Hello Storm here with a new story! Yep, another new story and an interesting one, a familiar idea but with a very different beginning. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
'I'm starting to understand why Kushina hates the hospital so much, it feels like I've been here for hours.' Thought Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash and as of three days ago the Yondaime Hokage, while letting out a sigh as he sat in a hospital room.
He'd come here for a routine check-up, which he was partially relieved for since it gave him break in his new duties and responsibilities. Even more so that he's still being assisted and advised by his predecessor, Hiruzen Sarutobi, on what being Hokage entails, how to handle village matters, as well as certain individuals he needs to watch out for. The latter of which made Minato frown still, learning that for all the threats outside the village, there were just as many threats inside.
'I'll definitely have a lot of work to do, especially when dealing with Danzō.' Minato thought, knowing he's the one he needed to watch out for the most before looking around the room.
Letting out a sigh, since while he's glad for the chance to have a moment alone with his thoughts, the silence was starting to feel a little maddening. Thankfully, the Yondaime was relieved when the door opened and the doctor returned.
"So, anything I need to be worried about?" Minato asked, wondering if anything came up, while the doctor looked over the results before shaking his head.
"None at all Hokage-sama, you're in perfect shape from what we've seen. The only thing needed is a standard vaccination." Replied the doctor while pulling out a syringe, with Minato nodding and rolled up his sleeve as the doctor injected him with the vaccine soon after.
"And that's that, you're free to leave Hokage-sama." The doctor stated, stepping back and bowing to the Hokage.
"Great, thank you." Minato said, smiling as he grabbed his haori and put it back before exiting the room, heading back to the Hokage's Office to get back to work.
*Timeskip-One Year*
"It's hurts, 'ttebane!" Kushina Uzumaki screamed, having never been in as much pain as she was currently in right now, before gritting her teeth as she tried stopping herself from screaming again and simply think about her soon to be born daughter.
With her was Minato, along with the midwives Biwako Sarutobi, the Sandaime's wife, and her disciple Taji, a Medical-Nin and member of the ANBU Black Ops. The four of them were currently in a cave, with several Anbu guards outside, for Kushina to give birth to hers and Minato's child. Having had to do it in a secure and secret location due to her being the Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi no Yōko as her seal would weaken during the birthing. So they had to do it in a secure location so Minato could focus on keeping the Kyūbi locked away.
Though that didn't mean it was easy for the Uzumaki woman, having not thought that giving birth would be this painful.
"I've never seen Kushina in so much pain. Is she…alright?" Minato asked, given how his wife was able to shrug off most injuries thanks to her powerful lifeforce and the Kyūbi healing basically anything, so he was concerned to actually see her in pain for once.
"She's alright! Never mind that, just stay focused on the Kyūbi's seal!" Said Biwako, not wanting him to lose focus on keeping the seal closed.
"But she…" Said Minato, looking at Kushina in worry.
"You are the Yondaime Hokage! Act like it!" Biwako snapped, making Minato flinch and turn back to the seal.
"And for Kami's sake, have some more faith in your wife. A man would have dropped dead from such pain, long ago. I've already done this twice and I'm perfectly fine." Added Biwako.
"You didn't have a giant fucking fox trying to break out of your body!" Kushina shouted before screaming again as she heard the Kyūbi roar and thrash around inside her mind, trying to break free of the seal.
With Minato gritting his teeth as he could see the seal slowly being forced open, before channeling more Chakra to keep it closed.
'It's so strong! The Kyūbi is struggling to get out! Hang in there, Kushina!' Thought Minato, not expecting the Kyūbi to be this strong even when sealed away, the Hokage hoping this will end soon before the Bijū breaks free.
"I can see her head! You're almost there, Kushina!" Biwako said as she finally saw their daughter's head, with Kushina only able to scream as the Kyūbi kept thrashing more and more to break free.
'Naruko, come out quickly! And you stay put, Kyūbi!' Minato thought, gritting his teeth as he used more Chakra to keep tightening the seal.
Though soon enough, Minato's and Kushina's eyes widened when they heard the sound of a crying baby, with Biwako and Taji quickly rushing to clean the baby and wrap her.
'She's…she's here…Naruko!' Thought Kushina with tears in her eyes, only able to focus on the sound of her newborn daughters cries.
"She's…born!" Minato muttered while looking at the wrapped bundle in Biwako's arms before he began laughing and smiling while wiping his eyes.
"I'm a Tou-san today!" Minato said happily, not believing he's really a father now before approaching Biwako, eager to see and hold his daughter.
"Don't touch her! The mother always sees their child first." Said Biwako in a scolding tone, making Minato flinch, only able to watch as they went towards Kushina before going to see Naruko.
"Naruko…I finally get to see you" Kushina said, smiling happily as Biwako set Naruko down beside her, the redhead still feeling tired and weak from giving birth to actually hold her.
Though the new parents were surprised when they finally looked at their daughter, seeing she had a rather…unique appearance. With her having pale skin, being a little paler than Kushina's own skin tone, three whisker marks on her cheeks, and black hair with red highlights. Even more surprising when she began settling down, her eyes opened slightly, revealing they were the same bright purple as Kushina's, but with slit pupils.
"She's…beautiful. But why the black hair?" Said Kushina in confusion at how Naruko had black hair.
"It's most likely a result of some dormant genes on her father's side. As do you know many others with blond hair, like his?" Biwako said while pointing at Minato, who raised a hand to his head, knowing blonde hair was a rare hair color to see in the Elemental Nations, even more so a shade like his.
"That makes sense. And I guess the whiskers and her eyes must be from the Kyūbi's Chakra she was exposed to in Kushina." Said Minato, smiling at his wife and daughter, not really caring what features Naruko inherited, only that she's finally here.
"Yeah, she's perfect no matter what, they just make her one-of-a-kind." Kushina said, smiling at Naruko before Biwako picked her up.
"You'll have plenty of time with her, later." Said Biwako since they still needed to look Naruko over and make sure everything was alright.
"Right! Okay, now it's time to make sure the Kyūbi can't get out." Minato said, putting his hand over Kushina's seal to tighten it again, only for his eyes to widen when he heard Biwako and Taji scream.
Looking, Minato internally panicked when he saw Biwako and Taji fall over dead, while a masked man now held Naruko.
"Biwako-sama! Taji!" Said Minato before looking at the Masked Man in disbelief that he's here, not only having found the location but gotten past the guards.
"Yondaime Hokage Minato, get away from the Jinchūriki. Otherwise, this child's life will end in one minute." The Masked Man threatened while holding a hand over Naruko.
'How did he get past the barrier?! This guy…who the hell is he?!' Thought Minato, tensing up, while thinking of everything he could do to make sure Naruko and Kushina were safe.
Only to hear Kushina scream as her seal loosened again and began spreading across her body, making the Yellow Flash panic a little, knowing the seal will soon break if he didn't do something.
"Get away from the Jinchūriki. Don't you care what happens to your kid?" Said the Masked Man, flicking his wrist as a kunai slid into his hand posed to stab into Naruko.
"Wait! Calm down!" Minato said, his panic and fear starting to bleed out with what's happening.
"Speak for yourself, Minato. I'm as cool as can be." The Masked Man replied before suddenly throwing Naruko into the air.
"Naruko!" Kushina screamed in fear and panic, trying to summon her Adamantine Sealing Chains to catch her daughter, but didn't have the strength to make them.
The Masked Man then jumped at Naruko to stab her with his kunai, only for Minato to be faster and manage to grab Naruko, landing on the wall with his daughter safely in his arms.
"Well, I must hand it to the Yellow Flash, you're as fast as everyone says. But I wonder, are you fast enough for this next one?" Said the Masked Man, making a handsign as the Yondaime's eyes widened when he saw the Masked Man had put Explosive Tags on the blanket.
"Minato! Naruko!" Cried Kushina at the sight, with Minato quickly using his Hiraishin, teleporting him and Naruko away to a safehouse.
Quickly grabbing the blanket and throwing it off, Minato jumped outside making sure to hold onto Naruko, managing to get out just as the tags exploded, destroying the safehouse. Looking at Naruko, Minato was relieved to see she was alright, before seeing a small wood fragment hit his leg
'I was forced to use Hiraishin. His real target is Kushina…and he succeeded in separating us. I must hurry!' Thought Minato, flicking the fragment away as he teleported to another safehouse.
"You'll be safe here. Naruko, just wait a while, I have to go and save your Kaa-san." Said Minato, putting Naruko in the bed and covering her, before he began searching for where Kushina's Seal Formula was.
*With Kushina*
Meanwhile, Kushina had been helpless as the Masked Man grabbed her and took her somewhere before binding her to four large rocks with Fūinjutsu.
"Just what…do you want?" Kushina demanded weakly, wishing she just had a little strength to summon her chains.
"I'm going to pull the Kyūbi out of you and destroy Konoha." Stated the Masked Man, making the redheads eyes widen, not believing what he just said.
"What?" Kushina asked, looking at him like he was insane.
"Minato's Hiraishin Jutsu allows him to move instantly between locations marked with Jutsu Formulas. He made sure to mark your seal with it too…in order to protect you. However, I managed to put a distance between you. Furthermore, the Kyūbi's seal has been weakened from childbirth. Do you know how long I've waited for this moment?" Said the Masked Man, with Kushina looking at him fearfully at being helpless against a mad man.
Before her eyes widened at seeing he had a Sharingan until red Chakra began appearing around her as she felt the Kyūbi's seal come apart.
"Now then, come out Kyūbi!" The Masked Man ordered after placing the Kyūbi under his control and releasing the seal, the red Chakra rushing forward and forming the Kyūbi's head around Kushina.
Until it shot up into the air and solidified into the Kyūbi's physical body, the fox roaring loudly at being freed while its remaining Chakra left Kushina, who collapsed to the ground.
"Good. Now I'll go straight to Konoha." Said the Masked Man, turning to head towards Konoha and unleash the Kyūbi on the village, only to stop when he heard something.
"Hold it!" Kushina said, struggling to get up and glared at the Masked Man, refusing to let him go and attack Konoha.
"Uzumaki Ninja are amazing. You don't die right away after the Bijū is extracted. You were the Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi, so it's only fitting that I use it to kill you." The Masked Man said, narrowing his eyes while commanding the Kyūbi to kill Kushina, with the fox raising its hand before bringing it down on the Uzumaki.
Only to see it hadn't killed Kushina, with Minato having arrived just in time to grab her before she was crushed, the Masked Man looking at them as they appeared on top of a tree.
"I must say, you're as quick as your nickname. But you're too late." Stated the Masked Man, knowing there wasn't anything he could do to stop him.
"Minato…is Naruko…is she safe?" Kushina asked, wanting to know their daughter was safe.
"Yes, she's fine. She's in a safe place for now." Minato replied, much to Kushina's relief.
"Minato, you have to stop him and the Kyūbi, right now. He's planning to attack Konoha." Said Kushina, making the Hokage tense before slowly turning his head towards the Masked Man, who actually felt a spark of concern at the dark look in Minato's eyes before it faded when he teleported away.
"He flew off again. Well, never mind. We're heading for Konoha" The Masked Man said, having expected Minato to attack him then and there, but could continue on with his plan.
*With Minato*
Minato reappeared in the safehouse, laying Kushina down in the bed beside Naruko, the Uzumaki woman smiling tearfully at her daughter.
"Naruko…" Kushina muttered, wrapping an arm around and pulling her close, with Minato looking at them before clenching his fist and went over to the closest.
"Minato…thank you. Good luck." Said Kushina, thankful that her husband kept their daughter safe and knew he was going to deal with the Masked Man.
"I'll be right back." Minato said while slipping on his haori, fully intending to make the Masked Man regret everything he's done tonight and show him why he's the Yondaime Hokage.
*Konoha*
Meanwhile, within Konohagakure, everything was peaceful as the villagers walked the streets, enjoying the peaceful night, though certain individuals couldn't help but feel a sudden chill in the air. And unknown to everyone, the Masked Man appeared within an alleyway, ready to begin his attack.
"Summoning Jutsu!" The Masked Man shouted, slamming his hand on the ground, creating a massive cloud of smoke with the force of the summon blowing away everyone nearby before looking up at what happened.
"What happened?"
"Is it an accident?"
That villagers looked up in confusion at what happened, not knowing where the sudden smoke came from, only for their eyes to widen in horror when it began fading, revealing what had appeared.
"That's…N-No way…! The Kyūbi!" Someone screamed in terror as they saw the Kyūbi no Yōko had appeared in the village, the sight causing everyone to begin screaming and running in fear.
"Go Kyūbi!" Ordered the Masked Man, the Kyūbi roared as its eyes glowed a solid red before it began rampaging through the village.
Crushing buildings with its claws, throwing its tails around and destroying everything they hit, unleashing a powerful roar that ripped apart anything it came into contact with. While dozens and hundreds of people were thrown around, crushed, and killed as the fox didn't stop causing complete destruction and chaos.
While within his home, the Sandaime Hokage had sensed and seen the Kyūbi's appearance and began putting on his battle suit to confront it, before sensing an Anbu appear behind him
"Sandaime-sama! The Kyūbi is…the Kyūbi has suddenly appeared in the village!" Said the Anbu, unable to keep all of his panic out of his voice.
"I'm aware of that. I will suppress it. You and the others protect the civilians!" Sarutobi ordered, knowing he's the only one that'd stand a chance in suppressing the Kyūbi until help could arrive.
"Hai!" Said the Anbu before Shunshining away.
'Was Kushina's seal broken? Despite all the precautions, did we fail? Biwako…' Sarutobi thought in concern for his wife and how this happened, before rushing outside to confront the Kyūbi.
Back outside, the Ninja had begun evacuating the civilians while others had gone to get the Kyūbi's attention. Several of them jumping around the Kyūbi's head and throwing kunai with Explosive Tags at the fox, only for them to have no affect besides getting the Kyūbi's attention. With the fox attempting to hit the Ninja, who managed to get out of the way in time as more attacked the Kyūbi from the other side.
Until finally, the Bijū let out a roar, releasing a powerful shockwave that sent the Ninja flying away from it, before lowering its head to look right at some Ninja in a tree. The fox not even hesitating in swinging its claw, destroying the tree and killing the Ninja. With more soon arriving, being joined by Hiruzen in organizing the forces in attacking the Kyūbi.
Minato soon arrived as well, appearing on top of his stone face on the Hokage Monument, narrowing his eyes at the Kyūbi rampaging through his village.
'As Hokage, I will protect the village, my family, right now. This is what I need to do. I won't allow it to do as it pleases, anymore!' Minato swore, mentally watching the Kyūbi stopped and turned to look directly at him, sensing the Yellow Flash's appearance.
"So you've taken notice of me." Stated Minato, not feeling intimidated by the Kyūbi focusing on him now, the fox roaring as it lifted its head and began charging up a Tailed Beast Bomb.
"You won't get your way, here!" Minato said, going through handsigns just as the Kyūbi fired the Tailed Beast Bomb, destroying everything in its path towards the Yondaime.
"Hiraishin: Guiding Thunder!" Said Minato, forming a large barrier in front him which the Tailed Beast Bomb hit and began being sucked into.
Once the attack was fully sucked in, Minato held up one of his Hiraishin Kunai, warping the attack miles away behind Konoha while watching as it exploded in the distance.
'For this large a scale, I'll have to be careful where I send it.' Minato thought, seeing how powerful the attack was, knowing he'll need to be careful where he sends it if he didn't want it to destroy anything.
'I must report all that's happened to Sandaime-sama, immediately.' Thought Minato, needing tell Hiruzen what's happened, only to tense when he sensed the Masked Man appear behind him.
Acting quickly, Minato turned and stabbed his kunai into the man's head, his eyes widening when his kunai seemed to phase right through his head. Along with noticing his arm phasing through his fingers, until the Masked Man grabbed him by his arm.
"I'm your opponent…and it's all over." The Masked Man stated before a swirling vortex formed around his right eye and began sucking Minato into it, but before he was fully absorbed, Minato managed to teleport away.
"He flew away again. He truly is fast. Next time, I'll get him faster. The instant we make contact" Said the Masked Man, knowing he needed to be faster if he wanted to catch Minato.
*With Minato*
Minato reappeared at the destroyed safehouse, grunting as he hit the ground, still processing what the Masked Man did.
'My attack missed, like he wasn't even there. But he materialized and instantly tried to drag me in. What is that Jutsu?' Minato thought as he got up, trying to think of that strange Jutsu and how it worked to let the Masked Man turn intangible like that, but still manage to be tangible to grab him.
Though he didn't have long to think about it, as the Masked Man reappeared in a swirling vortex right in front of him.
"I won't let you get away." Said the Masked Man, with Minato just knowing he must be smirking under his mask.
'He can teleport too. That must be how he took Kushina and moved so quickly. A Ninja who outmaneuvered the Anbu assigned under Sandaime-sama's direct control…who slipped through a top-secret barrier…and who knew that the Kyūbi's seal would weaken during childbirth. Furthermore, he undid the seal, tamed it, and…went in and out of the barrier set up around Konoha without being caught.' Thought Minato, grabbing one of his kunai, starting to realize just who he was dealing with and that they were more dangerous than he thought they were.
"Are you Madara Uchiha?" Minato said, knowing only Madara Uchiha could be capable of everything he's done.
With "Madara" merely lowering his hood, revealing spiky black hair, as if confirming he was who Minato suspected him of being.
"No, that's impossible. He's dead." Said Minato, not wanting to believe it's the real Madara.
"I wonder about that." "Madara" replied, with Minato narrowing his eyes at him.
"At this point, it doesn't matter who you are. But why are you targeting Konoha?" Questioned Minato, wanting to find what exactly he was planning.
"I could say I did it on a whim, or that I planned it, or that its war, or that it's for peace. I could say literally anything, but would it be the truth or would I just be lying to hide my true agenda in unleashing the Kyūbi onto Konoha?" Said "Madara" as a length of chain fell out of his sleeve with metal cuffs on each end, which he places around his wrists.
'Whatever the case, he's no ordinary man! He can control the Kyūbi and his teleportation surpasses both Nidaime-sama's and my own. And he has some dangerous ideology. I must deal with him now or he'll be even more trouble than the Kyūbi!' Thought Minato, knowing he couldn't let this man escape to cause even more trouble.
But also that it had to be here, as if he transported to the battlefield, "Madara" would just follow and even more chaos would unfold. And if he's anything like the real Madara, then he had to break his hold over the Kyūbi and trust the Sandaime to keep the village safe until he gets back.
Without warning, Minato and "Madara" rushed each other, the Yondaime thrusting his kunai at him only to phase through "Madara" again. Finding himself bound by his chain once he fully passed through, teleporting to another kunai before he could be hit.
'His flesh…my physical attack have no effect on him, but he makes himself materialize to attack me. Namely, I can only aim for him when we both strike blows! But his risk lies during the moment of attack, and considering the time remaining on the Kyūbi's Summoning Jutsu, he doesn't want a long battle either. The one who attacks an instant quicker than the other…will win this match!' Minato thought before charging "Madara" again.
The Masked Man doing the same as they rushed each other, with Minato throwing his kunai at "Madara's" head, timing it just right for his plan to work. While "Madara" raised his hand to grab Minato as the kunai phased through him. Though the moment the kunai had passed through his head, Minato formed a Rasengan while "Madara" went to grab him.
"I win." "Madara" stated, just as he was about to grab Minato, only for his eyes to widen when the Yellow Flash teleported.
Minato having teleported right above "Madara" to the kunai he threw, not hesitating as he turned and slammed his Rasengan into the man's back, finally succeeding in hitting him.
'Damnit! He flew to that kunai from earlier!' "Madara" thought, gritting his teeth in pain as he was slammed into the ground by the Rasengan.
"That was my Hiraishin: Second Step." Said Minato, pleased at landing a hit before placing his hand on "Madara's" back, marking him with his Sealing Formula.
"Madara" quickly jumped back on top of a rock and held his damaged arm, before it began leaking a white ooze with his hand soon falling off, knowing this battle was over.
"You got me. This is what it meant by "elusive". I should never have let down my guard." "Madara" said, before grunting as Minato teleported in front of him, slamming his hand into his chest.
'Hiraishin?! He must have marked my body somewhere!' Thought "Madara" before seeing Minato put another seal on him.
"A Contract Seal?! You intend to separate the Kyūbi from me?!" Said "Madara", now knowing the fight was lost.
"With this, the Kyūbi no longer belongs to you!" Minato said, freeing the Kyūbi from his control.
*Konoha*
Back in the village, the Kyūbi paused in its rampage before the Sharingan vanished from its eyes, returning to their normal slit pupils. Though while it was now freed, the Bijū was only more enraged at having been controlled a second time by the Sharingan. Roaring loudly in anger, the Kyūbi began attacking again, intent to destroy the village that's sealed it away and control it several times.
Swinging its claw at the ground, the Kyūbi ripped apart a building and unleashed a shockwave that travelled through the village, tearing through everything and everyone it hit. With Sarutobi watching this from a rooftop with a squad of Anbu.
"You must avoid damage to the village! Chase the Kyūbi outside the village walls! Buy me time so that I can execute my Jutsu, do not slow down the attack!" Ordered Hiruzen.
"Right! Let's go!" The lead Anbu said before they rushed to confront the Kyūbi.
All of them throwing kunai with Explosive Tags at the fox, detonating the moment they hit, only for the Kyūbi to bat the Anbu out of the air. Before it suddenly began charging up another Tailed Beast Bomb, causing Hiruzen's eyes to widen, knowing there wasn't anything they could do to stop that.
Luckily, just before the Kyūbi could fully charge the attack, a massive purple snake burst out of the ground and wrapped around the fox before biting down on its neck. The sudden attack breaking the Bijū's concentration, causing the Tailed Beast Bomb to fall apart, before the Kyūbi thrashed around to throw the snake off.
'Manda?! But if he's here, then…' Thought Sarutobi, recognizing the snake and knew only one person who could summon him.
"My, how things have changed. It's certainly much more different than the last time I was in the village. Did you decide to do some redecorating, Sarutobi-sensei?" Said a slightly high and snake-like voice, making Hiruzen turn to see his former student Orochimaru with a smirk on his face.
"Orochimaru, you've returned." Sarutobi stated in surprise and relief at seeing his student.
"Yes, and just in time, I believe. And while I'd love to catch up, perhaps it'd be better to focus on the Kyūbi for now." Said Orochimaru, the Sandaime nodding in agreement before biting his thumb and going through handsigns.
"Summoning Jutsu: Monkey King Enma!" Said Hiruzen, slamming his hand on the ground, with Enma appearing in a puff of smoke.
"The Kyūbi, huh? And Manda as well, I didn't expect to see the Colossal Serpent aiding us. So, the seal was broken?" Enma said, watching as Manda restrained the Kyūbi, the fox managing to get a hold of the snake and was trying to get him off.
"We're going to get it out of the village with the Adamantine Staff! Orochimaru, have Manda expose the Kyūbi's chest for us to hit!" Said Hiruzen, while Enma transformed into the Adamantine Staff.
"Right!" Orochimaru replied jumping across the roofs towards the Kyūbi and Manda, running up his summons once he was close enough.
"Formation of Ten Thousand Snakes!" Said Orochimaru, leaping into the air once he was high enough up Manda, before opening his mouth as hundreds of snakes emerged and lunged towards the Kyūbi, all of them opening their mouths to reveal blades hidden within them.
The snakes rushing forward and stabbed their blades into the Kyūbi's body, making the fox roar in anger at the attack and began thrashing around even more.
"Manda, keep the Kyūbi up and expose its chest!" Orochimaru said, landing on Manda's head with the Snake Boss glancing up at him.
"Tsk, I expect proper payment in return for this Orochimaru. Fighting the Kyūbi requires no less than a thousand sacrifices!" Said Manda in annoyance at having to fight the Kyūbi before maneuvering his body to force the Kyūbi to stand on its back legs while exposing its chest.
"Now! Extend!" Sarutobi said, seeing his chance before he had the Adamantine Staff extend right towards the Kyūbi, slamming into its chest.
The attack making the Kyūbi roar before it found itself being pushed through the air, until it crashed right through the village walls.
"It's out of the village! Don't let up and keep at it!" Hiruzen said, knowing they now didn't have to worry about damage to the village.
With the Ninja being encouraged by the Sandaime's words, along with now having one of the Sannin assisting them in holding off the Kyūbi. This being the sight Minato saw when he returned after "Madara" retreated before he could finish him off. The Yondaime looking on in surprise at seeing Manda restraining the Kyūbi, not expecting to see the snake.
'That must mean Orochimaru's back, that's a relief, it'll make this easier.' Thought Minato before pulling out one of his kunai and throwing it as hard as he could towards the Kyūbi and Manda.
Once he felt it was close enough, Minato teleported and grabbed the kunai out of the air, reappearing on top of Manda's head beside Orochimaru.
"Minato, so nice of you to join us. I take it that Kushina's seal didn't hold." Said Orochimaru, glancing at the Hokage, only for Minato to shake his head.
"No, it was something else, someone knew where we were and got past the Anbu before they separated me from Kushina and released the Kyūbi. I was able to get her and Naruko away before confronting the one responsible. And while I'm not completely sure, I believe it may be Madara Uchiha. He had the Sharingan, was able to release and control the Kyūbi, and get past Konoha's barrier to summon it inside the village." Minato explained, with the Snake Sannin narrowing his eyes at this information before turning back to the Kyūbi.
"You plan to seal the Kyūbi into your daughter, don't you." Stated Orochimaru, knowing if the perpetrator really is Madara Uchiha, then it's likely they got away before Minato could finish them and they'd most likely be back.
"I don't have any other choice, the Kyūbi can't be left free for that Masked Man to take control of again or risk one of the other villages capturing and sealing it away. And if that man really is Madara, then I have to make sure the Kyūbi is in good hands." Said Minato, hating that he'd have to place such a burden on his daughter and could only hope Kushina would forgive him.
"Hmmm…yes, I suppose that makes sense. Though if I may make a suggestion, perhaps it'd be more beneficial to seal part of the Kyūbi back into Kushina, at least to ensure the girl would have someone close to protect her and train her. As otherwise, you'd simply be gift wrapping the Kyūbi for the Masked Man, sealing it away in an infant that can't defend herself." Orochimaru said, making the Yellow Flash's eyes widen at this, realizing he was right.
He'd been planning to use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to seal half the Kyūbi into himself and the other half into Naruko. And while he trusted the Sandaime to look after Naruko, even he wouldn't stand a chance against "Madara" when he returned. But if he sealed half back into Kushina, not only would it save her life, but she'd also be able to make sure Naruko was safe and prepared as well. Along with making sure she grew up with at least one parent.
"Do you think Manda would be able to hold the Kyūbi down a little longer?" Minato asked, now having a better idea of what he needed to do for his family and the village.
"Don't speak as if I can't hear you, Toad Summoner! Whatever it is you intend to do, just do it!" Hissed Manda in annoyance at the scent of toads on Minato, especially his rival Gamabunta.
Nodding, Minato began gathering his Chakra to teleport himself and the Kyūbi, managing to teleport them just in time as the Kyūbi started charging up another Tailed Beast Bomb. Everyone looking in surprise as the Kyūbi suddenly vanished, leaving only Manda behind.
"Hmph, the next time you summon me Orochimaru, I expect my sacrifices." Said Manda before Reverse Summoning himself back to Ryūchi Cave, with Orochimaru landing on the ground.
"Orochimaru, what happened? Did Minato teleport the Kyūbi away?" Sarutobi asked, with the Sannin nodding in response before they looked off in the distance at a large explosion.
"Indeed he did, and it seems he got it far enough away from the village to seal it away again. We best hurry Sarutobi-sensei, I can tell you everything Minato told me of what happened and who is responsible for this attack." Replied Orochimaru, the Sandaime's eyes widen that someone was behind the attack before nodding as he, Orochimaru and a squad of Anbu rushed to where Minato teleported the Kyūbi.
*With Minato*
Minato had teleported the Kyūbi towards the safehouse he left Naruko and Kushina in, getting them out of the way just as the Bijū fired its Tailed Beast Bomb. Before quickly reappearing with his wife and daughter, panting at the Chakra he used.
'I can't stop now; I need to put up a barrier!' Minato thought while panting, since he's already used up a lot of Chakra against the Masked Man and then teleporting the Kyūbi here.
Something Kushina noticed, seeing how tired her husband was getting before she started gathering whatever strength and Chakra she still had left.
"Minato, I can…I can still do this." Said Kushina before grunting as she released her Adamantine Sealing Chains from her back, having them dig into the ground before shooting up into the air.
The Kyūbi roaring in anger as the chains that kept it bound before were doing so again, with Kushina tightening the chains around the fox while having the rest form a barrier around them. The Uzumaki woman panting in exhaustion, not sure how long she'd be able to keep her chains out.
"Kushina!" Minato said in worry, knowing she shouldn't be using her remaining strength, before the two heard Naruko start to cry, making Kushina look at her daughter tiredly.
"Did I wake you? S-sorry, Naruko." Said Kushina while smiling weakly at her daughter, before turning to Minato.
"Minato…seal the Kyūbi back into me, I can take it down with me…so at least its return will be…delayed. At least…I can do one last good thing in the end…and make sure Naruko grows up safely." Kushina said, wanting to take the Kyūbi down with her when she dies, much to Minato's shock before he quickly shook his head.
"Kushina, you don't have to die! As Hokage, it's my responsibility to give my life to protect the village, it'll be your responsibility to make sure Naruko is protected and looked after. I'm going to use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal and Eight Trigrams Seal; with them, I can seal half of the Kyūbi back into you and the other half into Naruko." Explained Minato, with Kushina's eyes widening at this.
"But that seal, anyone who uses it forfeits their life!" Said Kushina, with Minato nodding since he's aware of what will happen.
"I know, but like I said, it's my duty to give my life for the village and for my family. And this way Naruko will grow up with someone who loves her unconditionally, as well as someone who will be able to help her learn to harness the Kyūbi's power. And more than that, the Masked Man, whether he's really Madara Uchiha or not, he's a threat to the entire world. One that I believe Naruko is the only one able to stop." Minato said, believing Naruko is the Child of Prophecy that Jiraiya told them about, and the Masked Man is the threat she'll have to face.
With Kushina looking at him with wide eyes before shaking her head, not wanting her daughter to become a Jinchūriki, even if she'll be there to protect her. Let alone having such a burden put on her to face the Masked Man, as there's no telling what else he's capable of.
"You can't expect Naruko to become a Jinchūriki or face someone like that! She's just a baby!" Shouted Kushina, not wanting her to have that kind of burden placed on her when she's not even a day old.
"And she'll have you there helping him every step of the way. That's what Kaa-sans do, they're the ones who love, protect and care for their children. While a Tou-san's role is to give their lives for them, to ensure they live no matter the cost! Have faith Kushina, she's our daughter after all!" Said Minato, making the redhead look at him in surprise before he went through handseals, clapping his hands together at the end.
"Dead Demon Consuming Seal!" Minato said with the spectral form of the Shinigami forming behind him, while grabbing hold of Minato's soul and pulling it out of his body, with Kushina only able to look at him with wide eyes.
Minato grunted as the Shinigami's hand reached through him before racing towards the Kyūbi and grabbing hold of the fox, ripping out its Yang-half before placing it within Kushina.
"Eight Trigrams Seal, Seal!" Said Minato, clapping his hands together, while Kushina gasped as she felt some of her strength start returning, but still felt weak from everything.
Glancing at the Kyūbi and seeing it had also shrunk down to half its original size, Kushina quickly tightened her chains around it, stopping the fox from trying anything.
"Okay, now for the other half in Naruko." Minato said tiredly before summoning the Sealing Alter and placing Naruko on it, grunting when the Shinigami reached through him again to grab the Yin-half of the Kyūbi.
"Eight Trigrams Seal, Seal!" Said Minato, placing the Yin-half within Naruko, panting as the sealing was now complete and the Shinigami would now collect its payment.
'You…stupid, flaky bastard. I guess you finally won an argument for once.' Kushina thought sadly as she could nothing but watch as the Shinigami devoured her husband's soul, with Minato collapsing to the ground dead.
Panting as her chains vanished, Kushina turned towards where Naruko was, smiling weakly at her daughter before she tried standing up. Only to gasp as her strength and adrenaline began leaving her.
'N-no…j-ju-just…l-le-let m-me-me…h-ho-hold h-he-her…' Thought Kushina, wanting to at least hold her daughter before her remaining strength left her and the woman collapsed to the ground unconscious.
Not a moment later after the barrier vanished, Hiruzen, Orochimaru, and a team of Anbu rushed inside, only to see Minato was already dead.
"It would seem he succeeded in sealing the Kyūbi in time, but at a heavy price. Quite the curious Jutsu as well." Orochimaru said, muttering the last part to himself, having never seen a Jutsu like that before, making a mental note to look into it at a later time.
"Yes, so it would seem." Said Hiruzen sadly while looking at his successor body.
"Sandaime-sama! She's still alive!" One of the Anbu said after checking on Kushina, seeing she's still alive, getting the Sandaime's and Orochimaru's attention.
"Bring her and the child to the hospital immediately, to be looked after! And collect Minato's body so he may receive a proper burial, along with all those who have fallen." Hiruzen said while picking up Naruko, as the Anbu nodded as they picked up Kushina and Minato's body.
*Timeskip-Two Days*
After returning to the village, while making sure Naruko and Kushina were safely secured in the hospital, Hiruzen had taken command of the remaining forces to collect those that died to be buried. With a memorial being held the next day, letting everyone mourn and grieve the family, friends, and comrades that were lost.
Before the day after, a meeting was called by the Konoha Council, having all the Clan Heads attend as well the commanding Ninja present. With Orochimaru also attending the meeting, standing off to the side to watch how things proceed.
"We repelled the Kyūbi, but the sacrifice was much too great." Said Homura with a frown, given they not only lost numerous Ninja from their forces, but also their Hokage, not to mention the damage caused.
"This is no time to lament, the Hokage's seat is empty. We must decide on someone, quickly." Koharu stated, knowing they needed to decide who would become the Godaime Hokage to establish order as well as ensure the other villages don't try anything in their weakened state.
"Perhaps someone from the age group below Minato?" Shikaku Nara suggested, given there were plenty of talented Jōnin who could take the title, they'd just need to be trained and instructed in the responsibilities of being Hokage.
"We have nurtured fine Jōnin, but they all lack the experience to rule over a village." Said Koharu, agreeing that there were several Jōnin with potential, but they didn't have the experience needed to be Hokage.
"Is there anyone else?" Questioned Shikaku since the list of candidates to be Hokage wasn't very long, being even shorter for those that were strong enough and had the experience needed in a leader.
"Well…" Danzō said, about to suggest himself for the position, only for Sarutobi to stand up.
"It can't be helped; this is a critical time. I shall take over." Hiruzen said, willing to retake his place as Hokage, much to Danzō's annoyance and the surprise of everyone else.
"Oh, will you do that?" Homura asked, not expecting his former teammate to want to be Hokage again.
"If you are willing…" Said Koharu, believing he'd be the best choice, given the Sandaime was someone everyone was familiar with and knew how he ruled, and the village could do with someone familiar.
"You stepped down once…are you up to the task?" Said Danzō, looking at his rival.
"Truth be told, even though you went after the Kyūbi, you failed to save the Yondaime Hokage." Danzō stated, making several people frown.
"That remark is uncalled for." Said Homura, frowning at Danzō, knowing that's going too far.
"And where were you at that time, Danzō?" Koharu asked challengingly since they hadn't seen Danzō or any of his forces fighting the Kyūbi.
The question making the Warhawk grit his teeth, until Hiruzen laughed lightly getting everyone's attention.
"Just indulge this old man. Let me fill in as Hokage until we can groom the next one." Said Sarutobi, defusing the situation, with Danzō's annoyance only growing.
Before everyone's attention turned towards Orochimaru when he coughed.
"While it's noble of you to take on the burden of leadership once again, Sarutobi-sensei. You also aren't as young as you used to be, and while your presence would help settle rising emotions among the villagers, knowing they'll have a familiar leader looking after them. I believe after recent events, what the village needs is someone more…assertive, as well as someone who can ensured the other villages would hesitate in trying anything. So, I would like to suggest myself to become the Godaime Hokage." Orochimaru said, much to everyone's shock that he'd throw his own name in, while the Sandaime narrowed his eyes slightly.
"You wish to become Hokage, Orochimaru?" Hiruzen asked warily, given how he passed Orochimaru up as the Yondaime, believing he'd only use the title for his own agenda.
But after how he willing assisted them in fighting the Kyūbi, he felt he could give his former student another chance, though he would remain wary, just in case.
"I am merely looking at it from a more logical view, while you are still very powerful Sarutobi-sensei, you tend to prefer the peaceful route. And with the Kyūbi Attack, the other villages will see Konoha at its weakest and most vulnerable. With your beliefs and personality being well-known, they'd see an opportunity to make their own moves. But by seeing me as Hokage, they would be more likely to stay within their own lands and villages, hesitant to run the risk of attacking with the most ruthless of the Three Legendary Sannin leading Konoha. I also believe it would do the village good as well, having seen me battling the Kyūbi and holding it off until Minato arrived, they'll feel safe and secure having a Sannin around full-time." Orochimaru explained, with Sarutobi frowning since he couldn't exactly refute those points before the Sannin began speaking again.
"But whether I am accepted or not, I did have something to share with everyone about someone who's been sabotaging the village from within. Isn't that right, Danzō." Said Orochimaru with a smirk, making everyone immediately turn to Danzō, who narrowed his eyes at Orochimaru.
"I don't know what you're talking about, everything I have done is for the good of Konoha." Danzō said, with Orochimaru's smirk merely growing as he pulled out a black book.
"Really now? The good of Konoha? So it was in the village's best interest to get involved in matters within Amegakure, working with Hanzō the Salamander to take out an organization within Ame that was merely seeking peace? Or what about blackmailing the Captain of the Medic Corps to join The Foundation as well as her adopted son, using them a spies then sending them to kill each other when they became too efficient, all while brainwashing her so she wouldn't even recognize her own adoptive son? And most recently, preventing the Uchiha Clan from assisting in combating the Kyūbi, when they would have been the most useful in suppressing the fox. Do wish for me to continue or would you prefer I simply let everyone here read your list of crimes?" Said Orochimaru, as nearly everyone was looking at Danzō with suspicious glares, including Sarutobi, with the Warhawk gripping his cane tightly at what was happening.
"How exactly did to come to know this information Orochimaru?" Homura asked with a frown, wanting to know if anything of this was true and how the Sannin got his hands on it.
"I had joined The Foundation and worked closely with Danzō, but I was merely using it as a cover, gathering all the information I could to ensure Danzō wouldn't be able to cause any more harm than he already has. All while waiting for the right moment to reveal everything I have gathered. I was personally present when he blackmailed Nonō Yakushi to join and her adopted son, Kabuto, offered himself in her place. But Danzō had them both as spies, never telling the other he recruited them both until he decided that they'd become too talented and needed to be eliminated. He brainwashed Nonō with the pictures of different boys, each claiming they were Kabuto until she couldn't even recognize him. I had arrived to try and save them, only to be too late as Nonō had already been killed. And knowing Danzō, he wouldn't rest until Kabuto was dead, so I took him in and I'm sure he would be more than willing to reveal what he knows as well. For Amegakure, the organization Danzō feared was founded by three orphans that Jiraiya had taken in and trained. Unfortunately, they were killed due to Danzō pitting Hanzō against them, seeing their group as a threat to Konoha when it was founded merely to bring peace to Amegakure and eventually the world. Finally the Uchiha Clan, I spoke with Fugaku Uchiha and he had been ordered by Danzō to keep the Uchiha Clan away from the Kyūbi. Believing they'd use their Sharingan to control the fox, despite how they could have also kept it docile and prevented most of the destruction. The fact that neither Danzō nor any members of The Foundation had been present, despite his claims of protecting Konoha, one would think you had a hand in this tragedy. Seeking Minato's death to become Hokage yourself, while all those that died would merely be casualties in your bid for power." Orochimaru explained with everyone now glaring at Danzō, while the Warhawk was glaring at the Snake Sannin.
"But perhaps the biggest piece of proof is what's underneath your bandages. Care to show us the stolen eye you have hidden underneath Danzō, or would you care to show everyone your new arm?" Said Orochimaru before a snake suddenly shot up from under the table towards Danzō's face.
The Warhawk not being fast enough to stop the snake before it ripped off his bandages around his eye, with everyone looking in shock at seeing a Sharingan eye.
"And there is your proof, a Sharingan eye stolen from the Uchiha Clan. As well as ten more imbedded in his right arm, one that's been further modified with the cells of the Shodaime Hokage! The two things capable of controlling the Kyūbi!" Orochimaru accused, with Danzō finally snapping as he pulled out a kunai and rushed Orochimaru.
"Shadow Possession Jutsu!" Said Shikaku, making a handsign as his shadow rushed forward and grabbed the Warhawk, freezing him in place.
"Danzō, the Sharingan alone proves your guilt, that you tried attacking Orochimaru only solidifies it. Do not make this harder than it has to be." Said Hiruzen while frowning in disappointment at his old friend, not believing he'd fall this far.
"This is not where it ends for me, Hiruzen! Everything I've done was for the good of Konoha and I will be back to reclaim the village, as well as dealing with you traitor!" Said Danzō while glaring at Orochimaru, who merely smirked..
Before to everyone's shock, Danzō's Sharingan turned white before his body suddenly vanished as if he was never even there.
"Where did he go?!" Koharu said, standing up, while all the Ninja shot up and looked around warily for Danzō.
"Don't bother, he's likely already back in his base and escaping with as many of his forces as he can get. As for what he did, it's a Kinjutsu of the Uchiha Clan. To put it simply, by sacrificing one of their Sharingan they can place a Genjutsu on reality itself, allowing them a second chance by undoing something, normally preventing their death. But Danzō used it to escape." Said Orochimaru, much to everyone's shock, before cursing that the Warhawk escaped.
"I'm sure many of you wish to begin hunting him down and stop him, but I believe the more important issue is still deciding who shall be named Hokage. Once we have a leader and begun stabilizing the village, then we can focus our efforts on dealing with Danzō." Orochimaru added, with everyone nodding in agreement, knowing for the time being their main focus was on the village.
"Now then, Sarutobi-sensei, the decision is yours. Do you still wish to be named Hokage again or do you have someone else in mind?" Questioned Orochimaru, with the Sandaime merely looked at his former student with a contemplative frown on his face.
*Timeskip-One Week*
'All too easy.' Thought Orochimaru with a smirk as he walked through the hospital, now wearing the Hokage's robes, having been officially chosen as the new Godaime Hokage.
Given his part in fighting the Kyūbi and then exposing Danzō as a traitor, it was a unanimous decision that he should be Hokage. Something that did help settle the villagers, knowing they now had a Sannin as Hokage, especially one capable of fighting off the Kyūbi. With Orochimaru being pleased at having gained the Hokage title, knowing how beneficial it'll be for him and his plans.
'But of course, even if I hadn't been named Hokage, I already won.' Orochimaru thought, having come to the hospital to check on those that had been injured during the Kyūbi Attack, including both Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi.
With the new Godaime soon reaching Kushina's room and knocked on the door before entering, finding Kushina lying in bed with Naruko in her arms.
"Huh? Oh Orochimaru, uh…I mean, Hokage-sama." Kushina said, having heard that he's been named Hokage from Mikoto and Hitomi when they visited her.
"I'm pleased to see you have recovered after your trying ordeal. And while Minato and I never saw eye-to-eye on many things, as well as him being named the Yondaime over me, you have my condolences for your loss." Said Orochimaru with a slight bow, with the redhead nodding slowly.
"Um…thank you. I'm also hopefully going to be out of here soon." Replied Kushina, wanting to simply go home with her daughter.
"Of course, I doubt you want nothing else than to return home and rest. Though should you ever need anything, I will be more than happy to provide any assistance. Both for yourself and young Naruko." Orochimaru said moving closer to get a better look at Naruko, raising a brow at her features, which Kushina noticed.
"They're from being exposed to the Kyūbi's Chakra while I was pregnant and some recessive genes on Minato's side." Kushina said, the Snake Sannin nodding at this.
"Well, I'm sure she'll grow up to be a rather interesting girl, who will be full of surprises. But I'll leave you both alone now and my offer stands, anything either of you require I'll be happy to provide." Said Orochimaru before taking his leave.
'Yes, Naruko will certainly be full of surprises.' Orochimaru thought with a smirk, especially with what he did before Kushina became pregnant.
It had been easy to arrange for Minato to have a routine check-up and receive a vaccination to make sure he stayed in good health. But what Minato had been injected with wasn't some simply vaccine, instead being a modified strand of DNA. Which Orochimaru had created, modifying the base DNA sample with outside sources he acquired. All of which possessing Kekkei Genkai, which if he was right, Naruko would awaken them all once she was older.
'The Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku, the Shōton, absorbing Natural Energy to gain a Sage Transformation, turning into smoke without fear of death from the wind, and of course the Mokuton.' Thought Orochimaru, knowing eventually Naruko would awaken all those Kekkei Genkai, not counting the superhuman abilities and powerful Chakra she'd gain from the base DNA and the other modifications made to it, alone.
But that wasn't all the DNA sample did, it had overwritten Minato's reproductive material. So while legally he was Naruko's father, he wasn't her biological one. Naruko's true father was the one who's DNA the strand originally came from.
Orochimaru himself.
'Yes, anything I can do to assist them. After all…what father wouldn't want to look after his own daughter.' Orochimaru thought as he made his way out of the hospital, knowing that Naruko will be his living legacy.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Minato having a routine check-up and getting a vaccine before going straight to that night where Naruko is born with some rather unique features, only for "Madara" to attack, leading to the Kyūbi being released onto Konoha, with things going the same up until Orochimaru arrives with Manda to help fight the Bijū. Which also leads to Minato sealing half of the Kyūbi back into Kushina saving her life and the other half into Naruko. Then we see a meeting to decide who would become Hokage, with Orochimaru suggesting himself as the Godaime, along with exposing Danzō and his treachery, leading to him escaping with as many of his forces as he can, while Orochimaru is chosen as the Godaime Hokage. Finally we learn what exactly Orochimaru had done, having had Minato injected with an altered DNA strand to not only give Naruko several Kekkei Genkai, but also rewrote Minato's reproduction material with that of the base DNA, making Naruko's real biological father Orochimaru himself. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out