Prologue
Sixteen Years Prior
"After years of bloodshed and war… after years of petty cruelty and sacrifices, I will know peace! It's all so terribly wonderful, don't you think? Our family is finally growing… maybe now, I can teach you what happiness is."
The woman stared at him with quiet intensity, her face an unreadable mask.
"Perhaps," she said.
Minato laughed, slightly embarrassed.
"I have to say, though, I'm extremely surprised you bothered to show up," he smiled, "Not that I'm complaining. It's always nice to have you close."
The woman nodded in silent acknowledgement.
The duo sat atop his apartment complex, conversing in whispers that were carried away by the cold wind and forgotten by the night.
They drank some sake before dawn broke.
Finally, before the first shinobi awoke, the woman left, but not before Minato said, "Naruto. His name will be Naruto."