A Different Life
Summary:
The end of the Third war has signaled an era of peace for the shinobi world and its inhabitants, but as hidden conflict and secret conspiracies are laden within the infrastructures of the Five Great Nations it's only a matter of time until the cycle of hatred begins anew. "I just wonder, how long I can stave off the inevitable, for the sake of my family, and the rest of the world."
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Arc 1- Younger Years
Chapter 1.
A New Beginning? Tobi Likes Those!
It had been almost six months now. Since that dreaded, yet beloved day. The heavy destruction caused by the rampaging demon was still visible – if only just. With the village having as many ninja and volunteers as they could spare in the reconstruction efforts that were now dying down. With 500 shinobi and 1000 civilians dead, the village had taken a painful blow, to not only its overall morale but standing among the Five Great Nations. If not for the sole fact that Minato still lived and was acting Hokage, Konoha would have most likely been attacked already, in an attempt to seize control during a prime opportunity.
The families of those that gave their lives that night had been taken care of to the best of his ability. But like anything involving death and mayhem, it's never enough, he supposed that in reality, nothing could truly rid a person of their pain that accompanies loss so great, though some may have the ability to handle it better on an emotion level, such as the shinobi, the civilian side of the village generally wasn't so quick to recover from emotional trauma.
It saddened him in a way, to see so many people filled with such hatred for a beast who was not at fault, and at the same time, sadness for those it was forced to mercilessly slaughter. Being the Hokage aside, it was one of the reasons he was so adamant about assisting them. And while it had occurred to him that half of his reasoning was for his own personal agenda to alleviate some of his guilt-ridden conscience, such a fact was irrelevant so long as he was the Hokage and leader of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. His job was to protect those under him at the risk of his life, and that's exactly what he intended to do.
It was an ironic twist of sorts. Sworn on oath to protect the village and all those in it, only to let them die before his first year of on the job was even over. Pathetic if he did say so himself.
As Minato was mulling over his own thoughts, the doors to his office opened wide to show his two favorite people in the world.
The sudden intrusion brought Minato out of his trance, his weary gaze darting up to see his wife holding his six-month-old son.
Upon seeing the love of his life enter the room a cheeky grin spread across the entirety of his features. However, the expression was short lived as it quickly changed to one of mock disappointment.
"Now Kushina-chan. What have I told you about bringing children into the workplace."
Kushina smirked, her arms swaying back and forth to gently rock the sleeping child in her arms as she spoke back to her all-powerful leader.
"Well, Hokage-sama. I do apologize but he did so much want to see his daddy at work. I tried asking him to come back at a more convenient time, but as you can see, he was persistent."
"Oh yes, persistently dreaming perhaps."
"I hardly think that's the point here."
The two chuckled playfully with one another.
Minato let out a sigh of content. Ever since Kushina had told him that she was pregnant with their son he had gone into instant daddy mode. Immediately insisting that she take leave until after she had the baby. Of course, she had shot him down instantly, saying things like "I'm not even showing yet." and "Stop worrying so much you big baby, I feel just fine." But as was expected of the only man capable of 'taming' Konoha's Red-Hot Habanaro, he didn't give an inch. And after what seemed like days, they had finally come to an agreement. He would stop 'protecting' her over every little thing, and in return, she would take off from active duty to become his secretary, at least until after Naruto was born and done breast feeding.
So now here they were, fifteen months later. The whole experience had been extremely refreshing for the married couple. Both of them working with each other all day, just like in the old days, though with noticeably less blood. It gave them a chance to keep connected with one another, to grow, and develop their relationship past what it had been.
And with their son in the tower all day, it allowed Minato to keep an almost constant eye on him. A fact that he would wholeheartedly enjoy and relish in for as long as he possible.
The fourth Hokage looked to his soul mate, the previously charmed expression on his face turning somber. "So... I guess you being here means it time to go huh? Time sure does fly by at incredible speeds, even for someone like me."
Kushina simply nodded and gave him the biggest, heartwarming smile she could muster. Hoping that it would comfort him to some degree.
Her efforts were quickly rewarded as he returned her gesture, before standing from his worn leather seat and joining her and his son at the door.
Stopping right next to his wife, he greeted her with a tender kiss to her forehead. He then looked into her emerald eyes. "Ready?" he said softly.
She nodded in approval and in a flash, they were gone.
"You failed, Madara."
"I know. You don't have to tell me. But I doubt even you were expecting that old pervert to show his face at such a time. He ruined everything with that damned sealing jutsu of his."
"You are correct. I was not able to anticipate such an interruption. However, it was never my plan to begin with, and as such it was your job, not mine. Well, that is of no consequence to us. So long as the Kyuubi has been sealed into a vessel that is easily obtainable."
"The Fourth's Son is the new Jinchuuriki. There's no doubt in my mind that he'll train that brat to protect himself from people like us. Especially if Jiraiya told him anything. Which knowing him, he did."
"I see. However, what's done is done. For now, it is time that we move on to our main objective. Call a meeting with your organization, and inform them of our plan."
"Right. I'll be back."
"Before you go...tell me one thing."
"...What?"
"Why did it take you six months just to report back to me?"
"I was busy with something."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
"You'll see...in time you'll see."
Konoha memorial stone. Once again Kakashi found himself standing in the small clearing, lost in thought, staring at the engraved stone for hours on end, without notice of anything else. He wasn't really sure how long he had been there that particular day, but it was safe to assume that it had been too long. Over and over, his sensei had told him, let it go. Let him go. But over and over again, he found himself back here, feeling sorry for himself, and hating himself. No matter how many times he came to see him, apologize to him, beg him for forgiveness that he didn't deserve, it never helped, it never did anything to heal the hole in his heart and soul, to fill the void of lost friendship that guilt left in its wake.
Having enough for one day, Kakashi turned to leave, only to be face to face with his sensei.
Surprise donned the masked ninja's visible eye, having not expected to see the man, or his family at the memorial stone.
'I didn't even sense them arriving. They must have traveled by Hirashin.' He thought.
Out of habit Kakashi bowed to Minato with the standard greeting for one's Hokage causing Minato to chuckle lightly at his pupil's formal attitude.
"Now now Kakashi. There's no need for such formalities here. Besides, I'm off duty right now."
Kakashi bowed again. "My apologies sensei." Looking up, he shifted his single eye toward Kushina who was holding Naruto. "If I may, what are you and Kushina-dono doing out here today?"
Kushina laughed softly. Ever since she had known the boy back when he became her husband's student he had always been like this. Never showing more emotion than necessary, always having the perfect manners for his superiors. The robot-like behavior he displayed had always made her laugh, much to his discomfort. And yet, it saddened her a little, to see someone so young, with so much potential, to become like that. She just wished that she and Minato could do something to help him.
Minato gave his usual smile at this. But Kakashi could tell there was something a bit different about it, almost as if it was saddened by something. That would make sense, seeing as they were at the graveyard, but he rather not pry too deeply into his master's affairs. It was rude, and he wasn't rude. Deciding it would have just been best not to ask in the first place Kakashi bowed respectfully as he said. "My apologies again, I should not have asked. It is clear you do not wish to talk about it. I will just go now."
Just as Kakashi was about to shunshin away Kushina reached out and with her free hand to grab his wrist, stopping the boy from leaving.
"You don't have to leave Kashi-kun. Please, stay a while."
Kakashi grimaced at his nickname. He hated being called Kashi-kun. From the first time he had met his sensei's wife, he had been called that by her. He had never been able to figure out why. Even if he asked, she would just say "Why shouldn't I." After, a year he had finally given up on his attempts to change the way she addressed him, having accepted that it wouldn't be changing anytime soon. But even still, he didn't anticipate himself ever getting used to the name.
Looking on at Kushina blankly, the masked boy simply said. "If you insist, then I suppose I might as well."
Minutes went by as the group chatted amiably amongst themselves; idle chitchat and simple topics filled the space between the trio. Kakashi smiled to himself. While he had never been a good conversationalist, and always had terrible people skills, this was the first time he and Minato had talked normally since the days of team seven. Even if he wasn't able to contribute much to the discussion, Kakashi had seen the man standing before him as a second father of sorts. He had been one of the first – after Kakashi's birth father Sakumo Hatake died when he was six – to care about him almost as much as his own father. And though hesitant and stubborn at first, the boy had eventually warmed up to his sensei.
"So, Kashi-kun. How is Rin-chan doing?"
The silver haired boy visibly flinched. Rin Nohara was Kakashi's teammate, and love of many years. Eighteen months ago, Kakashi made the hardest decision of his life for the sake of the mission and the village. No person, ninja or civilian, should have to drive their fist through the person they love. Regardless of the circumstances, such an act is deplorable at best. Or at least, that's how Kakashi viewed it, and by consequence, himself.
Self-pity. An emotional state that helps one's enemy, and only serves to hinder you. It was half the reason Kakashi was always such a loose cannon concerning times of hardship, and the reason why any conversation that involved Rin Nohara was taboo whilst he was around. The only ones that he actually allowed to discuss such situations were the two people in front of him. Kushina and Minato had been the only people to truly make an intimate emotional connection with Kakashi, excluding the aforementioned Rin. But despite that, he still had trouble talking about the girl (or anything concerning his feelings) openly.
Forcing his bubbling emotions under the surface, Kakashi calmed his nerves to allow himself to answer the red head's inquiry. "No change since when I last visited her in the Hospital."
It was almost impossible to tell Kakashi was trying to remain as impassive about the subject as possible, with his voice cold and near emotionless any normal person would have assumed he didn't care in the least. However, the real story was quite apparent to the two adults present. Both knew just thinking about it tore him up inside, more than it already did every second of every day. But all the same, both understood why he continued to pay visits to his comatose teammate. Wednesday and Sunday mornings at 6:30 and in the evening at 2:00. That was when he would go see her, without fail each week. His presence was so common at the Hospital nowadays the nurses had started to prep Rin's room just so he could sit next to her comfortably for as long he felt like it.
"I see. Well, there's always hope for the future. For now, though, how 'bout we pay our due respect to the deceased and then all go grab something to eat." This time, it was Minato's turn to chime in, attempting to change the direction the group's mood was headed. In all honesty, he hated making light of his beloved student's current state of mental health, however, for Kakashi's sake he had to. As the boy's sensei it was his job to keep him focused on positive things, as dauntingly impossible of a task as that is when you take into account just who his student is. Fifteen months ago Minato had put the masked boy on a special mission to bodyguard Kushina and the unborn Naruto, but with their son now six months old his time on that job had been long over. The mission itself had been a sort of forced courtesy for the boy in order to get him out of Anbu and to have him take a break from missions for an extended period of time to allow his mind room for healing. It was time for Kakashi to get back in the action and going on missions. But for that to even be a possibility he needed to make sure the boy's mental state was in good condition. Something that was evidently not so at the moment.
Catching on quickly to what her husband was doing, Kushina instantly agreed with him, attempting to sound as cheerful and uplifting as possible, while still respecting Kakashi's present state of mind, as well as the topic that was just discussed. Or rather, endeavored to talk about.
"Sure, but you're paying." The boy deadpanned.
Minato sweatdropped at his students' reaction. Same old Kakashi, staid, even when taking advantage of someone. Perhaps he would never change.
With words behind them, Minato and Kushina walked up to the memorial stone. Each respectfully bowed and gave a silent prayer. Wishing peace and happiness one whoever it was they were visiting.
The two of them along with Naruto had come to this very spot at the end of each week. To thank their fallen friend, and to honor her sacrifice. Many things would have been different that night if not for what she did. To pay their respects and wish her soul well was the least they felt they could do in return.
After a couple more minutes of silence, Minato turned to Kushina, then Kakashi, giving each a rather large smile.
"Well then," He said cheerfully. "Ichiraku's anyone?"
Somewhere in a distant village, on the border of the Land of Fire, a white-haired man preyed on unsuspecting women bathing in the local hot springs. As the 6'2'' figure leered from the safety of the bushes on a hill not one hundred feet from his voluptuous eye candies, he couldn't stop himself from becoming aroused at the perfect forms of his research material's exposed bodies. Nothing was hidden from the spiky haired man, who continued to leer, only blinking once in a blue moon for fear of missing the smallest of details.
Every curve of their hips and breasts, the dips of their hourglass waists, their slender arms and slender yet full and long legs, plump yet firm butts, flawless skin, and long hair that even from a distance appeared to be soft enough to sleep in. And finally, the epitome of every perverts dream, the valley of the gods between their heavenly legs. Such perfection that was the female figures before him was almost too good to be true. He thought Konoha girls were beautiful, but this took things to a level even he – the self-proclaimed 'Super Pervert' – wasn't accustomed to. Land of waves, he would be here again, without a doubt.
He watched on with keen interest as the group of girls bathed themselves and each other. Silk touching silk. Before the man knew it, his evening entertainment had started to play around in the water, splashing about all over the hot spring.
Blood immediately rushed to the lower part of his body as a virtually new world of humanity opened up. Views he never thought he would have outside of dreams or genjutsu showed themselves freely to the outside world. As the many buxom beauties continued their fun, the white-haired stranger quickly opened a notebook and began scribbling vigorously. Any and all details he could fit from the scene unfolding before him was rapidly jotted down on the white parchment.
However, the fun was short-lived as the girls stopped messing around and went back to soaking under the water's surface, hiding the majority of their of their bodies from sight. Much to the disappointment of their hidden admirer.
"Of course, I would find you here. Jiraiya."
Jiraiya froze. 'Ah. Of course it would have to be her, it always has to be her. Maybe if I... no, that wouldn't work. Oh well. Time to face the music I suppose."
Resigned to his imminent – and most likely painful – fate, the toad sage slowly but surely turned to face his 'guest'. An innocent smile stretched across his features in an attempt to keep his punishment to a minimum as he greeted her.
"Tsunade-hime. It's been awhile eh?"
The towering blonde before him gritted her teeth aggressively, before suddenly reeling back her right arm. "YOU STUPID, PERVERTED ASS!" The Slug Princess brought her chakra enhanced punch down on her former teammate.
Jiraiya's body contorted under the sheer force of Tsunade's bone crushing knuckles. His face slammed into the dew coated grass, caught between the earth and his teammate's fist. Ground imploded causing nearby trees and bushes to be either blown back, crushed or utterly destroyed.
A small trail of blood leaked out of the toad sage's mouth and down his chin as he slowly regained his composure and stood up on the leveled ground that used to be a small hill. The white haired man pushed his jaw back into place, smirking afterward as he wiped a trail of blood from his mouth. "Hehe, still as strong as I remember, and as temperamental. It makes me glad that reinforcing my head with chakra became a habit for me when I'm around her."
Jiraiya looked into his ex-teammate's eyes before speaking."So, Tsunade. It seems you were able to find me without any trouble. I do hope you, at least, took the time to take in the lovely scenery. I hear it's marvelous this time of year." The perverted smirk upon the white-haired man features grew ever more present as he spoke. The knowledge of how the woman before him was most likely inwardly reacting to his perverted joke was too much to keep contained as it spread into a cheeky grin.
Of course, just as predicted, the Slug Princess was doing as expected. A tick mark appeared on her forehead as she silently seethed in frustration. The man always knew exactly what buttons to push when it came to her, no matter what it was. If he wanted to make her angry, embarrassed, happy, and sad, he could do it, and all it took was one conversation, one sentence, one word, one look. And in all the thirty-one years she had known him, not once could she stop herself from feeling something around him. And just like everything else, Jiraiya had figured out her secret and quickly got to work exploiting it whenever the right opportunity presented itself, such as now. But this time, things would be a little different because now she had a plan, and it was sure to work.
Tsunade quickly recovered from the emotional stimulation the self-proclaimed super-pervert provided, any signs of annoyance disappearing from sight only to replace with a grin to match her ex-teammate.
"Of course, I did." She began. "But I don't think it's the scenery that you're thinking of. After all, I've never taken you as the type to enjoy men, no matter how gorgeous they might be."
As each word left the blonde female's mouth Jiraiya expression dropped that much more, until finally he was left staring, a dead look over his features. No, he refused to believe it. It couldn't true, it couldn't. There was not way, not to him. To some other idiot sure, but he was no idiot, or so he thought. But to believe that he could fall for a trick so simple, it was preposterous. Absolutely absurd. And yet, he knew she wasn't lying. Even for all their shenanigans and tomfoolery with each other, Tsunade never lied to him, at least from what he could remember, which was a lot. So for her to say such words to him truly scarred the veteran shinobi, more than any mission or threat.
Slowly but surely, Jiraiya turned around to face the partially damaged hot spring that he had been spying on just moments before. With each inch his body twisted the feeling of dread grew stronger deep within him. Finally, after a mind agonizing moment of suspense, his line of sight met its intended target. Instantly, Jiraiya's faced drained of all color. His worse fears had been realized. Just before him and Tsunade, cowering in the corner of the hot springs, was a group of unrealistically ugly men, all of them completely in the nude.
At that moment, Jiraiya nearly died. He had been spying on a group of men, like some sort of homosexual pervert. The blow to his pride was almost too much for the female form loving god of all noble perverts to handle, but never the less, he forced himself out of his stupor and turned his eyes away from the execrable sight.
A massive shudder ran through the Toad Sage's body.
Even with the level of composure that Tsunade had gained over the years, especially having to deal with Jiraiya, this was simply too amazing to resist laughing at. She couldn't remember the last time that someone had gotten the 'one up' on Jiraiya, but she knew she would have to do this more often, cause this was amazing. And besides, it helped put the pervert in his place every now and then.
When Jiraiya had finally gotten back to facing his blond acquaintance, of no surprise to him, she was laughing. Jiraiya sighed. This quickly going nowhere fast. He had come here to bring her back to Konoha, and here they were messing around, he supposed some things never changed. But, as much as he would like to take a nice long walk down memory lane, this was somewhat of a time imperative mission, and he would be damned if it failed because of him.
"Tsunade."
The Slug Sage immediately stopped laughing. That was Jiraiya's serious voice. Something that he never pulled out unless the situation called for it, and their current humorous exploits most certainly did not seem like the appropriate setting for his sudden change in tone. Her demeanor turned as serious as Jiraiya's, nodding in comprehension, she let the white haired man continue.
"We can't talk here," He said. His eyes swiveled back towards the hot springs, indicating what he meant.
Tsunade nodded once more and in a swirl of leaves the two disappeared.
Ichiraku's Ramen. Owned by Teuchi with the assistance of his young daughter Ayame, the small but cheerful restaurant, is the who's who of Konoha cuisine. Or at least according to every person who had tasted their food. With five star reviews from every critic humble enough to look twice at the small stand of a restaurant, Ichiraku's had been receiving requests to expand into an indoor seating type of establishment, much like the local barbecue joint which had recently taken off as well. But, the man had refused every time saying, "it's too soon for such development," and, "I rather keep the business small, so it's just me and Ayame." Though that didn't stop people from suggesting it, albeit less often and with nowhere the level of persistence from previous occasions. Of course no matter how old the man decided to run his little restaurant, it would always be the favorite place for the locals, just like it had been since its conception.
Minato, Kushina, and Kakashi sat idly on the elevated bar stools whilst they waited for their orders to be served to them. This had been everyone's first choice for dinner unsurprisingly. After all, even the Hokage isn't immune to the lure of masterful cuisine. Like many others, Minato and Kushina had quickly become hooked on the noodled food of their good friend.
"Order up!"
Teuchi turned to face the group with bowls in hand, one for each of them.
"Beef ramen for the always lovely Kushina, an extra-large order of our special Naruto ramen for you Minato, and a bowl of plain pork ramen with spinach for the ever mysterious Kakashi. Enjoy!"
The three broke their chopstick, gave thanks and dug into their meal.
Halfway through the meal, Kakashi looked over to his sensei. "Minato-sensei, Kushina-dono. If you don't mind me asking, who were you and Kushina-dono visiting at the memorial stone?"
The couple was taken aback by the question slightly having not expect the silver haired boy to bring it up. Taking advantage of his quick wit, Minato gave Kakashi another smile that seemed to say everything for him. It was the smile he always gave when words didn't fit the moment, just as it so happened now.
Once again, Kakashi got the message, and once again opted to not bring it up again, much more permanently this time. He did not feel like bothering his sensei about personal issues, and if the man wasn't comfortable telling him then he wasn't comfortable asking. "Never mind." He said shortly, turning back to his food and continuing with the delicious ramen.
A second later he felt a rough pat on the back courtesy of the blonde right next to him, almost causing him to spit out the noodles in his mouth from the jolt. "I tell you some other time, kay Kakashi? For now, though, how about we head back to the house. I have something I want to discuss with you."
The blonde got two affirming nods and content yawn in response, as the trio continued eating.
The sound of every day passer-byes and soft chatter of customers enjoying their meal filled the air of restaurant in the bustling town of Baka no Sakuryaku1, one of the most famous gambling towns in the Land of Fire.
Jiraiya and Tsunade sat across from each other in what had been their original meeting place, chosen by Jiraiya, to discuss a matter of supposedly paramount importance. That is before Tsunade had been forced to go look for her perverted ex-teammate. Only to find him in the next town over at a hot spring favored by Land of Wave locals, about to peek on unsuspecting women like usual. But we all know how that turned out.
"Man Tsunade. You really shouldn't do that to an innocent man who was simply sightseeing. You could have given me a heart attack. Though I have to give you credit for one thing. I never expected you to pull something like that out of your sleeve." Jiraiya said taking a sip of his sake.
The blond smirked, a superior air about her. "Believe me, you aren't the only one Jiraiya. However, I figured it was time to get you with something more than a fist to the face and a few obscenities."
Jiraiya deadpanned. "You did that anyway."
A sweatdrop quickly formed on her forehead. "True. But we both know that isn't the point. I got you good, admit it."
"Alright, I'll admit you got me. Though, I must ask how you managed it without me noticing."
Tsunade smirked. "Gladly." Then suddenly her whole demeanor changed. A borderline menacing aura surrounded her. "But first, you're going to tell me why you called me all the way here from the other side of Fire Country. And if I decide that I don't like your answer, well, you know what's going to happen, don't you."
Jiraiya scoffed. "Come now Tsunade, you know that isn't necessary with me. Besides, I guarantee you this one is well worth your time. Just hear me out and you'll be back to Konoha faster than you left."
"We'll see about that."
After their meal was finished and the bill was paid the group headed back to Minato and Kushina's apartment to relax.
The walk back was, put as unambiguously as possible, as boring as listening to one of old man Sarutobi's speeches (just don't tell him that). Not to mention fairly awkward for a number of reasons.
No matter how hard he tried, Kakashi Hatake could not wrap his mind around what Minato-sensei and Kushina-dono were keeping from him. The looks they shared between one another, while clearly meaningful and done purely for his benefit, only served to baffle the silver haired youth more, and while his sensei had stated back at Ichiraku's that Kakashi would be told once they group arrived back at Minato and Kushina's apartment, that in no way quelled his brain's struggle for understanding.
In fact, now that he thought about it, the two had been acting more than their usual version of odd ever since the Kyuubi attack and birth of their son Naruto, but Kakashi had just written it off as having to do with all of the havoc due to the attack. However, from what he understood through progress reports, the reconstruction had been almost completely finished and all the families of the victims had been compensated and consoled. So, again he asked, 'What was it that they were hiding?'
Kakashi's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a crying Naruto. Also conveniently announcing their arrival at the Namikaze/Uzumaki estate.
The child jonin paused briefly, blankly taking in his surrounding with a feeling of surreality before following the Hokage and his family inside.
"I see. Well, I must certainly admit, you're one hell of a storyteller Jiraiya. I never would have guessed something like that was possible. It almost sounds too fantastical to actually be real."
The small restaurant that two of the three Sanin had previously found themselves in hours before had gradually been drained of all of its customers with the exception of two, leaving Jiraiya and Tsunade alone in the darkened establishment, the only other soul around being the owner herself.
"Oh it happened all right. And that's the whole reason I'm here, to bring you back so you can fix whatever is wrong with the girl and who knows, maybe you'll even decide to stay."
Tsunade scoffed. Her super pervert of a teammate always had been the naïve one of the group. The man had spent years chasing after Orochimaru when the back-stabbing snake had betrayed Konoha – not that she could particularly blame the dirty bastard. Always in the hopes that he could convince him to go back. It had taken Jiraiya almost getting killed just to come to his senses then, all because of his sentimentality. It was a shame she couldn't do the same thing. Goodness knows he needed it.
"Fine, I'll go with you to heal the girl, but once I'm done, that's it. Expect me gone the next day."
A dejected sigh came from the frog sage. "Yeah, yeah. You say that every time. But, at least you agreed." Jiraiya took a sip of sake. "You better get some sleep before tomorrow, it's a full week back to the village and I don't plan on stopping unless we have to."
Tsunade smirked. "I never took you for one to work on the clock Jiraiya."
"Normally I'm not, but it took way to long to gain contact with you. You're more aware of time sensitivity than anyone. Every minute we waste is a minute that something might go wrong. Even if that is worst case scenario thinking, I would prefer to avoid uncertainty if at all possible."
"Fair enough." She said.
With a sobering sigh, Tsunade took one last shot of sake. She said her goodnight to Jiraiya and left the booth in search of a place to rest for the night.
'And she left without letting me tell her the meeting time. I suppose that's what I get for talking to her while she's drunk. It seems that's the only way we ever converse. No matter, I'll just get her in the morning when it's time to leave.'
Jiraiya looked solemnly at his empty sake bowl, enjoying the feeling that talking to his other favorite blonde gave him after so long. With a wave of his hand Jiraiya signaled the owner for more sake, wishing to be inebriated a while longer.
As he waited, the white haired sanin couldn't help but have a sneaking suspicion that he was forgetting something rather important.
The Kazekage was on his last leg. It had been two months since the worst decision of his life thus far had been made, and it had been two months of hell on earth that he and every other citizen of Sunagakure had suffered for it. Disaster after endless disaster had plagued the Village Hidden in the Sand without relenting, spreading misery wherever one may strike. Sandstorms so thick that you couldn't move through it, clouds that poured down sand instead of water, massive fissures in the landscape, and monstrous sand tsunamis. Day in, day out the village and its occupants were bombarded with these misfortunes. Many had died, more were injured, and all were simply done with it. And to make everything worse, none had any inclination as to why. Or at least, almost nobody.
While the entirety of the civilian population along with the majority of shinobi had no inkling as to what on earth was happening to their village and livelihoods, a select few hand pick by the Kazekage were privy to what lied behind the scenes of Sunagakure, and the beast which caused them all so much torment.
Two months ago, Rasa aka the Fourth Kazekage had made the utterly dimwitted and scatterbrained decision of sealing the one-tailed beast Shukaku into his unborn daughter Gaara. The after effects seemed to only get worse and worse starting with the death of Karura immediately following Gaara's conception. At times it felt as if Shukaku himself was punishing Rasa and the elders of the Hidden Sand village for their ignorance, showing them the pain that Karura felt when she was forced to undergo the sealing process, effectively sealing both her fate and the fate of her beloved daughter, who's life she knew would become that of a living hell on earth.
Rasa couldn't particularly blame the beast, if in fact that was the case. Had he not been Kage or needed so much by the village he might have ended it for himself long ago out of despair and self-hatred. But he was Kage, and his village was in dire need of his protection from the unrelenting sand. So for now, he would have to suck up his self-pity and act like he was supposed to, starting with punishing the bastards who dared trick him into believing that the sealing procedure was safe.
As Rasa battered away oncoming waves of sand tsunami's his thoughts were elsewhere with his two month old daughter, who even while sleeping had her inhabitant reeking havoc. It saddened him even now to think of how difficult it would be for her growing up. The hatred she would suffer under, both from herself and others. The fear which would undoubtedly take hold of her when even sleeping became too dangerous.
The Lord Fourth swore as a sand tsunami managed to get past him in his dazed state. Fast as his golden sand would allow he raced in front of the great monstrosity before swiftly erecting a barrier of sand capable of stopping the oncoming wave in its tracks.
With the current onslaught seemingly over, at least for the moment, Rasa lowered himself to the ground beneath him.
The village had thankfully taken no apparent damage from that last attack, however the walls which surrounded them were not so lucky. Beaten and battered, half of the Hidden Sand's defensive barrier was in ruins.
In that moment of overlooking the wreckage caused by his beloved daughter's tenet, The Fourth Kazekage, leader of the Village Hidden in the Sand, made a decision.
Minato collapsed to his queen sized bed with Kushina wrapped securely in his arms.
"Well, I think that went rather well, don't you?" The blond whispered the words into his wife's ear causing her to shiver slightly. Hehe, he loved making her do that.
The night as a whole since they had arrived back at their apartment had proceeded rather smoothly, with the only hitches being the occasional awkward situations caused by Kakashi's anti-social attitude toward everything. Well, that and his reaction to them telling him the truth behind the attack six months ago, but besides that, absolutely nothing went wrong.
"Minato." Her voice came out as a whisper, just loud enough to be heard by her husband.
The man in question playfully nuzzled the crook of her neck, earning him another shiver. "Yes dear?" he whispered back.
"Tell me. And you had better be honest, or so help me I will beat your ass in." Kushina paused briefly for dramatic effect, as well as to let her point get across. And judging by the nervous look on Minato face it had. "Are we good parents?"
The words struck deep, like a kunai to the heart. Good parents?! Minato couldn't believe his ears. Had Kushina Uzumaki Namikaze, his wife and mother of his child asked him if they were good parents? To say that the question was unfathomable would be to say that Orochimaru was the perfect man for Hokage. Kushina was supposed to be the lifeblood of their family. Always energetic, and optimistic. Never getting down no matter what, even if she was hurting on the inside. She had been that way ever since he met her.
One could say that this was an overreaction to a common question asked by a new mother. But Minato knew differently. Kushina would have never asked him that, had something not happened to make her question herself like that. "This is about that night, isn't it?"
Kushina simply nodded in response, offhandedly taking notice of the fact that he didn't cause her to shiver again, a small part her missing the feeling it provided.
"How long have you felt this way?" His words were soft, as though the slightest raising of tone could break her.
A woeful sigh could be heard in response.
"Since that night."
Again she had put him in a state of disbelief. For six months she had kept all of her anxieties bottled up? Minato was having trouble fathoming why she would do that. Why would she keep those emotions shut away for all that time?
Minato tightened his grip around her waist protectively. "You, are the best mother Naruto could ever have and he is lucky to have someone like you to be raised by. The situation that night was something neither of could have predicted, but you protected Naruto to the best of your ability and that's all anyone could ask for, and don't you ever forget that. "
Short and sweet. He had always been that way, ever since the two had met back at the academy; never giving more words than necessary to get his point across, and it always did, just like right now.
Kushina smiled softly, her husband's words having uplifted her. She may still have felt like she couldn't do enough as a mother, but the initial anxiety of what had happened was quelled as well as it would probably ever be.
Still smiling, Kushina readjusted herself to face the blonde pretty boy she called her husband and promptly kissed him and the lips.
Minato shivered slightly at the touch of her silky lips caressing his for the briefest of moments. Oh, how he loved it when she teased him like that.
"So," he said with a smile to match her's. "I guess this means that you're okay now?"
Kushina paused briefly, her smile fading into her thinking face. "Actually, I think I could use some more cheering up."
Both of them donned a sly smile. Their faces, now but an inch away, collided in passion. Their bodies soon followed suit as the two lovers became reunited with each others bodies for the first time since either cared to remember.
Kakashi walked the entire way home half aware. Just enough to keep himself from getting lost on the way to his apartment instead of some dark alleyway in the middle of the night. The other half of his mind was too busy focusing on what Minato and Kushina had discussed with him.
He wasn't exactly sure what to feel about it all.
"Kakashi, how would you feel about being Naruto's sensei once he's old enough to begin his training."
The question had struck the silver haired boy like a ton of bricks. Sensei? Him? And to his sensei's son no less. In what world was he good enough to do such a thing? Sure he was a prodigy who graduated top of his class three years early, and who became the youngest Jonin in history, and who had the Sharingan. But so what? That all amounted to squat when teaching your teacher's kid!
"Huh?" Was all Kakashi could get out.
Minato chuckled at his student's bewildered state. It really was all to easy to send Kakashi for a loop, so long as you knew how to press the right buttons.
"You heard me Kakashi."
The masked ninja's single visible eye refocused, signaling that Minato had his attention again.
"But sensei, why me? I'm hardly trustworthy."
It was true, Kakashi would normally be the farthest person from anyone's mind when being considered for position's of authority on teams. With his track record, he understood perfectly why that was the case. That wasn't to say he particularly liked being distrusted with such things, but if it kept people from getting injured or even killed then so be it. Not that he had been on any non-Anbu related missions since his last one where Rin got injured, but that was for another time.
Minato sighed. "I'm well aware that you believe so Kakashi. However, it is my and Kushina's opinion that you're being too hard on yourself. What's done is done, and its time you moved on and did something productive. You've been out of active service for a long time with your mission to guard Kushina and then with you watching over Rin with what free time you have, and as much as I appreciate you caring for her it's about time you started being a ninja again. Starting with this."
Kakashi simply nodded his head. Once his sensei had made up his mind he was more bull-headed than anyone he knew, and that was saying something.
"Okay, sensei. You win. I just have one question. Why are you telling me now? Naruto won't be old enough for a teacher for several years."
"We're aware of this Kashi-chan." The attention of the males in the room was averted to Kushina. "However, due to some unfortunate circumstances, Minato and I have decided to train him in the time during and before the academy to give him a head start when he finally gets put on your team."
Kakashi, and to some degree Minato sweatdropped at the red head's forwardness concerning them basically forcing Kakashi to be their Naruto's sensei.
"I see, but that didn't answer my question Kushina-dono."
"In short Kakashi," attention shifted back to Minato. "your mission for the next eleven years is to become as strong possible in preparation for having Naruto on your team. Of course, I'm sure you're wondering why we're doing all of this. But that can wait until after you start your mission."
Kakashi was slightly confused; at first, it sounded as if sensei wanted him to begin training right away but now he wasn't so sure.
"Sensei. When exactly does this 'mission' start?"
"In a couple of months, give or take. I'll be training you personally until Naruto is old enough to begin his, then you'll be on your own from there."
"Yes sir."
Of course, Kakashi wondered why it would be another couple of months, but he understood to leave well enough alone when it came to orders, especially from Minato-sensei. He trusted the man and knew he could trust his judgment, no matter what it was about.
Kakashi gave an exasperated sigh when he finally reached his apartment. The long day had thoroughly tired him out.
With a plop, Kakashi collapsed onto his bed, not bothering to deal with going through his nightly routine. He was far too tired to do anything but sleep. Besides, tomorrow was his weekly visit to the hospital to see Rin, he'd need his rest to get up early so he could leave on time like usual.
Inside a great cave, eight figures stood on the fingers of stone statue.
"Tch, this had better be good. I was in the middle of collecting a rather promising bounty."
"Yeah, and I was about to sacrifice the other guys to the great Jashin! So I suppose I'm gonna sacrifice the whole lot of ya instead!"
"Kakuzu, Hidan." The two figures immediately stopped yapping to turn to the one calling them out. "Shut up, or die."
Kakuzu did as he was told while Hidan scoffed before opting to mumble to himself.
"Anyone else have a problem."
The other figures simply stood silent in response to the obvious rhetorical question of their leader.
"Very well, on to why I called this meeting. It would seem that our plan to obtain the Kyuubi ahead of schedule failed due to complications. Because of this, we will not have another shot at capturing the beast for another several years."
Expressions around the group shifted at the news. Some in surprise, others in amusement, while the rest remained stoic.
"What do you mean several years? Can't we just wait for the Uzumaki to get knocked up again?" A figure with solid, blood red eyes asked.
"Yeah, and then we can offer her to Jashin! Hahaha!"
"Don't even think about it, you immortal lunatic. Do you have any idea how much those red-heads go for these days? If I let you get your hands on her, I'll never get to collect for her head, because by the time your done she won't even have one!"
"Money! Money! Money! That's all you ever talk about Kakuzu. The great Jashin does not enjoy such chatter of material possessions. Perhaps I should sacrifice you in recompense!"
The two continued their tirade of childish squabbling. Both fiercely defending and arguing their 'superior' ideology, much to the anguish of the other being forced to listen.
"ENOUGH!" The leader ordered. Once again having to break up the partners, and offhandedly wondering why for the love that of all that is sane he thought that putting them on the same team was even remotely a good idea.
The two once again shut up. Hopefully for good this time.
"To answer your question Komura. No, we may not. While it would not be difficult to retrieve the nine-tailed bijuu, the current container of the beast is less than desirable at the present time."
Another shift in expressions occurred, this time, more widespread.
"A shift in hosts? Does that mean the Uzumaki's dead?" A fish faced figure said.
Kakuzu grumbled in irritation. "Tch. There goes my bounty."
"Not exactly. The Uzumaki woman is still living, however, she is no longer the host to the Kyuubi. That honor belongs to her six-month-old son."
"I don't get it. If the host's shifted, why isn't she dead. And why can't we go capture the kid? I mean come on, how hard can it be to abduct one baby?" Komura once again inquired.
"If I may be so bold as to interject here." All eyes turned to the cloaked figure shaped like a venus fly trap. "Perhaps I can clear this up. You see, six months ago, the Kyuubi was indeed released as planned, however, due to complications, it was resealed into the infant. The mother, however, was saved through a method unknown to myself, as I was not present to hold witness.
Komura sweatdropped at the answer given by Zetsu's yang half, and the fact that it didn't answer either question, but he let it go since the creature had said he didn't know. And if Zetsu didn't know, then no one did.
"Yes, but what about the baby? I say we go after it."
Pairs of eyes flashed towards Komura as if silently judging him for being an idiot.
Fish face chuckled. "You probably aren't aware of this since you have no experience with the bijuu, but babies cannot have their bijuu taken from them, as they would die mid-process therefore, releasing the rest of the chakra and terminating the sealing."
"Exactly Kisame. And that's why we must be patient until the time comes when we can strike." The only female of the group chimed in.
Kisame rose an eyebrow. "Can't we assume that the mother has some chakra inside her now. What other way could they have to save someone who had a bijuu extracted from their gut? I say we waltz right back into that village, abduct her and leave."
"To just assume that the residual chakra from the battle would be seal into the previous Jinchuuriki is foolish. In addition, sealing so little of the beast's chakra would severally limit the statue's powers. With that said, even if I were willing to attempt going after so little an amount of the nine-tailed chakra, we cannot risk others finding out about us or our plans through careless exposure, as has already been done by Tobi."
The masked man in question cringed comically whilst rubbing the back of his head in a blame relieving manner. "Tobi is sorry that he screwed up! The Yondime Hokage was just too tough for little old Tobi to handle all by himself. So when Jiraiya of the Sanin showed up to assist, Tobi knew he better leave before they beat him!"
Throughout his explanation, Tobi frantically threw his arms around in motions representing what he thought to be elements of his story, much to the displeasure – or in some cases amusement – of those present.
"Thank for that...demonstration Tobi. The blame, however, does not rest solely on you. I should not have sent you on such a crucial mission alone when it is obvious you could not handle it."
"Oh, how fascinating. Our perfect leader shows weakness by admitting he messed up. The only question is now, what do we do about it."
For the first time since they appeared in front of each other, the one with snake eyes spoke out. His voice dripping with venomous amusement.
"What exactly is that supposed to mean, Orochimaru?" Komura bit back at the so-called man with disgust.
Orochimaru gained a smug grin. "Ooh, I seem to have struck a sore spot. Tell me. Are you really that fond of our 'leader' Komura, or do you just enjoy being the master's faithful servant? I am so very curious to know."
Komura growled in retaliation, fully prepared to pick a fight with the man snake had they not all been holographic projections of their real bodies.
"Ooh! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!" Tobi chanted from the statue's other hand.
"Stop it, all three of you." Their leader demanded once again. He sighed inwardly; these fools were beginning to test his patience.
Komura heeled, however, he kept a scowl directed at Orochimaru, who simply continued to smile smugly.
The man continued, his voice once again phlegmatic. "Everything up to this point aside, it is clear that with our chance to obtain the nine-tails prematurely gone we have no further reason to act again until the new Jinchuuriki is old enough for us to capture and until we are ready to move on with our ultimate goal. So until that time comes we shall prepare. And when it does, the Akatsuki shall be ready."
Shizune was very not happy, that much was clear.
Lady Tsunade had decided to go into another gambling house (despite Shizune's wishes) on the way to meet with Jiraiya-sama, and like usual she sucked supremely at it, albeit less than usual. Losing fourteen games in row may seem like a lot to a normal person, but in the time that Shizune had spent with Tsunade of the Sanin she had learned a whole new meaning for the term 'a lot'. So when her teacher ended up stopping after that many games, she gave a little thank you prayer to heaven that the new debt wouldn't be as large as many previous ones.
Figuring that the two of them would be running out of the establishment soon enough, Shizune had decided to relieve herself, since she knew that it would probably be the next town over before they could relax after ditching the gambling joint where they were currently located. Only when she got out, she discovered that the Legendary Sucker, her teacher was nowhere to be seen. And in her place where many angry and partially drunken men who seemed to be giving her a very rude stare.
The ensuing events were highly inconvenient to the medic in training. After all, who wants to waste their time knocking a bunch of tipsy gamblers unconscious when you should be looking for your teacher? Not her, that's who.
After the fiasco with the gambling house, Shizune had spent the rest of the night looking for Lady Tsunade throughout the entire town, and down each street, hoping one would be the jackpot, only to be disappointed when she didn't find so much as a clue.
And that's where she was now, alone (with the exception of Tonton) and lost in Fire County at night, with no clue as to where she should look next. It was decided, the moment she found the Slug Princess, she was going to kill her. Member of the legendary sannin or not.
As Tsunade let her body crash into the hotel bed she felt a slight notion that she was forgetting something. The thought was then pushed away as sleep claimed her for the night.
A/N. Hey, guys! I'm very sorry for the long wait, but I have finally done it. Chapter 1 is up and ready to go, followed closely by chapter 2 in a couple of weeks. I already have the first several chapters written up and in the process of revising, so the schedule for a while will be consistent, however, keep in mind that it takes time to write stories this long and detailed, especially when you involve a guy's personal life. So when the time comes that updates slow down, please be patient and know that this story is not and will not be abandoned.
Second, I would like to apologize to those of who subscribed to the original version of this story. I know this had changed drastically from what it was, and for that I am sorry. But you will hopefully be pleased to know that the story you wanted so long ago is in the making, and will be far better than anything I would have made back then.
On a side note, go to my home page to vote for what girl you guys would like me to do a fanfic of Naruto being paired with. There are a butt-ton of options so make sure to thoroughly read through them and know who each are before making your decision, okay?
Also, I apologize for any inconsistencies that may pop up later in the story. The time between when I write each chapter and how long it take to actually write them causes me to forget details, some of which may be important to the plot, or just plain contradictory to a statement made later on. If you guys see this, PLEASE point it out to me in the comments so I can correct it. I do not enjoy posting a faulty story, nor do I enjoy making you guys read one!
Lastly, please review! I hate sounding like every other fanfiction writer who is too new to have consistent reviews flooding in on whatever story they are writing at the moment, but I would very much appreciate the feedback from you guys. What you guys think about this story is important to me, since I am writing it half for you. Of course, what you guys say won't change my opinion on what I've already written, but it may very well affect what happens in the future, and besides, it gets lonely when I don't hear from my readers. In the future I'm not going to bother with this long winded explanation; instead, I'm just going to grovel like every other normal person.
Don't make me grovel, review and save your local fanfic writer from a humiliating situation!
Thank you for reading, and have a great week,
~Haki King.
