Chapter 2 – Weaving

A/N: New chapter, hope you like it :)

It was a nice, warm, cloudless evening in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, as was usual for the climate of the Land of Fire. Namikaze Minato was smiling, but if you looked closer, you could see he is tense. He let the ANBU a bit earlier today. He didn't get much sleep last night. He was just wrapping up some of the paperwork for the day, and prepared to go home, when a toad appeared in his office. "Good evening, Minato-sama. Jiraiya-sama has sent me to tell you to clear your schedule for tomorrow. S-ranked importance. Also, he asked that the old fossils don't get to listen in. Only you." Minato was surprised. What could get his sensei to be so alarmed about something? Unless, of course, it is dire. He hadn't heard from him for a few months, and nothing that was dangerous or alarming was reported. But still, he did as was asked of him, and left a note for his secretary to clear his schedule for the day. With that, he went home to his wife, and decided not to disturb her, and to try to get some sleep at least.

~Scene change~

Jiraiya woke me up maybe two hours after our little conversation, and picked me up, and took of running towards, what i presumed, Konoha. After around four hours, we took a small break, so i could get my bearings. Soon, we got off again. It was mid-morning when we reached the big gate of Konoha, and Jiraiya didn't even stop to check in with the gate guards. I guess he was known well enough. We were at the Hokages office pretty soon, and Jiraiya stood for a moment to take a deep breath, and jumped through the window, with me in tow, and landed in the middle of his student's office.

I was pretty dizzy from all the high speed movement, so i decided that Jiraiya had to be disciplined a bit. Slapping him as hard as a three year old can, i even though put some chakra for good measure, and yelled. "Idiot, tou-chan, did you have to go so fast? Now my tummy hurts and my head is spinning" I even faked the urge to puke, just so i could scare him a bit more. Seeing my discomfort, Jiraiya paled and quickly set me down and started fussing around me. "H-Hey kiddo, it's okay, please don't throw up all over my shiny long mane of manly hair." I got annoyed at his boasting, so i stomped on his foot. He yelled out and started jumping around on one foot, muttering something about brats.

Minato was watching us with amusement dancing in his eyes. He was still surprised that i called Jiraiya father, so i guessed that Jiraiya didn't tell anyone about me. I was proven right. "Sensei, i didn't know a woman finally managed to tame the Gallant Jiraiya. And you even have a son, and didn't inform me, your apprentice... You hurt me." Minato finished sadly at the end, but you could see that he was just joking. Jiraiya immediately stopped jumping around and waved his hands around "No no Minato, no woman can ever hope to tame me! Only Tsunade-hime, but she won't dare to do it." He boasted with a stupid grin, and then continued "But, what do i hear, your little Kushi-chan is already pregnant, eh Minato! You sly dog." He then lost his smile and became serious. "But we will have to leave the pleasantries for later. Something dire is happening, and Konoha's, no, yours and your wife's lives are in great danger" Minato was petrified. He was an orphan since birth, and he always dreamed of having a big family when he grew up. And when it finally started to look good for him, he hears that all of it might just go awry.

He locked his sharp eyes, now devoid of all emotion, with his sensei's eyes, and in a tone that broke no argument started speaking. Even i, with all my experience from the past life, couldn't stop the shiver that passed through me, when i saw the look in his eyes.

"Sensei, what is it all about? I've been feeling uneasy since the toad appeared, and i couldn't sleep last night, thinking about it. Is it the Stone? Cloud? I hope to god they won't try anything. I'll raze their villages to the ground alone." Jiraiya kept his stony face. "It's worse" He simply answered, unaffected by his student's declaration. When Minato heard what his sensei said, he became mortified. "Well fuck Jiraiya, spill it out, don't keep me waiting"

"It's the Kyuubi. The reason i even came back is because of this kid. I found about it because of him. Almost every night, he has nightmares, but last night it was something different. He had a dream about the Kyuubi being unleashed in the middle of Konoha, and that you and Kushina died" he continued after he let Minato process the infomation. "It had to be a vision, nothing else made sense. He is three years old, i've never mentioned a word about anything ninja related. And even though the most of it is jumbled, it's too detailed for it to be just a dream." Minato was getting paler every second, he almost looked like Orochimaru. "The Kyuubi would not be able to affect him, it's still in Kushina, so it doesn't make any sense." He turned to me. "What's your name little one?" I tried to keep the stutter from my voice, and succeeded. "My name is Kenshin" He smiled at me disarmingly, and politely asked me if i can retell him the vision i had. I did and i thought of anything else i can say to him, but i decided against it.

The only sign that Minato was listening was just the slight tensing of his shoulders. But when i mentioned Obito, he froze. He couldn't believe that his thought to be deceased student was going to attack his home village.

Then, a bright idea came to my mind. Even though my goal was clear to me, i didn't mean i couldn't help these guys out a bit. I knew, that for everything to come to pass, Naruto would have to be the jinchuriki of the Kyuubi, at least the yang part. If somehow i could get Minato to seal the yin part in me, i could be that much closer to completing my goal.

But convincing Minato won't be easy, and hell, i wasn't sure myself that i would survive the sealing, but i had to persevere. Nothing will keep me from going back, not even death itself.

Unaware of my thoughts, Minato and Jiraiya were already planning their next move. Kushina was due October tenth, and now it was middle of May, so that gave them a bit under half a year to prepare. But then again, there was another solution, which was to transfer the Kyuubi into someone else, but there were no suitable candidates for it, except for me, i hope. There was no chance in hell Minato was going to transfer the Kyuubi into an Uchiha. Even if somehow the elders convinced him, and they found a suitable host, the Kyuubi would destroy the host. If not physically, then mentally. The entire plan hinged on Naruto becoming the jinchuriki. If that doesn't happen, then things will go much differently.

Thinking about it now, thinks will roughly go the same except Jiraiya will more often be in the village. I'm guessing that he and Hiruzen, the venerated Third Hokage will be in charge of the village defense, and Minato will be with Kushina, stabilizing the seal. I haven't told them the details of when it will happen during the birth, or even after. But they are not stupid. The only window of opportunity will be when she is giving birth, and the seal is at it's weakest. But the only thing is that they don't know how powerful he is, so they can't bet if he will attack at the moment of birth, or after.

"Okay, Kenshin-kun, that will be all for now. Me and Jiraiya-sensei have more things to discuss, but you're free to go. And since you have nowhere to go, and i don't want to leave you unsupervised, i'll get you to my house. You'll be staying with Kushina." Minato's voice brought me out of my musings, and when i processed what he said, my face lit up in a smile. 'Huh, i guess my luck still hasn't left me.' "Yes, Minato-sama. Thank you very much."

He just laughed and waved me away. "No need to be so formal, Kenshin-kun, you can just call me Minato." Then he got a mischievous look on his face. "Hey, would you like to get there fast?" He asked me with a sly smile on his face. I couldn't believe it. He was going to teleport me. Fuck yeah. I get to see the Hiraishin. "Yes, yes, i would love that." And then my stomach rumbled. I blushed a bit at their laughter. "See ya later tou-chan. Have fun with Minato. And no peeping on women without me. They will kill you if i'm not there." It was now Jiraiya's turn to look sheepish, even though his heart beat faster when i called him father. "Ye ye kiddo, i hear ya. See ya later." And with that Minato took me be the shoulder and then the world turned upside down for a moment. I felt just a bit nauseous, but it was okay. With all the childish glee i could muster, i yelled "Again! I wanna do it again!" He looked surprised for a bit, he probably wasn't expecting me to be okay after that. But then he laughed "Maybe later Kenshin-kun, when i come back." Then he looked up and saw his wife. "Ah! Kushina, there is someone i want you to meet. This little fellow here is Kenshin, he is with Jiraiya, and me and sensei have some work to do, so i thought you could take care of him for a bit."

At that, Kushina smiled sweetly, a bit too sweetly... "You wouldn't be going to peep on some women with that no good pervert, would you Mi-na-to? And what is that i hear about using Hiraishin here on little Kenshin, hmm?" Minato started visibly sweating and fear was clearly written on his face. "N-no Kushi-chan, n-nothing like that. Just some business. I'll be home for dinner with Jiraiya in tow, he's Kenshin's father you know."

Kushina smiled, a beatific smile indeed. "Okay Minato-kun, see ya later." She then gave him a kiss and waved him off. At the sight, my heart clenched. I was reminded how much i missed my wife and my friends back in my world. My smile lessened, but i covered it up before they noticed anything.

After Minato flashed away, Kushina turned to me. "So, Kenshin-kun, are you hungry? I can make you something to eat."

I had to get to her good side, and there was only one way to do that, quickly. "Umm, could you perhaps make me some ramen. I haven't it yet, and i heard someone say it's really good."

At this, Kushina's eyes lit on fire. The fuck? How? "Oooh, you poor little thing! You've been denied the wonder that is ramen. Well, don't you worry now sweetie, i'll make you the best ramen in the world. Just give me half an hour, dattebane, and you'll get your wish."

I laughed at her boisterous attitude, but i liked her. She is a cool woman, and hella strong. Even though i love my biological mother with all my heart, and i wouldn't trade her for anything, Kushina would make for a great surrogate mother, or at least a big sister. It's a good thing i'm an older man, and an adult, but for now i will have to play the part of a poor little boy found in the woods, with a fortune telling ability.

So now, while i was waiting for ramen, i sat in a chair and looked around for a bit. It was a quaint house, set up in a quiet neighborhood. It was a relatively small house, nothing special, but i guess both Minato and Kushina are used to a simple life, and that's something i can respect.

Eventually, the ramen was ready, and Kushina brought the full pot over to the table, poured me a bowl and told me to dig in. I noticed that she was watching me with baited breath to see if i like it. When i took the first spoonful, a variety of tastes invaded my mouth. It was one of the best things that i've tried, and i knew that i wouldn't mind eating this every few days. "Wow, Kushina, this tastes so good! Oh, i can't believe more people don't eat it. It's practically the food of the gods!"

The smile that lit up her face was blinding. She immediately hugged me and proclaimed that we will spread the word about the food of the gods. For the next few hours we talked about plenty of stuff, from my time spent with Jiraiya, and about her life here in Konoha. She, of course, left out anything ninja related, probably because she didn't want to expose me to the horrors of that way of life. I snorted internally. I knew plenty about that stuff. But nothing mattered. I had to stick to the plan and that is getting closer to Kushina and Minato. I had to make contact with Kyuubi. I kind of felt bad, using them like this to my own gain. But, i do not belong here. I do not want to belong here. I will help them only because it will benefit me. But that won't stop me from being friends with them. And later, at some point in time, when i explain it to them, i hope that they will understand, and won't hate me.

After the conversation died down a bit, we sat in a comfortable silence. "Kushina-neesan, do you think my mother loved me?" I asked in a broken voice. It was an absurd question, i know, my mother loved me until the very end. But Kushina doesn't know that, and for her, this was a question no kid should ever have to ask.

"Well, Kenshin-kun, i wondered the same thing about my parents. They sent me to Konoha when i was a little girl. At first, i thought i did something bad. I thought i was being punished by being secluded from my family, my clan, and my home. Pretty soon afterwards, my home was destroyed and only a few survived. I don't know where they are, or if they are alive, but i miss them all. I then realized my parents had only best intentions in their mind when they sent me here, knowing that i would live on and keep the Uzumaki alive through me." She let a melancholic smile cross her face, and then a small smile when she looked at me. "So, Kenshin-kun, i am sure that both of your parents loved you, and that they had your best interests at heart. Imagine how they felt when they had to part ways with you."

When she finished, i was in tears. It was a sad story, but i had to try really hard. Still, i succeeded. I started sobbing loudly, and i lunged at her to hug her. She rubbed my back and whispered comforting words. It was time for the nail that seals the coffin.

"Please don't ever leave me. I really like you and Minato too. And you're so good, and you fed me with the food of the goods. Please don't leave me."

"Don't worry, i won't, and neither will Minato, dattebane. I will always take care of you."

I stayed silent for a while and i shifted my body to lay in her lap, facing her. "Thank you, kaa-chan." I whispered, but i was sure that she heard me if the statuesque look coupled with wide eyes she sported said anything. We both relaxed, and started to fall asleep. I had to try this now. It is the biggest risk, and the most important part, that will impact the future should it succeed. I had to convince Kyuubi to be sealed again. I calmed down completely and channeled a bit of chakra into her stomach. Then my vision went black.

~Scene change – the seal~

When i opened my eyes, i saw that i was in my adult body. I looked around and i saw that i was at the entrance to what looked like the room where the Kyuubi was held. I stepped lightly, and then i came into full view of the Kyuubi. He was crucified on a giant rock with lava beneath him. Stakes were piercing his legs, tails, and one giant stake was embedded in his stomach. Fuck, he was huge.

"Hello there. I would ask how are you, but it would be pointless." I said with as much friendly intent i could muster. The fact that he was just a big softie helped a lot.

"Human, how did you come here? I didn't think Kushina would let anyone know about me, let alone let someone near the seal, even she isn't that stupid" Kyuubi drawled in his deep menacing voice. "You are absolutely right, but, i think a pregnant woman would let a three year old near her, especially if he cried like a little bitch." I said with a smirk. "As much as i loathe to admit it, you're right. You puny humans with your emotions sicken me to no end. And yet, all of you are backstabbers, no sense of moral, yet you preach about it. Hypocritical, all of you." He finished with a sneer.

"You are right" I answered truthfully. I knew i can't lie to him, and it wasn't my intention anyways. "We are one fucked up species. Sometimes, i just wish that all the bad people are dead, so shit can't be fucked up. Alas, it is too deep of a problem. Greed, lust for wealth, power, fame... Revenge... It's a disease that will forever plague us."

Kyuubi was shocked. He didn't show it, but he was. He didn't expect this, never in his life. "What do you want from me? You wouldn't come here, going through all that trouble just so you can chat with me about all the flaws you humans have." He asked me, without the usual menace in his voice.

I inhaled deeply "It may sound, no, scratch that, it will sound ridiculous and farfetched, but i am convinced in your ability to sense lies, and i really, really hope you will help. And before you ask why should you help a puny human like me, please hear me out."

The Kyuubi stared at me for what seemed hours, and then with the narrowing of his eyes he spoke "Fine, i will listen to you. Get on with it. If i don't like what you say, when i leave this cursed cage, i will devour you." I let out a breath i didn't know i was holding "Che, that would be welcomed... At least i would be dead." The Kyuubi looked puzzled, but didn't comment upon it.

I sighed, this stuff was harder than i thought it would be. "Well, first things first. I am not from this dimension. I died there after killing the tyrant emperor who tried to enslave the entire world. In the process, i left my best friend and wife to manage things without me. And then i reincarnated into this world with memory of my last life. Now, here comes the really crazy part, which i honestly hope you will believe me. In my universe, everything that has happened here from the start of your attack on Konoha in a few months time is portrayed as a TV show. And me, being a really big fan before everything went to hell watched it. And, in my timeline, this has ended. Everyone lived happily ever after, blah blah. But there were so many deaths of people who i really liked. But that's not the point. Even without my interference, all of you would come out on top. The thing i am asking you is to help me return to my universe to my wife and my unborn child."

The Kyuubi stared at me for a long time, and finding no traces of lies, he spoke "Indeed, human, the story you have told me seems rather farfetched, to put it midly. Even though i am somehow able to believe you, which sickens me to say it, i still need something else. Some more proof per say. And even then, why should i help a member of the race that has hated me, hunted me, and now imprisoned me?" He finished with a tinge of anger.

Well, now, that went well. I hoped he would help me. I just hope i will be able to convince him. "Huh, proof you say. I got plenty. First off, you got a name. All the tailed beasts do. It was given to you by your father, Rikudou Sennin, or as only few people know him as, Otsutsuki Hagoromo. He was nearing his death. And to prevent the release of the Juubi back into the world, he created the nine of you using his Creation of All Things. And he told you that one day, all of you, will know true strength and that you will be united again. He then named his younger son, Ashura, as his successor. Indra didn't like it, so they fought. Afterwards, i don't know what happened, only that their sons' descendants kept fighting until the creation of the hidden villages."

During my brief recount of what i knew of his history and some other things, the Kyuubi's eyes were getting wider each second. There was once again a moment of uncomfortable silence, where i could almost hear the gears in his mind turning. After some time, he spoke. "My name. You said you know it. Yet you didn't mention it. Why? And of everyone, you come to me to ask for help. Me, the natural calamity as you humans have dubbed me. The only thing i can come up with is that you need my chakra. I am sure you know then, taht even though powerful, i can't send you to another dimension. So then, why?"

I smiled, it was going good. "Well, in that order, i didn't say your name because i know how much you take pride in it, as it is given to you by your father. I first wanted to get your permission to address you with it. Second, no matter whatever you say, i know you are good inside, and that we, the humans that plague this earth are fucked up with all the greed and lust for power and wealth and shit. You hate the humans because they took the teachings your father gave to them and spat on it all. The humans of my universe are the same, except without chakra. But, we, in all our ingenuity made a weapon that equals the destruction potential of the Juubi's menacing ball. We don't have chakra, but our weapons are maybe even more deadly. What use is the stealth of the night for a shinobi, when we got goggles that let us see in the dark, even thermal signatures? What use is all of his speed, when he can get his brain splattered all over the floor from a distance of one kilometer? What use is the fortification, when they can bombard you from another continent? From the other side of the planet even. Even though we would get demolished in close combat, we would never engage in close, and would never let shinobi come close. You are right, i need your chakra, but i need you too, to help me, to be my partner, to try to put a final stop on all of it. Because, no matter what you say, there are good people in both this and my world, and they deserve to be saved. I still am not sure how to go about it, that's why i wanted your insight."

He stared at me, and then he erupted into laughter. "You got guts, kid. I have never met or even heard of a person such as you. Asking for the help of a tailed beast? And you're even being honest. You have gained a little respect from me. I will be your partner. And by the way, you can address me by my name. I hope you don't disappoint, Kenshin."

I resisted the urge to whoop in joy, but i couldn't keep the shit eating grin off of my face. "You got a deal, Kurama. We are gonna fuck them all up, and it's gonna be so awesome." I then paused "But first, i will have to get you out of this shithole of a seal. It will be soon, i promise."

And so, a partnership between me and Kurama was formed. For the next few hours, i filled him in the happenings of the future. Even though he was pissed at the fake Madara, he understood.

~Scene change – Hokage office~

Minato was sitting at his desk, fingers intertwined underneath his chin, while Jiraiya was looking out the window at the village, his arms crossed. "Tell me more about Kenshin." Minato began. "I have no doubts about the truthfulness of his statement. He is just a three year old, and you've been with him since he was an infant. Then, tell me, why do i have this weird feeling about him? He looks so much more mature, and many characteristics that normal children his age are exhibiting, his either look forced, or not present at all. It's like he isn't a child."

Jiraiya turned to him, face in a small smile. "I know Minato, you are right. In a sense, he isn't a normal child. I've noticed it too. He seems to instantly understand stuff that i show him for the first time, like he has seen it before. I don't have to mince words with him, he fully understands when i explain everything, and doesn't ask 'why this' or 'why that'. He either accepts my statement to the word, or just knows about it, and is asking something just because it would be incomprehensible for him not to ask. And yes, i have noticed the forced reactions and behaviors too. I can't make heads or tails from it." He sighed, and turned back to the window. "But then again, nothing is ever normal in this world. Tailed beasts, and such... And we are discussing a slightly advanced child. I am sure time will tell. We will certainly have our hands full in the coming months, and thanks to Kenshin-kun, we can prepare for it."

Minato smiled, and set one hand on the table, and leaned his head in the palm of the other. "As usual, you are probably right, sensei. I believe he will become a great shinobi in the future, if he chooses that path."

Chapter end.

A/N: Thanks to all my readers, if you have any questions, i would be happy to answer them. Next chapter will be up soon, it is hand written, and almost finished. I'll try to keep a certain schedule of updates. I'm guessing some won't like the conversation with Kyuubi, but i kinda liked it.

As always, read and review. Flames will be laughed upon. Until next time.