Disclaimer: Do I really have to write this in every chapter? My originality got lost along the way, so it's gonna be like – NOT MINE.
Kushina twirled a lock of her blood red hair in her fingers, a little bit worried about the state of her husband's mind. For the last week, he has been moodier than usually, lashing out on everybody (except her and Naruto; otherwise she would pulverize him), taking a sick pleasure out of giving the easiest D-rank missions to Chunnins. Why so, she didn't know. She thought it had to have something with their baby boy graduating this year.
She hummed quietly, remembering the last two years; even if Naruto was qualified to become a Gennin back when he was ten, Minato was furiously against it. The first time Naruto was supposed to take test, he kidnapped him and looked him in the Hokage Tower; thus eliminating the boy. The woman chuckled. True, she also was worried about his well-being, the early graduates were destined to become quirky (and it's not like Naru-chan isn't quirky enough; just think of his insufferable ramen obsession and that verbal tick he inherited for her!) and no parent wanted that for their child.
However, this time, Naru-chan was already a twelve year old, a person of his own, and there was nothing both of them could do to stop him from graduating. Well, Minato tried, but Naruto threatened to disown him if he dared do something suspiciously like failing him. Kushina smiled, remembering how hard-working and stubborn Naruto was. He was no genius and nothing like Minato in that field; he seemed to inherit Uzumaki's learning tendencies. See it- learn it. No theory involved. Even though their baby was a carbon copy of the girly Namikaze, he was a true Uzumaki at heart; which pleased Kushina greatly.
On the other side of the house, locked inside his office, Minato was going through his latest cause of migraine; Iruka Umino. The kind-hearted, warm and nice Chunnin instructor at the Academy was slowly, but steadily, getting on his nerves. According to latest rumors, and from what he himself could gather, Naru-chan has become quite attached to him. Many times has Minato been notified by ANBU guards about the twos outgoing into the Ichiraku- which was supposed to be Minato's and Naruto's place only!
He groaned, pulling his hair a bit tougher; why have the Gods forsaken him? Is it too much to ask for your child to look at you and you only? Of course not! The things he's done so far were all for Naruto's safety. This world was a dangerous place, and it wasn't meant for his little baby angel. People out there will only hurt him, taint him! And his worries only grew more after hearing Kyuubi's confession years before, he was now certain that he is the only one able to protect his child.
He returned to scheming how to get the damned Chunnin out of his way, and far away from the blonde fox. He was awakened from his plans by a loud bang on his door and the not-so quiet appearance of the previously mentioned blonde.
Naruto hasn't grown that much through the years; he was still short, his face still held the same joy, innocence and baby fat, and his eyes still glittered the same way. Minato smiled happily, feeling the content aura of Naruto's seep into his own being.
"Dad! Iruka-sensei asked if I could go at his for dinner! Can I?" Minato groaned again, feeling his temper flaring. What does that petty Chunnin have that attracts Naruto so much?
"Naru-chan…"
"Don't call me that!" Naruto flared, blushing heavily. Minato grinned; his son never failed to amaze him.
"Why do you like… him so much?" Naruto gave his father a look that clearly said 'are-you-stupid'. Minato cringed, not liking that look on his precious baby's face, especially when looking at him.
"He's nice! And he always treats me to ramen!" Minato's face fell; his boy would do anything for ramen. Let us hope those perverted demons don't find about that.
"And, and he acknowledges me and see the real me!" The Yondaime sent his son a confused look. What was that supposed to mean? He acknowledges him too! Better yet, there is nobody in this world that loves and knows more about Naruto than him! The fox inside of the blonde youth slipped joyfully from his mind.
Naruto gave a small smile:
"You see, when other look at me, the only thing they see is Naruto Namikaze, the honorable son of the Fourth Hokage." Naruto's shoulders slouched a little. "Just because I'm your son, they expect me to be just like you!" Minato's blue gaze saddened; he knew Naruto would have problems like that, but he though he didn't mind it that much. Was he really…?
"I am proud you're my dad! You're the best damn dad there is!" Naruto proclaimed, his fist tightening. Minato's posture straightened, fueled by the words. "But, I am not you. I am not a prodigy, nor smarter than most of my classmates. I am Naruto Namikaze, just another kid living his life." And Minato knew this, and he couldn't help but feel a proud over his son's words. "I want to become the greatest Hokage there is with my own abilities, dattebayo! I am going to surpass you and every single Hokage before, not because I'm the honorable son but because I'm Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze!" Naruto was so fired up; his eyes were burning with determination. Minato, who was silent and stunned up until now, chuckled.
"You're right. I'm sorry if I…" Naruto pouted; which made him look even more adorable.
"No, don't apologize! I already said I glad you're my dad, didn't I?" Minato nodded all the while his grin widening.
"Naruto…" The blonde's head rose. "Even if you aren't like me, I want you to know you are special. And I'm certain you will make the best damn Hokage there ever was." And he wasn't saying this because of what the Kyuubi told them, no. He was sure his son, with his comforting smile, empathy towards others and burning determination was destined for greatness. Then again, every parent's duty is to believe in their child, right? Naruto grinned before glomping the older blonde, cuddling like a little kid into his chest. Minato's eyes watered and he encircled his arms around the small body. Naruto giggled.
"So, can I go to Iruka's?" Minato let him go, begrudgingly. Just because he understood why Naruto like him didn't mean Minato was OK with it. If anything, Naruto's monologue and heart full hug only served to fuel Minato's jealousy further. Call him a bastard, but he still wanted to lock Naru-chan's beautiful smile in the house, so that only he, and maybe Kushina, would be able to see it.
Who knew parent-hood would be so difficult?
Chapter XII Preview: Sasuke, Kiba, Shika and Chouji were his closest friends. He had no doubt about it; his friends wouldn't mind the nine-tailed beast sealed in his stomach. Kurama was, after all, a big softy, what was there to be afraid of? Now the problem was: the real story or the one his father distributed to council?
ReSpOnD tImE:
OracionMist: Yeah, I also think it was vague; sorry for no sparks, I mean Iruka isn't one for standing up to Hokage. ^^ I am leaning towards Kakashi- Hokage line of teachings, you know… to stay faithful to Team 7 hierarchy. Itachi will be something alike Sasuke's other mentor… Hope you like this and thanks for reviewing!
MugetsuIchigo: Thanks, the focus was his jealousy- he will be one of the main suitors, after all. Twice a day? Oh God, that's a lot of work! I'll think about it.
NeckoFury: Thank you for the kind words- I also enjoy writing this story. My best artwork so far, I believe! ^^ Oh, I'm way over just squealing… :D
Theia Pallas: Me too, I adore both of them in this kind of scenario. Thanks for reviewing!
shia naru: Yes, those two's antics make my day! ^o^ Thanks, I love you bunch also, and thank God for no update-soon thing. 3
sugardash: I know, I can't get enough of it! :)))
Demon Enma: Yeah, I love it the best when Minato's around too. Tnx for reviewing!
eun-nao: I know, he's so adorable when jealous and possessive! ^^ I'm having a major fangirl moment just thinking about it… No worry, what matters is that you did it now!
Thanks so much for reviewing… I already told you how my tummy feels when you do that, didn't I?
… God, I'm such attention lover, aren't I?