Another updated story after all these years! The Fox in the Rain joins Enter: Naruko Hyuga in the special group of stories getting updates after five years. I bet this is one of the last to come to mind when people wondered what stories I'd finally update. Well, I intend to not only update this one now but regularly until it's finished. With the awesome new stories coming your way it's important that I draw to an appropriate close the stories that built my fan base. They deserve to be told and I apologize for neglecting them.

Naruto had settled into his quarters in the Akatsuki base. The Fox lived in comfort, wanting for nothing, except his humanity. This though, was something he'd learned to live with from a young age. His main concern was trying to think of how to deal with the shadow that the world thought was the real Naruto. Both where twelve years old now and had each endured hardship. In fact the two had been separated for so long that Naruto sometimes wondered if the shadow was distinct enough to be a unique being worthy of living. After all, the shadow had his own memories, experiences, skills, and personality. He wanted to have the ability to become human again, but was it truly worth it if he had to kill the shadow to do so?

Naruto was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice Konan enter his quarters until she put her hand on the fox. "Oh, Konan! What's up?"

"You didn't come to the meeting. I was worried." She told him.

"I've just been thinking..." Naruto looked at the ground. "Maybe we should look for a way to restore me that doesn't involve killing the shadow. Maybe he has a right to live. After all, he doesn't know the truth like I do."

"Naruto, that's the only way we know of right now." Konan looked at him sadly. "I'll try to find another way but please don't get your hopes up."

"You're going to try, that's all I can ask." Naruto did the closest think a Fox could do to a smile. "Now what did I miss in the meeting?"

"We have a new recruit who was just brought in by Itachi. His name is Deidara. Deidara is from Iwa and specializes in explosions." She briefed him.

"So in other words he's a destructive powerhouse." Naruto replied.

"Yes, and he's a bit... eccentric." Konan had to take a moment to ponder her wording.

"So a destructive crazy person." Naruto translated. "Well, Deidara should feel right at home with this lot. We're all a bit mad here. I'm going to go introduce myself."

"He's been informed about your history and said he's looking forward to meeting you. He seemed quite intrigued. Let's be off then so you can meet Deidara."

With that Konan led the way out of the room. Naruto followed her and the two of them headed to the main area of the base to meet Deidara.

And that's chapter one of The Fox in the Rain! It's going to be receiving updates on a regular basis until the story is fully told! Thank you for reading.