The shadows

ch53

Naruto let out such a girly "eep" that it would put old shy Hinato to shame. He immediately heard knocking on the door. "Naruto-kun, are you alright there?" Kakashi asked, trying to get in.

"I'm alright. I just slipped on the floor. I'm not injured. I will put on my clothes and be out in a minute." Naruto said, trying to sound convincing.

"Ok, but if you need anything, just call me. I'm right outside." Kakashi said with a sigh.

Naruto quickly put on his clothes, trying to hide the extra appendage. He could hear Kurama laughing his ass off in his mind. Oh, Naruto was going to make him pay. Kurama just laughed harder.

Naruto got out of the bathroom. Kakashi was waiting for him. he immediately put a hand on his forehead. "Hmm, your temperature is finally down. We will head out in four hours. Mikoto wanted to get some stuff from the city, and Tenzo went with her. Go get some sleep for now. I will wake you up for lunch." Kakashi said, ushering him to the room.

"Thank you," Naruto said. His only response was the hair ruffling. He got to bed and started meditating to go to his mindscape.

"KURAMA." He yelled as soon as he got there. Kurama was in his human form, dodging Naruto as he tried to tackle him.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?" Naruto yelled, trying to get the fox.

"Well, you see, since the barrier between us is gone, I decided to push for a little something. You know it looks good on you." Kurama said as he dodged another attack.

"That's not the point. How the hell am I supposed to hide this thing? I can't go around the village like this." Naruto pouted as he finally stopped trying and sat down.

"Are you trying to say you're embarrassed by me?" Kurama asked angrily.

"NO. NEVER. You know it's not that Kurama. I'm sorry." Naruto said, looking down with shame.

"Hey, it's ok, kit. I know you didn't mean it like that. It's just... I always see you as my own kit; others did so too. In your last life, you were known as my Jinchuuriki to everyone. But with your father out there, I can't help feeling like our connection is not deemed as important to others."

"I know things haven't changed between us. And I am happy to see you have your father in this life. But I want others to know about us." Kurama said as he sat next to Naruto, putting his arm around Naruto.

"Kurama. You know that it's the same with me. You were practically with me since I was in the womb. I can't imagine a life without you. I will proudly show your gift to the world, but now is not the time." Naruto said as he leaned into Kurama's side.

"I know, kit. It's ok. Until we are ready, you can hide it from the world." Kurama said with a smile.

Kakashi woke Naruto up for lunch as promised. It was still a bit early for lunch, but they had to leave if they wanted to reach the village before sunset. They ate quickly and were on their way.

They stuck to tree hopping. They went full speed since there was no reason not to. They didn't talk much except for a few short breaks. They finally reached the village on schedule. After showing their documentation, they headed for Hokage's office.

Minato had to stop himself from getting up and physically checking Naruto, but he managed to sit through the full report. Naruto excused himself afterward to pay a quick visit to Orochimaru.

There weren't many people he trusted with his new development, but Orochimaru had his trust. After the initial shock, the sannin quickly hatched a plan. Naruto couldn't safely use his indefinite henge, but Orochimaru examined his tail, and they found the most comfortable way for him to tuck his tail.