Character(s): Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Naruto
Genre: Family, Tragedy
Disclaimer: Naruto and co. belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. The haiku belongs to me ;D.


Angry crimson sky

His ultimate sacrifice

A babe's destiny



In almost an instant, Namikaze Minato lost everything that was precious to him.

He knew she was gone; he could feel the lack of her presence. She was, after all, as boisterous and headstrong as they came. And even though Uzumaki Kushina was not fully recovered enough to fight, having given birth to a bouncing yellow haired babe only two days prior, she defied his wishes and ran to the front lines with the stubborn resolve to protect her little family's home.

Our life together wasn't supposed to start like this.

By the Yondaime's decree, reluctant shinobi and civilians were tucked safely away in the Hokage monument. Loyal summons returned to their dimension. The gates of Konohagakure were sealed shut. The only sounds heard throughout the village were the Kyuubi no Youko's infuriating screeches alongside a baby's fearful wails.

He looked down at the whimpering bundle in his arms with sad eyes.

Your path to becoming Konoha's finest hero wasn't supposed to be borne of tragedy.

The skies above Konohagakure were set ablaze. Angry red flames danced with dark smoke and ash.

My life wasn't supposed to end like this.

Having fought innumerable battles and wars, Minato knew what pain felt like. Nothing would ever compare to pain of heartbreak. Nothing.

"Hakke no Fuuin Shiki!"

And just like that, silence swept over the wrecked village.


Translations:

Kyuubi no Youko: Nine tail demon fox

Hakke no Fuuin Shiki: Eight Divination Signs Seal Style; the technique Yondaime used to seal the bijuu into Naruto


Author's note:
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who alerted this story. And special thanks to Thorn In Your Side, who was my very first reviewer ever :D. Because of you guys, I excitedly decided to post another chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed this installment.

And once again, I extend my offer to anyone who wants to contribute a haiku. I'm looking forward to seeing the creative juices flowing!

Until next time,
Hachibo