Kind of a short chapter, but I've been super busy. Anyway, I don't have any drastic life changes planned until September, so I'm gonna try to finish this story by then. This is un-beta'd because I didn't want to make you guys wait any longer, so this chapter may be subject to change. ; ) Gotta get back to work now, I'm on my break. Hope you enjoy, oh and lots of action next chapter! : )

Ch. 2's fight scene has been edited. : )

Disclaimed.

Naruto woke after four hours of sleep to a messenger bird pecking at his window. He hopped out of bed and opened it, accepting the small scroll with a yawn.

It was a summons from Jiji. That probably meant that the team meeting had been moved forward. Naruto quickly made two clones. One went to make breakfast while the other would stay at the apartment for the duration of the mission.

He took a quick shower and got dressed after using a simple wind jutsu to dry himself. A couple minutes later he was geared up and grabbing a sandwich from his clone as he ran out the door. As much as he loved cup ramen, it just wasn't enough to satisfy his appetite anymore.

He went over his clone's memories as he walked through the village, wolfing down his meal at the same time. He was happy to note that Kakashi had actually slept the night before, but Minato had left before Naruto woke up. Why?

He took in the sights as he walked through the village. It was a beautiful morning that was slowly segueing into afternoon. He always did love Hi no Kuni's weather. The village was full of energy and he had to resist the urge to go into sage mode just to be able to feel the chakra of the living villagers.

He got to the tower and kept walking, leisurely strolling up the wall. For his entire stroll he'd ignored the looks of people wondering why an ANBU agent was walking around in broad daylight like a tourist and he continued to do so now. Arriving at his destination, he casually hopped through a window into the Hokage's office, removing his mask as he went.

"Ossu, Jiji."

He nodded at the Sandaime, but his eyes were fixed on the room's other occupants. Kushina was staring at him wide-eyed, looking nauseous while Minato looked deeply disturbed. Jiraiya was leaning against the wall looking grim.

Oh. It wasn't an early team meeting after all. Minato and Kushina apparently had gone to the Sandaime for answers and Sarutobi must have deemed his presence necessary.

He barely kept himself from flinching guiltily, but couldn't help a small grimace. He didn't like seeing them so upset. Unfortunately if he told them the truth they'd be even more upset. He sighed tiredly, running his hand through his hair as he tended to do when he was stressed.

He removed Kakashi's cloth mask. The least he could do was show them his face if he was going to lie to theirs.

Minato's eyes widened at the resemblance Naruto bore to him while Kushina's eyes were fixed unerringly on his possession marks. He took a deep breath, stealing himself for the questions he knew were coming.

Minato's usually clever mind stuttered to a halt. Uzumaki Naruto looked just like him. Naruto's build was bulkier and his face had softer angles than Minato's, but they could have been brothers.

Was it possible that they were somehow distantly related instead? Because Naruto looked nothing like Kushina.

Of course he was probably overreacting. The Yamanaka had a similar coloring and he'd never wondered if he might be related to them.

His attention snapped back into focus when he realized that Kushina was shaking next to him. She looked like she was torn between crying and killing someone. He'd never seen his friend look so upset and he could understand why.

What'd been done to Naruto was sickening. What kind of parent seals something like the kyuubi, or even a portion of kyuubi's chakra, inside a newborn child? And then to be ostracized by his own family, his own clan.

Well, maybe ostracized was a strong word to use, but what else do you call it when a child is raised away from their family and trained from a young age like some sort of weapon.

It sounded like something Danzo would approve of.

And according to the Sandaime, Naruto was the only one who'd ever mastered the Kyuubi's chakra.

No wonder the guy was so different from Minato's expectations. To have mastered that chakra after everything he'd been through implied a great deal of inner strength. Minato was generally considered the strongest nin of his generation, but Naruto was strong in a far more extraordinary way.

Kushina's face finally hardened and she walked toward Naruto with a determined look. Naruto stood somewhat stiffly, obviously unsure of what to expect.

What he got was a bone crushing hug and a Kushina that rambled on about how sorry she was that her clansmen had been idiots and that she was so glad he'd survived, etc...

After a minute Minato had blocked out the sound of his friend's voice. It was a skill he'd acquired after years of pretending to listen to the loudmouthed redhead.

No, at this point what had his attention wasn't his friend's voice but the sight of Kushina and Naruto hugging. Naruto still looked somewhat baffled, but happy. Kushina didn't look like she was letting go any time soon.

And Minato? He was jealous.

There was no other word to describe the twinge in his chest. Not that he wasn't happy for them, but the jealous ache was unmistakeable and something he hadn't felt for awhile.

The only thing he had a hard time pinpointing was what he was most jealous of. Was it that they both had family to find comfort in; something he himself conspicuously lacked?

Or was it simply that he had no one of his own to hold? He'd secretly had feelings for Kushina since they were in the academy together, but nothing was likely to ever come of it. She thought of him as only a friend even at the best of times. He was her 'rival' and probably always would be.

And Naruto? Minato didn't know what to think of him. He was someone who had stormed into his life, demanding his attention effortlessly. Minato was a quiet, polite person, but he didn't form personal attachments very often. He didn't know how to deal with someone he barely knew affecting him so easily.

Of course, being the ANBU captain he was made it easy to keep his inner turmoil from showing outwardly. His stance was relaxed and his face had long since smoothed out from the shock he'd shown at Naruto's appearance.

While he watched the two Naruto looked up from where Kushina's shoulder to stare straight at Minato.

There was something about his expression that he couldn't quite place, some strange intensity that pierced right through him.

Minato realized that he didn't feel left out anymore.

Naruto couldn't believe that the three of them were here together. He'd taken off his mask and somehow it felt like he was meeting them for the first time, as if who he was would show on his face.

It was ridiculous, but that didn't stop him from feeling that way.

Naruto blinked, belatedly realizing that he was staring at Minato. The man returned his stare calmly, and for the life of him Naruto had no idea what he was thinking.

Naruto finally looked down, letting his bangs hide his eyes as he gave Kushina one last squeeze. He stepped back slowly, hands still on her shoulders.

The woman had a fierce look on her face, showing just how strongly she felt about the mistreatment he'd received. She was beautiful. He felt bad about letting her think that he'd been neglected by the Uzumaki clan, but given how angry she looked perhaps it was better than revealing the truth.

He didn't want her to resent the village she fought to protect.

He looked back and forth from Kushina to Minato and almost wanted to cringe at how young they seemed. He knew they were anything but innocent, but seeing them like this and realizing that his parents had given their own lives only seven years later made him feel a rush of protectiveness towards the younger ninja.

Kushina was so spirited, she truly reminded him of Sakura. And himself of course. Minato on the other hand, somehow reminded him of Sasuke without the constant edge. Even though he projected a calm confidence, his eyes would occasionally darken like the surface of the ocean during a storm.

Naruto shot a glance at the man before looking back at Kushina. No, it wasn't just Sasuke Minato reminded him of, either. How could he have missed it? The way he'd seen him smile and joke with his comrades while he was off-duty was eerily similar to how Naruto used to be.

It was easier to try to put others at ease than to be honest. He used to distract his friends so they wouldn't see how lonely he was. But doing so kept them at a distance and during the war there hadn't been any room for pretenses. He'd still joked and bantered, but it became pointless to shield the others from his emotional turmoil.

By that point confiding in and comforting each other became a matter of survival and he could honestly say that he'd relied on his comrades as much as they'd relied on him in that area, maybe more. It had been those bonds that had brought them together and made them stronger than ever before...although in the end it hadn't been enough to stem the tide.

Had his father been like that too? He didn't think so. So why was this Minato different?

He didn't know enough to answer that question yet, but something must have shown in his expression because the next thing he knew Kushina's face was barely an inch away from his. She peered up at him worriedly as he resisted the urge to move away.

"Are you okay, Naruto?"

He smiled, subtly stepping around the young woman as he went to stand in front of the Hokage.

"I'm fine, Kushina-chan. You don't have to worry, I'm not angry about being made a jinchuuriki anymore. I get along pretty well with Kurama and having someone always around to back me up has saved my life a number of times.

You could say that as long as I have him with me, I know that I'll never be alone."

His smile turned gentle as he spoke of his companion.

Kushina looked skeptical, but Minato was the one who responded.

"...Kurama?"

Naruto grinned at the man somewhat ferally.

"That's kyuubi's real name."

He paused thoughtfully for a moment before snapping his fingers.

"I know! Would you like to meet him?"

He ignored the horrified looks he was given (Sandaime seemed content to watch, puffing on his pipe as usual) and quickly formed a bunshin before letting kyuubi take control of it.

The clone's eyes turned to red slits as its whisker marks lengthened. A moment later and Kurama raised an eyebrow, casting a sly glance at Naruto.

'Using me as a distraction, eh Naruto?'

Naruto smiled back a little sheepishly. Over the years Kurama's constant mocking had turned into a teasing that helped keep Naruto from taking himself, and his life, too seriously.

The demon had brought him back from the brink of despair more than once with a well-placed barb.

Before he could think of a response a fist came down on his head. He must have been more affected by the situation than he thought if he'd forgotten that Jiraiya was there.

He glared at the older man while he rubbed his head, pouting.

Jiraiya's face was taken over by a scowl of almost comic proportions.

"Dammit Naruto, how many times have I told you not to bring out kyuubi around people without warning! Are you trying to give them a heart attack?"

Naruto just glared even harder while kyuubi watched the show with amusement.

"I did give a warning, you damned pervert! And as for scaring anyone, the four nin most capable of handling Kurama besides me are all standing in this room right now! What's there to be worried about?"

Jiraiya gave a long-suffering sigh, shaking his head at his student's antics while Kurama scoffed at the idea of anyone 'handling' him.

"You-! What are you laughing at, dattebane?"

Kushina's already inflamed temper seemed to be nearing the boiling point, fists clenched at her side as she stared at kyuubi hatefully.

Kurama regarded her appraisingly for a moment before dismissing her from his gaze.

"Just be glad you're Naruto's relative, little girl."

Kushina started to attack the obviously uninterested Kurama but was stopped by Naruto, who appeared before her and placed a quelling hand on her shoulder.

"The Kurama in me and the one in you had different experiences. The bijuu you see is different from the one you knew."

Naruto leaned forward and whispered in Kushina's ear.

"He fought just as hard as I did to save you, without his help it wouldn't have been possible. At least give him a chance before you judge."

He pulled back to see Kushina; eyes wide, a look of confusion adorning her features.

Naruto smiled at her patiently while Kurama just hmphed, easily picking up on the conversation.

Kushina's jaw clenched before she grunted a reluctant 'fine.'

Satisfied, Naruto turned back to Kurama, sending him a stern look.

'You know how easily riled up she is. Seriously, sometimes I think that you picked up some of my childishness along the way.'

Kurama merely glared at him in annoyance.

'You try being sealed inside a couple of idiots for over a quarter-century and see how childish it makes you.'

They held each others' gaze for a moment before Naruto started laughing uproariously.

He walked up to Kurama and slung an arm around his shoulder companionably.

'Ah, you know you love me.'

Naruto grinned and Kurama snorted again.

'In your dreams, brat.'

Minato, who had been silent up to now, cleared his throat loudly.

Naruto realized that he'd been silent for the entire time he'd been joking with Kurama.

Naruto removed his arm, stepping to the side so he could look the younger man in the eyes. He chuckled a bit, scratching the back of his head.

"Sorry about that. We don't usually talk out loud. Any questions?"

Minato was the first to respond.

"Is your seal affected when you release him like this?"

Kurama grinned at him hungrily, apparently deciding to answer the question himself.

"The seal is the strongest available, the Uzumaki's shiki fuin. And it stays unlocked."

Minato's brow furrowed and he turned to Naruto.

"Is that safe?"

Naruto smiled reassuringly.

"Kurama's my partner, my aibo. True, he can be a little blood-thirsty at times, but we respect each other. I don't use his chakra without permission and he doesn't kill humans without mine."

Minato pursed his lips thoughtfully before turning to Kurama.

"And you agree to this?"

Kurama was back to looking amused.

"If I didn't I certainly wouldn't have played along for the past five years."

Minato didn't seem convinced and Kurama shot a glance at Naruto before sighing.

"I've watched over Naruto since the day he was born. I know better than anyone how much he wants the ninja world to change for the better. I would prefer he didn't get himself killed pursuing that goal, but he'd fight me if I tried to solve things by just killing everyone involved."

Kurama glared at Minato, looking aggrieved.

"He's one of only two humans that I'll acknowledge as worth my time and the other's long dead."

The bijuu possessed clone's grin turned menacing.

"So keep in mind that if you get him killed you'll have to deal with me."

Before anyone could respond he turned to Naruto.

"It's been awhile since I've been out outside of combat. I'm going to take a look around."

He disappeared in a flash of red light while everyone else looked at Naruto in alarm. He just shrugged, a fond smile on his lips.

"Don't worry, he knows how to avoid being noticed. He's probably just gonna enjoy his freedom a bit, and maybe do a little recon. Despite the way he talks, he's fairly amenable as long as he's left alone."

Minato cocked an eyebrow.

"And if he's not left alone?"

Naruto blinked and shrugged again.

"They'd have to catch up to him first. And even then, he can just dispel my clone. He wont fight without me, he has no reason to."

The certainty in his voice forestalled any further questions on that topic for the time being.

In the silence, it was Kushina who spoke next.

"Did you grow up alone, Naruto? Sandaime told us that you were raised outside of Uzushiogakure, but not by whom."

Naruto cursed internally. He'd known the questions were inevitable, even Kurama could only distract them from their curiosity for so long.

He turned to her with a deep sigh.

"I grew up alone after I was old enough to leave the orphanage. Some friends of my parents checked up on me from time to time, but they were usually pretty busy.

Eventually I was trained in the ninja arts by a couple of my parent's closest comrades."

He couldn't look her in the eyes. He just couldn't. He swallowed with difficulty before slowly raising his eyes to hers.

"Eventually I made friends, comrades of my own. I got stronger in order to protect them...but that was before the village was destroyed."

He swallowed hard and grit his teeth, trying to keep from crying. To them this must seem like an old story, but he'd witnessed the demise of his village barely days before. He was still in mission mode, otherwise he would have broken down already. The only thing keeping him from succumbing to the empty feeling in his chest was Kurama and a vague sort of hope that he'd see his friends, or people like them, alive someday if he survived long enough.

He took a ragged breath, dragging his hand through his hair in a futile attempt to calm down.

Something must have helped though, because after a moment he was able to continue.

"Even now, it's only because of Kurama that I can keep going. I just hope to be able to keep this village from ending up the same way."

There was a deep silence that was unbroken for what seemed like an eternity before Minato filled it.

"Sandaime-sama said that you'd been spying on a group of S-rank nuke-nin. Should I assume that they're the ones you think might try to destroy Konoha?"

Naruto's stomach unclenched at the return to familiar territory.

He hesitated a moment before answering.

"It's not that simple. Kurama's chakra allows him, and by extension me, to sense evil intent. The stronger it is the easier it is to sense. There are several powerful ninja who have caught my attention, but I'm most worried about the man who intends to use them.

He hasn't gathered them together yet; he's still waiting for the right pawn to take the leader's position. But I don't doubt that it's only a matter of time before he finds or creates one."

Minato's brow furrowed in puzzlement.

"Creates?"

Naruto pursed his lips, blonde brows furrowing in thought.

"He's a manipulator and an opportunist. In order to accomplish his goals, he wont hesitate to take advantage of the chaos created by the war to sway people to his cause. He can easily arrange situations that will make his targets susceptible to suggestion. I've experienced it myself, when you're drowning in despair his ideals start to sound disturbingly rational."

He very carefully didn't think of the fact that he'd failed to protect Hinata like he'd promised Neji.

"But the reality is that the ninja world has enough darkness in it to deliver people into his hands without him having to lift a finger. He hasn't had to look far to find followers."

Minato's face was grim, easily comprehending the dangerousness of such an individual.

"Who is he?"

Naruto sighed, looking around cautiously. Sandaime was already activating privacy seals before he could finish his survey.

Naruto thought carefully before revealing his knowledge. He couldn't risk his awareness of Madara's existence getting out. He had no doubt that Madara was already using Hashirama's clones to spy on the Elemental Nations and was involved in the current war. Had Pein and Konan already joined him? He knew that Akatsuki had been hired by Iwa in the Third Shinobi War, but he didn't know when.

He looked into the eyes of the four nin in the room with him and saw nothing but determination and trust. Even Kushina seemed to have realized the magnitude of the situation and he trusted her not to accidentally let slip something this important. There was always torture to worry about, but they needed to know of the threat...

To be certain it was safe, he closed his eyes and slipped easily into sage mode. He heard the shocked intakes of breath from around him, but stayed focused on locating any spies or chakra devices that might be present.

There was nothing but an ANBU that he was almost certain was a root ninja speeding towards Danzo's chakra signature. Well, it seemed that his identity as a jinchuuriki wouldn't stay secret long. Fortunately, he hadn't expected it to. He was more worried that Danzo would made a move on Kushina while she was weakened. He'd have to leave an extra clone behind to make sure the war hawk didn't try anything.

He should have set privacy seals much sooner. Naruto shook his head in consternation and dropped out of sage mode to find the others staring at him. Well, at least Sandaime and Jiraiya weren't being blatant about it. He ignored them in favor of saying something even more shocking.

"Uchiha Madara."

He could hear Jiraiya straighten from where he'd returned to leaning against the wall while Sandaime's pipe had disappeared, the man looking uncharacteristically grim. Kushina was just blinking in shock and confusion while Minato seemed to be thinking furiously.

Naruto decided to head off their inevitable questions as quickly as possible.

"He somehow managed to survive his battle with the Shodai. He also managed to get a sample of the Shodai's DNA that he's used to sustain himself. He's created spies from the Shodai's cells that he calls Zetsu. He's using these advantages to spy on and manipulate events in the Elemental Nations. Unfortunately, I'm still in the process of working out the details."

Both Sandaime and Jiraiya were tense by the time he finished. They probably weren't happy that he hadn't revealed this information to them first.

But they couldn't say anything at the moment without making it obvious that they hadn't known. That would be bound to make the teens suspicious.

He had a feeling he would be getting a lecture later, but for now he focused on Minato who looked like he was almost done processing what he'd been told.

"Do you have any idea where he is? Wouldn't the simplest way to stop him be to just find him and eliminate the threat?"

Naruto ran a hand through his hair, the left corner of his lips quirking ironically.

"It'd be nice if it were that simple, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, not everything Madara's done is harmful. As he's sought to control the other ninja I mentioned, he also keeps them from wreaking havoc on their own. He may seem like an agent of chaos, but he has his reasons for what he's done.

If we kill Madara it will only delay the inevitable, not stop it. As twisted as he is, even he doesn't want things to deteriorate that far. He just wants the violence to end.

That doesn't mean I agree with how he's gone about it, but if we kill him it'll just prove that he's right about his way being the only way to bring peace."

Kushina finally spoke up.

"His way?"

Naruto nodded grimly.

"He wants to create a permanent genjutsu that will create a perfect world that only he will be able to control. At first I thought he just wanted the power, and that may be part of it, but I think more than that he wants to end death once and for all."

Kushina was livid at the idea, her hair practically rising behind her in her anger.

"But that's not living! If people can't make their own decisions, what's the point! If he's going to go that far, then why not just destroy everything?"

Naruto merely nodded again calmly. By that time, he'd walked over the lean against the wall not too far from where Jiraiya was standing. For this conversation, he wanted the man's presence to keep him steady.

"There are people that think like that, too. And others who would use weapons to keep the peace by force, destroying entire villages when necessary to maintain control. Then still others who act as carrion birds, feasting off the despair of the weak to empower only themselves. Madara's plan is horrible, but it's not the worst I've come across."

Kushina had turned somewhat pale, but instead of breaking down she gritted her teeth together in frustration. She might have been in shock, but she was the type to get angry when she felt threatened, not give in.

Minato on the other hand had returned to being pensive.

"...How do you know all this?"

Naruto resisted the urge to chew on his lip nervously.

"I...met one of those that Madara had brought to his side. He explained it to me very succinctly before he tried to kill me."

The room grew silent again as Naruto waited for someone to speak. Surprisingly, this time it was Jiraiya who stared at him with a look of searching intensity that he'd never seen from his own mentor.

"If you understand the need for something to be done, but don't agree with his methods what do you intend to do instead?"

Naruto smiled then and it was a peaceful smile that he hadn't indulged in for a very long time. He'd lost a lot in getting to where he was and couldn't even begin to say that he was ready to move on, but... Standing here surrounded by loved ones he'd previously thought gone forever gave him more hope for the future than he'd had in years.

"I don't know, but I know that there are no simple answers and that it's not something I can do alone. As long as people want the same things, to protect their loved ones and to lead peaceful lives, then there will be a way for them to understand each other. If I can remind people of that then it wont just be something I have to figure out by myself.

It'll be an answer we can find together.

It's not going to be perfect. Peace is something that people are always going to have to strive to maintain and build upon, but I think it's worth the trouble...don't you?"

Jiraiya nodded, giving him a calculating look.

"And you think you can bring that about?"

Naruto looked at the older man determinedly, eyes flashing.

"I wont give up until I do."

There was another silence, a contemplative one this time, before Sandaime cleared his throat.

"Regardless of who's behind it, our first priority is the war. Team Kitsune is leaving on a mission this afternoon and I need to speak to Jiraiya and Naruto after this. Kushina-kun, it's good to see you've been recovering quickly. I look forward to when you return to taking missions."

He smiled placidly, pipe clenched firmly between his lips once again.

"When can I return to active duty?"

Kushina demanded hotly. Even though she'd just been released from the hospital, she was already impatient to begin taking missions again.

Sandaime smiled turned placating, apparently he had a lot of experience dealing with hot-tempered women.

"That'll depends on what your doctor says, but as long you don't overwork yourself I'm sure it wont take long."

Kushina hmphed before stalking out of the room without waiting for Minato.

Minato was giving Naruto a considering look that made him uncomfortable. Still, rather than comment he merely walked after Kushina silently.

The moment the door was closed, Naruto was confronted with a glaring Jiraiya. Even Sarutobi's eyebrows were knit while a frown marred his usually serene countenance.

"You were the one who said you didn't want them to know! Are you trying to blow your cover? And it would have been nice if you mentioned Madara and that whole Kyuubi-clone thing beforehand!"

Having exhausted his annoyance Jiraya heaved a heavy sigh and face-palmed.

"If you're this brash even after being Hokage for a couple years, I shudder to imagine what you were like as a child."

To punctuate his words he did shudder, his long bushy hair swaying behind him with the motion.

Naruto just smiled fondly, briefly overcome by memories of the man before him.

"And yet you spent three years training this idiot. Guess I learned it from you."

Jiraiya shook his head.

"Don't say things like that, you'll make me feel sorry for myself and the great Jiraiya-sama never indulges in self-pity!"

He punctuated his words with what he surely thought was a heroic pose, left hand on his hip and right fist extended above him. This time it was Naruto's turn to face-palm. 'Well, at least that sentence started out making sense.'

"Naruto."

Sandaime's calm, stern voice easily cut away all distractions. Naruto came to attention, waiting for his leader's rebuke. After years of broken bones from Tsunade, he had finally learned how to act somewhat formal when necessary. It had later helped a great deal when he had to attend meetings with foreign dignitaries as Hokage. 'Although I didn't get to do much of that during the war,' he thought a little bitterly.

"I understand that you trust those two and that this situation is difficult for you, but tell us first before you reveal sensitive information in the future."

The Sandaime's voice was understanding and soft and Naruto cringed, feeling like a kid again. He'd never met anyone as good at making a person feel ashamed of themselves as his Jiji. Konohamaru and he had often shared anecdotes about encounters with the old man's 'grand-fatherly disappointment.'

With effort, he kept from thinking further about his protege, refocusing on Sarutobi.

"...Sorry."

He said a little sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I just figured they'd need to know eventually..."

Hiruzen sighed.

"It's fine, just let us know next time so we're not taken by surprise. I'm too young to have a heart-attack. Has anyone ever told you that you have a tendency to surprise people?"

Naruto grinned smugly.

"Only everyone who's ever met me."

Jiraiya snorted.

"We can talk about Madara when you get back from your mission, brat. Now go get some rest before you leave, you look like you haven't slept well in months."

Naruto ran a weary hand through his spiky hair.

"Probably because I haven't," he responded a bit morosely.

A perverted smile slowly spread across the sage's face.

"If you need a bed time story to help you sleep, I have just the thing..."

Naruto wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"Ugh, no. After having to read lurid sex scenes written with the worst grammar imaginable, multiple times I might add, I've lost all appetite for pornography. Damn grammar pervert."

Jiraiya expression morphed from confiding to outraged in an instant.

"Blasphemy! My Icha Icha only gets better through rereading, even the rough drafts are sexy! Any of my fans would agree."

Naruto snorted.

"I don't know about that, but I can think of one future fan that would agree with you. But if you try to corrupt Kakashi before he's of age, I'll tell Kushina and let her deal with you. I wouldn't be surprised if the punishment involved a date between your family jewels and a rusty knife."

Jiraiya turned pale, hands cupping himself protectively.

"Kunoichi are always so scary, even when a guy's just trying to have a little fun...but then, that's what makes them so sexy. I wonder is Tsunade-hime would be jealous if I asked Kushina-kun on a date..."

Jiraiya's face bore a strange cross between a grimace and a leer, but at least he seemed to have gotten the message. Whether he would remember it, however...

Naruto just shook his head, before walking towards the door.

"Later."

He waved over his shoulder with his right hand, while the left pulled his mask up. Kakashi really had known all the best ways to irritate people if the sputtering coming from behind him was any indication. He'd have to make sure to be a good role-model for the kid in that area. It just wouldn't be right if Kakashi didn't grow up to be 'hip.'

To his surprise, Minato stood waiting for him outside the Hokage's office patiently. Somehow he'd spent most of his time with Minato since he'd come to this Konoha, and surprisingly the man's presence was turning out to be a balm for his wounds. He was quiet but not broodingly so and constantly aware of the feelings of those around him. Even if Minato didn't fully trust him yet he got the feeling that they would develop an easy camaraderie given enough time.

But first he had to gain the other shinobi's trust.

Minato fell into step and walked out of the building, a silent shadow by his side. He could tell that the man had something on his mind but wanted to wait until they were alone to ask.

He turned toward the third training ground instinctively, going to sit on a big rock by the water that had miraculously remained there until Nagato's attack on the village. After Sasuke had left he'd sometimes gone there to think and listen to the water...mostly when he hadn't been in the mood to sit on the Yondaime's stone head.

Now he was sitting here with the man who would have become the Yondaime. Kami-sama had a twisted sense of humor.

He sat and listened to the water, letting the familiar surroundings lull him as he waited for his companion to gather his thoughts. He'd already send a clone to scout the area, so he wasn't worried about eavesdroppers; not even Zetsu could hide from sage mode.

"...How long have you known Jiraiya?"

The question was unexpected. Was Minato doubting the story he'd been given? Naruto wouldn't be surprised, the man had proven to be exceptionally observant.

"For years, why?"

Minato turned his even gaze towards Naruto.

"I've known Jiraiya for a long time and I've never seen him act like that with someone he didn't know well."

His gaze turned pensive.

"On the other hand, I also know him well enough to know when he's acting. He may be a spy-master, but he's never been good at deceiving his comrades. You seem to have that in common with him."

Minato's gaze pierced him. Naruto waited, barely breathing, for the question he knew was coming. He wouldn't be able to lie, not to Minato.

But the question never came. He stared back at Minato, struggling to keep his face blank.

After a minutes of silence, Minato sighed, relaxing and leaning back on his palms.

"I'm not going to make you tell me. I haven't been able to think of an explanation that makes sense, but I trust Sarutobi and Jiraiya's judgment."

Minato gave Naruto that considering look again, like he was taking his measure.

"...And I feel like I can trust you too for some reason."

For a moment, his loneliness flashed in the man's eyes before he looked away.

"So I'll wait for you to tell me on your own."

Naruto struggled for a moment, caught between speaking and remaining silent.

Finally he settled for a muffled 'thanks' as he stared down at his feet.

He might be powerful and knowledgeable in ways that most people weren't, but it was times like these when he felt truly humbled by those around him.

He leaned back with a sigh, watching the clouds drift lazily by. The river burbled along with the clouds and he slipped into slumber as Minato sat quietly next to him.

Finally, he felt like he had come home.