[8]
Minato waited by the door, tapping away on his phone. He then heard about five knocks on the door at once. He put his phone in his pocket, wrapped his fingers around the knob, and pulled the door open.
"Minato!" Madara Uchiha barked.
"They're fine, they're fine. They're just sleeping, not hush up before you wake my kids," Minato explained.
Madara stepped inside and pushed his hands back through his hair.
"What happened?" he asked, shaking his head.
The blonde sighed, "I heard yelling. So, I ran in and saw what was going on. One was on the floor having issues breathing, the others were trying to calm him down, and the last one was beaten," he explained.
Madara sighed.
"Madara, you need to do something," Minato urged.
"I know that Minato, but sadly my brother is their father. I would have to go threw him, and I don't know what that would do to my nephews," he explained.
"It would keep them safe," Minato concurred.
"Don't start," Madara huffed.
Minato shut his mouth and looked behind him to the boys walking up to their uncle. Madara cupped Sasuke's face, checking him closely and gently.
"You okay? You okay?" he asked.
Sasuke nodded. Madara then checked the other boys, but when he stopped on Kakashi. His face angered. Kakashi had dried blood on his eyebrows, pink marks on his face, and darkened bruises on his neck. He defiantly got the worse of it.
"Kakashi, my god," Madara said in astonishment.
"Why does he hate me? What did I do?" Kakashi asked, his voice slightly cracking.
"It's because he hates your mother," Madara answered.
The other boys listened carefully. Kakashi shook his head.
"I barely remember her," he said.
"You have her hair; your father believes she cheated. Hey, I won't let him hurt you or your brothers again. You're all staying with me," Madara announced.
"Can we?" Itachi asked.
"Forever?" Shisui added.
"As long as I can afford all of you," Madara joked.
His nephews laughed along. Sasuke looked up to the railing of the stairs. Sting, Rogue, and Gajeel were watching the entire conversation.
"Minato!" Sting called out.
Minato leaned his head back to look Sting in the eyes.
"Yeah son?" he questioned.
"We gotta get ready for school, and I think Kushina is still sleeping," Sting stated.
"She's sleeping in today, long night with the club." Minato is enlightened.
The boys nodded to Minato but kept their eyes on Sasuke and his brothers.
"Uh, should we go now?" Sasuke asked.
"Yeah, come on. You guys gotta get ready for school anyway," Madara said.
"What? Come on, can't I take a personal day?" Sasuke joked.
"No, move it." Madara snapped, jokingly.
The boys left with their uncle. Minato pushed back his blonde hair and leaned back on the wall. He closed his eyes and exhaled. Sting and Rogue watched him and then looked up at Gajeel.
"Minato? You okay?" Gajeel asked.
"Yeah," he sniffed, "Just this world can be so dark sometimes, I can't always find the light,"
Gajeel looked at Sting and Rogue, they were starting to see Minato's heart. A kind man who just wanted the best for everyone. The man who bends over backward for his family.
"Do you see the light now?" Sting asked.
"Yeah," He turned to the slayers, "All five of you are a bright light." He answered.
The boys smiled at their adoptive father, just as Kushina made her way down the stairs.
"What are you guys still doing on the stairs?" she said, running her hands through Sting's blonde hair. He made a squishy face. Minato smiled, but then saw the backdoor opening. He followed and sat down next to Natsu.
"You okay Natsu?" he asked.
"I feel like an ass," Natsu answered.
"What do you mean?" Minato asked.
"I was against you last night, I just expected you not to come home," Natsu said.
"And not be a father?" Minato asked.
"I don't know, I'm not used to...people being so kind. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop," Natsu clarified.
"Natsu, I'm not trying to be pushy with you from what you all went through. But would you let me...be a father again?" Minato requested.
"Why me?" Natsu inquired.
"Because it's you," Minato responded.
Natsu looked down at the ground and sniffed. He finally looked up into Minato's eyes.
"I saw you for the real you last night. You didn't have to help those boys, but you did. You saved them from an abuser," he said.
Minato exhaled.
"...I want you to be my father," Natsu stated.
Minato smiled and wrapped his arm over Natsu. The pink-haired boy leaned on his shoulder.
"Can I tell you something?" Natsu asked.
Minato gave a single nod.
"In the orphanage, Mard liked to experiment on us to see our power from the core," he explained.
"Experiment? Like...open you up?" Minato questioned.
Natsu nodded. He pulled up his shirt to show a stitched-up wound on the left side of his stomach. Minato looked closer and ran his fingers along with the stitching. Minato's face angered.
"We tried so hard to keep Mard away from Wendy, but sometimes we couldn't always do it. He opened her up when she was still awake, hearing her scream down the hallway was haunting," Natsu continued.
Minato licked his lips.
"I remember waking up in an empty room. No one was there, but my stomach was still open on the side. Something was leaking out," he sustained.
"What was it?"
"Fire. Maybe I was hallucinating, I don't know. But that was a turning point for me, at that point I realized that I needed to keep going. There's a fire in me, and I wanna let my fire shine bright. So, I can be all fired up." he finished.
Minato smiled.
"That's my son."
Natsu chuckled as Minato wrapped his arm around him again, playfully.
Kushina stopped at the club again, she sent two of the staff members away. She adjusted the top of her white Venus LACE UP RUFFLE MAXI DRESS and fixed the bow on her Bowknot Design Platform Espadrille Wedges. She turned around to see her sister coming into the room.
"Mito," she said.
"Hey," Mito whispered.
Mito looked amazing in her multi pink HIGH LOW PRINT DRESS, that made her chest look BIG! She clicked her Simmi London Monique snake high espadrille wedges, as she pushed her hair back.
"What's wrong?" Kushina asked.
"Just got back from a date," Mito replied.
"Oh, so you decided to take that guy up on his date offer?" Kushina asked.
"Oh, no no no," Mito rejected.
"Why not? It seemed like Gildarts wanted to go on a date with you," Kushina concurred.
"Yeah, he's also a major player. My divorce is getting finalized now, and I don't need a player as a new boyfriend," Mito explained.
"Oh, I'm not that bad," a male's voice said behind her.
She turned around, crossing her arms, and smirked at him.
"What are you doing here Gildarts?" she asked.
"I'm a property owner in this town to local projects. I heard about this one, and I thought I'd check it out. Glad I did, didn't think I'd run into the only woman who turned me down for a date," he said.
Mito rolled her eyes, but couldn't help smiling.
"I turned you down because the last thing I need right now is a player," she relayed.
"Why? Husband leaves you for another woman?" he asked.
"No, he left me for another man. Now any more questions?" she snapped.
She walked around him. He stuttered looking at Kushina for help. She flicked her hand at him, signaling him to after Mito.
He quickly ran after her and stopped her.
"Hey hey, sorry sorry. I didn't mean to offend you," he pleaded.
She crossed her arms and looked him in the eyes.
"Okay, how about this. When this place premieres for the first time, you be my date," he declared.
She scoffed and shook her head.
"And why would I do that?" she questioned.
"Because you're a beautiful woman and I'd be the pauper against your beauty," he said.
She couldn't help but giggle.
"Shake on it?" he asked.
He held up his hand for a shake. She exhaled deeply, then gripped his hand. They shook. He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed. She giggled but pulled her hand back. He grinned.
"Deal,"
"Deal."
Kushina smiled and returned to work.
The school was the same as every day; teenagers, hormones, the rich class who can do whatever they want, blind to the outside world.
Sakura Haruno crossed her legs in her Gray Long Sleeve Button Off Shoulder Sexy Bodycon Dress. She tapped her desk with her black fur-lined knee-high wedge boots. She felt her cell phone vibrate from her GENUINE LEATHER EMBOSSED CROCODILE LUXURY HANDBAG. She waited for the teacher to turn back to the board before she reached in to grab it.
INO: GRL! CHICK W/ THE GREEN HAIR IS STARIN AT U.
Sakura looked over to Ino and wiggled her phone in confusion. Ino angled her eyes towards the back of the classroom. Sakura looked over her shoulder towards the 'green hair' chick; Hisui. She immediately blushed when Sakura caught her. Sakura stared back at her, which made Hisui stare more intensely.
Sakura then checked out Hisui's amazing body, which made her smile. Sakura then turned back to the teacher and pushed her hands through her pink hair. Sasuke noticed from across the room and followed the gaze straight to Hisui.
Sting exited the bathroom and walked up to his locker. When he opened it, a small piece of folded paper fell from the shelf. He picked it up and opened it. There was a small message written for him.
Text me at 868-XXX-XXXX.
We can meet.
Y.
He looked towards the front doors where she was. Yukino was sitting on the hood of her white 2017 Kia Soul car. She looked up at Sting walking up to her.
"You leave this for me?" he asked, holding up the note.
She gave a nod.
"You just being mysterious? Or can you not ask me directly?" he asked.
"I was nervous, so I wanted to be creative," she replied.
He smiled and then moved so he was in front of her.
"So, what's up?" he asked.
"Um, I wanted to ask you to see a movie with me?" she asked.
He smiled, "Was that your first time?"
"Yeah," she giggled shyly, "Normally the guy asks the girl."
"Well, I'm not every typical guy. Very closed off," He sneered.
She looked down at the ground.
"Are you willing to open up? To me?" she asked.
"Maybe," he answered.
She pushed up from the car and reached for his hands. She squeezed them, and he squeezed back. She loosened up one hand to caress his blonde hair and cheek.
"I think there's more to you than you think. Your past doesn't always define you," she said.
He closed his eyes and sighed.
"...Even if it still lingers?" he asked.
"It's a process," she said, "You'll get through,"
Haku was seated in the library, going over some homework.
"Haku," Rogue whispered, spooking the boy.
"Oh!" Haku squealed.
"Sorry," Rogue said.
He sat down next to Haku, who moved his homework aside for a moment.
"What's up?" Haku asked.
"Can I ask you about the last attack in Konoha? Like why?" Rogue asked.
"Mm," Haku leaned back in his chair," Konoha was known for interesting Jutsu, powers, whatever. Konoha was just...different. Defiantly about Minato and Kushina's children," Haku continued.
"What do you mean?' Rogue asked.
"Uzumaki are known for their healing and longer life spans. They can take on a lot of pain," Haku explained.
"Have you ever thought that they could still be alive?" Rogue asked in a whisper.
Haku closed his eyes, "Maybe," he answered.
"Why?"
"Because it's like an energy. Like they are still around, but not like a ghost. Like they are still around, alive somewhere close," Haku explained.
"I think they could be in Konoha," Rogue insinuated.
"Would you want them to come back?" Haku asked.
"Yes and no,"
Haku raised his eyebrow.
"I want them to be alive for Minato's and Kushina's sake, I know they miss their children. But at the same time, they are becoming the best people my brothers, and sister and I know. I don't wanna lose them," Rogue confessed.
Haku licked his and reached his hand over, cupping Rogues.
"It's okay to care for them," he explained.
Rogue shook his head, "I was fighting every urge not to, but they slipped through my walls. Now I just, want them to stay," he said.
Haku smiled a bit, "If you want, we can meet up after school or something. Find some more research?" he suggested.
Rogue smiled, "Sure. That'd be nice."
Haku almost blushed, so he leaned back rubbing his cheeks to hide it.
Gajeel pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it in his gym locker.
"Hey Gajeel," Konohamaru said.
He turned around and waved at him.
"What's up man?" he asked.
"Nothing just got done with chemistry. Hate that class," Konohamaru responded.
"How come?" Gajeel chuckled.
"To see girls, beg Sasuke and his group for help is nauseating," Konohamaru explained.
"Mmm, come on," Gajeel said.
They both walked into the gym with the other boys and girls.
"So, hey can I ask you something?" Gajeel asked.
"What's up?" Konohamaru answered.
"Do you know the girl, Minerva?" Gajeel asked.
"Yeah, let me guess. You're into her," Konohamaru implied.
"I'm into her a little bit, but I can't get her exactly. She has an aura," Gajeel continued.
"She's quiet and normally sticks to herself and a small group of girls. She's not that friendly, but not mean though. She doesn't really let people get close to her, but if she does then you must be special," Konohamaru explained.
"Damn, you know all of that?" Gajeel asked.
"I sat next to her, I'm good at reading people," Konohamaru clarified.
"Let me guess, did she ever have anything going on with Sasuke?" Gajeel asked.
Konohamaru chuckled.
"Pretty sure that guy has a rather wide body count," Gajeel continued.
"Well Sasuke goes both ways," Konohamaru informed.
"As in-? Ohhh," Gajeel said.
"Mhmm, there was a rumor that they had a fling, but now she just stares at him with a mean glare." he finished.
Gajeel nodded, "Noted." He stated.
He looked over to Sting, and his brothers walking up to them both. Natsu whispered something to Konohamaru, making him laugh. Across the gym, Laxus and his buddies were chatting with each other. Laxus kept pointing out Konohamaru which then got Sasuke's attention.
"What's your problem Laxus?!" Sasuke called out.
The girls then turned to see what was going on.
"Stay out of it Uchiha!" Laxus barked.
"No, because I can hear you going on and on about Konohamaru if you have something to say then say it to him! He's right there!" Sasuke concurred.
"What does it have to do with you!?" Laxus snapped.
Konohamaru looked around Natsu to see what was going on, Natsu pulled him back to block him. Gajeel and Sting blocked Konohamaru from Laxus's view.
"Hey hey," Konohamaru defended.
"You keep talking crap, but you won't do anything! All you do is bully other people!" Sasuke barked.
His temperature was rising as Shikamaru and Kiba pulled Sasuke back a bit. Minerva even moved around Ultear to see better.
"Why is talking like that? I don't get it," Konohamaru said.
"You got something to say you, dork! All you do is sing, and that's it!" Laxus barked.
"What's your problem! I didn't say anything to you!" Konohamaru shouted.
"Stop it, stop it ignore him," Sting urged.
Laxus slammed his fist into the wall and took off in a charge.
"LAXUS!" Bickslow shouted.
Natsu and Gajeel barely had enough time to react before Laxus jumped right at Konohamaru. Luckily, Konohamaru ducked outta the way in time. He had enough of this! Enough of the bullying! Enough of Laxus! Enough of all the taunting! That's enough!
Konohamaru threw a punch, smacking Laxus in the jaw.
"Hey! Hey!" Kiba shouted.
Laxus grabbed him by the throat, as they spun around punching each other in the face.
"STOP IT!" Natsu bellowed.
Sasuke, Shikamaru, Kiba, and Lee wrapped their arms around Konohamaru's body, pulling him. Gajeel, Sting, Loke, and Jellal pulled Laxus away.
Konohamaru tried to back up out of the boys' grasp, he wanted to do some damage.
"Oh my god!" Lucy shouted.
"Konohamaru stop! Stop!" Cana begged.
The four ninjas moved him back towards the locker room and shut the door.
"Calm down, calm down," Sasuke pled.
"UGH!" Konohamaru grunted.
"Konohamaru, please chill out for a second. He's not worth it, stop it," Lee said.
He put his hands on Konohamaru's shoulders and sat him down on the bench. The brunette put his head down, facing the floor. Shikamaru sat down next to him.
"You defiantly can take and pack a punch though," He said.
He chuckled and lifted his head to the other ninjas.
"Laxus deserved it," Sasuke added.
All of the boys chuckled together.
"Hey look, I'm sorry that I never said anything about Laxus bullying you and all," Sasuke said.
"Me too," Shikamaru chimed in.
"Yeah," Kiba added.
"We're sorry," Lee finished.
Konohamaru smiled a bit and gave a nod.
"Thank you."
The slayers all returned home for the day. Minato and Kushina came out of the house to see Rogue walking up with Haku.
"Hey, uh can Haku stay over for a bit? Do some research?" he asked.
"Yeah sure, I don't see a problem," Kushina answered.
"Research on what?" Minato asked.
Rogue licked his lips and cleared his throat, a hint for Minato to butt out.
"Minato," Kushina said.
Minato held his hands up as Rogue and Haku disappeared inside. Gajeel pushed back his hair until he saw someone came up to him.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I just wanted to talk to you, I mean after the gym incident today Laxus got suspended," Minerva explained.
"Good," he stated.
"Um, I just wanted to ask you something?" she asked.
"What's up?"
"Um, you come here with your brothers and all? Are you guys gonna branch out? Or just stay with each other?" she asked.
He stepped closer to her.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Like...are you open to... other relationships?" she asked.
He stepped even closer, cupped the sides of her face, and leaned closer pressing his lips on hers. She gripped his hips gently, kissing him back.
"Oh!" Kushina gushed.
They watched from the front door.
"Hmm, and I thought Natsu would the first one to snag a girlfriend," he said.
"I told you it was gonna be Gajeel," she giggled.