Tampering with Time

by Palaserece

When Kyuubi was extracted from Uzumaki Naruto, it was the Nidaime Hokage that came up with an unconventional solution. An experimental reincarnation jutsu on Namikaze Minato and a one-way trip, with his Kurama, to the past. (Minato-centric)

17. Many Confessions

"Mission accomplished, Hokage-sama!"

Kakashi bowed, offering a jaunty salute to the Sandaime.

The Sandaime took a long drag off his pipe, admirably appearing not to notice the stench wafting off the unfortunate trio cringing behind Kakashi.

"Hatake-san!" The Hokage's new, delightfully curvy secretary pointed a finger at him. "We're going to have to assign a D-rank mission to clean up the filth they've tracked in!"

"Maa, it'll be good field experience," Kakashi dismissed the concern, taking care to flash the cover of his book in the kunoichi's general direction. "Toughen up their stomachs early on."

"Ugh!"

The assistant stormed out of the office and slammed the door. Not the most professional sort, though Kakashi supposed that was hardly his problem.

"Is there any particular reason your team smells like decomp?" The Sandaime appeared to inhale the smoke from his pipe a little deeper than strictly necessary. "Or that you you're your team needed accompany you to give a non-essential mission report?"

"These three," Kakashi gestured brightly to the dispirited, miserable trio of chunin behind him. "—happen to all be rookie chunin. They need the experience of performing a mission report! As the team leader, it was my duty to ensure they experience all aspects of their new status."

The Hokage really ought to know better than to assign Kakashi of all people to lead a team of green chunin.

"Why do I always end up with the shifts when Hatake reports?!" A nameless desk operator wailed over a pile of B-rank summaries.

Hmm…only one storm-out and a single crier. Oh dear. Clearly, Kakashi was losing his touch. Next time, he really ought to up the ante.

"Your next set of missions are with Gai," the Hokage stonewalled him.

Ouch. Guess there was a limit to the amount of crap Hokage-sama would put up with. All the more reason to press his luck!

"That seems a bit unfair, Hokage-sama," Kakashi eye-smiled at his clearly unimpressed Kage. "We even completed our mission early!"

"Missions with Gai for a year for offending my olfactory glands," the Sandaime declared, causing Kakashi to wince slightly. Maybe Kakashi had pushed the old man a teensy bit too far this time. "Furthermore—"

"Boss!" Kakashi's ninken, Bisuke, appeared panting in the doorway looking tense. "We got a problem!"

If Bisuke was here, then Minato was… No. No!

"Sandaime-sama, my apologies. Something has come up."

The chunin behind him sputtered in protest, but Kakashi was long gone already, high-tailing it across the rooftops toward home.

"Status," Kakashi bit sharply as Bisuke appeared next to him, the ninken winded but matching his pace readily enough.

"Minato disappeared from Tsunade's residence just over an hour ago."

The words slammed into him like a Raikiri to the chest. Kakashi fell-back on his ANBU training to contain his panic.

"Alright," Kakashi ruthlessly suppressed the bile in his throat. "Tell me what we know! Leave out nothing, even if the details may seem insignificant!"

"Jiraiya's new seals did the trick. Pup hasn't appeared to detect my presence while you were away. The past two days were uneventful. Same old reading, training, and a get together with his friends. This morning, there were some pranks played at the Academy. Something happened that shook the pup up pretty good. Never seen him like that, Kakashi. The pup cried, Boss."

Emotional conflict. Trauma. The Hatake line was cursed; that was rather evident from a small, but powerful clan becoming all but extinct in less than a century.

"What else?"

"Pup came home, trained, and then settled for a little while. Sasuke stopped in for a brief visit. They made some plans to get together later for a sleepover."

"What else?"

"That's the thing, Boss. Minato went downstairs, and then he was just gone!"

The pair dropped in front of the Tsunade's house and bolted inside and put his nose to work. Kakashi was the top tracker in the village. Inuzuka had the same talent ingrained in them, but the Hatake sense of smell was superior. That, and Kakashi was flat out better. No disrespect for his comrades, but facts were facts.

The scent ended in the training area. Bisuke had his nose to the ground walking the perimeter, leaving the central area for Kakashi. It was just as empty as Bisuke's report indicated. No additional tracks, no distress, and no trace of anyone else.

"No intruders, Boss," Bisuke confirmed what Kakashi already knew.

The Sharingan picked up minute leftover chakra impressions, but his nose and intellect solved the mystery; the faintest trace of blood hovered over the ground. Slight enough, that it would never have registered had Kakashi not actively been searching for it.

Just enough blood for a papercut. Just enough chakra residue.

Minato had performed the summoning jutsu.

"Bisuke, find Tsunade and Shizune."

"On it, Boss," Bisuke replied with a miserable droop in the ninken's body. "Call us if you need us Kakashi."

Kakashi dropped to his knees, lowered his hitai-ate, and balled his fingers into his palms.

Like so many times before…all he could do was wait.

When he comes home. What happens if he doesn't?

---

"Fuck! This is exactly like that time that Kumo bitch—"

Bang. Bang.

"Genma-nii? Is everything alright?" Fū called out.

There was an unsuccessful effort to muffle a series of dubious metaphors followed by a disastrous crash and bang.

"Everything's fine!" Genma shouted. "Just great!"

Unconvinced but not particularly concerned, Fū refocused on pinning a pair of clips shaped like orange slices—gifts from Gai celebrating their shared youth—to the top of both mint pigtails. As a kunoichi, Fū never bothered with makeup or pretty clothes, but gifts were special. Gifts were proof that even an unfair beginning can lead to a happier conclusion.

"—dammit!"

What's wrong with your caretaker, today?

Could be any number of things. I don't think Nii-san's date went the way he'd hoped.

Ah. Failure to find a mate.

Yeah, that was not exactly how Fū would describe it. Not that anyone else was lining up to explain mating habits to a gigantic, demonic insect. Guess it was up to the bookworm to explain things from an academic perspective.

Or, just wing it.

Well, you see, when humans like each other, we try to engage in a process called dating before uh…mating.

"Where the hell could I have put it! I always have them!"

What makes it different from those social gatherings you attend with your team?

Typically, the parameters involve bonding activities like a picnic, a film, or having lunch together.

You already do all those things with Genma and your genin team.

Fū shuddered in disgust.

They're just my friends, Choumei! Gross! I'm a kunoichi! The last thing on my mind is dating.

Ah. I approve. You have yet to reach the appropriate phase of physical maturity. That being the case, I wouldn't permit you to seek out a partner at this juncture.

You're a good friend, Choumei. Thank you.

After hearing a clinking smash, Fū opted to intercede before whatever was left of their apartment went up in flames.

"What are you looking for?"

"Can't find my uniform or my supplies!"

Ah. That explained it.

"Genma-nii, you changed your bedding yesterday. Did your uniform get rolled up in there? And I think I put your supply scrolls in your desk drawer."

An abrupt silence followed by a few muttered curses.

The kitchen looked it had been ransacked by a thief rather than a frantic jounin. The countertop was completely hidden beneath a layer of rice and tea bags, while every drawer in the kitchen was open or upended.

Rounding the counter as if she were approaching a skirmish, Fū surveyed the terrain. At least two broken tea mugs, and a graveyard of loose tea. Nothing too traumatic.

Still, Fū decided she would eat out for breakfast. Maybe lunch too.

"Genma-nii, do you have a mission this morning?"

"Yeah," the harried reply came.

That explained the kitchen. Genma had torn their place apart after being unable to find his extra supply pouches. Extra supplies that Fū had witnessed some crazy bitch, wearing a trench coat, steal two days ago.

Confronting the crazy bitch had not gone at all the way Fū expected it to go. The kunoichi blew off Fū's demands to return the supplies, tied her up with Genma's ninja wire, and patted her on the head. If her easy capture hadn't been humiliation enough, the kunoichi had cheerfully trapped the entire living room space before leaving.

The thief had been like a character from one of her books, only ten times more impressive in finesse, talent, and appearance! It was incredibly frustrating!

Genma rounded the corner half-dressed in his ANBU uniform, armed with dustpan and broom, while frowning gloomily at the floor.

"What the hell was I thinking yesterday?" Genma asked, rubbing at the grit in his eyes with blown pupils before frowning at the cupboards. "And where is all my shit?"

"Some crazy bitch broke in and took your supplies Nii-san."

There was a pause followed by an exaggerated sigh.

"Purple hair? Trench coat?"

"Yup. You know her?" And if so— "How come I don't know her?"

"No one meets Mitarashi Anko on their terms," Genma mumbled before staring at her pointedly. "Never mind that, what did she do to you?"

Fū mulishly shrugged.

"Nothing I couldn't handle."

Even if it had taken her hours to escape and disarm the traps, it was the truth. That encounter had hardened Fū's resolve. No one was going to catch her flat-footed again! Though, perhaps it would be worth seeking out this Anko. The woman had been incredibly competent, quirky personality traits aside.

Genmna shot a look in her direction—as if he didn't quite believe her—and proceeded to grumble while sweeping up rice granules and tea bags.

"Genma-nii, I'm going to leave," Fū began walking to the door. "I'll pick up some breakfast while I'm out. Do you want me to refill your supply caches from the store today?"

"Nah kiddo, this should be a quick mission and I have a couple extra kids at HQ. I'll pick up some more supplies from the store plus a few extra necessities that need to be replaced. I'm sorry for the commotion this morning, I was out of line. You didn't deserve to deal with that."

"Nah it's okay. We all have off-days from time to time. Besides, spilled tea isn't exactly the end of the world."

Toeing on her sandals at the door, Fū offered a half-wave from the doorway.

"I'm off to the bookstore. It's new shipment day!"

"Wait a second!" Genma reappeared in front of her with a senbon between his lips, still tying his bandana. "Don't you have training with your team this morning?"

"Nope."

"Are you going to go hang out with Foo and Torune today then?"

"Nah, Foo's sick. Supposed to be the flu, but I think the idiot overdid it building up his poison resistances—again."

Genma scratched his chin, his face expressing lines of concern.

"Do you have your poisoned senbon?"

Fū huffed and that had Genma pressing two fingers between his eyes and sighing.

"Of course, you do. Right! Well, hold on a second!"

Genma disappeared and returned a moment later with a cloth sack in one hand and a wad of cash in the other. The ryo was unceremoniously stuffed into her pocket, while he meticulously unfolded a cloth bundle.

"What's that?" Fū asked, naturally curious.

"Ah, picked up a souvenir from one of my last missions."

Fū leaned closer. Souvenir being a term to gloss over corpse looting. Not that Fū disapproved, really it was just practical. Throwing away perfectly serviceable equipment was a waste. Genma grinned and twirled two gleaming metal circles, each edged in serrated teeth with beautiful swirling patterns decorating the steel.

With trembling fingers, Fū reached out for the metal that greeted the chakra in her fingers like a welcome.

"Genma-nii…are these?"

"Aa, these definitely didn't belong to the fellow I liberated them from. These babies are pure chakra metal and whoever crafted them knew what they were doing. I tested them out and they're something special." Fū almost drooled as Genma explained, brushing her fingers over the kanji for protection etched into the steel. "I know you've never worked with chakrams before, but I thought they might suit you. Just be careful handling them or that edge will take your fingers off."

"Genma, they're absolutely beautiful! Thank you!"

"Don't mention it," Genma brushed it off, but she noted the pleased glint to her brother's eyes. "I didn't dose them yet and I won't until you get used to handling them. Learning to aim will be a bitch. The aerodynamics of chakrams are a science all of their own, but they'll be all the deadlier if you decide to go down that route."

"Thank you, Nii-san! I won't let you down!"

Fū was all smiles as Genma produced a leather holster that attached to her belt and pinned the pair of chakrams in place.

"If anyone gives you trouble, what do you do?"

"Drop 'em and bleed 'em!"

"That's my girl!" Genma patted her shoulder and brushed a kiss to her forehead. "Now go have fun reading and whatever else you never get into trouble doing."

Maybe she was a little old for attention, but Fū didn't care what other people thought. No one would tell her she was too old for Genma's affection.

Nose in her book, Fū moseyed down the busy avenue and slipped into the bookstore, just as she finished the last page.

Damn, she had excellent timing!

"Back again, Shiranui-chan!" A portly shopkeeper with oversized jowls waved a jovial hand in her direction. "I knew I would see my best customer on shipment day!"

"You have me pegged Haneida-san," Fū slipped her book away, eager to inspect the new wares. "This shipment brought the latest from releases from Tetsu, right?"

"That's right! And we have a few smuggled out of Mizu no Kuni too!"

Thankfully, the timely influx of customers rescued Fū from further conversation and she took the opportunity to run her fingers over the covers of the latest releases with true reverence.

In the end, she approached the counter with four books. Flipping through the pages of a mystery novel, Fū waited for the merchant to finalize his sale with a frazzled looking mother with two mewling toddlers hanging from her obi. Without missing a beat, Fū saved a pile of books on child-rearing and cooking from spilling out of her arms, returning them to the thankful woman.

"Will that be all today, Shiranui-san?"

About to respond with an affirmation, Fū trailed off and blinked stupidly at the display on the register advertising the latest edition of those peculiar orange volumes that were so popular.

Icha Icha Combo. Normally, Fū would never have bothered with the books, being technically underage, but the co-author was what really caught her attention: Uchiha Shisui.

Uchiha Shisui was the name of Itachi's cousin. The cousin that ostensibly was returning from training with Jiraiya of the Sannin.

Oh, this was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Biting back a smile, she cleared her throat and grinned.

"A copy of this too, please."

"Shiranui-san, this book seems a bit, um," the clerk fumbled as she raised an eyebrow. "It has content not appropriate for someone your age."

Knowing the truth was a far better motivator than trying to wheedle a concession, Fū let her expression blank.

"Please don't concern yourself, Haneida-san. If I'm old enough to kill, I think I'm old enough to watch out for a bit of naughty language."

Fū observed the man's jaw work soundlessly for a few seconds before taking pity; scooping up her books, Fū dropped the expected amount of ryo on the counter.

"Thanks a lot, Haneida-san! I'll stop by next month after shipment day!"

In an alley off the main thoroughfare, Fū sealed her books into a storage scroll and tucked it away in her pouch and frowned.

No training with her team since Foo was ill. Genma was away for his mission. That left her schedule wide open. Treat herself to a massage? Maybe look for Gai-san and train? Binge read her new books all day?

Decisions, decisions!

The dilemma of her day's activity solved itself as her best friend dropped off the roof next to her.

"Good morning, Fū-san." Itachi said with a noticeable absence of inflection.

A part of Fū was annoyed: she had utterly failed to detect Itachi! Bugger! On the other hand, she was absolutely elated to see Itachi—a significant rarity since he was the disciple of the Sandaime.

Trumping both of those was Fū's painstaking ability that she inwardly referred to as UBD: Uchiha Brooding Detector. That warning system was on high-alert after the briefest exchange of words.

So much for a relaxing day.

"Hey, I haven't seen you in a few days. How are you?"

"The Sandaime mentioned Tenzo's Team was on medical leave while Yamanaka-san recovers."

Alrighty. Fū dropped her hands to her hips and cocked her head, the ponytails on either side of her head swaying lightly.

"The Hokage kicked you out of his office?"

A thick silence drifted between them and Fū waited patiently as her friend observed her narrowly. Finally, her stubbornness paid off; Itachi gestured and the pair started walking down the street together.

"Hokage-sama had a private meeting with some of his advisors."

That wasn't exactly a denial, was it Itachi?

"Look, you might as well spill your guts now, Itachi," Fū yawned and stretched her limbs into the air to be tickled by the wind. "We both know the old man said you had a problem dissecting scenarios."

Itachi had stiffened up as they walked until Fū was almost sure he would bolt.

"Fū-san, your description of the Sandaime's comments while not completely inaccurate, rather they are embellished by your perception—a skewed one in contrast to what Hokage-sama actually reported."

"So, I used a bit of creative license with the old man's words, so what? He still thinks you need to learn to think outside the box."

"Fū, interpretations leave room for misunderstanding. Furthermore, that was a private conversation, not intended to be eavesdropped on and—"

"Sheesh, down boy!" Fū tapped Itachi's nose, causing the other boy to nearly jump out of his skin. "You, my friend, are wound up like a top! Brooding isn't healthy, Itachi! Obviously Hokage-sama knows it too because he gave you the day off!"

"Fū, I assure you that—"

"Okay, just stop!" Fū held up her hand, pleased when Itachi acquiesced and quieted. "Now look, let's go over this together and avoid skewed, misinterpretations. Sound good?"

Itachi nodded curtly.

"Hokage-sama gave you the day off, right?"

"The Sandaime relieved me of duty for the day."

"Itachi, Itachi, Itachi," Fū grinned, pleased when her reluctant friend studied her warily. "A simple 'yes' would have worked fine, you goof!"

"I was attempting to relay—"

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Accuracy and all that. Heh, never mind!" Fū twirled in place. "So, you could be training, right?"

Itachi visibly hesitated and Fū felt like bursting into dance.

"That is correct."

"Okay. Are you hungry?"

"I could eat."

Fū could work with that.

"Have you been by the Academy yet?"

There was a longer pause, during which Itachi stared her down. Fū just folded her hands and audibly tapped her foot, pleased when the Uchiha broke eye-contact first and looked at the ground.

"I know you're a stalker when it comes to your brothers. But just to clarify, you don't technically have anywhere you're required to be, right?"

"Not until tomorrow."

Fū bit her lip, jabbed Itachi with an elbow to the side, and grinned sheepishly when he gave her a sharp glare in reply.

"I'm glad you came to see me, Itachi. You're a good friend."

Fū halted just outside the dango stand that she knew was Itachi's favorite, even if he had never admitted as much.

"Want to get some takeout and go find somewhere to sit and talk?"

It took Itachi barely half a second to offer a curt nod as they lifted the flap and moved forward to order. Fū had just finished when she turned to Itachi and paused; just beyond where they were standing, a trio of civilian females looked almost dazed as they turned and wandered away.

"Really?" Fū complained in a harsh whisper. "They were civilians! They're harmless!"

"As harmless as exploding tags."

Fū paused. She turned and stared at the mulish annoyance on Itachi's face before bursting into laughter.

"Who knew! Uchiha Itachi is afraid of fangirls!"

Itachi quirked a brow and his lips twitched slightly.

"You totally are!"

"Your assertion is flawed."

"Your denials are futile! You Sharinganed fangirls!"

"Fū, that isn't a word."

Hardly mattered. Itachi was smiling softly and Fū felt her joy surge another notch.

A handful of minutes later, Fū sat elbow to elbow with Itachi, on a roof, across from the Academy.

"Seems like this spot is as good as any other to watch kiddies learn the handle from the pointy end!"

Itachi inhaled his dango quickly, yet somehow retained perfect manners while doing so. Maybe all Uchiha were just destined to make mundane tasks like consuming nourishment look regal.

"So, which brother of yours are we stalking today? Sasuke? Naruto? Both?"

Itachi shook his head but otherwise remained focused on the exterior of the Academy.

Great, back to brooding again.

"You feel like telling me what's wrong?"

If she hadn't been observing Itachi, Fū would have missed it, but for an instant Itachi's face looked his age of a mere thirteen years, rather than burdened by decades of added maturity. Itachi's lips were pursed, his eyebrows knitted together, and his cheeks colored slightly.

The symptoms vanished as her friend suppressed his emotions, making her heart ache for Itachi. Even if it was only once in a while, Fū vowed she would be there to help Itachi remember how to smile.

"Alright, I think we had our fun pretending earlier." Fū fidgeted with one of the loose roof tiles. "So, let's skip the Uchiha repressed stuff, okay? I don't care about you being the Hokage's apprentice or that you're a genius, that will beat me every single time in a spar, even if I am a jinchuuriki. You're my friend, Itachi. I want to help you so…just say whatever you're trying so hard not to say before you explode. I'll listen and help you."

They sat for a few minutes of quiet, stillness and sunshine. A tiny squirrel darted past with a mouthful of seeds; a baker down the street got into a disagreement with a customer, that drew the attention of two members of the police force, while a clever street child nicked a loaf of bread while everyone was occupied. Fū had just coaxed a moth with a beautiful pattern of light and dark greys onto her finger, when Itachi finally came to life beside her.

"There's been something troubling me."

No shit.

"For how long?"

Fū brought the moth to her nose and marvelled at the delicate patterns covering the wings. Had Choumei's wings looked like that? In her excitement, maybe she had missed the small details. Next time, she would look.

"Years," Itachi remarked flatly, an ounce of that frustration leaking past his controlled veneer.

Years…hmm. Fū coaxed the moth into flight and felt almost melancholic as the tiny insect fluttered down and away.

"It's not me, is it?"

"No." Itachi actually turned and reached out, pausing in motion, before dropping his hand onto her shoulder and squeezing gently. "No."

A knot released from her stomach and Fū summoned up a hesitant smile that seemed to soften the lines around Itachi's face. "Guess it can't be too bad then. Lay it on me, Itachi."

Itachi pulled his hand back into his lap and stared toward the crowd of Academy students. Despite the breeze, Fū felt her nerves twist the longer Itachi went without responding. Finally, after what could have been anywhere from thirty seconds, to four minutes, Fū quipped.

"Cat got your tongue?"

Itachi grimaced.

"I'm apologize," Itachi remarked. "I'm finding it difficult to know where to begin."

At some juncture, Fū would need to pick her jaw up off the floor, but until then, she gaped at her friend who was fiddling with his empty dango sticks.

"I hear the beginning is a good place," Fū tugged on a strap of her sandal. "Or wherever feels right. You're a genius and I'm of above average intelligence. I'm sure we can figure it out."

Another crack in the infamous Uchiha façade, this time with a tick at the corner of the eyes.

"Ever since he arrived in Konoha, I've thought Senju Minato was a peculiar child."

Oh, damn. Yeah, Fū had a notion that her day had just become a lot more complicated.

For almost an hour, Fū listened as Itachi spoke, interest more than piqued by how closely Choumei was following their conversation.

Senju Minato was complicated. Senju Minato with maturity beyond that of his peers. A boy that picked up anything taught to him with frightening ease and efficiency. A child that rarely exhibited any sort of surprise. A child that had witnessed death and had been almost unaffected by the experience.

Senju Minato didn't make sense.

"Okay, so have you talked to anyone else about your concerns?"

Someone wiser?

Itachi sneered. Legitimately, lip curling sneered. It was an expression Fū could live without witnessing again. Sneering Uchiha were commonplace, but not Itachi.

"Yes."

Oh, boy.

"Hokage-sama?"

"I approached Sensei recently with my concerns regarding Minato-kun's proficiency with fuinjutsu. I explained that I had observed him instructing Hyuuga Hinata in the foundations of sealing."

Fū was not intentionally being obtuse, but teaching another kid didn't seem like a major issue to her.

"Is it his ability to teach another student what you took issue with?"

"It was not the explanation that bothered me. I was considered a prodigy for my ability to rapidly process information and grasp concepts at an accelerated pace. What concerns me is that Minato-kun's explanations exceed my understanding of the discipline at the most basic level."

Alright, that was a little bit scary since the Professor was at least proficient with sealing. Every Hokage was!

"I also pointed out that the rate of progression under Ishida-san was, quite frankly, unbelievable. Fuinjutsu is not something that can just be explained. It takes time and practice that Minato-kun simply does not seem to require. I suspect he must have already had some knowledge already."

"What did the Sandaime say?"

"Hokage-sama regaled me with a series of tales regarding Senju Tobirama's prowess. He furthermore suggested that everyone learns at a different rate and that he was pleased to hear that Minato shared the Nidaime's talents."

Right, so basically the old codger had been so pleased that he dismissed Itachi's arguments as validations to an impressive lineage. Yeah, that would definitely have pushed her buttons too. Still, it seemed a bit hard to swallow that their military leader was willfully blinding himself to potential possibilities.

Then again, Fū got the unofficial story on Orochimaru's defection from Genma. If the Sandaime could be dismissive of him, why not Itachi's concerns?

"What about Tsunade-sama or Hatake Kakashi?"

If possible, Itachi's expression darkened.

"Tsunade-sama was exceptionally pleased to hear that Minato's progress surpassed expectations. Indeed, when I expressed my concern for the impossibility of his talents, she suggested that Senju genius was hardly something an Uchiha should be jealous of."

"Wait, she attributed your concerns to clan politics?" Fū said in disbelief.

Itachi's curt nod answered that question.

"Hatake Kakashi was worse. I discussed Minato's progress with suiton jutsu and how his abilities were improbable for an individual that had received very little supervised training. While Minato may not yet have the Nidaime's level of mastery, I find it difficult to believe the boy has developed such proficiency on his own."

True.

Choumei?

Let him finish, hatchling. I want to hear what your Itachi has to say.

"And Kakashi's reaction?" Fū asked.

"Hatake Kakashi reminded me that he attained the rank of chunin far younger than I after being orphaned and left to train on his own. Kakashi also insinuated that Minato's ability is a reflection of his parentage, while underhandedly suggesting that my own status as a prodigy has blinded my judgment."

"From the look on your face, that isn't all."

"True. Hatake may have suggested that paranoia leads to accidents."

Fū gasped. Exactly what Itachi implied was unbelievable.

"He threatened you?" Fū heard the disbelief in her voice. "Well…you'd probably do the same thing if someone so much as looked at Sasuke wrong. So, I'm thinking you can't really hold that against the guy."

"Inability to separate emotions from rational decision making is dangerous."

Pot, kettle. Maybe prodigy madness was a thing.

"Do you think Senju Minato is dangerous?" Fū asked. "Or is it the unexplained aspects of his abilities that bother you?"

"Minato has expressed deep emotional ties that are not faked. That truth being accepted, the possible reasons for a deception of this magnitude are alarming."

Alright, fair enough.

But what could Fū say? More importantly, what did she want to say? It was obvious to her that Itachi was on track to solving some mystery. But what was the mystery?

Fū, if it wasn't for the Kyuubi, we would still be in Taki.

Choumei's voice trailed off with a disheartened chatter.

Fū forced herself to scratch her cheek and remain as still as possible.

Choumei? What do you want me to do?

The pervading silence was enough of an answer. Fū was on her own, but Choumei was obviously worried. And if Choumei was worried enough to reach out to her, Fū was involved whether she wanted to be or not.

That meant that…she needed to derail Itachi's suspicions somehow. Making the impossible task even more improbable, Fū cared about Itachi. A lie would destroy their friendship, something Fū would do almost anything to prevent. But if she didn't lie, what then?

Lying was a bust: if Fū wanted to protect Minato, she would have to offer a plausible explanation. Not just an explanation, a legitimate possibility that the genius hadn't accounted for.

Honestly, tactics were not her thing. Fū liked reading stories, but that was because life had been lousy until Genma found her and carried her into a better life. A bookworm did not an intellectual make. At least not with the kind of books Fū enjoyed reading.

Ugh, this is impossible! What the hell am I going to do?

With no other possibility worth considering, Fū did the only thing she could think to do under the circumstances: stall.

"How come we never heard anything more about where Minato was living before he showed up here?" Fū asked.

C'mon! Think! What am I going to do?!

"Nothing solid. Unfortunately, the civil war in Kiri makes the area difficult to infiltrate. We suspect surviving Uzumaki encampments would have fled to those areas. At this juncture, locating former inhabitants is almost impossible since the Mizukage has razed a number of villages to the ground."

"Minato didn't know any names?"

"No. This is one of the many holes in Minato's story. When he arrived in Konoha, not only was he articulate, lacking in the shy mannerisms customary to those suffering from social isolation, he was also literate. Not only could he read and write, but Minato's knowledge base was far from limited. I find it highly unlikely that a child demonstrating such aptitude would be unable to provide more details of his jailors."

Jailors…but was that…?

"Do you disagree with the description? I suppose you might."

"Yes. No! Wait, hold on," Fū's mouth fell open.

Was it that simple a thing?

"Senju Minato is a jinchuuriki."

"Yes. A fact that you and I are aware of, but few others are."

Fū sucked in a breath. This was it. This was it! This was how she was going to lay a trail of breadcrumbs!

"Itachi, I don't really get this part, but he's the Kyuubi jinchuuriki."

"Yes."

"But he wasn't the first…" Fū rasped, sitting upright in shock at her own insight. "Like, Minato wasn't the original Kyuubi jinchuuriki, right? Were there others before him?"

This was the part Fū was a little unclear on. Even though prior jinchuuriki would be long dead at this point, their existence was always considered classified intel—meaning far above her pay grade.

"Yes."

Alright then. For Itachi to actually confirm something that was technically against the rules was…something.

It provided clarity for Fū's explanation and potentially the key to Itachi's mystery.

"It…it makes sense now."

And maybe it did. Holy shit. What if I solved this fucking thing?

"Fū, what is it?"

Not imagining it, Fū was aware that Itachi's dojutsu had activated. Genma had told her once that an Uchiha focused on something was like a dog with a bone. Seemed it was true even with their best and brightest.

"Minato told me once that he spent his life before coming to Konoha in a dark place," Fū spoke as her thoughts connected the dots. "At the time, I didn't pry, but I think he might have mentioned something about spending time alone. Like sensory isolation."

"Yes. The T&I experts claimed he was not lying," Itachi seemed wholly dissatisfied with that outcome, but unable to refute their expertise either.

"Because of everything that didn't fit with that theory, right?" Fū listed his arguments. "The reading, speaking, seals, and that stuff?"

"Yes."

"I think you're right, Itachi," Fū acknowledged, pressing her hand to her abdomen where her own seal resided. "There are pieces of Minato's explanation that don't add up, however, didn't you tell me once that sometimes our perception of things may be nothing but an illusion?"

It was a subtle straightening in Itachi's spine, an aura of authority that compelled Fū to explain herself—and quickly.

"Itachi, I don't think Minato lied, but I also don't think he's been completely honest with everyone either."

"What do you know?"

"I just have a perspective you don't have Itachi. I know that you're right, but I also know that Minato wasn't lying. No person taught him anything."

"Fū," Itachi breathed, shifting into slight alarm. "If you're suggesting what I think you're suggesting—"

"You're right…just give me a second. I'm trying to figure out how to explain this without freaking you out," Fū winced. "Even if I seem to have already done that."

This moment was dangerous and potentially damning. Fū trusted Itachi, but she knew duty came before loyalty in Konoha—especially for a Hokage. What began as a discussion could hold lasting implications for the jinchuuriki in Konoha.

No pressure.

At the end of the day, could she live with herself if she didn't speak up?

Heck no!

"Alright, I'm a jinchuuriki. When shinobi think of me, they see a weapon, they see a sacrifice, they see a bijuu," Fū refused to let her head hang. "To regular people, even our comrades, jinchuuriki are nothing but trash. Seeing how Naruto is treated by the villagers, reminds me of Taki. People see only my bijuu, they don't see me. They don't see Fū. But it also makes me angry because I can't help who I am. I can't help that I'm a jinchuuriki. And it's not Choumei's fault either. We didn't ask to be what we are."

There was a question in her friend's eyes. Fū could see the confusion reflected in that otherwise collected visage, but she just shook her head and tried to convey her need for him to listen. It must have worked because Itachi settled, though still looked earnest and worried.

"I've been truthful about going slow with my relationship with Choumei. We're just learning to work together as partners," Fū swallowed, knowing the most difficult part of her task had arrived. "We've been on speaking terms since I came to Konoha and I feel confident in saying that Choumei is my friend, but Minato's relationship is different somehow with the Kyuubi."

"In what way is it different?"

"I'm sorry Itachi, I'm having a difficult time explaining this. Right then! Umm…okay. I'm not a natural sensor. You're not either, but you are able to feel chakra, right?"

"I have honed my ability to detect chakra," Itachi replied, angling his thumb toward his eyes. "With and without my dojutsu."

"Okay…well, uh here. Look at my chakra with your Sharingan."

"Okay, so my chakra control used to be shit. Like the worst ever. Naruto probably struggles to learn techniques and is forced to prioritize chakra control, right?"

Itachi nodded an affirmative.

"Right, well, I can't say I've ever stalked Minato," Fū grinned as Itachi's brows narrowed slightly. "But I've going to assume that Minato has better chakra control than Naruto, by a fair margin too."

"If that were the case," Itachi remarked blandly. "Why is it relevant?"

"I can't exactly claim to be an expert in all things bijuu, even though I have Choumei. But! I am saying that Senju Minato's chakra control is better than mine because his relationship with his bijuu is better than mine. Or…" Fū bristled. "—Basically, he's used to constantly working with his bijuu. Even though Choumei and I are on agreeable terms, there is still a struggle to really get a grip on that chakra. Almost like a game of tug-of-war."

"While the implications of what you say could very well be accurate, this doesn't really—"

"Yes, it does!" Fū bristled. "I know you're the Uchiha genius and you're definitely smarter than I am, but shut up and listen to me. I'm the jinchuuriki here, you're not, so quit interrupting me and let me try to figure this out!"

Fū was so frustrated that she couldn't even muster up the energy to feel badly for screaming at Itachi. Why was it so hard to explain a concept? Itachi was a genius, that rather suggested he was quick to comprehend. If Fū could just stop rambling and get to the point, her misery would be cut short for the evening.

"Alright, I only really figured this out myself recently but…I'm guessing Minato must have figured it out…years ago."

It was disorienting to have the full focus of an Uchiha on you.

Fū.

The words resonated with such force that she gasped aloud. A hand dropped to her shoulder, but Fū was too busy focusing on breathing through the sudden flare of chakra.

Tell the Uchiha to come before me.

"What?!" She choked.

"Fū, what's wrong?" The hand on her shoulder shook urgently.

Trust me. Tell the Uchiha to come speak with me.

How?

Trust me.

Well, when he put it that way.

"Choumei wants to speak to you," the words tumbled out of her mouth. "He said you would understand how."

"The Nanabi," Itachi murmured.

Itachi placed both hands on her shoulders and Fū felt like she had been dumped in a tub of molasses. In between quickened breaths, Fū heard the loud thumping of her heartbeat and the bare skin of her shoulders tingling where Itachi's palms rested.

Itachi's beautiful ebony eyes had melted into the spinning red that was dissolving everything around them.

"Breathe, Fū."

---

Fū roused in the field of her mindscape.

Fū.

Beneath a starless sky, in the midst that field, eight massive stone pillars with a shimmering dome of glowing green energy. Beyond the green shimmer, a massive insect with intelligent eyes looking down at her curiously.

As was their custom, Fū placed her hand on the surface of the glowing barrier. A moment passed, but an amber wing brushed the spot where her hand rested.

It was progress. Choumei responded quicker each time she visited him.

The space within her soul shuddered and rippled as a foreign entity breached the barriers of her mind and solidified next to her. Fū experienced a subtle sensation of discomfort as a patch of chakra shimmered next to where she stood. From the invasive entry, Itachi manifested, appearing impossibly intrigued by the colossal bijuu.

It's been some time since I've seen those eyes. I was hesitant to speak to you.

'Why speak to me at all?' There was no accusation in Itachi's words, a mere fragment of curiosity.

Within the confines of this seal, I am a prisoner. There is no escaping that destiny, but I am privy to all the hatchling's experiences. Every interaction, every person, every jutsu—I see all that she sees. The tedium of my existence is almost bearable, now that I have a container willing to engage with me.

Itachi appeared solemn and thoughtful, but deliberately moved closer to the cage.

'Why did you ask to speak to me?'

Fū trusts you.

Eyes whipping up, Fū gasped softly at the large insect that chirruped loudly.

If Fū believes in you, I will put my faith in you too.

It's a struggle to contain her emotions, but she manages, if barely.

Something has changed in Itachi's demeanour, though Fū is at a loss to say precisely what is different.

'Fū suggests there is an explanation for Senju Minato's oddities.'

You have been present during the periods of time where Fū has been learning to use my wings. While humans have no experience with wings, learning to fly requires little direct instruction from me. Some of my techniques and skills would require direct instruction. A considerable span of time would be required—should I choose to impart these things.

Next to the cage, Fū gasps as a book she has never seen appears just outside the bars. Sensing Itachi looking over her shoulder, she reaches down to pick up the browned cover and flips to the first page. For an instant, it appears blank, only for kanji to appear as if it were being written before their eyes.

'Choumei, what is this?'

This is a replica of my first jinchuuriki's journal. He never spoke to me, but my memory is perfect and I can recreate its contents word for word should I choose.

'Choumei,' Fū gasps, fingers trailing over an ink smudge mark, before glancing back up to her bijuu with eyes. 'This is incredible. I had no idea you could reproduce things.'

And this.

The book vanishes from her hands, the meadow fades to only the cage, but Fū trembles and recoils with a gasp. Itachi's spectral arms wrap around her shoulders and ease her shaking, but she is staring at Choumei's conjuration with fascinated horror.

Barely a few feet away from where she is standing, Fū sees a girl of maybe three years with tangled, unkempt hair, following a pair of guards wearing the hitai-ate of Taki. Fū shivered at the utterly blank look on the memory version of herself.

Mercifully, the vision dissipated as if it had never been leaving Itachi, Choumei, and Fū alone.

'That was Fū's memory?' Itachi asks.

No. They may be from her perspective, but these are all my memories. Anything I've experienced with my jinchuuriki, I recall in perfect detail. Any anything I have witnessed, I can pass on to Fū in this manner.

Itachi staggered and Fū felt almost floored with realization.

'And because of the time difference here, I see," Fū said faintly.

'Time difference?' Itachi murmured.

'Yeah, I wasn't sure how to explain that earlier. Sorry if I confused you, Itachi.'

If you were to spend several hours in this plane with me visiting and sharing knowledge, you would leave here with only a few minutes passing in the real world.

'This is why you chose to answer my question in a different way. Instead of just telling me, you showed me how my preconceived notions were faulty.

Correct.

'If the information you provided is accurate, then one minute in the real world roughly translates to one hour in this place…that would mean…"

A hatchling can only endure a certain amount of mental fatigue, but I can assure you that it's very possible that the Senju scion has spent at least a few years worth of time with the Kyuubi.

The ramifications of that information were staggering. Fū could see that Itachi understood that, perhaps was even thunderstruck by that notion.

'Does this explain Itachi's concern with Minato's fuinjutsu?'

Yes, Fū. The Shodai Hokage's mate was a master in fuinjutsu. After she sealed the Kyuubi into herself, the Shodai Hokage proceeded to hunt the remaining bijuu down and lock us away. Personal feelings aside, all of that woman's knowledge and subsequent experiences would have been privy to the Kyuubi. And in turn—

'You are claiming the Kyuubi taught Senju Minato.'

Among other things. Does any other possible explanation fit, Uchiha Itachi?

'You have presented a compelling argument that sets many of my concerns at ease, but I do worry about what level of influence the Kyuubi has with Senju Minato. I may accept that you wish to set aside your resentments and partner with Fū, but if Minato does have closer ties to the Kyuubi, the potential threat that relationship poses is another matter.'

Inexplicably, Fū felt as if Choumei's gamble had failed. It appeared that Itachi's suspicions had abated, but for what? There was a hardened resolve where they had been none before.

Itachi, you have a brother. Fū mentions him from time to time. A friend of the Senju boy.

'Yes.' Itachi replied, though her friend looked anything but comfortable.

Then you know that you would do anything to protect him. I have eight siblings. Each of them unique in powers and personality. The eldest and most powerful of us, saved his love for one individual alone. With his passing, the Kyuubi distanced himself from us and embraced the identity as an incarnation chaos and destruction.

For many years, we were separated, but occasionally I could feel my brother's hatred rend the earth, even from a cage. I could do nothing for my brother, nor would I have desired to assist him. For many generations, I too hated others for stealing my freedom and sealing me away.

Loneliness is a peculiar emotion. Fū's feelings mirrored my own and I somehow began to care again. Day by day, I began to see Fū as more than a container. I still hated, but I wanted to feel something different, something that I had forgotten how to experience.

Fū became my hatchling, a being that I cherish. For her, I have changed.

If Minato were being influenced, it would have been obvious and it would have been sudden. My brother is not a patient hunter.

As someone who had forgotten what love felt like, I beg you not to take it from my brother. Naruto's half of my brother's soul reviles his container and is consumed by his hatred, not so with Minato.

Senju Minato feels like peace.

I recognize that I have no influence in whatever decision you intend to make, but I implore you, human, reconsider. My brother is capable of all the evil you believe, but he also has learned to love again.

Just as I have learned to love Fū.

'Choumei,' Fū felt her resolve crumble. Without care, she pressed her hand to that damnable barrier. 'Choumei, I love you too. I'm proud to be part of you.'

'Thank you for speaking to me, Choumei-sama,' Itachi's words felt like they were far away. 'Your wisdom has been a great benefit. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and your secrets.'

Consider your decisions carefully, Uchiha Itachi. The answer that correct is not necessarily right. Don't betray our trust.

A rather introspective look followed by a short, respectful bow.

'You said earlier that you had seen eyes like mine. Who?'

A story for another time, Uchiha Itachi.

---

The real world felt dull by comparison. But when Itachi reappeared in front of her, red bleeding to ebony again, Fū sucked in a breath, her eyes beginning to burn with unshed tears.

Itachi released her shoulders abruptly, turning away to stare blankly over the rooftops.

"I understand why Minato-kun wouldn't say anything."

"Do you?" Fū swiped at her eyes, rubbing at the moisture with the back of her sleeve.

"To admit to speaking to a bijuu is—"

"Cause for concern, interrogation, and possibly an extended stay in a sealed room."

"Fū."

"But of course, you get it," Fū hiccupped in a tone teetering between sarcasm and hysteria, tears beginning to run down her cheeks. "You understand completely what it's like for no one to give a shit about you! To know that you would starve if not for the mass of chakra pumping you full of artificial stamina…fixing broken bones when the people that are protecting you kick you until your ribs break! Knowing that if anyone finds out that I'm friendly with my tenant," Fū spat the word through tears. "—I'd be under more surveillance than I already am. And don't even deny it, I'm a jinchuuriki which means I'm a village asset!"

Before she could react, Fū found herself wrapped in a startling powerful embrace. Itachi was thin, lithe, and rather bony beneath his clothes. For those reasons, Fū attempted to struggle free, but Itachi's arms were like iron bands and eventually Fū sagged, collapsed against a surprisingly sturdy shoulder, and wept.

"I'm sorry."

Somehow hearing Itachi—her emotional wreck of a best friend—apologizing, pushed her over the edge.

"I didn't ask for this, you know," Fū blubbered, fingers seeking purchase in her best friend's shirt and holding on for dear life. "None of us do. If it were up to me, I'd work at that bookstore, or maybe I'd beg the Yamanaka Clan to teach me to arrange flowers…I think I would have liked that a lot."

The hands gripping her tightened before one hand tentatively relaxed and began rubbing circles into her back. The gesture soothed her and her tears ebbed and Fū

"All the people around me have choices. The girl at my apartment complex is moving to Tea Country to marry a samurai! A boy in my class dropped out of the Academy and became a carpenter. The Hokage's son accepted a position to guard the Daimyo! Well, no one asked me! I never asked for this! I never asked to be living weapon! But I am!"

"Fū…"

"I'm a weapon and that's my lot in life," Fū wept bitterly. "Nothing I can do about that. If there is another war, I l know I'll be sent to battlefield. It's expected! Minato knows it. We don't talk often, but I know he knows. I can see it in his eyes. He knows that someday we'll be sent off to fight some battle. And hopefully it's a battle of our choosing! Probably not though. We're just weapons."

"You are not a weapon, Fū," Itachi spat, looking angrier than she had ever seen him.

"Aren't I? You're going to be the next Hokage probably. Are you honestly able to tell me that Minato, Naruto, and I aren't pieces on a shogi board? Don't devalue our friendship by lying to me."

"I can't tell you that you're not important to Konoha, but I can tell you that you're important to me. You're my best friend, Fū. And for what little choice you were given, I think you and Choumei are well-matched."

"Yeah we are…I really do love him. When I had nobody else, he was there." Fū sniffed. "Is this okay?"

"You and Shisui are my closest friends," Itachi's voice was light and almost delicate. "A hug seems perfectly acceptable when your friend is sad."

"Hmm…"

They sat like that, staring up at the sky on the rooftop together, just being for a while.

"I am glad you're here, Fū," Itachi whispered, words barely audible. "I hope someday, Choumei and I can become friends too."

"I think he'd be okay with that," Fū rubbed at her eyes tiredly. "You're so bony."

"Sorry."

"S'alright," Fū grinned. "I forgot to tell you about something."

"Oh?"

"I bought your cousin's new book."

"…what?"

"He didn't tell you in his letters? It's called Icha Icha Combo. Weird title, but I figured I should support your cousin. Haneida-san didn't want to sell it to me, but I managed to convince him."

"I'm going to kill Shisui," Itachi scowled.

Aha, so that's where Sasuke gets his glares of death.

"Is he a bad writer?"

"Jiraiya-sama is famous for his adult erotica collection. I assure you, whatever level of marginable writing talent Shisui has is irrelevant."

Oh. Oh!

"Well," Fū struggled to change the topic, finding herself cringing as a cloud suddenly looked far too cylindrical for comfort. "You, uh, want to go flying?"

Itachi's arms tightened around her suddenly before dropping away.

"Aa, let's go."

Itachi, thank you.

---

Familiar with the story of Jiraiya's arrival at Mount Myōboku, Minato had imagined himself prepared for the unexpected: so much for that.

The second his home disappeared, Minato was submerged completely in water. No plunge from above, just water. Expertly supressing his panic, Minato opened his eyes and blinked away the expected tingle from the saltwater.

Right beneath Minato's nose, was a thriving undersea garden. Schools of colorful fish darted through coral caverns, around the edges of anemones and rocks coated by seaweed and clam shells.

Logically, the positioning of the reef provided bearings that indicated the direction of the surface. With a final appreciative glance to a trio of seahorses swimming circles around a prickly urchin, Minato kicked off with a bit of chakra enhanced speed.

Halfway to the surface, Minato detected three chakra signatures approaching rapidly. Two felt like potential, while a third felt massive and overwhelming in presence the way Boss Gama always felt.

The intent is not hostile…yet. Keep your guard up, Minato. We're about to find what summoning realm you've dragged us to. With my guess, your suiton affinity is partially responsible for this.

You say that like it's a bad thing!

You tend to find trouble easier than most.

Yeah, I suppose…wait. What are you implying?

Shut up and pay attention!

In a flash, two blurs the size of ponies swam into range. Inquisitive inky eyes blinked and whiskers brushed against his cheeks, large noses snuffling his face.

Otters. I have never heard of anyone with a contract with them.

Boldly, Minato extended both palms to stroke the fur under each muzzle. The fur was soft to the touch and the otters seemed to enjoy the attention; both heads pressed into Minato's hands, their mouths opening to expose impressively sharp teeth.

Don't be fooled by how cute and cuddly they look. Otters are ferocious in and out of water when they need to be. Like your old battle toads, they're formidable. The one occasion I witnessed them on the battlefield, they were impressive.

High praise indeed.

The friendly duo pulled back, each otter holding the end of a net utterly bursting with fish. Otters with fishing nets seemed a bit bizarre, but he supposed it made about as much sense as a smoking, sword wielding toad.

Both otters waved a webbed paw and emitted a warbling chirp in greeting. The wave of sound was rich and echoing under the water, but felt welcoming to him, just the same.

Minato returned the potential greeting with his own underwater wave, a bubble of air escaping his lips.

From the side, the massive chakra source rustled and propelled itself into view. A Gamabunta-sized otter, sporting jagged electric blue markings, on each furred cheek. One paw held a naginata while another paw snaked outward, latched onto Minato, and hauled him closer. Sensing no ill intent, he used his chakra to cling to the impossibly soft, slick fur.

Just as soon as he latched on with chakra, the massive mammal torqued its body a solid ninety degrees, and started swimming rapidly. Minato ignored the dragging force of the current, instead focusing on the impressive demonstration of agility bolstered by chakra. In his previous life, he likely would never have thought anything of the currents of chakra shifting under the command of the massive otter, but as a sensor, it was both exhilarating and disorienting.

Instead of the smooth current of chakra manipulation, there were pockets of elemental currents running together, yet separate. It felt as if there was more than one elemental manipulation at play, yet nothing that fused the combinations. As if two bubbles of separate chakra were travelling together side by side without combining. It was something he had never seen or felt in either lifetime and it was something he would have to ask the summon about—if all continued to go well.

Unfortunately, his examination was cut short when they reached the surface with a final, burst of speed. The grip on him released and Minato instantly clambered to his feet atop the rippling surface and took a second to breathe heartily. His rescuer was standing a few paces away atop the clear surface of a greenish lagoon, shaking off excess moisture like a dog. The wicked edge of the naginata was held in a loose-gripped paw, but Minato was not deceived by the deceptively gentle posture. Offering a bow of deference to the curious eye, Minato offered his sincere thanks.

"Thank you. I appreciate your assistance. My name is Senju Minato. I am training to be a shinobi of Konohagakure no Sato. I would like to petition for a summoning contract."

"Oho, a would-be-summoner with manners, eh? And you're just a kit. Usually the younglings are boisterous and blustery." The massive summon boomed, voice tinged with humor. "Nice to see a human-kit with manners!"

An enormous, webbed paw pointed to the surface of the rippling water where the smaller otters were clumsily shaking excess water from their fur.

"Kits! Come meet Minato."

Unlike the elder summon, the duo lacked the flawless mastery the larger fellow demonstrated, but made up for it with a wealth of enthusiasm. The pair loped forward, fishing net dragging behind them, and immediately began circling Minato.

"Hi Minato-kit!" A snuffling, damp nose pressed itself snugly into his neck. "I'm Toyushi! I like clams, training with my spear, and cuddling in my nest! I want to be your summon. Can I?"

The eager joy was impossibly infectious. Minato found himself grinning and bumping his chin gently against Toyushi's rubbery nose, while absently scratching his companion's head.

"I'm Yumi!" A cheery voice purred while bunting its head against his hand. "Do you have any oysters?"

To his trained eye, the pair were nearly identical in size and colouring save for light lavender markings under Yumi's eyes, where Toyushi's markings were black to his brown fur.

"I'm sorry Yumi, I don't have any oysters," Minato apologized. "But I'll add it to my list for summoning…if I'm allowed to sign the contract, that is."

"I like oysters," Yumi chirruped, while using a back paw to scratch the cute little tuft of his ear like a dog.

"Definitely smarter than the last person that entered our realm," the larger summon harrumphed. "Any normal kit would be assuming they were acquiring the contract. Either that or trying to prove himself in some ridiculous manner."

"He smells like water! Just like we do!" Toyushi said. "But also—"

"Lightning and…fox?" Yumi visibly shuddered, nose continuing to twitch irritably. "The smell is off though…"

"Oh no! You don't have fox summons, do you?" Toyushi whined, while his tail swished back and forth furiously. "Say it isn't so Minato!"

"Psh. Gonna have to buff up your tracking skills if your noses are letting you down with something that obvious. That smell is chakra emanations, not a summoning clan. You two have been slacking off in your training!" The colossal otter rapped both kids over the heads with a threatening paw."

"S-sorry Pa!" Toyushi bawled, skittering over the water to use Minato as a literal human shield. "I won't skive off again!"

"Me neither!" Yumi peeked from around her tail nervously. "Especially if Minato is gonna be our summoner! We gotta be ready!"

"Quit making assumptions! You don't have a summoner…yet!"

"But we might!" Toyushi chirped and reached into his fishing net to snag a still wriggling yellow flounder and offering it to Minato. "You hungry?"

"I would, but I'm a bit too nervous to eat!" Minato delayed being served sushi a bit too fresh for his liking. "Thank you, though!"

"Pops, you never introduced yourself."

"Eh?" A whiskered nose the size of a wagon wheel sniffed. "Suppose you're right Yumi. We don't have visitors all that often, Minato-kit. Before I take you to see the Boss, I suppose I had better introduce myself. I am Obutama, father of these rascals and one of the Guardians of Otāragūn."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Obutama-sama." Dipping his chin, he looked at each of the curious kits in turn. "Toyushi. Yumi. If circumstances allow it, I hope we'll grow stronger together."

"Me too, me too!"

Toyushi hopped happily, tipping his head to bunt against Minato's side eagerly.

"If you're granted a contract, I would be happy to be called on by you." The slightly bulkier otter kit, Yumi, spoke proudly. "Though, we may need another year to grow into our skills."

"Obutama-sama!"

Out of a nest of shrubberies on a nearby embankment, a rather small, well-rounded otter skittered on all fours only to collapse in a heap, just shy of the shoreline.

Toyushi trotted over and splashed his comrade, causing the heaving otter to gasp and leap upright eagerly.

"Obutama-sama! Boss wants to meet…" The otter trailed off miserably, stared numbly at Minato, who offered a nod in greeting, only to meep and tug on his whiskers frantically.

"Breathe before you pass out, Honshu," Obutama rumbled. "You're just delivering a message, you've hardly been summoned to the battlefield."

"Sorry, Boss!" The chattering otter's ears repeatedly twitched as if the poor fellow had been exposed to an active raiton current. "Baba wants to see…" the otter pointed at Minato. "—him."

"Guess the time for small talk is over," Obutama stretched and shook himself fiercely, showering the huddle of them with a storm of excess moisture.

"Ack, Pa!" Yumi whined.

"Pipe down, kits." Obutama said sternly, cowing the recalcitrant pups with a harsh glare. "Now, climb aboard my head, Minato. It'll make it faster."

Transcending simple excitement, Minato still recalled the triumph of standing on Gamabunta's head for the first time. The moment in the darkness when Kurama permitted Minato to stand atop his shoulders as they forged a new bond, a new partnership.

There was no promise yet, but the thrill of the wind racing through his damp hair, the sensation of the powerful musculature he was standing on. Nothing in the world quite lived up to the nature of a partnership between summons and summoner: giddiness thy name is Minato!

"Yes!" Minato cheered, before sheepishly grinning as the massive otter rumbled in laughter. "I mean, thank you Obutama-sama. I'm just a bit excited!"

"Quite understandable," the otter laughed good naturedly as Minato raced over the elongated neck to creep up near the comparatively slight ears.

"Us too, Pa?"

"Lazy kits, this is the last time!"

Toyushi and Yumi scrambled up dexterously until they were flanked Minato on either side.

"Don't fall off."

The warning was certainly sound as the surface of the water erupted violently with the force of their departure.

It was dangerous, wild, and Minato knew Tsunade would have murdered him if she had witnessed it: Minato was in heaven.

The blast of winds dragging at his skin, clothing, and his hair billowing like a whip behind him. Minato whooped wildly as they descended, only to lift again as the massive summon's limbs bunched and bounded. The kits, sharing in Minato's mirth, chortled loudly and clapped their webbed paws together. It was instinctive to shift his weight and adjust his chakra as the summon moved, but it made it no less exhilarating.

"See, we're heading to the clan grounds! Do you see the waterfalls over there?

Minato shaded his eyes and followed the pointed claw into the distance. Not far off, Minato noted the ridged features of stone shining like obsidian near a source of flowing water that seemed rather large even from a distance.

"I think so, Toyushi-san," Minato yelled over the roar of wind. "Is your clan large?"

The otter kits seemed to puff up next to him, which seemed somewhat ridiculous considering they were being buffeted by ferocious winds, that rather mussed their sleek fur.

"We are a large clan and definitely considered one of the most ferocious battle field combatants!" Yumi squirmed eagerly despite the breezy chill. "I'm going to be a battle-summon! That means you'll be able to call me if you need help, Minato!"

"As if!" Toyushi hissed, long tail swinging up to knock his sibling off-balance with an aggressive swat. "Minato is going to be my summoner! I saw him first! That makes him my summoner."

"Uh…"

The waterfall grew larger as they neared their destination, but the squabbling kits hardly seemed to notice.

"Why you! He will not!"

"Will too!"

"With the impression you two are making, I rather imagine Minato will find less dysfunctional summons instead of you two infantile kits," Obutama rumbled, but Minato was certain he detected a note of fondness amidst the insults. "And keep in mind, Chihiro-baba will be making the decisions. No contract has been signed."

The ferocious duo instantly seemed to set aside their differences as they turned on their father.

"Now just wait a second, Pa—"

"Minato is gonna for sure—"

"Baba is gonna see—"

"—show all of you!"

Determined to ignore the spat, Minato shook his head and grinned as they came to the end of their short journey and shimmied off the otter with a nimble flip.

"Hey!"

"Wait for us, Minato!"

The two overexcited kits scampered past him toward the base of the waterfall that had steam—an-honest-to-Kami-hot-springs-waterfall—where a number of otters were sporadically gathered.

The nearest otter was wearing a conical hat, fishing pole clutched by one webbed paw, and staring unblinkingly into the steam. Further along the obsidian rock shelf, a large cauldron bubbled over a fire, tended by a horse-sized otter wearing a frilly pink apron.

From this view, he could see an entire island covered with spacious jungles, beaches and forest. There were concentrated groups of chakra signatures in each area. A few were in their vicinity, but it seemed like most of the summons were elsewhere in their tropical paradise.

"Yoshirou-Jiji!"

The otter kits raced past him to the otter wearing the conical hat.

"Hmph, hoped Obutama would lose you in the river," a grizzled voice muttered, while Minato felt himself eyed up by the deceptively lax otter.

"We have a summoner!" Yumi whooped! "We've never had one before, I'm so excited—

"We still don't have one yet, moron! Chihiro-baba hasn't met him yet." Toyushi muttered. "But I'm sure we will!"

"What are you fishing for, Yoshirou-sama?" Minato daringly leapt up next to the summon and peering doubtfully into the water that looked a few degrees shy of a light simmer. Barely.

"Pfft, he's never caught a thing," Obutama's laughter echoed off the walls. "Doesn't stop the old mammal from trying though."

"See what sort of hobby you adopt in another century or two," the old otter reproved with a glower that had the twins cowering backward. "You're slacking on teaching these boys, Obu!"

"Pa, don't say that," Obutama rumbled. "They're young still."

"Hmph."

Even sitting, the old otter was easily triple Minato's current standing height. The grizzled bits of grey intermixed with the dark brown around the rippling nose and the oversized intelligent gaze was somewhat intimidating with how they seemed to stare right into him.

"Hmm, guess those boys might be right, for once," Minato shifted uneasily as a clawed paw lazily recast his baited pole into the steaming water. "After you pass Ma's test, call for me summoner."

For the first time since meeting them, Toyushi and Yumi were silent.

"I will do so, Yoshirou-sama," Minato watched the old otter lazily flick his pole back into the steaming water. "Thank you for believing in me."

"Toyushi, Yumi, wait here with, Pa."

"But—"

"Pa!"

"I don't want to babysit."

The kits arguments were refuted and Obutama shook his head, ushering Minato away from the sulking duo.

"Should I be worried, Obutama-sama?" Minato asked.

"Our Clan has only had one summoner before," Obutama replied. "Ordinarily I wouldn't think you'd have a chance, but Pa thinks you do. Maybe you do have a chance, Minato-kit."

Obutama lead him to where a stout otter with a dark fur coat, and orange markings stirred a massive cookpot over a bonfire. The tufted ears twitched as they approached and a clawed hand absently patted the apron covered in a riot of bright polka-dots over a bright pink background.

In the shinobi world, the most eccentric personalities tended to be the most powerful opponents. The summoning realm was no exception to this rule. Frills or not, this otter was dangerous.

"Oho, a visitor." A cultured voice acknowledged their approach with a wide smile that showcased rows of aged, but no-less deadly teeth. "Obu-chan, introduce us!"

"Senju Minato, this is Chihiro-sama, Great Otter—"

Obutama recoiled as the soup ladle swung wide and caught him across his snout. Minato darted off to the side to avoid being trampled by the otter's massive paws.

"Sheesh, Ma! You're always so violent! And that damn spoon was hot!"

"Oh, hush dear. We both know that was hardly a bug bite to a big lug like you." The comparatively diminutive otter patted the larger paw daintily, while shooting Minato and the younger pups a non-subtle wink. "Don't mind my son, Summoner. The centuries have turned him into a stick in the mud."

"Ma! Quit embarrassing me!"

"Pish posh! I'm your mother. I'll never stop embarrassing you."

"Now, Minato-kun. I really should get to know you," the old otter paused meaningfully.

"You won't bother with that unless I'm your summoner," Minato guessed.

"Quite so! Never see a point in getting attached if I can't keep you. So! Are you ready?"

If this comes down to a fight, I'll back you up.

Don't tell me you're worried, Kurama.

Hardly.

Keep telling yourself that!

Minato felt like he should feel more intimidated than he was. Though, he supposed he ought to cut himself a teeny bit of slack. After everything he had experienced, what was a little test?

"I'm ready."

It was true. Minato needed this. For all the preparation that was occurring, Minato had felt woefully underprepared. Gaining the allegiance of a summoning clan would be a significant boon to his training.

Lie to yourself all you want, Minato. But you're a control freak. It's why we're here.

I'm not a control freak. I'm a SUPER CONTROL FREAK!

Minato. Act like Jiraiya again and I'll kill you. Got it?

So cruel, Kurama!

"Excellent!"

The soup ladle swung out like a baton and pointed toward the middle of the falls.

"Just beyond the waterfall, is an old altar. On it, is a stone. Retrieve it and bring it here."

Minato was no Nara, but he enjoyed a test of his mind as much as anyone. Obviously, the test was rigged, it was just a matter of discovering how.

"Retrieve a rock?"

"More like a marble, really," Chihiro gave the soup a good stir.

"Has anyone ever succeeded?"

"Hmph, just the one, I'm afraid," Chihiro chortled.

"How many have made the attempt?" Minato wondered.

"Afraid I've lost count," the old otter remarked with a sly grin that showcased her sharp teeth.

That morsel of information was incredibly telling.

"Time limit?"

"Nope. But once you begin, you're on your own. Complete the task or fail."

"I suppose I better succeed then."

"I do have a good feeling about you, kitling. But I must ask, are you sure you want to attempt this? If you proceed, there will be no reverse summon to see you out of this place."

There was an absence of any emotion save determination. Extending his hand, he offered a thumb's up.

"I thank you for the offer, but I'm not about to give up."

"You're an interesting one, aspiring to such a feat. I hope you pull this off."

With nary a backward glance, Minato stepped onto the surface of the water and immediately assumed a kneeling, meditative pose upon the flowing surface. Assuming a still position, Minato focused on the input from his basic senses.

Detecting chakra was as natural as breathing to a sensor. Detecting chakra abnormalities was another matter. Unlike most innate sensors, Minato had a trump card. A furry, irritable companion that taught him—albeit with an unpleasant, cynical twist—how to improve his abilities.

The chakra emanations from all of the otters are calm. I think we can safely eliminate a possible ambush.

Can you discern their chakra natures?

Why would that be relevant, Kurama?

Whoever said anything about relevance? We've practiced this skill around Konoha, we need to use this opportunity to make you less useless.

Thanks to you, I can differentiate affinities almost every time. Not to mention, we're partners. You'll never let me blunder without berating me for hours.

Your talent fails when it comes across individuals like the Sandaime, who utilizes all the differing elements.

Right, because people like the Sandaime are a ryo a dozen!

Minato, shut up and figure this out.

Are you alright? You seem agitated…more than usual.

Something about this bothers me. You can enter the cave. We'll know for sure one way or another after that.

Alright. I'll be careful.

Minato trotted to the edge of the waterfall. He was already soaked from the force of the frothing spray, but stood unblinking with his hands extended. In an act of pure manipulation, Minato used his chakra to hold the water and lift it upward. There was nothing still about this effort. Water continued to shower downward, only to be held aloft by Minato's proficiency manipulating his element.

Knowing at his current levels of stamina, it was in his best interest to move quickly, Minato surged forward. Ahead of him, an unnatural glow emanated from the dripping cavern maw. The instant he made contact with the cavern, he released his hold on the waterfall.

Ignoring the falling water behind him, Minato was already ascending a poorly formed, cracked stairwell all but invisible beneath moss and algae overgrowth. Barely fifteen meters up, the promised pedestal stood at the end of the incline, surrounded by fragments of bones. The pedestal itself was worn stone with a glowing blue pebble resting innocently atop it.

Rather than feel intimidated, Minato studied the bones of the victims. Most were too degraded, but a few had no obvious injuries. What rusted weaponry Minato could find seemed to be sheathed.

The stone itself had to be the culprit.

Kurama?

If you can't figure this out, you deserve to die.

A little harsh, even if the fox was a believer in tough love.

A cursory analysis suggested no seals. Not that it meant much. In the shinobi world, there were plenty of relics that could perform unbelievable feats. Swords that ate chakra, rituals to seal demons. Obviously, there was something to that here.

Kneeling again, Minato reached again with his senses: nothing, as expected. The bone though…Minato poked at it again, realizing it had a heavier mass than it ought to.

Kurama, it's natural energy. It has to be.

It is.

But why? What could motivate a summoning clan to go to such an extent to prevent working with a summoner?

I don't know. Do you want them as summons?

I like them. After meeting them, I feel they'll have things to teach me.

Then shut up and let's pass this test.

"Alright then," Minato breathed. "Sage Mode it is."

The tingle of natural energy particles greeted Minato like an old friend. Taking care not to get caught up in the rush of euphoria that accompanied Sage Mode, Minato carefully fused a portion of natural energy with his own chakra.

Minato, we'll have just over a minute to maintain Sage mode. At your age, your body will be unable to sustain it for longer than that. That should be more than enough time to grab that thing and get out there.

If someone incapable of moulding sage chakra touched that pebble, they would be dead in seconds. Not a problem for Minato, but…somehow picking it up seemed incomplete.

We're missing the point. This entire task is a lesson in deception. Only a Sage could pick up this stone.

A glance to the bones on the floor, Minato stepped regretfully over the failed aspirants and reached out and plucked the stone off the altar and lifted it up, in hope of sussing out a clue he just knew was missing.

Minato.

Maintaining Sage form indefinitely was impossible. In the same way fire beats wind, Uzumaki's loved ramen, and Jiraiya-sensei was a pervert. Assuming a person intentionally left this rock here, they must have used senjutsu.

Minato!

The thing that Minato could not swallow was simple: transporting an item that would kill you if you dropped out of Sage Mode was just stupid. Powerful shinobi tended toward arrogance, but someone powerful enough to master senjutsu was unlikely to risk their personal safety.

Underneath the underneath! The intent of the test was…

Of course! Underneath the stone's glow, there were faint black lines suggesting a storage vessel of some sort. The natural energy was a ruse for would-be-summoners to fall into.

Sage damnit! Minato! You're almost out of time, what are you doing?

I'm passing this test.

"Fuin: Reverse Sealing!"

Minato expelled a breath in quiet triumph as the stone disappeared with a poof of smoke, leaving behind a giant scroll.

"The entire trial was a farce. It was about realizing that the stone wasn't the point. All they needed to do was undo a basic storage type seal…" Minato muttered. "Even an individual incapable of manipulating senjutsu could have succeeded. Meaning I succeeded, but in the wrong way."

Well, shit.

Minato.

Recognizing the ominous tone of voice for what it was, Minato grimaced and jerked slightly.

Kurama, please don't be upset. I know I was a bit reckless, but I think—

Minato!

Minato jerked backward, tripping over a skeleton and bruising his bottom on a rather unfortunately shaped rock.

You did okay, figuring out that it was a sealed stone.

Minato grinned.

You're proud of me!

What's there to be proud of? You're a fuinjutsu master that killed himself sealing me? And you almost got yourself killed again, just now. If anything, you're just as bad as those hellions you make us hang around.

No take backs! You're proud of me!

I hate you.

No, you don't!

Sign your contract and go talk to your summons.

I love you too, buddy.

Kurama's only response was unintelligible grumbling.

Unwrapping the bulky, scroll, Minato sliced his finger and signed his name in the second column, next to a name faded and all but illegible from time.

Finally, Minato felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest. Acquiring allies and potential instructors was an enormous boon to preventing the coming war. Minato would take it.

Exiting the cave was easier and far less intimidating than entering. Minato simply dove into the water and swam out.

When he reached the surface and trotted triumphantly toward the otter matriarch, Minato patted the summoning scroll that he had slung across his back.

Immediately, the boss otter broke into heaving laughter.

"Welcome, Senju Minato, to Otāragūn! I am Chihiro: Grand Sea Sage of the Otters. We've been waiting for you for a long time, summoner!"

"Minato!"

Minato staggered as Toyushi barreled into his side. Throwing out his arm, he managed to prevent the wriggling youngster from sending him for another swim.

"I can't believe you did it! Now we can go clam diving all the time!"

"Don't be silly, Minato is our summoner! He needs us to take care of him, Toyushi!" Yumi scolded her sibling, before nipping Minato's pantleg gently. "But you can play with us if you want to."

"Now, kits. No crowding!"

"But Minato is our summoner, right?!" Yumi chirped.

"Yes, kits, Minato is our summoner," The otter grinned again, eyes twinkling cheerily. "But you boys never mind that. Nobu!"

"Boss?" An otter half his size, with strands of jade beads dangling from his ears eyed Minato speculatively. "I look forward to your call summoner. And should you require it, assisting in instructing you too."

"The honor is mine, Nobu-sama," Minato bowed.

"Psh. Honorifics are for the Boss."

"Nobu, I want to speak to our summoner alone. If you would?"

Before the pair could predictably pipe up in protest, the tiny otter marched off wriggling, protesting kids. Minato suppressed the snort with a bout of well-timed coughs, and shared a smile with Chihiro. At least he didn't have to worry about offending his summons—yet.

Now that it was just the two of them, Minato turned a sharp eye on Chihiro.

"That was a test doomed to fail," Minato put the full weight of his disapproval in his words. "I can imagine that all those that tried were overconfident and far too young to have an inkling what they were up against. Testing of that nature is cruel and unusual and I want to know why."

"How old are you, Minato-kun?"

"Eight," Minato blurted out, caught off-guard. "I'll be nine soon."

Chihiro nodded.

"How old were you before?"

Damn. Don't play stupid here Minato. You may have signed that contract, but deceiving them isn't going to help.

I'm aware. If it were anyone else, I would be much more uncomfortable.

"What do you know?" Minato redirected deftly.

A glimmer of approval shone out from the placid eyes, but he jumped slightly when the ladle clanged against the sides of the massive simmering soup as Chihiro stirred the seafood mixture heatedly. With a light clang, she tossed the spoon to the side, doused the fire under the pot with water she dragged from the air—a startlingly mirror of Tobirama's technique—and nudged Obutama with a paw.

"Obu, the pups are going to be hungry soon. Dinner is done."

"Got it, Ma."

The otter tossed her apron to the side and beckoned Minato to follow her, which he did. They walked a short distance away before they stopped in a private area, away from prying eyes.

"That senile old toad, Gamamaru, wasn't the only one who saw a glimpse of a possible future," Minato's jaw dropped slightly and Chihiro nodded with a shrewd look in her beady eyes. "So, I was right. That name does mean something to you. I'll admit, I was getting a little impatient these last few centuries, but you finally showed up."

"You knew I was coming?"

"Prophecies are tricky things. And not all of them are destined to come true, but we were told that a summoner older in spirit than body would come seeking aid in preventing a calamity. Our Clan has been training for that eventuality: for you."

Jiraiya-sensei would have had faith, but Minato had always maintained a healthy vein of skepticism. On the other hand, Chihiro had known about him. That left his pragmatism in a bit of a quandary.

"Minato, will you tell me your story?"

Almost before he realized it, Minato found himself speaking. From his death, resurrection, to reincarnation. Throughout it all, Chihiro said nothing. The old otter listened and occasionally nodded thoughtfully.

Having Kurama talk to was wonderful, but there was an unexpected sense of relief that Minato had finally been able to tell someone. To not have to keep his guard up all the time. It was almost overwhelming.

By the end, Minato's voice was hoarse from speaking and he drank greedily from a basin that Chihiro shoved in front of his face.

"So, saving the world from a dead man with a grudge. Not going to be easy, with what little you know," Chihiro said quietly. "But it can't be easy living your life again. My, that would certainly be something."

"It's certainly been challenging, but I don't regret it." Minato smiled faintly. "I have a chance to make a difference, to preserve the village and the people that I care for."

"You're a good person, Senju Minato. Well-deserving of another chance at life."

"Thank you, Chihiro-sama."

A paw slid around his shoulders and pulled him firmly against the otter's middle.

"You want to stay for supper, kit?"

Ugh! Was it that late already? Oh, no. Oh, no!

"I've got to get home before they figure out that I'm missing," Minato murmured stupidly.

Thank Kami that the adults in his life were otherwise occupied or Minato would be in a world of hurt!

"Oh, Minato-kit. Second life or not, you can't go scaring your family," Chihiro tugged his pony tail reproachfully. "Now, I've got some mouths to feed, so I best send you home."

"You better call those silly kits to play sometime soon! And of course, in a few years, you'll have to call me for training. Call us if you need us, Minato!"

"Right!" Minato straightened. "Thank you, Chihiro-sama!"

---

Minato had known that his family members wouldn't react positively when they discovered that he had performed the summoning jutsu. Logically, Minato understood that there would be repercussions and a considerable amount of outrage and hurt feelings; forgiveness at the expense of permission being the justified mantra Minato rehearsed.

Even a prior life's experiences proved insufficient preparation for just how guilty Minato felt.

As soon as Minato had made it home, he had been assailed on all sides by his frantic family, checked over with healing chakra and a Sharingan, before being marched into the kitchen and unceremoniously deposited in a chair.

To his left, Kakashi was perched on the countertop with his body tensed, as if preparing for an attack. Directly across from Minato, Tsunade caressed the rim of her untouched sake cup with a red fingernail, while staring at him unblinkingly.

Shizune plunked herself down next to Minato and grasped his hand. He swallowed hard when he heard a sniffle and noted how red and swollen Shizune's eyes were, his face cracking when the woman smiled beautifully, even as another tear dripped from her eyes.

"I'm so glad you're home, Minato. Please, don't put yourself in danger like this again."

Minato's composure was rattled somewhat and he blinked back a tear of his own, only to jump when Kakashi's voice cracked like thunder.

"Stupid is more like it. I want to know what the hell you thought you were doing!" Nimble as a cat, Kakashi sprang from his crouch and landed on his feet with anger and hurt—that same pain Minato had seen when Obito…Rin…shit.

"Kakashi! Watch how you're speaking to him," Shizune defended him, making Minato feel like a real heel. "He's only eight! No matter how you want to look at it, Minato's a child!"

"Minato may be young, but he knew exactly what he was doing. The kid is a genius! We all know he could run circles around his year mates if he chose to," Kakashi looked almost crazed in the low-lighting. "Tell me why a summoning contract is worth losing you?"

The hands squeezing his tightened. "Kakashi, that isn't fair! He's only a child! You can't just put that on him!"

"Kakashi! Shizune!" the solemn authority in Tsunade's voice slammed into all of them, closing mouths momentarily. Here was the Sannin that could have been Godaime Hokage with a straight back and poised expression. "Minato is young, but he is also intelligent and capable of advanced reasoning." Tsunade actually smiled slightly. "Most of the time."

"I'm sorry," Minato's voice cracked.

"I know you're sorry that we're upset. Even knowing that, I can see that you believe it was a good decision." Tsunade lifted her sake cup and swallowed it down. "Minato, we can play this game all day, but I'd rather skip to the part where we discuss the actual issue."

"Actual issue?" Shizune parroted, while Kakashi's brow furrowed slightly.

"What, you two actually think our problem is the little twerp wandering off to the summoning realm?" Tsunade rolled her eyes and refilled her sake cup. "Minato is very good at hiding it, but I've noticed something was off for some time now." She paused to guzzle another cup, a light flush rising in her cheeks. "If I had suspected that Minato would pull a stunt like this, I would have cornered him sooner."

"Nato, is Tsunade-sama, right?" Shizune's face pleaded with him.

Don't lie, Minato.

You want me to tell the truth?

Your family loves you. They would do anything to protect you.

That's quite an endorsement, Kurama.

Besides, the best deceptions are the ones based on the truth.

There's the Kurama, I know and love.

Shut up.

What the hell am I supposed to tell them, anyway?

Be creative. Play on their emotions. Like I said, they'd do anything to protect you. Use that.

"The Kyuubi wants me to train," Minato spun a tale, trying to ignore the niggling worry that this was going to blow up spectacularly in his face.

"What?!" Kakashi was at his side in a flash, hand gripping his shoulder.

"It spoke to you?" Tsunade was on her feet, staring at him with a slightly wild look.

"He pointed something out to me," Minato remarked quietly, carefully gauging the reaction of the three adults. "Whoever wanted the Kyuubi enough to unseal his chakra, is going to come for me. If I'm not strong enough when the time comes, my friends…my family might be hurt trying to protect me. I can't allow that to happen. When the person that wants the Kyuubi comes, I want to be ready."

The three adults looked to be attempting to digest that while not panicking from Minato announcing he was talking with the bijuu.

"Communicating with the fox is something Jiraiya said would happen one day," Tsunade admitted. "I was hoping you would have started puberty first."

"That's why he's been so persistent about training lately," Kakashi spoke aloud, directed at no one in particular.

Tsunade came around the table, picked him up, and held him to her tightly.

"Someone is used to doing things on his own too much," Tsunade's breath tickled his ear gently and Minato's eyes fluttered as she stroked his hair gently. "You have to think, Minato. Don't you know that there is nothing I wouldn't do to protect you?"

"I'm sorry I was reckless," Minato confessed, feeling a need to do something to earn the forgiveness he didn't deserve. "I've just felt like I haven't been making progress lately. The summoning was kind of a spur of the moment thing."

"Pup," Kakashi's masked nose bumped his face and a gloved palm cupped the back of his neck fiercely. "Promise me you won't do that again. Please."

Minato's eyes scrunched up when he smelled the tears clinging to the fabric of his brother's mask. There was no one he feared hurting more than Kakashi. The man had lost far too much already and he had a tendency to forget just how attached his brother was to him.

"I promise I'll do my best," Minato swore, knowing it was a limited effect, but hoping it wouldn't matter.

Shizune squished herself into their awkward four-way embrace, that was brief but good.

"Is everyone okay now?" Minato asked hopefully. "No one is mad anymore?"

"Oh, I'm definitely mad, squirt," Tsunade smiled faintly. "You're just lucky that I love you as much as I do. As it is, I think we're going to need to be more hands on with your training since you apparently require more supervision than we thought."

"Err…" Minato had definitely been desiring more training, but the ominous aura from his three caretakers was beginning to freak him out a little.

"I have some ideas too," Shizune murmured. "Gonna have to work on your resistances, kiddo."

Kakashi was the last to speak, but his one eye closed in a paroxysm of joy.

"And since you're definitely grounded for at least a year, we'll have lots of time to work on drilling some safety reminders into that brain of yours!"

"Guess that means I'm not going to that sleepover tonight," Minato laughed weakly.

"Definitely not." Tsunade squeezed him harder. "You're going to eat dinner and head straight to bed. And while you're falling asleep, the adults are going to discuss what exactly your punishment entails."

Minato didn't protest. He more than deserved a bit of wrath, honestly. After a few days—err, weeks, they would cool down again. Hopefully.

Shoved into a chair with a bowl of soup plopped in front of him, Minato began eating before the three-way scrutiny unsettled him any further.

"What summons did you get, Minato?" Shizune asked far too casually to be coincidental.

"Otters," Minato smiled wistfully as he swallowed another spoonful of broth. "If you want, I'll introduce you to Toyushi and Yumi sometime. They remind me a bit of Naruto with their enthusiasm, but it could just be from how young they were. I liked them a lot."

Kakashi seemed overly quiet, a sure sign that his brother was trapped in a personal sort of hell. Minato knew he would have to do something for Kakashi, particularly since it was his fault his brother had been revisited by old ghosts.

"I've never heard of otter summons before," Shizune replied, brow furrowed and expression oddly pinched.

"We'll meet them eventually, but not tonight," Tsunade murmured quietly. "Come give me a hug, then you're off to bed."

Both women embraced him, leaving only Kakashi who declared with distinctive false cheer that he would accompany him upstairs.

Neither of them made a sound, aside from the light brush of sandals on the stairwell, as they climbed the landing to Minato's room. Minato quickly changed into his sleeping yukata and climbed onto the bed. Kakashi wordlessly reclined next to him on the bed and tugged him up until he was pressed into the hollow of Kakashi's throat. Minato's eyes watered again as he noted the involuntary tremors in the arms that wrapped around him tightly.

"Pup, if there is a danger to you, promise me you won't hide that from me again," Kakashi's voice was choked with emotion and Minato's horror he could smell the tell-tale scent of tears leaving his brother's eyes.

Minato's eyes burned and he allowed himself the opportunity to grieve with his brother in shared sorrow.

"I'm sorry, Kakashi." Minato apologized for secrets that he could never reveal and for the hurts he had reopened in a person he loved. "I'm so sorry I scared you." And that it would probably happen again. "I love you and I'm sorry." So sorry, but Minato would do what he must, but maybe he could offer comfort. "I promise not to be so reckless."

"Losing you, you can't possibly know what that would do to me." Kakashi murmured, stroking the back of Minato's hair gently.

The action was impossibly soothing and Minato felt his eyelids droop slightly. There was a hitch in Kakashi's breathing and he felt his body whimper softly in apology. There was an answering rumble from Kakashi's chest that washed a bizarre notion of contentment over Minato's frayed nerves. Without additional consideration, Minato snuggled closer to Kakashi and allowed himself to drift into a comfortable slumber.

Kakashi lay awake, Minato tucked securely against him, staring up at the ceiling. It had been a mentally strenuous evening, but Kakashi now had some time to mull over the disseminated information and make some decisions.

Minato trusted his bijuu or at least gave credence to a potential threat on his life. That was not something Kakashi was specifically comfortable with, but he was aware that Shiranui Fū was making incredible strides in mastering her abilities as a jinchuuriki since working on building a relationship with the Nanabi. Despite his personal reservations, the bijuu was not the point.

The impressive rate of development Minato demonstrated was the mark of a prodigy, but his pup's obsession with training had been a problem that Kakashi had been monitoring carefully. A desire to become stronger out of necessity, that Kakashi could understand. A threat, whether real or imagined, would be the ultimate motivator.

Oh, he was frustrated that Minato had been thoughtless enough to want to handle the problem on his own. Unfortunately, Kakashi's personal history of poor decision making made it impossible to blame Minato for irrational thinking.

Hokage-sama would need to hear about this development, which would inevitably result in their meddling leader having a say in the affairs of training his pup and either dissuading or encouraging the relationship between Minato and his tenant.

Kakashi had recognized early on that Minato was reluctant to sign the dog contract. Had been expecting the issue to rise in another few years. Kakashi had been rightfully terrified at how Minato had gone about it, but not surprised.

None of these factors mattered. Not really. If a threat to Minato appeared, Kakashi would be prepared to destroy the individual that tried.

What really bothered him was the unknown.

What else did the Kyuubi know?

Minato-sensei, was there more to that night?

A growl built in his throat, only to be disrupted when the Minato in his arms shivered and whined softly.

"Sorry, pup." Kakashi carded his fingers through the snowy mane of hair, his brother snuffling softly before drifting off again. "I'll protect you."

If something ever happened to you, it would destroy me. I would…

Darker thoughts flashed to that haunting image of a blood-stained blade and his beloved father's slumped, glassy eyes staring forward sightless.

Aa, Tou-san. Losing the Pup would be it for me.

"I'll protect you, Minato."

Obito, Rin, I failed you. I won't fail him.

---

Kurama was amused by Minato's parental plight. Over the past several weeks, his jinchuuriki had only been left unattended to sleep—though even that privacy was often invaded by Kakashi's paranoid visits.

Despite all their threats, Minato still had frequent visitation with his friends. Kurama had been incredibly amused by the reactions of the boy's group of companions. Reactions ranged from stupefied incredulity to poorly concealed jealousy. To Kurama's joy, Minato had taken to spending longer periods of time in their mindscape together.

Kurama's definition of contentment was defined in its entirety by Minato's existence.

Often, Kurama wondered if the Sage had actually foreseen this relationship, or had it all been left to chance?

The Sandaime had spoken to Minato about his concerns regarding pursuers. The old man extracted a promise about future 'encounters' with Kurama. Not that he or Minato would abide by any of those restrictions, but his jinchuuriki had performed an exemplary job convincing the Sandaime of his little story. And the Yamanaka therapist that just so happened to work for the interrogation division. Kurama's ability to sense intentions confirmed they were in the clear—for now.

Minato was currently tailing Tsunade at the hospital when Kurama heard the shriek.

There was no true sound, only an echo like a string of unravelling memory that came from Kurama's link with his siblings. The passage that connected Kurama to his brothers was like a spider's web. Each bijuu resided at the end and had to navigate the intricate network of connections to reach each other. The greater the distance between them, the more difficult it would be for them to cross the distance.

Difficult, not impossible.

At the present, Minato was in no obvious danger. There was little risk in establishing a connection, but Kurama hesitated. Communicating with his siblings had never been a priority. Kurama had been the strongest, but never emotionally invested.

Now, though. Perhaps that too was different.

The second wave of rage and fear ended Kurama's internal stalemate. With a thought, Kurama connected himself to the path and reached out with the full intensity of his power.

To the North-East, Matatabi and Gyuki were resting, feeling intrigued by their perception of Kurama's presence.

Turning to the South-East, Saiken: burbling with excitement and reaching out curiously toward him, Kurama pulled back but sent a surge of…semi-apologetic sentiment toward the slug. Isobu, but Kurama refused to reach for the sibling that was enslaved by a bastard Uchiha.

South-West: toward his psychotic youngest brother. Shukaku was…happy. What the fuck happened to cause that?

That left the North-West. Kurama threw his concentration and power into crossing the distance and reached out—

Kurama shuddered as he recognized the inhuman scream: Kokuo.

Kokuo!

Kurama poured more effort into connecting with his flailing, frightened brother whose voice felt far fainter than it should.

Kurama? Is that actually you?

Weak. Even a jinchuuriki's death would not have caused the strain he was sensing from Kokuo.

Heh, even that ill-tempered Ichibi recognized me. You surprise me, brother. All these years, I still know your voice.

I didn't expect anyone to come. None of us talk anymore. I haven't spoken to any of you in centuries.

The connection wavered and Kurama was forced to concentrate harder to maintain the link. Yet no matter how hard he held on, it seemed like Kokuo's connection began unravelling anew.

Kokuo wasn't able to reach for him. Their connection was almost completely reliant upon Kurama, something that should be impossible.

Kokuo, what's happening?

My jinchuuriki was ambushed by a pair of shinobi. Their strength was beyond my powers, Kurama. We were defeated and now…they're sealing me, but this isn't normal. I've been sealed many times, but it was never like this.

Ambushed…the shinobi group that wanted to resurrect the Juubi. It had to be them. Who else could it be?

Kokuo, is there anyway you could disrupt the sealing process and escape?

No. Kurama, I'm trapped and I feel like each piece of chakra they're removing is disconnected. I think…perhaps they're killing me.

They won't kill you—they cannot. They want to restore our progenitor. In order to do so, they need all of us.

Kokuo was quiet, for a moment, but Kurama felt the fear and dread clinging to his brother's words. The anger.

It's too late for me. They've sealed over half my essence away. The rest of them can be saved. Kurama, I never imagined you would come. I never thought…would you warn the others?

I will.

Thank you, Kurama. We were never close. You liked Gyuki, indulged Saiken, and adored Shukaku no matter how much you pretended otherwise. The rest of us, you tolerated. I never would have expected you to change, to care about my distress. Thank you, brother.

It's never too late to change.

Will you stay with me? I don't want to be alone.

I'll stay as long as it takes.

Thank you, Brother. Will you tell me about your life, Kurama?

Kurama did not know how the sealing worked, but if this was his last opportunity to know Kokuo, Kurama would do it. For his brother's sake, Kurama would divulge a truth.

When Jiji promised us, we would understand true strength someday, I didn't understand. That all changed after the Yondaime Hokage sealed me…

Kurama was exhausted and weary of soul: Kokuo was gone. Where his presence should be in the linked web of connections, only a void remained.

Minato was at the Academy, explaining something or another to a kid that Kurama didn't recognize. Because kindness was a trait Minato retained despite all the aspects of his lives that didn't add up to a happy ending.

Minato was Kurama's happy ending, while Kokuo would never find his.

Kurama would give it a few days before telling Minato. The war they had come to prevent had officially begun: first blood to their enemies.

Excepting Isobu's container, Kurama would reach out to his siblings. If Madara wanted a war, he would have it.

This time, Kurama would be the one to finish it.

---

To the people that stuck with me, you're all crazy, but I love you! To new readers, thanks for giving me a chance!

My life is back on track and I feel good. I came back to this story wanting to write again instead of forcing myself to. I might be a little rusty, but I hope you enjoy this chapter anyway.

Seriously though, I love all of you. You guys are MY heroes!

Also, if this chapter feels a little rushed, it probably is. The next chapter is my push to genin-hood. I want to get the ball rolling!