Okay, today's the day. Today's the day that I overload you with chapters! It will start with Chapter 18 and end with Chapter 25. I won't customize this message. Each of these chapters will have the comment. However, if you are on Chapter 25 and have not read the others - go back. Read from Chapter 18. Thank you for understanding and enjoy!

THE WILL OF FIRE

PART THREE

Chapter 20 - Homecoming

They arrived at the gates around noon the next day. By this time Minato had transformed himself into a nondescript Sand Shinobi. He looked utterly boring in every way. Save for the cracks in his face that he could not hide. Officially, Minato was a Sand Envoy that they were escorting to the village. He was not Minato Namikaze and he certainly wasn't an Edo Tensei. At least that was what they were going to tell everyone. That way there was no pandemonium. For now only a select few would know what is going on. It was better all the way around. Lord Fourth Hokage may never truly come back. It made sense to hide his identity for now.

It did create an awkward situation at the gate though. The guards demanded to know who he was. They were not aware of an envoy. It was also obvious that the was using a transformation jutsu. They did not accept the group's version of events. It was only when the ANBU got involved did the guards backed down. It left the guards more puzzled than ever, but they did not risk getting into an argument with them. That was too dangerous. They understood the message loud and clear: They are not to interfere and to allow him in. There is to be no record of this man's arrival. They are not to speak of this to anyone. The man was never here. The guards didn't argue with either Bear or Rat. They just let them pass.

After the excitement at the gate the rest of the trip was boring. Passing glances were sent their way from time to time but no one bothered them. They were curious as to the stranger's identity, but didn't make an issue of it. Then again Kakashi and Kushina were apart of the group. They would not bring in someone who was a threat. They let them pass. As far as the civilians, well, they didn't even notice them. They were busy carrying out their daily lives. A group of shinobi passing through didn't even get on their radar. That was commonplace here. They didn't care who the stranger was. So long as he wasn't a threat they ignored him. They had better things to do.

Before they knew it they were in the Hokage's office. Lord Third welcomed them but watched Minato suspiciously. That was until Minato dropped his transformation that Hiruzen's eyes opened wide. "Minato . . ." He was shocked. For a second he sat there dumbfounded then he ordered the room sealed. Once the privacy seals were put up he demanded answers.

"It's Orochimaru's fault. He somehow undid the seal on my soul. Then summoned me in this form. I am guessing that he used the Shinigami's Mask. Which would allow him to release the souls taken by it."

"Is that possible?"

"Yes it is. The mask is designed to do that. However, there is a price for it." Kushina looked at her husband. "One that I knew that you wouldn't accept, Minato."

Minato nodded. "That's right. Don't you ever dare try it. I will not return to this world at price of your life. It's bad enough that Orochimaru did it. Already, two lives must have been sacrificed to revive me. One for the release then another for this body. That's already too much. I refuse allow anyone else to die for me. I don't want it."

So, the price is death. I see. Hiruzen decided not to push the matter. He was more worried about something else. If Minato was free then so must be the First and Second Hokages. That was very worrying. So far Orochimaru hadn't unleashed them, but it was only a matter of time. They had to be ready for it. He would use them to kill them all! Which brought up a valid point: Why was Minato himself? Orochimaru couldn't have intended that. He would not have summoned his enemy without a way to control him. So, why did it fail? Why was Minato in full control? He needed to know more. It could help them fight off the others. So, Hiruzen asked them about it.

"That's because of my lovely wife here." Minato clarified. "She saw the kunai coming while I was still groggy. She created a barrier around me just in time to deflect it." He held her hand. "Thank you." She smiled back at him. They stared at each other for an annoying long time.

Hiruzen stopped them by clearing his throat. "So, these kunai. What are they?"

"I don't know exactly." Kushina told them. "They look almost normal except for the red tag hanging off the handle. I noticed Orochimaru use similar Kunai during the Invasion to control Lord First and Second. I refused to let it touch my husband." Minato squeezed her hand.

"It seems that this kunai is key to controlling me. I can hear Orochimaru's commands but I can easily ignore them. I will not harm my wife. Nor was I willing to do anything he told me to do. Instead, I turned on him and saved my family. Sadly, I was not able to end his miserable life."

"I see. So he lives."

"Yes sir." Kakashi chimed in.

"And what about Danzo?"

"Dead. I killed him myself." Minato said grimly.

Hiruzen sat back in his chair. On a personal level he did not like hearing that his friend was dead. On a professional level it was a huge relief. One potential threat was eliminated. For the millionth time he wished that both his friend and his student had taken a different path. Alas, there was nothing that he could do about it now. His duty was clear. They must be brought to justice. Rest in Peace, Danzo. Of course, with Orochimaru around that may not be possible. Danzo may still show up to destroy them. This time he may have no self-control whatsoever. His student needed to stopped. However, there was nothing that Hiruzen could do about that for now. So he moved on.

"I will expect a report of all you on this as soon as possible." Everyone nodded. "Now, Minato, what do you plan to do now?"

"I want to come back to life." He smiled. "You do have my body, don't you?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about. Your body was disposed immediately after your death." Hiruzen intoned.

"So it's not in my house then."

Everyone but Kushina, Hiruzen, and Minato wanted to scream! His body was where? That defied the law! It didn't make sense! Not that the the Old Man didn't confirmed or denied it. "It's safe. That's what matters." To Kushina, Lord Third said. "Kushina, help your husband get back into his real body. Use whatever resources that you need to. Everyone else: Not A Word about it. Am I clear?" They nodded. "Good. Dismissed!"

Minato disappeared as his wife took down the seal. There were so many questions that Naruto had. Yet, he couldn't ask a single one. It was frustrating! Naruto decided to go home and see if his father was there. If his mom was going to try something like this he wanted to be there. Maybe he could talk to his dad about this. It was a long shot, but it was all he had. He did not want to lose his father again.

Next chapter coming up!