DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE IDEAS OR CHARACTERS FROM NARUTO
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(A/N): In this chapter of the rewrite, you'll notice that like with chapter one, much of the story is the same. The main changes were a few additional scenes and some shifting in characterizations / dialogue from the old scenes. Tell me if you like the changes!
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Chapter Two: Tragic Rebirth
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Time was a confusing thing to deal with. Moments of joy were fleeting, seeming to lasting only mere seconds before vanishing completely. On the other hand, periods of anguish, sorrow, and even boredom seemed stretch an eternity. This unusual rule seemed to apply to the dead as well.
Having long since given up on trying to see beyond the empty void that surrounded him, Uchiha Obito had taken to reflecting on his past life and on what his future might hold. Fond memories, old regrets, and new concerns surfaced with nothing to distract the deceased boy. Floating about in nothing but pure darkness, he couldn't tell how long he'd been lost. His thoughts wandered further to the mystery of his situation.
I'm dead, right? So, now what? Is this what the afterlife is supposed to be like? Or is something weird going on? I mean, the Kitsune spirit was… It was taking me home… But, then, that mist… I don't know… I just don't know anymore… I wish I could see everyone, just one last time…
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"Minato," A petite, red-haired woman called out softly as she entered a cozy parlor, "It wasn't your fault. It was those damn enemy-nin and our own spies misinformation. You shouldn't blame yourself for this…"
The blond was seated, head in his hands. Looking up at his wife, Minato spoke, "Kushina, I should have been there with them. If I hadn't split us up, if I hadn't gone ahead…"
"You did the best you could based on the information we had," Kushina stated, "If our spies had reported their suspicions about an Iwa-nin camp, you would have been better prepared, yes. But what's done is done. You still have to look after Kakashi and Rin."
"I… You're right," Minato conceded, "I just… Think I could have done more."
"I know," Kushina comforted, "Everyone feels that way, especially when they lose a team-mate. Right now though, I think Kakashi and Rin need you."
"I'll talk to them after the name carving ceremony at the memorial tomorrow," Minato replied, glancing out the window, "I'm just not sure what to tell them…"
"It'll come to you," Kushina responded regaining her husband's attention, "It always does."
Just outside the window of their little house, a shadow flitted by. Neither of the house's occupants noticed the large fox resting under a nearby tree with a tiny orb of light floating next to it. Neither ninja saw the fox watching them with keen interest, its gaze drifting from the floating orb next to it to Kushina and back.
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The war was over and many months of peace passed.
Namikaze Minato had finally been able to take his place as Hokage, an appointment that had been decided on half way through the war. His team had officially split up, Kakashi going into the anbu and Rin going into the medical ninja profession with an apprenticeship.
Kushina had, surprisingly found out she was several months pregnant and due in October. At first she was confused by the doctor's report, but figured the baby must have been conceived some time before her husband's disastrous trip to Kusa.
Neither she nor the doctor saw the large, ghost-like fox that was walking away into the forest, just outside of the hospital window. It was no longer accompanied by the little orb of light.
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It was a bright, sunny day in Konoha. Peace had brought about a new feeling to the village. The laughter of children echoed in the warm, breezy afternoon, adding to the happy atmosphere. However, this great cheeriness was lost on the silent, grieving figure standing in front of the great memorial stone.
A thin, callused hand gently brushed against the stone, sliding down each and every marking before resting on one, particular, engraving.
"Please, before you go… promise…"
You have no idea how painful it was to hear you like that…
"M-my baby cousin… t-take care… of him… for me."
"I swear to, on my life and honor…"
How could I refuse when you were staring at me like that? How could I refuse when…
Sighing Kakashi hesitantly pulled his hand away from the memorial.
It's been rough, these past few months.
I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I could hardly concentrate at all. I couldn't even bring myself to face your family until just a few weeks ago. I'm surprised they were so forgiving.
It should have been me under that boulder… You didn't deserve to die like that… I did… Yet look where I am now…
"Obito," The young man whispered, "I'm sorry… so sorry…"
"Kakashi," A hand rested itself upon the boy's shoulder as a gentle voice broke through, "It wasn't your fault. Please stop blaming yourself. Obito wouldn't have wanted that."
Without turning around, the younger man answered quietly, "I know, Minato-sensei, I know…"
"Yet, you're still doing it." The tall blonde stated.
"I…I still can't believe he's gone," Kakashi admitted, "I keep expecting to hear his loud, annoying voice yelling apologies for being late to our meetings… I guess I'm still waiting for him to jump out of nowhere and yell at me for being an idiot…"
"Kakashi, you need to move on. It's been months…" Minato trailed off uncertainly.
"Sensei, I promised Uchiha Fugaku-san and Uchiha Mikoto-san I'd baby sit Sasuke for them. I'll see you at the meeting tomorrow." The silver haired boy cut the other man off, turning and walking away.
Obito, I'm taking care of little Sasuke for you… Just like I promised…
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The office was in the now in a lull, which was the usual since Konoha entered a period of peace.
Sitting at his desk, Namikaze Minato sighed as he finished up the last of the recent stack of paper work. Leaning back, his mind wandered back to his now disbanded gennin cell. Things are so different now… Rin is still grieving, but the medic-nin program is keeping her busy. She seems to be coping… But Kakashi… He's still blaming himself for Obito's death, although, it's strange… His sudden interest in Fugaku's younger son… It makes absolutely no sense…
His contemplation was broken by a sudden, violent tremor and the sound of footsteps rushing to his door. "Hokage-sama! A-A Demon! It's heading this way! We've tried to stop it but, it's too powerful." A member of the Anbu exclaimed, panting.
"I'm going out, inform Sarutobi-sensei!" Yondaime ordered as he and the anbu rushed out of the tower.
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Carnage was the only way to describe the demon's attack on Konoha. Countless shinobi had rushed into the fight, desperately trying to defeat the creature only to meet their death. It was a battle that went on for days on end as squad after ninja squad worked to delay the demon so that the Yondaime could think of a solution in the midst of the chaos and destruction.
Minato's mind was racing as he rushed back to the battle-field. I don't understand, what's caused this attack? How can I stop this? I've created a seal, but… How could I possibly ask someone to sacrifice their own child?
"Sensei! It's Kushina-san, she's gone into labor! Sandaime-sama has taken her to the hospital, but their having complications! You must hurry!" An anbu, Kakashi, reported frantically.
"I'm going to her, continue to hold off the Kyuubi! I'll be back as soon as I can!" Minato yelled as he rushed off to the hospital. Kami-sama! Why now of all times?! Kushina, please hold on…
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"N-no… Kushina… Please, tell me it's not true!" Minato pleaded.
"Hokage-sama, I'm sorry. The stress of the attack and her labor… It was just too much… " the doctor sighed, shaking his head.
"T-the baby… what happened to the baby?!" Minato asked, desperately. Please, at least let my child live…
"Your son's alive, but… He's just come out of critical condition," The doctor informed the grief stricken man, "Our nurses are tending to him right now. If you like, I can take you to see him."
"Yes, please," Minato replied.
"Follow me," the doctor said as he led the Yondaime down the hall, "Most of our medics are actually on the field to help the shinobi that are fighting the demon, so we're considerably understaffed right now. Hokage-sama, I know this must be a difficult time for you, but please take care of the demon soon. Our hospital is directly on its path…"
"I-I know. I have a solution, I just need time to p-prepare." Minato answered. Kushina… I'm sorry I wasn't here on time… and… I'm sorry for what I'm about to do…
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Obito remembered a cold darkness, then an all encompassing warmth. He had been confused, so confused, yet he felt safe. But now, that warmth was gone and he could feel himself being bounced and jostled about. He could hear screaming and crashing. It terrified him. But no matter how hard he tried, he could not open his eyes.
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Standing upon Gamabunta's head, Minato couldn't do anything to quell the great sense of dread filling his heart as he completed the final seal of the shikifuujin. So many lives lost to this monster… Kushina, please forgive me for what I'm about to do to our child… Naruto, my son, I'm sorry… You did nothing to deserve such a burden… Grow up strong and make me proud…
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Hatake Kakashi was in a perpetual state of mourning over the loss of all of his comrades. First Rin, who'd been killed trying to heal the Anbu squad near the hospital. Then his sensei, who had died just hours ago sealing the demon away. Why?! Why is it like this?! Rin… Minato-sensei… I have to tell Kushina-san…
Trudging to the hospital, Kakashi was stunned to see over half of it completely destroyed. Rushing in, he was relieved to find several medics working tirelessly to help the injured.
"Excuse me, where can I find Namikaze Kushina? She went into labor yesterday," Kakashi asked the head of the hospital.
"Hatake-san," the elderly doctor acknowledged, "I'm sorry, but Namikaze-sama passed away giving birth. Hokage-sama was informed upon his arrival to the hospital this morning."
"W-what?! That can't be," Kakashi whispered in shock, "She can't be gone… W-what about the child? Is it alive?!" It'll be an orphan… Unless… Maybe I can… take care of it…
Shakily pointing to the rubble that was half of the hospital, the head doctor spoke solemnly, "I led Yondaime-sama to the his son's room in the morning and that was the last I saw of the child. The monster's rampage destroyed that wing of the hospital a few hours ago and some of the chemicals in storage caught fire. Even if the child survived the destruction of the building, the fire would have killed it. I'm sorry."
Shaking in grief, Kakashi finally broke down and could only nod as the doctor rushed off to take care of the other injured shinobi. Even his son… A new-born… Kami-sama, why?!
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Waking up, Obito was surprised to hear the irritating sound of a piercing wail. Where is that coming from? Wait, is that… Me?!
The crying continued and try as he might, Obito couldn't control his wayward body. Why can't I turn my head?! Forget that! Why can't I stop crying?! Kami-sama what is going on?!
The sound of rustling caught Obito's attention, although it did nothing to end the wailing. It was difficult for him to see, with the infants eyes screwed tightly shut as the crying continued.
"There, there, little one," A rough, elderly voice comforted as something was inserted into Yuichi's mouth, "No need to cry any longer. Here's your food, child."
Is that Sandaime-sama?! And a bottle?! Yuichi thought in embarrassment as the wailing subsided for his body to eat.
"Now to change your diaper," Sarutobi murmured to the stunned spirit as he began undoing the sides of the nappy, "Hold still, Naruto-kun."
Obito was horrified.
Kami-sama, I'm in hell! Please, please, please tell me this isn't real! It's got to be a nightmare! A big, horrible nightmare!
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(A/N): Well, that was Chapter 2. What did you think? Better? Worse? Is there anything I can do to further improve this story?
Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed. Your input is greatly appreciated!