19

"I'LL KILL YOU UZUMAKI NARUTO! YOU HEAR ME? I'LL KILL YooooOH GOD IT HURTS!"

Naruto winced as he heard his wife holler through the double doors of the delivery room. At eight months and two weeks, the baby had decided that it didn't like being in Ino anymore and had made the decision to say hello to the world. Naruto was ecstatic that the child was finally coming, but the way Ino was screaming made him fear for his safety.

The fact that Ino had tried to break his hand while she was holding it, and had then tried to choke him wasn't influencing his decision to stay in the waiting room at all.

He remembered back to when Sakura had been giving birth to Hikaru. Not being knowledable at all about babies or the birthing process, he had opted to watch from behind a screen. Once Hikaru was born and handed to Sakura, Naruto had made the mistake of pointing to her crotch and asking if it ever would go back to normal.

That had been a horrible six months on the couch.

He chuckled as he walked that path down memory lane, catching the attention of Inoichi.

"So, what are you going to call the baby? Thought of any names?"

Naruto cracked one eye open and smiled at his father-in-law.

"We ain't naming it 'Inoichi' if that's what you're asking."

"I wasn't suggesting that. I was just wondering if the two of you had come up with anything."

"I haven't. I've already had a kid so I thought Ino should have the honor of naming her first. Besides, I'm not bothering her if she's acting like this. Sakura wasn't this damn violent."

"Well, my little girl isn't exactly a mortal anymore. Maybe demons are more...volatile, when they're giving birth than humans are."

"Maybe. Or maybe that's just the way the women in her family act. Didn't you say Yuka tried to kill you with a hidden kunai while she was giving birth to Ino?"

Inoichi shuddered and looked down the hall to where his wife was sitting, chatting with Tsunade and Sakura, the foxes all close by with the children.

"Yeah she did. It was scary as hell how that tiny woman had me cowering with fear. I usually don't scare easy. It comes with walking people's minds. But her...brrr, man I don't even want to think about it."

"I just can't believe the entire family is blonde. Hopefully the kid will have a different head of hair."

"Why's that? Blonde is a good color."

"Not saying it ain't. I just would like to see a different color."

Before the two could bicker any further, a nurse poked her head out the door and beckoned for Naruto.

"The baby's here and doing fine. If you'd like to see the both of them."

Naruto was gone from his chair so fast, all Inoichi saw was an afterimage.

'Well, here's hoping my grandchild looks cute at least...'

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"So, boy or girl?"

Tsunade had finally tired of the meaningless drivel that Sakura and Yuka were spouting out constantly about how cute babies were and this and that...ugh, it was becoming most uncomfortable. Since she'd never had a child, she'd settled for mothering Naruto and Hikaru to death. Her fox Penni sat on the bench beside her, purring as Tsunade slightly stroked her fur absentmindedly. It wasn't often the fox allowed herself to be touched, but then again, Tsunade wasn't said to have magic hands for nothing.

Sakura looked pensive for once and put her finger to her chin, thinking about her answer. They'd all ran diagnostic jutsu on Ino over the months but they weren't very good at telling what gender a child was. Especially in the still formative stages. Ino had said that she didn't want to know what the gender was and had forbade them exclusively from looking into the gender of the child. Sakura had pouted and Tsunade had given her a harsh look for being so childish. If there was one thing Tsunade couldn't stand, it was immaturity because of something silly. She had enough of that from Naruto in earlier years.

"I think it's going to be a girl."

Yuka shook her head and crossed her fingers. Despite desperately wanting a grandchild, she wanted a girl most of all. At least at first. She wanted a girl that she could doll up and act girly with. Someone she could dote on. Tsunade saw that both of them wanted girls and smirked.

"I hope it's a boy."

Sakura and Yuka both looked at her like she'd grown another head. Yuka cautiously asked her why that was, as she already had one grandson, effectively.

"Because boys cause more trouble and I seriously think that any child of Naruto's would do this village good with their natural born trickster skills."

"How so?"

"Why Yuka, it's been so boring since Naruto became a respectable father figure. I just figured that we could use a shake up."

"...I'd still rather have a granddaughter. Sugar and spice and everything, nice you know."

"Meanness and snails and puppy dog tails for me. I'd rather have another grandson. Besides, girls have never exactly been my thing. I always preferred rowdiness to prissiness. Must be why Kushina and I got along so well."

"Be that as it may, that's two votes for girl, one for boy. What do you kids think?"

Hikaru, Juugo, and Karin looked up from where they'd been playing with the foxes and Karing immediately squealed for a little girl. Juugo gave her a sour look and spoke up for boy. Hikaru remained quiet until Sakura asked him what he wanted.

"I just want a little...anything. I'd like a sibling. I just wish that I could have a tail like dad does. I bet the baby will have tails and ears like dad and mom. Either way, it works out for me. I have someone new to play with!"

Tsunade nodded and turned to the summons.

"And you all? What do you want?"

The foxes all turned and looked at each other, shocked by the question. It didn't really matter to them what gender the kit was as long as it was there and alive. Kits were precious to the vulpine and every one was treasured. Genmaki, as the one who was senior in the mortal realm, was urged to answer first.

I...would just like my Lord to have a new kit and for there to be no complications.

Tsunade sighed and leaned in to the foxes a bit more.

"Genmaki, that's not what I asked and you know it. What do you want the kid to be, boy or girl?"

The fox sighed and held his head down.

I suppose a boy...although, perhaps having a little girl around would tone down the other three...and give Karin someone else to play with.

Penni, seeing that she wasn't going to be scratched any more until she answered, sighed and thumped her tails impatiently.

I suppose I as well would like a girl. It would be nice to see a female first in line for the throne.

Gin was stared at next and yawned, making everyone narrow their eyes at him.

Troublesome...a boy.

Shin sighed at his less than exuberant partner's answer and perked his head up.

I'd like a boy. Karin's cool but boys are more prone to want to play and get dirty.

Karin pouted and grabbed his tail roughly.

"I play with you all the time when I'm not training."

Yes, but you don't do anything foolhardy like I do. And that gets boring sometimes.

"Well, I'm not going to get hurt just so you can be entertained."

Boring! What about you Megumi?

I would like a little girl myself. I just love kits in general though, so either is fine by me. I wonder who will be named as the guardian?

Gin's head popped up and a gleam came to his eyes.

Ah yes, another vulpine in the mortal realm. That will be something else. I'm sure the selection process will be wonderful.

Genamki snorted and Gin turned his head to his superior.

Selection process? Lord Naruto merely thought all of you looked like you could do the job or listened to my suggestions. There was no process. I think I'll suggest one of my kits to watch his that way they grow up together, like the Inuzuka clan.

Yuka had been getting more and more lost as the time rolled on. She hated being out of the loop on anything and wanted a few answers.

"Um, excuse me. I know that Naruto and Ino are the monarchs of the fox realm but what is this about a guardian selection process?"

Genmaki turned to the woman and his eyes shone with mirth.

Lady Yuka, it is not so much a process as a selection of one who Lord Naruto thinks is trustworthy to watch out for those he considers precious. That is why all his family have a fox to watch out for them and help them. I've been with Hikaru since he was four. I'll be with him until he dies. Since we of the vulpine don't age like mortals, we will be with the one we are selected to guard for their lifespan. I consider it an honor to guard Master Hikaru, just as the others consider it an honor to guard their charges.

Gin snorted at that.

No matter how stupid they may be.

Juugo growled at his guardian and yanked on one of his tails, resulting in a yelp from Gina and then from Juugo when he was bashed over the head with another tail. Sakura sighed and pulled the two apart.

"We're in a hospital you two. Act like it."

She sat the sulking fox and boy down just in time to see Naruto bolt through the doors into the delivery room.

"Well, looks like the baby's here."

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Naruto walked silently to the bedside, where a beaming Ino was smiling at a bundle in her arms. Naruto smiled at his wife and kissed her forehead.

"Hey you. You tired?"

Ino looked up at him and smiled wearily.

"Exhausted. She's beautiful isn't she?"

Naruto looked down at his new daughter and poked his finger at her nose. The little infant tried to follow his finger with both eyes and ended up crosseyed. He chuckled and pulled his hand back.

"Ino, lay her down and peel the blanket back. I want to see what she looks like."

Ino nodded and laid her daughter on her back while unraveling the blanket. She revealed a beautiful baby girl with foxy features.

The little girl had a silver set of fox ears on her head that twisted and turned with every noise and breeze from the air vents. A single silver tail was wrapped around her waist and her eyes were a beautiful golden color. A small tuft of red hair adorned her head. Besides the whisker marks on her face, she bore absolutely no resemblance to either of her parents, other than the fact that she was a demon fox. Naruto looked upon his daughter with pride and poked her belly, causing a giggle to arise from the little bundle of joy.

"You're right Ino, she is beautiful. What are you going to name her?"

Ino looked up at her husband and sighed happily as his tails entwined with hers. It was all she could do to keep her eyes open but she wanted this feeling to last forever.

"I thought we'd name her...Mikomi."

Naruto nodded as he went to usher everyone in to see the new mother and child...through the window of course.

'Hope...yes, that is an appropriate name. Mikomi, hope.'

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After everyone had seen the baby and wished the parents well, Naruto walked back into the room and sat beside the bed as Ino fed Mikomi. He couldn't help but feel a little jealous of his daughter, especially after all the months of a no touching rule (which both of them had blissfully ignored at one point or another) but shrugged it off.

"So Ino, how does being a mother feel?"

"Tiring. And...ow, ow, ow!"

Naruto immediately got serious.

"What's the matter? Are you hurt? Do I need to call the doctor?"

Ino scowled at him and put Mikomi back to her breast.

"No, its nothing like that. It's just your daughter already has a tiny set of teeth and they hurt. I hope she weans early."

Naruto chuckled at his wife's antics and sat back further in his chair.

"You'll get used to it. At least you have Sakura and Yuka to ask for help. Yuka's wonderful you know, as far as a mother-in-law goes. Sakura's parents hated me. They wouldn't talk to me ever and I think they threw a party when we got the divorce. Heh, that's why I love your parents."

Ino raised an eyebrow and winced when Mikomi bit her again. Her only thought at that moment was that breastfeeding sucked.

"Oh? And why do you love my parents? You're not supposed to get along."

"I'll have you know that me and Inoichi get along splendidly. Your parents treat me like family and for that they'll have my undying gratitude. Now then, we need to think about what we're going to do when we get home."

"What do you mean? We have the baby's room ready and everything. What else is there to worry about?"

"I need to find a guardian for her. A fox to grow with her. And I believe that one of Genmaki's kits will do just fine."

Ino's eyes lit up and she giggled.

"I've always wanted to see what his kits looked like. I bet they're cute."

"They are. They are also highly intelligent and if they grow with her, they'll bond and be extremely useful. We're going to have to start watching our Ps and Qs with the Uchiha from here on out. He'll be looking for a chance to strike. He's gone too long without doing something."

Ino sighed wearily and laid back while readjusting her gown. Mikomi lay asleep in her arms and she handed her to Naruto so she could adjust herself and get comfortable on the hospital bed.

"Why oh why didn't you just kill the asshole at the wedding? It would have saved so much trouble. But nooo, you just had to play the noble one and deal him a blow to his ego instead. I swear Naruto, sometimes you're too kind, even to your enemies."

The demon king sighed as he looked at his newborn daughter snuggled into his arms and kept his head down.

"I know Ino. And there's not a day goes by that I don't regret not killing him there and then. But I just couldn't bring myself to do that. He had children and...I don't know what I was thinking. It just didn't seem right to assassinate the future Hokage there."

"You weren't assassinating him, you were performing a community service. And as far as Hokage, I can't believe the idiots of Konoha still let him take office. That's a mistake you know that you'll have to deal with sooner than later."

"I know sweetie, I know. I just...perhaps we should have left and moved to Suna, taken Tsunade and Jiraiya with us, just up and left. But that would mean that Juugo and Karin would still be under his thumb. No...I think the current path I've laid is the correct one. When the time comes to put the Uchiha down, I'll do it and I won't hold back this time."

Ino nodded as she drifted off to sleep.

"I certainly hope so dear. I just have a bad feeling about him."

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Three more months passed and the day that the three children could take their exam had arrived. Ino was up and about and, with her demonic healing, was ready to teach them. Their days as children were over. From this day forward, they would be adults in the eyes of the village. The kids were excited, Juugo and Karin most of all. They would finally be able to stand on equal ground with their brother and go on missions. None of the adults had the heart to tell them of the horrors of D-rank missions. Once the kids were gone, all the adults sat around the table in Naruto's house, sipping tea and waiting for the kids to come back.

Mikomi played in her pen, giggling and laughing as she clutched a stuffed toy fox. Naruto had decided that on her third birthday he would get a guardian for her. She wouldn't leave Ino's side till then anyway, unless she left the village on a C-rank mission with her team. Tsunade smiled at her grandchild and picked her up, cradling her. Mikomi's eyes got big and she began to pat Tsunade's breast while giggling, causing Naruto to snort and try to hold in his laughter.

"I guess those things are fun to play with..."

He never got to finish whatever he was saying since all three women sent him crashing into the ground. Ino sighed at her husband's stupidity and refilled the teacups.

"I guess that I'll be really busy after today. I haven't taught a team before. It'll be interesting to say the least."

Naruto rubbed his head and ignored the snickering of the foxes behind him as he took his seat again.

"Ah don't worry honey, I'll be there to help you. No worries."

"That's exactly what I'm worried about."

Naruto pouted and turned his back on the women while they laughed at his expense. Mornings like these weren't all that common so any merriment was welcome. Naruto had become more and more tense worrying about what Sasuke was going to do and his usually jovial mood seemed to be forgotten. His smile came back however, when he took his daughter from Tsunade and lifted her over his head while she giggled happily.

"Everything's going to be just fine huh Mikomi? Don't you listen to Mommy one bit. Daddy's gonna make everything ok."

The women all smiled at the little melodramatic scene. Perhaps everything would be all right.

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Hikaru, Juugo, and Karin, along with their escorts, nearly tore the door off coming into the house, raising the ire of a certain Uzumaki.

"Oi oi oi! What the hell do you hooligans think you're doing? Cut that shit out and calm down! Oh now look, you've woken the baby."

The three stood somewhat shamefully as Naruto tried to get Mikomi to quiet back down while Ino emerged from the bedroom rubbing her eyes sleepily. Tsunade and Sakura appeared soon after, after hearing the ruckus from across the property. They thought Sasuke was attacking with all the noise. Tsunade immediately saw the headbands proudly on display and hugged Hikaru.

"So you passed huh brat? I'm very proud of you."

Sakura congratulated her children while Ino and Naruto hung back, watching the proceedings. Once the others had settled down, Ino coughed into her hand and smirked at the new genin.

"You realize, of course, that your asses are mine? From here on out, you are no longer children; you are soldiers under my command and will do as you are told, with no questions asked. I'll officially be made your commander in a couple days and we'll begin training and missions. We'll hold off on the Chuunin exams for a year or two to make sure you're ready. Other than that, we'll carry on as usual."

Naruto stepped forward and smiled at the three genin.

"Congrats kids. I'm proud of you all. I want you to realize that the only time your guardians will help you is in battle. We expect you all to be competent ninja on your own and not to rely on the power of your helpers. Now that said, who's up for a new recipe?"

This piqued everyone's attention. Naruto rarely used new recipes...and they were all delicious. Ino, drooling at the prospect of something different, spoke up.

"What is it?"

Naruto smiled and walked into the kitchen.

"It's called ABC Chicken."

Tsunade cocked an eyebrow and sat at the table.

"Why's it called ABC Chicken?"

"Because it's as easy as ABC."

Naruto pouted as they all groaned. No one ever appreciated his jokes.

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It was midnight in Konohagakure and everyone was sleeping. Everyone except for one person.

Sasuke sat in his chair in the Hokage's office looking over the team selections that Iruka had put together. Most were adequate but when he came to Ino's team, he paused and scowled. Leave it to the Uzumaki to pit things in his favor. This way all the children were guarded and Naruto could be called at a moment's notice. Not only that, but the kids would all have foxes guarding them and demon foxes at that. Getting his spawn back wouldn't be easy. He was about to amend the teams when his window slid open and he turned to see who would dare intrude only to find...no one.

"I know what you were about to do Sasuke...and I wouldn't recommend you doing it."

Sasuke turned slowly to find the demon fox king sitting crosslegged on his desk holding Ino's team's file in his hand. He smirked at this and leaned back in his chair.

"And why is that? Do you actually think you can stop me? I will have my revenge on you one day Naruto, that's a promise. Don't think that just because you have had me stalemated in the past that I can't cook up something else."

Naruto narrowed his eyes and dropped the file back on the desk.

"Sasuke, I don't know why you insist on trying to make my life miserable or why you even carry a vendetta against me. I've never done anything to you to deserve it. You've always been an instigator of true violence between us. Is it so much to ask that you leave the children out of this? Let them grow up happy. Stop being such an asshole."

"Those brats are mine Uzumaki. They are my legacy and will be raised as true Uchiha."

"See, that's the whole problem Sasuke. You're not trying to be a father. You're trying to be an Uchiha. Your children are scared of you and you don't see that. Is that truly what you want? Don't do this to yourself or them Sasuke. I'm telling you, I'm not asking you."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed to mere slits and he leaned forward until his nose nearly touched Naruto's.

"Know this Uzumaki. You have taken everything from me. My family, my seed, everything. I blame you for the massacre, I blame you for my brother, I blame you for everything."

Naruto sighed and leaned back.

"You truly are mad. There will come a day soon, Uchiha, when you and I will fight. And on that day, you will die."

"Realize this Uzumaki. If I die, I will not go alone...and it may not be you going with me."

Naruto's visage immediately turned savage and his true power erupted, awakening everyone in Konoha. Sasuke himself was suffocating under the power and the two ANBU outside the door had already passed out. Naruto's red eyes and huge fangs shone in the moonlight filtering through the window.

And realize this Uchiha. If any of my family dies, then I will personally follow you into Hell and torture you for all eternity. I will make sure that your brother has full access to torment you, that you watch your family die again over and over. I will make your afterlife miserable Uchiha. The Kami herself will not save you, the Shinigami will not save you. I will ensure your life is nothing but a waste. I could kill you now and be well within my rights. You have threatened my family not once, but twice now. The next time we meet Uchiha, I shall devour you. The sour taste will not keep me from doing it. May you rot in the layers of hell for all eternity.

With his piece said, Naruto was gone in a flash of flame, all the papers on Sasuke's desk erupting into flame except the academy graduates folders. Once he had his breathing back under control, the Uchiha sat up and clutched his chest. He was truly a fool, taunting one who was as close to being a god as one could get. He'd done it twice and had gotten away, because of the demon's benevolence. He needed a contingency plan, in case he actually had to face the king in the future. Suddenly, realization came across his face.

'Of course. There is that jutsu.'

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Naruto slipped back into his bedroom to find Ino comforting Hikaru as she cradled Mikomi. He realized that his power must have engulfed Konoha and he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, throwing Ino an apologetic look. Hikaru leapt into his arms, already knowing who was responsible for the wave of power.

"Dad, what was that all about? Did you get in a fight with someone?"

"No I didn't son. I just lost control for a moment. I was mad about something. Now, you get to bed. All ninjas need their rest."

Hikaru walked off grumbling about never knowing anything as Naruto crawled into bed beside Ino.

"How'd the talk go?"

"I think you know. I came this close to killing him Ino, I really did. Don't worry, the kids are yours. But I'll have to do something about him in the near future. I fear I may have to kill him."

Ino kissed her husband on the cheek and handed him their daughter. He smiled at his daughter as her tail waved happily and she grasped at his cheeks. The little girl always made him smile and he ran his hand through her red hair. His nose suddenly detected something foul and he glared at Ino, who smiled devilishly.

"You woke her up, you change her Oh mighty ruler of foxes."

Naruto grumbled as he changed his daughter while Ino slept. His one revenge was putting the offending object close to her nose while she slept and watching as her eyes watered and she gagged while he laughed.

It was worth sleeping on the couch that night.