Revelations Of The Mind

Naruto sprinted through the forest, following Kotesu as closely as he could while giving himself some stopping room. The fox could really move though, Naruto was actually have to try to keep up…which he hadn’t had to do with anyone in a long time. It made him rather proud actually, though that fact annoyed him greatly. It seemed being around Kyuubi’s kind brought out much more of the fox’s personality then he realized he could posses. But then again, harsh or emotionally challenging situations seemed to bring the fox forth, weakening his cage in a way. He’d have to watch closely and make sure he didn’t lose too much of himself.

Naruto’s feet slapped the ground rushing quickly trying to keep up with the Kotesu. Trying to ignore the following shadows of teeth and claws. He knew by them that they were certainly being followed, and truthfully had expected such; after all he was a somewhat unknown, and possibly unwelcome, guest in the foxes land. The only thing stopping them from trying to tear him to shreds was probably the presence of Kotesu and of course Naruto’s or rather Kyuubi’s odor. Still it was a little unnerving when some shadows were substantially….more significant then he was.

Putting that out of his mind, Naruto picked up the pace, trying to hurry this visit along as best he could so that he might get to leave, a true indication of his human personality was freaked to all hell. With a calming sigh Naruto looked around himself. Seeing that Kotesu was leading him into a now open plain where the fox’s following him were very visible and proceeded to come closer and surround the two as they proceeded toward the leaders den.

“What are you doing Kotesu!?” yelled a large fox in the front “You know well enough that you cannot bring humans here, it’s against our laws.”

“I know but this human came himself, I just happened to run into him in the forest and he asked me to take him to see Shirogitsune, Jieichou” stated Kotesu in earnest “What else could I have done?”

“You could have run and gotten us, we would have been sure to taken care of him!” responded one of the Foxes in the back

“You Will Be Silent!!!” howled the Jieichou “We will escort you to the Shirogitsune, he will decide your fate human, and that of yours as well Kotesu.”

Kotesu cringed visibly with fear at the poison in the Captain’s voice. He did not enjoy his task but there was little that either Kotesu or Naruto could do about his open disdain. Still he wasn’t bold enough to take any action himself, so it could be concluded that they were actually under the protection of Shirogitsune

Kotesu and Naruto made their way forward, now escorted by the Royal Guard, well they weren’t being so much escorted as the were being watched. All around the pair the foxes gathered to see what commotion would bring out some of the Royal Guard. It was an interesting sight for sure, but of course curiosity was a fox trait.

‘It’s very human, the way they gather around like that to see me, much like my own town…though at least they aren’t throwing anything at me.’ Thought Naruto

‘It’s not human at all; it’s Fox like…you humans act like us.’ Scoffed Kyubbi

‘Pompous fox.’ Laughed Naruto

‘Who’s pompous? The person who is convinced of their superiority or the fox that disproves him?’ asked Kyuubi

‘Point taken, maybe we just act similar but there are subtle difference’s we’re missing? Hmm?’ said Naruto with a grin

‘Fine fine…I suppose that will work’ chuckled Kyuubi

Both remained unaware of foxes creeping up from behind until the last moment. It was Naruto, surprisingly who noticed them first, having inherited his nose from the foxes due to the melding of Chakra he could tell what Kyuubi could not.

“Jieichou is their any reason why you men are coming close to my heels, do they plan to hamstring me, and I will defend myself.” Said Naruto blankly with no apparently feeling

The Captain’s ears perked up and while the two foxes behind Naruto started to stop and return to their positions, the captain, with one swift motion turned and rammed his body into the other two foxes sneaking up on Naruto, making the whole congregation stop to watch what enfolded.

“What do you think your doing!? This man is under my protection and as such under the protection of the head of our pack, you have better have a good excuse for this I would not want to label you as rebels.” Snarled the Jieichou

“We’re sorry Jieichou, but he smells like Kyuubi, we swear it, we did not understand and thought our noses were afoul but we had to be certain, we meant to no harm to the human!” scrambled one of the two offenders who were firmly planted on their stomachs.

“Bullshit.” Said the Jieichou shortly, with complete contempt for the liars.

“But they speak the truth Jieichou-sama.” Chimed in Kotesu “Smell the air you, with your nose, should be able to detect it.”

The Jieichou scoffed at the idea but never the less lifted his nose into the air, and the recognition on his face was almost immediate. Neither Naruto nor Kotesu were surprised.

“You men…” the Jieichou spoke to the two offenders “Get up, you were not mistaken and I will forget of this occurrence, curiosity of this sort can claim the best of us.”

The two foxes ascended to they normal height, about the height of Naruto’s shoulders

“Is he really Kyuubi!?” asked one of the foxes who’d gather around the spectacle of the procession

“I’m not Kyuubi, though I admit he is a part of me.” Yelled Naruto in response to the call, making the Jieichou glare at him, with more hatred then him being human could ever bring

“YOU ARE THE POSSESOR OF ONE OF OUR LORDS!!!” yelled own of the Foxes towns people

“PRISON KEEPER!!!” Yelled another

“MONSTER!!!” yet another

The comments continued to be flung until it was but a loud single sound. It surprised Naruto, truthfully he thought if their would be anyone who understood his plight, it would be the very family of the fox imprisoned within him. Naruto almost cringed.

‘I’m sorry kit.’ Said Kyuubi with true remorse ‘We may not get along well, but I’ve watched you grow up through this your entire life, even I didn’t think you deserved this. That my own people are doing it is a dishonor that is hard to bare.’

‘Thank you….Kyuubi…but as you say I’ve dealt with this most of my life…I’m fine.” Responded Naruto, knowing that only half of that was true.

The procession began to move again, hurriedly to remove themselves from the town’s people until they finally came near a large cave entrance, where the procession once again stopped.

“We will stay here.” Said the Jieichou “ I will warn you once human, Natsou is the head of Shirogitsune’s guard…and as such she can crush you like the insect that you are, even Kyuubi could not stand up to her, you would do well to remember the proper respect with her and our Lord.”

Naruto did not smile but the appearance of his blue and red slashed eyes was more then enough to chill the bones of the Jieichou, though he would not admit it he was very scarred of the boy, after all he had the power to enslave Kyuubi…one of the strongest of them.

“Then we will be going, I will take him the rest of the way.” Said Kotesu

“Alright, but you be careful Kotesu, you can never trust a human.” Responded the Jieichou with as much disrespect as he could muster without showing any true intentions, thoroughly enjoying Naruto’s bunched fists.

“Jieichou, that will be quite enough.” A voice echoed out of the cave, causing all present to perk up, a form of attention Naruto presumed. “Send our guest forward and go about your business, and keep you opinions to yourself.”

“y-YES MA’AM” yapped the Jieichou; obviously more afraid now then he had been at Naruto’s glare.
Moving faster then most men can sprint Naruto and Kotesu finally made their way to the Head foxes nest, which was actually an extremely large and well adorned cave.

“Wait here Kyuubi, they will come to us when they are ready.” Commanded Kotesu sternly, using a force in his voice that spoke greatly of the power these two foxes had within their house.

Minutes passed and Naruto began to grow impatient, he understood the politics involved but he still couldn’t stand the fact that these two foxes were purposely keeping him waiting, it was like an itch he just couldn’t scratch.

“Just calm down kit, you have to meet my mother, Natsou, first and she’s probably being briefed on some sort of test for you by my father, she is after all the head of his guard, and the personal protection of my father is her responsibility…so try not to piss her off. She has my father’s ear to some degree so having her like you is probably not that bad of an idea.’ Said Kyuubi

‘Alright’ said Naruto impatience clear. “What would you have me do then?’

‘Bow down and stay there until she tells you otherwise.’ Responded Kyuubi chuckling

‘I don’t even bow down to the Hokage, why do I have to bow down to her!? Asked Naruto annoyed with the presumption

‘Because, unlike your Hokage, she’s likely to tear you limb from limb for the fun of it…though she’d probably let you try and leave first, fan of the chase and all…’ smirked Kyuubi

‘Uh huh, so I should do what you say?’ asked Naruto playfully ‘Because we know you would do so well in this situation.’

‘I wouldn’t be in this situation kit.’ Said Kyuubi confidently

‘You are in this situation…’ responded Naruto with a grin

‘Shut the hell up and bow…’ sighed a defeated Kyuubi

‘Fine…teme’ Naruto said bowing in the best form he could muster, trying to hold his face passive but the sting of words coming out of Kyuubi’s mouth were making him laugh rather hard.

It was a good thing that Naruto had decided to bow when he did as the matriarch of the pack appeared before him soon after, and face Naruto could only describe as cautious violence on her face. Indicating that if need be she was ready to remove his head from his body in an instant.

‘Hold perfectly still.’ Said Kyuubi, anger spent

“Ah, so this is the one, well at least the little runt knows how to show the proper respect for his superiors.” Said Natsou smirking at the slight twitch in Naruto’s body

“So, boy, what is so important that you would risk your life by coming here?” asked Natsou “Well, say something boy!”

‘Don’t say anything.’ Kyuubi repeated in Naruto’s head

‘Not like I can at the moment’ Naruto responded

A loud growl sounded from the matriarch “What are you doing boy, speak or die, do not waste my time!” yelled Natsou

“Naruto say something!” whispered Kotesu using his proper name, fear quite apparent on his face

“YOU WILL BE SILENT KOTESU!!!” yelled Natsou causing the small fox to fall onto his stomach placing his paws over his nose.

“Child, why do you not speak…” asked Natsou, voice softer then before but still menacing

‘Say this kit…’

‘But I can’t…’

‘Just do it and don’t move, trust me…’

‘Fine’

“Mmmmphmgmmghwmmph” Naruto said trying to form the words

“What was that?” asked Natsou a look of confusion on her face

“MmmPhMGmmGHwMMMph” Naruto tried to say again

Natsou moved closer “What?”

“MMMPHMGMMGHWMMPH!!!”Naruto yelled trying to get his point across

“Oh, for heaven’s sake child, stop you bowing and talk to me, rise I say!” said Natsou

Naruto rose onto his knees not moving any further.

“Now, boy, tell me what were you trying to say?” asked Natsou

“I said, I can’t say anything because I had too much earth in my mouth from bowing to far.” Said an embarrassed Naruto

The look of shock on Natsou’s face was priceless in retrospect but in this case it was damn unnerving, never had Naruto seen someone so strong suddenly look so weak.

Natsou slowly moved forward, weakly, and seemed as though she was going to fall, Naruto moved to help her only to find himself hugging her muzzle, large wafts of air coming past his face, which he concluded to be the breaths of Natsou herself.

Natsou’s eyes opened to their fullest looking directly at Naruto, a grin appeared on her face followed by chuckling, at least it sounded like chuckling to Naruto however he’d never heard a fox laugh.

“So, Kyuubi you have returned…” said Natsou “I wanted to believe what the townspeople said but I had to maintain my composure. “I’m sorry what happened to you my son.”

“Mother, I have retuned just not in the same form.” Naruto chuckling as Natsou nuzzled him, her whiskers tickling him in odd places.

‘She’s a sweet one after all…” laughed Naruto

‘Yeah, no doubt, after all I’m her favorite.” Declared Kyuubi proudly ‘I’m glad to see she likes you, this bodes well.’


“Mother, although we are glad to see you we really must speak to father.” Said the combined personalities of Naruto and Kyuubi, allowing them both to be involved for the time being, their feelings intertwined.

“I’ve been here the whole time; you never were good at sensing me son.” Said a voice from behind Natsou, whose tail swiftly went between her legs in submission.

“Father, it’s good to see you.” Said Naruto

“Don’t give me that, How could you let yourself be trapped in such a flimsy vessel.” Asked Shirogitsune

“He is not as flimsy as he seems father, you’d be wise not to underestimate him.” Kyuubi alone spoke, Naruto giving over control of his body for the time, knowing he could regain it with no difficulty since the fox had no recourse but to obey, though the thought of commanding him now seemed a little harsh.

“Ah, so the son finally speaks himself, you have control over him then?” asked Shirogitsune
“Only when he allows, I can’t overpower him anymore, even without the seal, he’s been strong since he was but a pup, it comes from his lineage I suppose.” Responded Kyuubi

“Ah, I can see what you mean, He has much of his father in him.” Said Shirogitsune “Still, you’ve made friends with your captor now is that it.”

“He was NEVER my captor father, I was placed in him when he was but a pup, to save the village he lives in from me by the 4th Hokage, and you remember him don’t you…”

“Of course I do, one of the few humans I ever liked.” Retorted Shirogitsune

“Yes, well, his people shunned him for it; they treated him like a demon instead of like a savior as was expected…”

“Ah…I am starting to understand why you like this child, he does hold much of his parents.” Responded Shirogitsune “He will not be shunned here then, if what you say is true then he has protected you from the wrath of the people you foolishly attacked.”

“Oh, come now father, I just wanted to have some fun…” whined Kyuubi

“Little Damn Fox, war at the expense of wisdom is not fun, it is folly.” Responded Shirogitsune

“Neither is assuming that you know everything about your people, they have already shunned the boy.” Retorted Kyuubi sadly “I tell you this so that you might put a stop to it, they call him vile names in the street, due to my presence in him. You must correct them; the boy has suffered enough at my account.”

“Hmmm, perhaps it is better that this has happened, you have some shred of nobility now.” Said Shirogitsune “Very well, I will address the people after you leave, rest assured he will never again fell such harshness from them, on this I swear, Now, I assume you had the boy sign the scroll.”

“Yes, father”

“Good, he seems worth the honor, and considering whom you believe his father to be it would seem to be inevitable…”

“Yes, don’t mention it to him though, he’s not listening at my request but we shouldn’t be the ones to tell him.”

“Yes, and you believe he’s strong enough to ascend to our goals.”

“He’s stronger then the 4th even at his peak and he’s melded with me, not to mention he is as virtuous as they come…and they say he’s the number one at surprising people, very fox like, what more could you ask for.”

“I see your point; alright let me speak to him.”

“Right away”

“Oh, and Kyuubi…”

“Yes, Father?”

“It’s good to talk to you again, even in this form, against my better judgment I have missed you.”

Kyuubi then relinquished his hold on Naruto, yet the slightest smile remained behind.

“Finally, Byakko, what is it that I might do for you?”

There was an abrupt burst of air from the fox that could only be described as a laugh.

“Byakko!? I haven’t been called such in ages, what a good boy you are? No wonder my son has changed.” Laughed Shirogitsune “You show the proper respect for your elders, even if it is grudgingly, though you need not do so now.”

“What do you mean?” asked Naruto puzzled

“You have passed…well let us just call it a test.” Chuckled Shirogitsune “You are a now member of my pack, with all the rights and privileges there of. However, since you are a human you of course are not required to live among us, and also you have some new abilities you need to be made aware of, Natsou would you be so kind to get the contract of summoning please.”

“Yes, Shiro, right away.” Said Natsou moving herself away and going into one of the back cavern.

“First off then, Take these.” Said Shirogitsune his eyes flashing slightly.

Then in but a blink of an eye, smoke, engulfed Naruto as though only to cause him to choke and sputter.

*Cough* *cough* *ahem*

“Hey, what’s the *cough* big idea, Shiro-sama.” Asked Naruto annoyed severely only to notice a slight change in his attire by waving his hands in front of his face. “What in the world?”

“Those would be the new gloves we’ve given you.” Shirogitsune explained “All of your other garments have also been changed as will any other garment you put on, they will all be black…though we can change that if you wish.”

Naruto looked at himself, at least the part that he could see. He had new gloves, made of a strange material that looked like rough leather but felt like silk, it still was emblazoned with the cherry blossom symbol yet it was now on the palm of his had instead of the top. The top in fact now had a fox claw, in blue thread extending to each one of his fingers. His Chunnin vest had also been replaced with the same thread work but with the same black material, as were his pants, shoes and shirt.

“The gloves will give you claws, of chakra anyway, when you are in combat though you must focus a small amount of chakra to your hands to achieve this effect. They will be about three inches long but you can grow them to six.” Said a returned Natsou “They are to replace what nature did not give you, and make you one of us, as the rest of your new clothing is, to make you more of the fox you are now entitled to be.”

“Oh…wow thanks…” Naruto said stunned as reddish crossed blue claws grew out of his hands passed the six inches and into and past a foot.

Shirogitsune watch in surprise as the boy continued to grow out the gift of the claws.

‘Even with my son’s chakra he could not grow out his claws to such a length, this boy might be everything that we hoped for a summoner.’ Thought Shirogitsune

“The shoes will make you as quick as us, far faster then your average human, also the vest will replace you vest of rank and will look just like the one you should be wearing along with helping with chakra flow.” Said Natsou “ In fact that is the actual purpose of the pants, vest and shirt to regulate and help you with your chakra flow, and as such you should find it much easier to use you techniques with this equipment. Also you have one other ability with these clothes, it’s known as the armor of the fox. It will make you all but invulnerable to an attack, though it is quite draining and cannot be sustained so you must be careful when and where you use it.”

“Awesome” Naruto laughed “You guys aren’t half bad you know that…”

The two head foxes just looked at the smiling young boy who was now so comfortable in their presence, it struck them rather oddly, after all they were rather intimidating sights. But the boy was just smiling away and jumping around.

“God, I feel so light with these, it’s like I’m not wearing anything at all, what’s up with this cloth?” asked Naruto

“Alas, we can not tell you that, for you do not need to know…” said Shirogitsune

“Awww that’s so mean…”retorted Naruto jumping in place

“I must say Naruto I can see why Kyuubi and you get along as well as you do…” chuckled Natsou marveling at the persistent hoping of the young man “You’re quite the playful one aren’t you.”

“Yes I’d have to agree…” said Shirogitsune

Naruto sat down then, scratching his head in embarrassment and grinned, he couldn’t help it, thanks to Kyuubi’s influence he felt as if he had a family, which was no mean feat mind you and caused an excitement in the boy he hadn’t experienced in quite some time.

Kotesu choose this time to bring himself up from the ground, where he had stayed through out the entire exchange, and went straight to Naruto’s sitting form placing his head on his leg. Naruto out of reflex moved and proceeded to scratch the fox behind the ears…bringing the larger fox’s attention straight to the young fox.

“Ah, Kotesu, I see it is you I have to thank for bringing Naruto here.” Said Shirogitsune gruffly

The small fox flinched only barely but did not move away from the gentle caress of Naruto’s hand and the head fox sighed happily and turned to Natsou.

“I never could scare him when I wanted too.” Said Shirogitsune in jest “Now then there are three more things you must be aware of. First of which is the general, you can summon foxes now, from the little one on your lap to even myself, though I’d recommend not summoning me unless you truly need help. Remember age in foxes makes us stronger. So I’m immensely strong…and much larger in your world then here so I cannot guarantee that no unnecessary damage will occur.”

“Ok, well I figured that…you do look old” smiled Naruto receiving only pointed glance in his direction from Natsou in which the meaning was quite clear, “Shut the hell up”

*ahem* “However, that said, I declare that your village is now safe and under our protection. Everyone there are now as protectorates. If the town comes under attacked we will come to help and defend your home, though I must ask you to inform us as we may not always be able to monitor the situation.” Said Shirogitsune “Now that leads us to the final part of our contract, and this one is a responsibility on your end, you must reproduce. This is non-negotiable; your children will become the bond between the village of Konoha and us and will inherit all of your abilities and ours. Their chakra will become lie ours, almost unlimited and your clan will become the most powerful clan in your village and shall the town shall be forever protected.”

“Wait, I don’t understand, what do you have pinned on my children?” asked Naruto

“If I may Shiro-sama?” asked Natsou

“You many.” Said Shirogitsune

“Naruto, our son that has been imprisoned in you has earned his fate, he is an oddity within our clan, we love him as any other but he revels in blood shed and death and this is not our way. Your influence has seemed to take this trait away from him and the son we truly hoped and longed for has returned to us, to that end we are eternally grateful. Because of this gratitude we will tell you the reason why we have never accepted a human as a summoner.” Spoke Natsou “We have never accepted a human because they have never proved worthy. Humans by their nature are a war loving culture; you seem to pursue it and wish to revel in it as much as our son did. However, there is one obvious exception, your village of Konoha. We have long wished to align ourselves with you and had our son not attacked Konoha and lead to the 5th hokage’s unfortunate demise we would have done so. Since then we have been hoping for someone to be his replacement, and from what our son has told us you have proved to be so.”

“Wow, so, ummm could you explain that all again…ya kind of lost me….” Said Naruto nervously scratching the back of his head.

Shirogitsune sighed, “Essentially, we’ve wanted to ally with Konoha for a very long time since we know we can not be idle forever, and will eventually have to aid in the land of humans, we believe your village is the best choice and since you are a representation of their populace we have decided it is time…in other words we approve of you.”

“I appreciate the complement…but I’m not exactly liked in the village…” said Naruto

“I’m quite aware of your predicament, but though I do sympathize it does not change the fact that we are allied with you, however, if the village does you any harm they will become our enemies. Also, you still must bare heirs and there is not question about this, you must continue your bloodline, if you do not we will have to find someone else, and we rather have our hearts set on you.” Continued Shirogitsune

“You can’t require me to have a family Byakko…” said Naruto grudgingly, he wasn’t opposed to the idea but that he MUST do it was something he didn’t relish
“Again with the holy name kit, please stop using it, you are one of my own there is now reason for you to do so.” Said Shirogitsune “ As for you children, yes we can and we will require you to do so, however we are not so naive to believe that your mating practices are the same as ours so, while we would like you to have pups as soon as possible we can wait however long it takes.”

“But…..”

“No, I can and I will, this is our requirement for our summoning and since you’ve already signed you really don’t have much of a choice.

“Grrrr…..” Naruto made an audible growl upset at his inability to win but not silly enough to press his luck, it was a release of tension if you will.

‘Kit will you just be quiet, it’s not like you don’t want a family.’ Said Kyuubi talking for the first time in at least 15 minutes, a new record for him

‘Shut up fox, just shut up”

‘Sakura-Chan…’ smiled the fox ‘She’d make a good mate for us.’

‘For me you mean.’

‘So you admit you want her as your mate.’

‘Damit, fox teme just be quiet.’

The trapped fox just smiled at his human vessels inner mind, knowing that he had won a small victory.

“Well, you have stayed here long enough son, it’s going to be morning soon, and you should go back now. Know that we are going to check in on you occasionally, and don not worry you have plenty of time to…mate.” Said Shirogitsune

“Fine.” Said an exasperated Naruto “Thank you for your hospitality Byakko, Mother it was good to see you” said Naruto, bowing deeply

Natsou moved her muzzle forward, her tongue sneaking out and kissing Naruto’s cheek. Naruto hugged the fox and moved away picking up Kotesu along the way, leaving he’s new acquaintances and…dare he say…parents behind.

“So, Kotesu, I’ll see you around?” asked Naruto a broad smile on his face, though showing no teeth

“Of course Kyuubi, whenever you like.” Responded Kotesu, tail waging broadly

“Alright” Naruto smiled ‘Shall we go then Kyuubi.’

‘Sure thing Kit.’

And with a puff of smoke they were gone; or rather Naruto was back on the couch. Naruto looked around and breathed a sigh of relief., he was glad to be home…home, why did he think of Sakura’s house as home, he’d only been here for less then one day…there was of course an obvious answer. He knew he loved her; he had since he was a child and protected her from those who called her names. Well, he’d figure that out later, right now it was time to make some breakfast for his pink haired beauty.