Chapter 9: Turning Tables

.:Save Me:.

I hope you all enjoy!

Normal POV

With the aid of ANBU team 1, team 7 quickly finished their mission and returned to Konoha without incident. Given the outcome, the mission ended up being classified as an A rank with the added benefit of aiding in taking down two S-class rouges. Despite all of that, the remaining members of team 7 can't help but considering it a failure. How could they not when one of their own is gone?

"Even though I am… happy to see you alive once again, Minato-kun, how did this happen?" Sarutobi asked, his eyes never wavering from Minato's form.

"Even I don't know, Sarutobi-sama." The tall blonde man sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, a small smile on his face. "All I can say for sure is that a jutsu that was supposed to kill me trapped me alongside the nine tails within the seal placed on Naruto." At that, Minato couldn't help but glance over to his son standing a few feet away from him.

"Well, we will have to discuss that more at length soon." Sarutobi couldn't help the small smile as he watched Naruto attempt to sneak glances at his long-lost father while said man pretended not to notice. "Kakashi-kun," to his amusement, the silver haired jonin didn't respond at first, his visible eye skillfully trained on his old sensei he once thought dead. "Kakashi," said man jumped minuscule before he finally returned Sarutobi's gaze.

"Yes, Hokage-sama?"

"What happened on the mission to bring this surprise about? And where is Sakura-chan?" the air in the room noticeably dropped at the mentioning of the missing member of team 7.

"Well, after it was discovered the true ranking of the mission when Zabuza appeared, things went smoothly. Tazuna was nearly finished with his work when we were attacked with much more zealous. Zabuza's partner, Haku, nearly killed Sasuke and Naruto which caused the nine tail's power to nearly become unleashed. Sakura was able to stop the transformation somehow as well as heal her teammates. It was during this time that she… somehow pulled Minato out of Naruto." Kakashi's eyebrows scrunched, his eyes becoming distant in thought. "After that, she disappeared." Sarutobi hummed, grabbing his pipe from his desk and lighting it.

"Yes, and it's my understanding that ANBU team 1 wasn't able to track her." Such a thought deeply concerned him.

Did he make the right decision by allowing her to continue as a genin? If he had placed her in ANBU as her abilities would've warranted, would this situation have been avoided? Maybe he would've been able to keep better tabs on her, but how long would it have been before she found out? Would this have happened sooner? Either way, now the only living offspring from one of the strongest great tailed beasts is on the loose planning who knows what.

Maybe I should've at least told Kakashi about her.

"How?!" Sarutobi's eyes drifted up to meet Naruto's horrified expression. "They're supposed to be the best in Konoha! How couldn't they find her?!"

I'm glad I sent them away before they heard this. Hana wouldn't be too happy.

Taking a long puff of his pipe, Sarutobi released it, his eyes trailing over each of the four men in front of him before his eyes paused on Minato. Even though his form was relaxed, he could easily see the indecision and guilt hidden in his eyes.

He still is easy to read as ever.

"Do you want to explain that to them, Minato-kun?" He blinked, his face going blank.

"Are you sure that's for the best?" That got Kakashi's attention.

Are they talking about this big secret surrounding Sakura?

It's about time I get some damn answers.

"Yes. After all that's happened, I think her team at least deserves answers." Minato's shoulders stiffened- as if he wanted to argue against it- but in the end, he relented, his body slumping.

"What are you talking about? What does this have to do with Sakura?" Sasuke finally spoke up, his entire body wound up tight.

"As I said before," Minato finally began after a long pause, "I was sealed along with the nine tails inside of Naruto. Thanks to that, I was able to see all of the accomplishments and experiences that he's gained." This time, Minato openly turned to Naruto, a beaming grin making his face light up. "I couldn't be prouder of the man you're becoming, son. No matter the mistakes and hardships you went through, I only wished I could've been able to tell you sooner." A deep blush formed on Naruto's cheeks as he quickly looked at his feet. Minato chuckled to himself, turning away, the smile slowly slipping away.

"Despite how grateful I am, there was still the problem with the seal." Letting out a deep sigh, Minato slid his eyes shut, his brow furrowed. "The seal wasn't meant to contain two beings- especially when dealing with someone as powerful as a tailed beast. If nothing had been done, Naruto may have died within the year from the strain or the seal breaking." the audible gasp from the said boy made Minato look towards him again, a reassuring smile on his face. "You aren't in anymore danger, Naruto-kun. Sakura made sure of that when she released me and strengthen it."

"I don't understand." All eyes flickered to the Uchiha. "How could Sakura do something like that? She's just a genin." Minato and Sarutobi shared a look before Minato let out a deep exhale once more.

"Sakura isn't a normal genin, Sasuke." Kakashi's ears perked. "Sakura is Kurama's daughter."

"Kurama?" Kakashi could barely contain his curiosity as he fully faced his old sensei.

"Kurama is the nine tailed fox demon." A long silence fell over the room.

Sasuke was speechless. Naruto was stunned. Kakashi was floored. Sarutobi continued to puff while Minato waited patiently.

"But… how? Isn't he a giant fox?" Minato nearly cracked a smile, but he didn't want to take away from the moment.

"He can also appear as a human male. Apparently, all the tailed beast has that ability."

"That explains her eyes..." Kakashi looked to the ceiling, his arms posed deep in thought. "And why there isn't anything in her records about her abilities."

"Such information had to be contained in order to guarantee it didn't fall into the wrong hands." Sarutobi explained, tapping the ash from his pipe into a tray.

"Then why wasn't I informed? I was told about Naruto being a kyuubi, why wasn't I told about this?" Sarutobi took a couple hits from his pipe before relaxing back into his chair.

"What would you have done differently if you knew?" Kakashi's eyes narrowed as he faced his Hokage head on.

"I would've been able to train her properly on how to harness her abilities or at least given her special guidance-"

"And that is something I couldn't risk." the ex-ANBU captain's brow raised. "If it was noticed by those who can't be trusted that you were giving such attention to the daughter of an average civilian with no special qualities, what do you think they would've done?" Even though realization shone in his eyes, Kakashi's rigid posture spoke volumes on his anger.

"They would've investigated until they figured it out."

"And they would've gotten that information through any means necessary- including harming Toshira-san, Naruto-kun, or anyone close to the family." Sarutobi gave Sasuke a pointed look causing said boy to narrow his eyes. "Even if it meant going after a powerful clan."

"There's one thing I still don't understand." Kakashi spoke up once more.

"I can't divulge to you who in the village might be a threat to your student, Kakashi-kun. There still isn't enough evidence to implicate-"

"It's not about that." Sarutobi blinked in surprise before waving for Kakashi to continue. "If Sakura was able to release Minato-san, why didn't she let out the nine tails? If he's her father, wouldn't she want him freed instead?"

"That is a good question." Sarutobi let out a long line of smoke from his lips as he turned to Minato. "You're the only one that knows the answer to that." Minato nodded, a grim expression on his face.

"She wanted to free Kurama… but," Minato let out a deep breath, his gaze wondering to land on his son, "she didn't want you to be alone." Naruto's eyes widened; his lips pressed tightly together.

After everything I said to her, she still only cared for my happiness…

Naruto hung his head, his eyes going distant. Minato wanted to comfort his son, but there's more that he must make clear before he can indulge himself. Taking a breath, he turned back to Sarutobi.

"However, she is planning on something big." That caught everyone's attention.

"Do you know what it is?" Sarutobi asked, a grim look on his face.

He's lived through far too much to not be cautious of a suspected threat. Sarutobi was there when the nine tails attacked- he was amongst the few that fought and survived. Given that she is the offspring of such a powerful being, he knows better than to take this lightly. No matter her age, there's no telling what her abilities are.

"No, but she said she will kill all of her enemies in the village within five years." That took everyone by surprise. Who in Konoha could she class as an enemy? Could it be the shinobi that shunned her precious brother? Could it be those who wronged her? Or maybe, could it be the entire village?

"Do you have any idea who's on her hit list?" Sarutobi watched Minato closely, his own mind running through the various reports given to him throughout the years about her development.

"I'm afraid the only person that would have any idea is Kurama, but I doubt he'd be willing to give his daughter away. Even then, he'd only be able to guess." Sarutobi hummed, a long tendril of smoke rising from his pipe.

"I can't allow Sakura to stay at large when she could become a threat to the village. I'll send out teams to track her."

"Hokage-sama…" Kakashi stepped forward, his eyes shining with concern and hesitation. Sarutobi softened slightly, a placating smile on his face.

"I promise she will be brought back alive." Kakashi still looked as if he wanted to argue but he nodded and stepped back. Sarutobi eyed him for a moment longer in case the silver haired jonin wanted to say more but, after a while of silence, he turned his attention to Minato. "Now that that's out of the way, we have another matter to discuss." Minato smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"I'd be surprised if we didn't." Sarutobi couldn't help but grin, blowing a line of smoke from his nose.

"Indeed." the hokage let out a deep hum before tilting his head at the blonde, "technically speaking, you are still eligible to return to being Hokage. I only took over the position under the terms that you were deceased. Seeing as you aren't, I see no reason why the position can't be returned to you." shock covered Minato's face, his eyebrows shooting to his hairline.

"Huh… I never thought of that…" his voice trailed off, his eyes drifting to a distant corner of the room.

"I've sat in this chair for a long time- probably too long." A grim aura overtook the usually jovial hokage, his eyes dropping in exhaustion. "Kami knows some of my decisions reflect that. This village needs a fresh mind if it is to prosper and grow. Frankly, I'm too old to ensure such things." a bitter chuckle left his lips, his eyes growing distant. Minato's gaze slowly found their way back to the aging hokage, understanding softening his features.

"Eventually, I can take the role again, but I'll need time. It's already difficult adjusting to… being free. Besides," rolling his shoulders, an audible pop filled the room as he winced, "I'm a bit rusty." The third Hokage chuckled, his good-natured spirit returning.

"I'll be more than happy to provide you with a challenge if you're willing to spar."

"I'll take you up on that offer." Sarutobi smiled, his eyes crinkling in amusement.

"Then prepare yourself. These old bones can still dish out a beating."

Outside of the Hokage Tower

A team of ANBU arrived at the Third's office marking the end to the conversation. Team 7 along with the Yellow Flash exited the office, the later receiving many stares as they descended the tower. Despite the stares, no one stopped him. Minato was immensely grateful for that.

Even though he's been free for nearly a week, it felt like only a few minutes. It's like everything yet nothing has changed since the last time he's seen it. Has the sun always been this bright? When did the grass become so green? Was the forest always this expansive? All of it invaded his senses and made his head spin.

What did I expect after being in a cell for nearly 13 years.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. When did Konoha's air become so fresh? Reopening them, the back of his precious son's head filled his vision. He couldn't help but smile. Even though he's been with his son since that day, it doesn't compare to the feeling of being able to stand next to him. To be able to touch him- speak to him face to face.

Was he always this tall?

"Who would've thought things would have went this far left?" Kakashi mused, his voice quiet. Even though he wasn't obvious about it, Minato knew since the moment he appeared the silver haired man wouldn't go longer than a minute without staring at him.

He did believe I was dead.

"Chalk it up to the unpredictable life of being a shinobi." He responded, matching Kakashi's tone. Said man hummed before pausing in his stride making the group follow. They stood right outside of the doors to the Hokage tower. It was getting dark, so few people were out, but the few who were didn't waste the chance to gawk at Minato.

"Which reminds me, you don't have a place to stay for tonight, do you Minato-sensei?"

Damn, I didn't think about that…

"That is true-"

"You can stay with me!" Naruto blurted. Immediately, his cheeks flushed red as he whipped his head away from everyone. Minato couldn't help but chuckle.

"I would like that." Kakashi looked between the two before letting out a fake cough.

"Then I'll leave you in Naruto's capable hands while I," he snatched Sasuke up by the back of his collar, the younger boy struggling and cursing his name vehemently, "take this young Uchiha home. See you later." shooting them a good-natured smile through his mask, he walked away, Sasuke fighting for him to let him go the entire way.

A long silence fell over the father son duo for a long time. Naruto refused to look at him while Minato watched, the soft smile never leaving his face.

"Naruto." said boy glanced up, his body still faced away from him. "I'm happy we finally get to meet face to face." Again, silence reigned between the two. Minato hummed, his eyes sliding closed. "It's alright if you're upset with me. We don't have to-"

"Do you like ramen?" Minato's blue orbs opened to meet Naruto's wide watery gaze. He fully faced the older shinobi, his hands bald into his jacket in a death grip. "My favorite is pork ramen! I mean, I like all ramen, but I've always liked it since I was little so I'm sure you liked it. Maybe my mom did? Not my mom mom but my birth mom- which I guess would be my mom mom? Or would mom that raised me be mom mom? But wouldn't that mean that the nine tails is my stepdad? That would be-" A hand patting the top of his head cut off his rant.

"I'm sorry, Naruto-kun." a brush of cool air registered that tears were falling down the young shinobi's cheeks, but he didn't wipe them away. Tilting his head, he looked deep into the bright blue eyes masked in sorrow of the man he's only dreamed of meeting. "I should've done more for you, but I'm so proud of the man you're becoming." Naruto didn't know what to do with himself.

His bottom lip trembled, his face contorted, and the tears poured faster. In the end, he rested his forehead on his father's chest.

"I couldn't… I couldn't do anything. Mom died and I couldn't help her. I blamed Sakura-chan because I failed. Now she's gone too, and I might not be able to make things right again. Even through all of that, she still chose to bring you back for me- and I still couldn't do anything to make her stay." Gritting his teeth, Naruto tried to force the tears to stop, but he couldn't.

Another thing I can't do…

With a deep sigh, Minato wrapped his arms around his son. He would give anything to wipe his precious son's pain away, but he knows all too well, you can't get over loss so easily. All he can do is comfort him the best he can.

"I promise Sakura will come home safely. Then, we can work on fixing everything." With that, Naruto continued to cry into his father's arms as the sun continued to set.

The Next Morning

Uchiha Training Grounds

Itachi's POV

The target in front of me burst into flames as the familiar heat of my katan died down from my lips. After casting a dozen of them, I should be exhausted, but the anger boiling in the pit of my stomach kept my energy running high. Running through the hand signs to perform another, I let it loose on the inflamed target again until it was nothing more than ashes.

Why the hell am I such an idiot? Even when I know what I need to do, I still find some way to screw it up. The most shameful example was the night that would have changed the course of history forever: the near massacre of the Uchiha clan.

Of course, she did nothing wrong- far from it. She somehow persuaded the elders- especially Danzo- to not only spare my family's life, but remedy long standing bad blood between both parties. If she hadn't, I would've lost everything and more than likely my life. In the end, she saved me.

And I repaid her by being an ass.

My teeth started grinding in my rage. Moving to one of the few remaining targets, I started practicing taijutsu forms, using far more force than necessary.

No amount of nitpicking can disguise the true reason why I acted the way I did back then. After years of grueling training, life threatening missions, and watching comrades die- a girl scares me. A girl that has tried her best to help those she cares for. Someone who adores her loved ones no matter what they've done to her, and yet, I'm somehow afraid of her.

How pathetic.

"I think that target has had enough."

Throwing a punch, the practice dummy snapped in half, flying a good few feet. Letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding, I slowly turned. Minato stood straight, his arms crossed as he surveyed the training grounds… or what's left of it.

"It's good to see you've gotten much stronger since the last time I saw you." My arms narrowed at his humorless tone.

"I'd rather be alone right now."

"Don't you think being alone is what caused this tantrum you're having?" My eye twitched.

I don't throw tantrums.

"Considering your childhood, it makes since you're a slow learner when it comes to emotional reflection." He took a few steps forward but stayed about ten feet away.

"I'd appreciate it if you could say what you need to quickly so I can get back to training." He didn't even flinch at my deadpan tone. In fact, he seemed to relax as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

"How is little Izumi doing?" I blinked.

"What does she have to do with anything?" He shrugged, leaning his head back as he watched the clouds.

"Based on what I've seen through Naruto, a lot." Dropping his head, his usually welcoming eyes were hard, holding many accusations within them. "The incident involving her is why there's a gap between the Itachi that promised to protect those who are precious to him to the current Itachi that is too afraid of the unknown to realize he's made mistakes." Narrowing my eyes, my back straightened on its own accord.

That incident was handled a long time ago. Any feelings associated with it were dealt with soon after as well. So why is he accusing Izumi or me of changing after that?

He must not be as perceptive as I thought if that's what he thinks.

"Why are you here instead of with Naruto-kun? I would think you two would have far more to talk about then you are making such wild claims about something that has been resolved." He never wavered as he took a step forward.

"Naruto is training with his team to bring Sakura back, but that doesn't change the fact you're trying to avoid the conversation." His eyes narrowed, matching my own. We both sunk into a fighting stance, our chakra's flaring warningly. "You and I both know the guilt of being a reason as to why she left is what's eating you alive." Sparks flew as we clashed blades in the middle of the field.

Aiming a kick for his legs, he sidestepped towards the hidden uppercut to his jaw. A split second before it connected, he caught it with his right hand, twisted, and kneed me in the back of the head. The moment it connected; my body dispersed into a cloud of black feathers. Without looking, he ducked underneath my kick. Shooting his leg out behind him, I jumped out of the way putting distance between us again. We both stood, watching each other closely.

"You've had your blinders on for so long you couldn't see that everything that's been happening is because of sacrifices made by the little girl you're supposed to be protecting."

"If you're not going to say anything useful then keep your mouth shut."

"If it weren't for what Sakura has done for you, would you be here right now?"

No.

The thought was enough to make me hesitate long enough for Minato to flash in front of me. I couldn't react fast enough to stop the punch to my stomach nor the swipe to my legs. My back hit the ground knocking the breath out of my lungs as Minato harshly shoved his knee to my chest.

"Considering how things could have ended up for you, you should be kissing her feet- not being an ass." He didn't give me time to react as he placed more pressure on my chest keeping me still. "Now that I have your full attention, let me tell you something that someone should've told you a long time ago, Uchiha." Despite his aggression thus far, his eyes softened making him look more like a compassionate father then the hardened shinobi I just sparred. "You're only human." For the second time since his arrival, his words made me pause. "Humans have flaws and weaknesses- no matter how much we try to hide them. The only way to conquer them, is to acknowledge exactly what they are. Otherwise, you'll always be ruled by them." In the next second, he stood, his hands in his pockets as if nothing happened. "I'll leave you to figure that out." Before I could sit up, he was gone.

To say I was stunned was an understatement. Blinking slowly, I continued to watch the spot that he once stood. A cool breeze washed over me bringing me out of my stupor.

I'm only human. I'm only human… but Sakura isn't just human.

How many people out there would kill to use her if they know what she is? What type of people would come out of the wood works to get their hands on the power she possesses? If they know she's half demon, then they'd have to be powerful enough to subdue and capture a tailed demon. Not a tailed demon's vessel, but a full unencumbered demon. Considering the sheer amount of shinobi that have perished just to catch one of them, what will these enemies bring for her?

And will I be strong enough to protect her?

My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach, my breath catching painfully in my lungs. Placing a hand over my chest, I took slow deep breaths, my pounding heart calming at a snail's pace. Is that why I've been keeping my distance from her? Why is the thought of not being able to keep her safe make me panic? It almost reminds me of that night when I almost had to…

Sliding my eyes closed, I breathe.

I'm an idiot.

So, it was never about anything that she's done. This whole time- it wasn't her fault I felt so uncomfortable around her. No, it was the fact that I'm not strong enough.

I wasn't strong enough to stop the elders, the nine tail's attack, the shinobi who killed all my past teammates. It was all because I wasn't strong enough. If I can't save those precious to me, how can I expect to do so for Sakura? She's the one that's been protecting me. How can I protect her when I can't protect anyone? Besides, she's not human.

"She seems… kind of monstrous, don't you think?"

Wasn't it Izumi that said that? Granted, it wasn't long after Sakura attacked her by accident during training. Despite the circumstances- and how much I don't want to admit it- Minato-san was right. Based on how Izumi felt, it started the seed of doubt in my mind. I was standing only a few feet away and I couldn't stop the fight from escalating like it did. What can I do- what do I have to compare to what she can do?

"We all have a beast inside of us, Naruto-kun. It's called the will of fire."

My mind reeled, the image of a badly beaten and bruised Naruto flashing across my mind eye. His wide and hopeful eyes looking up at me with a level of admiration I doubt he realized he was showcasing. No matter how flattered I was, it isn't Uzumaki's expression that brought a rare smile to my lips. No, it was a simple law of nature: if a fire doesn't die, it can grow stronger.

Standing up, I straightened my clothes before turning my eyes to the sky. No matter what it may cost or how I must do it, I will get stronger. I will bring Sakura back and I will apologize for everything. Until the day I die, I'll make it my life's mission to make things right.

After all that I've failed to do, this won't be one of them.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed.