, Naruto-san."

"Yeah. That what I call the Hokage." At the one, simple word, the boy's face grew a wide smile, raising one fist to his forehead.

"But people won't pick on me forever! Once I become Hokage, someday, they will have to respect me! So, no matter what happens, nobody can get me down for too long!" he declared. Although, the brave words did not fool Kagome or Inuyasha.

"You seriously want to become the leader of everyone here!" an incredulous shout came from Inuyasha. Narrowed eyes, joining with a glare, bore into Naruto from the hanyou. Causing the boy to take a step back, fearful.

"~Inuuu~yaaa~shaaa~…" Kagome's melodic voice reach her husband, with an impending promise.

"Huh! Oh No! Sorry! Sorry!" the Guardian began waving his arms at her, desperate to ward off a certain threat.

"I'm sorry, Naruto! Kagome-! I-I Didn't Mean To Scare The Kid! Sorry, Sorry!"

Kakashi watched as Kagome eyed her husband, before giving a simple nod and leaving him unhurt. Then, she turned to face Naruto across the room.

"Naruto-kun?" the boy turned at her call.

"You truly wish to become the leader of this village, despite what everyone here has done to you?"

The boy's eyes blinked at the question, from beside a frozen Inuyasha. As the hanyou tried to digest how Kagome had not said a particular word, Naruto was nodding his head, again.

"Yeah! If I just let others chose who or what I am then I'd be weak or a coward. That's why I'm gonna prove them wrong by becoming the Hokage. This place is my home too, so I'm not just gonna leave it because somebody else told me to!"

The small child crossed his arms, trying and failing to look final or official.

"Only I get to decide who or what I do or what I am. Nobody can change that because I don't want them!"

He didn't see it, but Inuyasha's face was lit with pure amazement. Kagome was the same, until she was beaming at the child's words and determination.

'He doesn't seem to be treated too differently than other hanyou we have met, and unlike them, he lacks any parents to protect or soften the blows that other people deliver to him. Yet this boy still retains a kind heart…' she reflected, a flicker of pride for the child growing in her heart.

Returning to the meal she was preparing, Kagome worked carefully to make enough for everyone present. 'Peppers, chicken, soy-beans, cashew-nuts, and the rice is nearly done. And more than enough for the four of us.'

A mouth-watering smell saturated the air, while Naruto asked Inuyasha about his sword, and repeatedly begged for him let him use it. Eventually, lunch was made and everyone moved to the table when-

CRK-CRK-CRK-CRK-CRK-CRK. A knock came at the door. Kakashi offered to answer it, while Naruto smelled the beautiful meal and Kagome encouraged him to eat-up. The boy picked through the rice-bowl for the juicy pieces of meat, avoiding any green pieces before him. Kagome was watching him carefully, and quickly brought up him avoiding the vegetables. Causing a small argument between them, but Kagome was patient and even more stubborn than the nine-year-old could be. Inuyasha watched them with amusement, ignoring the visitor Kakashi had let inside.

Eventually Naruto reluctantly swallowed all of his lunch.

"It seems you have been a welcome guest, Naruto-kun," an ancient voice called to them. As Naruto glanced over his shoulder, a surprise was standing by the doorway.

"Jiji! I was just telling Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san about you!"

Sure enough, the Sandaime Hokage stood there, with a smile of awe and happiness etched on his face. Naruto slid off his seat to run over and hung the old man, while Kagome and Inuyasha were giving him some hard looks, especially the latter.

His attention remained focused on the boy, stepping back to place one hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"Hello there, my boy. It seems you enjoyed lunch with these two quite a lot. Did you thank them? Especially after those some difficulties?"

"Gggrrrrr! Difficulties!" growled Inuyasha. "Are you senseless and blind, old fart! You call what this kid goes through difficulties! I saw the looks in those bastard's eyes! And let me tell you, I know them all too well! How can you let this happen to the kid!? I thought you said-"

"Inuyasha! You're upsetting Naruto." Kagome's words yanked Inuyasha's outburst to a halt. "Yelling is not going to help here."

Inuyasha's eyes moved to Naruto, and the innocent anger shining from the child.

"Why were you yelling at Jiji-san?! He's the Hokage! And a really, really great one too, dattebayo!"

For some minutes, Inuaysha glanced between the boy and the older man. Until, slowly, he shook his head; the fiery mood shrinking to a simmer. "Sorry Naruto. Guess my anger got away on me again. If you like the guy, maybe he isn't that bad," he acknowledged.

Now Kagome was surprised, glancing between both of the boys. 'Inuyashah being apologetic and empathetic with someone else?'

The Sandaime himself regarded Inuaysha carefully, filing away their interaction with a measure of keen satisfaction.

"It is alright, Naruto-kun. Inuyasha-san was only expressing his opinion. And given that his anger was out of concern for you, there is nothing here to apologize for." The Sandaime Hokage spoke-up. 'This day has certainly taken an interesting turn.'

Reaching into his robes, the Hokage produced a child's shirt, and handed it to Naruto. "My boy. Why don't you put this on, rather than wearing that torn one?" The boy grabbed it, thanking the old man before changing his shirt quickly. The Hokage himself had to stifle a frown at the bandages across Naruto's chest, before watching the boy walking up to the woman at the table.

"K-Kagome-san? Are you sure you can still fix my shirt?" the boy asked, with hope-filled eyes the miko could never in any world refuse.

"Of course, Naruto-kun. I would be glad to, once I find the right coloured thread to match it," she answered, gently taking the shirt from him.

"So!" Inuyasha called over with a more patient tone, demanding attention from everyone back to the topic that had been at hand.

"Old-man. Are you going to explain why those people in the streets were so horrible to the kid? Or just put a band-aid on the problem and hope it will go away when you aren't looking?" he growled at the Hokage.

The elder met the hanyou's glare with a patient eyes, that could outlast anyone. Deliberating for some moments, before settling on his decision.

"Kakashi-san. I wish to speak with the Higurashi's in private. Would it be an inconvenience for you to take Naruto-kun to a nearby park and look after him for a short time while we discuss certain things in here?"

The grey-haired Jonin shuffled lightly, rubbing the back of his head with an awkward stance.

"I…well, if you are the one making the request, I suppose I have no choice. If Naruto-san wouldn't mind my tedious company."

"What the hell! Are you trying to brush this away by keeping it outa sight, Old Man!" Inuyasha asked. Causing Kagome to rise to her feet.

"Inuyasha! 'Hokage-sama." He is the leader of this village, so you really should start calling him that!" she spoke, scolding her husband, believing respect would get them further than confrontation.

But Inuyasha heavily disagreed. "Come on Kagome. There are more important things right here than giving undue respect to an old fart!"

With a sigh, she closed her eyes, muttering, "Sit boy," mindful of the building they were inside. And a purple glow bathed the room.

"Whaaaa-"CRASH! Inuyasha only had a second to cry before his face met the floor.

"Now are you going to apologize to Hokage-sama?" Kagome questioned her husband.

"brrruff….Man… Alright. Sorry about calling you that Hokage-sama," he spat out. While the village leader was blinking in surprise.

He was not alone. Naruto was glancing between Kagome and Inuyasha with surprise and terror. 'How didshe do that? That "sit" thing, can it happen to me, or Oji-uh, Hokage-sama? Is this what Shikamaru means by grown-up girls being really scary?'

Still, Kakashi had seen it before and stood up from his seat.

"Well, Naruto. Let's get going. Hokage-sama does want to talk with them alone for right now," he suggested. "But. I am certain that all three of them would like you to come back here once they finish up."

"Oh, we definitely would" Kagome responded; with a gentle smile towards the sun-kissed blonde.

Kakashi nodded, as he and Naruto left, Hiruzen sat down across from Inuyasha and Kagome. Drawing the pipe from his robes and lighting some fresh tobacco, he prepared himself for the long explanation ahead of him…"

"Why?!"

Inuyasha was about to speak, when Kagome beat him to the punch. Her voice and tone carried a strength to make even Death hesitate.

"Why were people treating Naruto-kun like that! He was just looking for some Band-Aids after falling-down in the forest, and they treat him like the plague! If you recall learning of our lives and world, Hokage-sama, then the way others were treating him was no different from how other hanyou like Inuyasha are seen in our home dimension."

Hokage sighed. "I take it that Kakashi-san did not tell you anything?"

"No, he didn't. But someone was! One of the people were about to say something before Kakashi shut them up!" Inuyasha spoke, quite aggressively.

A hardened look came into Hiruzen's eyes as he met Inuyasha's demanding gaze. "What happened to make people say that kid is a demon! He's not one, I can tell that without any doubts! And I know that this kinda thing happens to him a lot!"

"I take it you questioned Naruto about his life," Hiruzen replied, not missing a beat.

"Didn't need to," the hanyo replied, curling one hand in a trembling fist. "The look in his eye told me everything. Strong, confused, and demanding answers, behind a wish for all of it to stop! I've seen that look in a lot of people before."

Kagome's shock lasted a few moments. Then she turned angrily to the Hokage, who did not need to see her eyes before he began to explan.

"Yes. You are correct. Naruto-kun is not a demon. Instead, people make him a scapegoat for something that is no fault of his solely because he is the most visible reminder they have to reproach."

The weight carried by his words, and power churning within the man before them silenced Inuyasha and Kagome. Their protest died in their throats, whilst the Hokage took a deep breath from his pipe. His eyes met the couple's filing both with a piercing stare, backed by sufficient power to make them hesitate.

"Please. Bear with me Kagome-san. Inuyasha-san. Naruto-kun's circumstances will take a lengthy explanation for you to understand everything about the suffering that boy has endured. However. What I am about to reveal is an S-class secret. An extremely high-priority threat that only I can speak of openly without severe punishment."

The man rose to his feet, drawing a series of paper-tags form his robes.

"I am going to establish a silent-seal array on this room first. Then I will begin to reveal the truth about Naruto's situation."

Inuyasha was visibly uneasy, but when Kagome caught his attention, he changed from aggressive to apprehensive. The Third Hokage nodded, and had the seal ready within minutes,

'This situation is shaping to be far better than I had planned for or dared to hope. They have formed a fluid river to nearly the precise circumstance that I wished to shape through these interactions. Let's see what will come next.'

Once the array was set and active, the Hokage moved back the to a chair at the table, while Inuyasha and Kagome sat opposite to him. And he began his story.

"Should you share this with anybody, then both Naruto's lives and others here in my village will be left endangered. Should that come to pass, then I will hunt and destroy you both myself, even back to your home dimension, should that be required." At the promise of death, Hiruzen let out a pulse of his power, shaking the entire room. Inuyasha's hand gripped Tessaiga, trying to push beyond the dense veil of power from the elder man, while Kagome was fixed in her seat.

After lingering for one moment longer, the Sandaime Hokage relaxed, assuming the guise of a paternal leader once more.

"Ten years ago, our village was attack by a powerful entity called the Kyubi-no-Kitsune-no-yokai. This beast was one of the Biju. A group of different beings whom are pure chakra entities. Their entire existence is self-sustaining chakra, granting incredible degrees of power. To the extent that they are immortal, large enough to tower over all the trees in the surrounding forests, and terrifying ferocious."

"There are nine Biju throughout the world, and the Kyubi-no-Kitsune is known to be the most powerful and rage-filled of them all. Thousands of people were killed when it attacked my village, both civilians and shinobi fighting to contain it."

The Hokage's tone carried his emotions: respectful awe towards such power, layered with grief, regret, and hatred. At them, Inuyasha was growling, while Kagome's mind grew hard as iron.

'His words…I only recall hearing Naraku spoken with such venom and anger. But this man…he's almost like Songo towards Kohaku's death. This Hokage's rage is towards the losses and tragedy of this event, more than a single living thing.'

"In the end," Hiruzen continued, "my successor, the Yondaime Hokage, met the beast in single-combat. He alone was able to remove the Kyubi from our village, and successfully defeat it. At the cost of his life."

"However, unlike the demons in your dimension, the Biju cannot be killed. As I described, they are beings made of pure chakra. Chakra naturally re-accumulates within any living thing until it reaches a certain capacity. Since they are pure chakra with a physical form, the Biju can only be weakened. And locked away into a single living being with sufficient power to restrain them."

The Hokage voice gradually took on a grave tone as he spoke. While Kagome's eye grew wide, glancing at the door Naruto had left through and grasping an assumption.

"He sealed it inside Naruto!"

The elder's eyes rose in surprise, before composing himself and nodding.

"Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh," the weary Hokage sighed. "Yes. The magnitude and nature of a Biju's chakra means that they cannot be sealed into an object indefinitely. The only stable source to restrain them is within a living being, with a large-enough chakra network to sustain and supress the Biju's power through a powerful fuinjutsu. At that time, Naruto and the Yondaime himself were the only beings present who could fulfill these requirements."

"Then why the hell was the left with a burden like that!" Inuyasha roared, shooting to his feet, nearly yanking Hiruzen into his claws. The hanyou's entire body was shaking, desperate for something, anything at all to snap in half from these revelations.

"If he could've taken that burden alone, why didn't this Yondaime," he spat the name with disgusted sarcasm, "lock that fox away into himself!"

Kagome was barely any better.

'I need more beads of subjugation! Enough for every, single, disgusting person in this village to "Sit!"' She mentally exclaimed.

"He did, Inuyasha-san," Hriuzen replied, sternly.

"The process for executing such a fuinijutsu to hold back a Biju is usually extremely time-consuming, and many of those available could not be completed single-handed on a chaotic battlefield. The Kyubu-no-Kitsune was only restrained. It was not defeated, nor incapacitated enough for any other way."

"So the Yondaime Hokage did execute a seal to lock half of the Kyubi's chakra into himself. And the only jutsu capable of doing that killed him."

Nobody made a sound. Hiruzen watched the couple carefully, as Kagome's mouth hung agape, her entire form trembling with awe. Inuyasha's arms dropped to his side, most of the anger evaporating from him.

"It was called the Shinki-Fuin-Ogi. A technique that can summon the Shinigami, and seals away whomever the summoner targets into its stomach for eternity. However, it also takes the soul of the individual whom casts the death-seal as well, causing them to die. My successor performed it, sealing half of the Kyubi's chakra into himself, and his remaining power to seal the rest of the weakened Kyubi into Naruto."

"Naruto was made a Jinchuuriki. A Human sacrificed to become the host of a Biju. He saved the village that day, and every day since, despite being only a newborn, who's umbilical-cord had just been cut."

Kagome's hands flew to her mouth, tears welling in her eyes at the devastating events. Inuyasha's head hung very low, his spirit was flying through a storm of emotions. Anger directed towards hundreds of people: the villagers, and the Kyubi itself. Joined with a new respect towards the Sandaime Hokage, and particularly Kakashi.

'Even when we first met, there was nothing but concern in Kakashi's one eye around Naruto. Wasn't that much, but there's no mistake it was better than others,' the hanyou acknowledged, as HIruzen continued his recount.

"You see, the people of my village see Naruto as the Kyubi in human-form, no matter how hard I have attempted to explain that he is only the container. Not the demon itself. Even some of my own Shinobi choose to see him as a monster, rather than a helpless child, forced to carry a burden he never wanted, or volunteered for."

"The Yondaime wanted Naruto to be seen as a hero. For protecting all of us form the Kyubi within him every day. But too many decide to ignore his wishes, or simply turn a blind-eye to them both." Even the Sandaime could not keep disappointment and anger from his voice. 'How many times have I repeated myself to dozens of my people. Or dealt with Homura, Koharu and Danzo's demands for Naruto to be used as a human-weapon.'

Taking several, deep breath from his pipe, Hiruzen continued, while Inuyasha and Kagome digested what they'd learned.

"Years ago, I made a law that nobody whom does not already know about the Kyubi and Naruto can ever speak about it, aloud. However, the people of my village indirectly pass on their prejudices to their children, leading them to reject Naruto, or simply ignore him all together."

"It reached a notably dangerous point two weeks ago. When there was skirmish in the black hills just outside of the village. A group of his classmates at the Shinobi-Academy dared Naruto to go there to steal a kunai with the false-promise of accepting him if he succeeded. He ran into a squad of Taki-nin and barely escaped. However, one of the few who can move passed their prejudices saved him."

Kagome could feel the ray of light that news brought to her eyes, which were flooding with silent tears for what Naruto had endured. Even the blazing glare in Inuyasha's eyes, dimmed.

"His instructor, Umino Iruka. Both of Iruka-san's parents were killed by the Kyubi. He grew up an orphan, and often pulled pranks or acted as a clown to cover-up his feeling of loneliness. However, once he heard from another student who exposed the scheme, he left the room to find Naruto out of concern for his well-being. He was able to counter and evade the enemy squad while keeping Naruto safe, until Kakashi arrived and defeated them very casually. Since then, Iruka has shown great concern for Naruto."

"Still he remains part of a drastic minority," The Hokage swallowed, measuring everything very, very carefully, to keep the sense of pleading out of his voice.

"The multitude of people here in the village continue act as if Naruto had never existed or is a blight that ought to be removed. In response, he performs various pranks and outbursts to gain any form of attention he can find. It has become a constant form of trouble, all to get others to notice him, in some way at the least. He craves acknowledgement above all else, no matter what form it takes."

The Hokage took a long drag form his pipe and sat back. He looked over the couple in front of him, before curling back in fear.

"WHY IS HE ALONE! IF YOU KNOW THIS IS HAPPENING WHY DIDN'T YOU ADOPT HIM! OR ASSIGN SOMEONE TO LIVE WITH THE KID AND LOOK AFTER HIM!" Inuyasha roared.

The Hokage recoiled from the rage that was flung at him, empowered by a pure emotional outburst on Naruto's behalf.

"IT'S JUST CRUEL!" Kagome tearfully accused him. Shooting to her feet alongside her husband. "HOW CAN THESE PEOPLE BE SO IGNORANT AND INDIGNANT! WHY WOULD THEY TREAT SUCH AN ADORABLE, PURE CHILD LIKE THAT JUST BECAUSE HE's AVAILABLE TO BLAME! AND WHY HAVEN'T YOU DONE MORE FOR HIM!"

"Hhhhhhhhhhhhhh." The Hokage's sigh seemed to age him by an extra decade.

"Politics." He almost spat out.

"To start, should Naruto, as a Jinchuuriki, ever become part of a clan, then those in question may claim that they control the Kyubi within him. That could lead to them strong-arming their own agenda's and desires in all of the village's affairs. While I could trust many of the clan-heads, the bulk of their clan-members and the respective clan elders have greater faults."

"Even I, as the patriarch of the Sarutobi clan, could theoretically adopt Naruto as my grandson. As much as I would love to do exactly that, I cannot trust my own clan-members to accept him without protest or to use him to advance their own ambitions. As a result, from trying to protect Naruto from the worst and maintaining balance in the village, there is very little I am able to do at all."

As the Hokage completed his testimony of Naruto's life, Kagome felt sympathy for the elderly leader. He truly did care about Naruto, but there really was little that he could do.

They remained silent for several moments, until the Hoakge spoke-up. "There is one option that is still available, though."

Inuyasha and Kagome were apprehensive of the Hoakge's statement.

"If Naruto was adopted by a civilian family, or by one of my ninja who are outside of the clans, then I could approve of the adoption and extend ANBU security to them, ensuring that nobody interfered with them. However, no one will come forward at all. If-"

Inuyasha stood-up, moving directly for the balcony, and out into the fresh, open air.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome called after her husband, following him outside. Outdoors, the hanyou was gripping the railing, nearly tearing it form the concrete. 'UHHHGGG! If I don't break something soon I'll-Huh?!'

"Inuyasha, my love," a soothing voice washed over him, joined with a familiar hand over his right shoulder, its opposite arm reaching his left hip. Looking aside, he found Kagome pulling herself closer to him, her eyes closed tight,

At her touch, his mood cooled, slightly, placing his left arm across her shoulders, with the right tucked close to her form. For some minutes, the couple stood there, soothing one another of the rage towards Naruto's terrible discrimination. Until Kagome opened her eyes again, looking down towards the streets.

"Calling all of this unfair is an understatement. The cruelty and unfairness of Naruto-kun's life…" it took all of Kagome's will to swallow back the tears swelling in her head.

"It's worse than that," barely higher than a whisper in the wind, Inuyasha's voice was lower than Kagome had ever heard her husband speak before.

"Kag—ome…. centuries ago…when my mother was still alive. She was always there to soften the blows whenever someone rejected or mistreated me."

"I…I still remember her words, and her tears. Even with the hard times I faced after her death, there was one time where somebody was there for me," his voice was thousands of kilometers away, and Kagome heard every syllable clear as the dawn.

"I…gggggrrrrr," imagining Naruto's life, one not dissimilar to his own and facing it alone, ignited Inuyasha's spirit. "I can barely imagine how Naruto is handling the same, when he was so young and all alone. With nobody and nothing, while beyond all of that he wants to find recognitions from other people all the while!"

"I…I don't believe he should stop fighting back to find acceptance from them, Kagome. Our life together once people in Kaede's village accepted me is far better than what I had a lifetime ago. But if someone doesn't help him, that kid's spirit might break under the pressure and challenges in front of him!"

Kagome stood there, holding tight to Inuyasha as he began panting form the emotions in his heart. Her own carried similar sentiments layered with new and powerful kinds of emotions. She was unaware of them, but these new feelings blooming in Kagome's soul, towards the fate-damned child she had met, could be more volatile and unpredictable than all the Biju combined.

"I feel the same way. Just from Naruto-kun's expression as I was treating his injuries. I…" a lump forming in her throat cut Kagome's words from her voice, until it was swallowed back, moving into her limbs. Inuyasha felt her dropping, and soon grasped his wife, passing his strength to her.

"Kagome?"

"I..can't stand it, Inuyasha! That…that was…it was the first-no the only time that child has been given any real care or concern form another being before!" she spoke, trying desperately not to begin yelling curses out to all those below them from the balcony.

"Just the idea of him and his life…all alone and surrounding by those who despise him…Who know the truth and chose to ignore it in favour of their hatred. I can't stand the idea of leaving him here, all alone!" she explained. "Even worse, with a power like that inside him, one that other people clearly covet like the Hokage described, we cannot take him with us to a safer place at all."

Now Kagome was the one growling past her teeth, carrying a furry that even their closest friends knew very well to fear, deeply.

Inuyasha nodded, looking out at the carved faces in the mountain, then towards the village below them, and back towards his wife.

The idea of leaving Naruto in this village, alone, tore a giant hole in his heart.

'Nobody here is gonna give him any form of real care, that's for certain," he reasoned, with golden eyes of rage blazing, trying to find some solution to the matter at hand.

'Plus, form what Kakashi, Guy, Kurenai and Anko described, there are well over 10,000 of these ninjas right here. On top of that they know where we came-from, so the chances are high that even if we tried to sneak away with Naruto, they would follow us. Maybe even take it as an excuse to kill the kid!'

"If only we could—Huh!" Kagome's mussing were stopped by a gasp. Looking across the village, a new idea came to her mind.

"I…Inuyasha what if..?" spying the look on his face, Kagome leaned close to one, twitching ear, and whispered her idea. At the concept, Inuyasha' face twisted in shock, then slowly dissipating to deep frown.

"Kagome…are you certain of this?"

"Well…it is somewhat out of the blue," she admitted, looking out across the town. "Still, it is not as if we'd permanently lose everyone in our home. Even then..I don't want to be pessimistic, but we aren't even positive whether there is a way back home through the Void Well, for the moment. Having one option for our lives right here just in case does make some sense."

"Even more than that," she continued, one hand slipping down to her lower abdomen. "Maybe here, the technology and knowledge they have could let us finally have…"

Staying silent for a moment, she pushed that matter aside, and thought back towards the boy.

"Think of it Inuyasha. We would be able to give Naruto the care, nurture, protection and more that he desperately needs. And even start our own family, here in this world."

Just one look in her husband's eyes told Kagome everything she needed to know.

"Kagome," Inuyasha reached with both hands, cupping her face, and resting his forehead to hers. "You gave up your entire worlds for me. So, we could be together. For you, I won't stop from doing the same. But you already gave up one world for me. Please, don't force yourself to do the same again."

At his words, Kagome couldn't keep the smile from her lips, towards the man she loved deeper than life itself.

'He wants to do this even more than I do. He wants to protect Naruto from the life that he experienced for over one, whole, century. And want to give this boy love as well, if he will accept us as his family.'

"I won't be, Inuyasha. We aren't turning away from Kaede's village completely. But this is something we both want to do. I promise."

Searching her eyes, Inuyasha couldn't' find half a sliver of deceit. Kagome did the same, each partner realizing they were certain. Nodding together, they moved back inside. Inuyasha shut the dorr behind them, while Kagome sat across from the Hokage.

"Hokage-sama." Kagome faced the man, with a spirit that made the aged Sandaime freeze with shock.

"I know that we talked about only staying here temporarily, until we were able to go back to the Void-well and go home. But now…now Inuyasha and I want something different. Will you allow us to settle here in your village, and take-in Naruto as our son!"

Silence fell over the room…..Even a fly won't dare make a sound…until the Hokage's pipe dropped from his mouth, setting off a loud clack once it struck the floor.

Despite the hope he carried, Hiruzen found himself struggling to digest the shock Kagome's words threw into his mind.

"So!? What's your answer old man!"

….

Neither Kagome, nor the Hokage registered the question. At long last, Hiruzen took a long, deep breath, feeling the growing weight of his taxing emotions. The man was near-crippled beneath the strain of holding back his elation and wish to grant them, that, very, second.

Lifting his pipe from the floor, Hiruzen reached for fresh tobacco, before catching himself, and putting both away. 'I need the clearest head for this, and nothing is going to ease me in this moment,' he resigned.

Immediately, he fixed Kagome with eyes that could burn even through the Amatarasu, leaving her to shudder in his sights.

"Why?"

One, single question, passed through the room, towards the Higurashi's.

"While I can guess what your answer will be. I still need to be certain, beyond any…and…all.. doubts," with every word, the Hokage's demeanor pressed greater weight towards the choice the pair had claimed to make.

"Why do you want to adopt Naruto-kun?"

"Also, if you do consent to raising him, you must know that he cannot leave this village—Before you argue!" he rushed, grasping the opportunity to explain.

"There are individuals who would try to attack Naruto due to his status as a Jinchuuriki. It would be filled with risks and difficulties, but it is nonetheless possible to extract a Biju from their host."

"Once that is done, someone could theoretically reseal it into a new vessel under their control and use the Biju's power as a weapon against Konohagakure. Also, if Naruto is outside of the village and his seal suddenly breaks, then the Kyubi would likely destroy anyone and anything to cross its path; with nobody to stop it and seal it away again. As miniscule as the chances are, that is not something I will risk happening."

"These are my concerns as a Hokage. However, as a man and a grandfather, I am also imposing this for Naruto's sake."

Kagome's narrow eyes widened. Catching the true love within the Hokage's spirit. Reaching across the gap between them, he covered Hiruzen's weathered hand with her own, soft, supple one. The touch was gentle, reassuring….but did not reach the steely glint in her eyes.

The elderly leader found himself shocked at the two eyes with wisdom far beyond even his; with the vigour and vitality of youth to drive their purpose forwards beyond any and everything in the way of their owner. With a lens of sympathy and curiosity that spoke the highest volumes to her legitimate concern for someone. Someone he could easily guess towards whom.

"Please, tell us more," Kagome asked from him.

Taking another breath, the Sandaime Hokage continued:

"If a Jinchuuriki's Biju is ever successfully extracted, the trauma has always caused the Jinchuuriki to die. While his life in Konoha is far from ideal, there is no one here who would or could dare to perform an extraction technique on Naruto-kun without being discovered and captured. A form of protection that would become severely less were he to leave the village. Also, if I allow you to adopt him, then I want to see Naruto grow up protected and loved."

The Hokage's tone changed from serious, the heart-felt. Catch even Inuyasha's close attention, past his instinctive distrust.

"I have no desire to see Naruto suffering or abandoned. As bad his life has been up until now, to be accepted by someone and then abandoned after, or forcibly separated from them, would very. likely. break that child. How serious are you both, regarding this offer? And giving-up the lives you have settled into, only for his sake?"

Inuyasha's eyes mirrored his wife's, both meeting one another's, to debate a final chance to turn back.

'I admit, it's kind of crazy that Kagome and I were focused only on getting back home just this morning. And now we're going to have to call this place home if we want to help Naruto. But if I left him alone, I'd regret it for the remainder of my life, no matter how long that would be. I won't just leave someone no different from how I was. Not anymore!'

Inuyasha nodded towards Kagome, and her eyes quickly changed, matching his with a different layer of purpose behind them. Facing the Hokage again, she gave him their answer.

"Hokage-sama. I've only been around him for moments, and I want to help Naruto-san…so badly. Even more than protect him from such prejudice and suffering, I want to show him the love and acceptance that someone can only find in a family."

"Hokage-sama, you already know what kind of life Inuyasha had back in our home dimension as a hanyou, form my memories. But Naruto-san's life is far, far worse than he, or anyone else we know.

"Over our time together, my husband and I have met with other hanyou's," her thoughts turning over several names in her mind: 'Jinenji-chan, Shiori-chan, and…'

"Many of them were ostracised and mistreat, but they also had family beside them to protect or comfort them, however they could. But Naruto-kun is far different. He child is completely alone, and if nobody helps him, he will likely grow to accept or expect hate and distrust everyone he encounters."

"Or worse…" a hard glare formed on Kagome, at a certain recollection.

"One of those we met…was named Izumo. A hanyou who desired to be fully human. Yet his efforts became misguided by desperation and deception. He tried to recreate a second Shikon Jewel, by sacrificing our souls to complete it. In the end…he was killed while desperately trying to avoid his own humanity and lost all that he wanted to gain."

Shifting her focus back to the present, the image of Naruto's face filled Kagome's mind, standing between herself and Inuyasha Her drive and soul building stronger at the image, she continued.

"While I was taking care of his injuries, Naruto-san told me that he had been training in a forest nearby but fell from a tree-branch and ended-up with all of those cuts and scrapes. He was in the town looking for enough bandages to help himself, and the place that he usual buys them from was closed today."

"I do not know anything about Izumo's past, but all the other hanyou's still had family or companions beside them, to guide and encourage them along a better path through life. Naruto is completely different, with nobody beside or with him to provide the guidance, love, and lessons only a parent can impart to somebody."

"I want to save that boy from the loneliness that is so deep in his heart. I want to give him a family that will take care of him; that he can trust, and love! I cannot think of a better answer to your concerns than that!" Kagome declared, her voice filled with enough conviction and dedication to intimidate the Hokage.

"That's right!" Inuyasha affirmed, stepping up beside her, with even greater purpose than Kagome had display. "Hokage! For literally one century, my life was lonely, scorned, and dangerous all the time. And I was weak enough to let it shape me into becoming what everyone said I was. But Naruto, he's different in very big way, but I doubt it can last forever all on his own!"

"But even when I was a kid, I still had my mother around. Her comfort made all the difference, because it prevented me from losing my humanity," he recalled, forcing back tears at the memory Izayoi, and the concept crawling into his mind.

"Now…..now I have a chance," Kagome and I both do, to live up to her memory! We want to protect Naruto, but even more than that, we want to give him what he needs more than even he might realize! I want to look after that kid, so I can hopefully be as good a parent to him, as she was for me!"

Kagome couldn't stop her smile from growing as she heard Inuyasha's pledge.

"So. What do you think! Is there anything more you need from us, or can we do it?" Inuyasha demanded from the Sandaime.

The Hokage was quiet for a while. During that time, his piercing eyes continued searching them, enough to make the pair silent and impatient.

Finally, just before Inuaysha would speak again, he rose to his feet. Smiling.

"You have already spoken precisely what I needed to hear." The Hokage answered, with a very wide grin; reflecting the stifling relief flooding through his heart.

"So, you're letting us adopt Naruto as our own kid!" Inuyasha cried out!

"I cannot see any reason not to." The Sandaime Hokage rose and began to move towards the door. "If you will, please follow me. I have his adoption papers in my office."

0…..0

Hiruzen, Kagome and Inuyasha arrived at the Hokage's office presently.

The Sandaime immediately moved to the cabinet beside his desk and removed a portfolio from it. Before moving to his desk and facing two soon-to-be-parents across it.

"First, I need you to complete some emigration papers to become full citizens of Konohagakure. Also, I will arrange for a monetary loan to be made to you both to buy property, food, furniture, and other necessities for living here in the village. You can pay it back over time, or I could possibly make some arrangements for it to become a village expense if either of you become members of our military forces, with the responsibility of raising and protecting Naruto-kun. Then you can both sign Naruto's adoption forms."

Kagome nodded.

Reading over them, a new apprehension dropped on her shoulders.

'I do wish we didn't have to become in economic debt to fulfill this. But…'

'…I'm…I'm going to be a mother…I'm so close to becoming a mother!'

A deep void in her heart, built from the past, began to fade. Replaced with joy, pride and a powerful drive to nurture and protect the boy, from anyone and anything! The feelings she had started to develop earlier growing stronger, deeper.

'We'll manage,' Kagome silently resolved. 'I'll probably start looking for an extra job here very soon, but our skills might help some missions these ninjas perform, that Kurenai-chan was describing.'

Inuyasha also had similar feelings. While he had been content to simply watch-over Naruto at the beginning, his memories turned to Kaede's village, and the discussions with Kagome over the pair of them about having their own children.

'This really is happening, here in this very moment. I…..'

A familiar sense of doubt crept into his mind, before one look at Kagome swept them aside.

'I'm not backing away and leaving the kid alone. I will protect him, and nobody will be through me to reach a finger's width from Naruto!' he fiercely promised.

After about 20 minutes, the emigration forms were signed, along with a trial-agreement the Jokage had insisted for, to assess Inuyasha's skills.

"If your endeavors towards Kakashi's team is any indication, Inuyasha-san," The Hokage explained. "Then I will certainly request for you to join certain missions for the sake of the village, and to provide your family with an income."

"Although, I would like to arrange a test to accurately guage all of your capabilities against some of my own ninja to determine how skilled you truly are."

Inuyasha's heritage shone brightly at this news, the smile of a wolf meeting the prospect of challenging others, mixed with his own innate spirit for competition.

Next, the Hokage placed a probationary period of 3 years on their paperwork, during which their citizenship could be terminated at any time on his degree or lifted in the cases of displaying extreme dedication to Konoha. Kagome read through all of the forms carefully, before signing them with Inuyasha.

The Hokage complied each of them together, before walking over to a filing cabinet, and pulling out one specific portfolio form it.

"Now, this is Naruto's adoption certificate. I'll need you both to sign it and smear a few drops of your blood in the designated space. I assure you, the blood is only confirmation of who you are in case developments emerge in the future," the Hokage explained.

Kagome read through these documents as well. Combing through each and every detail, until one line stopped her, sharply.

'And hereby be allowed access to any and all clan inheritance up-' "Inheritance?" Kagome spoke in surprise.

"Hokage-sama? This form…it lists that Naruto-kun is connected to a clan. Why-?"

"They are gone, Kagome-san," Hiruzen expediently stopped her. "The Uzumaki clan were, at one time, an ally to Konoha going back to our founding. My predecessor, the Shodaime Hokage married a woman, Uzumaki Mito, to solidify the alliance between them in the early years of the Great Shinobi Villages."

The Hokage took a solemn breath from his pipe, eyeing each of the pair with precise deliberation. 'Better for them to focus on his maternal heritage; and remain distracted from his father.'

"Decades ago the Uzumaki Clan, along with their home, Uzushigakure, were shattered during war. At that time, very few Uzumaki were in my village, though one of the few were Naruto-kun's mother."

Recalling the fiery woman, and her tragic excitement to become a mother, truthful tears pricked at the corners of the aged Hokage's eyes. "She died in child-birth during the Kyubi's attack, and her husband was among the first to be killed."

The office remained quiet for several moments, while the Hokage hid his face, to hide a painful, reminiscent smile.

BAAAAAMMM! The Hokage's world, and his desk, were rocked by a sudden crash, nearly splitting the elderly man's ear-drums. Shooting to his feet, reflexes ready for a threat, Sarutobi Hiruzen became immediately frozen, by Kagome's blazing spectre.

Even Inuyasha was taking steps away, worried for what his wife may do next. The woman's hair was cast in a wide mane, writhing about as living will all its own. Even beneath the miko's robes, her arms were clearly taunt, shaking to contain the fury in all her being. The next moment, she threw her head high, eyes closing tight-.

And let out one long, long breath…Composing herself, Kagome continued to sign the documents, neatly writing her name and pricking her thumb with a kunai the Hokage had provided. Then passed it towards Inuyasha, only then noticing how frozen he had become.

After some coaxing from Kagome towards her husband, he sighed the forms as well; for the first time thankful that Kagome had hammered some writing lessons into his head over the years they had been together for. Once it was done, an un-frozen and reassured Hokage collected all the documents.

A broad, tear-laced smile grew on his face. "Hokage-sama? Are you-" Kagome asked. "I am more than alright, Kagome-san. I have waited a very long time to see someone I could trust sign these documents. Now, the pair of you are the legal guardians of Uzumaki Naruto."

0….0

Outside the Hokage building, unaware of such a monumental change in his life, Naruto was slurping down a bowl of his favourite meal. Kakashi glanced over at him, with a hidden smile after the pair spent a somewhat lonesome time at a local park. After Naruto was able to join a handle of children, the Copy-nin noticed some parents arriving to herd their own charges away.

Spying this, the Jonin rapidly interposed, suggesting a quick snack for the boy, and giving him a chance to wave goodbye to the other children. The two had been at Ichiraku's for a while. Long enough for Naruto to consume 5 bowls of Miso, Pork, Shrimp, and Beef Ramen.

"You know Naruto, you really should slow down when you eat something you enjoy. Make the flavour last, and you can enjoy it longer," Kakashi encouraged, picking at a bowl of miso soup, with eggplant mixed in.

"Why shouth Id doo thsast whhean I-"

"Naruto!" cried out one of the staff, a young, eager girl with an open smile. Even as she flicked his forehead. "Don't talk with your mouth full like that! Swallow, then answer Hatake-san."

Naruto took a few moments to empty the noodles and meat from his mouth. "Sorry Ayame nee-chan! Kakashi-san. Why should I slow down when there so much to eat? And if I do then I'll waste time that I could spend training or setting-up a prank?"

For the following moment, Kakashi contemplated this perspective. "Well, if you say it like that. You certainly have some of the right kind of priorities for a shinobi. What do you need all the time for?"

"My next prank on Suzume-sensei, tomor-"

"Oh. So that is who your next target is?" Kakashi said with an eye-smiled.

Naruto gawked,then hurumpted in a pout; muttering about being tricked.

Kakashi chuckled-until he felt a presence by his shoulder.

"Kakashi-senpai." An ANBU whispered to him.

'Tenzo.' Kakashi recognized.

"Sandaime-sama wishes for you and Naruto to meet him at the Hokage's office. Also, you and I have been assigned to look-in on him and his new family intermittingly for the next year," his subordinate whispered.

Kakashi's eye-widened at the news. For a full 4 seconds before composing himself.

"Well, Naruto-san. It looks like we need to leave."

"Whaaat! Why?" Naruto cried, as he was about to order a sixth bowl.

"Hokage-sama wants us to meet him at the tower. Inuyasha-san and Kagome-san will be there as well."

"Oh, Shinobi-san." Techi spoke. "When you see them, please tell them to come by sometime. I'll offer them a free bowl of ramen for helping out our best customer!"

"I'm sure they'll be pleased to meet you as well. Come on Naruto, let's not keep them waiting," Kakashi agreed.

Naruto hoped off of his stool. But before running off, he felt a firm hand of his shoulder. Looking up, Kakashi was gripping him pretty tightly.

"Hey wh-" "Shhh," Kakashi stopped his question. "Why don't we take the fast way," explained. Holding tight, the ninja Sunshined both of them straight into the Hokage's office.

"Whoa!" Kakashi turned around, to see Inuyasha stumbling back from his sudden appearance.

"Maw maw, hi there. Sorry, Inuyasha-san. I thought the Naruto would like to hear the good news quickly."

Suddenly, the room was surrounded by a dozen ANBU, all fully armed and ready to fight!

"What the-" Inuaysha's hand went to Tessaiga, as a blanket of Killer Intent cast over the room, directly from the Hokage!

"Naruto! Go to Kagome-san, NOW!" the he commanded, in a very stern voice, standing tall with a kunai drawn.

Naruto was too surprise to move, but Kagome grabbed him, pulling the boy close protectively, and moving behind Inuyasha! The hanyou followed his instinct, Tessaiga in-hand, his demonic blood, empowered with the drive to protect, grew to its trademark size, leveled in a horizontal guard, ready to strike or block.

Kakashi glanced around, completely bewildered, "Uhhhh. Hokage-sama?"

"Silence!" The Hokage ordered, his eyes casting a danger glare at Kakashi. "Who are you? Answer me immediately, what you have done with Hakate Kakashi! And how did you get so close to Naruto-kun!?" Following his example, each and every ANBU went on high alert, tightening their focus on the new arrival.

"Huh?!...Sandaime-sama. I am Kakashi," he tried to explain.

"Impossible!" The Hokage answered, sternly. "Do you take me for fool? You have arrived far to promptly to be him! Kakashi has not been that punctual for 12 years!"

There was quite the commotion as a few Hyuga and one Yamanaka in the ANBU, plus a medical-nin joined them. Each did their own assessments, including a blood-test, on the single "Kakashi?" present.

It took a span of 30 minutes, all while Kagome tried to keep one excitable boy at his side; whilst Naruto had stars in his eyes, towards the giant sword Tessaiga, begging to hold it himself. Eventually, everyone there confirmed that Kakashi was the real one, to their gargantuan and mutual bewilderment.

"Uhhhhh….I'm not that bad…" a certain lazy Jonin asked, scratching his head, "….am I?" All of the Konoha shinobi answered, with silence and one, sheared expression: dead-pan. Even in the ANBU, the only things more legendary than Kakashi's skills, were his tardiness.

"I'll….try to work on that so this doesn't happen again," Kakashi replied. The Hokage merely shuffled, composing him, then dismissing everyone. Inuyasha calmed his sword, placing it back in the sheath at his hip. And reminding everyone of why they were gathered there.

"Naruto-kun," the Hokage called toward him. "I have some very, very good news for you about Kagome-san and Inuyasha-san."

"You do! What is it Kagome-san?" Naruto asking, turning his head upwards toward her. Kagome's response was to place a gentle pair of hands on his shoulders. Guiding him towards the centre of the office. Inuyasha followed, standing at Kagome's shoulder as she knelt before the boy.

Looking deeply into Naruto's eyes, giving a look he'd never seen, pulling at his heartstrings, She was quite for a moment. Then began to speak, in a soft voice.

"Naruto-kun How did you feel when I was taking care of you back in our apartment? And when we met you for the first time and protected you out on the streets. Ehen you were hurt, lonly, and feeling sad?"

The boy hid his face, pushing down the feelings churning inside, before answering the question. "….I…I felt…I felt good Kagome-san," confusion marring his voice. "You…you made the pain go away…you made me feel…better…when I was alone, and…and you're the first person who stopped someone from looking at me like I was germ or…or something they wanted to disappear." Naruto answered; his gaze and his mood dropping in recollection. Until one hand slipped under his chin, soft, and warm to the touch, tilting him up to face her.

Kagome smiled. "Well, I am very happy to hear that. Because my husband, Inuyasha, and I talked with the Hokage after you left. Naruto-kun…." She took a deep breath, trying to compose her excitement and anxiety.

"Inuyasha and I would like for you become part of our family. We want to adopt you. To take care of you. To become your new parents." She gently caressed Naruto's check. "For you to become our son."

Naruto was beyond stunned. Kagome's heartfelt and encouraging words shocked him to the core. His mind was a blank for several moments, standing straight, not a twitch to be made, and unable to respond.

"…Y…you…you…you- want to ad..adopt me." He spoke, the awe clear in his voice. Words he had craved, for longer than he could remember, tying his face with immoveable awe.

"That's right kid." Naruto looked up at Inuyasha, he held a fierce grin on his face. "We want to live in this village with you, as our own kid, kid. What do you say!?"

Naruto's gaze turned back to Kagome. Then to Inuyasha…then to the Hokage. Guessing at what he wanted, the man gave an encouraging nod. "They are telling the truth, Naruto-kun. Tell us, do you want to live with them? For them to be your family?"

A broad, exceptional, emotional smile spread across Naruto's face; wide enough to crack a mountain apart.

Whirling about to face Kagome, he gave his answer.

"YES!" his cried, launching himself into her arms. His own laced around her neck and he squeezed his new mother close. The woman beamed, rising to her feet with Naruto held in a heart-filled embrace.

"YES!YES!YES!YES! I do want to have you around more! To-to-to be your-…y-your…your son!"

A hand began to ruffle Naruto's hair. "That's right Naruto," Inuyasha spoke with pride. "Welcome to a family! Our family!"

The Sandaime, and even Kakashi blinked away the moisture in their eyes, as Naruto reached one arm around Inuyasha's neck. And there he was, clutching his new parents with both of his arms, as they hugged him back.

A new family was born.

Even as a figure began to slither away. Their master had request for them to spy on the new arrivals in case they proved to be a threat, skilled enough to even adapt to the Sandaime Hokage's presence. Now, with extreme care, the spy left for their master.

'Danzou-sama must be informed of this development.'

End.

Well….this chapter has been the longest headache and most difficult I have written before. Balancing life and other stories along with it and getting stuck in a few spots left the motivation to write this chapter lower than my other projects.

Now, after finishing a Master's degree, I can devote more of my mind to writing these stories. Coverign all the the factors and circumstances for Inuyasha and Kagome to adopt Naruto leave their home behind and stay inside of Konoha was a challenge. Along with working around them taking him form the village and igniting a giant fight with the ninjas. Something I did not want to write.

This chapter did focus on both of them very heavily. Now that the adoption bridge has been crossed, I'm going to focus on Naruto's reactions to having a family, something that I honestly believe some fanfic. writers don't really focus on. A few stories do feature him gaining parents and bonding with them right off the bat, no bumps along the way. If anyone else has read "Demons of Family and Destiny," they know I do not agree with that. There is a lot in-store for the new family of three, alongside everyone else in the Hidden Leaf Village.

I promise some very deep, very emotional, and some hilarious scenes are coming up in the next chapter. Then moving on to people, and the real adventures to come.