12

Naruto and Ino sat on the couch, with the vulpine council facing them, sitting on pillows that Naruto had thrown down. Sakura and the children were instructed to wait in her house on the grounds. The foxes were not very impressed with this display and one let it be known that the vulpine stood on ceremony. Even the old Kyuubi had been a stickler for tradition and pomp. Naruto glared at them and shook his head.

"I'm sorry to inform you, honored council members, but I do not stand on ceremony. I may have been born of noble blood, but I was not raised a nobleman. I lived alone my whole life, I had no one to love me, and everyone ignored me. I don't like pomp and circumstance, I don't like formalities, and I don't like it when someone tells me that tradition outweighs what is right. Do not presume that I will stand by what has been done for so many years. I will do what is right for my people, nothing more, nothing less."

You see honored council members? Lord Naruto is the best choice we could possibly want for king. He is kind and wise, strong and firm. I believe...

At this point the large white fox growled at Genmaki, who flattened his ears and tucked his tail.

Do not speak out of turn here Genmaki. Your opinions have already been duly noted. You were only to observe the prospective king, not befriend him. I feel your judgement has been clouded. We let you carry your post too long.

A loud, guttural growl was heard to the front of the vulpine council and they turned to see a very irate Ino and a fuming Naruto with glowing blue eyes. His tails swished angrily and his whisker marks, teeth, and fangs had become undeniably pronounced. Even in the dead of night, people could feel the unbridled anger rolling off the vulpine king. The pressure he was emitting was suffocating and the council in front of him were terrified. Without changing to his fox form, Naruto's voice deepened.

You will NEVER speak to a friend of mine in such a manner. He has stood by me since my ascension to king and you will respect him the way you respect me. If you believe me unsuited for being your king, then by all means, piss off and go away. But know this. This power is mine and if you try to seal it away, I will come down upon you with a terrible vengeance. I have dealt with a pompous council once already in my mortal life and I shall not deal with one in my own realm. If you do not like this, then tell me now, and we shall do something about it.

The blue furred fox stepped forward and bowed its head respectfully.

We meant no disrespect Lord Naruto. It is just that Genmaki is only a five tail. He does not have the wisdom or privilege to speak here unless spoken to.

"Then I will give him the privilege. My mate is only a two tail. Does this mean that she as well must hold her tongue when something needs to be said? Your tails do not belie your knowledge. They only signify your status and power. The lowliest commoner can have the best sense and the noblest blood. Fools are born to all lines, but the truly noble and greatest of us all work for their status. Under my reign, the foxes will prosper, not because they look down their noses at those beneath them, but because those willing to work for their station will be rewarded greatly. If I deem a fox worthy of more power, I will grant them such. I will not deny even a commoner a chance at happiness because they were born of low station."

The gray fox stood and bowed.

So, Lord Naruto, what you are saying is that as regent you will bring all classes together? That is foolhardy. It will never work.

"And why not councilman?"

The white fox spoke again.

Because the class system is there for a reason. It is there to show who are the betters and who holds the lowest of blood. The upper class rules because we are fit to rule. The lower class serves because that is what they are born to do.

"Then as soon as I get to the realm, I will break those barriers down. I have seen what 'class' and 'pure blood' can do to the will of humans. I will not have my people be subjected to those horrors any longer. I have seen a family torn asunder by the absolute fanatic need to preserve the pure blood. I have seen a family murdered in cold blood because one thought himself better than all the rest and wanted to 'test' himself. I will repeat, I will not let this happen on my watch."

The white fox looked at Naruto with his eyes aflame with anger.

And you would have us do what? Let the commoners run amuck? Have their own traditions and make them equal to us? My clan has been among the elite for eons kit. I would not presume that the council would let you waltz in and change our traditions and ways of life simply to satisfy your own need to be accepted. This is not how a king rules.

"So you would have me rule through fear? Fine, I can do that too."

Before anyone could make a move, Naruto had charged across the room and pinned the white fox to the wall by his throat, his eyes blazing and his claws extended, his voice once again demonic. All but Ino looked on in shock. She merely thought the pompous fox was getting what he deserved.

Now see where your station gets you? I don't respect those who don't deserve it. You don't deserve my respect nor will you remain on this council if you keep acting high and mighty. If you are as wise as you say you are, you will hold your tongue and act as a councilman should. You will act for the benefit of your people, not yourself. This is how the new kingdom of the vulpine will be led. All are equal or none have freedom. You have chosen me for the job; now let me perform my duty.

Genmaki was beside himself. On one hand, he was shocked that someone had defied the council. Not even the previous Kyuubi had taken the council head on. On the other hand, he was ecstatic. His new king had just proclaimed that the vulpine would all be equal, no more class, no more injustice because of a low birth. It was a good time to be a fox.

Ino was proud of her mate. He was exhibiting all the necessary qualities of a king. He would listen to the council members, but he was a man of the people. Always had been, always will be. He hated injustice, he hated piousness, and he hated blue bloods. This white fox had just dug his own grave.

The other two council members were in shock. Even the previous Kyuubi had cowtowed to them when pressed. This new monarch would obviously rather fight them tooth and nail than give into their demands. They were both of the upper middle class of the vulpine. High enough to be granted a council position if they showed enough intiative, but still of low enough blood to be looked down upon by the highest of the foxes. Perhaps, just maybe, their new monarch would prove beneficial to the people. The blue fox stepped forward.

Lord Naruto, please put the elder councilman down. If he spoke out of turn, let him make amends and put things right.

Naruto didn't turn around. He kept the white fox against the wall with one hand and addressed the blue fox.

What is your name?

The blue fox started at this. No one had ever asked a council member for their name.

My...my name is Kazuma. Kazuma of the Ebon Forest. Why do you ask?

Because I would know the names of my subjects. And your fellow councilman?

The gray fox replied in kind.

My name is Hinamori of the Golden Plain. No Kyuubi to our knowledge has ever asked the names of the council. Why is it important that you know our names?

Because I wish for you to trust me and believe in my cause. I want to create a kingdom where all are equal and everyone prospers, not a place where the wealthy and strong make the destitute and weak serve them. The strong exist so that they may serve the weak. For even the weakest of body can have the strongest mind. Even kings need advisors that have more than muscle. And I apologize, councilwoman, not recognizing your gender beforehand.

Hinamori and Kazuma pondered on this and were suitably satisfied with how their new regent acted. They had never been ones for holding down the lower classes, but were the youngest on the council and were expected to hold their tongues. Hinamori spoke.

Very well. We will trust you. What of the elder councilman though? What will you do with him?

I believe in second chances for some. He made a bad first impression but I will allow him a chance to prove himself. I will not put up with any nonsense on his part though. He will not seek to subjugate our people or I will end it swiftly. I will not have dissension in the ranks.

Naruto narrowed his eyes and lowered the elder to the floor gently, where he bounded away and back to his cushion.

Insolent kit, do you know who I am?

No but you're going to tell me.

I am Ginjo of the White Crown. My clan is the elite among the vulpine. I will not be slighted by one who thinks he is above me.

Naruto walked to the fox and looked him in his eyes with a glare that made everyone shudder.

By your class system, elder one, I am above you. My blood runs thicker than yours and by all rights I should kill you here for slighting me. Just because you think you are noble I am supposed to bow to you? I think not. Since you stand so firmly on tradition...tell me Hinamori, Kazuma, what happens, traditionally, when someone insults the king or threatens the king?

The two foxes looked at one another and wondered at their monarch's ingenuity. He had just turned the table on the elder councilman by using his own love for tradition against him. Kazuma offered his thoughts.

Well, Lord Naruto, by law it is your right to kill him where he stands. None may slight the monarch, not even a high council member. What will you do now?

Naruto, who had never took his eyes off the white fox, smirked when he saw the flicker of fear in the old fox's eyes.

Since he stands so strongly upon tradition, since he seeks to uphold his honor as a nobleman, I believe my first order as regent will be to have him combat the strongest of the so called lower class.

The white fox leered at his new monarch, the fear now totally gone.

Ha, you seek to punish me like that? The strongest of the lower class is simply a five tail like Genmaki. Surely you don't mean to make me fight him?

The feral grin that passed onto Naruto's face sent shivers down the spines of all present.

Of course not. Since you seem to see me as beneath you, you shall fight...me.

It seemed the room was a vacuum because all the air seemed to be sucked out of it when Naruto made his proclamation. The silence was broken by Ino's happy clapping and a snort from Genmaki. The white fox resembled a fish what with his mouth opening and closing.

You...you can't be serious! I can't fight the monarch. It is against tradition unless the monarch feels...his...rule...has...been...encroached upon.

Exactly. You seem to think that you can rule better than me, so why not fight to prove that you are better than me? We shall fight tomorrow, in the realm, in front of all the people, at full power, to prove who's ideal is right. Tradition or change, a corrupt class system designed to keep the people in check or a system that favors everyone and gives all the people a chance to excel.

You insolent little worm. How dare you presume that you are more powerful than me. I am an eight tail and have fought many battles against our enemies. My power is without compare. I was almost able to beat the previous Kyuubi. What makes you think that you, a youngling, can beat me, whether you are the Kyuubi or not?

I can beat you for the exact reason that I am young and am not the Kyuubi of old. I am better and I will show you my power when we fight. You, elder, will go and announce your battle to the people. Tell them to come and watch as you wipe the floor with the new king. Let them regale in your power. Go now.

The old fox merely smirked and left to tell the kingdom of the battle tomorrow. Naruto smiled and turned back to the other two council members.

"Now that the pompous ass is gone, I would like to ask the two of you what you think. Do you think I will be a good king or will our people hate me for trying to change our kingdom?"

Hinamori and Kazuma were dumbstruck at their new king. Hinamori was the first to regain her senses.

Lord Naruto was that wise? The elder is very strong and he wasn't simply boasting when he said he could almost take on the previous Kyuubi in battle. I think you should withdraw your challenge.

"Come now Hinamori, have you so little faith in me already? I'm hurt."

It's not that we don't trust you Lord Naruto, it's just that Hinamori and I don't know your abilities. I'd rather not have you die and the elder become king. I don't know you but I'd rather have an evil I don't know than an evil I do.

"Sigh...Genmaki do you trust me on this?"

With my life and on my honor. I would follow Lord Naruto to hell and back. If he believes he can beat the elder, I believe him. Heh heh, I've learned never to go against him on a challenge. He always wins.

Be that as it may Genmaki, I just don't know.

Ino made herself known to them at this point.

"If my husband says that he will beat him, he will beat him. Tell me how big is this Ginjo in his full form?"

He is at least the size of the previous Kyuubi.

"Then Naruto will defeat him soundly. My husband is twice the size of the previous Kyuubi. And though we are young, we also have battle experience. Naruto has come closer to death than most ever will and he crawls back from death's door each time, stronger and wiser for the experience. My husband will win."

"And on that note, we shall go to the kingdom tonight. Ino, I'm sorry, but I need you to stay here and watch over everyone. There's no telling what our enemies in the village will try to do if we both left. While I'm gone I expect Tsunade to move into one of the other houses on the grounds or to move in with Sakura. Either will do."

He crossed the room and took her in his arms, holding her tight. She leaned into the embrace and shared a kiss with him.

"Forgive me, my queen, but I go to secure our kingdom. I'll return to you with good news. Try to have some for me too. Goodbye and tell Hikaru I love him."

"I will. Goodbye Naruto. I love you."

"I love you too. Alright guys, let's go."

Holding onto Genmaki they disappeared into the realm of foxes.

Ino watched with tear filled eyes. 'Please Naruto, come home safe.'

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Naruto felt his feet touch on solid ground again and opened his eyes. He had expected open fields and instead found a vast city filled with foxes of all colors and sizes. There were old, wizened foxes lounging in the sun. There were small kits frolicking in the fields outside the town. There were merchants and vendors hawking their wares. Before anyone could see him, Naruto transformed into his fox form. The others looked at him questionably.

I don't want my people thinking I'm too different from them just yet. I want them to trust in me first. After the fight I'll reveal who I am. Until then, I wish to walk among them as a normal fox. Let them think I am a dignitary and we shall see what happens.

The others nodded to his desires and they walked through the city. Naruto watched as the foxes bowed to the two council members and seemed to smile when they saw Genmaki. When they looked at him though they were perplexed. They had never seen him before and all the council and nobles were well known so that you didn't slight them. He took notice of the looks and the hesitant nods and bows that he received. He stored that information for later. Then his ears picked up a conversation he had been waiting to hear.

Have you heard of the challenge that happens tomorrow? The new king and the elder councilman will do battle. It should be a most interesting match.

I hope the new king is better than the old Kyuubi. I at least hope he wins over the councilman, our lives would be miserable if he won.

I agree. Oh, here comes some council members. Be polite.

Naruto watched as the two gossiping foxes bowed politely, earning a glare from the two council members. Once they were past, Naruto turned to Hinamori.

What was all that about? Does the council instill such fear that they demand respect even in passing?

We merely wish respect for our position. Is that not so much to ask?

No, I admit, it is not. However, what happens if they don't show the proper respect?

Then they are punished. All we require is a quick bow or nod to show respect. I don't see what...oh, now I see. Sigh...yes, some of the council abuse this privilege and try to bend the public to their will. It is one of mine and Kazuma's worst shames. We are the youngest of the council and cannot do much about it. But...maybe with you we can...change that.

I'll see to it personally.

The walk continued in silence until they came to the palace. Naruto's eyes bugged out when he saw his new abode. It was enormous. Obviously, the previous Kyuubi liked to rest in his full form. He turned to Genmaki.

I don't want to stay here tonight. Let me sleep at your place.

The council members were appaled by this. Before they could argue, Naruto quieted them.

Look, Genmaki has been a guest in my home for years now. The most I can do is grace his home. Besides, he is my friend and I expect him to invite me over every now and then.

Genmaki smiled and looked at the council members. If he didn't know better, he could see shock and...was that a hint of jealousy? He was going to live a long and happy life. His smile turned into a feral grin. With his king beating a council member his life got a whole lot better, especially since the old asshole tried to belittle him constantly.

I would be honored to have you in my home Lord Naruto. My wife and children would be happy to meet you. I have told them much of you.

Perfect. Let us go there then. Hinamori, Kazuma, thank you for your help. Let the masses know that the battle is at noon tomorrow. If you need me I will be at the residence of Genmaki.

With a nod of his head, he and Genmaki strode off to rest. Tomorrow would be a busy day. Hinamori and Kazuma watched them and turned, nodding to each other. Tomorrow would be an interesting day indeed.

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When Naruto and Genmaki arrived at Genmaki's house, Naruto was amazed at how plain his friend's house was. It was small and while it was comfortable, he knew that Genmaki deserved better. Naruto resolved to fix that little problem. He noticed Genmaki had stopped and had taken a deep breath.

Please, Lord Naruto, do not look unkindly upon my home. It is small and not worthy of a king, but it is cozy and my wife keeps it clean. I hope you are at least comfortable.

Do not worry Genmaki. I am sure that all accommodations will be fine. Now then how about introducing me to the missus and the children?

Of course Lord Naruto.

After all introductions were made and Naruto had met Genmaki's lovely wife, Cherise, and his three kits. The kits fell in love with him immediately and were soon snuggled up beside him. He smiled and looked at Genmaki and Cherise.

Should I show them my true form Genmaki? They won't be too shocked will they?

I don't believe so my Lord. I think they will find you more lovable if you do. They have never seen a form such as yours.

Cherise turned to her husband, highly confused.

Husband, what do you mean? If Lord Naruto turns into his full form, our house will be demolished.

That would be true Cherise, if Lord Naruto had always been a demon. I never told you, but Lord Naruto was once a mortal man, a human and therefore can access his full power in both his human and fox form. He simply prefers his human form.

Really? That would be interesting. I've never seen a human before, only heard about them in legend. Aren't they supposed to look like hairless apes?

She heard Naruto laugh and the kits looked up at him as he stood and moved away from them. They were slightly perturbed that their warmth had disappeared but were spellbound as flame engulfed him and he appeared before them in his human form, clad in his 'Forsaken Samaritan' clothing, with his tails waving proudly and his ears twitching. The children and Cherise were dumbfounded. That is until the kits natural curiosity kicked in and they scampered up to Naruto, asking him question after question. He answered them all and then sat down with his legs crossed in the middle of the floor and let the kits clamber over him, while he scratched their ears and rubbed their fur. They purred in contentment while Cherise sniffed him, trying to find any deception. Genmaki merely watched with amusement, trying not to laugh at his wife and children.

Naruto finally decided to change back to his fox form, to the chagrin of the children, who had begun to drift off to sleep while he rubbed their fur. He made up for it though by keeping them warm at night. He offered to babysit while Genmaki and Cherise had a night off. It wasn't often that he got to be of much use to Genmaki so he tried to make up where he could. He thought of it as payback for watching Hikaru. Content to just be warm while the kits curled against him, he went to sleep, thinking of the next day and dreaming of his family at home.

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The morning came too quickly for Naruto and the kits. Genmaki woke them all with a whack of the tail (earning a harsh tongue lashing from his wife for striking the king. When he told her how he puniched the king's son, she nearly fainted) and Naruto got up grumbling. He didn't want to leave his dream about Ino, but he had to prepare himself for the battle ahead. After a brief meditation to calm his nerves, they left the house and headed for the field where the battle was to take place.

It was enormous and there had to be over a million foxes there, all waiting to see their new king and the elder fight. There hadn't been a battle of this magnitude in ages and no one wanted to miss it. Especially with the ramifications it could mean if the new monarch lost. Everyone who had that thought shuddered and quickly shook their bodies to relieve themselves of the horrid thought. They watched as Genmaki and an unknown fox approached the council and a widely grinning Ginjo.

So Genmaki, this is Uzumaki Naruto, our new king? He doesn't look like much.

Genmaki saw the grimace on Naruto's face and quickly spoke to end the tension.

This is he. I place my life in his hands and my trust in his reign.

Very good. Let us get this over with. Councilman Ginjo, Lord Naruto, proceed to the battlefield. The battle is over when one dies or gives up. Begin when ready.

Naruto and Ginjo padded to the middle of the battlefield and stood facing each other. He heard Genmaki yell for everyone to stand back and the mass of foxes made a ring around the battlefield. With their superior vision, they could watch the battle from afar and still see perfectly. Naruto motioned for Ginjo to go first as he was the elder of the two.

Ginjo smirked and began his transformation. He always loved to show off his power and it was never more evident than when he could take his true form. Normally the foxes kept their full power in check, since it wouldn't do to have mega foxes running amuck. Naruto watched while the white fox grew to monumental sizes until he truly was as big, if not a little bigger, than the previous Kyuubi. The old fox roared with laughter as he looked at Naruto's face from in the clouds.

Now then young one, are you scared yet of my fearsome might? Do you see why you should respect one who has been around longer than you and seen more battle than you ever will?

Tell me old one. How far will your shame go when I grind you into the ground? To lose to one so young as me and yet I am more powerful than you ever were in your prime.

I am in my prime you young fool. A fox demon only gets stronger as the years go on. Every day we wake up we are in our prime.

Then I have nothing to look forward to except an eternity of unmatched power. Let me show you what I mean old fox.

To the wonderment of all present, Naruto began to grow and grow, past Ginjo into the stratosphere. Where in the mortal realm, he had been three times the size of GamaBunta, here he was twice the size of Ginjo. All eyes were wide as they looked at their new king. Ginjo was livid. The size of a demon was the size of their power, and if this was any indication, Naruto was twice as powerful as him.

Do you see now old one? You should not have insulted me. Tell me, old one, what would you do if I told you this was not my true form?

I would call you a liar. There is no way you can become bigger.

You're right. But I can become smaller. I would like to fight you in my real true form. I believe that being defeated by me when I am smaller will be sufficient enough to humble you significantly.

Without another word, Naruto began to shrink until he was back in his normal form. He then let loose a burst of his power, erupting his body into flame, until he stood before them clothed in his 'Forsaken Samaritan' outfit, his blue eyes seeming to shine ethereally. He could hear the many whispers from his people as to how a mortal was their king and yet he had more power than the elder. Naruto looked up at the elder and smirked.

"Now then old one. Shall we begin?"

He heard the whispers again about how his voice had changed and he shut them out, to better focus upon Ginjo. The white fox let out a roar and tried to smash him with a paw. He deftly moved out of the way. Thus began a dodging game, with the elder trying to squish him and Naruto jumping out of the way, smiling the whole time. Ginjo began to get frustrated with his opponent. It had been nearly ten minutes and no one had landed a blow yet. He growled low and screamed out.

Are you afraid to fight me boy? Are you that much of a coward?

The masses felt a chill go through them as Naruto stood stock-still and looked at the ground. Seeing his opening, Ginjo raised his paw and brought it down full force onto the golden haired fox. He roared with laughter at his easy victory and the crowd fell silent, with down trodden faces. They knew what would happen if the old fox became the king. His laughter died in his throat however when he felt a pressure on his paw, that slowly built and built until it threatened to cut through. He leapt back and away, nursing his paw and looked at the still standing Naruto, who had wind whipping all around his body, making his clothing and hair dance in the hurricane force wind. All the vulpine looked in awe at their regent, who had taken on an otherworldly glow.

"Call me a coward will you? I have been called many things in my life Ginjo. Brat, weakling, demon, bastard child, MONSTER! I HAVE BEEN CALLED MUCH IN MY LIFE GINJO, BUT COWARD HAS NEVER BEEN ONE OF THEM!"

The vulpine watched in horror as Naruto blurred from existence and reappeared on top of Ginjo's head. He growled deep in his throat and charged a rasengan and drove it into the top of the white wolf's head. Ginjo howled in pain and rolled over, trying to crush Naruto with his weight. Naruto leapt into the air and came down hard onto the wolf's belly with a wind charge axe kick. It was becoming quickly apparent that Ginjo was outclassed in this match, even with Naruto a mere dust mite. Ginjo rolled to his feet as Naruto landed in front of him.

How are you so powerful in that form? It shouldn't be possible.

"I'm powerful because I have something to protect from assholes like you. I was going to let you live, but no one calls Uzumaki Naruto a coward. EVEN MY WIFE KNOWS BETTER!"

Deciding he had toyed with the old fox enough, Naruto began to channel all his power into his right hand. His whole body shook with power and the aura around him changed to a dangerous red. To all apparent their monarch was a terrible entity, one who brought down swift justice in a terrible way. He was more frightening than the previous Kyuubi and yet the children had no fear of him. Genmaki's children in particular were yipping and cheering for him. It was like he exuded a peaceful calm along with the killing intent. It was truly...scary and exhilarating.

The power in his right hand was excruciatingly painful and he knew he couldn't hold it forever. He watched as the ball took shape and the winds began to form it into a shuriken, spinning above his head. The old fox watched in horror as Naruto charged him, his fangs bared and shoved the rasen-shuriken deep into his chest, rupturing his heart. Everyone leapt back as the titanic body came hurtling down and once it had impacted with the earth, it shrank back to its normal size, its power no longer keeping it going.

Naruto turned to his people and gave them a small smile. He truly regretted killing the old fox, but he had learned that mercy, for people with narrow minds, was not something that could be afforded.

"My people, I am your king, Uzumaki Naruto. I was at one time a mortal man, the jailor of your previous king. He was sealed into me at birth and I lived my whole life hated because of it. I hated the Kyuubi, I despised him. Your monarch had no honor in my eyes and he attacked my village without provocation. Now I am the Kyuubi and there will be changes in the fox realm. I am sorry about killing the elder councilman but he was of the old guard and he looked down upon me and my ideals. I value, above all else, loyalty to one's country and one's ideals. All I ask from you, all of you, is that you help me to change the traditions of the kingdom to something that serves the whole realm and not just a select number."

He turned fully to them and lifted his blue eyes, and gave them a foxy grin. He truly looked like a fox, even in his human form, and the way he held himself let the vulpine know that he was a man of the people.

"So whaddya say? Help me out?"

His answer was a chorus of yips and howls, signifying their acceptance of him as their leader. Naruto's smile widened and he turned to the body of the now dead Ginjo. He saw several foxes gathering around it and he let the smile fall from his face.

"I assume you are all from the White Crown clan? I am truly sorry for his death. It was needless. If only he had listened to me..."

A large brown fox stepped forward and bowed low before Naruto.

Do not worry Lord Naruto. We do not seek vengence. Ginjo was powerful but he was not the wisest of us. He felt that might made right and not all shared his viewpoint. To the end, might was all he understood. It never occurred to him that someone could overpower him in battle. I and my clan will follow you in whatever you desire. Hail Kyuubi!

HAIL KYUUBI!

Naruto basked in the adulation of his new people and walked into the city to his palace, to begin his new life as the king of the vulpine. Once the battlefield cleared and the foxes had all followed Naruto to listen to his speech, only Genmaki, his family, Hinamori, and Kazuma were left on the field. Genmaki had the biggest smirk on his face that a fox could have and turned his head to grin at the still gawking council members.

See? Told ya so. Nobody beats Lord Naruto. Nobody.

With that, he and his family left to go home. Hinamori and Kazuma stood like statues until Kazuma whispered into the wind.

This will be a most interesting reign indeed. Hail Kyuubi.

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In her sleep, Ino dreamt of Naruto battling a giant fox. She cringed when it went to crush him and smiled when he defeated it, earning the love of his people. As she rolled to her side in her sleep, she scowled, missing the warmth of her husband. The only intelligible words one could understand in her sleep were:

"Come home soon Naruto. I love you and I miss you."