Chapter 5

AN: I want to thank MrsHellman again for her wonderful help with this! Enjoy!

Two days had now passed, and Naruto had finally got the doctor's permission to be released from the hospital. For Naruto it hadn't been soon enough, but it would mean freedom from this awful place. After having endured his ribs X-rayed, and seeing that they were healing, the doctor had come in and told Naruto he could be discharged. When those words reached Naruto's ears, both Minato and the doctor could feel the happiness spread like a wild fire in the room, it was very contagious.

Naruto really couldn't have been happier at the news. He decided that he truly hated hospitals, and if he never came back it would too soon! He was trying to decide which part of the hospital he hated the most. The smell ranked pretty high on the list, but the CAT scan was at the top. In Naruto's mind it was 'the-most-horrible-things-humankind-has-ever-thought-about-creating.' Of course, being bored to death, the confinement and not being able to have his beloved ramen, ranked very high on Naruto's list also. It was just too hard to decide what he hated the most about hospitals.

Minato couldn't help but smile at his son's happiness. He was glad his son could finally come home. He had been in the hospital far too long, and it would be good for him to get out. Minato also inwardly hoped that going home would trigger Naruto's memories.

The doctor had given Minato some post discharge instructions to follow for Naruto's care, and to bring him back if there were any problems. Also, much to Naruto's dismay, he had to come back in three weeks to have his casts removed.

"Do I reeeeally have to back in three weeks?" Naruto exclaimed with a pitiful whine as he looked up at Minato with a pout that was rather cute, but the glare from those piercing blue eyes took away all the cuteness on a radius of 10 feet.

Minato sighed as he rubbed one temple. "Yes, you have to go back, if you want to get your casts off. If you try to be more careful the next time you and Sasuke train, then you won't have to go back again," he answered with an encouraging smile.

Naruto was satisfied with that answer and confirmed it with a huge grin plastered on his face. Minato couldn't help but grin back as he wheeled Naruto out in a wheelchair towards the elevator and then the exit to this dreadful place.

Minato was relieved that his son could finally leave the hospital. It had been a rough and trying three weeks for them both. Minato wasn't sure exactly how he would balance his duties as Hokage, and take care of his son, with his memory problems. He really couldn't leave Naruto alone, but he'd cross that bridge when he came to it.

Minato had mixed feelings about being Hokage sometimes. He liked his job but it also had its downside. To be able to protect your village by being the most powerful ninja was awesome. Having people look up to you and respect you was a feeling hard to describe. However, it was difficult for Minato to be a father and Hokage at the same time. It had gotten easier when had Naruto entered the academy, but it still had its challenges. Minato sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. His job as Hokage and father of a son who had severe memory problems wasn't going to be easy.

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Minato was currently carrying Naruto in his arms, as they made thier way through Konoha's busy streets, with Naruto hiding his face in Minato's chest, terribly embarrassed by being carried. He had protested loudly that he DID NOT like being carried like a baby repeatedly to the point that Minato was getting quite weary of it and gently, but firmly reminded Naruto that he could not walk because of his broken leg.

Even though he wasn't looking, Naruto could feel the curious stares directed his way as Minato carried him as quickly as he could through the streets of Konoha, heading towards their home at the east part of the town where there weren't too many houses around.

This is just so embarrassing, Naruto thought as he felt his father move with ease through the busy streets. I guess it can't get much worse, though, right?

Naruto peeked up from his 'so-called' hiding spot and peered at his surroundings. He quickly buried his face in Minato's chest again, not liking everyone staring at him like he was some kind of rare display in a museum. He gripped Minato's clothes tightly, wanting to get away from the busy streets with unfamiliar people as quickly as possible.

Sensing his son's discomfort, Minato quickened his pace. It wasn't long after that they reached the gates and steep entrance ramp that led up to their house.

Minato was reflecting on how helpful Sasuke had been to Naruto when he had come by the other day. Minato had hoped that it would trigger some of Naruto's memories, but so far, Naruto's memories remained the same. Perhaps it would take some time, but. . . what if it didn't help at all? Minato shook his head, trying to shake away the intruding thought. It was better for him not to go there. He would drive himself insane if he dwelled on negative thoughts too long.

"Here we are, Naruto," Minato announced as they finally reached the door to the house. It had been a steep climb, as the house lay on a small hill.

Minato and Naruto lived in an entire mansion by themselves. The outside of the mansion was a light brown limestone that was three stories high. A lot of room for only two people, but Jiriaya, Kakashi and other people often visited. Like the Third Hokage and his grandson; Konohamaru. Even though Konhamaru was so much younger than Naruto, they were still friends. Sasuke would come over quite often also and spend the night.

The mass of the building was characterized by alternating bands of rough and smooth finished stone, and was lightened up by porticos and bay windows. From the outside of the structure, there were a number of noticeable leaded window panels framed by the massive façade. In other words; it was one hell of a house.

Minato managed to open the door and get inside with Naruto still in his arms. "This is our home Naruto. Do you recognize anything?" he asked Naruto hopefully.

Naruto looked around the house with a frown on his features. It was very large, but absolutely nothing looked familiar to him. "W-we live here?" he finally asked cautiously as he looked up at the ceiling. It was really high up there.

"Yes," Minato answered, having difficulty keeping the sadness out of his voice, due to the fact that Naruto didn't recognize anything. I just have to be patient with him, and hope that it comes back to him in time, Minato thought as he looked at Naruto's amazed facial expression. He sighed as he hoisted Naruto a little higher up to prevent him from slipping down.

"I'll show you your room," Minato went on, after some silence and grinned at Naruto, but Naruto could see that his father was bothered by something. Naruto just frowned and looked away from his grin.

Minato pushed down his feelings of worry and proceeded to carry him up the stairs. Naruto couldn't help but feel so small in this big house, even though it was his own home and he should feel safe here, it was all very unfamiliar, and as a result, a bit unnerving for him.

Minato entered Naruto's room and set the little blonde down carefully on his bed.

"This is your room, Naruto. Does anything seem familiar in here?" Minato asked, carefully, as he sat down next to him to be eye to eye with his son, who looked so unsure about everything.

Naruto looked around 'his' room. It was a good size, and was decorated with all kinds of posters of mostly shinobi but also some things that looked like weapons that he didn't know that names of, but felt like he should. In the corner of the room was a desk, and on it lay a picture of himself and his father. . . and. . . some woman? The woman was beautiful and Naruto couldn't help but smile. There was also another picture of his father and some kids he sure didn't know. It was all so confusing and frustrating to him.

"No," Naruto finally answered his father, after he had finished taking a long look around. "Nothing. I can't remember...anything here," he finished, his eyes concentrating on the floor which suddenly became very interesting.

Minato sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought. "That's okay, Naruto. It will come back to you," he told Naruto, trying to sound as positive as he could, so as not to make Naruto feel worse.

"Tousan? Who's that woman in the picture with us?" Naruto asked as he lifted his head and then pointed at the picture where he'd seen the unfamiliar woman.

Minato looked over at the picture that Naruto was referring to and smiled a sad smile. "That's your mother," he answered quietly, the smile still playing on his lips.

Her skin was as white as porcelain. With a faint glow, it shone like the sun itself with her two green eyes glowing just as much. They were so green that it felt as if you were drowning in a green field during summer. Her beauty was almost indescribable. Of course, the most beautiful thing about her as was her flaming red hair. The picture couldn't do her hair justice as it cut off at her waist, but her hair actually continued down almost to her feet, falling like a waterfall. Minato would always remember that hair of hers, but he would always remember their love the most.

"Is she here too?" Naruto asked, innocently as he looked at the picture, he was also captivated by her beauty. He noticed that he had the same form on his eyes as her and the same form of his face.

Minato paused before answering. This was hard for him too. The loss of Naruto's mother had hit Minato hard. To see his love die right before him, being completely helpless to stop it, was hard to describe with words. It's something only the one who has gone through it would understand. And now that Naruto was having memory problems, he may lose the son he knew too. Would it cause more damage to tell Naruto that his mother was dead, or not?

"I'm afraid she's not, Naruto," Minato solemnly answered at last, as Naruto gave him a questioning look. "S-she died. . . after you were born," he finished without looking at Naruto's eyes that widened for each word that was said.

"Oh, I see. Then it's my fault," Naruto said, turning his head away, sadly and now it was Minato's turn to grew wide eyes.

Minato took Naruto's chin in his head, making Naruto look at him. "No, it's not your fault, do you hear me?" Minato said sternly and his grip on Naruto's chin tightened a bit. "It couldn't be helped, and I don't want you ever to think that way, understand?" he asked, firmly, as he looked at Naruto with dangerously serious eyes that Naruto had to blink a few times.

Finally, Naruto nodded his head, but still feeling sad that he never knew his mother. He wasn't sure he would have remembered her anyway. But he couldn't help but feel that every though he couldn't remember her, there was still a void in his heart over the loss.

"What about those kids in that picture with you?" Naruto asked, changing the subject, because he could feel the tension in the air.

Minato looked over that the next picture, and his serious demeanor faded and turned into laughter. "That? Those were my students when I was a Jounin. Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, and Rin," he explained, pointing to each of them with a grin as Naruto frowned when he said Rin's name.

"Only Rin? What about her surname?" Naruto asked with an arched brow. "Everyone has to have a surname, right?"

"Eh. . . yeah, but. . . well. . ." Minato stumbled over his words as he smiled nervously. He could still remember the day when he got assigned this team. He'd said all of his new student's names; first names and surnames. He could still feel the slap Rin had given him when he pronounced her surname wrong. "Well. . . let's say that it's a foreign name and I don't want to screw up by say it wrong."

"This picture is special to me because…?" Naruto asked.

"You wanted to see my team when I was a jounin. It gi-gave you inspiration to have your own team someday," Minato explained.

Naruto frowned again. Minato went on. "You see, your dream is to be the best shinobi ever…and to one day be Hokage…like me," Minato finished, his voice getting very quite towards the end.

Naruto was silent for a minute. "Wow, I can't remember that, but it sounds great," he finally said.

Minato smiled sadly. Naruto couldn't even remember his dream.

"Is your team still around here?" Naruto asked, curious to know more about his father's past.

Again, this subject was painful for Minato. Even though Naruto didn't realize that he had touched a painful memory, it triggered sad memories for Minato. He had lost Obito on a mission, and Rin had died not too long after that, and all that was left of his former team was Kakashi, who had his own issues.

"Only Kakashi. The others. . . died in missions," Minato answered, truthfully with a sour look.

"Shinobi missions?" Naruto asked innocently.

"Yes," Minato replied with a bitter smile. "The life of a ninja is brought with danger. It's not an easy life," Minato explained, not missing the hesitant look in his son's eyes.

"And, I'm studying to become one?" Naruto asked again as Minato could still see the hesitation.

"Yes," Minato whispered. This was hard for Minato also. It had been difficult for him to let Naruto go down this path, knowing the dangers and all, but Naruto had really wanted that life, and Minato didn't want to deny him. How could he say 'no' to his son's dream of being a Hokage like him? But now, Minato didn't know if that dream would ever come true.

"Thanks, for telling me all of this, to'san. 'm sorry I can't 'member much," Naruto said, with a yawn, hindering his words. "Guess 'm a lil' sleepy," he continued, rubbing his eye with his good hand.

This drew Minato out of his thoughts in a blink of an eye. "Of course you are, son. Why don't you get some rest, and I'll get you when dinner's ready, okay?"

"'kay," came the sleepy response, as Naruto lay his head down on the pillow. Minato watched as his son's eyelids slid down further and further until they completely shut. Within seconds, he was asleep.

Minato studied him for a minute. He didn't know what the future would hold for Naruto, he could only hope for the best. With a sigh, he got up and left his son's room and went down stairs to think about everything that had happened and all scenarios that may come along.

As he entered the dining room, he saw the discharge papers on the table that the doctor had giving him. Picking them up, he began to read them carefully, with a wrinkle forming between his blonde brows. Everything seemed so grim right now. He sighed for what felt the one hundred and eleventh time that day as he sat down in a large, plush chair and closed his eyes. He felt sleepy as well. His nerves were shot because normally when Naruto was asleep, he would work on signing documents and other paperwork at the house. He grimaced as he thought about the huge piles of paperwork that were no doubt waiting for his attention at his office. How the hell was he going to balance his duties with taking care of Naruto in his current state? Even the Hokage couldn't work miracles. Minato felt so drained that before he knew it, he was sound asleep.

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A loud knocking jolted Minato awake. His eyes shot wide open as he nearly fell out of the chair he was half lying, half sitting in. He looked over at the clock with wide but sleepy eyes. 4:30pm. Had he really been asleep that long? Damn. . .

He rubbed his eyes and stretched, as he heard the knocking again, louder this time and more insistent. His left eye twitched in annoyance, as he stood up from the chair and stretched some more.

"Okay, I'm coming, hold on! For Kami-sama's sake. . ." Minato called and then muttered under his breath, as he made his way to the door, trying to completely wake up. He always felt cranky after taking a nap. He opened the door and was surprised to see Kakashi there.

"Yo, sensei," Kakashi greeted with a hand in the air with his visible eye looking like small 'n'. . . the other one was covered with a part of his hitai-ate, but Minato knew what was under there; the Sharingan.

"Kakashi-san?" Was all Minato could say, rubbing one eye, making him look much like Naruto when he had done the same thing, earlier that day.

"I came by to see how you and Naruto are doing," Kakashi answered, his eye studying his sensei carefully, not missing the fact that he looked, well, terrible. But he dare not voice his thoughts.

"Oh, of course, come in," Minato answered, shaking himself a bit, getting rid of remaining sleepiness.

"I'm sorry I haven't come by since Naruto was admitted. Been pretty busy with stuff," Kakashi explained as he came inside. Minato nearly said 'busy with that damn orange book' but he kept his mouth shut as they made their way to the kitchen.

"That's alright. I'm not sure that. . ." Minato trailed off as Kakashi peered at his sensei, raising his visible brow.

"Not sure that. . . what?" he asked with his 'oh-so-enthusiastical' facial expression.

Minato sighed. One hundred and twelve. . . he mentally noted. "Naruto is having severe memory problems. He doesn't remember anything that happened to him, and he doesn't seem to remember anyone but me," he explained to the Jounin as he took out two glasses, and handed one to Kakashi. Minato retrieved some orange juice and poured it into the glass, offering some to Kakashi as well, who gladly accepted.

"I see. That must be really hard for both of you. Is it temporary?" Kakashi asked as he pulled down his mask, taking a sip of the juice. Minato was the only person that he felt comfortable with taking down his mask. Though Naruto had tried many times in the past to get a look under there, he had always failed.

"I don't know, Kakashi. The doctor hopes so, but I just don't know. He could have permanent personality changes. He may never be able to become a shinobi or even fit into society. . . he may never. . ." Minato stopped, as he buried his face into his hands, discarding his juice in the process.

Kakashi didn't know what to say. He hadn't seen his sensei like this since. . . that time. And that time was a rare time as well.

". . . he may never be the son I once knew. . . ever again," Minato finished, sadly, as Kakashi would understand completely if tears made their way down those tan cheeks.

"Don't give up hope, sensei," Kakashi finally said as he laid an encouraging hand on Minato's shoulder. Minato just nodded too distraught to speak.

"May I see him?" Kakashi asked cautiously as he took another sip of his juice.

"S-sure. I need to make dinner, but you're welcome to stay. He's asleep right now," Minato answered, trying to pull himself back together. This wasn't like him and he had to be strong. . . for Naruto.

"I accept," Kakashi answered with that 'n' turned eye-smile again. Minato smiled back and set about preparing dinner.

To be continued. . .

AN: Hope you guys liked this. Please hit that review button for me and tell me what you think! It's so helpful you know!