Disclaimer: Naruto is the property of Masashi Kishimoto, Seiryu Himura is mine, Yuki Ookami belongs to Wing Commander White Wolf, Yukimura and Hitomi Sanada were created by Centurious the Azure, and Chiharu Hatake is the property of Ayame Kurrgi.
The Mist Wolf Chronicles: Director's Cut
By Storm Wolf77415, Wing Commander White Wolf, and Centurious the Azure
The Long Night Part 1
The story of the Kyuubi no Yoko's attack on the Village Hidden in the Leaves is a story known by all. How Obito Uchiha, using the identity of his legendary precursor, Madara, sought revenge on the village he called home. Kidnapping Kushina Uzumaki, the wife of Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and ripped the creature known as Kurama from his prison and summoning him into the middle of Konoha to cause mass destruction.
Equally known is the noble sacrifice made by Lord Namikaze and Lady Uzumaki. Selflessly throwing themselves in front of their newborn son, Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze, to shield him from Kurama's claws, and sealing the most powerful of the Biju within him with their last dying breath.
But for the want of a horseshoe nail, things can change drastically. In another universe, another Konoha, Kushina never became the vessel of the creature. Mito decided against making the child suffer such pain. Thanks to the combination of the legendary Uzumaki longevity and the fox's own incredible regenerative powers, she had become all but immortal. Kushina remained in the village as a backup, just in case.
Mito remained the creature's jailer and was much loved by the entire village, acting as the loving matriarch to all villagers who sought her guidance and wisdom. Sadly, the situation has taken a grave turn, and now the worst is expected to come.
(Outskirts of Konohagakure no Sato)
A lone figure clad in dark battle armor stood before the scorched remains of what had been a small, comfortable looking cottage. The smell of charred wood was still fresh in the cold October wind. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage inspected the ruins of what had been the home of his oldest friend, Mito Uzumaki. His heart clenched at the notion of someone getting to her. With the deaths of both Senju brothers, she was one of the few people he could really confide in.
He went to one knee, picking up a small piece of charred wood. "Mito-chan…" he whispered. He turned to face the four man ANBU squad he'd appropriated for this little jaunt. "Search the entire area…they couldn't have gotten very far." He ordered. Sarutobi's gravelly voice still held the sharp edge of a veteran who had seen a million battles. He may have passed the torch of leadership to the next generation, but the Will of Fire still burned brightly within the old man. His commanding presence was still one the villagers who lived among the trees would follow to death and back.
The ANBU bowed solemnly before disappearing into the shadows. Sarutobi turned back towards the burning wreckage. "I will find you, Mito. Kami help anyone who stands in my way!" He growled, grinding the blackened timber to dust. He bit his thumb, spreading the blood on his palm and tangled his fingers together to begin a series of familiar hand seals, "Summoning Jutsu!" the old ninja bellowed, slamming his blood stained hand on the ground.
The smoke dissipated, revealing a massive ape with whitish-gray fur. He was clothed in a vest with tiger stripes over dark ninja robes. "What's the emergency, Sarutobi? You wouldn't have summoned me unless it was important." Enma, King of the Monkey Summons hooted in a voice just as deep and raspy as his partner.
"Indeed, Enma…It's the worst case scenario. Mito has gone missing. I know for a fact I don't have to remind you of what happens if someone releases what's contained inside her." Sarutobi replied. Enma nodded, remembering the stories told of Kyuubi's part in the epic battle between Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha at what would become known as the Valley of the End.
"Then we should get moving, Sarutobi. It would a true disaster to have the strongest of the nine on a rampage." Enma said. The two set off into the dense forest, leaping from branch to branch with fluid grace. They didn't get far when Sarutobi came to a sudden stop due to a coughing fit. It was a deep hacking cough that rattled all the way to his bones. Enma winced seeing the once formidable man in such a weakened state. A thick glob of blood erupted from his lips. "Are you alright?" The boss summon asked.
"I'm afraid the answer is no…old friend…" Hiruzen replied with labored breaths, a wrinkled hand coming up to his chest, feeling his rapidly beating heart. "This damn disease is tearing up my body and I don't think I have a lot of time left! Let's keep going! Mito doesn't have a lot of time!"
The two resumed tree hopping. "How long do you have?" Enma asked.
Sarutobi snorted, "Straight to the point, just like you. I've had a team of the village's best doctors working around the clock, but they still don't know what's wrong with me. If Tsunade were here, she might have been able to figure it out, but I doubt even she could have found a cure. They said I've got nine months. I could have another year left if I don't push myself. But you know me better than that." His gaze became hard, "I may not hold the office anymore, but I'm still a Hokage. My entire life is invested in this village, and I will defend it to my last dying breath!"
In that moment, Enma was reminded why his partner had been feared as the God of Shinobi in his prime. All of the weariness and age fell away and left a truly supreme warrior whom no foe could hope to stand against. He allowed himself a bemused smile. "Following the path of the shinobi to the very end is something only you would do. Speaking of Hokages...Where is Minato in all this?"
Sarutobi smiled, "He is at the hospital welcoming the future of our village into the world. His wife is pregnant. Once he had learned of Mito's disappearance, he became all but frantic. I convinced him to let me handle this so he could focus on the birth of his child." His face once again became all business, "So much the better if he stays out of this."
Enma looked at him questioningly. "Minato is one of the strongest ninja our village has ever produced. I wouldn't have picked him as my successor otherwise. He knows better than anyone else the ultimate sacrifice would be required if the situation called for it. He'd gladly lay his life down for this village just as much as I would. It's one of the hallmarks of a Hokage. However, it's not his time to go yet." He closed his eyes, "I'm too old to take back the reins of power should Minato perish. So I will give my life in his place. This will be my final act as the Third Hokage. Let the old die for the sake of the young. Will you help me one last time, my trusted friend?"
Enma gave a solemn nod, "Anything for you. You're one of the most decent men I've ever had the honor of knowing Hiruzen Sarutobi. Barring few exceptions, you've been true to yourself, and lived according to the Will of Fire. Both of the Senju brothers would be proud of you."
The Sandaime flinched slightly at the mention of "few exceptions." Even after all this time, his partner never let him forget about the failure of his once prized student. He could have ended the scourge of Orochimaru forever that dark night. But he had been clouded by sentimentality and just let the Snake Sannin waltz right by him. Putting aside his feelings, he let his face fall into the neutral mask all ninja adopted upon going on the warpath, "Shall we go meet our fate?" He said.
"I'm right there with you," Enma said. The two moved quietly through the night, hoping to avoid the disaster to come.
(Training Area 29)
Mito Uzumaki looked on impassively as her captor strung her up by her hands between two rocks with a weird array of sealing jutsu. Despite all the protections and wards personally set up by the aging seal mistress, he had managed to get past every one of them. She had gone without a struggle, not even said a word as the man burned down her cottage as a sign of her powerlessness. The mysterious stranger who called himself Madara Uchiha had piqued her curiosity.
Clad in dark robes face obscured by a light orange mask with a single eyehole. The black lines were a reminder burned into Mito's memory. Reminders of dark flames that burned with no end in sight. Mito never thought those night colored fires were warm, all that existed was a hopeless anger frozen in the heart of the Uchiha wielding them. Given form, they tore at the material world. All too much like how it slowly destroyed their internal one. It always made her pity Madara Uchiha more than ever hate him...
"Do you really think you intend to win, Madara?" Mito said, mocking tone in her voice. "Hashi-chan beat you eight decades ago, I'm pretty sure Hirzuen and Minato can do the same now." Her Will of Fire burned hotter than ever, and the snarking began, "It seems you're still holding those old grudges. I hoped death would have opened your eyes to the truth."
"Ahh...how could I forget the trademark Uzumaki humor." Madara replied easily. One bright eye revealed by one perfect circle cut through battle ready lacquer curled humorously. One would think the two were enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon on the back porch with how casually they addressed each other. "I must say I missed hearing you joke, Mito. It makes me think of old times. Few others could ever match up to me. You, that guy with the cross shaped scar, and of course your loving husband."
The single red eye sharpened into a grim expression. Tomoe laden spokes formed into an unfamiliar twisted pinwheel shape. The gaze of his Mangekyou Sharingan pierced directly into her soul. His visible eye narrowed dangerously, showing his insidious intent. "But I'm not here to reminisce. I'm on a timetable, and you have something I need." His hands came up to form a seal, "I'll warn you. This is going to hurt a little bit. But since you ARE an Uzumaki you might survive, keyword being might…" The entire forest rang with a feminine cry of pain and agony, which was then followed by a roar of primal fury and rage. An aura of intense doom was about to fall on the land.
(Konoha General Hospital)
Despite the chaos and death heralded by that animalistic cry, in one small corner of the world new life blossomed. A nervous father paced in the waiting room of the village hospital. His trademark white coat draped over a nearby chair. Minato Namikaze, The Fourth Hokage was beside himself with worry and concern. His beloved wife, Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze was in the throes of labor and he was unable to do anything about it. The nurses had made it quite clear he was to remain outside. If he had been a smoker, the Yellow Flash of the Leaf was certain every ashtray would be full of spent cigarette butts.
Thankfully, Minato wasn't holding this vigil alone. His wife's two closest friends were also present, offering support to the expectant father. Mikoto Uchiha sat patiently on a bench with her husband, Fugaku. Kushina had been present for the birth of her two sons, Itachi and Sasuke and promised to be there for the birth of the redhead's first child. "Minato, calm down and have a seat. All this pacing isn't going to make the birth go any faster." The Uchiha Matriarch said, trying to soothe the anxious father.
"Indeed, Lord Hokage, in difficult times such as these patience is a virtue. I speak from long experience in that regard." Fugaku added, remembering the two long nights he spent waiting in this very room for the arrival of his two sons. "Besides, Hiashi's wife is overseeing the delivery. She'd never let anything happen to either mother or child." Mikoto gave her husband a light kiss on the cheek.
Minato gave a slight nod to the head of the Uchiha clan. The two had been rivals ever since they were in the same class at the Ninja Academy, constantly trying to outdo the other, developing a strong respect. There were times when relations became very heated and intense, especially when both were vying for the title of Fourth Hokage alongside Orochimaru. Fugaku confided privately he preferred Minato to the insane Sannin. Now the two of them could relate as fathers.
Minato was about to reply when a frustrated grunt from Mikoto's favorite cousin stopped him. Hitomi Uchiha-Sanada paced her own line on the hospital carpet. Her concern was so great her Sharingan had flared to life. She prowled from one side of the room to the other, sending fierce glares at the door, half expecting some monster to come through, threatening the lives of both her friend and child.
Minato put a calming hand on her shoulder. "You should listen to your cousin more, Hitomi. I'm nervous, but I can accept there's nothing I can do. Truth is, I'm grateful to just have company here while I wait." He assured her.
"Think nothing of it, Minato." A deep baritone voice added dismissively from across the room. The chair Yukimura Sanada occupied seemed too small for his massive frame. He watched his wife's pacing with amusement, "I will say, you're acting far more composed than my wife. You'd think she'd expect the entire Iwagakure army to race in and make off with her. There are times I think she cares more about Kushina than her husband."
"Shut up, Yukimura!" Hitomi snapped, annoyed at her husband's remark. As much as she cared for the redhead, that was taking it too far. "At least he's acting more worried than you ever were during Mori and Yuki's deliveries!" She shook her head, "Having our kids back to back was the worst idea you ever had! I should never have listened to your 'logical arguments!' More like arguments in stupidity if you ask me!"
"Tomi…" Mikoto sighed. Fugaku, all too used to his cousin's frequent rants, just closed his eyes and tried to blank it all out. Yukimura just gave a smug grin, as if proving his point. The doors to the delivery room swung open, admitting a woman with long blue hair tied in a low ponytail and the trademark silver-pearl eyes signifying her as a member of the Hyuuga clan.
"Hikari, what's the latest?" Minato asked.
"Lord Hokage," Hikari Hyuuga bowed slightly, giving a big happy smile. "I am proud to announce the delivery was a total success! You are the father of a healthy baby boy, and he very much looks like his daddy!" The entire room erupted into cheers.
"Congratulations, Minato! Welcome to the club!" Yukimura thumped the Yellow Flash on the back. Fugaku was much more dignified in offering his gratitude, giving a slight bow to his longtime rival and friend.
"What about Kushina? Is she going to be okay?" Hitomi worriedly asked.
Hikari just rolled her eyes, "She's tired, but resting. Relax, Tomi." She reassured her friend. All four of the women had been in the same class with Fugaku and Minato, each growing skilled in their respective field. Kushina was renowned for her knowledge of Ninjutsu, especially her preferred favorite, Kage Bunshin, and Sealing Jutsu, the specialty of her former clan. Both Mikoto and Hitomi were feared for their considerable skill in Genjutsu, and Hikari could say with pride she was one of the privileged few who had directly apprenticed to the Slug Sannin, Tsunade. With the Senju heiress out of the village, Hikari was the best medic ninja Konoha had at the moment.
The Yellow Flash was overall relieved to know the birth had been successful. "That's wonderful, Hikari. Is it alright to go and see my family now?" He asked.
"But of course! Although it's probably best if it's just you for now, Minato. The others can come in after a while." She replied, giving a sharp glare at Hitomi who pouted that she had to wait longer. The Hyuuga Matriarch frowned. "I wish Hiashi could have been here for this, but he said there was clan business he had to tend to, lots of paperwork!"
Minato chortled, "If Hiashi wants to he can swing by my office and help me do my paperwork. I've got plenty to keep him busy for a while!" The entire room erupted into laughter. It was a long running gag across the entire Hokage line how their greatest enemy wasn't their counterpart who ruled other villages, but the mountains and mountains of paperwork that filled the office on a daily basis. Much of the Yellow Flash's time was spent signing his name on an endless line of forms his aides pushed in front of him.
Hikari led Minato to the room where the Bloody Habanero lay. He was entranced by Kushina's sleeping form. Her long silky locks fanned out around her on the sheets of the hospital bed, forming a crimson blanket. Even after giving birth, she was still beautiful in his eyes. He reached down, brushing his fingers along her face. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing those gorgeous bluish gray orbs he loved to gaze into for hours on end. "Minato…" Kushina said.
"Hello, dear. Hikari tells me we have baby boy." He replied, leaning over to kiss her. "Can I see him?" The redhead weakly nodded, pointing over to a bassinet in the corner. Hikari reached inside, pulling out a tiny bundle. She smiled, gently pushing it into his arms. The child was the perfect mix of his parents. The spiky, sun kissed locks of his father, the gentle lines of his mother's gorgeous face, and brilliant blue eyes that put the sky itself to shame. He truly was their son. Kushina raised her arms, and her beloved let the child come into his mother's embrace.
"My little Naruto," Kushina cooed. Minato sat on the edge of the bed next to her as she gently rocked Naruto back and forth. "Oh Minato, look at him! Look at what we brought into this world! After meeting you, this is the happiest day of my life!"
"I couldn't agree more," Minato said. "Hikari, can you bring a wheelchair for her? I think it's time everyone met the newest addition to the Leaf." Hikari bowed dutifully, and pushed in a wheelchair. With help from her husband and best friend, Kushina settled in the padded seat, Naruto securely in her arms and they wheeled out into the waiting room.
"Oh. My. God!" Hitomi squealed, her red eyes sparkling with excitement. The Uchiha kunoichi was at her best friend's side in speed that would make Minato's famed Hiraishin technique look slow. She threw her arms Kushina's neck in a tight embrace. "He's so cute, Kushina! You did a great job!"
"Thanks Tomi!" Kushina replied, some of her usual spirit starting to come back. Mikoto didn't resist her motherly instincts when she laid eyes on Naruto.
"Kawai! Oh Kushina, he's adorable! I can't wait to introduce him to Sasuke. The two of them will be such wonderful friends!" Mikoto gushed, immediately picturing Sasuke and Naruto at the playground together.
Hitomi playfully stuck her tongue out at her cousin. "Not if he meets my boys first. I know they'll get along so well! Isn't that right Naru-chan?" She gently tickled his little chest. Naruto's response was to yawn. The three women giggled at his cute response. It was one of those moments worth capturing forever, where nothing could possibly seem to go wrong.
The door banged open, causing Naruto to start crying. A ragged looking ANBU stumbled in. "H-Hokage-sama…we…have a problem…on our hands." He collapsed to the ground. Hikari immediately signaled for a stretcher. A pair of medics came to haul him off, but Minato stopped them.
He leaned down to the stricken ANBU, "Tell me everything that happened, and leave nothing out." His voice was firm and authoritative.
"I have news from the Third…It's…Condition K!" The masked ninja coughed. The entire room tensed up at those words. Condition K was the last thing any Leaf ninja wanted to hear, for it meant someone had made it to Mito and released the beast within. Everyone looked to Minato, as the reigning Hokage his word was law and all ninja were bound to follow it. His expression had changed in an instant, gone was the loving father, and in its place was the warrior, the man known the world over as the Yellow Flash. He looked every bit the leader in that moment.
"Fugaku, send out the word to all Jounin commanders that Condition K is in effect. Tell them to organize all platoons and have them take up a defensive posture around the village. I want you and Mikoto to remain with my wife and son. Guard them with your lives!" Minato's orders were firm and decisive.
"I'll get a few of my people and put a cordon around the hospital. No harm will come to them," Fugaku said. His wife nodded, her old instincts flaring to life. Despite having retired since the birth of Itachi, Mikoto Uchiha was still a kunoichi of the Leaf and would do anything to keep her loved ones safe.
"What about us?" Hitomi asked, Yukimura stood up a little taller, all joviality evaporated and he now wore the same intense expression of a man who had seen danger and was prepared to fight to protect what he held dear.
"You two are going to come with me. Your family are the Biju experts, I'm going to need that knowledge now." Minato said. Yukimura simply nodded, he returned to the waiting room to throw on his cape. It was a bright red cape made from the finest silks in Fire Country. Despite that, Minato always did think he looked very ridiculous. Since Minato was too nice to say anything about his fashion sense, Hitomi did. The two argued in the waiting room like always. Minato restrained rolling his eyes. He looked to Kushina, fear in her clear gray eyes. He reached down to hug her, "Don't worry, my love. I'll return soon." He motioned to the Sanadas when they came back in. "Stand close to me, we're going right to Lady Mito's position. It's a very good thing I put the seal formula for Hiraishin on her!" The two put a hand on his shoulder and all three vanished in a flash of yellow light.
Kushina whimpered, clutching Naruto in her arms. Mikoto and Hikari both brushed a few crimson strands out of her eyes, and started talking with her about what color the baby's nursery would be once she got back home. Fugaku went back to the waiting room. He snapped his fingers, immediately Yashiro Uchiha emerged from a darkened corner. There was no one amongst the Military Police Fugaku trusted more. "Condition K is in effect. Notify all necessary parties. Deploy all squads to the walls."
If the other Uchiha was perturbed by this turn of events he didn't show it. "Yes sir!" Yashiro reported, vanishing in a swirl of leaves. Fugaku looked out the window. He had a desire to be out there, but Minato had charged him with guarding the hospital. So he would follow his Hokage's orders and keep Kushina and Naruto safe until then.
(Woods Outside Konoha)
Sarutobi had to crane his neck up in order to really get a handle on the sheer size of Kyuubi no Yoko, roaring in triumph after finally being released of its prison. He had heard the stories told to him by Hashirama during his epic battle with Madara at the Valley of the End, but it took looking straight into the sinister blood red eyes of the greatest of the nine Demon Lords to truly respect what his mentor had to face that fateful day.
"Where is Mito?" He said, looking around frantically. "She can't be far, Enma. Keep an eye out for her." He said to his partner. The white ape put a hand on his shoulder.
"You should go look for her, Saru. I'll deal with our large friend here." A feral grin crossed his lips. "I always did wonder how I'd fare against one of the Biju. I guess there's only one way we'll find out!" A primal screech erupted from Enma's lips as he frantically beat his chest in fury. If this were truly meant to be the last hurrah of the Third Hokage, it would be his final stand as well! He used his powerful legs to leap up, aiming straight for the Nine Tail's face. His fingers flipped into a single cross shaped hand seal.
"Admantium Staff Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" He cried, forming thousands of the rock hard staves that he usually transformed into when fighting alongside Sarutobi, but today they would be used in a different manner, he flung them at Kyuubi, hoping they would shatter a few bones along the way. The demon roared in rage, whipping one of its tails to swat the Monkey King down. Using all the natural agility of his species. Enma evaded being splattered into mush across the countryside.
"Come at me, foul creature! Our battle has only just begun!" He barked, lunging once again to hit the giant demon fox.
Further into the woods, Sarutobi was starting to lose hope of finding Mito. He dreaded what condition he'd find the elder Uzumaki. She had told him what happened that the strain of a biju extraction was enough to kill most hosts. He was expecting the worst, but to his surprise he saw Mito limping from the bushes on her hands and knees. "Mito…is that you, dear?"
"Hiruzen…how nice." She panted as he helped her up. Her kimono had been ripped open, revealing a patch of burned skin on her stomach where the seal had once been. Her head slumped against his shoulder. "I knew you'd come." She sighed happily, before giving a sad look to Kyuubi. "Our situation is just a bit dire, but you already knew that right?"
"Who did this to you?" Sarutobi replied with as much restraint as he could. Mito could see the fury building in the old man's eyes, and it promised a messy end to anyone who dared harm someone dear to the aged Hokage. She put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing lightly. It was a gesture she had often used on her husband and then started using on his star student. It had the desired effect.
"Someone who claims to be Madara Uchiha, but he's nothing except a poser. I remember the man. He's powerful to be sure. He killed off my ANBU guard, and broke through all the defenses I set up myself. There's something about this man that's off. I know this." She replied. Sarutobi ran a hand through her hair. It had once been a brilliant vibrant red but time and age had dulled it to reddish brown. To be honest, the old monkey liked it that way. "Saru, this isn't the time to be sentimental. Lives are in danger!
"I know…" he trailed off, before starting another hacking fit. "Mito, we have to stop this here and now before it reaches the village. You're the sealing expert, do you have a plan?"
She shook her head, "I'm sorry, Saru. I'm afraid I'm out of ideas at this point." She winced in pain, "The extraction took a heavy toll on my body. I don't know if I can recover from it." It was that moment Minato and the Sanadas appeared in a cloud of smoke. "Oh, hello, Minato, so nice of you to join us!" She said.
"Lady Mito!" Hitomi exclaimed, getting on her knees and holding her hand. "Oh dear God. Are you alright, ma'am?"
"Relax dear, I'll be fine." She reassured her. "Minato, we have to contain that monster before it attacks the village. Kurama…he won't stop until it's all rubble!"
"Kurama? Who is Kurama?" Minato looked confusedly.
"Did you not read my reports at all, Minato? He sighed deeply." It's the Kyuubi's name." Yukimura explained, for a moment he tried to put it into words everyone could understand. Not everyone believed in the Sage like the Sanada did. It was proven fact… Proven by all the papers he published that Minato still let collect dust on his desk. "What…the Sage of the Six Paths created the Biju. He treated them like his own children. You didn't think he wouldn't have named them as such?"
"Sorry…I just never pictured it that way." The Yellow Flash admitted, mentally amending to someday reading his friend's thesis. Being Hokage made him that busy. He then addressed Mito. "Tell us, Milady. Who did this to you?" He asked cold, azure eyes colder than a lake on ice. "I ask because I'm going to kill him." A low chuckle rang from the trees. The ninja all snapped to attention, looking around for the masked man. Minato found him standing on a tree branch, arms folded in front of him.
"Well would you look at this? I hit the jackpot here, The Third and Fourth Hokages, not to mention the head of the Sanada clan together in one place. Someone must really like me to deliver you here to me." His voice dropped, "Makes my mission to kill you that much easier!" Supported by Hitomi and Sarutobi, Mito struggled to her feet, her obsidian eyes taking on a hard edge despite how much pain she was in.
"You'll never defeat all of us together!" Hitomi hissed, a pair of kunai hidden in her sleeves already in both hands. Before anyone could stop her she launched herself at the cloaked figure, her Sharingan spinning wildly. Much to her surprise, the masked man just stood there. She was even more surprised when instead of impaling him in the chest with her kunai. She slid through him, almost as if he was an illusion. Training and reflexes helped her to keep from breaking her skull open. She flipped against a tree and landed neatly.
"What the…" Yukimura said, his analytical mind already working on just what it was he did. "Okay, Minato, I'm waiting on your orders, what do you want us to do?" Minato was about to open his mouth when Mito grabbed onto his arm and started whispering in his ear. His face went through multiple emotions in that moment, from disbelief, to anger, to sadness, and finally grim acceptance. "Yukimura, you're the Biju expert, do whatever it takes to hold that thing off! Sarutobi will join you. Hitomi, think you can deal with our masked friend here until I return?"
Hitomi cocked her head confusedly, "Sure…but where are you going?" She asked.
"Lady Mito and I are going to retrieve something we're going to need later." Minato hefted her arm over his shoulder. "Sorry for the rough treatment, milady." He spoke respectively. Mito just nodded before they vanished in the flash of Hiraishin.
"And here I was hoping to face off against the legendary Yellow Flash, oh well. I guess I'll take what I can get." Madara drawled lazily, hopping down from his perch to join the mortals on the ground. Everything about the man's posture, and figure made them uneasy. He had complete confidence. Madara firmly believed he could not lose. Strong belief coupled with power was a dangerous chorus sung.
Yukimura gave a fierce gaze to his opponent. His belief was just as unshaking. "You will quickly find we're not so easily defeated!" He declared, red cape fluttering behind him in the chill breeze. Madara did not seem impressed. "As a loyal servant of the Sage of the Six Paths I will not tolerate someone utilizing a creature like Kurama in such a vulgar manner!" He was about to pull something from his armor when his wife put an arm out to stop him.
"Leave this guy to me, Yuki. He's gotten on my bad side really quick!" Hitomi barked, her Sharingan spinning to life. "Besides, you're the only person who has the means to restrain that monster. Do it for Minato and Kushina! I hope they make it back soon!" She said, wondering what it was the Yellow Flash had in mind.
(Konoha General Hospital)
After a quick trip back to the Uchiha district to pick up her old ninja gear, Mikoto stood guard in Kushina's hospital room. She was amazed her old uniform still fit, although it was a bit on the tight side. She would idly run her hand along her kunai holster, every so often looking over to her sleeping friend. Her eyes fell on the sleeping infant in the cradle next to his mother. A delicate fingernail brushed against the new infant's cheek.
The baby yawned at the contact, Mikoto couldn't help but let loose a girlish titter, the baby was too precious for words, a ray of light in the somber atmosphere. Mikoto looked outside, and to her horror and awe saw the massive red form of Kyuubi just outside the village walls. It appeared to be preoccupied with something. She offered a silent prayer hoping no one had done anything rash. Hitomi could be so stubborn when she was mad.
Her Sharingan flared to life and a kunai was already in hand, when she heard a sound behind her. She sighed in relief when it was Minato and Mito, "Oh, you had me so worried, Hokage-sama. Are you alright, Lady Mito?"
"I'm fine, dear." The elder Uzumaki replied. She beamed as Minato picked up his son. "Oh, he is an Uzumaki." Pride was clear in her voice. It lifted her spirit to see that the Uzumaki clan was still alive in a small way, despite the destruction of their home village and the few survivors scattering to the four winds. Her face grew sad because she also what would the poor child would now have to endure despite only being alive for barely a couple of hours. "I only wish there was another way…"
"It can't be helped, milady. As you said, there's no one else who can do this now." Minato replied.
"What are you talking about?" Mikoto said. Minato closed his eyes, it was moments like this he hated his line of work, and doubly so the responsibilities his office thrust onto him, but the situation had become dire and there wasn't any more time to consider other options.
"Mikoto…please tell Kushina I'm sorry. But I need Naruto's help in order to bring down Kyuubi. He's the only one…who will be able to keep it in check." Minato said. Her eyes widened in horror at the implications of what the Yellow Flash's plan entailed.
"You would…seal that monster in your own son?" She hissed. Mito stepped forward, her gentle onyx eyes mollifying the younger woman's anger.
"Please understand, Mikoto. Sealing is a very precise art, a creature powerful as the Biju requires a living vessel to contain it properly and only an Uzumaki can contain the greatest of the nine. Kushina is far too weak after giving birth to the child. The strain would end up killing her if Kyuubi was sealed within her, and I'm too old to continue on." She looked down at the child, "The responsibility for that now falls to the next generation. Naruto will become the next vessel for Kyuubi."
Mikoto hung her head, not wanting to show off her tears, it was moments like this she remembered just why she had retired from active ninja work after Itachi had been born. This kind of pain was too much even for a seasoned former Jounin such as herself. "If Kushina needs anything…I'll be there for her, Minato. She won't have to be alone."
Minato gave her a chaste kiss, "Thank you, Mikoto. You're a good woman, and an even better friend. Farewell." The three vanished in the Yellow Flash of Hiraishin.
"Hmm?" Kushina moaned softly, oblivious to the scene that had just transpired, "What's going on, Mikoto?" She said groggily. The raven-haired beauty quickly dried her tears off, not wanting to tip her off of anything wrong. Kushina's fury when angered was legendary, and the very idea of her son being used for such a purpose would have sent her well past her breaking point. Mikoto put on the mask of the reassuring friend, pushing Kushina back down on the bed.
"Nothing, Kushina…go back to sleep. You need your rest." She said, not able to tell her friend of her husband and son's eventual fate. The Uzumaki shrugged and rolled over on her side, blissfully unaware of what was about to happen.