A Fox and A Tanuki Chapter 1, a naruto fanfic

Hello faithful readers, this is my first time posting a story for everyone to see so please be gentle and um..tell me what you think. I'm open for ideas and suggestions and constructive criticism. So first things first, the main draw of this story if you couldn't tell from the description are three thingd:

1) Hiruzen sealed the Kyuubi, Minato didn't, so he's alive and well.

2) Garra is female, I want to do this because I love the friendship they have in the anima and manga

3) There will be a small bleach cross over in the fact I want to give Naruto a zanpakto, no real reason why other than I wanted to. No character or monster or anything else from Bleach will be making in appearance, or at least I haven't planned for one to show yet. \

Chapter 1- Roles Reversed

Minato leaned back in his chair, resting his eyes for a minute. The amount of paperwork alone was enough to give Minato a headache, and no matter how much he did, every time he looked away there always seemed to be more. He swung his chair around to look at the portrait of his predecessor. "How did you do it Sarutobi-sensei. Seriously, I fought a war and a tailed beast, but this is a different enemy all together." Minato frowned as memories started flooding his mind.

"Kushina! Kushina! Stay with me." Minato was leaning over the body of his wife, who had a gaping whole in her stomach. She weakly raised one hand to Minato's face, and despite the situation managed a smile.

"Hey you, how's our son?" Her hand went from Minato's faced to the bundle of clothing he was holding in his arms. The babe, who had been crying,stopped at his mothers touch. "Hey son... heh it's funny all of the preparation we did, we never discussed a name did we?"

"Kushina that doesn't matter right now, we have to get you to the hospital!"

"Honey, moving me me right now would only do more damage, and the hospital is going to be busy taking care of the injured."

"Dammit Kushina, be selfish just this once. I can't lose you, I don't know how to raise a kid."

"Not any kid Minato, our kid. And you'll do great, I believe in you." Minato put his head against Kushina's, even now her breath was starting to slow. "What's his name going to be huh?"

"It's...it's going to be Naruto" Minato looked to his left, to the body of his mentor the Third Hokage "Naruto Hiruzen Namikaze"

"Let me see him." Minato gently laid Naruto in Kushina's arms. "Hey son, Naruto. You know you're named after a hero right? In the books he.." tears started streaming down Kushina's face "he never gave up. Never gave in and always looked for the best answer. I love you, never forget that. You're dad can be dumb at times, but he's got a good heart." Kushina looked up to Minato "I love you.."

"I love you..."

Minato shook his head to clear his mind, his assistant had just entered "Lord Fourth, the Kazekage is here."

"Ahem...right, send him in. Thanks. "

The Fourth Kazekage was a slender man, with dull rusty red hair, and a stern look on a rather thin face "please we are equals and I am in your village. Call me Rasa."

Minato stood to shake the offered hand "alright then by all means call me Minato."

"Okay then, Minato. You asked for an audience and I answer. Why have you brought me here?"

"Right straight to the point, I want to make a formal alliance with Suna. Both our great nations were devastated after the last war. I was thinking if we allied, we could put up a strong front in the face of the other three nations."

"And I suppose this has nothing to do with the Kyuubi attack three years ago?"

Minato held both his hands up "well yeah that too." He slid a folder over to Rasa "Our spies have recently uncovered a plot being devised by Iwa. It seems they plan to attack while we're still rebuilding. I was hoping if a treaty could be made between us they would back off."

Rasa read over the report. It was true, even three years later the damage done by the Kyuubi to the Leaf village had been extensive. "You're offer intrigues me Minato, but tell me what does Suna get out of all of this?"

"Simple, trade. Konoha has supplies that we can give to Suna in exchange for a defensive treaty. Fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lumber."

"Hmmm...fine I'll agree to your terms and have a treaty drawn up. But if we're doing this then you must know, I was aware of Iwa's plans, shortly before i received your message, a courier from Iwa came to Suna. They asked us to assist in their invasion of Konoha. Oonoki offered me the very same thing you are right now."

"Oh?" Minato asked with a smile "any reasonable leader would say Iwa was stronger at the moment. Why choose Konoha?"

"In an all out battle, I think Iwa and Konoha would eliminate each other and.." Rasa stood up, walking over to a near by window, Minato followed him "I need help... Konoha would be better equipped to provide it" Down below, just outside the Hokage's tower, their were two children playing, a young boy and girl.

"Come on Garra" Naruto laughed "you got to catch it like this!" He threw a red rubber ball into the air before catching it. "Okay your turn" he tossed the ball to a young red headed girl, who had a blanket wrapped around her. Garra wasn't ready and missed the ball by an inch. It bounced and almost made its way outside the sectioned off area. But a gloved hand caught it.

"Thanks Inu-san!" A grey haired anbu, wearing a wolf mask rolled the ball back to the kids.

"No problem Naruto-sama. But I don't think Garra-sama likes this game."

Garra looked down "no, it's okay..I'm fine. How long will father be?"

"I don't know Garra-sama. The Hokage and Kazekage are in a very important meeting. Here" Inu pulled out a kunai, pricked his finger and made a few hand signs. Four dogs were summoned, "how about you play with my friends? they could use the exercise."

"SOO COOL INU-SAN" Naruto immediately started running around while three of the dogs ran with him. Garra leaned over and began patting the fourth dog who sat down.

Under his mask Inu couln't stop the smile on his face as the, arguably, laziest of his dogs took one long lick across Garra's face. He looked up, the Kazekage had come to the window over looking them just as that happened. His eye went from the tower to the Hokage monument situated behind the Hokage's tower. He landed on the sculpted face of the Third Hokage.

"This is Uhei Garra-sama, when he's not doing anything for me he likes to lay around all day."

Garra sat down, Uheilicked her face again "this is okay."

"Minato status report!" Hiruzen barked as he and a contingent of anbu followed behind him. The giant fox was still reeling from an attack that Minato had redirected towards it.

"Things are bad Sarutobi-sensei, I don't have the power necessary to kill the Kyuubi. I think...no I'm sure of need to use the Shikifujin. I'm going to reseal the Kyuubi and put him in Naruto."

"Minato are you sure? Are you one hundred percent sure this is the only way we can win?"

Minato grimaced and looked away "I hate it but yeah. I'm sure."

Hiruzen placed a hand on Minato's shoulder "then allow me to do it Minato."

"What? No way Sarutobi-sensei! I could never ask you to do that."

The Third Hokage chuckled "I figured you'd say that Minato. Which is why I'm not giving you a choice in the matter."

"What do you me-Ugh!" As Hiruzen lifted his hand a spiral of black marks went down Minato's body. "A paralysis seal? You know I can get out of this!"

"Oh I know all to well, but by the time you manage that, it'll be to to late."

"Lord Third please stop this!"

Hiruzen took a deep breath "Inu!" The grey haired shinobi snapped to attention "You are to make sure Lord Fourth does not interfere understood!"

"Yes Lord Third!"

"Kakashi Hatake I am still your Hokage! Release me at once."

"Sorry sensei, i can't do that. Punish me however you want, but I'm happy just knowing you'll be alive to do it,

"Hiruzen please don't do this."

"Minato listen! Between giving birth to our son, and having the Kyuubi ripped from her Kushina is weak. So weak we don't even know if she'll make it through the night. I will not have your son lose both his parents in one night. Now please listen to this foolish old man's last wish" Hiruzen laid a scroll at Minato's feet "that is the Monkey contract, make sure it finds its' way to Asuma okay?"

Hiruzen took a deep breath "Anbu! We are presented an oppertunity to end this travesty now! I am asking you to put your lives on the line. There is no nobility, no grace, no honor in this. You are to keep the Kyuubi distracted so I can seal it! Understood?"

"YES LORD THIRD!" His Anbu roared their battle cry as they let loose jutsu and weapon against the Nine Tailed Fox. It in return roared its defiance, slashing with claw and tail.

Minato watched frozen as Hiruzen made two clones, each simultaneously started weaving handsigns. As they finished, the two clones jumped on Kurama before jumping away, a pale ethereal substance following them. Behind the original Hiruzen a figured manifested, wearing white robes and a purple oni mask. The Kyuubi seemed to figure out what Hiruen was up to, it sent two tails after the old man, and the crying child beside him.

Minato went pale, Hiruzen finished the sealing technique, just as a body flew in front of him, a swathe of chains wrapping around both tails, stopping them, the very tips piercing through the body of a redheaded woman. Hiruzen fell over, and Minato felt the paralysis seal fade.

"KUSHINAAAAAAAAAA!"

"So Rasa what is this favor your asking of me?"

"Well as your spies have no doubt told you, the Ichibi is currently in a cursed sealing pot, ever since it's last host died during the war. But the pot is starting to break, and Suna lacks the resources to make another one. I plan on putting the Ichibi in my daughter Garra. In the face of our new alliance I'd like for your seal Master Jiraiya to assist Suna's in the process."

"Putting the Ichibi in your daughter? Are you sure?"

"Yes quite sure. Not that I want Garra to be a weapon, but Iwa is already trying to plan an attack on Konoha, whose to say Suna isn't next? Having a jinchuriki capable of harnessing the One tail's power would be useful."

Minato walked back over to his chair, thinking on Rasa's words. He didn't like the thought of a child having to bear that burden, but felt like a hypocrite when he thought about Naruto. Also, Rasa was the leader of his own village. One that had made up his mind, nothing Minato could say would change his mind. "That's fine, I'll lend you Jiraiya. But he's out of the Village at the moment, it'll take him at least three days to return."

Rasa smiled "well it looks like I'll get to enjoy Konoha's hospitality for a little while longer. I have heard your hot springs work miracles." His smile faded slightly "Thereis one other matter I want to talk about, another favor."

"Oh?"

"I would like your son, Naruto to accompany Garra and I back to Suna."

That caught Minato by surprise, "I'd like to here why before I answer."

Rasa let out a deep sigh, even though is was in his early thirties, he looked much older in this moment. "I would like to say it's to show the Elemental Nations how serious we are about this alliance. But honestly it's more personal than that. I am aware, thanks to Iwa's missive, that Naruto is the Kyuubi Jinchuriki. I'm about to put my daughter through an experience that I can't explain all that well. As much as I hate to admit it, your son understands what Garra will go through far more than I ever will. I'd appreciatie it if Garra had a friend at least for a little bit."

"I don't know Rasa, i've heard rumors..."

"What that the Ichibi drives it's hosts insane, doesn't allow them to sleep at night, constantly asks for violence and bloodshed...well that's true. The last Jinchuriki of the Ichibi killed themselves. But I'm hoping with Jiraiya's help things will be different."

"It's fundamentally different though, Lord Third used the shikifujin to seal the Kyuubi in Naruto, that technique and seal summons a reaper to join the souls of the target and the hosts soul. But it comes with at the cost of the casters life."

Rasa nodded "that is fine, I have within my ranks a ninja who suffers from a terminal disease. He would gladly take this task for Suna."

Minato held back his words, reminding himself again that Rasa was the leader of Suna, a village that relied on quality over quantity. "Fine, Jiraiya will teach your man, and your man alone how this technique works. It's a secret technique from the Uzumaki clan after all."

"And your son? It is okay if you say no, It was a selfish request."

"It's fine Rasa, it's just I won't be able to leave with Naruto, and it'll be the first time I won't be around, and that's the decision I'm facing. Can I give you my answer before you leave?"

"Of course Minato, I understand. If it's okay with you I'd like you're answer the day after tomorrow, so I have a chance to request a contingent of Suna nin meet us at the border, along with however many ninja you deem fit to travel with us."

Minato reached below his desk and pulled out a bottle of sake "that aside, I propose a toast to the Konoha's and Suna's new alliance."

Rasa gracefully accepted the cup offered to him "yes a toast is in order, say how soon should we announce this to the rest of the world?"

Minato took a sip "well normally I'd say wait until we have a proper trade route established, but with Iwa mounting for an assault I say the sooner the better."

"Lord Fourth!" A random Jonin burst into the room out of breath, Minato quickly leapt to his feet.

"Report! What is it?"

"Lord Naruto managed to get out of the perimeter, and-" the Jonin stopepd looking at Rasa "and he took the Kazekage's daughter with him."

"What! how does two, three year olds get around anbu and Jonin?" Rasa asked angrily.

Minato let out a chuckle "well he is my kid after all. And Naruto knows the ground around the kage tower like the back of his hand. Don't worry Rasa, I have a good idea of where he's going. Follow me, I assume Inu has Pakkun looking for them?"

"Well that's the thing Lord Fourth.."

Outside

"Kakashi get me down from here now!" A small dog barked, stuck in a tree in a tangle of knots.

"Come on Garra this way!" Naruto ran forward, holding Garra's hands as they made there way through trees. She didn't know where they were going, except it was up a hill.

"Are you sure this is okay Naruto? Father isn't going to like us disappearing without saying anything."

"Ah don't worry about it, my dad can get to me any time. Besides you have to see the coolest place in all of Konoagakure!"

"But.."

"Yeah, we're almost there! This is my favorite spot to go to."

The two kids cleared a tree line, Garra gasped. From the top of the Hokage monument you could see almost the whole of Konoha. The sun had just begun its descent. Naruto grinned as he hopped onto a spike from the Fourth's face.

"So what do you think?"

"We don't have anything like this back at Suna. It's nice."

"Hey so what is Suna like? I haven't left Konoha before."

"It's in the middle of" Garra squinted trying to remember the words "of a desert? Lot's of sand everywhere, I don't explore much of Suna. I mostly stay with my older brother and sister."

"You have siblings? That's awesome. I don't have any one like that, just my dad."

"Did someone say my name?"

Both kids turned around, Minato and Rasa were just coming around a tree. Garra quickly got to her feet "Father! I ..uh..."

Rasa held up a hand "It is okay Garra, I'm just glad you didn't get hurt going up this mountain. Seriously Minato, if you could have used your infamous technique to get us here faster why didn't you."

Minato grinned and sat down beside Naruto, putting a hand on his head "and miss taking you through the scenic route? I knew they where here, Naruto has to show all of his friends this spot. He could probably get here with his eyes closed."

"Yeah totally!" Naruto grinned "I know this place -ow! What was that for?" Minato had bopped Naruto on his head.

"That was for leaving without saying anything! If you were by yourself that would be fine, but you brought Garra with you. At least have the decency to apologize."

Naruto bowed his head "I'm soooorrryyy."

Rasa stood beside Garra taking in the view. "Apology accepted young Naruto. You know Minato, a thought occurs to me. Why don't we have our alliance finalized at Suna? That way you have a reason to come along."

"Suna? Dad you're going to Suna? Can I come, can I come please!"

Minato laughed "And why are you so eager to leave home for huh?"

"Because it's Garra's home. I showed her my favorite spot, so now she can show me her favorite spot."

Minato leaned over "well as it happens Naruto, Rasa has graciously invited us to see Suna, and we will be bringing Uncle Toady"
Naruto's eyes lit up like stars "UNCLE TOOADY YEAH!" He started running around ina circle chanting 'uncle toady' repeatedly.

Rasa leaned over "Uncle Toady?"

"Jiraiya is a little too much for him at the moment, so he calls him uncle toady."

"He sure is lucky to have a sannin in his every day life."

Minato chuckled "well I don't know about every day life, but yeah, Jiraiya makes for a good uncle."

"I figured your former teacher would be his godfather."

Minato shook his head "nah, he has important work to do for Konoha, much of wich keeps him out of the village for long periods of time. My former student is his god father actually."

"Oh the Famous copy cat kakashi? I don't suppose I'll be able to meet him while I'm here will I?"

"Well yes actually, he will be part of my personal guard to Suna."

Rasa leaned back, patting Garra on the head, Naruto's had yet to stopp running and it was giving him a headache, maybe he was getting old? "Say Minato, I've heard you have a prodigal ninja in your ranks, an Uchiha already in his third year of the acedamy at age eight, which is when most kids join now, or so I hear."

"Well I won't disclose any personal information, we do have one student who I want to keep an eye on. I think he has enough potential to rival me one day."

Both men continued to talk for a few hours, watching the sun descend before deciding to return to the village, their kids asleep atop the back of a medium dog sized toad, hopping behind them.

"I don't envy the amount of paperwork you'll be returning to, spending so much time with me" Rasa said.

"Well paperwork may be the bane of every Kage, Konoha has one secret technique, forbidden to all but jounin and up that is the weakness to paper work."

"What? Really? I might add you showing me as an addendum to our alliance treaty then. Kami only knows how much I need it."

Minato looked back at his kid, an idea was forming in his head, or at least the beginnings of one anyways. It had problems, but ultimately may prove beneficial to the Elemental Nations as a whole. "Hey Rasa, I have a question, what was the latest update on the spread of all nine jinchuriki?"

Rasa thought for a minute "Well everyone knows we have the Ichibi, and that you posses the Kyuubi. Last I heard Iwa had the Yonbi and the Gobi, Mizu had the Sanbi, Cloud has the Nibi and Hachibi. My spies tell me that Waterfall is closing in on the Natabi, and the Rokubi seems to have disappeared. Why?"

"Well just had an idea is all."

Two days later

"Minato are you sure leaving Konoha is the best thing to do right now? Seriously, the Kazekage tells you Iwa is getting ready to attack, if they learn you're gone, they might decide to accelerate their plans."

The two men were inside Minato's office, Minato was goin over logistics reports. It would be a three route to the border if they kept a good pace, then another four days to Suna.

"Or we spread the word about the alliance between Suna and Konoha and stop their attack entirely. This way no one has to die needlessly."

"Okay and why don't we sign the treaty here, and just I go back with them to Suna?"

"I think Rasa want's to ask for my assistance should something go wrong with the sealing."

"What if, and just bear with me, Rasa is leading you into a trap? He admitted that Iwa asked for their help."

"Look their are risks invovled that's why I'm bringing Kakashi and his team. Besides with them, me and you we should have enough to ensure Naruto's safety."

"And what about your safety Minato, I love Naruto but this village needs you."

Minato smiled "that's what your for. To be skeptical for me and I-" Minato looked at the door, his assistant walked in "Yes Miwa?"

"Lord Fourth Councilman Shimura is here to see you."

Minato's eyes narrowed, his met Jiraiya's and without saying a word Jiraiya moved to Minato's left side, where Naruto was resting on a small cot behind him. "Bring him in" as she left Minato quickly said "after this meeting is over, find Kakashi and have him set up surveillance on my house while I'm gone." Jiraiya could only nod as the war hawk entered.

"Lord Fourth" Danzo bowed.

"Danzo, what brings you here at this hour?"

"The news of your supposed alliance with Suna has spread throughout the entire village by now Minato. There's also been rumor that you'll be leaving with Rasa for a time."

"Yes, and while I'm gone you know the Anbu Crop leader is my proxy. I think Ibbiki will be fine for a week or so. But that doesn't tell me why your here."

Danzo's eye wandered over to the sleeping child behind Jiraiya "it's also rumored you plan to take the" Danzo stopped, the last time Naruto was referred to as 'the jinchuriki' it hadn't ended well "your son with you."

"Yes, I think it will do Naruto good to see what life outside Konoha is like. I assume you disagree?"

"Strongly Minato, I know you don't want your child to be a weapon, but that is exactly what he is. With enough time and training, which I still suggest you leave to me, he could become Konoha's greatest weapon!"

"If left to you, he'd be your weapon Danzo."

Danzo decided to ignore that comment and continue "I believe there's to much risk letting Naruto leave the village."

Minato leaned back and folded his arms "Well your risk is noted Danzo, but my mind is still set. You're dismissed." Danzo stared at Minato for a moment longer before exiting, leaving the Kage and Sannin to their own devices.

"Rumors my ass" Jiraiya scowled "he probably started those for this very conversation."

"If that's the case he still has spies here. Go to Ibbiki, make sure you're not seen. If there are any, I want these spies purged by the time we get back from Suna." Jiraiya nodded, leaving through the window.

Minato watched him leave, staring at the moon set just before midnight. His eyes went to a picture of Kushina on his desk. "KUSHINAAAA" He shook his head "How would you have dealt with this honey? If you were here..."

Minato stood and picked Naruto up flashing over to Naruto's room. He placed Naruto in his bed before walking to the living room, pouring himself some sake.

"...up..ad...Dad wake up!" Minato opened his eyes, he'd fallen asleep on his couch. Which wasn't anything new, he hadn't slept in his own bed in three years.

"I'm up, I'm up!" Minato sat up, accidentally knocking over an empty bottle of Sake as he did so "hey there sport, how are you feeling?"

"I'm ready to go so can we go now?" Minato smiled to himself, Naruto had a small bag packed, today he decided to wear a cargo shorts and a white tee with the Konoha symbol on it.

"Well let's see" he grabbed Naruto's bag "two shirts, a pair of pants, three fake kunai, a fake shuriken, and four instant ramen packs. I'd guess you survive maybe a day, if you figured out how to start a fire." Minato stretched as he got up "come on you, let's go pack an actual bag fit for a week away from the village."

'What? What's wrong with my bag?"

"Well for instance you have no underwear packed, and you'd probably eat all the ramen in one sitting. Seriously where do you think ramen comes from?"

Naruto shrugged his shoulders "I don't know, i just know after I take one from the cabinet another one takes its place."

Minato sighed "right" There was a knock at the door, Minato made a clone and sent it up the stairs with Naruto, Ibbiki was at the door. "Come in."

Ibbiki took a moment to wipe his boots off, a thunder storm had started last night and had yet stop. "Hello Lord Fourth, Jiraiya came by my house last night."

"Ah yes, I'm leaving Konoha for about a week, you'll be in charge of things while I'm gone."

"I understand Lord Fourth and about Jiraiya's...other message?"

"I want it taken care of Ibbiki, I want a clean house when I get back. No rats."

"Right, and how should I take care of these rats?"

"If the pattern holds, once discovered they'll take care of themselves, but if you can capture one at all I want to see them."

"Yes Lord Fourth."

Minato paused, his clone just popped Naruto was throwing a tantrum over the amount of ramen they could bring on the trip. The noise of the crying child could just be heard down stairs "thank you Ibbiki, now if you'll excuse me, I have to go see my child."

Ibbiki smirked "Of course Lord Fourth, and safe travels on your journey."

Rasa was waiting for Minato at the gate, along with his fourteen shinobi and Garra. Most of them were staring at the sky. Garra herself couldn't help but hold out a hand, tiny droplets splashing across her forearm. "Something catch your interest up there?"

"Well Minato most of them have only experienced small storms, not a thunder storm before, seriously how did you manage to sleep through that noise?"

"You get used to it as fast as one would a sand storm I imagine."

"Right, Watanabi here." An older female ninja with blond hair and grey eyes stepped up beside Minato "this is Watanabi, she is head of my security, I figured she could talk with the head of your guard to set up security for when we camp later?"

"Not a bad idea, Kakashi you and her take the lead, I'm sure you two will have much to discuss."

"Yes Lord Fourth."

"The storm should pass in about an hour or so, I suggest we take it slow until then.."

Naruto stopped lisening to the adults talk and walked up to Garra, who had yet to take her eyes off the sky. "What are you doing?"

"This is rain, we don't get rain a lot at Suna. I've never seen it before."

"Oh the rain? We get rain some times, but I hear it rains a lot in Kumo and all the time in the Rain village!"

"I don't know how I feel about this."

"I like thunderstorms, the lighting reminds me of dads trick..woah!'

"Woah."

Both children were picked up by their respective fathers, Naruto held on Minato's shoulders and Garra carried bridal style "Alright you two, we're leaving."

"Yaaaayyy!"

AND CUT! So I felt awekward writing child Naruto and Garra, but I think i did a good job. Chapter 2 should be out within a week, hopefully if college doesn't kick my ass.

I think I'm going to start most chapters with a review of the prevous chapter, just a small tldr basically. But tell me what you thought all reviews will be read and replied too.