I Am Your Son

Summary: At the Valley of the End, Naruto died.. or at least that was what they knew. After a year of his death, a kid who is like Naruto shows up but from the physical appearance, nothing resembles Naruto. But still, could it be they are the same person?

..

Prologue

Betrayal is often one major sin that breaks the bonds, that breaks the friendship.. No matter how you want to fix the things yourself, you'll have to earn it the other way. No things are easily acquired, things are rather acquired harder unless given the opportunity to take the shorter way around. Every shorter way will always cost you something in return. Even though you don't like it, you'll be forced to pay the required price for those attempts. Every goal has to cost something, even your own humanity.

Most people intend to sacrifice the important things which are left, but to no longer extent, use it to your advantage. Even by being alone, you may also pay by sacrificing of what was left of you in a place which you prefer to stop, but it'll always comes hunting you down.

These aspects started on a retrieval mission of Uchiha Sasuke, the prodigy, the only Uchiha left alive during the horrible night of the Uchiha Clan Massacre. And responsible for such immearsurable sin? Their heir, Uchiha Itachi.. Sasuke's older brother. Sasuke's goal and ambition in the first place since becoming a ninja, was to kill the man responsible for the countless deaths of his clan, his family. But he knew he doesn't possess the power to defeat him. So his madness, hunger for power is beginning to eat him alive.

While an enemy of the village.. took this opportunity to bribe the Uchiha away through the curse seal he mark on the last Uchiha of Konoha, but not to help Sasuke gain the power he wants, but for Orochimaru's own benefit of immortality.

Sasuke knew what Orochimaru only wanted in him, in his heart, he's refusing to accept such offer that could only do him harm, but with the curse seal embed in his neck, his mind longs for power, hunger and madness. It's like, the seal is corrupting Sasuke's mind, and sanity. And so, under the influence of the curse seal, Sasuke fled away from Konoha to seek for power.

He left his friends, his village and his family. He tried so hard to fight the urge of leaving, but it's like the seal is manipulating him. How could he leave his village where most of all people would worship him within contact range. He has his friends now.. Where being alone could be the least of his worries. Loneliness, was the greatest nightmare Sasuke has to face since the massacre.

But, an idiotic, annoying, and loudmouth team mate of his managed to get him out of his shell, Uzumaki Naruto. The only one who understood what it means to be lonely, understands loneliness. Sasuke enjoyed whatever company Naruto provides him, at least he was sure of the fact that he wasn't alone.. not anymore. He has someone who admires him yet always annoys him by becoming his rival, someone who treats him like an equal but not someone who worships him because of being an Uchiha, yes.. Naruto is unpredictable.

He consider this blue-eyed blonde haired boy his bestfriend, although he wouldn't say it. Action speaks more than words indeed. Naruto, that name pulls him out of his darkness, and let him see that there is still hope, a new chance to be what you are, a chance to be.. bonded. His precious person..

And yet, here he is.. fighting his precious person, the only friend he even considered in Konoha. Face to face with him, trying to get him back. If it weren't for the curse seal, he would have been jumping from branches to branches.. be friends again, and return to their village. He would be glad to be running back with his friend, to be back to a place full of hopes, and liveliness.

The curse seal is ruining his mind, forcing him to come to its owner, tempting him to take the power, taking advantage of his madness to kill his brother. How could he lose control? He should be stronger than this! If he can't defeat this one, then most likely he'll never get to Itachi's level if only a simple curse seal could throw him off like this.

That angry and confuse tanned-whiskered face, how could he explain when it seems it is the curse seal that is actually speaking? "Teme! Why did you betray us?! Why would you go to that Hebi Bastard! Are you out of your mind? Going to him, for power? So what? You could kill Itachi? Why don't you open your eyes to see he's only using you.." snarled Naruto, his face full of confusion and determination. And it's also full of hope? Maybe for once Sasuke has to make his part, by fighting also.. the curse seal.

"Can't you see? I want power! I don't care if I sold my soul to the devil.. as long as I could kill him, I'll do anything!" he shouted, what was wrong with him? Why was he saying those things? He has to fight, he should not back down without having a fight, without having justice on his own. It's unfair. It's totally the opposite of what he wanted to say, which is I don't want to go.. I want to GO BACK! that was the sentence he wanted to shout so much! The sentence he wanted Naruto to hear! Yet, how is this happening! If he lose everything, he swears he will kill the stupid psychotic snake! If he lose his peers, he'll be hunting for some snakes to cook.

"Teme! Go back! I'm giving you a chance I don't want to fight you!" his team mate yelled, what should he do. When Naruto mentioned about fighting, why is his bloodlust radiating? Wait.. it wasn't his, it's the curse seal's. The power is tempting, but he didn't want it. He doesn't like to use it nor be manipulated by it. At least he wish Naruto could over power him, he doesn't want to kill Naruto nor he wanted to hurt him. All he wanted to do was rest, why isn't he granted by that?

"Fine, I'll fight you if it means you'll let me go.. even if it means killing you!" Sasuke retorted, but from the back of his mind.. his own eyes widened! No! He shouldn't kill Naruto, this wasn't suppose to be happening, just this morning he was talking to Kakashi, then the seal started taking control, that he even went with Orochimaru's acquaintances. And now here he is, still under its control. And planning to kill his only friend, the only one he even considered as his comrade, the first bond he made after the massacre, the one he considered.. Family. Naruto's own eyes widened at horror, thinking of his bestfriend killing him. He has to save Sasuke, this isn't the Sasuke he knew.

No words has to be spoken, the fight immediately started. Sasuke immediately charged at Naruto, giving the blonde a roundhouse kick to the side of his head as he was tossed to the side and landed on his back on the ground. It's painful, Naruto didn't mind as he got up again. But this time, he formed the familiar seals he often used, the technique he was a master of, Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, and summoned ten clones. The first two clones charged at Sasuke, throwing shurikens and used Shuriken Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, the ten shurikens that have been thrown got thrice in number. Sasuke was quite thankful for the curse seal's power or he wouldn't be able to dodge those sharp projectiles.

Busy dodging the weapons thrown his way, three of the Naruto clones charged at him, a dare-state challenge in Taijutsu battle which Sasuke gladly accept. Sasuke send a knee kick into one of the clones gut and the clone 'poofed'. One clone managed to punch him in the jaw but counter it with a swift kick at the side. He did not wait for it to totally disappear and went after the third clone and delivered a punch in the gut. He started forming seals, Katon: Goukyaku no Justu and breathed deep and blew a huge fireball towards the two clones who did not have time to react and disappeared as well.

He began performing handseals as well in his top speed and his hands became blurred, Katon: Hosenka no Justu to the six remaining Narutos, which he believed the original also is. But unfortunately.. all of them poofed out in existence. Instincts began to kick in and immediately formed the seals required for Chidori. As he was finished, he was just in time to turn around to see Naruto with a sphere of swirling chakra in his hand.. Rasengan. They charged at each other with sheer force. None was willing to back down, or rather they both do.

Sasuke's Chidori is being powered by the curse seal's power and began turning black, eyes has the hint of hidden madness in them. Naruto was forced to draw on Kyuubi's chakra. He was engulfed in the fox chakra cloak, hands turned to claws, eyes slitted crimson and whisker marks widening and deepening. The sheer amount of chakra gave him the burning sensation, a painful one. He ignored the Kyuubi's ranting and warning in the back of his mind about abusing and using so much of his power. He did not bother, as long that it will help bringing Sasuke back, he doesn't care!

They charged at each other, neither willing to show the tinge of pain from drawing much chakra into one attack. They just kept charging at each other, the next thing that happened, Sasuke didn't expect it. Neither Naruto, but Sasuke gained mind control after this. His mind swirling in guilt as his eyes widened in pure terror at the result of what just happened.

His hand that was just holding chidori seconds ago, was now thrusted in Naruto's chest. Naruto's hand with the rasengan meanwhile was touching his forehead protector, then fell limply to his side. Naruto smiled at him as he coughed quite a large amount of blood. Sasuke froze. His eyes just stared guiltily into Naruto's blue ones..

"I knew...you...cared..after all.." Naruto's voice was hoarsed, it lacks the enthusiasm it always had.. yet those words..

Naruto's smile widened, from the look of guilt in Sasuke's face, he thinks he has beat some sense into him. And he managed to give a scratch on Sasuke's hitai-ate. However, his vision was spinning, the pain in his chest, it was nothing compared to the feeling he felt when he was lonely, when his father chooses work above him even though he didn't hate him, and nothing compared to the pain when Sasuke, his bestfriend, tried to leave them. He wish he can keep his promise, but now.. it seems so far to fulfill. And for once, his smile never left his face when he heard a familiar voice calling his name..

Otou-san..

Kakashi was a person who held pride by his achievements. He held no promising concern about others as long as he knew what he does was right, he has always believed in his abilities. He never let others down, and he won't let rules and mission get between him and his comrades. He learned this important lesson through harsh reality, a death of a friend.

He thought living on his own would be the best choice, isolated from the others.. at first. But he seemed to be more open when his sensei showed up, he never thought he would accept someone again after his father's suicide. He never trusted anyone, neither did he let anyone trust him. He just follow what he knows others knew was right, he never listened to his own reasonings. He follows rules, and always rules. Obito.. that name made him feel guilt, it was his fault. He was one of the important people who held Kakashi with understanding and pulled him out of his darkness.

But before he totally came out of this, it cost Obito's life dearly.

And his sensei filled the empty spot that Obito is in, but it never meant that he lost the soft spot, gratitude and respect he held for his deceased friend. He was always grateful to have met him. But his sensei always stayed by his side, acts like the father he never had. At first, Kakashi was scared to trust him, afraid that if he trusted someone again, they would leave him.. So it was hard for him to just accept Minato easily at first. But after a few years.. he learned how to trust again, he gained a father in Minato, a caring and devoted one and Kushina, a brave and sweet mother he never had.

He thought he will lose Minato during the Kyuubi attack.. Kushina died giving birth to their son, Naruto. But Sandaime insisted that he will be the one to die to seal the demon, saying Minato was needed more in the village. Minato hesitated at first, but when Naruto was mentioned by Sarutobi, he reluctantly agreed, although not mostly.

Minato continued his reign in the village, as the Yondaime Hokage. He blames himself over the Sandaime's death, a reason he dedicated himself so much in work, forgetting that he has a son. He would sometimes show up to Naruto, only to be called for an important issue in the village. He never attended any Parent's meeting in the Academy and would assign any acquiantances he knew to fill in the spot for him. Naruto, however, tried to hide his disappointment everytime his dad would leave him to his own devices because works 'came' up.

His son became lonely, but not entirely.. but mostly. He was hated like all other Jinchuuriki, although the Yondaime argued with the citizen about this a thousand times, no one would listen.. They just hated and shunned him. Being the son of the Yondaime only did him no good, assassination attempts from the enemies, kidnappings, fortunately.. unsuccessful. Because of the unnerving hatred, Naruto grew up to be a kid who longs for attention, years passing.. the spirit of Obito lived in him.

He wanted to be Hokage someday, just like his dad.. he perfectly understood what it means to be Hokage, and knows how much work and judgment was laid in his dad's hands. He never protested about the lack of attention Minato was giving him, as long as he knows his dad was okay and still acknowledges his existence, that was enough for him. Kakashi, although a little bit dismayed at this, he was one of those few people who gave Naruto the attention he needed, even though he knew he couldn't (never) fill the spot that is reserved for his father.

During the invasion, Kakashi was so thankful that Jiraiya was there to assist Naruto for the finals.. and his sensei. Jiraiya, after years of disappearance, had easily taken a liking to the boy. Seeing his prized student made him glad also, but he never questioned his work for the village and his responsibility for his son.

Then there is the spirit of determination Naruto held that led Tsunade back to the village. Kakashi never thought that Tsunade, who said she hated loudmouthed brats and ones who calls her old, had taken a liking to the boy. This power of will, is greater than any jutsu that was created in the phase of the five nations.

But everything changed..Sasuke. Orochimaru left Sasuke with the curse seal, he thought everything was okay when Minato-sensei placed the Evil Suppression Seal on Sasuke, but it seemed not that powerful to hold back the madness and vengeance that Sasuke was holding which only fueled the curse seal.

Then, that is the reason he was now leaping from branch to branch, to save his two students. One from the evil that is engulfing his sanity and the other one from being killed by the reveng-obsessed freak of a nature. But the surprise in this was his sensei was with him. He was really worried for Naruto because he can't used Hiraishin for Naruto didn't bring or rather forgot to bring the three-prolonged kunai used for the jutsu. Minato insisted very much on this, now fearing for his son to be hurt. Fearing the days when he chose duty over responsibility that will be paid by a higher price. Fearing that he would lose his son and fearing that he would not be able to make it up for he might be too late, fearing the worst..

Then they felt two sickening intent, coming from dark, demonic chakras. They can understand the Kyuubi's, but the other one.. was the most sickening.. the curse seal's.

As Pakkun lead them, they were led to a clearing.. the Valley of the End. Both expected to see they were still fighting. But to both shinobis sheer of Horror, the most horrifying scene they had seen since the Kyuubi attack was this. Minato froze from where he was standing, tears forming from his eyes which are threatening to fall, neither of them made a move.

Sasuke stood there with his hand thrusted in Naruto's chest (By this moment, both knew Sasuke just used the Chidori), while Naruto's hand was just touching Sasuke's forehead protector, yet even though he was supposed to be in pain, he was smiling, a grateful and relieved smile. Kakashi's heart pounded hard in his chest, this was the look Obito has when he's gonna die, grateful because Kakashi came back and relieved that his teammates were safe. The look on Naruto's face, made Kakashi shake visibly, fearing for the possible.

"I knew...you...cared..after all.." they could barely hear Naruto's voice, but what did he mean? Minato could only say one thing.

"NARUTO!" Kakashi heard his sensei shout his son's name. Minato immediately dashed forward to Kakashi's frozen students, he pushed Sasuke away who looks horrified.. the same look when the Uchiha Massacre occured. But this time, mixed with guilt and shame as he shook and fell to his knees and stared at his bloodied shaking hands. Now Kakashi was sure that the curse seal is the main root of this. It controlled Sasuke, and because of Sasuke's thirst for power, it became harder for him to resist.

Minato laid Naruto gently, tears now freely flowing down his cheeks. Hand caressing his sons hair. He eyed at his son whose smile never faltered, he's too late. That's what he knew.

"Ot-otou-sa-" Minato put a finger on Naruto's lips and said 'Ssh'. Naruto looked at him, he smiled sadly and.. tiredly at the blonde man in front of him, after so many years.. he always longed for the comfort fathers provide their children, it may be late, but he gratefully appreciate it.

"Otou-san..What..are you..doing here..?" he asked as he coughed a good amount of blood again, his eyes darting from everywhere he looked. Naruto noticed Kakashi kneeling opposite his dad, and faced his sensei with a sincere look.

"Kakashi-sensei..you're here..too..I wonder..what's so...special today...people never...worry..about me..this much..before.." Naruto suddenly wished he didn't say that as he saw the guilty looks from the two men beside him. He then laughed heartily only to cough again in the process.

Minato felt shameful, did his son always felt like this? Lonely? That people would only glance at him if something is special about the day? Is he a bad a father? He never noticed the pain that Naruto's eyes held behind that happy charade, the amount of loneliness he is keeping, now he was too late.

"No, we always worry for you. Everyday we worry for you.. Son, be strong." as Minato said those he squeezed his son's hand tightly, but Naruto didn't respond to it but his face is pale, hand, cold and pale.

"Bring Sasuke back..if you had..and tell..Sakura..chan..I kept..my..promise...I..am really happy..so please..don't punish...him..He's being controlled..by the seal..Oro..left...please.." he pleaded his argument, none doesn't find the courage to argue with him now, Kakashi looks solemn, for him, he had failed a comrade again.

"Did..you..love me..dad?" both were taken aback by this, Minato nodded vigorously as he sobbed and cried and answered Naruto..

"Yes, I love you more than anything else, I chose my duty to the village because of guilt. I'm so sorry Naruto that you have to feel that way, but I have always love you and always will.." he said sincerely, Naruto smiled at him and mouthed a Thank you to his father. He started to close his eyes, strength leaving him away.. Minato shook him, fearing for the lost..

"Naruto, stay awake.. we just need to bring you back to the village.. or wait for the medics.. you have to stay Naruto.. please.." this time, it was Kakashi who pleaded, his shaking hands gently pulled Naruto's arms, but fear that he would only cause damage to the boy if he tried to move Naruto's body, same for Minato. Sasuke was guarded by Pakkun, still unfazed by what he had just done and is trembling uncontrollably.

"I'm..tired..sensei, I just..want to..rest..I believe I can't..make it..take care of Otou-san..for me..take care.. of everyone and Konoha.." was the last thing he said as he drew one last ragged breath, and finally.. his eyes closed and a peaceful look came to his face, free from all the burdens he had, a final message Kakashi cherished.

Take care of Rin for me.. Obito's last words were still fresh in his memories, the promise he wasn't able to keep also, so Kakashi cried as he watch his sensei hugged Naruto to his chest, and also saw Sasuke crying looking at the father and son duo.. neither wants his death.. then..

It rained.

"Naruto..I'm sorry..I'm sorry.." Minato said repeatedly as he hugged his son close to him, he doesn't care if his clothes are being stained by blood, all he knew now is that.. his son was dead, and he can't do anything about it. He cried and never bother to hide his emotions now even though that is highly required being a Kage, but he did not care.. this was his son, and now.. Naruto died.

After what felt like hours of crying, Minato stood up and carried the bloodied corpse of his son in bridal style, close to his chest.. a solemn look on his face but quickly changed into coldness as he faced his son's murderer, the traitor. Minato (right now) like all others, was blinded by his hatred, he never considered the hundred percent possibility that Sasuke was just being controlled by the seal. But after seeing the boy who killed his bestfriend this day who is crying, blaming himself, cursing a certain snake.. (looking underneath the underneath) his face again was solemn, now knowing he was used.. and now he is regretting the death of a fallen comrade..

"Sasuke, let's go back to the village.. Naruto would want that.." he spoke gently, Sasuke never took his eyes off on his teammate's body. He found out something odd, Naruto's smile never faltered, it's like, it's always meant to be there, and never saw a frown take its place there. He nodded his head, still looking ashame and guilty, and they all left the clearing, broken..

Sakura, for once, was thinking more about Naruto instead of Sasuke. She doesn't know why, but she doesn't feel good inside. The sudden emptiness in Naruto's eyes when he made his promise even though he was smiling made her worried. She doesn't know what he really is thinking, but she was really worried right now.

Naruto, is her friend, and teammate. Although annoying, she could never blame him for being one.. Loneliness, she knows that. She only understands quite, but never did she knew what its like. When Naruto was forced to narrate his life story to his team, he nervously admitted being a Jinchuuriki, something Sakura found furiously, not because she hates him, but because he only told them about this later than when they became a team first. And about his father which is very busy at work and spends little time with him and chooses his duty over him, and he said that loneliness almost ate him because of being a Jinchuuriki, and now found friends and importance in Team 7, which she was very glad.

Naruto, he's a good friend Sakura wouldn't want to lose. He gave her the importance that everyone seems to lack, he gave her recognition that everyone seems to deny and gave her friendship which not all wanted to spare her. And now, she was really, sick, and worried.

She was waiting in front of the gates, hoping that all of her comrades who are probably sacrificing their lives out there will come back safe and.. alive.

After what felt like hours of waiting.. Kiba arrived first with the medics, he's deeply wounded but other than that, no life threatening injury. The next ones are Shikamaru, Chouji, Neji and Lee. They are helped by the Sand Trio. Shikamaru looks okay to her, only exhausted.. Although Chouji and Neji are unconcious, when Shikamaru was asked, he only said that they don't have time for this because Chouji and Neji are dying. This made Sakura more nervous. What if Naruto comes back like that? or what if Sasuke was the one to come back like that?

No, everything will be fine. She always tried to reassure herself about that. Besides, Hokage-sama insisted to go with her sensei for the verge of trying to save his son. She was quite awed by the Hokage, he even fought the council just because he wanted to save his son, but she only thought he should do that.. Naruto would want that.

Alas, she could see three figures approaching the gates.. But the taller figure with the cloak is carrying something.. or rather, someone. Then the figures image started to clear up. She could see Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke.. relief washed over her, Naruto made it back! He was able to fulfill his promise. Then there's Hokage-sama, carrying Naruto.. Naruto's hand just stayed limply falling off to his side. She quickly apporached.

"Hokage-sama!" she almost yelled and bowed, her face was of relief and happiness.

"Sakura, you should go home.." Kakashi said, his lone eye was solemn, as if guilty.. The Hokage's eyes seems to hold that also. But Sasuke, was like dazing off somewhere, like being under trauma again.

"But sensei.. We should bring Naruto to the hospital! What if-" she was interrupted by the Hokage who tightened his grip to Naruto.

"We can't.. it's too late.. I'm too late.." she didn't know what her village leader meant at first, but as her eyes made its way to Naruto's limping body, she saw the deep wound in his chest.. it was bloody. And his body was very pale, she held Naruto's limping hand, it was cold.. so cold. Then, realization dawned at her, suddenly understanding what her Kage said, her eyes became teary, she eyed Kakashi-sensei, eyes pleading as if begging to say it wasn't true, Kakashi just looked away.. Her eyes moved to Sasuke, who immediately avoided her gaze. She let go of his hand, and stepped back, shaking her head in denial, tears streaking down her cheeks.

"Nononononono... He's alive, we should just bring him to the Hospital right?.. You're lying, it takes more than that to kill him.. No.. " she's still shaking her head in denial, covering her ears from the truth, Kakashi in a flash was immediately in front of her, holding her by the shoulders, his lone eye looking straight into her.

"Noooo... You've got to be lying, right? Please tell me you're lying!" she yelled, desperately.. and refused to meet her sensei's gaze.. Kakashi shook her and forced her to look at him, when he was sure that he have her attention, he said it.

"He's dead, Sakura.. we're too late.." he said.. those words alone just made her whole world stop. Her expression became shocked, eyes widening, his sensei hugged her in order to give comfort.

"Sensei..he shouldn't have made that promise..it's my fault..now he's dead! I was just planning to make it up to him, treat him to ramen..at least the only thing I can pay him back.. but, but - he's gone!" she cried as Kakashi embraced her student, his tears also was falling, Minato although he stopped himself from crying.. but his face says it all..

"Who - How did he...die?" was Sakura's question, almost afraid to ask. Kakashi looked at Sasuke who was clenching his fist in guilt. Sasuke was not taking it well either, a friend, he failed to protect, from Orochimaru, from his brother and most of all.. from himself, now.. he has to pay for the consequences.

Sakura stood up, anger and hatred welling up at her, tears still present, her dull emerald eyes stared intently into Sasuke's onyx ones. Sasuke was expecting a slap, a punch, a kick or anything that will let her frustration out on him. He unconciously closed his eyes, expecting for a blow.. or at least, waiting for it.

"Why..?" she seems to be trailing off, no physical injury was inflicted. His eyes snapped open, Sakure's eyes were begging for him to say he was sorry, and indeed he was. "Why did you.. - Why did you kill him?" this time she finished what she wanted to say..

"I'm sorry...the curse seal..I tried so hard to regain control..but its done..I killed him..I'm not strong enough to stop myself..It's my fault..it's my fault..it's my own goddamn fault!.." this time, he hasn't notice the guilt he has been bottling up inside him being released, one thing surprised all those present, Sasuke, the one who is always stoic about everything..was crying.

"You tried Sasuke, at least..Naruto would be happy that it wasn't on your free will..I've done more horrible things to him more than you.." stated Minato as he eyed the cold body of his son, a sad and guilty look on his face. Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi stared sadly and shocked at the proclamation, but it didn't help removing the weights in the chest of the remaining members of Team 7. Then Minato started walking away inside the village. They all followed suit. They all walked along in silence.

The villagers are trying to hide their joy at the sight of the dead Jinchuuriki's body by displaying solemn, pitiful and sad looks, but Kakashi knew better in reading people and this one was the ones that made him very angry and annoyed. He growled at the citizens who would bother to look at them, and the result was immediate instinct.. they all turned away, but he knew inside their skulls that they are doing a cheering dance for the death of whom they considered, Kyuubi no Yoko.

This day, would be the permanent mark that would always remind those close to the blonde..how important time is, especially spending them wisely.

Minato sat inside his office. The funeral of his son would be in three days prior. He just brought Naruto's body to the hospital only to be almost killed by Tsunade's godly and deadly fist for being too late. It's not like he could blame her. The news also made an impact to the people who knew who the real Namikaze Naruto is beside from he is Minato's son, but a brave, strong-willed warrior was beneath. Shikamaru didn't take it well too, he said Naruto was one of his bestfriends.

The Nara kid cried all his heart, this was his first time leading a mission, and a comrade, - not to mention one of his bestfriends - just died. And he still has Chouji and Neji to worry about. It had taken Minato, Kakashi and the sand of Gaara (who was there to give his assistance for the retrieval mission) to stopped Shikamaru from diving and stabbing Sasuke with a vice grip over his kunai. Although, those who were watching the scene (Ino, Hinata, Sakura, Tenten, Lee, Shino, Sasuke, the Sand siblings, the Hokage and Kakashi) were so surprised at the physical strength Shikamaru displayed that he needed to be strained by three strong people because he's known for being the lazy bum which is him.

It had taken half an hour to calm the lazy, - yet fuming - genius from killing the Uchiha right there on the spot. Even though it was explained that he was controlled by the curse seal, he didn't want to listen. He's really pissed, angry and has an unbelievable yet inhumane dark aura of killing and loathing surrounding his person. New note for all the genins: Never pissed Shikamaru off the edge further, he might bite. Although considering how troublesome it was for him to kill Sasuke at the moment if he wasn't stopped, for once: He doesn't give a damn.

Hinata also was fuming, even though he didn't attack Sasuke right there, the rise of killing intent coming from her was freakishly scary. Shino tried to remain passive, but his bugs kept buzzing who seems to be having a problem remaining stable because of the sudden addition in his dark aura. (And Minato has to wonder how close the Aburame was to Naruto). Ino and Sakura just cried there while being comforted by Tenten. Lee for once was not crying because of a particular habit being the youthful ninja that he was, but tears for a fellow comrade and kept shouting and blaming how unyouthful Sasuke was.

The sand siblings, Kankuro seemed to not care, and watched with mild amusement of what was happening to the genins seeing the bane existence of their murderer comrade much to Minato's pure irritation. Temari looked sad though, she told the Hokage that she wasn't able to thank Naruto for what he had done for Gaara, their family and Suna. And gave a mischief glance at Sasuke who was just trying to shrink himself in front of them. Gaara, although he wants to release Shukaku who is currently screaming for the blood of his first friend's assassin, he remained controlled. He promised Naruto he wouldn't let Shukaku take over again, but the inhumane killing intent was spiking so high in a frightening intensity towards Sasuke which can be only rivaled by Shikamaru's loathing at that moment.

Kakashi? Their the same, guilty and is grieving.

Damn, he thought. Minato swore to himself that he would kill a certain pedophile whenever he sees him. And this now leaves him the pain of loss and the straining migraine paperwork is giving him. His recalling memories, which are not really good to remember and only adds to the guilt that he is silently carrying. Like, he was suppose to be the one who taught Naruto his prize technique, the Rasengan. He really couldn't forget the look on Naruto's whiskered face when he can't.. because of duties.

Flashback (After the Invasion)

Minato and Naruto are standing in the special training ground in their house. Minato promised his son that he was going to spend this entire day off (which he happily declared to himself) by teaching Naruto the Rasengan. So, he was to say, his son who is always full of energy was jumping up and down in excitement, grin which is threatening to split Naruto's tanned face was giving Minato a warm feeling when Kushina was still alive. He let his son jump over and over his excitement first before he start with the basics.

First, he showed the technique in his hand, a blue spiralling ball of chakra appeared in his hand, and charged it at the training post which is shredded into splinters and the ground infront of it left a crater. Naruto watched in awe as he pumped his fist in the air and cheered for his dad.

"Wow! That was totally awesome! If I learned that then I can kick the asses of whoever wants to hurt my friends and Konoha again!" he exclaimed, although Minato doesn't approve of the obscenity of his son's language at the moment, he was very proud of the outlook of his son upon learning one of his powerful techniques. He is one very proud father at the moment. Then he brought up a bag full of water balloons. Naruto eyed at him incredulously. His once very proud demeanor quite faltered at his son's look.

"Stop giving me those looks, this is a part of the basics of the rasengan, I want you to make this water balloon pop. That would be stage one, I'll give you a tip. You can pop this up easily by making the chakra inside the balloon in different directions. Like this.." he said as he held up a water balloon and matter of seconds the balloon popped. Holding up a balloon to his son, "So, you try.."

Naruto took the balloon in his hand, he eyed on it intently for a moment, and then he began focusing chakra on it.. His tongue was sticking out of his lips sideways as he held a look of concentraion in his face. Minato found this very amusing and.. cute. His hands on his hips as he watched his son defiantly. Then, when he heard the balloon popped, his eyes were snapped at Naruto. It was only a matter of five minutes that he already finish the first stage, now.. his pride was oozing a million times. However their training was cut short by the appearance of an Anbu with a boar mask.

"What is it? I believe I have said that I will be busy for today as you can see.." Minato stated rather, annoyingly. The Anbu stiffened for a second and regained his composure, pissing off the Yondaime was on the very top of his 'not-to-do' list. He cleared his throat first.

"The council are looking for you Yondaime-sama, they are saying it is very important.. and Jiraiya-sama is also waiting for you..I believe it has something to do with an aid for us in the invasion that just occured." the Anbu stated cooly, but he made his voice remained void. Then his eyes darted from the Yondaime to the boy who is a mini-yondaime beside the Hokage. His eyes softened to see the boy rather disappointed who grinned in understanding.

"Otou-san..it may be important! Especially if Ero-sennin is there! When you see him tell him I said hi to him." Naruto tried to reassure his father that he would be fine. But deep inside, he was hurt, and disappointed. Work, that word leaves a bile in Naruto's throat. But he knows when he becomes Hokage he'll be the same.

"Are you sure about that Naruto? Can you stay here for a moment, and I'll try to be back, ok?" he asked, Naruto quickly nodded his head and his grin never faltered. The Yondaime ruffled his son's spiky, messy blonde hair. He nodded to the Anbu and both disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

End Flashback

But unfortunately, the meeting was about calling back Tsunade to Konoha, and Minato can't find a way to escape that meeting. Jiraiya volunteered to be the one to look for her. Minato at that time, was about to excuse himself but he was kept busy by the stupid old geezers. Come on? That was his only day off to bond with his son. Jiraiya said he would be bringing his son along because he is a big help. He gave his approval, and entrusted to his sensei's hand Naruto's training.

And then when they came back, he was very proud to learn that Naruto learned Rasengan in a month! That was a total blast in his son would indeed be a great ninja and would do to be a fine Hokage. But now, he's dead, gone and Naruto's dream were crushed and ended because of Orochimaru. He won't forgive that bastard. Not only did tha snake pedophile tried to dissect its citizens before, he invaded the village, infiltrated the chuunin exams, and even used Sasuke to come to him and made the poor boy to kill his own bestfriend. He saw the grief and distant looks in Sasuke's eye, it's like, mirroring his own blue ones.

And there's the fact that they considered him the most powerful when he can't do anything. He's always too late damnit! He's too late to rescue his son, he's too late to be the right father and too late to save the future generations from the major conflicts and strings being manipulated by the bastardized snake.

Forgive me, Naruto. I hope you are happy with Kushina, she'll love you more than I can do.. was his last thought as began to focus on the paper work he needs to get done with.

Kit! I won't let you die! I'll just have to revive your soul! But I can't assure you that I would be able to give back your memories and your proper appearance, but you'll be living again, that is what is important. You owe me your life human.. snarled by a certain demon fox. And this will be the start of a new life for Naruto. Red chakra appeared out of nowhere in the Valley of the End and there appeared a body of a redhaired, purple-eyed naked boy. And laid there unconcious.. but alive. A man in white cloak appeared by his side and woke up the redhead by shaking him by the shoulder.

"Are you okay despite the fact that you are actually laying down here butt-naked?" the silver-haired man with silver eyes asked. The redhead stirred and blinked his eyes. He eyed the stranger for a brief seconds not saying anything but just eyed the man in front of him.

"Okay, I suppose that was a stupid question, just who are you?" the man asked again, his silver hair was spiky and short. This time the redhead groaned at the pain in his back, it ached so much to even moved. And this time, he considered answering the stranger's question which supposedly a question also.

"I don't remember, who am I?"

End

AN:

Did you like it? Please Review. Thanks.

I would really appreciate all the comments I can get with this story. It's not much yet, but at least I want to read a few reviews if you don't mind. Just getting started though, so I'm sorry if there are certain mistakes.

Next Chapter: Travellings