Tsunade sat down next to her fiance with a smile on her face. "I have news Dan."
Dan smiled, "I should probably tell you something too..." Tsunade looked curious, "Tsunade, I'm not who you think I am...my real full name is Dan Yuki. I fled Kiri when the blood purges started and changed my name to hide. I am sorry for lying to you."
Tsunade was stunned, but she didn't love him any less. "Well...that doesn't change who you are. Besides, we can't have the little one grow up without his father." She placed a hand on her abdomen.
Dan's eyes widened in surprise and he grinned. That night they celebrated their growing family.
Tsunade laid next to Kushina, very worried for her. Not long ago they both gave birth to their children, she had a beautiful son with her hair and eyes, Kushina had twin daughters. Unfortunately something had gone wrong and Kushina was injured. The doctors said she would never be able to have kids again, to bad she was in no condition to help them. If only she knew what was happening outside of the walls of her room.
Only a few miles away from Konoha was the first line of defense where most of Konoha's shinobi were gathered and all were firm to protect their village with their lives. They were all quiet after given the proper orders and plans, their faces both displaying nervousness along with fierce determination as they waited for their target.
They didn't have to wait long.
From the horizon and quickly travelling in their direction was the Kyūbi no Yōko (The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox), the greatest and most fearful of all the Tailed Beasts, whose strength was rumored to be so great that a single swipe from just one of its nine tails could raise tsunamis and flatten mountains.
Despite the differences in power the proud leaf shinobi were resolute in standing their respective ground, knowing that they were the ones that would prevent the annihilation of their village and their loved ones.
When they finally made contact they all fought the fox as best they could, firing off jutsus, weapons and a myriad of other strategies, but it was all for naught. Their attacks just weren't effective enough, and whatever damage the monster sustained quickly healed without any problem. When it became obvious how their military might was fairing against their opponent they simply did all they could to slow it down, costing more and more of the lives of their comrades as time went on.
After about two hours of fighting, the demon was nearing Konoha and could be clearly seen from the outer walls of the village.
It was there at the top of the main gates that Jiraiya, Minato, and Hiruzen were watching the battle with growing concern. They knew that if something wasn't done soon then the fox would easily reach their home and wreak havoc upon it. As they watched the struggle continue they were soon joined by the Anbu captain who was previously commanding the frontline and was called back by Hiruzen to give a status update. The captain who wore a tiger-shaped mask awaited the Sandaime's words as he kneeled.
"Tiger, report!" Hiruzen ordered sternly.
The shinobi nodded. "Currently, over half of our main forces are either dead or wounded. We're constantly being pushed back further and further, and at the current rate our defense lines will be completely destroyed in about forty minutes at the least or an hour at best."
"Any idea's Minato?" Jiraiya asked. Ever since the battle started he'd been growing more anxious, especially with the huge lack of Gamabunta or any of the other great toad summons.
"Hokaga-sama, Yuki-Sama was with us when we first clashed with the Kyūbi, but after about twenty minutes into the battle he told me that he was leaving and left me in charge of our shinobi. His last order was for me to have them hold back the Kyūbi for as long as possible. When I asked where he was going he informed me that he was returning to the village to prepare a jutsu that would stop the demon once and for all," answered Tiger.
This of course confused both Jiraiya, Minato, and Hiruzen. Neither could think of a jutsu that would be appropriate off the top of their heads.
Yet, despite their confusion, the Sandaime quickly decided to take charge of the situation.
"Tiger, I want you to head back to the frontlines to aid our forces in holding the Kyūbi back until he arrives," he ordered in a commanding tone of voice with a seemingly powerful aura exuding around him, one that Jiraiya had not seen from his sensei in many years. Nevertheless, it served as a quick reminder of why his sensei was known as the The God of Shinobi.
The Anbu captain quickly saluted the former Hokage, acknowledging his orders and flash stepped lback to his previous commanding position among his comrades. After Tiger disappeared Hiruzen turned to Jiraiya.
"I want you two to follow along with him and summon whatever you can. Help everyone hold back the Kyūbi with the best of your ability, but be extremely careful. I'll go back into the village to try and find Dan and get him back on the battlefield as soon as possible. Hopefully whatever plan he's cooking up is ready."
Both Toad summoners nodded in acknowledgment and was about to head to the battlefield when he suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"That won't be needed, Hiruzen."
All three shinobi turned around to see Dan behind them holding his two-hour-old son in his arms.
"Dan, where the hell have you been and why have you brought Naruto here?! Do you want him to get killed?! This is no place for him and where is Shizune?!" Jiraiya exclaimed.
"I sent Shizune to help out with the wounded in the hospital since the staff need all the help they can get with all the wounded coming in," answered Dan.
"But that still doesn't explain why you brought Naruto here," Hiruzen retorted strictly.
A determined gleam appeared in the Hokage's eyes. "You realize if you do this Tsunade is going to resurrect you just to kill you..."
The two older men looked confused, prompting Minato to elaborate.
"Naruto is going save Konoha by becoming the jinchūriki of the Kyūbi. He left to prepare the sealing."
Jiraiya and Hiruzen quickly gained looks of shock.
"Dan, you can't! This is your son for Kami's sake!" Jiraiya shouted.
The new father lost a little of his composure and forlornly said, "I know, but I have no other choice. The moment Tsunade told me she was pregnant I did everything I could to ensure that my family would live proper and happy lives. I've established the Yuki clan in Konoha, I've set up libraries of our jutsu incase he is born with the Hyouton...I will not let all that go to waist due to an overgrown fox spirit."
"Minato, how does he even intend to seal the Kyūbi into Naruto? The Kyūbi is wild and too powerful for any normal Sealing Techniques to allow it to be sealed into Naruto. The only person who had the power to suppress a bijū and seal it away in something in this state was the first Hokage, and even then he had his Mokuton ability to help him," the Sandaime stated.
"I plan on using one of the Yuki clan's sealing methods, it is similar to the Uzumaki's Dead Demon Consuming Seal.. It should be powerful enough to seal the Kyūbi away."
A heavy sense of dread entered the pits of the two men's stomachs.
Jiraiya, being well-versed in fūinjustu himself, said, "You know damn well what will happen to you if you use it!"
The man nodded solemnly with the faintest sad smile. "Yes, I know… I'll die…"
"But still, how can you expect to seal the Kyūbi into Naruto? From what you told me you seal the soul of the person into yourself where the Shinigami will consume both you and the other soul," stated the Sarutobi clan head.
"It is slightly different with my sealing method...my clan believed that snow and ice were the purest of elements, so the seal will help purify and calm the Kyubi...hopefully Naruto inherited his mothers stubbornness.
"But still, this is your son. You know what kind of lives jinchūrikis have. They're either turned into human weapons or treated like trash and complete outcasts. The fear people have of the demons sealed away is too great to quell. If you have to seal the Kyūbi in a child then at least try to consider someone else," Jiraiya said.
"How can I ask another family to give me one of their children to turn into a jinchūriki when I myself cannot with my own son? Besides, you can't hope to imagine how hard this is for me to do, i left behind all my clans ways to live, and now I will give my life to see it continued. I know full well what kind of life I may be condemning him to, but I have no choice!" Dan shouted back. The crack in his usually calm persona drove the point home into the minds of the two men. They knew Dan was the kind of person to give his life for his family, and not waver if he could help it. All three of them lowered their heads in solemn resignation. Changing Dan's mind didn't seem possible at this point.
Jiraiya was the first the break his silence as he gazed tensely at the man who he had considered training for a brief period of time. "If that's the case, then show me how to do the jutsu and I'll take your place! Naruto is going to need you to be there for him!"
"No… let me do it," Hiruzen cut in, causing the attention to be on him. "I've lived a long life and you both have so much more left to offer our village and the world."
"Thank you both, but I will be the one to do it." Minato stated resolutely.
"But-!" Jiraiya started but was quickly cut off by the blond.
"Sensei, I'm the Hokage and it's my duty to protect the village. If anyone is going bear the responsibility of placing this burden on Naruto it's going to be me and no one else. Besides, the jutsu and the alteration needed for the sealing is too difficult to pick up in such a short time. Not to mention it's going to require every bit of strength I have and—while I know you're plenty strong, Hiruzen—I'm not going to risk not having enough chakra to complete the process. Same goes for you, sensei, but even if you have the chakra and sealing knowledge necessary, you won't be able to perfect the seal in time. One little mistake can end up killing Naruto and leave us to deal with the Kyūbi.
"As touched as I am at you three wanting to take my place, I'm afraid it won't work...it is tied to me already, their is no changing this."
Both Jiraiya and Hiruzen could only sigh in defeat. There would be no convincing him, Minato looked heartbroken. He had made Tsunade and Dan the God parents of his twins...and he was already losing Dan.
The next ten minutes were hastily spent helping get everything ready for the sealing. Every small moment that went by filled them all with even more trepidation than the last, knowing they were basically preparing the death of someone two of them along with many more held dear. The second the preparations were complete a begrudged silence held itself in the air. However, they couldn't let it last long with the situation at hand and tried to give the best goodbyes they could muster.
Hiruzen was the first to step up to the current and pulled the man his surrogate daughter had fallen for. His wrinkled visage that normally held wisdom and happiness was broken by yet another dark chapter he'd experience in his life, leaving a shimmering yet strong gaze in his eyes.
"Farewell, Dan. You are indeed the finest man I could've asked to work his way into Tsunade's heart. Your sacrifice won't go to waste and will only let our village prosper more alongside Naruto. You'll never be forgotten as a true testament to the Will of Fire…" he said mournfully as he firmly shook the Yuki's hand with his own while giving a gentle squeeze on his shoulder with the other.
"Thank you, Hiruzen… that means a lot," Dan replied barely above a whisper.
Jiraiya quickly stepped up and gave the man a fatherly hug, trying his hardest to hide the tear that slowly escaped his eye. "See ya, brat," he let out a bittersweet chuckle. "No sensei could've ever asked for a better rival for his student, You… you have no idea how proud I am of you…"
"Thanks, senpai… You were the best father figure anyone could ask for… that's why I want to ask you to do me one last favor."
"Anything, just name it," Jiraiya determinedly replied while stepping back and meeting the man's eyes.
"I have drawn a 'key' to the seal, I want you to put it into the abdomen of the scroll toad, Gerotora that will allow you to strengthen or weaken the seal. It'll naturally weaken over time so it needs to be maintained properly." Minato smiled. "It'll even allow Naruto to complete a special jutsu for his own unique use. I also want you to train Naruto when he's older. He'll need to be strong enough to combat the threats that he will face in the future."
Jiraiya nodded as if given an order. "You have my word that I'll do my best Dan."
"Hiruzen, if you don't mind, I've made you the executor of my estate. Everything is to be given to Naruto when he is old and strong enough to bear the responsibility, and I mean everything. All I have is rightfully his. There are also some other things to carry out after I'm gone. It's all listed in my will and I'd really appreciate it if you could take care of them," Dan requested.
"Of course, Dan. I'll make sure that your last wishes are followed." Hiruzen replied with a bow of his head.
"Minato...please keep an eye on my son, please. You know how Tsunade gets when she gets overwhelmed by her emotions.
"Of course Dan.." Minato muttered still trying to find a way where he could take the mans place.
"Thank you," the man said as he looked down at his sleeping son one last time.
"Goodbye, Naruto… Know that I love you with all my heart and that my only regret is that I won't be able to see you grow up to become the fine man I know you'll become," He uttered sorrowfully before he kissed him on the forehead in farewell. He turned his away from the others to try and hide the tears that began to freely fall from his scrunched eyes.
"And hopefully you'll know how sorry I am from placing this heavy burden on you… but it's the only way I know how to save Konoha from the Kyūbi and protect it from the threats that will come in the future. The village will need the fox's power on its side to survive the impending darkness and you're the only one I trust to hold it. I… I know you'll rise to the challenge and become the hero you're destined to be…"
The Yuki regained as much composure as he could before turning to the Third.
"Hiruzen, there is one last thing I need you to do. Please tell the people that my last wish is that Naruto is to be seen as the hero he is for containing the Kyūbi and protecting them from it. If they should not, I beg you to make sure that both he and his mother are safe."
"I shall," Hiruzen replied with another bow of his head.
Minato looked at both men one last back time and gave his best smile. "You should get going...the fox is getting closer.
"Don't look so down, guys. It's probably best that this jutsu kills me since I'd probably die later on anyway. Once Tsunade finds out what I'm about to do I'm sure I wouldn't survive her reaction." He chuckled with a sudden chill down his spine. "She'd probably kill me in the slowest and most agonizing way possible too…"
The other three couldn't help but let out a minor laugh, as reluctant as it sounded. They could only imagine what the med-nin would cook up once she awakened to hear the news.
Sadly, whatever else that could be said was cut short as Dan quickly made his way towards the battlefield, leaving behind three sad yet proud gazes on his back.
When he was near the frontlines he did a few hand seals and performed the Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Jutsu), making a giant cloud of smoke appear. It captured all attention and when it cleared everyone could see Dan standing on a white fox that stood a hundred meters high. This was a new summon for them, for it was Eun, the mother of the all fox Summons. The scroll had been brought along when Dan brought his clans knowledge to Konoha.
"Dan, what's going on? Why did you summon me?" Eun asked, her voice echoing around her for all to hear.
"I summoned you to help me fight the Kyūbi," Dan replied seriously.
The Mother Fox finally laid her eyes onto to the gigantic fox that was fast approaching them. A deathly serious ambiance overtook her being. "Dan, you can't expect me to fully defeat the Kyūbi. I may be strong but the fox is stronger."
"Yes, I know. That's why I plan to seal the Kyūbi into my son, Naruto, with a special jutsu… although in doing so it will kill me." The admission both shocked and saddened the motherly Fox. Over the years she and Dan had bonded and held a special place in the hearts of all the Fox's. Especially since only the Yuki have ever contracted them, and as far as she was aware...the two on her head were the last Yuki members alive.
"Are you sure that there is no other way to stop it?" She asked feebly. She had a strong inkling that she already knew the answer.
"I'm afraid not," said Dan sadly as he kneeled and pat the fox on the head.
"Very well… if this is going to be our last battle together then let's make it one for the history books!" Eun grunted and exhaled slowly. "And know that I'll miss you kit. I and everyone else at home will always be proud to have had you as our summoner and partner."
"And I was proud to be able to summon you," Dan replied. Both man and fox then turned their focus on their opponent, fully intent on stopping its warpath.
Dan quickly ordered the shinobi below to fall back to the village. They quickly did so after a moment's hesitation and prepped themselves to watch as their ally and his summon did battle with the Kyūbi.
For several minutes after their first charge Eub dodged the fierce strikes of the fox's tails before going on the offensive.
"Water Style: Liquid Bullet Jutsu!" She cried out ferociously. The giant shot of water launched towards the fox after its latest attempted attack. The jutsu struck head-on but did little more than soaking the beast's fur.
The Kyūbi then countered by launching its tails at Eun once again. Shewent about dodging them one after another and even use her own tail to deflect some of the mighty appendages. After the struggle persisted for a bit Eun managed to find an opening and launched a powerful slashing strike. The fox did its best to dodge the attack and escaped the worst of it, but wasn't able to avoid a large gash being carved into its side as a result of her sharp claws.
"Ha! Take that, you fake fox!" cried Eun with a victorious smirk that immediately disappeared a moment later when the wound healed itself before their eyes.
The fox then responded with opening its large mouth and began to gather chakra from its body and the surrounding air. The raw energy compressed into a single ball before it was released as one massive blast of energy.
"SHIT!" shouted Eun as she began moving to dodge the incoming attack. With a mighty leap of her legs she managed to barely scrape above it, but a large portion of Konoha's surrounding forest wouldn't have been so lucky if a massive Toad hadn't landed and Minato, who was on top of said toad teleported the blast away. Though the explosion was still so devastating they could see the explosion from their.
Minato glanced at the effects of the fox's overwhelming technique before quickly getting his mind back into the game. "Gamabunta, let's try a little teamwork!"
"Right!" the toad shouted back and prepared another jutsu.
"Toad Oil Bullett!" he yelled while Minato simultaneously cried, "Fire Style: Flame Bullet!"
The oil that Gamabunta fired acted as an accelerant and provided more fuel for the fire attack that Minato launched, creating a conflagration of far greater power and magnitude reminiscent of a giant flamethrower. The combined attack rushed forward with its unique roar and hit the fox with great force, "Dan! Get to work now! We will hold it off as long as we can!"
Dan smiled weakly at his friend and gave a thumbs up.
The pyro offensive quickly covered the Kyūbi's body like a quickly developed forest fire and made it start to yell in pain.
When the Konoha shinobi saw this they cheered loudly, believing that the demon had been critically injured, if not killed outright. However, the celebrations did not last long as a massive blast of chakra exploded from the beast and extinguished the fire covering its body, creating a small crater around it from the outward force. Trees were uprooted and blown away along with various debris and many unfortunate shinobi that were within the shockwave's range.
Once the violent moment passed everyone could see the massive charred burns on the Kyūbi's body, making it look like black was the fox's natural fur color. Sadly, just like before, red chakra began to envelop and heal its body. Before the wounds could be fully healed, Gamabunta took advantage and decided to delay the fox by grappling against it in a strong amphibious grip where a battle of dominance began. With simply trying to keep the fox in place and not overpowering it, the toad was able to hold out long enough for Eun to drop off Dan and help delay the beast by pinning down as many tails as she could.
"Now, Dan! This might be your only chance to use it!" Eun shouted as her struggle continued.
"Right!" Dan cried back as he did the seals and slammed his hand to the ground.
The unsettling form of a woman with white skin and blue hair suddenly appeared behind. Dan, its arm piercing through his chest with no hesitation. The ghoulish appendage continued towards the Kyūbi and split its chakra in two, sealing the beast was into Naruto where the Hakke no Fūin Shiki appeared on his form and began glowing blue.
The eyes of the Kyubi cleared and he stared at the man. The man stared wide eyed at him, "y...you were being controlled this whole time. I'm sorry you had to lose your freedom for one persons selfishness." Kurama stared at the boy and thought back to when the Sage of the six paths was alive.
"Kurama, I can see a long time of loneliness in your future. You are the strongest, when the others are captured you shall remain free. However, the day you are sealed like you were in me...your power will be pivotal in saving the world. I can only hope you get over the anger you will feel to help the boy, for he shall need your help."
"It's done!" Dan peacefully thought with a sad smile plastered on his face as he felt the Spirit pulling his soul away. "I leave the rest as well as the future of Konoha to you, Naruto… I know you won't fail me… make me proud…"
The deed was done and Konoha was saved as Dan's soul was consumed by the ice spirit, sentencing the man to an eternity of rest within her Cold heart, leaving nothing but a strange mask behind.
The last Yuki was dead, but he passed on with a final smile adorning his lips and the knowledge that everyone was safe. The future was unknown to all, but he felt that it was safe in the hands of his son.
After Dan died the Kyūbi's body fell to the ground before all of its remaining charka erupted in one massive shockwave. The power behind it forced Gamabuta back a bit, making him move in place to protect the blonde father and baby from any physical harm. The remaining Konoha shinobi that watched everything conclude were also forced to the ground as even more damage came upon their village, but at this point they'd take it if it meant the fighting was over.
Once the dust settled and silence reigned the air, the giant summon sorrowfully gazed upon Dan and Naruto.
"You were truly a great summoner and friend to all of the Fox's kit. Hopefully your son will become just as great as you, if not greater," she said in somber finality before returning home in a puff of smoke.
Soon after the Fox's disappearance the Toad followed quickly after and the remaining Konoha shinobi gathered around the body of their fallen hero and took him back to the village to be buried and honored as the great man that he was. Thankfully, a certain Sarutobi was able to gather little Naruto before anyone else could.
Two days after the Kyūbi attack the village was understandably still buzzing with activity. Nearly everyone was busy helping with repairs to the village, some parts more devastated than others from the fox's attacks and the conclusive shockwave.
But even as the people were busy working, their mood was still somber since it was only yesterday that the funeral service for the hero of Konoha and the other shinobi that died was held. There wasn't anyone in the village that didn't lose a loved one, not to mention the loss of the village's newest clan and hero had greatly affected every citizen of the leaf and many others throughout the country.
At the end of the funeral Hiruzen announced that Dan had defeated the Kyūbi by sealing its chakra into the body of a young child and that he had asked for him to be seen as a hero. Sadly, just as the old Hokage had feared, the wounds that the Kyūbi had caused by its destruction had caused the people to focus their anger and sorrow at the child. It got so bad to the point that many, out of fear, were shouting for the child's death, claiming the Kyūbi would take over its prison and kill them all. The rest that were asking of same thing seemed to want it done purely out of blinded revenge on the fox.
This was stopped when the Sarutobi clan head released a massive amount of killing intent on the angry villagers, both civilian and ninja, causing all to immediately cower at his power.
Minato, being the only one not effected began to speak at how ashamed he was of how they reacted and their dishonoring of Dan's memory and sacrifice. Many had regrettably lowered their heads in shame, but there were plenty that simply shrugged off the feeling and stubbornly held onto their hate.
Because of the heavy emotions, Dan declared a new law stating that if anyone ever spoke out or mentioned the Kyūbi and its connection to its container, especially to the younger generation, they would be charged with treason and would be executed immediately without trial, making the ordeal an S-class secret.
Tsunade, still resting from giving birth, continued to slumber peacefully in her bed. She would've been awake at this point, especially given recent events, but Shizune decided to administer more sedatives to deal with the added stress that encumbered her to be safe.
Hiruzen was at her side, quietly waiting since she was due to awaken any minute. It took a while but her eyes eventually started to slowly open. Even with the drowsiness she was no doubt feeling she suddenly gained a second wind and was alert as can be when she caught the form of her sensei.
"Sensei, what are you doing here? Where's Shizune? Where's Naru-chan? Where my baby?!" said Tsuande alarmed as she looked around.
"Tsunade, please relax. You need to rest. Both Shizune and Naruto are fine," he said calmly, a mood she matched after a moment or two to gather her bearings.
"Now, Tsunade, there is something I need to tell you. It seems that the birth caused a lot more stress to you than we had thought and you have been asleep for two days. Also… sadly… when you were put to sleep we came under attack by the Kyūbi."
A jolt of shock ran through her body, but he continued before she could give a response.
"But thankfully we were able to survive the attack and defeat it."
She was surprised even further. It was truly hard to fathom how the Kyūbi was defeated since its power was legendary. No one short of her grandfather could evenly fight the fox and even then he had his Mokuton abilities to aid him.
The only exception was Uzumaki Kushina, who possessed a special chakra that allowed her to suppress the chakra of the tailed beasts and used it in conjunction with her chakra chain technique to restrain the creatures.
Of course, more questions were raised in her mind since Kushina had given birth at the same time as her she couldn't properly deal with the threat. Hiruzen was able to guess her train of thought from the look of contemplation on her face and spoke.
"We were able to defeat the Kyūbi thanks to Dan. He used a special jutsu he created that allowed him to rip the Kyūbi's soul out of its body and seal it into a child. That child… I am sad to tell you was Naruto."
At the very moment that he uttered the last syllable the room quickly became flooded with a massive amount of killing Intent. Hiruzen buckled a bit and even felt his breath escape him, despite the many years of such intent being felt by him over the years.
"That… that bastard! I'll kill him! I'll make him wish he was never born! I'll rip him apart till there's nothing but little chunks of left! How dare he do that my child!" she roared as she started to get out of her bed. An aura of absolute fury surrounded her being, the likes of which could make any deity cower in fear.
"Tsunade, please calm down! There are still things that you don't know yet and need to understand!" Hiruzen pleaded as he blocked her warpath out the door and grabbed ahold of her arm.
"I understand everything perfectly! That bastard sealed one of those monsters into my baby and turned him into a jinchūriki, and you know damn well how they're treated! When I find that bastard I'll-!"
"Tsunade, Dan's dead!" Hiruzen interrupted.
She paused where she stood. "W-what…?"
Hiruzen sighed sadly. "Dan is dead. The jutsu that he used to seal the Kyūbi into Naruto cost him his life," he answered. He went on to explain how the Shiki Fūjin worked and how the jutsu Dan used was similar."
When he finished explaining what happened in the battle, Tsunade took a moment to think and just growled in frustration. Her current fury was clouding her mind with the wishes to end the bastard herself, but she resigned to curse his soul to hell later. Right now she needed to be with her son.
"Sensei, where's Naru-chan now?" she asked calmly yet worryingly.
"Don't worry. I have Shizune and Jiraiya watching him at the Namikaze estate. Minato said we could use it since nobody but us knows about you giving birth."
"Can you take me to him?" It was more a statement than question.
"Of course."
After they stopped talking Tsunade quickly got out of her hospital gown and got dressed into her normal attire. The two of them then left the room and snuck through the village, making sure that no one saw that the Senju was there as she hadn't been their before the attack. It didn't take long for them to reach the large mansion that had belonged to the Namikaze family since the founding of the village.
The mansion was built behind the Hokage monument and was hidden from view by the tree line in front of it. It had a large open garden in the front of it and a swimming pool in the back. The mansion itself was a large marble four story building with hundreds of windows and a double door entrance that the walkway from the gate lead to. Just from taking a look at its stature, it could be seen to fit dozens of people easily.
The Namikaze family had the home built when the village was first founded. The family wasn't a special shinobi clan and were in fact simple merchants who had come when Konoha was built and did well for themselves with the opportunities they were given. They ended up being the wealthiest merchant family in the village due to owning over fifty-one percent of the businesses amongst the population and controlled most of the trading infrastructure. Minato was the first member of the family to become a shinobi, and despite him choosing the militaristic profession he was also skilled in running businesses thanks to training from his parents. It was because of this training that the blond was able to keep the business tradition running smoothly after his parents were killed.
Yet, regardless of owning everything built from his family over the years, he hadn't lived on the magnificent property in a long time. He much preferred to have his own independence after he was promoted to chunin. That choice was hammered down even more so after the passing of his parents. The memory of their murder would've been a constant and dark reminder in the home, no matter how much he renovated and cleaned the spot where they met their end. Even sealing off the room and ignoring it wouldn't have been enough.
That didn't mean he forgot his place of kin, though. He still took the time to use the library when it was needed and even constructed a room to store all of the scrolls that held the techniques he gathered or created over the course of his career.
When they entered the mansion Tsunade and the former Hokage went into the main living room where Jiraiya and Shizune were taking care of Naruto. When the new mother saw her child with Shizune she quickly raced over to him and desperately scooped him up. She held and squeezed him with all of the love she could project as if he would disappear from the slightest loosening of her grip.
"My baby! Thank the stars that you're okay!" she happily cried before she looked down and examined the three whisker marks on both sides of his cheek.
"Is this result of the sealing?" Tsunade asked Jiraiya.
"Yes it is, but don't worry about it. He won't be sprouting any fox ears or a tail if that's what you're wondering. It's normal to see a trait like that in jinchūriki since it's sort of a way to show their connection to a specific biju. And don't worry about the Kyūbi harming him in any way. Dan placed the Hakke no Fūin Shiki on him and there aren't many seals stronger than that."
Jiraiya would have continued in his praise of Dan's skill as a seal master but stopped when Tsunade started to growl at him. The praise was just a quick reminder of what happened to her son.
Jiraiya wasn't surprised that Tsunade felt this way. Despite his good intentions, Dan had placed a very heavy burden on their son, and he doubted Tsunade would ever forgive him for what he did.
"So what happens now?" Shizune timidly asked from the side.
"It's simple, we're leaving. I'm not going to stay here and let my son become the village outcast simply because of what that bastard did him! I have no doubt that the villagers and many of the shinobi here will claim he is a demon and try to hurt him in any way possible," Tsunade snarled, daring either Jiraiya or the Sandaime to say otherwise.
Jiraiya remained silent since he actually agreed with her. The people wouldn't take too kindly to Naruto's presence. A seed of contempt was planted in the hearts of many villagers and their future intentions could be dangerous if the newborn were to remain in his birthplace. Hiruzen knew this too well as he saw the reactions many had when details of the fox's defeat were revealed.
"You don't have to worry, Tsunade. I won't stop you from leaving if you really wish to do so. In fact, you have my full support," Minato said resolutely, walking into the room.
His elders were clearly surprised, expecting him to instead argue and convince Tsunade to place her trust in the citizens of Konoha.
"What's the deal, Minato? I always pictured you as an idealist, even more so then Sensei." asked Jiraiya
"I am, but the sad truth is I know in my heart that if Naruto stayed he would be an outcast. I promised Dan that I would do everything in my power to see that both Tsunade and Naruto would be safe and the best way to do that is to let them leave the village."
"But wouldn't they see him differently if you announced his heritage? I'm sure they wouldn't think of him as a demon or hate him if they knew that he was Tsunade's son. Other than Tsunade, he is now the last Senju alive and the son of Konoha's hero," Shizune stated.
Hiruzen sat up. "Although that could happen, that would just place Naruto in more danger. If word about him leaked out, eventually other villages and shinobi groups would target him. With his lineage and containing the most powerful of the biju, all kinds of enemies would stop at nothing to capture or kill him at every chance they get. This is more concerning with Konoha's military strength weakening as well, so all things considered it's best that he isn't here."
"But I heard that you forbade anyone from speaking of the fox. Besides, you didn't say who the child was exactly, so no one knows that Naruto is the container. Couldn't you just reveal Naruto's heritage to them without revealing the fact that he has the Kyūbi sealed into him?" Shizune inquired.
"That wouldn't work. The villagers would notice the markings on his cheeks and the shinobi that have knowledge in sealing would easily connect the dots due to his age. Word would spread and we'd have to deal with the consequences, and that's just within the village. Outside forces beyond our walls and country would be a given." Minato muttered.
Shizune looked a little confused, but Jiraiya and Tsunade understood his words quite well. For the young kunoichi's sake, Hiruzen explained further.
"It's simple. If the people of Konoha knew that Naruto was Dan and Tsunade's son, they would treat him like royalty and spoil him rotten. He would become a spoiled and arrogant child that would believe that just because he is the heir of a prestigious clan, and a new rising one, he'd be handed power and strength on a silver platter and not value hard work, determination and training. He might even look down on others and believe he is their better by default. There'd even be several factions in Konoha that would seek to use his future power and influence."
Hiruzen let out an annoyed scoff. "The most notable would be Danzo." Jiraiya's face grew serious and Tsunade even felt a small snarl coming along at the back of her throat from the mere mention of the old war hawk. Minato was physically held down by Tsunade to prevent his outburst. "He has already requested to give him custody of the child containing the Kyuubi so that he can train him to become a shinobi. I'm certain under his care Naruto would become an emotionless boy who would answer only to Danzo himself, especially if he knew who his parents are and the political impact that he'd carry. Take everything regarding Naruto into account and Danzo could potentially have all of Konoha under his control as a potential Hokage. I know that you all see this as a disastrous scenario."
Shizune couldn't help but mentally shudder at the thought of her little Naru-chan helping the old warmonger position himself into such power. His reputation wasn't the best, and from what her master told her the further away he was from Naruto the better.
"Like I'd ever let that one-eyed bastard even touch a hair on my Naru-chan! I'll rip out his remaining eye and arm myself if he even thinks about it!" Tsunade carefully and angrily muttered back, hoping to not wake up Naruto.
"That is why it's best that you both leave the village for now. It'd be best if you keep a low profile. We can't risk any suspicion before we're able to properly handle it," Hiruzen responded.
Tsunade simply nodded before she spoke.
"Is there anything else, sensei? I'd like to get out of here as soon as I can."
"Yes, there is something I like to say. Now, as Jiraiya already knows, before Dan died he left me as executor to the Yuki estate in which he has named Naruto as heir to the Yuki family knowledge as well as everything that he owned."
"Won't the council try and seize it for themselves since they don't think Dan-sama has an heir?" Shizune asked.
"They've already tried but I overruled them. Even if they don't know Naruto will inherit everything when he's older I still have absolute say over what happens to Dan's possessions."
"I believe you should also know that I paid off all of your gambling debt Tsunade. I too made a promise to Dan, and this is just me starting to honor it." Minato said.
Tsunade and Shizune felt shock overtake them. "And before you try and refuse you don't need to worry about negatively affecting my bank accounts. Even as high as your debts are they won't make that big of a dent in the family fortune. I also set up a trust fund for Naruto which will be paid monthly to you and should be enough to allow you three to live simple but comfortable lives even if you travel around which seems like what you'll be doing," Minato ended.
After a few moments Tsunade and Shizune got over their shock and as much as the Senju hated to admit, she was grateful for Minato getting rid of all her debts and taking care of them all.
"Well, if that's all, sensei, I think that once Shizune and I get everything we need to take care of Naruto we'll leave tonight," Tsunade said, all while gently rocking her son.
"There is one last thing I would like to say, Tsunade," Hiruzen started, causing Tsunade to raise an eyebrow, "I know that you have good reasons to keep Naruto away from Konoha, but I would like you to consider allowing him to become a shinobi of Konoha when he's old enough." Tsunade looked ready to argue. "Before you speak against it, you have to remember that the blood of some of the greatest shinobi in the world including yourself runs through Naruto's veins. Following the path of a shinobi is instilled in him and I highly doubt that you could stop him even if you tried to. Naruto has the potential to become as great a shinobi as your grandfather, great uncle and his father, maybe even greater, and he'll need the support of Konoha behind him to help him with whatever enemies he will face. He'll need to be here to claim and protect his heirlooms like the Hyouton scrolls anyway, so building a connection would be ideal for everyone. At the very least he'll be able to make sure his property doesn't fall into the wrong hands."
Tsunade frowned, but she had to admit he had a point.
After a few minutes of carefully thinking Tsunade spoke. "I won't make any promises of his future in Konoha, but I'll think about it. We will definitely be back to claim his inheritance though, so a decision will be made by then."
"That's all I ask," Hiruzen resplied with a smile.
"I think I'll head out as well, sensei. It's best that I travel and reconnect with my spy network. We have to keep an ear out for anyone that might catch wind of anything related to Naruto or hime. It'd be smart to look for any threats in the future too." Jiraiya said.
Hiruzen offered them all a smile. "Very well, I wish you both the best of luck."
"Don't worry, we'll keep you posted on how we're doing," Tsunade assured.
Three hours later when the night sky had fully loomed over Konoha Jiraiya, Tsunade, Shizune and Naruto snuck out of the village with none being the wiser.
As they left Minato was looking out the window of his office and at the star-filled night heavens. "I look forward to the day of your return, Naruto, for I have no doubt we'll be seeing great things coming from you just like your mother, father and your ancestors," he thought with a slight smile. He then turned to look at the pictures of his predecessors, all of them sharing the same blood as the whiskered blond.
After of few minutes of silent staring and thinking, Minato decided to head home and finally get some rest, and see his girls. He to became a father that day after all.
dont own Naruto
Dont expect very many updates for this very fast...I'm not to up to date on naruto lore or anything