Chapter 5: Reunions, Fox Fire, and a Divine Snap
[Konoha – Naruto's Apartment]
Naruto sat with Kurama perched smugly on his shoulder, both watching the glowing egg in his arms. Slowly, it cracked and shimmered — then revealed a tiny fox-like creature with a reddish coat, six curling orange tails, and big, curious brown eyes.
"Vul!"
The little Vulpix stared at them with wide eyes.
Naruto blinked, then turned to Kurama. "Is she your little sister or something?"
Kurama sighed. "Really? You do remember you got that egg from Jake, right?"
Naruto scratched his head. "Hehe… yeah, you're right."
He looked down at the little Vulpix on his lap."Wanna be friends?"
Vulpix squealed and pounced, licking his face excitedly as her tails wagged in all directions.
"Haha! Stop, stop! I get it! We're friends now!" Naruto laughed, hugging her tightly.
Kurama smirked. "Alright, let's see what kind of little menace—"
SLURP!
"Hey—HEY—stop licking my face!" Kurama grumbled as Vulpix clung to him, smothering him in kisses.
Naruto collapsed laughing. "Looks like you've got a new fan too!"
[The Shop]
Jake, Arceus, and Alphamon were doubled over in laughter, watching the scene unfold.
"Hahaha, oh man," Jake wheezed. "She went full fangirl on Kurama."
Arceus smiled. "Fox affinity runs strong in Naruto. It was an easy choice."
Jake raised a brow. "And what about Harry? You never hand out Dratinis."
Arceus chuckled. "That boy has an extraordinary bond with both dragons and serpents. I almost gave him a Seviper… but that would've ended his relatives."
Jake nodded. "Yeah, Seviper in a hostile home? Not a good match."
Suddenly, Jake's smile vanished. His eyes flashed — sharp, focused.
"Wait… soul fragments? I forgot something."
He snapped his fingers.
[Mindscape – Naruto]
Naruto blinked. The room around him had vanished. He now stood in a damp, echoing space — dark pipes overhead, water dripping faintly.
"Jake?" he asked.
The white-haired man stood nearby, smiling."Hey, kid. Welcome to your mindscape."
Vulpix padded up beside Naruto.
"Vul~?"
Naruto smiled down. "Hey, Uncle Jake… what's her name?"
Before Jake could reply, a growl rumbled through the air.
"HEY, BRAT! You forgetting someone?!"
Naruto turned. Looming in the shadows was a massive, blazing-orange nine-tailed fox.
"WHOA! Kurama?! You were tiny a second ago!"
Kurama growled, flustered. "I can change size, okay? Geez."
Jake chuckled and clapped. "Alright, now that we're all here… Naruto, there are some people who want to meet you."
Jake stepped aside.
From the light stepped two figures: a red-haired woman with tear-filled eyes, and a blonde man with a calm, gentle smile.
Naruto gasped.
"…Who are you?"His voice cracked."D-dattebayo…"
The woman stepped forward. "Hello, sweetheart. I'm Kushina Uzumaki. Your mom."
Naruto's breath hitched."M-Mom…?"
Kushina burst forward and scooped him into a crushing hug.
"YES, IT'S ME! OH MY BABY BOY—!"
Behind her, the blonde man approached Jake and bowed.
"Thank you, benefactor. I'm Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage… and Naruto's father."
Jake nodded. "No need for thanks. Your son's been through enough. I just gave him a chance."
Suddenly, from between Naruto and Kushina:
"VULLLL—!"
FWOOSH.
A fireball burst between them, blackening both their faces.
Jake burst out laughing.
Kushina coughed. Naruto blinked.
Vulpix sat between them with a judgmental stare.
"…Heh. Sorry," Naruto said sheepishly. "Didn't mean to squish you."
Kushina crouched and began stroking Vulpix. "You're right to be mad. That was my bad."
Vulpix huffed… then allowed the pets.
Naruto smiled. "She's got a strong personality."
Jake stepped forward. "Alright, now for the official stuff."
He looked at Naruto. "Her name is Vulpix, one of many Pokémon species. If you care for her, she'll be your partner for life. And if you do well, I might give you another."
Naruto lit up like a Christmas tree. "I WILL! I SWEAR!"
Jake continued. "No one will question her in your world. I've arranged for Pokémon to be seen as divine beasts. And…"
Snap.
A glow enveloped Minato and Kushina.
Jake smiled. "Your parents' soul fragments are now permanent in your mindscape. Learn to meditate, and you can visit them anytime."
Naruto stared — then tackled Jake in a hug.
"THANK YOU, UNCLE JAKE!"
Jake patted his head. "Alright, alright. Now, quick question…"
He smirked.
"How do you think people will react when they see you walking around with Kurama on one shoulder… and Vulpix at your side?"
Naruto's eyes sparkled.
"…Hehehe. That's gonna be awesome."
[Privet Drive 4 – Post-Wall Smash]