October 9th was a remarkably calm day, nothing too out of the ordinary except a pregnant woman walking around with two other women nearly hanging off her arms. This woman's name was Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze, wife to the Yondaime Hokage, heir and last known living Uzumaki of the clan Uzumaki, and the Akai Chishio no Habanero. The woman to her left was the teammate of the Yondaime Hokage, best friend to Kushina, and the softest Uchiha to ever live, her name is Mikoto Uchiha. To her right was a woman Konoha has not seen before, a stranger in a strange land. She was Kushina's cousin who ran away with a teen she met in the Warring Nations; her name is Zarehya Yu of the Yu Yan Archers whom reside in the Fire Nation. Famed for their techniques with a bow and arrow and fighting prowess across the battlefield they are powerful warriors. Here to visit her cousin on the day that Kushina would be induced into labor to meet her Godson Naruto Namikaze. The three were on their way to see Biwako Sarutobi, wife of the Sandaime Hokage, the God of Shinobi, for some reason Biwako wanted to see all three of them. Kushina couldn't complain she had her best friend, her god sons Itachi and Sasuke, and her nee-chan, and not only that tonight she would finally hold her Naru-chan! Things were looking up for Kushina; with a slight rap upon the sliding door of the small house an elderly woman opened the door.
"Biwako-sama! You wanted to see us?" Biwako nodded and motioned for them to come inside. The three were led through the traditional Japanese styled home, noting the smell of Cherry Blossoms and Violets in the air. Biwako led them into the small living room area of the home and offered to let Itachi go play with Asuma. Itachi handing Sasuke to his mother ran outside to play with Asuma, however as soon as Itachi left the room Biwako's face dropped into a scowl.
"Mikoto! What did I say about doting on Itachi? You'll spoil him, anyway were here to discuss the matter at hand, Kushina's birth and the security that will be needed to handle this matter." Kushina was about to intercept her thoughts when Biwako held a hand up silencing her.
"I'm speaking Kushina. Now, we will have three squads of ANBU Black-Ops, as well as one squad of the normal ANBU members. We also have Mikoto, Fugaku, Kushina's cousin-" "Zarehya, Biwako-dono", "Zarehya-san, and Minato himself. Jiraiya will also be in attendance as a guard, we will be undercover in ANBU garb. We will not take any chances, first priority is the Kyuubi, second is Kushina, and third is the child. Do you all understand?" Zarehya and Mikoto nodded but Kushina looked angry. Biwako motioned for her to speak.
"Please excuse me Biwako-sama, but you have the priorities wrong. With not only myself, whether weakened or not, Mina-kun, and Ero-sennin there, the priorities should be changed, even if the Kyuubi is released three of the best seals masters in the world in one location? Even I admit it is silly that you should think of the Kyuubi being in danger. Your weapon will make it through; my only concern is the life of my child. Naru-chan is the only thing that matters tonight, if I start to slip away into death, make sure Naruto survives. I will be damned to the Shinigami's stomach before I even allow you to sacrifice my child for YOUR gains Biwako." Biwako was steaming before she growled out.
"Who do you think you're talking to? I'm merely telling you what my HUSBAND told me, do not forget Kushina, I am a mother AND grandmother. I know this feeling better than anyone. Your child WILL survive, that is not in question Kushina." Kushina red from a mix of embarrassment and anger snorted showing her Habanero attitude before a gentle hand smacked her upside the head.
"OW, Neeeeeeee-chaaaaaaaaan, why'd you do that?!" Zarehya chuckled and shook her head.
"You're red is showing again Kushi-chan." Kushina blushed and muttered things about baka, mean, and nee-chans. Zarehya stood and bowed deeply to Biwako.
"I am afraid Biwako-dono, I must take a short leave of absence, and I will be back within two hours. My fiancé is arriving to the gates and we are meeting Minato and Kushi-chan for a quick dinner before the birth tonight." Biwako nodded and gave a slight bow and Zarehya stood and winked at Kushina.
"Nee-chan is going, behave little Akane-chan." Zarehya vanished with a chuckle as Kushina blushed in embarrassment at her old childhood nickname from Zarehya. Their conversation and protocol of the night was discussed for the next one and a half hours.
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Zarehya stretched and retrieved her top and underwear from the floor slipping them on, she looked over to her fiancé.
"Oi, lazy bones, get dressed, that might have been a present for arriving a little earlier than expected but don't get content. You have a job to do tonight; you're going to be supporting the ANBU during the birth." The tall slender man waved his hand as he stood up and stretched, Zarehya blushed at his "endowment" and threw his pants in his face. Looking away and crossing her arms.
"J-j-just hurry, baka." Muy chuckled as he got dressed quickly. He shouldered his quiver and strapped his bow to his back. He smiled cracking his neck and went to the door meeting Zarehya. A quick knock on the door and Muy opened it, looking down he saw a medium height blonde man and his fiancé's object of adoration. Muy flicked Minato's nose.
"Been a while squirt, you finally grew into that ego of yours eh?" Minato chuckled and rubbed his nose as Kushina pouted.
"Baka nii-san, don't flick Mina-kuns nose!" Muy chuckled and Zarehya came out without her war paint or battle garb on, substituting it with a clean red blouse and a pair of clean burgundy slacks. Kushina smiled immediately taking her hand and dragging her out the door leaving Muy and Minato staring each other down. The two clenched their fists and threw them out three times.
"JA-KEN-PO!" Minato throwing paper was beaten by Muy's scissors. Muy snickered in happiness.
"Ha-ha! Minato you get the bill tonight!" Minato sighed in defeat and just motioned for him to follow. Muy smiled softly shaking his head; he finally was seeing a little man come out of the little cabbage patch kid he got to see a few times. This was going to be interesting.
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The sealing house hadn't been used in a long time; Mikoto frustrated with the conditions kicked the ANBU's asses into gear turning them into a cleaning squad. Fugaku chuckling at his wife's upbeatness made him relax against the chair holding his youngest. He wouldn't say it, but he had high hopes for Sasuke, sure all parents held their children in high regard, but ever since he saw Sasuke leave his mother's womb he could feel it, he knew in his gut and his soul. Sasuke was meant for great things. A loud rapping brought his attention to the door, Mikoto rushed over to it and threw the door open bringing Biwako, Minato, Kushina, Zarehya, and Muy in. Biwako started barking instructions to the ANBU squad and the three medics who were there. Biwako cut an eye to Fugaku, Minato, and the male ANBU.
"Everyone who has something dangling between their legs, get out, the superior sex has to get to work now." Minato sighed as he raised his hand.
"Can't I stay? It is mine and Kushina's baby being born." Biwako nodded.
"The father can stay; after all it is your solemn duty to wash clean the baby for the mother to hold. Now, let us begin.
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All throughout Konohagakure you could hear a wail, some said it was a mother bear, some said it was one of the fabled Onbuu, however it was just Minato screaming like a woman since his wife had his testicles in his hand squeezing like they were stress balls.
"GODDAMNIT MINATO I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU! YOU DID THIS TO ME YOU BASTARD! RAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Kushina's chakra was fluxuating but nothing out of the norm. If anything this was going better than Mito's had ever gone. Biwako smiled softly but the sound of fighting woke Sasuke up and caught Minato's attention. Zarehya took Kushina's hand and Muy knocked an arrow and twisted his knuckles to the right slightly taking aim at the door. The door flew open with a battered Fugaku being flung into the room, a figure cloaked and bearing a mask walked in over his body. One thing everyone noticed was the figure was bleeding heavily from a stab wound to the left kidney. Minato growled as the figure spoke.
"Step away from the nine-tails or I-" A Rasengan wielding Jiraiya fell through the man as the figure grabbed him by the ankle wrenching it clockwise a snap could be heard as Jiraiya let out a yell. The masked man had to react fast as Minato was in his face Rasengan already scratching his mask. He quickly became intangible before sliding to the left of Minato, however in the process of going for Minato's cloak his chest was ripped through by a serrated arrow, courtesy of Muy Yu. Obito fell to a knee holding his chest as he coughed blood into his mask, wheezing he stood and charged towards Sasuke intent on taking a hostage. His Intel was bad; he wasn't prepared for people such as the Sannin, and the heads of the Uchiha clan to be here. He was inches away when he felt himself being grabbed and he knew, he fucked up. Flying backwards at a high speed he slammed into the wall his mask falling off, seeing that Mikoto was the one who had flung him he sneered. Minato froze in shock and started shaking seeing Obito, as did Fugaku and Mikoto. A loud cry emanated out through the room and it was at this moment, at one o'clock in the morning, Naruto was born. Obito ran towards Kushina but was intercepted by an angry Zarehya. She went in for a left kick but fazed through him. Smiling in victory Obito was about to grab Kushina when he was flung by Mikoto all over again. Slamming into a wall he sneered out at the people in front of him. Outside of the illusion Fugaku grabbed his left eye in pain as he kept it covered. He had only read about this technique before, but to experience it was another thing. Obito made a mistake in looking into his eyes, before Obito could react, Izanami had been cast. Fugaku struggled to stand as he saw Obito's still form, bleeding, stuck in a face of frozen terror. Minato walked over to him and tapped his forehead leaving a high level chakra suppression seal behind. He saw three ANBU Black Ops members walk into the room and he spoke in a fierce tone.
"Protect Kushina, One job ANBU, one request of your Hokage, the only thing on a personal basis I asked of you. Now take him to the prison and prepare him to be transported to the Blood Prison. I will not make this mistake again." He turned and saw Kushina holding a cleaned Naruto, Red hair, Violet eyes, and no whisker marks. But what troubled him was Naruto was pale, paler than normal. He turned towards Biwako but then a rush of strong killing intent washed over the room. Minato looked in terror as a claw skewered Biwako, a being coming out of Kushina's body, her face in a silent scream. Minato quickly made hand seals as a small ANBU member landed in front of him. He placed his hands on the small boy's arms as he fed him his chakra. The young boy started making hand seals and at the end of it ten totems arose around the clawed hand and blue chakra chains ran from them into the clawed beast. The young boy spoke.
"Hokage-Shiki Jijun Jutsu — Kakuan Nitten Suishu!" The deafening roar of the Kyuubi rang across their ears as the chakra seemed to be receding, however out of nowhere a white being with green hair appeared and grabbed Kushina and took her. Minato let out a cry of frustration, the one remaining squad of Black Ops soldiers designated, Alpha-Charlie-Echo, stood around their Hokage.
"Go, I will appear to her, follow my signature." Naruto lay crying on the floor, he looked to Zarehya and nodded, and the woman picking the boy up opened her tunic and cradled him in her shirt protecting him. Minato pulled out a new kunai, his Hiraishin formula located on the side of it but it was longer, and curved, almost like a large karambit.
"Hiraishin." Minato growled out, in an instant he was gone leaving the few people to their duties.
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Minato appeared in front of Kushina sweeping her up he proceeded to turn coat and run from the beast, he was on a full sprint, chakra enhanced and all. He thought he was in the clear when he felt the ground shaking, peeking over his shoulder he saw the giant fox chasing him and his beloved. Jumping from left to the right, performing back-flips and spins, he had to dodge nail, tail, and maw to keep his beloved safe. He saw ACE squad ahead and he gave them the all clear. You see the thing you need to know about ACE squad is they aren't the average run of the mill Black Ops. Each member rivaled Minato in single battle, but together they have literally brought nations to their knees. Mizu, Kaze, Kaminari, they all fell to this groups power. Two of the six members jumped into the creature landing a punch and a spinning kick into the creature's maw and shoulder. Most would expect this creature to continue its sprint but quite the opposite happened, the Kyuubi went flying backwards as if slung by a sling shot. Two more members preformed hand sequences muttering words as seals started to surround the beast forming a light blue almost gelatinous looking dome around it. The final two members ran into the dome, one grasping his wrist holding it before him, the other flying through hand signs faster than the eye could see.
"Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku" "Raiton: Shichū Shibari" The two jutsu's mingled in tandem, the four pillars forming around the Kyuubi shocking it almost constantly, followed by a torrent of flames engulfing the target. A loud booming scream of pain erupted from the Kyuubi. The two who originally hit the beast jumped back and sat down with the other two creating the barrier and they summoned a shadow clone each, the four split to the cardinal directions and started performing hand seals and muttering words. The two Ninjutsu users kept throwing Jutsu after Jutsu at it, Katon, Raiton, Doton, Fuuton, all hammering the beast as their finishing move was almost done. With a loud cry the two members who had created the clones and preformed hand signs had stood a large lime colored light flying from their bodies into the sky converging atop the Kyuubi. And with a loud roar they brought the Jutsu down atop the beast.
"Raiton: Raimu Raito!" A large bolt of lightning roared down hitting the beast and a large explosion took place, a mushroom cloud forming. Trees scorched and blackened, grass reduced to ash, animals vaporized. The Kyuubi stood shakily bleeding heavily deep lacerations and burns covering its body. It didn't even have the energy to roar. ACE squad stood up and the two Ninjutsu users continued to cast Jutsu though lower tear ones such as, Katon: Gōkakyū, Raiton: Gian, and Suiton: Suiryūdan. The four remaining members threw up a barrier to contain the beast.
"Ninpou: Shisekiyōjin" A large red boxlike barrier erupted around the beast. IT roared collecting chakra unleashing a Bijuudama, but it rebounded and ended up impacting the beast in the chest. Snarling out the Kyuubi began to pound against the side of the barrier trying to get out. The six ANBU only hoped their kage would be back soon.
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Minato appeared inside of the building beside Biwako's body. Everyone shocked to see him return they almost couldn't believe their eyes. They felt the chakra, they felt the bloodlust, and the Kyuubi had escaped.
"Minato, what are we going to do, unless we get the Kyuubi back into Kushina, she will die!" Minato sighed as he started to sob into his wife's shoulder. She weakly placed a hand atop his head and caressed his neck.
"Mina-kun, take care of Naruto, we both know what will happen now, just. Just let me hold him one last time." Minato immediately scooped Naruto up and brought him over to Kushina. Cradling him she started to sob and everyone felt and intense pressure forming around Minato. Minato stood up and he turned towards Mikoto, Fugaku, Jiraiya, the remaining ANBU, Zarehya, and Muy. He unleashed his killing intent.
"I will destroy that beast for ruining this night." With a bright blinding flash Minato vanished into the night. Mikoto slowly approached Kushina, she smiled softly as she grabbed Minato's Hokage cape and draped it across her body.
"It will be okay Kushi-chan, he will be alright." Kushina nodded and smiled softly caressing her baby's cheek with her thumb. She sat up with the assistance of Mikoto, she gestured for Zarehya to come over.
"Nee-chan, you and Muy are Naruto's god parents, please, take care of him when I'm gone. Mina-kun will be grief stricken." Zarehya tried to stop Kushina but she stood and did something unexpected, she vanished with a flash.
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Minato growled as he had gotten the team to bring down the barrier he summoned Gamabunta to assault the creature.
"Minato, you summoned me to combat the Kyuubi? What happened to Kushina?"
"Kushina is safe Bunta, but some people assaulted us trying to capture her and they managed to slip her past long enough to take the Kyuubi out of her. She is with our son right now, and I will avenge her by destroying this beast." Bunta nodded as he drew his tanto in a flash he dived for the Kyuubi collapsing into it his blade piercing its fur. The Kyuubi's left hand came up striking Bunta across the left eye leaving a nasty wound. Bunta flew forward with a new spring in his step, his adrenaline rushing now; he lashed out with a sharp left slash. The Kyuubi leaned backwards falling over its feet; Bunta took opportunity and threw his tanto at the Kyuubi. The Kyuubi lashed out with its tails and managed to catch the dagger but failed to react to the toad's assault. Webbed foot after webbed foot the frog assaulted the Kyuubi in the Gamaken forms. With a final blasting sound Buntas right fist clashed with the Kyuubi's face and with a scream from said beast its jaw was shattered. Minato stood up holding a rasengan the size of a building above his head. He jumped forward, Bunta grabbing the creature; Minato drove the Rasengan into the creature's sternum. The Kyuubi flying back hundreds of meters from the assault, it stood barely and roared at the two. With a bright yellow flash Kushina, disoriented and in pain, appeared next to Minato holding their son. Minato shocked at his wife's actions went to speak but she silenced him with a deep kiss. When she broke it she softly spoke, the pain evident in her voice.
"We have to seal it Minato, it won't stop. Even if you kill it, it will reform again and attack."
"How then Kushina, You're too weak and my co-"Minato gazed upon Naruto and his heart shattered into hundreds of pieces. His son, Naruto was the key. Minato shook his head.
"There has to be another way Kushina! I can take it into the Shinigami's stomach!" Kushina shook her head.
"I'll be doing the sacrifice, I'm almost dead anyways. HE will need you here, alive, to take care of him." Minato looked torn, between duty and family, the love of his life, his world, and the world that he has to protect. He made his decision, looking up with hardened eyes he nodded.
"So be it, me and ACE squad will put the heat on the Kyuubi while you seal it." Kushina smiled softly seeing his tears, she started to cry her own. Giving him one deep, passion and pain filled kiss, she jumped down with Minato. Minato joined up with ACE squad and preformed the Shisekiyōjin all over again trapping the beast, Kushina, him and his son within the barrier. Minato using his knowledge of Jutsu continued to suppress the Kyuubi, a feat none other could boast besides Hashirama himself. Kushina finished drawing her seals upon Naruto's belly in her own blood. She preformed the hand seals and shouted her technique.
"Shiki Fūjin!" The Death God appeared behind Kushina, retching its hand through her body, Naruto's, then the Kyuubi's. It grabbed the Kyuubi's soul tearing it in half, half dragged into Naruto, the Yang, and half into Kushina, the Yin. Before the sealing could be finalized in a last ditch effort the Kyuubi threw its paw at Kushina, the paw tore through Kushina and gashed Naruto's cheek, Minato in terror thinking his son was lost roared in pain. The Shinigami's seeing this was somehow, moved at the action. He took the Kyuubi's soul and devoured the entirety of it. Vanishing the nail within Kushina's abdomen vanished as well; Minato caught her and held her closely.
"You baka, YOU BAKA!" He held her close her breathing raspy, her death rapidly approaching. He picked up Naruto and held them both in his arms. Kushina brought a small crystal out of her pocket shakily and put it in Naruto's arms.
"M-Mina-K-Kun, t-this is my f-final words t-to Naruto, and you." She used the last of her chakra to infuse the crystal with her final words.
"Naruto, grow up to be strong, grow up to know love, to be free. Eat healthfully and don't over gorge yourself, gluttony is never good. Take care of your father, he's a big baka, loveable, but a baka. Remember to wash your hands, brush your teeth, and change your underwear. Find some friends; you don't need a whole lot, just a few good ones who will remain true to you. Find love my Naru-kun, a woman who will love you for being you. No matter what know I am proud of you." She smiled softly as she tucked the crystal into the cloth bound around Naruto. Minato started to cry deeply feeling his soul, his very being shattering. Kushina stroked his cheek gently.
"Minato, my love, my sun, my everything. Be strong, even though I will not be here, Naruto will. I love you beyond comprehension, please stand and be strong for your village, for your family. I love you, Mina-ku-"With those final words Kushina slipped into an endless slumber leaving behind her child and husband. Minato grief stricken cried loudly as the barrier dropped the ACE squad took them back to Konoha where everyone who survived the night awaited them.
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In the Hokage's office Minato stood looking out over the village, the conversation he just had fresh in his mind.
Flashback – 12 minutes ago
Minato appeared in his office trailed by Mikoto, Fugaku who had his injuries treated, Zarehya, and Muy. He placed Naruto upon the desk, wrapped in his mother's gown.
"Zarehya, Muy, I cannot take care of Naruto. I am leaving him to you, there will be no interjections, no objections, this is my word, and in this village my word is law." Zarehya growled as she picked Naruto up, Muy looked to Minato as his fiancé ran out of the room crying. Muy walked up to Minato, he grabbed Minato by the collar and lifted him high against the wall, Minato struggled to get out of his grip but Muy wouldn't let him go.
"You listen here, and you listen well Namikaze. Kushina did not want this, I can guarantee it you cold hearted bastard. I will say this once, and only once." Minato went to speak but Muy slammed his fist into Minato's gut hard enough to make Minato spit out a sizeable amount of spittle and blood. Minato still bent over Muy's fist had his head next to Muy's.
"As of this moment, boy, that child's name is Naruto Yu; he is mine and Zarehya's child. When you decide to grow up and accept your responsibilities, contact us and we may let you see him. Hear me Minato, if you make a move against us to get Naruto, you will learn why even the Fire Lord, Earth King, High Air Monk, and Tribe Leader of the Water Nation fear me. I will destroy you, from the inside out; they won't even recognize your body to identify you. You will just be some blonde bastard who was speared upon our army's garrison." Minato felt the power behind the man's words and he trembled. Muy withdrew his fist and let Minato crumple to the ground, Muy spit in Minato's face and left the room to get his fiancé and leave this barren wasteland. Mikoto walked over to Minato and stood him up. She took a rag and wiped the spit off his face, he began to cry and Mikoto slapped him. She sent him reeling over his desk and watched him fall onto the floor. Minato shocked to have been hit by Mikoto of all people looked in fear.
"Minato, I am disappointed in you." Was all she said, but her and her husband left the room. Minato laid there on the floor for five minutes crying to himself for his beloved to come back. He slipped into a deep depression and stood to look out upon the village.
End Flashback
'Did I make the right choice, Kushina?'
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Hey guys so yeah how'd you all like this? I know I said I'd upload them all at once but it's actually been harder to revisualize the events and describe them. I'm glad to say though that the new Darkness Falls chapter was a hit, and I hope this one is too. Anyway, I will try to continue the Monday – DF, Friday – FL schedule. Later!