Author's Notes: My first attempt at a fanfic. All of the events are set right after the war, some are set right after while others later. It really depends on what my brain cooks up. I would try to be as canon or as post-canon as possible. But there will be changes because deaths be damned!

So what I'm basically saying is, I'm like a dear in headlights here. I am begging, groveling and praying that you guys be gentle. Thankies!

Disclaimer: My limits for illustrations only allow me to draw stick figures so, no, Naruto is not mine.

Summary: Between His denseness and Her attitude, everything was stalemate between them. That, and of course they were both cowards.

Title : Denseness Is Hereditary

Pairings : Minato and Kushina

Rating : T

Genre : Romance/ Humor

Setting : Story-telling, a month after the war; Main Story, before the Third Great Ninja War.

Denseness Is Hereditary

".. and right after that, Kaa-chan said she started liking her hair and she fell in love with Tou-chan." finished Naruto. Taking large relieved sips from the now cold tea in his hand, he welcomed the liquid down his throat the first time, thankful for the relief despite its now cold nature.

He was not able to flush out the remnants of dango from his mouth and throat right after swallowing because of several curious, overly- excited, ultra-eager creatures he call friends. The girls thought that it might be fun to interrupt him and the boys in their 'bonding time' to pester him with details about his father, the Yondaime Hokage.

And after that, they thought it was even more fun to dig up details of the first thing most girls think about when they discover someone in a romantically involved relationship- when, where, how did his father and mother first met. Or questions somewhere along those lines.

Really, he was flattered that his friends are actually paying attention to his family and the knowledge that they are as excited about these new developments as he is brings a special kind of warmth. And that's what made him so forthcoming with the details of how their love story started.

But they do not, under any circumstances, have any right to get in between a man and his food! Nor do they have the right to withhold his drinking capacities just so they can hear the rest of the story uninterrupted!

Nonetheless, he continued like the good friend that he is sans his tea and drinking capabilities. That and he did not want to find out how he would look like after three kunoichi are done with him if he ever decided to cut the story short. "No make that a lot of kunoichi... and shinobi," he bitterly thought. Looking around, it seems a lot of people have showed interest in the story.

The village was alive that very afternoon. In a few hours, the festival would start. Lanterns were hung, lights were lit up. The decorations, adding even more to the golden glow of the festivities that is to come.

One month after the war, after tending their wounds and mourning their losses, they were ready to celebrate and face tomorrow. It had never been easy. The transition right after their victory to the journey back home was hollow and empty. Yes, they had won. That in itself could really be a huge cause for celebration. But the instant the final blow was dealt and scores were settled, there was nothing but emptiness and sorrow. They lost a lot.

But now, the village is busier and livelier than it ever was. The streets were buzzing with shops, activities and people.

In fact, the streets were more crowded than before as the other four Kages unanimously agreed that they mingle with their new found friends and celebrate their alliances in Konoha. These arrangements all happened in the after-war summit that all of the leaders attended save for the Hokage of Konoha herself who was not informed accidentally.

Much to her dismay and scorn, everything was set and there was nothing she can do but say yes. But she had bargained that she would provide the venue, other than that, they can talk to her assistant. It is now up to the ever-responsible Shizune to keep up with everything needed for the said event. "I am so getting drunk tonight!" she mumbled while hauling the mountain of paperwork threatening to drown her.

Chouji suggested that they go to the Dango Shop for a change. Somehow, the boys of Konoha 13 gathered in the area near the one of the tallest poles in the village unknowingly. It was as if their subconscious have taken them there. The number of their group has gone to thirteen as they have to include Sai.

Sasuke, although not currently present at the moment, has returned to Konoha. He still has to serve the sanctions given by the Hokage and the village before he can leave or be given missions. Of course the rest of the village and some of their friends were still as reluctant as ever, but that's understandable.

Naruto stared at Chouji for quite some time, "Ne, why the Dango Shop? I was quite sure you were going to suggest Yakiniku-Q, dattebayo!" Chouji just shrugged. "I'm craving for something sweet…"

"I read in a book somewhere that one only experiences cravings when they are pregnant". A silky soft voice suddenly popped out of nowhere causing Naruto and Kiba to jump several steps away from where it is coming from. "Is Chouji-kun perhaps pregnant?"

The question made Shikamaru and Neji smirk while Chouji almost choked on his chips. Sai, seemed to love playing the innocent and emotionally challenged person they once met before just to ruffle Chouji's feathers.

He has grown emotionally and mentally during the war that he can easily take advantage of his innocent personality to pull jokes. Of course, those who became victims were mortified. Looking around, the bonds they've forged were much stronger now. And Sai was more than happy of the turn out.

"SAI! Don't just pop out of nowhere, ya know?! You're going to give me a heart attack!" Kiba snarled.

"Are you okay?" Worry evident in Sai's face. "Should I call Sakura-san for you? If you're suff—"

"It's okay Sai, it was just an expression…" Naruto added wearily.

"I know, I was just joking. Although… it would be funny to see Sakura-san using the defibrillator on Kiba." Everyone just sweat-dropped. Does he even know how much of a sadist he is?

Hence, they went to the shop in the midst of bickering, small talks and laughters.

The dark days now behind them. Everyone was having fun and he was enjoying a mouthful of sweet, sweet dango together with his buddies before he was forced and threatened by the girls, who suddenly wanted to have dango as well, to give the story while giving him sweet words and well-masked glares.

"Naruto…" Ino started while still wiping the tears coming from the corner of her eyes. "… your Dad is so romantic… and he's handsome… and talented… and he's a hero… and, and—well you get the idea."

"It must've felt good to meet them both…" she added on a more serious note but with a smile on her face. The other girls could only sigh and nod in agreement. Sakura was afraid to talk as the dam she's trying to hold might suddenly break out.

She knew, or at least she had an inkling, what Naruto must've gone through. She was just glad that he was able to experience what it feels to have a family, even just for a short while. And not to mention they had the sweetest love story too. Why is it that the best ones always end tragically? Call her weird and morbid, but she can say that even in their final moments, even though she wasn't there, she felt their love was surely beautiful.

"Did they kiss right after the rescue?" It was Ino again. Everyone seemed to stop what they were doing. Even the guys were actually listening albeit impartially. It seems that many want to know the juiciest detail of the Yondaime's love life. He is mysterious after all. You can't blame them for being interested.

"I…uhh…" Wait, did Mom told me about a kissing scene? She was pretty nervous but – urgh – why is this so confusing? Mentally pulling his hair out, he answered, "I… actually … don't know Ino. My mom neve—"

"They didn't" a voice interrupted. It was authoritative and full. One can easily discern that it constantly gave orders to others in such a hurried and calloused manner. The people collectively looked up to where the voice came from only to find their Hokage, leaning by the doorway with cheeks flushed most likely from alcohol consumption.

"They didn't …" she uttered again.

"Tsunade no Baa-chan, how would you know dattebayo?"

She smirked before and chugged down sake from a cup they didn't notice before. "Jiraiya told me of course! And I was there in some of their moments too…"

Now, everyone was intrigued.

Here comes someone who actually knows and witnessed a lot things from the past. The girls' eyes perked up. Hinata was sporting a slight blush across her cheeks. And Naruto was sure, everyone listening, which was most of Konoha 13, had an interesting gleam in their eyes.

Prompted to continue by her current audience, Tsunade got into a comfortable sitting position as she squeezed between the girls and ordered sake for everyone much to the shock and surprise of many. "Oh common, you're old enough now. You have my permission."

Some were of course reluctant. Others are tempted to try. Most sincerely thought that the Godaime is not setting a very nice example, but let it slide nonetheless.

Tongue loosened by several rounds of drinks and the sort of happiness she felt when she saw her ninjas gathering in one place, she decided to divulge if only to enlighten the young'uns of the 'proper' ways to woo a woman's heart by setting the Yondaime's moves as a bad example.

"That time the kidnapping happened, she was thirteen, he was fourteen. But they were both promising ninjas. The time was just so early and they were so young… so, no kissing-kissey happened. Nothing happened romantically actually-" collective sighs of disappointment were heard.

"-or the years after that. Though they became friends… best friends even."

Disappointment was clearly evident on Naruto's face. But he was reminded that they did end up together in the end so he might as well continue listening to the story.

"Her pride got to her first. It stopped her from confessing the things she told you." Tsunade pointed to Naruto. "While he, the one-in-a-millennium genius that he is, was as dense as the Rashomon summoned thrice." She sighed, clearly frustrated about what she remembered.

"Everyone around them knew that they would end up together. It's one truth about life that everybody believed… except for them."

Flashback

She, Uzumaki Kushina, who has never backed down from a fight from anyone , she who is feared by many for her tenacity and persistence… is scared.

Her eyes widened with her discovery. Eh? Pfft! Scared? Of course not! The Uzumaki Kushina does not get scared! "Okay maybe a little" she admitted to herself. " It's 75 % pride and 25 % anxiety, that's it!"

"That's not it!" she wailed, flailing her arms around like an amputated goose. "Those percentages could have been the other way around! Why?! Why?! Why?! Wh—"

"Why what?" Suddenly interrupted by a gentle, baritone voice she had grown to love, she looked up startled only to be met by the most beautiful cerulean eyes. Those gazes that could pierce through her soul—or she was just being melodramatic because he caught her in the middle of one of her more psychotic episodes.

"Kushina, why what?"

"Eh? Eto—w-why…" her voice unsure. She was mentally castigating herself. Why did he have to show up now of all times?!

"Why?!" She said so loudly that it startled Minato. She continued flailing her arms while acting like a deranged lunatic. "Why, have you forsaketh thee O Capt'n, when my love is as deep as the deepest and darkest of oceans; strong as currents of untamed seas.." she continued her monologue for a while, hoping to convince a certain blond shinobi that she was up to no good again.

She heard him chuckle. It lightens her heart that she never fails to amuse him. And hearing his laugh, Kami-sama!, she would go through the same embarrassment over and over again.

"What were you doing, if I may ask?" She can see the mirth in his eyes when he asked the question. He was always like this. Despite having too much interest, he would choose to ask politely. One of the many things she admired him for.

"Was… practicing for a play" hoping she was convincing enough.

"There's a play? I didn't know that you were participating on activities for the coming festival though."

Oh no! "I-it's not that! I was- was only trying to help th-those who'd be participating dattebane! Yes, that's right! I'm lending a helping mouth." She added a nod for effect.

"Kushina, I think the correct term is 'helping hand'?" He politely corrected.

She had to roll her eyes at that.

"Well, duh, I am going to use my speech to help them out, not my hands so I'm still technically correct." She muttered, feeling her need to justify herself and to cover up her momentary idiocy.

They were silent after that.

Kushina tried to take a peak out of him from the corner of her eyes and sighed. There were times when silence were comfortable between them. Ever since he saved her from those abductors many years ago, she started to see him in a new light... she started to see the world in new light, through his eyes, and it was wonderful.

But at that exact moment, the silence was awkward and tense. She could feel the tension radiating from both of them. It's as if there's a balance to be kept and if it gets broken, they might find themselves in more awkward situations. No one dared moved, or even talked as they continue to watch the wind blowing through the trees.

For Kushina, she was the one of the lucky few who was able to elicit full, face-on laughter from the usually cool, kind and composed blond jounin. And she want to keep it that way, even just for a while. Until the time comes Minato decides he wants to have someone in his life and she is properly put in her place in his life... as his friend.

After she was saved by Minato from her abductors, she know in herself that something unraveled within her. He had wormed his way into her heart within the few minutes that they were together. Chuckling while deciding that Minato, is indeed the fastest shinobi whether he was at battle, or making her fall in love.

They became fast friends after. Their common friends are always teasing them whenever they are together. Deep down, she felt happy.

And every time he chose to reject a certain confession in his ever-polite manner, she can't stop the glimmer of hope that bubbles from within her. There might be the chance for the both of us.

But nothing happened. After saying that he didn't want to lose her, he never made a move.

She had her pride. Mountains and oceans of it actually. She would never be caught confessing to any man, even if it was Minato. And she had sworn this to the family name she had sworn to protect as well.

It was her pride that got in the way first. After all, guys were the first to make a move if they ever liked a girl. So waiting would only be the option.

Later she realized that it was more than pride holding her back. Sure, there is still a part of that notion but these days, it was more of fear. Fear that she might lose all of him, the only person she considered close to family and her first friend.

After the incident and they got closer, she reveled in the feeling of having someone around to care for you and remind you of the stupidest things. But it warms her inside. Being treated an outsider for too long, you crave for connection and he has given her that, even if they were only clearly friends.

Then she grew impatient. She is an Uzumaki and she refuses to watch idly by at the sidelines without giving anything a shot. "Even if I can't confess, there must be something I can do to make him realize my feelings." She thought once before.

So, she decided to become more 'lady-like'. Gathering her friends, yes she had several now thanks to Minato. She decided to ask for suggestions. Coming clean in front of her closest friends have been nothing short of dreadful. But she has no other choice, she is never going to back down on what she has decided. That is being an Uzumaki, and it is her ninja way.

"Try to wear your hair down more often... you did tell us that he said it was beautiful," said Yoshino.

She blushed at that, suddenly remembering that night. "But it's too long and it gets in the way of-"

"Do you or do you not want him to notice you? Besides, it's not like you're letting it down on missions. Just when you're around him or you're around town."

"Oooh -shina! You would never know how long I have waited for this moment!" Kohari said while latching to her right arm. She had dreamy eyes on. And if it kept up, she was sure stars were going to shoot out of them. "And we...", pointing to Shiori, "... will help you get your new wardrobe. This is gonna be awesome!"

Shiori could just smile. But her demure behavior failed to hide the interest and excitement in her eyes. It was also the same for Mikoto who suggested that she should also learn how to cook. "Boys always appreciate women who can cook. It also makes you good wife material."

And learn she did! After several weeks of knife cuts, fire encounters, three broken stoves, two kitchen explosions, she finally learned. Had she not been a kunoichi, she would have been dead by now.

All of it was worth it though, not!

After all she went through, what did the dense idiot say? "It would be unfair if I was the only one you're making bentos for Kushina. You should also share your talents to our other friends"

I learned to cook because I want to cook for you idiot!

Curse him and his thoughtful nature! But he did say 'talents' though. Does this mean it was delicious? Yarou! Not even commenting about my cooking! She had to smile despite herself.

However, three months of giving him bentos whenever she can was clearly not enough motivation for him. So she decided on the next step her friends forced her to. Newer, more feminine clothes, hair down, woman up. The third phase she can decipher and comprehend and pretty much act out perfectly. She's not just sure about the first two.

And yet, here she was, waiting for him to finish his meeting with the other high ranking shinobi and the Hokage. Clutching her bento firmly, she watched as everyone piled out from the hall, all the while looking for a blond head.

When she saw him, she hurriedly got up from her spot from the tree to meet him. She was about the greet him when he passed her by to continue walking towards the spot she once occupied.

Jaw-dropped, a million thoughts running her mind, she made her way back grudgingly. She was a little disappointed that he didn't recognize her. It was still her, the same hair, same face. Only the clothes were different.

She was about to start a full scale war with her friends when they suggested she wear a black midriff tube top underneath her black mesh shirt and white flare shorts. They needed to compromise on the bottom part because there was no way in hell she is wearing a skirt. Instead of her standard ninja sandals, they made her wear above-ankle boots. The outfit she had on, showed most, if not all, of her legs. And a part of her torso can be seen through her mesh top.

They also have to practically wrestle her just to keep her still for her makeup. When all was done, she had to admit she looked good. Kind of bad-ass but with a feminine touch. It gave her confidence.

Confidence that came crumbling down the moment he passed her by.

You'll look beautiful my ass! He didn't even notice me much less recognized me!

Grudgingly, she went where he was currently positioned, shoved the bento to his hands and walked away fuming.

After she told her friends about what happened, most of them laughed.

"And here I thought you were going to comfort me dattebane."

"Gomene Kushina, but you shouldn't have that dejected look on your face. There's always a next time."

Yes, there's a next time. The question is if she still wants to go through that kind of embarrassment next time.

The girls were traveling back to Konoha from their mission. It was an all-girl team lead by Mikoto. Their mission was to act as bodyguards for the wife a certain daimyo by acting as her servants.

They were required to were the standard uniform from the place which was too constricting and too feminine for Kushina's liking. But they were able to succeed in apprehending the assassin who was certainly not expecting them.

The lady of the house was certainly pleased that she let them have the servants' outfit as a little gift for their services. One look and one wouldn't think that it was something worn by servants. The kimonos were customized according to their personality it would seem. That was their very first thought when it was handed to them.

"I thought we were going to play servants. From the looks of it, the kimonos feel like we're going to somewhere important," she remembered Kohari said.

Because it looked good, they had voted unanimously with the exception of her, that they should wear it back instead of their ninja garb. It was a stressful mission and they were not really pressured to go back so they can just walk instead of flit through trees.

When they arrived, some of their ex-classmates were on gate patrol. And he was there as well, smiling and talking with his peers.

As they got closer to the gates, the boys noticed their presence and were momentarily stunned for a bit. Kohari and Shiori were talking too animatedly to notice while Mikoto was impassive. She, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck. Sure they said she was beautiful with her dark green kimono. It was beautiful with its gold accents and hand stitched gold designs. Her obi was textured with different design patterns to match as well.

She felt beautiful when she wore it. But under the scrutinizing gaze of Minato, she wasn't so sure.

No one spoke until Choza asked for their papers and identification. "Wow! You guys sure you're from the mission? You all look beautiful."

They all mumbled some sort of thanks to their friend.

When she looked at Minato, he smiled. She can't help but feel the butterflies within her. "That's a nice kimono Kushina, it makes you look... different" he said with a smile.

There was nothing wrong with the way he said those things but she can't help the disappointment she's feeling. Why can't he say those words to her directly. It's not gonna kill him to compliment her and not the kimono.

She sighed again. Reminiscing those times sure could be pretty painful. When you're trying your best to get the guy notice you as a woman and not have any results after all your hard work can be very disheartening.

Cooking, wearing more feminine clothes, showing she cared as much as she can, going out of her way all the time, is it not enough? Maybe, because if it is, she would get a reaction or comment or answer from him. Even if it's rejection.

She is hopeless...

He is hopeless. Utterly, completely and devastatingly hopeless. He could no longer deny what's been staring and screaming at him right at the face. He can only castigate himself too much for his superb denseness but it wouldn't change a thing.

Judging from the number of times Kushina have sighed at his side to the number of times he saw and let his opportunities pass him by, oh he was really hopeless.

He came to her side with every intention to confess and ask her to go out with him, on a formal date, with romantic setting and everything. Heck! He was even already fastforwarding his thoughts to the future, their future together.

But the moment he laid eyes on that gorgeous hair of hers and that beautiful face, all his courage drained away. The previous comments he made and every move he has done before has come back and haunt him.

So there he stayed by her side, pondering what to do next, how to broach the delicate subject that might tip the balance of their friendship.

When friends started teasing them, he paid no mind. Sure, they were always together but it would be disrespectful to say anything that isn't true so he kept his mouth shut. Little did he know that those times would be the source of his little happiness. Every time, they teased them, he would envision himself with her and decide that it is not such a bad place to be.

The night he saved her, he almost lost his cool. The kidnappers were already at the edge of the country and was nearing the borders. It would be too late then and she would have been lost forever from the village.. from him. It brought pain that prompted both stealth and speed he would be known for in the future.

The first time he saw her, what captured her was her hair, then her passion. There she is. Someone who have fire in her soul and pure determination to conquer odds. It was refreshing to just watch her from the sidelines. He would never admit it, but he was inspired by her. She unknowingly drove him to work harder and be better.

Every time she went out to face her detractors, he always made it a point to follow and make sure she would be fine. He knows she will be.

She always was, until that night. She was so lost and the fire she once had in her eyes was gone.

I came to save you.

You'll be alright now.

And when she smiled with recognition, something within him snapped and relief broke into every pore of his body along with another foreign and warm feeling. She smiled for him that night. It was also the first time he had the guts to compliment her hair.

Kushina sighed again and he was reminded that there is still that one big issue he needs to face. Being clueless and dense for almost five years is unbecoming of him. He needs to get it done now or he would forever be regretting the chance.

Had it not been for his friends, he would never be considering these things, and would continue losing his insanity slowly.

"..nato! Minato! Oi Minato!"

"Wh-what?" He answered snapping out of his daze.

Ikkaku sighed, clearly frustrated that his friend was not listening to him. "Okay, spill it! What were you thinking about?"

"Me? Nothing, I was ju-just.."

"You were just what Minato?" Choza have been interested in hearing what was preoccupying the genius' mind. He had to endure half an hour of droning from Ikkaku's stories. Any other voice right now would be a very welcomed element for his ears.

"I was just thinking about this recipe that Kushina taught me a while ago."

"Oh! So you were thinking about food!"

"No Chouza..." Shikaku interrupted. "He was thinking about the person that is connected to the food." Minato's eyes widened while Chouza and Ikkaku's mouth formed an 'o' comprehending the meaning behind the statement.

"I-ie, it's not like tha-"

"It would be safe to assume that the dish involves a lot of stirring from the pot in a constant clockwise rotation, yes?" Everyone looked at Hiashi with wide eyes, then to Minato, then to his hand, finally understanding.

"Yes, how did you-"

Hiashi then pointed to his hands. "It seems that you were too preoccupied to comprehend that you are now in this office and not in Kushina-san's kitchen, nor are you holding a spatula on a pot but your brush on the parchment."

"Eh?!" He immediately withdrew his brush from the parchment which was now soaked in ink because of the continuous circular motions he was doing earlier.

"Gomenasa- I didn- I wasn- I-.."

"It isn't like you Minato. These days you're always distracted. Is something bothering you?" Concern was now evident on Chouza's face.

"It's not something Chouza, it's someone."

"I still don't understand how Kushina is connected to this." Minato was trying to find a good defense point. It seems that his fellow shinobi have decided to make him their main prey for the day.

He noticed his slip of tongue. And Shikaku smirked. "I didn't say it was Kushina."

The rest of the shinobis from their side of the office was snickering. They have long noticed the special way Minato treats his best friend. He was a responsible person but Kushina is the only one who can make him break fractions of their rules without her and him knowing it.

"If you don't get to her, somebody will Kid, and you will lose your chance. Women are troublesome that way."

"But I don't really know what you're talking about. Kushina and I are just friends. Besides, I don't even think she likes me like that."

Hiashi sighed. "Is that what this is? Cowardice? You never came from a great clan, true but you are a highly esteemed shinobi that is valued in this village."

"People and kids look up to you, you know. How would they feel if they find out that their hero is a coward?" snickered Ikkaku.

"And dense to top it all off."

Minato is not liking his situation at all. He was being cornered. And there is no escape from this situation.

"So you refuse to admit to yourself that this… confession of yours is inevitable?" For the first time since the entire conversation started, Fugaku, who was just listening chimed in. He was clearly frustrated at how adamant Minato is with his refusals.

"Remember that time he was such in a bad mood because someone complimented Kushina's cooking?"

"Yeah, but Minato said that Kushina should share her skills to others. I guess she followed his advice."

Shikaku nodded and continued presenting 'evidences'. "And there was also that one time he glared at some random villager the first time Kushina wore a dress."

Chouza laughed. "I don't think it happened only once though."

"I only saw it once..." added Ikkaku while shuddering, "… but I never want to be in the receiving end of that glare. You were scary."

At that moment Minato's eyes could literally pop out from their sockets. Has he really been doing those things before? Apparently, his ever observant peers were able to notice the things he couldn't.

"And then there was that time when he was so close… so close to kissing Chouza's hair."

Everyone within the group stopped what they were doing as if suspended in time and looked at Minato weirdly. Even the stoic Fugaku and the cold Hiashi could not help but look at him.

"No offense man, but you really crept me out when you did that to my hair" Chouza wistfully said.

Minato did remember that time. He didn't know what possessed him to want to touch and smell Chouza's hair. Well, maybe he did, in hindsight. It was almost as if his subconscious took over for a moment and the saner part of himself allowed it for a second.

He could've died of embarrassment right then and there. What was I thinking? Wait! I was—

"You were thinking about her weren't you?"

It was more really of a statement than a question. It was a fact being stated. And he could only widen his eyes a bit more, if that was possible. How could have he not read the signs. Although Chouza's hair was several shades brighter than hers, it still reminded him of Kushina. He was surely thinking of her that time.

Well, he did but he ignored it thinking that it was just a phase brought by the sudden closeness of a female specie. He had to admit though, Kushina was more than that.

With a certain resolve, he stood up and walked to the door. " I… I have to go."

The others could only collectively sigh. Ikkaku beamed. And Shikaku could only say, "Finally! What a drag."

"Shina~…"

"Hmmm?" Kushina sighed again.

"I—uh—I have something to… uhm… say."

"What's wrong Minato?" She demanded, her voice stern and worried at the same time.

He took a deep breath before he spoke. "We've known each other for a long time and we've been friends for a long time. But I—I don't… want to be your friend anymore" he breathed. Wait, that didn't sound right.

Kushina held her breath and let the words sink in. When it did, her reaction started from her blurry eyes and suddenly it was anger, brewing and bubbling up to the surface. "What?!" How dare him! Who does he think he is to decide on his own that their friendship should end?!

Was it her? Did he finally noticed that she liked him and want to keep his distance away? Her anger was replaced with fear. And with that, her tears started to fall also.

Minato was startled by her tears.

In her soft voice she said, "So you want to end our friendship?"

"Yes—no I mean no. That wasn't what I meant. It was supposed to come out different!"

"Explain then, Minato. Is it me? Is it my hair? You said it was beautiful but you might have realized by now it isn't" she said in a dejected tone.

"It might be because of my voice, right?", she continued to supply probable reasons. "They say I'm too loud. Or perhaps it was my cooking?" She was really crying now. But she did so silently. She fought to keep her voice even and made sure her head was down. Maybe if she knew why, it would hurt less.

"Kushina, it's not—"

"Or maybe because of my dream to become a Hokage? Please Minato, you know I never was a competition to you from the start."

"What? No of course not! Why would you even think that Kushina?" He was clearly startled at where this conversation was going. He never knew that she was this insecure and unsure. And somehow he felt that he had something to do with it.

"Then why?!" She tried to control it but her voice was really breaking now. "My presence… is it… really that… suffocating?" From her sitting position, she hugged her knees and bended her head to muffle her sobs and hide her tears even more.

Minato didn't know what to do. How could everything be so wrong with just one statement? It was heartbreaking for him to see her curled up in his side like this. He encircled her in his arms and drew him close to his chest.

He could feel her shaking because of crying. He had no idea what to do so he just rubbed his hands back and forth her back in an attempt to comfort her while still hugging her.

Kushina, on the other hand, has never been more confused. If he doesn't want to be friends, then why was he hugging and comforting her. As she tried to calm herself, she asked "You at least owe me an explanation, dattebane."

Minato's hand froze at that. He was having a hard time trying to find the right words. After several moments, he sighed and hugged her tighter. "I'm sorry. The words I want to say… it didn't come out right."

"And I'm sorry for making you cry. I never want to see you sad Kushina… it hurts me." She gasped.

There was no turning back now. He have to be truthful all the way if he want to make things right. "And it hurts me even more that I'm the one causing it."

"I want to put an end to our friendship not because of your hair. Like I said, it's beautiful. And it has grown to be more beautiful over the years." Indeed it was beautiful, and he couldn't help but kiss the top of her head.

"Minato?"

"And it's also not because of your voice. In fact, I want to keep hearing it for the rest of my life. You might be loud, but because of that… I can easily find you even when your miles away." He chuckled at that. "The moment you open your mouth, even without looking, I know it's you, and I can't help but smile."

"It would never be about your cooking. I'm just afraid though, that if others knew you were such a good cook, you might not be able to cook for me anymore." He added in sad tone.

"That's not true. I will always find time to cook for you. Even if we're not friends… you're still my life savior." She looked up to him from his chest when he said that. And Minato held his breath. The sight before him was so achingly beautiful. Her cheeks, tear-stained. Her eyes shining, fresh droplets threatening to fall.

He wiped it away gently and kissed her forehead. He have been bold with his actions and so far Kushina doesn't seem to mind. It felt so right that he want to continue doing so.

"I was in awe by you when you declared that you wanted to become Hokage. I started admiring your passion and dedication since then. So, don't you ever think that you are beneath me or anyone else. I would tell you this. You are brave and strong in every aspect."

He was staring into her eyes when he said it and there is no denying the sincerity of his words. It makes her want to cry more. Is this going to be his goodbye? For the last time, would he want to make me feel worthy and good?

"And it will never be about your presence. I thrive in your existence. I… I—I need you, Kushina" he said in a low breathy voice as if choking out the words. The degree of his need for her was unknown to him before, until now. Until it slapped him so hard in the face. Stressing every word to make her understand. "Just thinking about losing you and not being able to see you again drives me crazy. I don't want to lose you."

I don't want to lose you.

It came back to her instantly. "Then why… why are you cutting things between us?"

"I never said I was."

"I wanted us to stop being friends because I wanted us to be more." Hoping that he sounded more confident than he actually felt, he tried to gather more courage for the next things he were about to say.

"More?"

"Yes. I wanted us to be more than just friends." Her eyes widened at that and the tears started forming again as comprehension dawned.

Minato was alarmed by this but he pressed on nonetheless. He needed to say these things now.

" Kushina, I love you, okay? I'm in love with you. And I know that I was really stupid for not noticing it before but…" Her eyes widened even more as Minato trailed off with his rambling, probably due to anxiety.

The moment he uttered those words, everything else became a blur and she didn't have the capacity to hear other things anymore.

"… but of course if you're not comfortable I mean I'd still be your friend. We can forget that this happened. I don't want you to be uncomfortable around me. I love you too much to let that happen. You just ha—"

He stopped talking when he felt her tackle him with a hug causing him to release his other arm from her back to support them and make sure they don't fall.

There it was again, he said he loved me again!

"Baka! There's no need for that dattebane! What took you so long…"

"So… you mean…?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing. It wasn't that clear, but he has this strong positive feeling of happiness enveloping him. He needed to make sure though.

"Yes Minato… I want to be more with you too." She smiled. Tears of happiness forming from her eyes.

Minato blinked before he pushed of the arm supporting them and hugged her fiercely with a force as he let the feelings overwhelming him flow through her. She was already laughing with that voice of hers he loved to hear so much.

"And Minato?... I love you too."

It was all he needed before he lowered his head to have his lips meet hers in a clumsy first kiss. They were both inexperienced on the matter but it was their first. It was enough to make it special. It was inexperienced but it didn't lack passion and sweetness.

It didn't take long before they found a good rhythm between their lips. His hand reached to the nape of her neck, tracing her long tresses along the way, while his other hand held her back firmly. Her hands somehow moved from his chest to his back, holding him closer.

For the need of air, they had to pull apart. Cheeks flushed, breaths short, Minato placed his forehead against hers.

"Would, you like to go to the festival with me tonight?"

He said it in such a gentle and loving way that all she did to answer him was to kiss him again.

End Of Flashback

Tsunade was long gone and the younger ones were left to ponder on the story. Naruto was happy as he could add more things to what little information he knew about his parents under the category " Romantic Encounters".

"I just can't believe my Dad was that dense though…"

Shikamaru just smirked at that statement. Oh the irony.

"If you call your Dad dense Naruto, then what would you call yourself?!" Kiba irritatingly asked.

"What are you saying, I'm not dense!"

"Yeah right! …"

His friends continued their arguments while others were trying to stop them but Chouji could only sigh. He could still not get over the fact that his father had an almost romantic encounter of his own with the Yondaime.

Crazy things love make people do.

A/N: I know, I know, it's too long. But I wanted to establish a good foundation for the rest of the stories. That would be my official statement as to why this is too long. (The real reason was because I got carried away- nope I didn't say that.)

Nyways, those who don't know the other characters:

Ikkaku and Kohari- Iruka's parents (they are older by several years compared to others in the flashback story)

Shiori- I don't really know what name to give Ino's mother.