Fathers:
a series of vignettes
by Kayla Chavi
email: kaylachavi@hotmail.com
website:
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Two weeks ago I feel in love with this anime and spent a goodly amount of time (I was sick so its excusable) on the internet trying to figure out everything I could about the series and manga. I came to few conclusions after seeing the fanart, fanfiction, and general information sites out there.
One: We have yet to come across a truly gay character.
Two: Kakashi, Gai, and so on, are not perverts waiting to jump on the chance to molest their charges.
Three: And only Sasuke, Naruto, and possibly Neji can claim to have horrible childhoods. There seems to be a sense that the adults really care about their children.
So as a monument to those feelings and relationships, I've decided to start a series that explores what it means to be a parent.
Enjoy!
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::sacrifice::
I laid the newborn child in the center of the sealing circle. He cried loudly for a mother he would never know. He would cry even more when he realized the truth of his existence. Cradling him gently, I pressed once last kiss to his forehead and turned to go.
"Hokage-sama! He has broken through the third lines and will reach Konoha shortly."
I nodded at Kakashi, silently asking my former student to protect him. "It will be finished soon," I promised. "That child will save us."
I ran to the battle scene, already beginning the incantation. So much death. So much sacrifice. My predecessor met me as I prepared to summon the arrogant frog. I hadn't seen him so serious since he had retired.
"Was it a boy or a girl?" he asked.
"A boy. Blond. Blue eyed. Noisy."
"Reminds me of someone." He gave a pained smile. I swallowed and looked at the kitsune. I was going to put that into a baby. Into my child. "His mother?"
"Dead." My voice caught in my throat. "I used her blood to set the seal." I was hesitating and I can't afford to hold back now. Too many people were at risk. I drew in a deep breath and he caught my wrist. I knew what he was going to say, so I quickly cut him off. "Any other child would be unacceptable. It has to be him."
Then with a burst of chakra, I leapt into the air and summoned Gamabunta. I met Kyuubi's red eyes and performed the intricate and powerful seal that would affect my son's life forever.
Gods, let him be strong. Let him understand. Let him be happy.
There was a rush of fire and wind that blew through me and into the kitsune. When the sky cleared, it was gone. My chakra spent, I collapsed on the ground. I don't remember how long it was until I was approached.
Kakashi placed the suddenly silent boy into my weak arms. "It's finished," the young man said and sat next to me. "He needs a name."
"Naruto." I closed my eyes tightly. "Kakashi --"
"Yes." He took the child back. "Naruto, huh?" he snorted. "I bet he's just like you."
"One can only hope."
And then it was done.