So sorry about this I rerewrote chapter 1. Looking back it was really bad (imo) I think I wrote this with a lot more character developement. Finals are done I will start working on rewritting chapter 2 so it doesn't suck. Then chapter 3 I don't know if you can tell but this is much longer then usual which I am trying to make the norm from now on. Also tell me if I get too discriptive, I'm really trying to immerse the reader in the environment. Hopefully you guys like I look forward to continuning this story and making each chapter longer and longer (which will mean updates are farther apart).

A woman was walking through the streets of Konoha's red light district, by her appearance alone you wouldn't be able to tell her age nor would she tell you if you asked. She wore a black yukata with small white vines running along the dress covering her generous features, her chocolate brown hair was up in a bun. She ran a smaller "entertainment" house deep within the district, it was slow today so she decided to go outside for a bit and enjoy the fresh air. As she passed an alleyway a child's cries reached her ears. These sounds weren't uncommon, Konoha had a surplus of orphans since the Kyuubi attacked four years ago, most of the time Kaede ignored these cries, despite being the most prosperous of the Hidden Villages it was still survival of the fittest. For some reason tonight was different, venturing into the alleyway her eyes adjusting to the darkness she could see piles of garbage, not long after the putrid smell assaulted her nose. She pushed further into the alleyway reaching the point where the wimpers emanated from and her breath caught in her throat. Missing the gasp that escaped her mouth she knelt down ignoring the fact that her clothes would be soiled from the dirt.

It was Naruto Uzumaki the village's pariah, Jinchuuriki, son of the Fourth Hokage, oh Lord Third might say he was an orphan but Kaede knew, she had met Lord Fourth before and they were spitting images of each other, their hair color was the exact shade and if the boy opened his eyes they would have been the exact same shade of blue. His face was covered in blood and his right wrist was bent at a funny angle. She picked the boy up ignoring the flinch that ran through his body and the implications that came along with it and ran as fast as she could in her attire back to her business. It wasn't much to look at, a three story building dark wooden paneling siding. While it was one of the taller buildings that was only because she and her close friend lived there as well. Going through the back door because Kaede had a feeling that running through the front door covered in blood holding a child wouldn't go over to well.

Opening the door and thanking the gods that it didn't squeak like it normal she walked up the three flights of stairs, ignoring the sounds of sex that reverberated through the halls. Upon entering her personal bedroom she laid the boy down on the bed and closed her door. Stripping the boy of the clothes he wore, if you could call the shabby rags he wore clothing she noticed they were soaked along with herself. Perhaps the heavens were crying at the treatment of one of the Leaf's greatest heros. Checking the boy over there appeared to be no other injuries, however there were slight signs of malnutrition.

Before she could continue her care the door burst open. "Kaede I was worried about you, it just started raining cats and dogs" Kaede turned around to see her best friend Juhi. Not much younger than her, but a bit taller, deep black hair and eyes made her popular among a certain niche of people who wanted to pretend she was part Uchiha. Noticing the blood stain on Kaede's Kimono Juhi voice increased a few notches. "Oh my God what happened are you mhppphmmm." Kaede covered her mouth the last they needed was to draw attention to the situation especially since Juhi could wake the whole damn block if she tried. Kaede quickly went and shut the door the that was still open. Turning to her best friend eyes steely she asked her best friend a life changing question. "You trust me right?" A nod Juhi appeared to be in a bit of a daze from seeing the blood. "And I can trust you right?" Another nod.

Kaede showed Juhi the sleeping child on the bed. Juhi's jaw dropped a little bit "Is that who I think it is?" Kaede hummed out an affirmation and asked if Juhi could get the first aid supplies. Upon her return they wet some rags and proceeded to wipe all the grime off the boy's body, right as they had cleaned most of the boy something happened.

A black spiral swirled around his belly button, from there lines flowed forth across his body branching like roots. Both Kaede and Juhi were too stunned to do anything other than watch this transformation. They should've felt fear considering that was the seal that held the Kyuubi back but they had complete faith that if the Fourth gave his life the seal would hold. Finally after what seemed like an eternity but in reality was just a few moments the lines retreated like rivers running dry and the seal faded back into nothing.

There were a few glaring differences though he no rather it was a she. Her hair was longer instead of being about an inch it was about shoulder length. Kaede and Juhi hadn't really noticed while they were cleaning the male turned female but the reason Naruto's face had been covered in blood was now sitting in plain sight, three lines on each cheek, giving the appearance of whiskers. However did this to him, her, whatever Naruto was must have been a sick fuck. As Kaede's eyes went down the body the most noticeable difference was apparent, the male parts were gone and now there were female parts.

"Did Lord Fourth's son just turn into a girl?" Juhi's voice was a little shaky.

"It appears so" Kaede's reply was barely a whisper. A small whimper came from the child reminding the two women of the situation they were still in. Juhi proceeded to stitch the facial wounds together while Kaede set Naruto's wrist in a stint. After they finished they both sat down breathing heavily. "Juhi can I trust you too take care of the brothel tonight I am going to keep watch over her." Juhi saw the weariness etched onto her best friends face, gave a weak smiled and said "Of course" and left the room quietly shutting the door behind her.

Kaede looked at the child now peacefully resting and briefly fell back to the memories of Lord Fourth. There had been times when Minato-sama was forced by his comrades to come to this place, she had served him each time. With a dazzling smile he grabbed a bit of her heart, he never slept with her it was always tea and conversation, he treated her with great respect. Her inner child always dreamed that one day Minato would take her away from from her current lifestyle but she knew that was just a pipe dream. Minato only had eyes for one woman, and her name was Kushina Uzumaki the refugee from Uzugakuri. With her deep red hair and fiery personality they were perfect for each other and together they made a beautiful child. A child that Lord Third was clearly incapable of taking proper care of.

A cold shiver suddenly ran down her spine upon fully realizing were here thoughts were leading to. Kaede wanted to raise the child, away from the hate, away from those who do her harm. She wanted to kidnap the Fourth's daughter and raise her. Oh Kaede knew that she personally wouldn't call her actions kidnapping however in the eyes of the law it would be. It would be even worse considering that Jinchuurikis were considered weapons of mass destruction, Kaede's nails dug into her skin at the thought of people considering kids weapons, and hiding her would be a major crime. Not only that but Kaede wanted to tell Naruto everything about her including what she contained, despite the law Lord Third passed when Naruto was born. One that she knew she would be put to death for. Was she willing to take the risk just to save one child? Looking at the girls sleeping face the answer was clear, yes, yes Kaede would because it was the least she could do for Lord Fourth who gave everything and more for his village. She felt the adrenaline leaving her system, her eyelids drooping until she joined Naruto in the land of dreams.

Naruto's opened his eyes to an unfamiliar setting, the roof didn't have cracks running through it like veins running through leaves. Turning his head to the left he swore he saw an angel, dark brown hair was up in a bun with a few strands coming undone and falling over her face. Light was streaming through the window causing her face to have an ethereal glow. Her face was resting on the back of the chair. Suddenly Naruto remember what happened the night before, a man with a green vest, purple eyes and shoulder length silver hair, the kunai glistening in the darkness, the pain. Starting to hyperventilate Naruto failed to notice the woman get up a rush to his side. It wasn't until the woman started rubbing Naruto's back in a circular motion and whispering that everything was going to be be fine did he calm down.

"Breath child, breath you're safe here." The soothing voice told him.

"Where 'm I?" His voice was uncertain.

"You're safe dear." The woman ruffled his hair, which was longer than he remembered it being. A frown marred his face it felt weird having someone ruffle his hair, he didn't have much human contact during his life. "You're at a brothel dear, my name is Kaede and I'm the owner of this place. I found you on the streets last night pretty beaten up so I took you here where me and my friend patched you up."

"Ma name 's Naruto Uzumaki, thank ya for treating me old lady!" Despite the blinding smile coming from the young child Kaede couldn't help but feel some anger at being called old, she would have to check for wrinkles when she got to a mirror. Naruto started wiggling under the covers he was really hot. Throwing off the sheets there was another surprise waiting the boy. "WHA APPENED TO MA WIE WIE?!" Instead it of his wiener, it was some sort of slit. Reaching down to see if it was really gone and if it was, to see what was there instead before he could get all the way Kaede's hand grasped hers.

"That is called a vagina dear, it appears you are girl Naruto. Last night when we were healing you your body shifted from boy to girl." Kaede wanted to make this as easy for Naruto, changing genders overnight would be hard on anyone clearly she never met Naruto Uzumaki before.

"So do all girls have these? How do you pee? Will I get mounds like you? Does poop come out of this hole too?" Kaede could feel a headache coming on it appears that at the age of four gender hadn't been really been explained to Naruto yet or most children. Before she could continue her barrage of questions her stomach made a itself known. Naruto's face flushed red in embarrassment, Kaede merely smiled at the girl and how expressive she was.

"Would you like to eat breakfast with me Naruto?" After receiving a hearty yes, Kaede gave Naruto some robes which were too large for her and lead Naruto to the kitchen where she made breakfast and answer her mountain of questions. It hurt Kaede on the inside to see Naruto light up whenever Kaede smiled at her or answered a question without any snide remarks. It was surprising how easily the girl opened up to Kaede, Kaede could definitely tell that while she had her father's looks, she had her mother's personality.

"Thanks for the food miss, I gotta head out thou the old man must be missing me." She was walking towards the door, planning going back into that cruel world, Kaede saw the image of Naruto's body broken in the rain this time bleeding out from everywhere, eyes dull and lifeless.

"WAIT" Naruto's little hand was resting on the doorknob when Kaede found her voice again her voice was weak. It was now, or never "would you like to stay with me here" Kaede made a vague hand motion, "I know how you are treated out there, I would be willing to take you in." Kaede stood up hoping to convey her seriousness she couldn't let Naruto go out there, she couldn't let that sunny disposition be soiled by the ignorance of the villages. To see those eyes so filled with wonder become an empty void as she was further isolated until she became a hollow shell. "I know you don't know me well and I can't prove to you anything but..." Before she could finish she felt an impact on her stomach.

"YES YES YES YES YES!" A continuous stream of yeses flowed from Naruto's mouth. Kaede could feel her kimono getting damp from the tears Naruto was shedding. After the crying stopped Kaede lifted Naruto's chin up to look at her.

"Naruto there are many people in this village who don't like you, in order to protect you we will have to hide you." Kaede hadn't really thought this far, hell the idea of taking her in had just come to mind recently. How to explain to a four year old the importance of this, Kaede had never raised a kid, much less been around kids.

It appears that Naruto was understanding though. " So I on't be able ta see tha old man anymore?" There was a sad resignation in the voice one that shouldn't be heard from someone of her age.

"Yes Naruto the old man is supposed to be your caretaker, if you were to go back to him you would still be in danger. I'm not sure why he isn't protecting you" why he isn't lifting you up on the pedestal that you should be on, or why he hasn't told the Leaf the truth about you, the whole truth. "Are you okay with this Naruto?"

"No 'm not but I dun't wunna be hurt anymore, and you're tha nicest person I met." It seemed that that the conversation had ended there as Naruto started to yawn and her eyes drooping. Naruto was asleep by the time Kaede picked her up. Laying her down on the bed Kaede had a small smile her face, this would be the start of something great she could just feel it. It appeared that Naruto's hand had also fully healed as the cast had fallen off during the night and Naruto hadn't made any complaints about the wrist hurting.

That night was rough for Kaede, the girls sent odd looks at her except Juhi. Kaede wanted to make sure Naruto's first night went well, she knew those who went through traumatic experiences had problems sleeping and she didn't wish to alert the others if Naruto woke up screaming. Kaede's suspicions were proven correct as three hours after Naruto had fallen asleep she had started murmuring in her sleep which quickly escalated into screaming. Luckily Kaede was able to wake her up before the screams lasted to long. When Naruto woke up the screams transitioned into sobbing as she clung to Kaede. Sitting there letting a young child cry into her chest merely confirmed her faith in the choice to keep Naruto. Naruto fell asleep not long after, Kaede stood watch over her acting like a guard trying to keep the memories away.

The next morning Naruto seemed to be happy though Kaede knew some of it was forced. Kaede was exhausted though, despite being a hostess she was not used to pulling all nighters.

Thank goodness Juhi showed up in the late morning, after Kaede introduced the two they seemed to get along well perhaps both being bundles of energy. Despite everything the girl has been through she seems to want to see the best in people or perhaps she would only trust those whom Kaede did. Kaede found out she was wrong as Juhi took Naruto to make some lunch while Kaede took a nap, Kaede saw the pure fear in her eyes of being left alone. Kaede merely smiled and laid down, she saw her smile ease the tightness around Naruto's mouth, the fear be lesser in her eyes. It would be a long time before Naruto would trust someone without someone vouching for them. Her trust was as scarred as Naruto's face and it would take years to heal.

The rest of the week was a struggle, with Naruto's nightmares still a common occurrence, causing Kaede or sometimes Juhi to have to watch over her. The scars on her face were darkening looking more and more like whiskers everyday, Kaede had no idea what the ninja did to her to make her look like it. It was really nerve wracking when the Uchiha Police and an Inuzuka stopped by asking questions and the have the dog sniff around the building. Kaede was eternally grateful that it had rained that night as it must have washed her scent away. It also helped that there were so many scents in the building due to the shear number of people that came through this establishment. Kaede also knew that the Police force was doing a routine sweep through the district which had helped calmed her nerves incredibly.

At the end of the week Kaede knew that she or Juhi wouldn't be able to watch Naruto every night and keep the business. Which had lead her to the herbalist and attempt to some sleeping herbs, they gave her a funny look when she asked for something that would help a four year sleep. It had taken an hour to convince Naruto to take them, after Kaede had explained that they would help her sleep better and maybe make the nightmares go away did she agree.

It was a month until Kaede decided to was safe to introduce Naruto to the rest of the girls however first they had to disguise her.

" 'm I ugly? Is tha why ya are covering me up?" Naruto currently had a long black robe on with a hood on, covering every inch of her body except for her face.

"No no no no honey you look perfect" Kaede rushed to assure her "however we need to protect you and while I trust them all I want you to get used covering your looks." After receiving a small nod she continued with the last piece a light gray stretch of thin fabric. Wrapping it around Naruto's lower head so that it covered everything below Naruto's eyes. Stepping back to admire her work her heart melted a little bit, Naruto looked like a walking teddy bear.

A name was all that missing, Kaede and Juhi couldn't very well call her Naruto. "Alright honey we need a new name for you dear." The response was unexpected to say the least.

"NO I DON'T WANNA NEW NAME! YA CAN'T DO THAT NONONONONONO!" Naruto completely broke down. Kaede rushed to hug her, rubbing her back in soothing circles, after the screams faded to sobs Kaede asked the question. "What is so special about your name sweety?"

"The old man said it was somethin my parents gave me." Kaede understood now why she broke down so much. "Don't worry dear we you can still keep your name however, we need something to call you in public. If people know you are here they might try to hurt you again, that's the reason why we had to cover your hair. I'll call you by your real name whenever it is just you and I."

Naruto nodded her head in understanding she didn't want to get hurt again, Kaede smiled "What about Ruka it fits your eyes perfectly and you can keep a piece of your name." Naruto nodded she would keep a piece of her old self. Kaede sighed internally who knew dealing with a four year would be so exhausting, a question she found herself asking more and more as this month traveled by. The last bit was the newly deemed Ruka's back story. "Alright remember now you don't have to talk if you don't want to, your story is that you're six years old, you were horribly scarred during the Kyuubi attack, I found you on the streets starving and alone, and I took you in okay? Kaede hoped that lying about her age would help throw off any suspicion. Naruto nodded her head. Kaede started rubbing circles on Naruto's back hoping to calm the girl, it worked as she could feel some of the muscles relax.

Helping Naruto down the stairs the duo went to meet the rest of the girls.

Kaede entered her bedroom with Naruto, thinking over the meeting. All the girls were thrilled to have a cute thing be with them some threw odd looks, like why have the child here. Either way all of them showed compassion towards the girl. As it was getting late into the evening they were preparing to open up shop. However it was definitely time for the little one to go to sleep.

Naruto crawled into bed robes and mask still on, yawning as she slipped under the covers she was thrilled to start her new life. The girls were all nice, none of them looked at her with any bad emotions. Hopefully Naruto had finally found a place to belong.