Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

1.A chance to prove?

"Get away from me you monster!"

"Why is that thing allowed to become shinobi?It shouldn't even be allowed to roam freely!"

"Hiro-kun stay away from that filth!"

"Hokage-sama shouldn't have allowed that demon brat to live. It deserves to be killed."

His cold eyes gazed at the surroundings. Bloodied bodies could be seen place practically smelt of death. His eyes shifted everywhere making sure no one would escape his wrath. He wouldn't feel sorry for them, shouldn't feel sorry for them. They had brought this upon themselves. He had finally become exactly what they feared or rather was going to become in matter of few hours. Why should he feel remorse for those people who jumped at every chance to kill him. For those shinobi who couldn't understand basic process of sealing and couldn't differentiate between a scroll and a kunai sealed in it. For those who could but didn't hear the pleas of an innocent child. An innocent child who was hated for something he had no control over. The same child who tried to gain their attention but got only hostility in return.

"Naruto-kun!"His gaze fell on the running figure. Soon that figure stopped running. Though he didn't need to see to know who it was. But he didn't respond. Seems like he didn't need to for that person had already made a resolve to do something. He could see it in her eyes. A determination that could be rivaled only by that of his own.

She was panting heavily and wanted to catch her breath but could see the well hidden impatience in his unusually impassive gaze. She didn't have time for catching breath. She knew what she had decided to do was a task next to impossible. But she wouldn't give up. How could she? when the person who inspired her, taught her to never give up (albeit unknowingly) was standing in front of her. She had at a point of time given up not only on her dreams but on life itself. But he had made her believe in herself, showing fate was not set in stone and that she would still have a chance at fulfilling her dreams if she tried hard enough. His smile had saved her at that time . Now it was her turn. She would save him this time. This was not the time to be shy but make him believe in herself again. She knew if she tried hard enough she would be able to convince him. He would acknowledge her efforts no matter what. He always did even when no one else did. He would give her a chance to prove herself to him again.

"I know I can't change your mind about this" pointing towards the chaos caused by the flames that lit the buildings. "I also know we brought this upon ourselves. We don't deserve your forgiveness let alone mercy nor am I asking for it. But I want a chance to make up for my past mistakes. For not being there for you when you needed me the most. For not being there beside you through your darkest time. For being too shy to show that I cared for you, that there was someone who loved you for you. You said it yourself that revenge doesn't give you satisfaction. In the end it leaves you with nothing but emptiness. And I don't want you to be alone anymore even if its too late. I want to walk beside you because I love you. I know you and Kyuubi-sama are two different entities yet you two are a part of each other. I wouldn't care even if you were the same. Because I know you are still the kind person who saved me from the bullies in spite of being strangers, the same person who would do anything for his precious people. I think you have done much more for us even when we didn't deserve it. And I want to show you how much it meant to me. Please give me a chance."

He just didn't know what to say. He also knew he was incapable of being rude to her because she had been the first person who acknowledged without asking him to prove himself. Even Iruka had held him responsible for his parents' death in the beginning. He was also aware that it was her who had left a wallet (his gama-chan) at his doorstep on his 4th birthday and goggles on his 10th birthday. She also left home made bentos when she couldn't send a proper gift on those days( how could he forget the only times when he enjoyed something other than ramen?he knew she made them by herself after tasting her naruto shaped riceballs on the bikochu mission). Those things comforted him at the times of his loneliness that he was not alone in this world. Someone cared if he lived. Someone would cry if he died. And he never gave up because he didn't want to lose that comforting presence (yes he could sense someone watching over him back then). He didn't want to disappoint whoever it was because that person had become precious to him. That person believed in him and that was enough for him.

"Interesting. I knew you have always managed to make people feel speechless kit. But I never knew there was a person who was capable making you feel speechless! hahaha! This is definitely something new." Kurama mused inside his head.

He knew her every word was sincere, she had always been sincere. He was touched by her heartfelt apology and a bit surprised also to know that she didn't resent him for the chaos that was taking place, for destroying her home, the same place she sworn loyalty to. The same place she had fought and killed for many times. But he couldn't give her chance even if he wanted to.

"Kurama and I will merge soon, Hinata. From then on I will be the kyuubi-"

"I don't care!"

All three were surprised at her outburst, even the strongest the same bijuu was also curious to see how things were going to go ahead between these two.

"As I told you before, Kurama-sama is a part of you. Also without him you wouldn't be the Naruto I fell in love with. I know that you aren't the only one who has suffered a these years. Kurama-sama has suffered as well from this loneliness. I wouldn't even mind befriending him if it will clear your doubt about me abandoning you for this reason."

Kurama was quite surprised to know that the petite woman before his vessel would go this far for him. He knew then and there that the girl truly loved him. Many thought bijuus were just mindless monsters but that was not true. They did feel emotions like love and affection. They could care for people. But it was just easier to hate than love. But his container had chosen the difficult path of love rather than the easier choice of hatred. He didn't feel pity for those people nor any remorse. Even bijuus didn't abandon their own kin in times of need. But these people had just done that. Therefore he respected Naruto. He didn't care if his container was the child of prophecy or not. But what did matter was that he had freed the bijuus from their curse of hatred and proved that it was possible for humans and bijuus to work together. That not all humans saw bijuus as weapons. Some indeed wanted to befriend them. And now he could see that the woman before his jailer was one of those few belonging to the later category. She had indeed earned his respect.

In these past years Kurama had come to care for his jinchuriki not that he would admit. These past years they both had managed to bond in a way someone could only imagine. This was the least he could do for his container in exchange of all he has done for him till now. Even he knew his container deserved happiness that he never got. And he was also aware that if anyone could give him happiness it was the woman before them. She already told them that she was ready to accept not only naruto for himself but kyuubi as well. And he had a solution in mind but he had a last test for her.

"Naruto. I want to meet the Hyuuga girl personally. I give you my word as a bijuu I won't harm her intentionally."

Naruto tensed a bit. But not because he didn't trust his tenant. But because he didn't know how Hinata would react. Especially seeing Kyuubi out of the cage. He had long ago freed Kurama from the seal. Meeting a bijuu that could roam freely in a mindscape of his jailer is quite different from meeting a bijuu behind the bars.

'What are you planning exactly Kurama?'

Hearing no response he replied'Fine.'

He walked towards her slowly. Finally stopping a foot away from her he grabbed her hand.

"Kurama wants to meet you."

Before they entered his mindscape he only saw her eyes widen hoping they did only because she was surprise rather than afraid. He was proved right when her eyes softened even further than before.

'This girl...She never ceases to amaze me! Only she would soften her gaze at the thought of meeting the strongest bijuu existent till date.'

She knew that they had entered his mindscape but was quite surprised to see a vast landscape filled with greenery. She could actually feeling the air blowing her hair, smell the earth and couldn't resist bending over to smell the fragrance of flowers while putting a strand of hair behind her ear.

Seeing what she was doing proved to be quite an enticing image for Naruto which amused Kurama to no end.

"Quite a site isn't it Naruto?"

"Yes it is-wait..what the hell Kurama!"Naruto glared seeing Kurama's amused expression.

"I never expected that someday I would speak to a human who isn't my jailer so willingly. Quite a feat I must say."

The deep voice snapped her out of her reverie. Only then did she notice the figure of a huge nine-tailed fox sitting under the tree and Naruto beside him.

She didn't hesitate to walk over to them.

Kurama smirked seeing her widened eyes knowing she was awed by him. But soon that expression changed. Was it hope that he saw in her eyes?

"Well you might as well tell me what is going on in that pretty little head of yours. I can see you want to ask something."

Taking that as a cue, she asked,"Can I touch you?" With wide eyes and quivering lip.

"Yes, you can. No need to give me that look."

As soon as those words left his mouth she ran and hugged him as tightly as she could, tears falling from her eyes.

'I thought she asked for a touch not a hug damnit'

But Kurama restrained himself from reacting when he smelled her tears.

"Arigatou for everything."She whispered in the bijuu's ears while still keeping her hold on him.

"What the hell are you talking about woman?" he asked a bit frustrated. What the hell was wrong with this woman! This woman just did not act like he expected her too. First she asks to touch him, but she ends up hugging as if he was a toy to cuddle with. And then when he's finally out of his shock and decides to reprimand her she cries whispering thankyou in his ears! He would have laughed at this situation if he wasn't at the end of her surprises.

"Thank you for being there for Naruto when I couldn't."

'There she goes again surprising me! This meeting isn't going as I planned at all. Actually far from how I thought it would be.'

Naruto knew that Kurama wanted to talk to Hinata alone first. So he watched how things played from far but still near enough to be able to see what was happening. He couldn't quite decide what surprised him more. The fact that she wasn't afraid of Kurama or the fact that she ran towards the bijuu and hugged him tightly. He could see that even his tenant was surprised at her behaviour. He wasn't the touchy type exactly. He could see Kurama was trying to free himself from her arms but suddenly couldn't. Then his eyes widened. He assumed she had said something in his ears which had frustrated Kurama (probably from her unpredictable behavior). Seems like that wasn't the end of surprises because frustration left Kurama's eyes as his eye softened. Did he also see a tear slid down his face?! This was unlike anything he had seen before. What were they talking about exactly? Even after years of friendship he couldn't comprehend exactly what were they talking about that Kurama reacted that way!

"Naruto-kun!" He say Hinata telling him to come over.

'Looks like they have finished whatever it was.'

As Naruto reached within hearing distance, Kurama stood up and brought them to the topic at hand.

"Hinata as gaki here told you I and him will merge in matter of an hour, his appearance will change as one of its side effects i.e. he will get fox ears and nine tails."

"So I'll become a hanyou?"Naruto queried.

" Aah. Back to Hinata's second chance...what if I give you a real one?"

"A real second chance?"

"How?"

"Time-travel. As you know we bijuus are made of chakra and that is the reason we don't die. Though the past experience with Madara Uchiha has also proved we're not invincible either. Therefore the jutsu will have some side-effects. As for what they will be I can't tell."

"But we will have our memories right?"

"You are going back along with your bodies. So it is highly unlikely that you won't have your memories."

"So there will be 2 Narutos and Hinatas huh...what about you?"

"It's good to know that you care Naruto. I am not sure. There's a chance I won't regain them considering it would be my chakra that will be used for the jutsu."

"It doesn't matter. We won't abandon you. We'll get you back."

" Is it possible to merge you with your past self so that Naruchan won't be your jinchuuriki?"Hinata asked.

'She's already worried about her soon-to-be child?! Guess its true. There's no other love like a mother's for her child' thought Naruto.

"We can do that. The same way Naruto pulled my yin chakra from Minato and combined it with my yang chakra. Now let's get started. First mark her as your mate Naruto. That way you will still be married in that timeline. You can't adopt your younger self if you aren't married. It will also ensure that you two end up in the same place and time." It was a lie and Kurama knew this. He just wanted to make sure these two ended up together. Besides who knows when he would get another chance to embarass his container!

Hearing this both 20 year olds blushed though it was hard to tell due to Naruto's blank face. He turned towards Hinata and soon closed the distance between them.

Feeling his rough lips on her soft ones was a total bliss for Hinata. She had longed for this for as long as she could remember. It was her dream was come true. She felt something wet touch her lips. She gasped realising it was his tongue asking for entrance. Her gasp was enough to slid his tongue into her mouth. She never knew a kiss could be so ...passionate ...sweet...rough yet gentle...amazing! The words couldn't even get close to describe what she was feeling at that moment. She felt her knees weaken too much to stand and clutched his jacket for support. Seeing her dilemma he wrapped his arm around her waist to keep her from falling and keeping another to support her head. He wasn't ready to admit that he wanted a chance to run his fingers through her silky hair.

"Ahem!" Kurama coughed loudly bringing their attention to himself."This is not how you mark a mate kit! Bite her neck is what I meant and don't forget to put your chakra while you're at it."

'Smooth Naruto! Inspite of knowing how to do it, you took the chance to kiss her. Hahahhhah!'

He didn't wait further knowing given time Hinata will figure it out he kissed her because he wanted to not because it was necessary. 'Not that she would mind it.' But he wasn't ready to answer those questions before he comes to terms with his feelings for her. He held her neck again with his left hand and bent down and inserted his fangs into her neck drawing a bit of blood but he didn't withdraw them knowing the process was yet to be completed. He put his chakra letting it mingle with her own and when he was sure it did he licked the blood. When he drew back he saw Kurama'a tail exactly where he bit her befor e it could form the mate mark on her neck.

"Well...the mark can't be seen by the outsiders that's why choose the place where you can hide it yet access it easily in times of need. In case of summoning all you'll have to do is place your hand on it and put some chakra into it. That way you won't need blood sacrifice. Where would you like to place it Hinata?"

"Ano...I have a place in mind but..." It seemed like all her previous confidence had left her as they saw how she bit her lip in anxiety.

"Turn around Naruto. It's clear she doesn't want you to see."

Hinata also turned around and lifted the hem of her shirt a bit till her torso. Understanding where she wanted it Kurama place his tail on the lower back, right near her left hip, the same tail that had collected her and Naruto's chakra. She felt as if her skin was being burned but that pain soon subsided and the mark took shape of a fox inside a spiral that was formed by his nine tails. It had reddish golden fur and its tails and ears had white tips to them.

"I must say it was a smart choice Hinata. Naruto you can turn back."

'Damn you Kurama!' Naruto cursed inwardly. He knew what Kurama had said before just to increase his curiosity. But he would know it soon. She won't be able fo hide it when they do...'Uhhhh!' He tried shaking his head but he still couldn't get perverted thoughts out of his mind.

Kurama was rolling on the floor laughing in his mind. 'I never knew this could be so much fun!'

"Let's get started then. Both of you follow me and start making handsigns along with me. The seals will appear on their own like they do when you use 'Kuchiyose no jutsu' That reminds me! Don't forget to sign the summoning contract as soon as you reach there. That would make the additional bursts of your chakra unnoticeable."

Seeing their respective nods he nodded back at them signalling the start.

"Ox! Boar! Deer! ... Rat! Monkey!"

Kurama bit the end of one of his tails drawing blood simultaneously and after all three of them slammed their right palms or paw in case of the fox he placed his bleeding tail on the seals that appeared. Soon the seals began glow brightly. Naruto and Hinata had to close their eyes due to the brightness.

But before the light could engulf them they heard Kurama's voice faintly wishing them good luck.

And the first chap is finally complete. Stay tuned in to know how their return changes the events that take place on the night of kyuubi's attack in the next chapter.

Ja!