Hey folks! I'm back with another chapter of "Change." My last chapter I got a few reviews that were quite positive, so I'll just continue on with what I'm doing. Also thank you to everyone who followed and favorited the story, hopefully this chapter doesn't disappoint your expectations. Much appreciated to all of you and I hope you enjoy my tale. As per usual, enjoy the story!

DISCLAIMER : I DO NOT OWN NARUTO.

There are a few things that would drive Hatake Kakashi into a state of utmost rage. His usual calm and cool demeanor was now over-ridden by hatred and malice, towards the individuals who would do his surrogate brother harm. Naruto was finally safe and sound in the only trusted hospital in Konoha and was currently in stable condition physically. Being beaten and ultimately tortured by a mob would kill any mere man on the spot, but not Naruto, after all, he did have increased healing and regeneration abilities from his "tenant."

However if one would look closer into the hospital they would notice two extra figures, one Hyuga Hinata and one Yuhi Kurenai, both in a state of utmost fear, sadness and worry. Hinata was crying into the arms of Kurenai as they both waited with Kakashi patiently for the doctors to let them into the room to see Naruto. Fear gripped Kurenai's heart as she knew that what she was about to witness would be gruesome, the results of such a gruesome torture would damage anyone beyond physical belief. However while Kurenai knew Naruto would be fine physically, she wondered off thinking about his mental health.

Being so used to the damage he would receive, she had to only imagine the kind of damage this did on the poor 10 year old Jinchuriki. Hinata on the other hand was in a state of shock and sadness. Everyone who knew the girl knew she had extremely strong feelings for the boy, from adoration bordering to love, they knew that she cared deeply for him, no matter what, considering him, her best friend.

"You may come see him now," was a voice that broke everyone out of their stupor, as they looked towards the Doctor who had a concerned look on his face.

"I warn you however, the damage done physically was perfectly healed, it's really amazing how much the Kyu- I mean his regeneration could bring him back up, but, mentally, he is in a state of which doctors can not fix, it's really up to you all now, as you all are all he has."

"I know.." Said Kakashi silently and sadly. "It kills me to have seen him like that.. It kills us ALL." He said again while quivering."But I promise you this, IT IS THE LAST TIME. From now on, he's living with me, and he will be protected from these REAL demons. I am THROUGH with this village treating my brother like a demon, when the worst thing he has done is put paint on a wall that said "I WANNA BE HOKAGE, JUST WAIT AND SEE!"

"Kakashi-san..." Hinata called silenty, gaining the attention of the three people in the room.

"I fully agree with you.. Actually.. I saw the first time this happened to him too.." Hinata said while looking down and letting a few tears fall from her angelic, young face, surprising the group with her lack of stuttering.

"5 years ago, I saw you save him, and I thank you with all my heart, we're not even past 10 years old and my best friend was almost killed by those monsters!" cried Hinata as she looked up with tears streaming down her round, soft countenance.

"But I'm done too. I'm through watching Naruto-Kun being scorned and beaten for whatever the reason is! I will find the reason and just like you I will protect him!"

Kakashi and Kurenai looked at the girl and could not help but smile at her new found bravery and strength, it was a sight to see, the shy Hinata now proclaiming her protection of Uzumaki Naruto, something Kurenai had been waiting for, but now was not the perfect time for this.

"We need to see him. I'm sure he's in a state of utmost shock and depression." Kurenai stated

"Yes, and more, I leave the rest to you, his room is number 4520, 4th room on the left. Good luck, if you need anything just call me, I'll be in my office." Said the doctor as he bowed and left the group to find their way to his room, leaving them all with their thoughts.

Kurenai, while walking there, was in a battle with her own inner self. In the past she knew this boy would be special, however, she only wondered now if maybe this time he was actually broken, and if so, could he be fixed? Her mind grew wary of the situation, considering the possibility of Naruto trying to commit suicide or going mentally insane. While thinking this she looked down to her own surrogate sister, Hinata, and imagined her in a similar situation. She was always closer with Hinata, even while sharing a bond with Naruto, but if this were to happen to Hinata... She didn't know what she would do.

Kakashi was in the same state as we was before ; Ready to destroy ever single one of the wretched villagers who committed this deed against his brother. He already was planning something but eventually just ignored it and focused on getting to his brother. He knew in heart what he needed to do, however. He needed to fully adopt Naruto and keep up him under his roof, train him in the ways of a a Shinobi and raise him to be a truly splendid ninja. He knew his duty was calling him, as he looked towards the ceiling and thought,

"Minato-Sensei.. I'm sorry I failed for these few years, but I will make it right.. I will.." Closing his eyes and reopening them with fierce determination.

Hinata, now feeling confident and alive, was in the same thought process as Kakashi, feeling as though she did not do enough to save him. Maybe if she went earlier to find Kakashi he would be safe, maybe if she didn't wait, maybe if she was more proactive and not the weak little girl she was she could have saved him. She felt her weakness returning as tears welled in her eyes, but quickly wiped them off and scrunched her nose in, anger? Anger. A feeling she never felt before. Pure anger at herself, for she knew she would go no where with her current attitude and anger at everyone else for doing such things to her best friend.

"Naruto-Kun.. I'm sorry, I will be stronger for you.. For us.. We will always have each other.. I promise.."

Coming to the end of their walk to Naruto's room, they thought they heard crying. Approaching closer they realized they did in fact hear crying, and in fear and panic they all ran headfirst into the room to see Naruto, covered head to toe in bandages, weeping into his pillow.

The group felt their soul weaken, their eyes all dimmed slightly as they saw the sight before them. Uzumaki Naruto, crying, and not just tears, openly sobbing.
Kakashi was the first to approach, being his older brother, placed his shaking hand on Naruto's back, clearly visibly shaking him. Naruto turned from his pillow and saw his brother, comforting him, as he slowly reached forward and embraced him in a loving embrace. Kakashi, who didn't expect this, instinctively place his arms around his broken brother, while motioning with his eye for Hinata and Kurenai to come over.

"I-I'm s-scared Kakashi-nii.. What did I ever do to DESERVE THIS?" Screamed Naruto, now weeping openly into Kakashi's chest.

"Naruto-Kun.." Whispered Hinata softly, gaining the attention of Naruto who did not realize that Kakashi was not alone.

"H-Hinata-Chan! I'm so sorry I didn't get to see you.. You must have been all alone.. I'm sorry.. I'm sorry.. I'm.. Sorry.." Naruto said while choking up and coughing while starting back to sob.

The moment that happened next, pretty much shocked everyone in the room.

Hyuga Hinata ran up to Naruto, eyes full of tears, and hugged him tightly, pulling him away from Kakashi and into her bosom, while whispering comforting words into Naruto's ear, ensuring him that everything was alright, with what people would call, a mother or a lover's instinct.

No one was more shocked about this action than Naruto, as the previously shy Hinata was now comforting him, and ensuring HIM that she would always be there for him. Feeling something he never felt before, he reached upwards and hugged her tightly while saying,"Please.. Never let me go.. Promise me.. You will never let me go.."

Hinata looked up, still holding on to her Naruto-Kun and said softly while looking him dead in his eyes,"Naruto-Kun.. From this day forth I swear to you that I shall do all to protect you, to ensure that you remain safe, and happy, and always smiling.. Because your smile.. Makes me want to fight harder.."

At this point the two 10 year olds cuddled with each as Hinata slipped into bed with him (A/N Please note they're 10. No. Just. No.) as they both stayed in each others arms, crying opening as they slowly closed their eyes and drifted into, what would probably be the best night's sleep they ever had.. For now.

Looking from the side, Kurenai and Kakashi looked with careful observation at the sleeping children.

"So young and having experience so much.. What do you think will happen Kakashi?"

"With all honesty Kurenai, they need each other, they will not function without the other, they are each others pillar. Ahh young love.." Kakashi said drifting off a little.

"I've never seen this side of you Kakashi, it's quite refreshing, and young love? They're 10 for God's sake, don't be a pervert." Said Kurenai rolling her eyes.

"Kurenai look at them sleeping, do they look happy? Do they look as if they need each other? We live in a world where people die at the age of 9 or 10 in a war. If people can die in a war at this age, I highly doubt love isn't possible." Said Kakashi with his hand in his pocket.

"I... Am shocked you would think that Kakashi, I'm impressed, maybe you do have a good side." Kurenai said smiling and looking towards him, only to see Kakashi's hand was in his pocket to pull out his newest issue of "Icha Icha Paradise." And him giggling perversely.

"Or not."

That night, Kakashi and Kurenai both slept in chairs as they "watched" over the sleeping children. Although Hinata did manage to wake up, see her current position, hug her new found teddy bear tighter and make herself nice and comfy in Naruto's arms. Quite the adorable site for anyone there. One Sarutobi Hiruzen, in fact, as he smiled at the 2 children in bed and the adults watching over them, like a true family. However the Sandaime simply wished it did not need to come to this, to have such a happy scene. Leaving the area, he knew what he had to do, he knew exactly what do for their future, and he would not fail his promise to himself. He knew Naruto would be come extremely strong as time went by, he could feel it in his old bones, but he just needed to push him to unlock that full potential. And Kakashi, Kurenai and Hinata would all be the keys to unlocking what could be, the next strongest ninja in the ninja world.

Kakashi also managed to wake up at around 4 in the morning and noticed that the door was open, but kept it in his mind that it was either the doctor or the wind, as no assassin would dare enter this room with him and Kurenai there. Looking at the two in bed he smiled below his mask and moved closer to see them better. What Kakashi saw, however did put a decent shock on him. Naruto had changed. His previous whiskers were now more defined. As he softly snored with his mouth open, Kakashi saw fangs, that of a fox.

This would be something he would need to discuss with the Sandaime, if the seal was getting weak or if the Kyuubi was starting to gain strength while in the seal to overpower the Jinchuriki, either way he knew it was something serious.

He walked to window looking out at the night sky and looked up, towards the full moon, almost imagining the night the Kyuubi attacked, the blood-curdling roars and screams of terror, 10 years ago. He then looked at Naruto and smiled even wider, knowing full well that in order for Naruto to survive, he would need training. HIS training.

"Naruto, I love you my brother, but.. I'm gonna have fun training you." he said softly with a.. Creepily sadistic voice.

In Naruto's sleep he shook slightly, as if he were expecting pain to come.

If only he knew what was in store for him.

After all, a brother's love is that of a war.

The next day came with the sun shining through the curtains and the sweet smell of a hospital. Wonderful.
Naruto awoke feeling something soft next to him, looking down and remembering that Hinata fell asleep cuddling with him.

Slightly smiling, he still looked with a sad look at the sleeping girl and sighed softly.

"You don't need to think that, hun." said a feminine voice to his left. He looked over and saw the wistful eye of his big sister Kurenai, smiling at him.

"Good morning handsome, clearly you slept a little TOO well last night no?" she said smiling widely.

"Well... I felt.. Safe and happy..." Said Naruto while blushing.

"Priceless. Absolutely priceless"
"Oh Naruto? Are you blushing? Is little Naru-chan starting to get a crush on his Hina-hime?"

This then caused Naruto to blush profusely while looking outside, causing Kurenai to laugh heartily at his innocence.

"Kure-Chan... Do you all love me?" Naruto said suddenly.

"What? Why would you ask that Naruto?" Kurenai said getting up and slowly moving towards him, noticing he was slightly shivering..

"Do you all.. Really.. Care about a monster like me? I mean the villagers curse me, scorn me and beat me, they must be right.. They must have some truth, after all everyone in the village says so that must mean tha-" his rant was cut off by Kurenai appearing in front of him and giving him a small kiss on his forehead and pulling him into a comfortable embrace.

"Uzumaki Naruto, we love you beyond all belief, Kakashi loves you, Hinata loves you and I love you. We all agreed to help take care of you, in fact that's why Kakashi is taking you into his home, you're gonna be living with him, and Hinata and I are literally 3 minutes away by walk so we'll be in very close contact at all times. We will never abandon you, we will always ensure you are happy and safe. The ninja world is a terrible place.. But.. If you fight for the things you love, there will be joy in everything that you do."

Naruto looked up and again started crying into Kurenai's ample bosom while clutching at her waist.

"I love you all too Sis.. You guys are the best. I will become strong to protect myself and those around me! Like you and Kakashi-Nii and Hinata-Chan! It's a promise of a lifetime! Dattebayo!" Naruto shouted, which in turn caused a certain girl to wake up from her slumber to see Naruto and Kurenai hugging and crying together.

Smiling Hinata rose slowly and uttered,
"Good morning Naruto-Kun, Kurenai-Chan."

"Good morning Hinata, had fun with your teddy bear last night?"

And of course, the simultaneous blushes erupted.

Kakashi then walked in with a clear smile underneath his mask.

"Good morning Kurenai, and you two lovebirds, how did you both sleep? Wonderful I would imagine," with his famous eye smile as usual.

Blushing times 1000.

"Excellent, anyways Naruto, I would like you to sign this," he said as he handed Naruto a piece of paper.

"What is this Kaka-Nii?" Asked Naruto

"Simple, it's the exact forms I need to adopt you, if you sign this, you'll officially be my little brother." Said Kakashi with his eye smile in tact.

"You mean... Like a family?" Asked Naruto with MORE tears welling up. (Was an emotional day...)

"You betcha. So what do you say?" Asked Kakashi finally.

"YES! OF COURSE I WOULD! I WOULD LOVE TO!" Naruto said jumping to his brother in a bear hug.

"You do realize that means I need to monitor your diet and training from now on right?" Asked Kakashi with a slightly evil accent, though Naruto didn't catch it.

"Of course I do, I mean how bad can it possibly be?" Asked the oblivious Naruto.

If only he knew. If only he knew.

Anddd that's a wrap for chapter 2 of Change! I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. It's quite the sappy and emotional chapter but it really builds on the character relations and love between them all, plus pushing Naruhina a little more. Again please review if you liked it and let me know where I'm going right or wrong! I love all feedback as it helps me improve as a writer. I'll try to update every so often, so you guys just sit tight, I'll be back soon with chapter 3 before you know it! Thanks again for reading! Btw this chapter was dedicated to my Fiance. I love you my darling. You give me my strength and my motivation. Always remember guys, love exists, you just gotta find it. Adios~

Icechaos - We love and lose, but one day we will love again. And this time, do it better, stronger.