When Jiraiya and Minato arrived at the Sandaime's office, he was working on paperwork. Looking up, he waved them over. "I would have to say you have good timing. I was just planning on taking a break from all this paperwork."

"You requested to see us, Hokage-sama." Jiraiya smiled at Minato's formal statement. How he ended up with such a polite student, he would never know. Minato must have a heart of gold if he was able to survive spending years with Jiraiya without any tainting.

The Sandaime relaxed into his chair. "Yes, I would like to hear Jiraiya's assessment of Naruto, and I thought you should be present, Minato." The Sandaime turned his attention to Jiraiya. "What do you make of the boy?"

Jiraiya hadn't been looking forward to this. When the Sandaime told him he was going to be questioning a shinobi and evaluating him, he had been excited for the task. When he learned it was a student of Minato's, he'd been less than thrilled. Minato clearly thought the best of the boy, and Jiraiya didn't want to have to tell him his belief had been misplaced.

He had been shocked at how much the kid looked like Minato. His first thought had been that Minato had a sibling, but then he remembered that he had known Minato's parents and they would've never given up a child. His second thought was that the kid knew who he was. He had been traveling and helping in the war for a few years now, but his actions were far from legendary. It wasn't impossible for the kid to have heard of him, especially after what happened with Hanzo, but it still seemed unlikely.

Looking at Minato and his sensei's expectant faces, Jiraiya sighed. "While there is nothing the boy said that I can disprove, I don't trust him." Jiraiya kept his gaze from Minato, but he could still see his face from the corner of his eye. Minato looked like he had been punched in the gut. "I can't even tell you why it is I don't trust him, I just know he's lying about something, and it's big. I don't want to believe it's a danger to Konoha, but then, why else would he be keeping it from us?"

The Sandaime nodded before standing and walking around his desk so he could lean on the front of it. "You are very adept at gathering information, Jiraiya, so I trust your judgment. What do you propose we do with Naruto?"

"I think we should let things be for now." Jiraiya said. "As of now we don't know what the kid is planning. If we allow him to go on without knowing of our suspicion, there is a good chance he will unintentionally show us whatever it is he has up his sleeve."

The Sandaime thought on that for a moment. "Waiting things out is risky. There's a chance he will start to suspect our knowledge, and if he does, then he could lead us into a trap. However, confronting him now would be even riskier. While he would most definitely leave the village, I doubt it would be without bloodshed. He would also just make another plan and harm the village in another way. We can't afford to lose track of him."

"We can use one of my toads to keep an eye on him at all times."

"Why are you so sure that he is some deadly spy?" Minato asked. His voice startled Jiraiya, he had forgotten his student was in the room. Looking at the Sandaime and Jiraiya, Minato continued. "You said you don't believe he is telling the full truth, and I can believe that, but I can't believe that Naruto is somehow planning on harming the village. He's had plenty of time already, and all he has done is help his team. I'm not sure where he's from, but I can assure you that even if it is Iwa, he isn't a spy."

Jiraiya had known Minato would react badly. For some reason he was attached to the kid. "Even if his intentions aren't bad, we can't risk an unknown shinobi to live in our village during a war. We have to be cautious about who we let stay in our village. We can't put someone's feelings above the safety of the village."

Minato looked like he was about the say something, but the Hokage interrupted. "I'm afraid I agree with Jiraiya here, Minato-san. As Hokage, I need to put the villagers' safety above everything else. I will set an Anbu watch on him and give them until after the chuunin exams to find whatever it is that he is planning. If they can't find anything by then, I will have no choice but to ask him to leave the village. If they do find something, it will be their job to get rid of the problem. Naruto is lucky that the chuunin exams are taking place. Right now it would cause too much of an uproar if I were to kick one of the attendee's put of the village."

Minato nodded, but didn't say anything. Jiraiya knew he must be struggle with respecting the Hokage's word.

The Hokage continued. "I can see that this is hard on you, Minato-san, but it is for the best of the village. Seeing as you have become close with the boy, I have decided to give you a mission that will last until after the chuunin exams are over."

Minato's mouth fell open. "I still have to train my students for the final exam. When Obito recovers, he's going to need almost constant attention so he can return to the shape he was in before. And Rin needs someone to have the responsibility or else she is going to shoulder everything."

"I will have one of the Anbu go undercover and help your team while also keeping an eye on Naruto." The Sandaime turned back to his desk and began sorting through the paperwork. "Ah, here it is." He extended the file toward Minato, who took it begrudgingly. "I understand that you disagree with my decision, but as the Hokage, this is my call to make. I will never put one individual over the safety of the entire village."

Minato looked over the file quickly. "It's an undercover mission to Iwa."

The Sandaime sat down at his desk and nodded. "Yes. This will be a two-man cell only, with just you and Jiraiya operating it." Jiraiya had figured the Sandaime would send him along, if only to keep an eye on Minato. "You two are dismissed."

Minato curtly nodded before heading out the door. Once outside the building, Jiraiya grabbed Minato by the arm and pulled him to a stop. "I understand that you're attached to this boy, but Sensei's right, since his intentions are unknown he has to be treated like a suspect."

"How is that fair? If we had proof that he was lying, then I could understand this treatment, but we have nothing against him." Minato looked calm, but his voice gave away his anger.

"That's why we're doing this investigation. If nothing can be found against him, he will simply be asked to move on. He's been travelling for years, more won't hurt him."

"If nothing can be found against him then this investigation would be unwarranted."

"We are in a war, Minato. Everyone, both civilian and shinobi, must be treated like a suspect, at least until we can discern whether or not they really are. I know that Naruto is lying about something, I just don't know what." Minato yanked his arm from Jiraiya's grip. "I trust your judgment, Sensei, I'd be a fool not to, but I don't believe for a second that he has bad intentions." Minato started off in the direction of his home. "Be ready, our mission starts in the morning." Jiraiya felt like his already had.

oOoOo

Roughly throwing his weapons into his pouch, Minato prepared for his mission. He felt like he was being reprimanded by the Hokage. No matter what his personal opinions were, he would be loyal to the village, so why was the Sandaime sending him away? Did he really believe that he would go against the Hokage's orders?

"It's been a while since I've seen you so worked up." Minato paused what he was doing. Turning to look at the source of the voice he saw his fiance, Kushina. He sat on the bed in his room and motioned her over. She came and sat on his lap, and started rubbing his shoulders. "What's bothering you, Minato?"

He brushed her hair back. "I've been assigned a mission, which should last a month or so."

Kushina studied him for a bit, her hands still massaging his shoulders. "Missions hardly get you upset. What's wrong?"

Minato leaned back on the bed, pulling her down next to him. He intertwined their fingers before answering, "The new student I told you about is under suspicion from the Hokage. You know I can't give you details, but I'll say the best thing that could happen to him is getting kicked out of the village. I don't believe he is endangering anyone here, and I told the Hokage that. I think that's why he assigned me this mission, he knew I would disagree with him."

Kushina sighed, snuggling closer to him, her head resting on his shoulder. "I don't know the kid, but you seem to have a lot of faith in him." She placed a soft kiss on his collarbone. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Could you keep an eye on my team? The Sandaime is giving them a temporary leader, but maybe you could show up every now and then and help them out. I know Obito is going to need help once he regains use of his arm." Minato felt Kushina nod against him. "He pulled her closer and leaned over her. "Thank you." He said before leaning down and kisses her, softly at first, but quickly gaining passion. He broke away before things could get out of control.

Kushina smiled. "Stop by my house as soon as you get home, alright?" When he nodded his agreement, she gave him a quick kiss. "Goodbye, Minato."

"Goodbye, Kushina." He called after her as she left. He would miss her while he was gone. She had only been with him for a few minutes and she had successfully changed his mood, at least for a short while. He finished his preparations before making his way to Ichiraku's Ramen, where he knew the rest of his team would be. He would have to tell them that they were getting a temporary new leader, something Obito was sure to object to. Obito would probably rather no teacher than a new teacher. Most people took a little bit to get used to Obito's tendencies, which could make things difficult for him.

To his dread, the only person at the ramen store when he arrived was Naruto. He tried his best to act like nothing was wrong. On missions he could act pretty well, but at home with his friends, he was terrible at it. If Naruto noticed his act, he didn't say anything.

Kakashi and Rin both showed up within minutes of Minato's arrival. As a group they waited thirty minutes before deciding to start eating without Obito. They each ordered a bowl, or three in Naruto's case. Just as they were starting on the noodles a loud "WAIT!" could be heard from behind. Minato turned to see Obito running toward them. He was panting like he had been running for a while, though the Uchiha compound was only a few blocks away.

"Why were you late this time, Obito?" Rin asked, exasperated. Minato was surprised they still bothered to ask, the answer was always something ridiculous.

"I was training! My partner told me he was going to hide and I would have to find him using only my chakra, but then I couldn't find a trace of him!" Naruto snickered at that. Obito glared at him while continuing. "It took me forever to find out that my so called training partner had ditched me."

Minato glanced over at Naruto, who looked slightly amused. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Well, you're here now." Minato said. "Get some ramen. I actually want to talk to all of you." He made sure Obito and Naruto especially were paying attention. "I have been assigned a mission that'll last me a month or two. I'll have to leave in the morning, so until I get back the Sandaime will have given you a temporary new teacher."

As expected. Obito shot to his feet. "What! A new teacher? The finals for the chuunin exams are only weeks away, and we're supposed to prepare for it with someone who doesn't even know our abilities? That's crazy!" Though the shouting was unnecessary, Minato agreed with Obito. Even a highly trained Anbu who read everything about his students wouldn't be able to know their quirks, or things they liked to improvise on.

"Sensei, why would the Hokage give you a mission when you're supposed to be helping us?" Rin asked quietly.

Minato only shrugged his shoulders. What answer could he give them? Oh yeah, I'm leaving you because the Hokage thinks I'll put Naruto before the village. Speaking of which, Naruto is under suspicion for being an enemy spy. That would go over well.

"Yeah, that is strange." Obito agreed with Rin.

"I don't think it's that unusual." Naruto spoke up. Minato tried to soak in every work he said, hoping that something would tell him what this kid was up to. "Isn't the point of becoming chuunin to get more independent? Chuunins can become squad leaders and such. Not having our usual sensei might be good for us in that we learn to think on our own." Looking at it that way made a little more sense, though Minato knew it wasn't the Sandaime's reason. At least this gave his students an answer.

oOoOo

This wasn't good. Whatever reason Minato had for taking the mission, Naruto was sure it had to do with him. Did Jiraiya not believe him earlier? It would be just like the old pervert to be suspicious of everything he said. He should've used his Sexy Jutsu on him.

"I asked Kushina if she could help you guys a few times while I'm gone." Minato was saying. Naruto felt his heart stop. He was going to meet his mother too? He knew a little bit about both of his parents from meeting them in his mind, but that wouldn't compare to getting the chance to meet both of them in reality.

That depends on whether or not this is really reality.

I don't see what else it could be. We've already ruled out a genjutsu. Have you learned anything new?

No. I'll have to expand my search. I'll most likely have to separate my mind from yours so that I can reach further. It's probably good timing too.

Why would it be good timing?

In case you forgot, your mother is the current Kyuubi jinchuuriki. I don't know what would happen with the bijuu if two containers were to meet.

Of course I didn't forget. I didn't think it would have much effect since our presence doesn't seem to have done much.

That we know of. We never know what is happening behind the scenes. It seems like Jiraiya didn't fully believe you, but we don't know the extent of his suspicion.

Right. So the best thing to do would be to continue the way we are now.

Correct. I will check in if I find anything. And kid?

Yeah?

I won't be able sense what's happening to you when I disconnect our minds, so please try not to get into any trouble.

I never try. It's nice to know you care.

Why did I get stuck with a brat?

"Earth to Naruto." Naruto was startled by Obito waving his hand in front of his face.

Looking around, Naruto saw that he had attracted the attention of his teammates. "Sorry. I was just thinking about the chuunin exams." Lying here was becoming easier and easier.

"You'll all do great." Minato said as he stood up. "I'll see you when I get back. Please be careful."

"Psht, when am I not careful?" Obito questioned. Minato rolled his eyes.

Minato said goodbye to each of them before he headed off in the direction Naruto assumed his home was. Immediately after Minato was out of sight, Kakashi got up and started off. Watching Kakashi's retreating form, Naruto realized that he hadn't said a word the entire meal, even when Obito was late.

Naruto hurried after him, catching up right before Kakashi reached the entrance to a small row of houses. Each of the houses looked like they could only fit two bedrooms in them, but the small size worked for someone like Kakashi. "Why have you been so quiet?"

Kakashi glared at him. "I'm always quiet. Now leave me alone."

Naruto shook his head. "We're a team now, and as your teammate, it's my job to make sure you're alright."

"You don't need to worry about me." Kakashi said, his frustration showing in his voice. This was the most emotion Naruto had seen out of the young Kakashi.

"You're usually boring and quiet, but at least you talk to us occasionally. Why are you so quiet today?" Naruto knew he was pushing, but he knew it was what Kakashi wanted. He remembered the days when all he wanted was for someone to care enough to ask him about what was upsetting him. As a child no one did. It wasn't until he was reminiscing about some of the things that had once happened to him, that someone prodded him to tell them about his past. He had fought, no longer wanting to share his secrets with anyone, but the person had been persistent and Naruto had eventually spilled everything. Ironically, that person had been Kakashi.

"I told you, I'm not different than usual. Now leave me alone." Kakashi's anger was becoming clearer.

"Is this because you're not getting any missions because of us? Or maybe you're upset that no one seems to be paying attention to you." He knew his words were harsh, but he also knew that Kakashi wouldn't open up unless he was pushed to his breaking point.

"I couldn't care less about you guys! All you ever do is run around and make fools of yourselves." Kakashi's voice was rising, and his eyes were flashing in anger. "People's lives are on the line, and you two are always goofing off and not taking things seriously. People could die if we mess up! That's why you should follow the rules! The rules are made to help make difficult decisions for you so that less people die."

"You're young. I doubt you've lost that many people in your life."

That was the last straw. "You think I haven't lost a lot of people! I'm an orphan. My mother died when I was born, then my father went and screwed up a mission. He got so depressed from the mission that he killed himself. Five years ago today, I walked in and saw him lying on the floor in a pool of blood. You think I haven't lost anyone? I've lost everyone." Kakashi was panting, and his face was red.

"You say you've lost everyone, but you haven't. You have Minato-sensei, Rin, Obito, and even me. It's hard when you lose someone, but the best thing to do is rely on your friends. When you allow them to help you, then you don't have to be the strong one all the time. You can be broken if you want, that way you can heal properly. Do you really want to go through life holding onto the past? There's no future in that?" Naruto said softly. He locked eyes with Kakashi, and he saw the raw pain in his eyes. Though he was a stone cold killer on the outside, on the inside Kakashi still hadn't moved beyond the little boy who found his father.

Kakashi looked like he was going to say something, but instead he turned his back to Naruto. "I am a shinobi; my future is set in stone. As long as I live by the rules, I don't need to have my own vision for the future. I am not holding on to the past, I am merely existing in the present." Kakashi left Naruto standing there as he walked to his house. Naruto stared after Kakashi. It was good that Kakashi had voiced some of his problems, but he was still a long way off from moving on. Naruto briefly wondered if Kakashi ever moved on. Even in his own time Kakashi spent most of his time at the cemetery, reliving the past. Maybe when he got back to his own time, he could find a way to help his sensei.

A/N: I have no idea where that ending came from. The beginning I had planned out, but once I was halfway though the chapter I drew a blank. It took me a bit to figure out what should happen next, then the ending with Kakashi just sort of happened. His being quiet wasn't going to be a big deal, then I thought 'what if it was the anniversary of his fathers death?' The last 500 or so words just seemed to spill out onto paper.

I hope this chapter wasn't a disappointment after a two week wait. I'm not sure how parts of it mesh with the rest of the story, but it was what came to me, and that's how I write.

Thank you to everyone who's still reading this story. It means a lot when I look at my inbox and see I have reviews.

Merry Christmas, everyone.