I'm trying to hard to get these done fast.

Don't own, don't sue.

The picture he held of the little blonde boy so much like him that was so proud of the grasshopper resting in such small hand seemed so old. Blue eyes matched his own, making him feel like this was a picture of himself with a memory he never had. Naruto shook his head. There was differences, his father had longer hair, firmer jaw even though he was young, and true happiness in his face. But the smile was something they shared. If only he was lucky enough to compare in real life.

"When did my father being training at Konoha? To be a ninja?" this was something Naruto truly wanted to know. Old eyes looked at the picture the blonde held and smiled softly.

"I remember him coming in for dinner one night with such a frustrated look on his face." Mother Humus began, "I wasn't quite sure why..."

Flashback

"Your father was about 8 then, still young. It wasn't something I was used to, him seeming anything upset or mad. But all through the meal he seemed as if he wanted something. But he said nothing. It wasn't until I was washing the dishes that he came next to me to help with drying. He was always helpful but he hated dishes and would rather sweep or dust then help dry. So that's how I knew he wanted to ask me something. I didn't impose him to tell, I gave him all the time he needed."

"Grandmother, could I ask a favor of you?" Minato requested as he dried a plate, keeping his eyes focused on wiping off each droplet of water.

"Always Dear. " She was rinsing out a bowel, "You know you could ask for anything."

The boy set the plate down and took a breath in deep. His mind was set, no turning back. Turning to face Mother Humus with determination, he asked with the most respect, "With your permission, I'd like to see into being a shinobi at Konoha!"

"Oh?" she smiled before looking over to see big blue eyes gleaming with hope, "Well we could try. But I'm not sure you're old enough."

"I am!" he insisted as he took the bowel and began drying but not completely watching it, "Please!"

"But I'm not sure you're ready." She now began on another bowl. She had a look of concern but still had a smile displayed.

"I am! I've been training! I run all the time and-and I can sneak up on all kinds of bugs, remember when I caught that field mouse! Oh an I can climb trees real fast!" Arashi stopped drying and focused on the woman who took care of him. This was his dream and it was up to her to get him started.

"It's more then running and climbing. To be a shinobi has a lot of work, plus you have to got to the academy before ever doing those things. You've never been to anything like a school because I home school you." she scrubbed the bowl now trying not to seem frustrated. "You have to study and learn to focus charka and-"

"And do Justsu and all that, I know! I can do it! Just give me a chan-" the bowl slipped from his small hands and shattered on the floor. They both jumped before Minato knelt down to clean it up. Mother Humus joined him picking up the smaller and more sharp pieces. A heavy sigh left her after taking the cloth that was for drying, now filled with a broken bowl, and throwing it out.

"Minato, " she turned back to see a boy, head held low in shame with tears brimming his eyes. "Minato look at me."

Though he felt like hope was lost he looked up anyway with a tear falling by accident. He knew the bowl breaking probably ruined his chances at her ever saying yes. But the old woman moved closer to him and put a hand on his shoulder, "It will be hard. And you will reach times where it'll hurt your skin, your bones, and even your hope. But you mustn't cry or complain. You must always listen to what they say and work harder then others, you'll have to. You're going into a world not even I could handle. Doing this will make you a man. Promise me, Minato, that you'll be a big boy and pull through."

"I promise." the voice was soft like someone was choking him. She hugged the blonde she loved so dearly and left go to kiss him on the forehead before returning to dishes. "So do I really get to go?"

"We'll go tomorrow." the grandmother smiled as the boy cheered.

"Yatta! Oh thank you!!" he bounced around so excited.

"But if you do get to go, you'll have to help me with dishes every night. And stop breaking them!" the boy stopped bouncing and looked back with a face less than ecstatic.

"Aw, really?" he watched Mother Humus nod before groaning. "Awwwww.."

"I wasn't sure what to expect. The few times we went to Konoha to shop, he was always curious, somtimes too curious. Not many liked him near their things because he always had so many questions. But I knew that he deserved a chance. I wasn't surprised when they allowed him but I was relieved. I couldn't imagine what he'd do if they'd said no. Ha-ha, he was so happy after that. Never did expect him to come home a year and a half later, so soon too, with that silly thing on his head..."

"I DID IT!!" screamed the young blonde as he ran in and jumped around. "I'm a Genin!!"

Minato grabbed his grandmother frail hands and danced with her around the room. They laughed and hugged and laughed some more. this was one of the happiest days of the blonde's life. It was a beautiful beginning.

end flashback

"Were you proud of him?" Naruto looked up as he Looked at the pictures again. She looked up locking eyes with him and with the biggest smile.

"Of course!" she rose to give him a kiss on the cheek, "But not as proud as I am of you, little Naruto."

His heart felt like it was on fire. Someone was proud of him. He almost wanted to jump up and squeal like a fan girl who saw Sasuke naked. Mother Humus put the booked away to look out the window at the world. The sun was setting and the time had come to send her beloved Naruto home. With hugs and kisses, she let him take the picture of his mother and young father home. All the way he kept looking at them smiling. He now knew what they looked like.

Hiding them safely in his coat he began jogging, hoping no one noticed his absence. Once close to Konoha he stopped to catch his breath. It was twilight now, the sky was of dark blue and deep red, and most everyone was at home. His mind was running with all he had learned that day that he didn't hear the white haired man sneak up on him.

"And where have you been?" the deep voice made him jump almost 20 feet. Jiraiya stood there with a grin on his face and arms crossed. The young blonde gulped and took a step back.

"Uh...uh...I was...working on my jutsu." The genin hoped that he'd fall for that. But the look on the man's face wasn't convinced. Blue orbs shifted to find a way out but there wasn't any.

"Naruto...where were you?" now the voice was demanding. Fear filled his gut, how could he get out of this? Think, think. He thought back to when he was with Kakashi.

"Jiraiya, did you know my father?" this caught the old shinobi off guard but he know that's was what he intended. Moving closing to Naruto, Jiraiya groaned. The boy deserved the truth but it was impossible for him to know.

"No, I never met him. " Though that gave Naruto a chance to leave, it hurt him to know his sensei and mentor was lying. Why wouldn't anyone tell him who his father was? Was it because of the Kyuubi?

"Then we have nothing to talk about." The boy's voice was cold as he stormed off home. Jiraiya was left standing there feeling horrible. He wanted to chase him down and get things set straight, but it was better he just avoid the boy until he next day.

Hurrying home, Naruto ran upstairs and prepared for bed. Once in his room he place his mother's photo facing his bed and laid his father's on his desk. Crawling in he laid there staring at the smiling face, feeling so warm seeing her.

"Hi Mom. Now I can see you every day." the smile on his face was one he never had. Blue eyes brimmed with teas and he felt sleep take hold. "Goodnight Mommy" he rolled over, "Goodnight Dad..." and that night he dreamt of being in Mother Humus' home with his parents. There they held him and loved him. He was home.

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