The pink head of a kunoichi could be seen leaning over a prone figure under crisp linen sheets of a bed. She kept tsking, and mumbling to herself as she continued her examination of the patient, running her glowing green hands over his stomach.
The patient in question was quiet for once, only moving once and a while in discomfort since her arrival. She touched the forehead of the figure and furrowed her eyebrows when there was no reaction what so ever from the normally energetic man. Sighing heavily she made her way to the two people consistently shifting their stances near the doorway of the bedroom.
"Well, I'm not going to lie and say this situation is good."
Hinata slumped against Shikamaru for a moment before straightening stiffly. "What else can you tell us Sakura?" She whispered.
"He's got a high fever and is exhibiting signs of chakra exhaustion. Which is very surprising considering the vast volume of chakra he possesses, even without Kurama's."
Shikamaru's sharp eyes latched onto Sakura with viper speed as he processed her words. All Naruto has is chakra exhaustion? This doesn't add up, especially since he hasn't been using chakra since yesterday and his condition has only gotten worse. "How can we help him in the meantime?"
"Stay with him at all times." Sakura said. Her voice took on a hard tone, "I need to run some more tests. This is not normal chakra exhaustion. Something else is at play here. I will get back with the results as quickly as I can."
"Sasuke should be returning soon to temporarily look over the village while Naruto is ill." Shikamaru added, "We should limit access to the Hokage Office in case of outside factors causing Naruto's illness. Maybe a sweep with sensors of the whole Hokage Tower is a good idea."
Sakura's face flushed when Shikamaru said Sasuke's name. "Yes, that sounds like a plan. I shall be consulting with Tsunade on Naruto's case immediately. Let me know if there are any changes in his condition. He should pass in and out of consciousness, but be coherent long enough to eat and drink."
She took one last look at her fallen teammate, who was oblivious to the concern and worry of his friends. Sakura tore her gaze away from his still form, only to land on his wife. Despite the whirlwind sickness Naruto had contracted, Hinata was doing well.
"He will be alright, Hinata." Sakura placed a comforting hand onto her friend's shoulder, squeezing gently.
Hinata's fiercely pale eyes hardened and she clenched her fists. "Naruto-kun has his family for support. Of course he will be alright."
Sakura smiled gently. "Stay strong, he will defeat this."
Breathing heavily, Baruto lay on the training field surrounded by several damaged rubber balls and pieces of water balloons. The rush of water could be heard from the waterfall nearby which calmed his frustration. "Damn it." Bolt punched the ground hard, cracking the earth slightly.
"I've been at this for hours and I still can't destroy things with the Rasengan like Dad could." Bolt rubbed his right arm and thought back to what Dad had said about the exercise.
Three steps. First, spin the water within the water balloon with chakra to make it pop. That step took no time at all. Dad said the second step was about power, hence the denser rubber ball, which in theory was the same as the first step. The third step was combining the first two steps but in a balloon without popping the ball to maintain the stability of the sphere.
He did all of that and completed all of the steps. So why wasn't it working? Maybe more speed is necessary or the power isn't there? I can't face Dad until I finish it completely.
Bolt kept working on the jutsu for a few more hours before calling it quits. He couldn't use his right hand to mold chakra, it was too numb. He made his way home, stumbling every few steps. He reached the other end of the village and climbed up the wooden steps to the openly, windowed house.
Feeling an urge of nostalgia, Bolt turned around and gazed at the Hokage Mountain miles away. He could make out the crazy hair of his grandpa and the spiky hair of his dad, both watching over the village with serious expressions. The setting sun added more shaded depth to their stony faces.
A warmth enveloped his heart and spread to his whole body as he stared at the mountain. His dad was so cool. Bolt looked down at his sandals. "There's no dream for me to work towards, no wonder dad is so strong."
"You will find your way as Naruto did and become even stronger."
Bolt twisted around to look at the stranger. The man had a long black trench coat covering most of his body, and a scabbard was visible at his waist. "Who the hell are you?" Bolt shouted while pointing viscously.
"Definitely Naruto's kid." The stranger knelt in front of Bolt and bright blue eyes met dark obsidian. "You look like you have been working hard."
Bolt flushed and looked away. Those eyes were cold. No that's not it. They were fierce, and held resolve. "The old man is inside if you want to talk to him, how do you know my dad?"
The strange man nodded once, before standing and walking towards the slider door, leaving a gaping Bolt.
He totally ignored my question, what a jerk! Bolt growled and followed the stranger into his home, ready to take him down for the insult.
"Sasuke-kun, you made it." Mom walked into the living room and grabbed one of the stranger's hands in her own. "Naruto is sleeping right now, but he should be awake soon."
The named stranger, Sasuke, nodded again. Jeez, doesn't this guy have any other expression besides serious. He was starting to resemble the stony faces on the Hokage Mountain.
"I need to see him Hinata." Sasuke said. Bolt looked up at the stranger once more, he sensed a protective vibe coming from the dude. Bolt, was familiar with the tone of voice coming from the stranger. It was the stance of a protective older brother.
"Of course Sasuke, you can sit with him for a while. He will need to talk to you as soon as possible anyway." Mom was gentle and led the strange man to the hall. Bolt, was left gaping in the doorway as he tried to process this situation.
I'm going to find out who this guy is, he's way too familiar with my Mom to be a stranger. He scurried after the pair and arrived in the doorway of his parent's room. The stony faced guy was standing next to the bed, while my mom had a slight blush on her face from her sitting position on the bed. She was holding Dad's hand again.
"What's wrong with him?" Sasuke asked. He seemed to be staring hard at my Dad's face and his tone was expressionless once again. Bolt walked into the room quietly. Mom glanced at him suddenly, causing him to stop his progress. He silently pleaded with her to allow him entrance.
Hinata nodded and turned away. She spoke softly, looking back at Dad's face, while gently stroking his hand with her thumb. "He has major chakra exhaustion." She said simply.
The stranger shifted his stance and his stony expression slipped into a confused glare. "That can't be all of it. He has Kura…"
"Sakura is still looking into it." She interrupted forcefully. The strange man snuck a glance at me and nodded once more. Mom got up from the bed abruptly. Walked to the bowl of water and took the cloth from dad's head, rinsed it out and placed it back with gentle care.
"I am going to start dinner, Bolt help me set the table." She paused in her walk, looked back at the strange Sasuke and smiled. "Sasuke you may stay for dinner if you want, so feel free to take off your coat."
The stranger nodded and finally grabbed a chair to continue his fierce stare in comfort. Only the subject of his focus was my dad. What was their connection? Bolt wrestled with the possibilities and resigned himself to asking his dad when he woke up. He allowed himself to be pulled by his mom. She closed the door, and a resounding click echoed through the hallway.
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The open window let in the fresh spring breeze Konoha blessed, bringing the sharp smell of pine, and oak trees. The breeze ruffled wild blonde hair, and caressed the tan face of a sleeping man.
Sasuke sighed as he stared at his friend's slack face. "Dobe, why do you get yourself into these situations?" He reached for the cloth and wrung it out in cool water. He gently wiped sweat gathered on Naruto's forehead and frowned at the heat radiating from his friend's head.
"Teme." Sasuke tensed and his eyes widened. Naruto's eyes were cracked open and looking right at him. He sounded tired and his weak voice was concerning. The blonde grimaced and started breathing more erratically, causing Sasuke to stand in panic.
Naruto tried to push himself up into a sitting position, but kept failing as more sweat gathered on his brow. "Easy Naruto." Sasuke grabbed his friend's arm stopping his struggling. "I think you should stay lying down for a while."
Naruto mumbled incoherently and moved his head restlessly from side to side. It appeared that the dobe wasn't aware of his surroundings. Sasuke leaned in to try to hear what he was mumbling.
"What was that?" Sasuke leaned in closer so his ear was by the blonde's mouth.
"…a good friend, the best." Sasuke breathed in sharply, not liking where the dobe was going with this. "Please take care of my family Sasuke, and protect the village."
"Dobe stop. You are not dying." Sasuke yelled in a shaky voice.
"You are my only successor. Please tell Hinata and the kids I love them." Naruto's blue eyes pleaded with his friend before a glazed, empty stare took over and his erratic breathing slowed down to a stop.
"Naruto!" Sasuke took hold of the blonde's shoulders and started shaking him. No, not his friend too. Naruto can't be dead. His eyes held grief and shock as he held his brother's body. He was quivering uncontrollably.
He tried to get his body under control as he processed what had happened in Naruto's final moments. That's when he realized why it was hard to get his shaking under control. He felt Naruto's body shaking of its own accord and a feeling of dread flooded his senses. He felt a flush of heat bubble up from the pit of his stomach to the center of his chest.
"Naruto." Sasuke said coldly. He let go of the man's shoulders and grabbed Naruto's shirt in a clenched fist. Meanwhile the blonde roared, unable to contain his laughter anymore. He was rolling on the bed clutching his sides as his obnoxious laughter burst forth, permeating the air.
Sasuke glared profusely at the blonde man and clenched his fist tighter around the collar of Naruto's black t-shirt.
Sensing the killing intent from his brother, Naruto pulled himself together. He coughed lightly into his hand to signal the end of his amusement, but still smiled widely at his friend. Meanwhile, Sasuke retreated to the middle of the room guarding his expressions expertly.
Since the outburst of laughter, Naruto regained a sitting position in the bed with arms behind his head, while casually leaning against the headboard. He melted away his sickly appearance in seconds, giving an appearance of quiet strength. "It's been a while Sasuke. Too long. I miss our fun encounters." Naruto said. His voice was calm and level, taking on the attitude of their old sensei. His eyes were closed as he waited for his friend's response.
A faint glow of purple chakra could be seen forming around Sasuke's form. Chuckling darkly Sasuke decided the dobe wasn't going to be able to play dead ever again when he got through with him. Naruto continued with his lazy position, cracking one eye to glance at the dark eyes of the intelligence gatherer.
Naruto sighed deeply, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Come on Sasuke, get over it already. You should know that my last words would only be for Hinata. She is the love of my life, I wouldn't waste my last breath talking about my successor. I can have that written down before I kick the bucket." The blonde shook his head in disappointment, as though scolding a child.
"Naruto." There was a huge pause and an uncomfortable silence.
"Yes dear, what is it?" Naruto said in a light tone. Still not giving up his relaxed position.
"I'm going to kill you." He ran forward and aimed a punch at the idiot's face. The dobe dodged it effortlessly and yawned into his hand. He kept throwing punch after punch, but Naruto would move at the last second. With a resounding crack Sasuke felt a firm grip on his fist.
"Are you done yet?" Naruto said. He caught the last punch with his fist and his clear blue eyes held a calm sea, bubbling with mirth and mischief.
Sasuke straightened, walked over to his fallen chair and sat in it once more. He calmed his own storm and wrestled for control of his leaking chakra. "Yes, I think that should do for now."
Sasuke was no fool. He knew of Naruto's mask and its purpose to protect his precious people. He hated it when the dobe put it on in front of him though. Sasuke knew the blonde's strength was just pretense. He may have fooled him with his supposed death. But he saw his best friend's arms quivering with exhaustion as they rested behind his head. It made him angry that he would think to pretend in front of him.
"Down to business already?" A pout adorned the blonde's face. Sasuke remained indifferent, offering no response. "Very well. I need you to remain in the village until Kurama can fix my exhaustion. The village is vulnerable, despite the peaceful times, there is still malice towards Konoha. I know of a few who would exploit my absence." The mood of the two switched instantly.
Sasuke regarded his friend once more and agreed silently with the Hokage's decision. "I accept your request." Losing ground he said what was on his mind, "Naruto, how are you doing?"
"Kurama hasn't been able to discern the cause of the chakra exhaustion. He is certain he can find its source and has been asking the other tailed-demons for help." Naruto said. He was staring at the wall, deep in thought. Sasuke had no idea what was on his mind, which was a little disconcerting.
"What about…"
"Sasuke I need you to do something for me." Naruto said. He was still staring at the wall, and refused to look him in the eyes.
"What do you need dobe?" Sasuke hardened his gaze and leaned forward. Naruto never asked for favors, he was too prideful. This had to be important.
"Don't be a dick to Shikamaru this week." Sasuke fell on his face and looked up from the floor to see Naruto chuckling quietly.
The gleeful noise abruptly stopped and a shadow covered the blonde's face. Naruto's icy blue eyes captured the former avenger. A chill went up his spine and Sasuke shamefully wished Naruto would put his mask back on. His friend's usual joyful face held a deep pain and sadness he hadn't seen since their younger days during their encounters as a broken Team 7 and a power hungry avenger.
"Naruto, if you need to talk about it…" Sasuke trailed off, unsure of what to do for his friend.
"Sasuke there is a chance, a small chance…I might not make it." Sasuke stiffened and glared at his friend, ready to beat him up again for even suggesting that. "Don't look at me like that. Kurama said if he can't find the source I will die."
"You can't give up dobe. Your family…"
"Which is what I need to ask of you, my brother…" Unable to continue, Naruto closed his eyes and groaned in pain. Sasuke rushed forward, but Naruto held up his bandaged artificial arm. "Take care of Bolt. Look after him in my place. He needs guidance. I have offered him the chance to learn from me. I just need the reassurance that you will take up the responsibility if I don't make it." Sweat beaded on his tan forehead as he spoke through clenched teeth. "I trust you to do that."
Sasuke looked away and could feel the sincerity in his friend's voice. After all these years the dobe still knew how to find ways to make him feel like he belonged by his side in Konoha. The place he betrayed and the friend he never deserved. "Yes, brother. I will protect your family and take care of Bolt for you."
Naruto visibly relaxed and wiped the sweat from his brow. "Thanks Sasuke. I feel relieved." His words were coming out slower than before.
Sasuke gently placed a hand behind the blonde's neck and pushed him down onto the pillows. "You over did it, dobe." He kept a hand on Naruto's arm and watched as the blonde struggled with consciousness.
"Don't be an idiot. I never overdo it teme." Naruto said breathlessly grimacing in pain.
"Keep telling yourself that while you struggle for breath." Sasuke said tonelessly. Grimacing inside every time Naruto did.
Naruto laughed again and blearily looked at his friend. "You can't let me have the last word can you? Not even when I'm ill."
Sasuke watched as his friend's body relaxed. It was silent once more, the breeze from the window brought a chill to the room. "Don't worry Naruto. I'm here." He put a hand over his brother's chest. "I will protect you."
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Throwing the dishes and cutlery to the correct place from his position by the counter brought a certain joy to Bolt. It took a lot of practice to throw the fragile dishes in the cupboard without breaking them. Something his mom only knew. Practicing ninja skills in the house was always fun. He finished his job and helped his mom cook dinner.
An obnoxious laugh could be heard coming from the hall. "I think Dad is awake." He played with a bent fork and looked at his mom, who had activated the Byakugan at the noise.
She nodded and continued to chop up vegetables. "How was school today Bolt?"
Bolt looked sheepish and mumbled softly before he spoke louder and said, "I didn't go today."
Mom turned around so her kind grey eyes rested on his shifting blue ones. She dried her hands and knelt in front of her son. "Why did you skip? Is it because Dad isn't well?"
Bolt shook his head. "Dad taught me the steps to the rasengan. I was practicing today." A blush appeared on his whiskers after he told her.
Mom examined him and abruptly walked to the cupboard, taking out a salve. She grabbed her son's hand and smoothed out the cool cream on his injured right hand. "I can help you with that tomorrow. It's a dangerous technique and I don't want you getting hurt. We can practice after school tomorrow."
As he watched her work, Bolt thought about the strange man sitting with his Dad. He seemed to know him very well. "Mom, who is that stony faced guy?"
She chuckled and rubbed his whiskered cheek affectionately. "You don't recognize Sarada's father?" She gently laughed at his shocked expression.
"Her father? But he left the village, and hasn't been home since she was a kid." Bolt shook his head with a wide eyed expression. "Why is he here now?"
"Sasuke-kun has some bad history with Konoha. Your father wanted him to stay and be a shinobi again, but he refused. He's a proud man who wants to rectify his mistakes."
"That doesn't explain his connection to Dad and why he's here now." Bolt said.
Mom laughed again. "He's Sasuke Uchiha, the third member of the original Team 7, with Sakura Haruno. Your Dad's old genin team."
Bolt hit a clenched fist to his open palm. "That explains it then. Stony Face and Dad are close because they are teammates."
"Oh Bolt, they are more than teammates. They are each other's only living family left. Sasuke-kun is the brother your father never had. Likewise, your father is the brother Sasuke-kun needed to have." She smiled softly as she thought of the past.
Bolt remembered what his dad told him about his past. He was an orphan, had no one to love or care for him, until the academy where his older brother figure Iruka-Sensei pulled him from his loneliness. He understood his dad more after hearing of his hard childhood.
He kicked himself with guilt whenever he thought of every painful jab he had made to his father about being Hokage, not caring for his family first. Bolt realized that his own loneliness couldn't compare to the dark pit his dad was subjected to at his age.
Dad had no one. So whenever he made a new friend he treasured that connection like it was his first and most important. He did the same with his family. So to hear that Stony Face was like a brother to dad, gave Bolt respect for him immediately. His father treasures every connection, but to be named brother by him means that person gave him one of the first, and most sacred bonds he had ever received in this life.
"Dinner is ready, please tell Himawari and Sasuke its time to eat." Mom walked over to the bowls of Rei-shabu and set them on the table.
"Okay Mom." Bolt knocked on Himi-chan's door and walked to his parent's room. He decided to open the door, in case his father was sleeping.
Stony Face was sitting by the bed and looked deep in thought. Bolt leaned against the foot of the bed and crossed his arms. "Mom said dinner is ready."
The man regarded the young blonde. "What about Nar…Your father?"
"I shall be sitting with him, you can enjoy your meal at the table." Mom stood in the doorway with a tray, which held two plated Rei-shabu.
"Hinata, you don't have to. I can sit with him until he wakes up again." Stony Face insisted.
Mom set the tray down. "Sasuke-kun, I want you to enjoy your meal at the table. Please watch over Bolt and Himiwari, while I attend to Naruto."
Stony Face got up and made his way to the door. Mom grabbed his arm suddenly and they seemed to hold a silent conversation. Bolt trailed behind the dark man before glancing back. His mom brought a warmth akin to a burning summer sun to the room.
Bolt smiled tightly. Dad would get better. Mom would make sure of that, he reassured himself. He steeled his nerves following his dad's acclaimed brother. This dinner was going to be really awkward. His hereditary mischief senses were tingling again, now would be a perfect time for a little fun.
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Hinata ate in silence listening to Naruto's steady breathing. It was calming to be here with him. All of their friends had been informed on Naruto's condition and were told to keep it quiet. For three days she hadn't slept. Not since Naruto was brought home by Shikamaru.
Immersed in her thoughts she didn't notice Naruto shift slightly or his eyes opening slowly. She felt a warm hand on her knee and smiled widely. "Naruto…" She helped him in a sitting position so he could eat more comfortably.
They sat in silence as they ate. Naruto wouldn't stop grinning as he looked at her. She blushed and set their plates on the tray. She grabbed his bandaged hand and leaned closer to her husband. Enjoying his presence. "What else do you need Naruto?"
He grinned mischievously and pulled her onto the bed beside him. "Only my wife."
Hinata turned red and rested her head on his chest. The warmth of his arms enveloped her, protecting her. She felt the soft kiss on her head and snuggled closer to the man she always admired and loved. She breathed deeply and felt herself drifting off, the stress melting away.
They laid together for some time before Hinata was woken up by a bout of muffled, hysterical laughter coming from the main room. She activated her Byakugan and saw Sasuke holding a leg of a struggling Bolt. That boy is too much like his father sometimes. It's even worse when Himawari joins in. She may have her mother's looks, but she acts the most like her dad. She could be quite devious when she wanted.
Feeling like she should save Sasuke from his predicament, Hinata gracefully unwrapped Naruto's arms from around her waist. She rearranged the blankets and checked over her sleeping husband before grabbing the tray.
She walked into the living room and saw her kids asleep in the lap of the most stoic man she had ever come across. Sasuke saw her and gently set the tired kids on the sofa cushions.
"Hinata, thank you for the meal." He grabbed the tray from her and started doing the dishes. "I should get going. I haven't been by the house yet. I wanted to check on Naruto first."
"Sorry Sasuke, I fell asleep. I was more tired than I thought." She took over for him and scrubbed the dishes. The dark haired man watched solemnly.
"He loves you very much Hinata." She nodded sadly. It's hard remaining strong for so long.
"I saw his pathways with my Byakugan. I know he won't last longer than another two weeks without treatment. A strange source is grabbing his chakra away from him." She wrapped her arms around her body comforting herself.
Sasuke approached Hinata and laid a cold hand on her shoulder. "He won't give up so easily Hinata. He has all of his friends to find out what's happening." He looked hesitant before adding, "I won't let my brother die."
Hinata held back the tears gathering in her eyes. "I worry for Bolt and Himawari. They can't lose him."
"Naruto will not die." Sasuke said insistently and with more force.
The two friends stayed in the kitchen thinking about the blonde Hokage. However, little did the two know, another blonde was eavesdropping. Bolt heard everything and his own tears were silently streaming down his face. He silently left Himawari and entered his parent's room once more.
His dad became strong to be respected by the village who scorned him. His dad didn't tell him why. There must be more to his story. His dad became Hokage, the most respected man of the five ninja villages. He couldn't just die. Bolt leaned against the bed and wiped his face on his sleeve.
A rush of weightlessness overtook him as he was picked up by two strong hands and set on the bed. He looked up to see his dad leaning against the headboard with furrowed eyebrows.
"I overheard Mom talking to Stony Face." Bolt grabbed his father's waist and cried in his shirt. "She said you were dying."
Firm hands gripped his shoulders and pulled him back. A bandaged hand lifted his chin so his wet eyes met the gaze of a stern Naruto.
"I would never leave you guys alone. I never give up. That's my ninja way. So you better believe it." Bolt let his tears fall more rapidly and rushed his father once more. He felt his dad rubbing his back and ruffling his hair.
"A ninja must not let their emotions overcome them." Bolt quoted, pulling away.
"That's all well and good. A ninja must harness their emotions for strength of mind during battle. However, this kind of emotion is good to feel in the comfort of one's home." Dad said ruffling Bolt's blonde locks.
"Stony Face said he would help me with my rasengan. It's really hard to control." He looked at his dad with a wide grin, trying to hide the sharp pain in his heart that pierced through him.
A deep chuckling broke the silence. "You call Sasuke, Stony Face." Mirth was spilling out from the man like rays of sunshine.
"He only has one expression. I even tried throwing pie balls at his face to get him to smile. He just caught them with his mouth like it was nothing. It was hilarious."
"That's good old Sasuke for you."
"When he was talking about you he looked sad instead of stony." Dad stiffened at this and searched Bolt's face.
"You are quite observant Bolt." His dad looked lost in thought and just when Bolt was going to interrupt he continued, "I bet you could get away with calling Stony Face, Uncle Sasuke if you wanted."
Bolt's transformed from gleeful to devious in an instant. His playful smirk turned up, "He would hate that wouldn't he."
Father and son imagined Sasuke being called Uncle. They both chuckled at the daydreams they concocted.
"So if he's your partner, who is Kurama?" Bolt said offhandedly.
His father gave him a hard stare, the warm blue eyes becoming expressionless. "Where did you hear that name?"
Bolt was stunned at the change his father exhibited in an instant and the edge in his voice. First he was all gleeful, then calm, and serious. "I overheard you and Mom speaking yesterday about a shinobi named Kurama. Is he an advisor like that constipated pineapple head?"
His father shook his head slowly, choosing his words carefully. "Kurama is not a shinobi, though I like to think of him as one."
Bolt furrowed his eyebrows, confused. "Who is Kurama then? It sounded like you knew him really well and I've never met him."
"He's my partner."
"Wait, I thought Sasuke was your partner."
"He is," Dad sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "They both are, but Kurama has been with me since I was born. Sasuke, has been my partner for longer though."
"I'm confused." Bolt scratched his head and narrowed his eyebrows. "How has he not been your partner for longer if you have known him longer?"
"Listen Bolt, this is a long story and it should be common knowledge to everyone in the village, I'm surprised you weren't taught this in school during Hokage Day." Dad said, putting Bolt on the spot.
"Well, I didn't exactly go to school on Hokage Day." Bolt rushed, seeing the anger in his dad's eyes, "I was still a little miffed at you, and I didn't think I could stand a whole day of Hokage this and Hokage that."
The blonde man nodded and rubbed his eyes tiredly. "The reason the village scorned me is because of Kurama." Bolt was about to interrupt again, but was held off by a hand on his shoulder. "Kurama is also known as the Nine-tailed Fox. I'm his jinchuriki."
An epiphany hit Bolt at that moment. "Oh, I knew you were a jinchuriki of the nine-tails, I just didn't know it had a name."
"He doesn't like strangers knowing his name. He's one of my closest friends. Although he caused a lot of suffering in my life, I ended up befriending him during the war and burdened his hate." Dad was quiet again. "I know all nine of the tailed beasts. They sometimes meet in my mind for conferences."
"Dad that's so cool. Can I meet Kurama?" Bolt jumped to a standing position on the bed, unable to handle his excitement.
"I don't see why not. Hold your fist out." Bolt met his dad's bandaged hand in the same fashion and he was pulled down in a rush to a dark sewer.
"Dad?" This place was starting to freak him out. He heard snoring coming from a darker part of the mindscape. There was an open cage door, and what was inside it was a terrifying monster with huge fangs and immense claws. He was about to scream when he felt a hand over his mouth.
Dad was standing behind him and made a shushing noise before disappearing and landed on the beast's outstretched paw. "Oy, Kurama!" He yelled. This caused the beast to shift and swat at the place dad had been. The energetic man ran up the orange creature's arm and leaned against its fluffy ear and whispered something.
"NARUTO!" The beast growled, making its features look fiercer. The beast roared and slammed its large tails, forcing a tidal wave of water into the air, headed straight for Bolt.
Dad appeared by his side and pulled him to the side just as the water came crashing down. "Damn, someone woke up on the wrong side of its fluffy butt."
"I am not a plushy stuffed animal. I can still squash you and I am not fat." Kurama roared.
"What did you say to him Dad?" Bolt asked, quaking in fear.
"Just a morning greeting and a question about his fitness." Naruto leaned down to Bolt's ear and whispered, "He's sensitive about his weight. Especially since he hasn't been let out in a long time."
"Naruto why did you bring your young one down here?" Kurama asked now fully awake and sitting upright.
"He wanted to meet the famous Kurama and marvel at your incredible strength." The blonde man had a wide grin.
"Yeah right." The beast moved its head close enough so Bolt could see his reflection in its golden eye. "He looks like you did when you were a brat."
"Kurama this is Bolt. Bolt, this is my partner, and greatest friend loyal to Konoha." The beast shifted its gaze to rest on Naruto and his great golden eye softened.
Kurama turned toward Bolt and bowed in greeting. "Pleasure to meet an offspring of Naruto. If you are half the man he is you can bet you will still be as annoying as hell."
"Umm… thanks Kurama-sama. I guess." Bolt tried to smile normally. This was the greatest of the tailed beasts and he was joking around with dad and him. He kept telling himself not to freak out too much.
"Being annoyingly persistent is one of your Dad's best traits." Kurama shoved Naruto playfully with his claw. The blonde man stumbled and the rubbed the back of his neck.
"Kurama. Can I ask you something?" Bolt shyly asked the giant fox. Kurama regarded the young man before him.
"Sure." Kurama growled out. "Although I may not be inclined to answer."
Naruto nodded sagely and turned to Bolt. "He means it too. He's a real stubborn ass when he has something you want."
Bolt sweat dropped and strengthened his resolve. "Do you make Dad strong?"
Kurama narrowed his eyes. It was really frightening being stared at so fiercely by him but Bolt held his gaze without wavering. He was determined to find out how his dad become Hokage. Maybe his power lies with his partner.
"In a way, I did. In other ways I made him weak."
"What do you mean?" Bolt furrowed his eyebrows.
"I have never agreed with the treatment he received as a child on my behalf. I believe this necessary pain is what led to the some of the strength he has now. Since he knows what it means to suffer. Due to my involvement in this suffering, I would say I made him strong enough so that he could pick himself up and never give up."
Naruto smiled at his friend and walked over to his son. "I regretfully drew on Kurama's power in my younger years as 'rent' for him being inside me. I didn't realize at the time that I wasn't trusting on my own strength. It made me weak."
"Not until you were older and started relying on your own strength did we become true partners." Kurama added.
"So you didn't become Hokage due to Kurama's power, Dad?"
"Naruto has proven his own conviction and strength to earn the title Hokage. His will to protect his precious people and his determination is what got him this far." Kurama stated. He puffed his chest out proudly. "My own power is lent to him because we are partners. It has not contributed to his position as Hokage. Your father has the uncanny ability to inspire people. It is what makes him a great Hokage."
"I mainly became Hokage with the help of friends. I could never have become Hokage without the support of the village." Naruto responded. He ruffled Bolt's hair and smiled. "I know Hokage is a touchy subject for you Bolt, but I want you to know that being the leader of the village is my duty. My desire is to create a peaceful world for you to grow up in."
Bolt processed all of this information and imagined his Dad his own age. Twelve. He wanted to use his own conviction and follow his own nindo. I will become stronger than him. My Dad is one of a kind, he thought. Mom overcame struggles too. They are both strong ninja and I will surpass both of them. "You really do inspire people Dad. You make me want to be stronger to help you achieve your dream."
The blonde man smiled at his son. "I am proud of you Bolt." This caused the younger blonde to look at his Dad with an awed expression. "Through whatever hardships you may go through just know that you are my son."
Bolt turned away quickly from Naruto to hide his emotions. Damn. "I am proud to be your son. I know what your position means now. It will make me angry sometimes, but I can deal."
Naruto felt chills as he was reminded of a similar conversation he had with his own father in this mindscape. He placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Well I think it's time you went back Bolt. I'm going to stay and talk with Kurama a while longer." Spiky blonde hair fell into his eyes. It made him look younger. Bolt stared at the young man before him and nodded.
"Thanks Dad. It was nice to meet you Kurama-sama." He didn't hear a reply as darkness enveloped Bolt. He was back in his parent's room. Dad was asleep again, their fists were still connected.
Bolt thought he imagined it, but he felt emotions, and saw memories he had never experienced before when he first bumped his dad's fist. There was a picture burned in his mind of a white-haired old man with red lines by his eyes and a teenaged blonde boy with long hair, both leaning against each other under a tree. They both had popsicles.
This scene made Bolt feel a painful ache in his heart he identified as sorrow. What was that? "Why do I feel like I lost something?" Bolt whispered clutching his chest. He leaned against the soft bed and fell asleep.