"Sorry if I ruined your fun Naruto." Said Kotesu, face moving into something akin to Kakashi's face when apologizing for being late, save for the mask of course.
"Yes, I'm sure…" responded Naruto, a glare slightly present though hidden from Kotesu's notice by a harsh glance via Sakura. "How's the matriarch?"
"She's doing fine, though she is expecting you…and, though I doubt it will amount to anything, it is not wise to keep her waiting." Said Kotesu, ears lowering
"Well, I'm fine with going…though I'd like to put on the new clothes first; this hospital gown wouldn't exactly make a good first impression." Said Sakura
"Then get changed…" said Kotesu, a look of complete boredom on his face.
"Get out and I will…" said Sakura blankly
"But wh…" stumbled Kotesu before Naruto grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and carried him out of the room…basically kicking and screaming.
'Thank you, Naruto-kun.' Though Sakura, giving him a soft smile.
'Don't worry about it…though if it weren't for him I wouldn't have minded watching…" smiled Naruto slyly
'…pervert…' though Sakura, albeit giggling happily as she put on her clothes.
'Only with you love…' though Naruto
'Along with pictures of you…' chuckled Kyuubi
'QUIET FOX!!!' sneered Naruto, all too aware of his instant blush, and thankful he was no longer in the room with his pink haired fancy.
'You are a pervert after all, huh, Naruto…' giggled Sakura
'…gah…just get dressed.' Thought back Naruto promptly
'Touched a chord…' said Kyuubi
'Shut up…' grumbled Naruto
Ten minutes later Sakura was dressed in her new gear, and looking at herself in a mirror. She had to admit, she had never had anything that fit better in her life. It didn't even feel like she was wearing anything at all…if of course it weren't for her underwear.
"Sakura-Chan?" came a voice through the door.
"Come in" said Sakura
Naruto walked in, Kotesu on his head yet again, apparently it was a favored perch with Kyuubi and now it had past on to Naruto.
"Are you ready to go?" asked Kotesu, actively hoping for Sakura's hand yet again.
"Yes, I'm ready." Said Sakura reaching up and scratching Kotesu again, urged on by Kyuubi, who knew quite a bit about his little brother's tendencies. However, this had the adverse affect of having Kotesu's claws digging into Naruto's back yet again, the blonde admitting a growl in response to the pain. Something that Sakura found very intoxicating.
'Well then, we're off." Said Kotesu as he spawned their transmission
The room bent and seemed to fold over itself, the pale white walls of the hospital being replaced by the sharp green that was the fox's realm.
"That was…interesting." Said Sakura, holding her groaning stomach.
"Don't worry it goes away after a while…" said Naruto putting an arm around Sakura's waist to support her, an arm she accepted gladly.
"Hell Naruto-dono, Sakura-sama…Natsuo is waiting for you, would you please follow me." Said a voice from behind them.
"Jiechou?" said Kotesu, sounding rather surprised "I didn't know you were going to be involved."
"Yes, both of them are to be escorted in a welcoming ceremony of sorts. The royal guard shall guide them." Said the Jiechou
"Well then, I guess I'll leave you two now." Said Kotesu, only to be quickly grabbed by the scruff of the neck.
"Oh no, your not going anywhere." Said Sakura cradling Kotesu quickly in her arms. "You're going to help me through this."
Kotesu gulped but nodded, aware that he really had no choice in the matter.
The sunlight through the trees of the foxes forest was mesmerizing, gorgeous even, and much like Konoha. It was really no surprise that the foxes were bent on finding a human heir within in Konoha's walls.
The couple moved forward, their companion secured readily, with the Jiechou moving to the head. It was a solemn and quite journey through the forest till the end. Neither shinobi truly knew what to expect…and they weren't exactly sure if they wanted too. But as Kotesu was eager to get away when the opportunity presented itself…well, let's just say they were alert.
'What do you think this is about?' asked Naruto to Kyuubi.
'No idea…though the Jiechou does seem a bit tense for the job of walking you to see Natsuo.' Responded the Nine tailed fox, calculations soon thrown out the window as the truth was shown absolutely
A mile long procession of foxes, much like a parade of welcome in Konoha, made a non-existent road of the grassy plains that were the fox's homeland.
'What the hell!?' thought Naruto, stopping to gaze in amazement.
'What? You weren't expecting a welcome?' asked Sakura
'HA!!!' belched Kyuubi, trying and failing to hold back his amusement.
'Well last time I was here the "People" were less than plesant.' said Naruto, blushing slightly
'Well…' chuckled Kyuubi. 'Father did say he'd take care of it, and his conviction should never be doubted.'
'Take care of what?' asked Sakura
'Nothing…' said the other two in unison.
'Now just wait a minute you two!' scolded Sakura making both the fox and Naruto cringe.
"Make way for the Royal Guard!!!" yelled the Jiechou's subordinates coming to join him in his, apparent, honor guard position.
"For all who stand here, his Royal Highness Uzumaki Naruto and his mate Haruno Sakura, soon to be Uzumaki Sakura of the fox tribe." Yelled the Jiechou, ushering cheers from the crowd…well howls anyway.
"NANI!?!?" yelled the two Shinobi's, while a certain nine-tailed friend laid down o his belly…giving up all hope that this was going to be a restful trip.
The two shinobi's looked at each other and looked away just as quickly, both noticing the surprise and embarrassment written on the other's face. However, ignoring their outward appearance, they were both rather fond of the idea…though neither would admit it at the moment.
"What the hell do you mean, future Uzumaki Sakura!?" asked Sakura, though obviously demanding an answer rather then asking for one.
"Exactly what I said." Whispered the Jiechou still walking forward.
"Now wait a minute!" yelled Sakura
'That's enough Sakura.' Thought Naruto
'What do you mean that's enough!?' responded Sakura, cutting Naruto rather deeply through tone.
"We don't have a choice ask Kyuubi." Said Naruto 'Besides, it's only official here, not in Konoha.'
'Well…' Sakura grumbled, directing her attention to the fox, who was apparently having a lot of fun rolling around and laughing that he didn't notice Sakura ready to smack him over the head.
'Umm…yeah, they'll kill you if you don't, remember this is a joining of Konoha and the fox tribe, it's considered rather secretive." Kyuubi responded, rubbing a sizeable bump on his cranium. 'Oh, and they'll just kill you…not Naruto.
'Huh…' stumbled Sakura, looking Naruto's face with her peripheral vision, it was an obvious emotion, worry.
Sakura grumbled but nodded giving into his point, and moved closer to Naruto.
"I'm assuming that little out burst is over now?" asked the Jiechou recieving a death glare from Sakura almost immediately.
"Watch yourself Jiechou." Growled Naruto
"Yes, Sir." Said the Jiechou, rather snappily.
They moved forward again, the roar that faded earlier now replaced with laughter at the processions expense. It wasn't unexpected though. After all, they did stop and yell at each other. So it wasn't unexpected…just incredibly embarrassing…but it was a long trip, and soon the roar was reassumed.
"Welcome back Naruto!!!" came a yell from the crowd
"Good choice for a human!!" came another causing Sakura to blush and to hold Naruto's hand tighter.
A small pack of black dots came down the green way. Soon to be found to be very young foxes, one apparently being chased by two others.
"We're gonna get you! Said on of the chasers
"Yeah, come on and try it Kiru!!"
"Ha, cocky aren't you, we'll teach you for disobeying us Miyabi."
"Obey runts like you!? Yeah right!" said the chased foxes, apparently Miyabi.
They grew closer to the procession, moving extremely fast, and Kotesu, who was now sitting on his favorite perch jumped to the ground to head them off.
The fox, apparently named Kiru, swiped at Miyabi tripping her up.
"Ha, got you!" said the second fox, snapping at Miyabi's legs as she tried to stand back up
"What do you think your doing!?" snarled Kotesu, lip curled in open threat to Kiru and the other fox.
"Kotesu!?" gasped Miyabi, starting to run to him only to be head butted down by Kiru.
"Stay out of this Kotesu it's none of your concern." Said Kiru
"None of my concern!? Growled Kotesu "You know damn well it's my concern!"
"Shut up, you're not joined yet!" said the second fox
"Why you youngling, how dare you!!" yelled Kotesu, taking a step forward, whatever that was holding him back steadily giving him way.
"Oi, Kotesu, what's up?" came Naruto's voice, taking a place next to him.
"I'll take care of it Naruto." Said Kotesu, looking up at Naruto, until a gust of wind past him by.
"Actually, I think that I will." Came a female voice, that of Sakura, now in front of both of them.
Sakura already had both struggling foxes by the scruff of their necks.
"What are you doing!? Yelled Kiru
"Yeah, put us down you stinking human!" said the Other Fox
"Not till you tell me what the hell you were doing." Said Sakura
"Why do should we do that huh!?" snarled Kiru
Sakura smiled, a full toothy smile, making Kotesu cringe in remembrance of when it was turned on him.
"You don't want to ask that question, just answer me…" said Sakura
"You going to want to answer her…" said Naruto, moving into view of the two foxes, a smirk present on his face. "Even I wouldn't challenge her in this mood."
"Just what is that supposed to mean Naruto…" asked Sakura, starring at the blonde.
"Nothing, Sakura-Chan." Said Naruto, smile succeeding in breaking any anger within Sakura.
"Naruto!?" gasped Kiru, fear evident.
"Who the hell is Naruto?" asked the other fox, in a slight hush.
"Nowe, he is Naruto! You know Kyuubi's Vessel!" said Kiru
"You mean the Prince!?" exclaimed Nowe
Naruto and Sakura laughed slightly over the title, it was something they had neither earned nor wanted…but that didn't mean they wouldn't use it to their advantage, they were ninja after all.
"Yeah…he's the prince alright." Said Kotesu smirking "and the lovely lady holding you by the scruff…well that would be the princess to be."
Kiru and Nowe stopped struggling, and starred up at the pink haired lady, a smile sprawled on her face.
"So…" said Sakura "are you sure you won't tell me?
"Yes'm…" said Nowe, kicking Kiru in the side
"She refused to bring us drinks and food, as it proper for a woman, and told us to go screw ourselves…" said Kiru, unaware neither of the scowl growing on Sakura's face…nor of the fear starting to grow on Naruto's.
'This will not end well fox…' said Naruto inwardly
"I'm not a servant girl, and besides you were trying to bite me…" said Miyabi, now standing behind Kotesu
"WHAT!?" growled Kotesu echoed, surprisingly enough, by the whole of the Royal Guard, who until this point could have been rocks for all their emotion.
"What!? She's a woman; it's her place to serve." Said Nowe, unnoticing of the shaking hands holding him.
"Sakura, put them down…" asked Naruto, surprisingly calm considering the surroundings.
"Is that an order!?" snarled Sakura, the harshness disturbing Naruto to a much deeper level then even she could know.
'Sakura-Chan, I serve you not the other way around…you know this.' Thought Naruto, starring directly into her eyes.
Sakura's hands fell slowly, putting the two foxes down on the ground.
"Don't move." growled Sakura, features softening on the way back up to gaze once again into Naruto's own. "I'm sorry…"
"You have no reason to be, I know how it sounded." Said Naruto, a small smile gracing his face. "Besides, I wouldn't want you killing them…even if I wouldn't mind."
Kiru and Nowe prostrated themselves, tail between their legs in submissal and fear.
"Prince, what would you like done with these children…" asked the Jiechou monotone ever present, causing Kiru to look up.
"Well they are children…what would you recommend?" asked Naruto
"…father…" squeaked Kiru.
"YOU WILL BE SILENT!!!" yelled the Jiechou "You have no right to use that name at this moment, after the way you have behaved."
"He's you son?" asked Sakura
"Yes, I am ashamed to say so, I have no idea how he learned such idea's…I know Nowe's father would also never teach such things." Scoffed the Jiechou
"Well, I think we could probably let them off with a warning…how about you Miyabi?" asked Sakura, looking at the female fox snuggling herself up to Kotesu, a blush present on his unwilling face.
"Sure, as long as you scold them thoroughly…after all it would be good to have them in my debt for once." Said Miyabi
"I give you my word it shall be done." Snarled the Jiechou, Kiru and Nowe cringing from the harshness, a smug smirk on Miyabi's face.
"Well, what should we do with them for the time being?" asked Naruto.
"Send them home…" asked Sakura, eyes tired from Naruto's feigned ignorance, she had learned it was mostly an act by now.
"Well, I just wanted to make sure…" squirmed Naruto
"Actually, if it's all the same to you I'd like them to stay." Said the Jiechou
"Why? Asked Kotesu and Sakura
"Well, I'd like to have them see how true foxes act…" said Jiechou, apparently embarrassed
"That's fine…though they must behave." Said Naruto, placing his hand in Sakura's
"Agreed…we shouldn't keep the king waiting much longer…"
"Yes, your right, Miyabi would you like to ride on my shoulder with Kotesu?" asked Naruto, Kotesu already jumping up onto his shoulder, claiming his favorite perch.
"Well, I'd actually like to take a new perch." Chuckled Miyabi, pawing Sakura's leg, gaining her attention.
"Hmm?" Sakura looked down at Miyabi and back up at Naruto, gaining a nod from him. "Alright Miyabi come on up."
Miyabi climbed up Sakura's leg quickly gaining access to Sakura's shoulders, wrapping herself around Sakura's neck for support.
"There we go." said Sakura, moving her hand up and scratching Miyabi behind the ears.
"Mmmmmm…" groaned Miyabi as she pushed her head into Sakura's hand, causing Sakura to smile.
Naruto and Kotesu looked on at the show, both starring blatantly at the two and both focusing on the person more important to each.
Sakura's smiling gaze fell on the two, and caused her to laugh despite herself.
"Naruto, wipe your mouth…" giggled Sakura, drawing Miyabi's attention
"Kotesu reset your feet or you're going to fall..." smirked Miyabi
The two boys, set free of their dreaming, set about cleaning themselves…yet their gazes didn't leave the two women in front of them.
"What?" said Miyabi and Sakura in unison, both blushing.
"…magic…fingers…" said Naruto
"…Nice…legs…" said Kotesu
Sakura and Miyabi blushed furiously, their faces full of embarrassment growing further as the hoots of the surrounding foxes became known.
"Naruto…" aid Sakura, moving closer to him…almost chest to chest
"Kotesu…" said Miyabi
"Hai, Sakura-Chan…" asked Naruto, a stupid smile on his face
"Hai, Miyabi-Chan…" asked Kotesu, feet losing grip once again.
"BAKA!!!" yelled both striking their respective partners in the back of the head driving both of them into the dirt face first, a cloud of dust pluming out from their landing.
Sakura walked away with Miyabi on her shoulders, legs moving up and down with a very obvious emotion written into them.
Naruto and Kotesu watched them walk away helplessly, large bumps rising painfully off their heads.
"What did we do?" asked Kotesu, rubbing the bump.
"I have no idea…but Sakura is pretty angry…" said Naruto
"I can tell that I'll be entertained when you are here prince…" chuckled the Jiechou "Come on now, their majesty's are waiting."
"Hai..." said Naruto, subdued and showing it.
Five minutes later the group found themselves close to their destination, the journey getting their finding no further incident, and all of them thankful for that fact, after all Naruto and Kotesu weren't sure how many more hits they could take. They, in all their wisdom, tried to talk to their…well, partners…and paid for it in the only way capable at the moment, in a large amount of pain.
"For once in my entire life I can honestly say I'm glad for the fox…I don't know how'd I'd survive these hits of hers." Grumbled Naruto, rubbing his series of bumps.
"No kidding…" said Kotesu "Don't know how you humans do it."
"Well, actually, human's deal with it by having people like Sakura-Chan…she's a medical specialist." Said Naruto, starring at Sakura's back
"Ha, no wonder you have such short life spans…" said Kotesu, chuckling to himself.
"…who knows, come on." Said Naruto, motioning to Kotesu that they were falling behind.
The group speed its way down the green field, the parade gathering long since dispersed, though whether it was boredom from waiting or side cramps from laughing too much at their expense could not be known. As such the group traveled at full speed, speeding them towards their ever present destination, which was steadily growing larger as were two large foxes which appeared to be waiting for them.
'Who are they Kyuubi, I haven't seen them before…" said Naruto to his furry companion
'That, if I'm not mistaken is my brother' said Kyuubi 'and my step sister…'
'Stepsister?' asked Naruto
'Yeah, it's a complicated story that I don't care to explain at the moment, but she is my step sister.' Said Kyuubi '…and thereby yours by the way.'
'Yeah, I figured that, well make sure to tell Sakura alright.' Said Naruto
'Well, I would but she's blocking me out. I think she thinks I'm trying to communicate for you…why is she so angry anyway?' said Kyuubi
'I…I don't know…' responded Naruto
'You're going to have to tell her verbally then kit.' Said Kyuubi, lying down mentally.
'Yeah I know…' Naruto sighed; it wasn't something he was looking forward too…even if he didn't understand why she was angry.
The group meet the two foxes up front at the base of the Royal foxes den.
"Welcome Brother, Haruno-san." Said Gingitsune "I am Gingitsune, but you may call me Murai and this is…"
"Thank you for coming…" said a sweet voice emanating from Naruto's apparent step sister. "I am Sunei, it is a pleasure to finally meet the two of you.
"…my mate Sunei…" chuckled Murai, starring fondly at Sunei "Interrupting again?"
"You were taking to long." Scolded Sunei, albeit in a loving tone.
"Uh huh…well anyway, if you'd please follow us we'll lead you to the waiting room." Said Murai
"Hai, Prince Gingitsune." Said Sakura tentively, causing a great laugh to be let loose by Murai and Sunei.
"Why such formality?" asked Murai, chuckling.
"I thought it only proper, after all you are royalty…" stammered Sakura, surprised at being questioned.
"But my dear, aren't you not also royalty?" asked Sunei
"Well, not yet, I'm not married to Naruto yet." Said Sakura
"Married?" stumbled Sunei
"She means bonded dear." Said Murai, receiving a nod of understanding from Sunei "Yes, that's true but you do have Kyuubi…well at least part of Kyuubi…inside of you, which makes you family and royalty." Said Murai
"Family!?" choked Sakura
"Dear child has Kyuubi told you nothing?" asked Murai giving Naruto a pointed look.
"Don't look at me fluffy." Said Naruto, a sly smile present on his face even as he shook his head.
"Fluffy?" asked Sunei slowly, raising an eyebrow at Murai who was suddenly having a coughing fit.
"It's nothing…nothing…" said Murai
"Uh huh, sure thing…" smiled Sunei "…Fluffy."
Murai sighed; it was going to be a long day.
'Why didn't you tell me!?' hissed Sakura, moving closer to Naruto, glaring at him though no verbal communication past.
'I was trying to but you were…' Naruto said only to be cut off
'Don't give me you were trying too!' Sakura frowned
'But he was Sakura…' Kyuubi said, trying to defend his male counterpart
'Oh, just team up on me' said Sakura, officially irrational.
'Sakura you need to calm down…' said Naruto, giving a concerned look
"What the hell do you mean I need to calm down!!" yelled Sakura, silence falling quickly behind the words
Naruto stared at her for a moment, looked directly into her angered eyes long enough to tell her exactly what she was doing, and how irrational it was.
Naruto moved past her, and nodded to his brother, telling him to feel free and move forward, gaining a nod in response.
They all moved forward, Sakura hanging back slightly however, her reasons for anger forgotten as quickly as it had come, and sadness quickly replacing the lost emotion.
"Oh what have I done…" sighed Sakura, running a hand over her face.
"Nothing…" came a soft voice "Your allowed to be overwhelmed"
Sakura looked down, unable to look at the man, only to have his hand touch her face, cupping her chin and cheek and gently moving her eyes up to his whiskered face.
"Sakura, promise me you'll never hide your face from me…" said Naruto softly, his warm breath running over her face as he ran his thumb across her cheek.
Sakura threw herself forward, almost ramming her face into his chest, tears streaming freely as she possessively grasped at his clothes.
"I'm sorry…" sobbed Sakura
Naruto only smiled and wrapped his arms around her, sheltering her in his warmth, causing a contented sigh to emanate for the pink haired girl.
"Naruto, are you coming?" asked Kotesu, he and Miyabi long since off their human perches.
"Yeah…" said Naruto, pulling Sakura away from his chest to look into her eyes, saying softly "you don't always have to be strong, Sakura-Chan."
Sakura stared for a while into Naruto pools of red and blue, seeing herself in the reflection, and knowing that it wasn't far from the truth. Grasping Naruto's hand, Sakura backed away from his wide chest nodding strongly in understanding.
The group, finally joined, moved forward and made it to the waiting room, roughly ten minutes behind schedule, a obviously worried (and overly shiny) fox waiting for them, though Murai brushed the fox aside before he could say a word.
"Sunei and I are going to go into the throne room and take our places now; when the court is ready you will be escorted in by that shinny rug over there." Said Murai, adding a slight chuckle at the uncomfortable movements of the court's magistrate.
"Alright…" said Naruto, sitting down on one of the couches that adorned the room, surprised only at how quickly Sakura curled herself on his lap, a broad smile on her face. "I don't mind waiting…"
"Obviously…" said Sunei leaving with Murai to the Throne Room, both of them grinning.
"They look officially comfortable now don't they Miyabi." Said Kotesu starring at Sakura and Naruto
"Yes, do seem rather at home with each other…" responded the other fox.
"Look who's talking." Said Sakura tiredly, nuzzling deeper into Naruto's shoulder
"Yes…" said Kotesu, quite aware that Miyabi had slung herself over him, her head under his chin, nuzzling deeper. "…but then again, we're mates."
"Really?" asked Sakura
"Since I was born…" said Miyabi giggling, making a game out of trying to nip Kotesu's ear "I'm quite happy about it."
"Yeah, I can see that…" said Sakura, emulating the small fox and moving up higher to nibble Naruto's ear as well, receiving a gratified groan from him.
Ten Minutes Later
The door finally opened, the "too shiny" fox coming in to address them.
"Prince Naruto, Lady Haruno; the King and Queen are ready for you now." Said the Magistrate "Kotesu, Miyabi; you may follow on either side, though you are not actually involved in the ceremony and as such you should not speak unless spoken too."
"Alright" said Kotesu standing up, smiling as Miyabi yawned a stretched next to him.
The group walked into the Chamber of Rulers, the house of the Royal Family, and were almost immediately intimidated. Years of wealth gathering and absolutely no open conflict had left the foxes incredibly wealthy…especially by human standards.
The room itself seemed to be carved purely of marble a solid slab, with softer and warmer stones to act as sitting stones.
But beyond that everything was wealth; gold, silver and platinum, a metal rarely seen in such quantities.
Beyond this overbearing sight, however, was the Royal Family itself. Gathered as they were it was understandable as to why they had never had to face true war. Shirogitsune alone dwarfed Gamabunta, who was surprisingly present along with his son Gamakichi, by at least a body length. But outside of that there was Natsuo, Shirogitsune's mate, almost as powerful and as large and their sons, Murai; Gingitsune, named for his gray coat and his incredible speed and Kyuubi, now Naruto.
Though Murai was the older of the two, Kyuubi was by far the more powerful. Much of it holding to the fact that Kyuubi, before his imprisonment, had fought and expanded his power over a quite a few centuries. Now, however, he was in Naruto & Sakura, and both of them were at least able to draw on him and as such were able to heal and have an almost inexhaustible supply of Chakra, though the rue extent of their abilities was unknown as of yet.
Past the immediate family there were, most notably, Sunei; Mate to Murai and member of another Royal Line as well as being very powerful in her own right. Their marriage, actually a byproduct of a peace agreement when a struggle over the thrown had occurred six hundred years earlier, was a recommendation by the two themselves, due to both the political benefits as well as the fact that they had in fact loved each other since they were very young.
Then there were the offshoots, Kotesu and Miyabi and their immediate family. These families being of high nobility, making both Kotesu and Miyabi the equivalent of Lords and Ladies; though their playful nature wouldn't immediately illustrate that fact.
Still further, groups of nobility gathered within the room that could only be attributed to a lower class, most likely rich merchants or tradesmen…at least when compared to standings in the human world.
Naruto had never seen such an array of numbers for nobility in all his years; though he assumed that one should really only expect this when a culture had had no war since its inception.
A soft hand on his forearm brought Naruto's thoughts to an end as he looked at the sparkling emerald and red eyes walking next to him, and in response locked her hand into his own squeezing softly to show his recognition of her nervousness.
"Welcome to our hall; Naruto, Haruno-Chan." Said Natsuo, her soft, pleasing alto ringing clear on the marble floor. "We appreciate your presence."
Naruto and Sakura bowed from the waist, Miyabi and Kotsu prostrating themselves next to them in response to the Royal Families recognition.
"Rise…" came the low bass of Murai. "You have been summoned here, Prince of Foxes, to be joined with your chosen mate, Sakura of the House Haruno."
"Your joining in this pact will complete our pact with the Village of Konoha, and hence forth join our two nations, so long as the Uzumaki clan lives within its borders." Said Natsuo "…and remains unharassed, understand that this contract is for the family of the Uzumaki's as well as Konoha. If the Uzumaki's are in anyway treated ill by the people of Konoha, to the point of which that they are forced to run, we will declare our contract null and void. Do you understand?"
'Last chance Sakura…, I know that you don't want to get married this way.' Thought Naruto
'Stop Naruto, after all we've been through, do you really think I'd let you go now…' said Sakura, squeezing his hand tightly 'Besides…I'm quite aware of what the mark on your neck means.'
Kyuubi let out an audible squeak within their minds, apparently surprised.
'Oh come now Kyuubi…after all the time you've spent in my head did you really think I wouldn't know…not like I can't peak into yours.' Said Sakura, smiling
The fox couldn't help smirking at this, he knew Sakura's inner self very well by this point…he supposed that he really couldn't be surprised by her ability to peak into his head as he did to her.
'You're alright with that?" asked Naruto, hearing Kyuubi scoff on the inside of his mind.
'Now now Kyuubi…Naruto is just worried about me…it's a human trait when it comes too a mate, and you know that very well.' Said Sakura, smiling as she felt the fox blush, a little heat at the junction between head and neck 'Yes, Naruto, I wouldn't have done it if I didn't want to on some level…'
'Or on every level…' interjected Kyuubi…receiving a bonk on the head from Sakura's inner self for ruining the moment.
'Alright then...if you're sure' thought Naruto blushing, though still drawing Sakura closer to him.
"Yes, we understand Byakko-sama." Said Sakura, shocked when Shirogitsune, so far silent, burst out laughing.
"You too Sakura-Chan…I already told Naruto not to call me that…I may be white but I'm in no way holy." Said Shirogitsune, laughing loudly until he noticed the critical eye he was getting from Natsuo for embarrassing Sakura, who was busily blushing and shuffling her feet. "Well then, would the two of you step forward?"
Naruto and Sakura moved forward together and stepped onto the stone motioned to by the king.
"Please place your sealed hands together…" said Natsuo, a stone floating up at the moment.
Naruto and Sakura moved to comply, both turning to their right so that their left hand could sit on the floating stone ahead of them, the joining of hands on the stone like that of a magnet, drawing their bodies flush together, leaving them only movement in their heads, which immediately returned to Murai as he began to speak.
"You who have brought forth this contract;
I ask you do you know thy task" spoke Murai
"We Do" said the pair together, prompted by Kyuubi
"Thy burden shall be great;
Thy responsibilities greater" spoke Sunei
"We accept them gladly" said the pair
"Through thy binding become one;
As such be royalty among thy people" spoke Natsuo
"We shall serve them." Said the pair
"Yet thy hop for each other strong;
I ask you…Can you sacrifice your other half for your people!" Spoke Shirogitsune
Kyuubi was silent, apparently this they had to answer themselves.
Sakura and Naruto, turned to each other as much as they could, communicating for a long moment, as they considered the question and what it implied, eventually a soft smile could be seen on their faces as they brush cheeks and lips only briefly in agreement.
"We shall die together but never separate and gladly sacrifice ourselves for our people but never only as separate entities, we are one and shall forever remain so in all our endeavors, be them here or there." Said Naruto and Sakura…Sakura doing most of the thinking as far as the words went.
"In all my years…never, never have I heard such an answer…" said Shirgitsune, expression unreadable, save for the smiles of all his family around him. "…such a fine answer."
Shirogitsune's tail wrapped itself around Natsuo's, a signal perhaps but more likely a display of the emotion involved in a ceremony that they too had to go through.
"We welcome you into our house fully as our Son and Daughter…"said Shirogitsune and Natsuo
"Brother and sister…" said Murai and Sunei
"…and our people welcome you and Prince and Princess…serve them as you would serve each other, with love and caring; forever." Said the family combined.
The stone on which they were standing started to glow as did the one holding their hands, and soon a blue cone of light surrounded them, their vision removed by the blinding beauty of the light around them. Then abruptly it stopped, disappearing as quickly as it came, and there they stood… joined hands, still smiling at one another, not known of their changes, until of course they looked at their hands.
Naruto's sealed hand glyphs had turned a pink color, although it did alternate with the general black color of before. Likewise, Sakura's had become blue and alternated as such. However, both of their ring fingers now held a shinning blue and pink ring.
Neither of their clothes had changed much, though they had turned totally white, save the trim and thread.
"Your clothes will be white within buildings, and at ceremony, as a sign of unity and fidelity. However, they will turn back to black outside, as to better serve your skills. Said Natsuo, giving them both a serious look "Know that if one of you, no matter which, stands without fidelity to your mate, your mate will know."
"Now then, if you'll follow me, we shall finish the last part of the ceremony." Said Shirogitsune, standing to lead them outside, followed closely by the Royal Family.
The large doors opened to a roar, almost every fox in the Kingdom gathered to celebrate their joining, as well as a few Toads.
"Announcing Prince Uzumaki Naruto, and his mate Princess Uzumaki Sakura." Intoned a Guard
The crowd roared and Sakura blushed as Naruto smiled at her, his childhood glee obviously taking control; after all, his most important childhood dream was coming true, and he had the proof next to him.
"Hmm, well then, the people will celebrate out here…but we must go to the Royal Hall to feast and speak. However, I'm sure you wish to freshen up first." Said Natsuo
"Naruto, if you'll follow Murai and me…" said Shirogitsune
"And if you'll follow Sunei and me, Sakura." Said Natsuo
"Hai!" said Naruto and Sakura, giving each other a final squeeze on the hand, both looking forward to the reunion to come.