Naruto was walking back to their house, he wouldn't be surprised if he didn't find anyone there. His father would still be usually at his office..Work-a-holic. His walk suddenly slowed down, he doesn't want to go back again into an empty house and stay there alone.

The sun, just like followed his actions and is setting down rather slowly. The blue, bright sky was slowly dying down, as it turned rather yellowish to a bit of orange..and slowly turns to a rather dark sky. He stopped on his tracks and watched the dark sky, he just stared at it.

He hoped he could spend more time with his friends, but still, they have their own life to manage. Then it came to him.. He wanted to see his dad, just even catch a mere glance on Minato, and know he's still there.

He found himself walking towards the Hokage tower, there were ANBUs outside. When they saw Naruto, they just nodded to Naruto and gestured a hand which signals that he is allowed to come in. He felt his legs quivered and walked a little slow, much slower than last time.

He doesn't know why, a part of him says he shouldn't go here, but he's already here, might as well make it to the spot.

Still in the Hokage's office, were Jiraiya and Minato.

"Naruto..." his sensei said with anger rosing up, the room was filled with silence, the cold air brushes down on Minato's skin, Minato felt the something cold reach down his spine, it scared him. "We need to talk about Naruto, who was your son.."

Minato's grin disappeared, from his usual grin upon Jiraiya's arrival, his face turned blank, almost readless. Jiraiya's frown deepened, Minato has really changed.

He slowly walked forward to the Yondaime, even if he was now releasing a mere amount of Killer Intent, he intended to still show him the little respect he has left. They were quiet for a moment. Minato slightly flinched at the small amount of Killer intent radiating from Jiraiya.

He doesn't understand why would his sensei liked to talk about his son, and wondered what's up with Jiraiya? Never mind the statement, he just glared at his sensei as if he wasn't even welcome there.

"What about him?" Minato asked bluntly, releasing his own killer intent. Jiraiya was gritting his teeth in anger, he is clenching his fist. The way Minato responded, it's like Naruto was a stranger to him. He slammed his clenched fist at his table that it cracked, the paper works that was arranged there were dropped to the floor by the impact.

"Minato! You've really changed! Oh Kami! He was never really a son to you is he?" shouted Jiraiya angrily, Minato showed a bit of emotion with what Jiraiya just said, Shock. "Sensei, I am still the Minato you know.. Naruto, is my son.." Minato replied hesitantly, his voice was mixed with shock and almost anger..

Jiraiya just look dumbfounded for a sudden and then he wanted to shout but couldn't mouth the exact words to say, because he has many things to scold to his student, hoping it to fit in his fair mind.

"No! You've changed, Where's the Minato who was excited for his child and ensures he'll be loved? Where's the Minato who is passionate to every people especially the ones needy? And where is the Minato who swore to his wife that he'll love their child up to his fullest even the after life? Would you care to prove that you haven't change when the only answer to my questions is simply 'He's Gone' and how is Naruto your son when you simply ignored him all these years? Kami..I am very disappointed in you.." stated Jiraiya filling the air with anger, his eyes were full of anguish..Minato could just stare wide eyes at his sensei.

Sure, Minato mentioned those, what's got into his ownself? But then again, he was utterly confused why would his sensei suddenly bring up this topic.

"I know I said those things, but events turned out difficult sensei..I hope you understand.." Minato said lowering his head and his voice was soft. Jiraiya on the otherhand wasn't fairing too well with the answer.

"And how is it that Naruto should be the one suffering when he doesn't have any idea why you're being like this..it's too shameful to count the numerous events that he encountered being more complicated and difficult than what you are stating. He grew up alone trying to gain acknowledgement from others because of the burden you have placed on him, and yet you acquired these things much easier. He works hard as a shinobi, promising he'll die protecting this village for them to foresee that he is indeed not the Kyuubi himself.." countered Jiraiya as he stared at Minato for several seconds.

He heard choking sounds or more like sobbing, but not actually. Minato's lips were quivering and he was gripping at Kushina's picture.

"The Kyuubi..He...Kushina...Dead..Seal..My s-son.." was the panicking response of the Yondaime, gripping at the picture frame which holds Kushina's image with one hand and the other hand clutching at his hair as if he has a terrible head ache..Jiraiya however perfectly understood what his student was trying to say. Did Minato actually thought his son was the Kyuubi? Is he going crazy or getting foolish, no exact explanation.

The only thing that was on Jiraiya's perverted little mind right now was to get Minato snap back to reality. Oh Kami..this would need precise words to speak off. All he can do right now is give his wisdom and understanding to his student to be able to help him.

Both Jiraiya's and Minato's minds were both filled with confusion, they didn't sense someone eavesdropping by the door, a little orange-clad ninja who was focusing chakra to his ears only enough to hear the conversation.

"Minato, Have you really thought Naruto was the Kyuubi?" Jiraiya asked, his voice was hoarsed and full of sadness. Then with that question, Minato was like struck by a thousand daggers, that question has made an impact, though his face got gloomy, as if he has sudden mood changes.

"I did.." was the reply and before he could finish what he has to say, he felt a fist make contact with his cheek and in a few seconds he was send flying slamming into the wall. Naruto, who was currently listening, stormed off from the tower and found himself didn't want to hear more, running as fast as he could. He wasn't crying, but he was terribly hurt.

Back at the office.. "Sensei, I know why you did that, but I was trying to say I did once! I tried to ignore him to get that idea out of my ridiculous mind!" protested Minato rubbing his bruised cheek.

"I am very disappointed that you have once thought of your son being the Kyuubi! YOU! You were the one who sealed that horrible monster in him you should have known better! And don't you feel rather guilty that he's been mistreated all his life for carrrying that burden you have given him since he was ever born? And did you ever say sorry to him for making him a monster in the very eyes of every villager? He grew up alone, Arashi.. You've been gone for 8 years, you came back and just ignored him.. He tried his very best to be the perfect son he could be for you but what? You just trashed him and made him feel like he really deserved what he's been getting. You've been really worst!" Jiraiya exclaimed while holding Minato by the collar of his shirt.

With all the air he got trying to debate why would Minato think about his son like that when he was the source of all this burden? Fuck. He even called Minato, Arashi, Jiraiya only calls his student by that nickname when he really hate Minato's guts at the moment, but now he really emphasized that name with all he got. And he dropped Minato to the ground.

"He wasn't your son, maybe by blood but not in nature.." Jiraiya said frustratingly, crouching down at Minato to stare at him at eye level. They both stood up at the same time. Jiraiya sighed, he felt someone's presence a minute ago, although he couldn't point out yet who it was. The matter at hand should be the first thing he needs to handle.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Minato with his icy voice, it was so cold that Jiraiya could feel the tension suddenly rising up, but it didn't bother him.

It was Minato's fault after all.

"As I said, you were never a father to him, maybe by blood. You've become a freaking cold witty person. And formalities? Minato-sama? Naruto-san? Are you by any chance related to the Hyuugas who are cold as a mule even to your family?" Jiraiya protested for Minato sounding like Jiraiya wasn't telling the truth..

"He told you, didn't he?" Minato asked, his voice somehow sounded like defeat.

"Yes." was the answer.

"I've always been a father to him, don't judge me like that, you never had a son..I feed him, I provided him shelter, education and needs.. Isn't that what fathers are supposed to do? And now tell me HOW was I not a father to him?" was the terrible excuse Jiraiya has ever heard, Has Minato grown a second head or what? This really sounds ridiculous coming from a man who should be wiser than this as anyone thinks.

"Crap! Crap! Crap! Have you been listening to what you have been just saying a minute ago? I wish Kushina was here to knock some sense out of you! She could've beaten the fuck out of you by this very moment! She longed for that child when she is still pregnant, she would be very mad and disappointed if she knew you ignored your child. What you just said right now was just half of your responsibilities being a father! Oh Kami, Arashi..The child needs love, attention, and care.. Even without proper shelter, food or education, the child will grow happy with just you and that he knows you terribly care for him, the child wouldn't grow into what he is right now if he got the proper care every child needed. You've been making a very big disappointment out of yourself Arashi!" muttered Jiraiya breathing heavily afterwards.

He really needed to say that. He sank back down to his seat and sighed. Minato was rather shocked at the sudden outburst of his sensei, his eyes suddenly widen in at Jiraiya's words, especially when Jiraiya mentioned Kushina, he felt guilty that he didn't keep his promise, but still he can't avoid the fact how he feel oblivious about his frustration when he see Naruto and the fact that he reminds him so much of his wife.

"I am sorry, sensei..I was blinded by the depression of my wife's death..I really missed her, I wanted to be with her so badly.. I was getting angry every time I see Kushina in Naruto, loud, annoying..And then Kyuubi..The day he attacked, the day my wife was killed during the attack. I blamed it on him..I know, I deserve to be beaten by her at this moment, I really missed that part about her. I have buried myself in work to make this pain go away.. It just hurts too much..And I think I'll think about what you said.." Minato said slowly as tears were flowing freely down his cheeks.

He haven't also cried for a while now. He sunk into his knees, burying his face in his hands, he sobbed there. Jiraiya patted him on the shoulder, his face shows that he's not yet convinced for such selfish reasons.

"But Arashi, that wasn't enough for a reason for you to put more burden on Naruto, he has already got enough burden upon Kyuubi being sealed inside of him..I am very sad for your child though, he can't take more of this pain anymore, he's just thirteen for crying out loud! He doesn't deserve these.. He certainly not. I wish you weren't too late. You know what he has become today?" Minato just shook his head as he wiped his tears, he sat on his seat behind the table and sighed.

He knows that at this moment Jiraiya hates him, really hates him. 'Will you hate me too Kushina?' he said in the back of his mind as his gaze travelled to the image of his wife once again.

"Well, he became desperate. He let his emotions flood inside him, he won't let it out easily. Don't be surprised if he finally snaps out. He may become mentally unstable throughout these, the child has suffered enough. Again, he's just a child, he wouldn't last for long.." continued Jiraiya sadly, Minato could only listen right now. His eyes were staring wide at his own clenching fists.

He thought he knows what he is doing, but as soon Jiraiya seized those words to perk up in his ears, he found out that he find his actions rather doubtful now. "I'll think about it.."

"Jeez, I hate you. Fine think about it, but I don't believe in second chances. I better go, maybe you can go home right now, at least start making it up to him, a son doesn't just pop out on your doorstep, you know? Goodbye, Arashi.." Jiraiya said grabbing the doorknob and stopped on his tracks to hear

"There are no second chances, but obviously there is forgiveness. Thank You, sensei, I'll really think about what you said. And it's Minato, sensei, not Arashi.." was the clear response of his student earning a low chuckle from Jiraiya.

"Better do. Think about it, you'll never realize what you have till' you don't have it..Arashi, I'll always be calling you that until you have proved to me you don't deserve such.." and that he continued his way to the hall and began storming off the tower.

Minato chuckled inwardly, Yep! Maybe he deserved that one. He stood up and gathered the papers and arranged them in his desk.

He smiled sadly and headed out of the tower. He was walking through the streets and heard his stomach grumbling and first stopped at a restaurant and ordered a takeout of Sushi and ignored the confused looks from the villagers who have been bowing to him everytime he meet their gaze.

He drifted his way to his house, When was the last time he went home not this late? Ohh. Right, he has always spent his entire time at his office and only comes home to clean his self up.

He frowned, noting all Jiraiya's lecture a while ago that maybe he's right? A child does not just appear in front of you and say 'I'm your baby', one sentence is really screaming on the back of his mind.

'I really need to think about it..'

In the dark illuminating streets of Konoha, a boy was running, staring to his left and right with his blue eyes which holds sadness. His father did thought he was the Kyuubi. Now he knows, His father hates him, that's why no matter how hard he try, he didn't bother to acknowledge him.

He has so many thoughts rushing up to his mind that he lost focus and bumped into someone. He blinked twice to find he bumped into his sensei. Kakashi eyed on Naruto for a moment then he pocketed his orange book and offered a hand on Naruto who is still sitting on the ground rubbing his head. Naruto accepted the hand and stood up and dusted his clothing.

"Sorry about that Kakashi-sensei! I was just rushing my way home and kinda lost focus and there..I also bumped into you..He he?" Naruto explained as he grinned sheepishly, Kakashi knew better and asked.

"What's the problem?" asked Kakashi hastily, Naruto looked confusedly at his sensei.

"What do you mean sensei? Did Sakura or Sasuke talked to you?" asked Naruto back as Kakashi crouch down and stared at him on the same eye level, his visible eye narrowed at the blonde kid who's grin is still present.

"Naruto, drop the annoying grin, I know you have a problem.." he stated, Naruto suddenly looked dumbfounded and drop the big grin and frowned sadly. His lower lip began to quiver and hugged his sensei and began to cry harder and harder, while the only thing that Kakashi could do now is let his student cry on his chest, patting him on the back and ignored that his vest was starting to soak wet.

"Ka-Kakashi-sens-sei..Why does it hurt? It really hu-hurts so m-much..It feels more p-painful than the be-beatings of t-the villagers I h-ha-have ever received..It really h-hurts..Ev-every hat-hatred, every rejection, e-every resentments and the fact that I need to be l-lonely, ALONE..It really hurts..I..I..I can't take it anymore, why are most people like this? Can't I be once practically be normal for once? Is that so much to ask? I am really tired..Really, really, really Tired.." he reasoned out while sobbing in his sensei's chest, yet, that was how he really feel, and felt his sensei hug him tighter.

"I am sorry Naruto, I can feel your pain, but I can't do more than that although I'll be always here when you needed me.." said Kakashi as they stayed like that for whole long fifteen minutes. Naruto pulled back from Kakashi's hug and wiped his tears slowly and smiled wryly.

"Arigatou, Kakashi-sensei, that felt better.." Naruto said as he massage the surroundings of his eyes because they sore..

"Anytime when you need to, just be sure to bring some tissues next time okay? I can't afford to let my vest being soaked all the time.." said Kakashi with sarcasm yet he half meant it. Naruto chuckled at this and put his hands on the back of his head and grinned.

"Yep! Thanks again. I'll keep that advice in mind.." and he drifted away running, Kakashi watched Naruto, Oh boy. His day suddenly turned from weirder to a bit sad day to end with. He brought out his lecherous book and walked to his own path reading it. The last thing that was heard was his sigh.

Naruto arrived at the front gate of their house, rather his father's house. He breathe heavily for a second or two then grinned foxily.

He entered the gates and walked slowly in their house, his eyes widened when he saw that lights were lit up inside the house. Did someone manage to break in? No, his father will leave at least two ANBUs to stand guard for the house.

Wait a minute..No. It couldn't be his father, his father would never go back home this early and would always go back in the afternoon if he just needed to get supplies or clean his self. He doesn't even meet him in the morning only to end up waking up alone. But anyways, if someone break in.. Who would dare break into the house of the Kage?

Oh right..That happened before, those who have the guts and will to do that while his father was gone..But since Minato returned, no one dared anymore. So who could it be?

He slowly walked through the front yard, inspecting the house rather warily. His eyes were drifting from left to right as if he was expecting any attempts for attacks, he felt his breathing become faster.

He was scared. But this is his own house, why does he have the feeling of being scared? It's just..This doesn't happen occasionally. He turned around to see if someone was behind him that could be following him or is already attempting to kill him. He let out a sigh of relief when no one was there.

These things weren't even new to him. He continued his way until he reached the front door. He slowly turned the doorknob, pushed the door and headed inside then he began inspecting inside.

First, he inspected the living room, no one was there. And then he wandered the bedrooms and bathrooms, no one was there. Then he heard amusing hummings from the kitchen. He also heard someone like searching through the kitchen utensils based from the sounds of clanging of pans and pots.

He breathe heavily again. He wasn't aware of who it was or what was it even doing there? He slowly moved his head to peek. His eyes widened to see it was his father, there.. But he thought he was gonna be in his office, and he was just back from the tower too. His eyes were dish-sized at the shock.

Minato suddenly felt someone staring at him. He felt shivers down his spine as if feeling paranoid from the sudden feeling that someone was actually staring at him. He turned his head around to see Naruto who was staring at him with wide eye expression.

He raised an eyebrow and inspected Naruto for a few brief seconds. He smiled halfheartedly and nodded, noting that Naruto can come inside. He grabbed a plate and placed the 2 packs of sushi he bought just a while ago. Now that he thinks of it, maybe he should consider what Jiraiya said. Naruto immediately responded to his nod and went inside the kitchen then bowed.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to spy on you Minato-sama, I didn't think that you would be home this early.." said Naruto as he rose his head up from the bow. He saw Minato smiling, is this some sort of genjutsu or something? He didn't perform the symbols for 'Kai' to release because he was afraid if this wasn't a genjutsu at all he might disrespect his father.

Minato waved him off, maybe he could really reconsider Jiraiya's advice. "It's fine, why don't you join me I brought some sushi, I believe you haven't have dinner yet?" He stated as Naruto's reaction became shock, to furious..to blank.

He was surprised at the sudden stream and changes of emotion that showed in his face. Naruto however shook his head and once again bowed which Minato for once found it a little bit awkward.

"I am sorry Minato-sama, I don't mean to be rude but I already ate with my friends..As much as I want to join you, I am not hungry.." Naruto said while walking away from the kitchen and suddenly stopped and said "If you need me for anything, just call me I'll be in my room.." without even facing him.

He stormed off the kitchen leaving a surprised rather curious Minato in its wake. Minato suddenly felt something clutch his chest, something he hadn't felt after his wife died. He haven't also felt this when he was around Naruto, maybe the fact that he let his emotions occupy him, and let Naruto suffer with it.

Now, he found that one thing is taunting him, he broke something that might never be fixed, again.