Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 5

Acceptance

Naruto blinked at the spot where his father had disappeared. Surely his decision had been made? But the way he phrased it...maybe there was still hope?

No, no it was foolish to think that way. His father had said it himself--he didn't want a tool for a son. Ironic that the thing Naruto had hoped would be his salvation turned out to be his damnation. He had spent his entire life trying to mold himself into a good warrior so his father would find him useful and want to keep him around. But that very thing was what the Hokage seemed to find so distasteful.

He just wanted to serve his father! Why was that so wrong? He didn't understand. But it didn't matter. The Hokage would reject him. The bonds would be broken. He would be purposeless.

Naruto sank back into the darkness of despair.

Jiraiya watched his young student. He hadn't moved for the last hour, not since Minato had gone. The sun was sinking behind the trees, throwing long shadows across the clearing. The air was turning cool.

The white-haired ninja walked towards the kneeling teen. The young man didn't look up from the ground, didn't turn.

"Naruto," Jiraiya said.

No response.

He sighed and squeezed the blonde's shoulder. "It'll be alright, Naruto."

Nothing.

He left. He didn't think Naruto would notice.

Minato was sitting on top of the Hokage Monument. On top of the Third's head, to be exact. He often came here to think. He liked the feeling of closeness to his predecessor it gave him. It was also a secluded place and had a wonderful view of the village. Sometimes he needed to be reminded why he did what he did.

He dropped his head in his hands. Tonight, even that wasn't enough. He had stared out over the village until the sun had dipped below the horizon and the stars came out. The peace he usually felt in this place, the clarity that usually came to him, was missing. He had taken some pills for his headache, and that had dulled the pain but not gotten rid of it completely.

The woman he loved had been a demon. That was fact number one he couldn't quite grasp. She had borne--or created, or whatever in hell you called it--a son. His son. Fact number two. Who was a fifteen-year-old half-demon whose only purpose in life was to serve him. Who saw himself as some sort of gift. Fact number three.

And now Minato had a choice to make. Accept the gift or not. The very thought of letting Naruto bind himself to Minato, giving Minato a ridiculous amount of control over him, made the Hokage feel sick. He never wanted such power over another living being, half-demon or not. So he was leaning towards not accepting.

(Really? A small, traitorous voice in the back of his head said. I'm not the tiniest bit excited to have such a gift literally laid at my feet? My ego wasn't stoked by the fact that a demon was so impressed with me, she gave me a son? He said I must be exceptional… )

He wouldn't throw Naruto out, though. Of course not. He could stay in the village. He could even be a ninja. Then Minato could try to break him of this ridiculous notion that he only existed to serve.

(He doesn't think it's ridiculous…he wants to serve me...why not give him what he wants? Don't all the other ninja in the village serve me too?)

On the other hand, he had the council and the people of the village to worry about. Konoha tended to be an open-minded place. It's why so many ninja clans with special abilities ended up here. They didn't face the same sort of fear and persecution they got in other parts of the world--Mist being a classic example. But there was a limit. Minato had no illusions on that score. If Naruto's heritage were ever discovered, there would be hell to pay. And he didn't think it would stay a secret forever. They could pass his power off as a kekkei genkai for only so long. What if he lost control again?

Minato wasn't worried for himself--although his enemies would certainly make good use of the fact that he had slept with a demon if they ever found out about it--he was worried for Naruto. The council would most likely demand he be executed, or be banished at the very least. And while Minato could do, or not do, whatever he damn well pleased, a village divided was a village ripe for coups and civil war. He would never allow that to happen to the people he swore to protect. He might have to choose between his village and Naruto. And he knew what his decision would have to be.

(He's a powerful ninja, even at fifteen. Imagine what he'll be like in ten years. Imagine what I could do with him…my enemies would never dare touch me, or my village…he could help me protect everyone...)

So maybe it was better if he didn't let Naruto stay. Jiraiya would need someone to take over the spy network eventually, after all. He could show Naruto the ropes. Then Naruto would still be a part of Konoha, but he wouldn't be in the village very much.

(I want to keep him near me…I've always wanted a son…even if he scares me...)

The secret of his heritage would stay safe that way. Was that the best way to protect him?

(I'm lonely...I'd be thrilled to have someone so totally devoted to me, who would never leave me...)

Minato groaned. He wasn't getting anywhere. He lifted his head and unzipped one of his vest pockets. He took out the object he had placed there earlier in the day. A hitai ite on a piece of long, black cloth. He ran his fingers over the Leaf symbol etched in the metal. He'd had Hisa get it made while he was in that meeting. He had planned on presenting it to Naruto after his test. Now he didn't know what to do with it.

He sighed. "I don't know what to do," he said aloud.

"Yes, you do," a voice replied.

The Yondaime turned. Jiraiya was standing, watching him. He turned back to gaze out over the village again. Everything was silent, save for the sound of the wind.

"You have to accept."

Minato jerked his head around. "What?!" That wasn't what he thought the Toad Sage would say. "I can't do that!"

"Why not?"

"It's wrong! I'd be buying into that bullshit Kushina put in his head! I'd be taking his life away from him!"

Jiraiya shook his head. "No, you'd be giving him his life."

Minato blinked at his teacher.

"You saw him, before you left. I went back a little while ago. He hasn't moved. He didn't look at me; he didn't answer me when I spoke to him. I don't think he even noticed when I put his jacket on his shoulders. He was broken, lifeless. I think I know why. He has said it multiple times. His life, his purpose, is to be accepted by you. To serve you. He was excited to finally come here, to meet you. He was so sure he could impress you enough that you would accept him, despite what he is. But after he lost control, he thought that was it. Did you notice how he spoke, when he was answering your questions? He 'had hoped' to make the final bond with you. 'Had' that happened, you 'would have been' able to do all those things he talked about. He phrased everything in the past tense. Like you had already rejected him. I truly believe he thinks he ruined his chances to gain your acceptance. If so, what is left for him? He believes he has no life, no purpose anymore. We both know what happens when a man has no purpose."

"But…he could find a new purpose…I could help…"

"No, you couldn't. He has NO other purpose. It's not something you can change."

Minato shook his head. "I don't understand that."

"You don't have to. It will make him happy. He wants this. Why are you so resistant?"

"Just because we want something, that doesn't make it right," Minato said softly.

Jiraiya paused. "You want this too," he murmured.

Minato looked away, out over the village again, although he didn't really see it this time. His fingers stroked the cool metal of the headband.

"Damn it, Minato, then just accept!"

"Why are you pushing me like this?!" Minato yelled.

"Because I want to see my students happy!" the big man yelled back. "I know this will make Naruto happy. I know this will make you happy. You have always wanted a son. And don't think I don't know how lonely you are here."

Minato didn't know what to say to that. He should have known his sensei would pick up on his feelings, even though he wasn't in Konoha that much.

"I can't protect him here. When it gets out what he is…" Minato said.

"That's just an excuse. What better protection could he have than being bound to the commands of the Hokage? He can't do anything to harm the people of this village if you order him not to."

Minato shuddered. "I couldn't do something like that to him!"

"I know you don't like it, but it will appease the council. They may not trust him, they may not like him, but they won't be able to complain that he is a threat."

Minato hadn't thought of that. Would it work? It might...

(Those who break the rules are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash…isn't that what Obito said? What about those who abandon their sons?)

Silence.

"It reminds me of Zabuza and Haku. That relationship is so twisted."

Jiraiya shook his head. "Your relationship is whatever the two of you want it to be. He's not a tool if you don't treat him like one, no matter what sort of bond you possess."

(This way, everyone is happy...)

Naruto sat in the clearing. The only movement he had made since his father left was to tilt his head back and gaze at the stars. He had always liked watching them. He wondered what it would be like to be one, hanging in the night sky, surrounded by brethren. If he was a star, though, he supposed he would be the Evening star. The one that appeared low down on the horizon, away from all the other stars. It burned brightly, but didn't stay for long.

His father told him to wait, so he was. But he didn't have any hope. He was only waiting to see what his father would do with his discarded gift. Even though, in the end, it didn't matter what the Hokage said. He knew what he would do.

It wouldn't be long now; Naruto could sense him coming. He slowly reached behind him and pulled his katana out of its sheath, his jacket falling unnoticed from his shoulders. He held the sword for a moment in his hand, savoring its feel. Then he laid it carefully on the ground in front of him, blade pointing to his left. He was ready. He went back to watching the stars.

Minato landed in the clearing, Jiraiya right behind him. He took a moment to survey the scene. Naruto was still kneeling in the exact same spot he had been when Minato had left. His katana was lying on the ground in front of him. He was staring at it.

"What the hell?" Minato hissed lowly.

Jiraiya just sighed. Again. Naruto looked like a condemned man prepared for seppuku.

"Goddamn it!" Minato swore, stalking forward. Jiraiya followed at a safe distance behind him. This was really between the two of them anyway.

Minato was angry, very angry. Mostly at himself for waiting so long, for putting his son through this. For not doing the right thing in the first place. But also at Kushina, and Jiraiya, and a little bit at the boy in front of him. It may have been silly, or unfair, but he had enough anger to go around and he was a generous man by nature.

He came right up to the teen, who was still looking at the ground.

"Naruto, look at me," he snapped. When the younger blonde had complied, he continued. "What the hell is this?"

Naruto blinked. "I don't understand, Hokage-ue."

The formal title, delivered in such a dead tone, set Minato's teeth on edge. In one fluid movement he slid his foot under the sword, flicked the hilt end up and snatched it out of the air. "What the hell are you doing sitting here, looking like you're about to stick your katana through your gut?"

Naruto blinked again, but answered. "Being prepared, Hokage-ue."

"Prepared for what?" Minato growled.

"Prepared for your decision."

"And you are so sure you know what it will be?"

Naruto looked down again. "What else could it be?" he whispered. "I saw your face."

Minato narrowed his eyes. "What about my face?"

"You were afraid of me. I…disgusted you. Those feelings lead to hate. They…always do. And you don't just hate my demon half. You hate the fact that I want to serve you. I don't understand why it's so bad, but it is. And I can't change it. I can't change what I am, not even for you. So, there is nothing for me to do and no way I can make you want me." Naruto s voice was a whisper by the end of his speech.

Minato's anger drained away and was replaced by profound sadness and pity. "Fear and disgust always lead to hate, huh? I take it you have experienced this first-hand," he said softly. What had happened in the four years his son was on his own?

Naruto merely nodded.

"Well, I ask that you not lump me in with the rest of those fools," Minato said. Naruto's head snapped up. "I do not hate you. I will never hate you. You are my son."

Naruto's eyes were huge. Minato thought they might pop out of his head. He jabbed the sword in the ground and dropped to his knees in front of the teen. He pulled him into an embrace for the second time that day.

"I love you," he whispered, willing Naruto to feel the truth of his words through his touch. He didn't really know how to control the power, but he hoped it would work.

Naruto was stiff as a board, not believing it. But suddenly he gasped and clutched at Minato's back. He buried his face in his father's shoulder once again and sobbed.

Minato stroked his back, trying to exude comforting feelings. "Let it out, Naruto," he murmured. "That's right…I'm here…"

When his son's sobs quieted, Minato leaned back a little, pushing Naruto gently away so he could see his face. Naruto wiped his eyes and his nose with one sleeve, sniffling a little, looking for all the world like an eight-year-old boy instead of a fifteen-year-old young man. He was smiling, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Minato smiled inwardly. What he was about to say would change that.

"Naruto…" he said gently, his hands on his son's shoulders. "You are the most beautiful, most wonderful, most exquisite gift anyone has ever given me." Minato thought Naruto's eyes couldn't be wider, but he had been wrong. They now opened to an impossible size. His smile vanished and he stared at his father with undisguised shock, his mouth hanging slightly open. "I am truly honored," Minato continued. "And I humbly accept it. I would be proud to have you by my side."

Naruto made a strangled noise in his throat. It sounded like 'wu-wu-haa…' He took a choking breath and tried again. "W-wha-aat?" There, at least that was somewhat recognizable.

"You heard me."

"B-but, I-I th-thought-t…"

"You thought wrong."

Silence. Naruto stared for a minute.

"R-really? Y-you accept me?"

"Yes."

More silence. Then…

"YYYYEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!"

Naruto exploded. He leapt up from his kneeling position and punched his fist in the air. He twirled in place and jumped towards Jiraiya, who was shaking with laughter.

"Ero-sennin, Ero-sennin!" he called. "I did it! I did it! I told you I'd do it!" He landed in front of the Toad Sage with the biggest smile Jiraiya had ever seen on his face. His sensei enveloped him in a hug and he hugged right back. Minato, watching from the ground, suppressed a pang of jealousy.

"I knew you would," Jiraiya said. "And didn't I tell you he'd accept you?"

"Yes," the young blonde replied, still grinning. But then he blinked his eyes and his grin faltered. He swayed on his feet. "Ero-sennin?" he murmured. "I feel…kinda…" He collapsed into the big man's chest.

The white-haired ninja chuckled as he lowered Naruto to the ground. He laid his young student on his back and arranged his limbs in a comfortable position. Minato was by his side in an instant, his brow slightly furrowed.

"Too much emotion," the Toad Sage said. "He's gone from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of happiness in a very short time. Not to mention the fact that he sat in one damn position for something like three hours."

Minato's expression cleared at his sensei's explanation and he smiled. "Yes, I'm surprised he could move at all."

"Adrenaline I suppose. He's probably going to hurt like hell when he wakes up."

Minato chuckled too. "Probably." He moved towards Naruto's feet.

Naruto became aware of amusement first. He was amused. Why? What was so funny? He thought he might open his eyes and find out.

Before he could do that, however, he became aware of pain. Mostly in his legs. They were sore all over, but he also felt a flare of pain like tiny needles jabbing into his skin that was traveling down his left calf.

He twitched and became aware of the fact that his head was resting on something that didn't feel like the ground and someone was stroking his hair. His headband was missing.

"He's coming around." The baritone voice was smooth and cool, like water over stones in a river. The sound set his bones to humming a little before the sensation faded away. His father. His eyes flew open.

The Hokage was looking down at him, his face upside down, his lips stretched in an amused smile. Naruto blinked a few times. His father was amused too? Although, now that he thought about it, Naruto wasn't particularly amused. Not with the pain in his legs and the ache in his back. So then, why…? It hit him. His father was amused. Naruto was feeling his father's emotions through his touch. The thought made him smile.

"Welcome back, Naruto," the Hokage said, still smiling. Naruto noticed the older blonde was sitting cross-legged on the ground and Naruto's head was resting in his lap on something soft--his jacket, probably. His father was the one touching his hair.

Naruto's smile widened. He wanted to run and shout and dance all at the same time. He had never been so happy in his entire life. Ever. His father accepted him. His father wanted him. His father loved him. It was more than he had ever hoped for.

He twitched again and Jiraiya's voice floated over to him. "Oy! Keep still! I'm trying to work here!"

Naruto glanced down. His father's coat was spread across him, although it was folded up so his legs weren't covered. His feet were bare and his pants and protective mesh leggings had been rolled up to his knees. The Toad Sage was methodically massaging his calves. That's what the needling pain was.

Naruto winced at a particularly acute jab. "Sorry, Ero-sennin," he said, his voice scratchy.

"Yeah, yeah. Brat," the big man muttered.

Naruto frowned. "When are you going to stop calling me 'brat'?" he asked.

"When are you going to stop calling me 'Ero-sennin'?"

The Hokage laughed at their banter, flooding Naruto with his amusement. "My guess is, never."

Naruto smiled. He couldn't help it. He was just too happy.

The Toad Sage leaned back. "I think that's good," he said. "Try sitting up, Naruto."

Naruto nodded. "Thanks, Sensei." He pushed on his elbows and struggled up, his father supporting his back. His hair, unbound by his headband, flopped in his face. "Ugh."

"How are you feeling?" the Hokage asked.

"Sore, Hokage-sama," Naruto replied. He examined his legs. He had angry red lines scored in his flesh above his ankles and below his toes from his sandals. He also had an interesting criss-cross pattern impressed in the skin of his calves from the mesh leggings. Well, that's what he got for kneeling for three hours like an idiot. But…it was worth it. He broke out in a huge grin. "But I don't really care about that."

His father's laugh bubbled out again from behind him. Naruto loved that sound. "No, I suppose you don't." His father paused. "Speaking of which…"

Naruto did his best to turn and look at the Hokage, although all he really managed was turning his head and half-twisting his back.

"There is a final bond that needs to be made, right?"

Naruto blinked at him.

"Only if you are up to it," the Hokage rushed on. "I don't really know what it entails, so I don't know if you need to wait, or--"

He was interrupted by a choked noise from Naruto that sounded suspiciously like a sob. The young blonde whipped his head back around, away from his father, trying desperately not to cry. Again. He'd already cried enough today. His hands clutched the Hokage's coat still in his lap.

His father was by his side in an instant, looking worriedly into his face.

"Naruto, what's wrong? Is it what I said? We can wait, it doesn't have to be tonight…"

Naruto shook his head and tried to turn his face away, but his father wouldn't let him. The older ninja grabbed his chin in his hand and turned his son's head back towards him. "Naruto look at me."

Naruto obeyed, lifting his eyes to his father's, inwardly cursing the few tears that had managed to leak out. He could feel the concern his father was feeling, and a hint of guilt that he may have hurt his son somehow. It just made Naruto want to cry more.

"What's wrong?"

"N-nothing, Hokage-sama."

"Then why are you crying?"

"I'm not c-crying," Naruto replied.

The Hokage cocked one eyebrow at him.

"I-I'm just h-happy!" Naruto exclaimed. "I d-didn't know you could c-cry when you were happy! I-I've always w-wanted this, and I-I thought this would be the p-part you'd h-hate the most, and now you w-want to do it r-right away…" He was babbling, and he knew it, but he just couldn't seem to stop.

The Hokage was smiling. "Ok, Naruto. I understand." He released his son's chin. "So you are ok to do this now?"

Naruto nodded, still trying to control his breathing. His hands played with the coat in his lap.

"What exactly do I have to do?"

"W-Well…uh, you cut your thumb, like for summoning," Naruto explained, finally breathing normally. "Then you smear some on my forehead, like this--" he made a motion with his hand, a simple swipe, right to left, across his head. "Then you give me your hand, and I take some. And that's it."

"Sounds simple enough. Will I feel anything?"

Naruto shrugged. "I don't know. I will, and I think you might, but I don't know what." He paused, looking nervous. "Also, I might…ah…"

"Lose control again?"

"Yeah."

"It's ok, Naruto. I know what to expect this time."

Naruto smiled hesitantly. He said that…but what if…? He shook himself. His father had agreed. There was no way to go but forward. "Ok, Hokage-sama, are you ready?"

His father nodded.

Naruto pulled his father's coat off his lap. He pulled his legs in so he was sitting cross-legged, wincing all the while. The Hokage moved around to face him, crossing his legs in a similar fashion. He was close enough that he was almost touching Naruto's knees with his own. Jiraiya had stood and moved back a couple paces to give them some space.

"Ok," Naruto whispered, taking a few deep breaths.

The Yondaime pulled a kunai out of his pouch and made a cut on his right thumb. The scent of his blood flooded the air and Naruto caught his breath. The familiar scent was just as heady, but Naruto found it was a little bit easier to maintain his control. He leaned forward, keeping his gaze locked on his father's.

The Hokage brushed Naruto's blonde locks out of the way with his left hand and swiped his thumb across Naruto's forehead. It felt like fire. The instant it touched his skin, it burned, although it was a comforting heat instead of a painful one. He gasped, and the Yondaime paused, a questioning look on his face. Naruto just nodded a little, signaling that he was alright, that the older man should continue.

The Hokage lowered his hand and Naruto raised his own to grab it. It was shaking a little, but Naruto was pleased to see the nails were perfectly normal. He grasped his father's hand and brought the bleeding thumb slowly to his mouth. He parted his lips and licked the cut.

It was perfect.

It was the most delicious flavor, the most beautiful music. Everything else disappeared but the sound and the taste. He had thought it had been intense earlier, but that was nothing compared to this. Energy coursed through his body; he thought his heart might explode. His own blood sang with his father's; a perfect counterpoint. His heartbeat instantly matched with the rhythm provided by his father's heartbeat. He was lost in wave after wave of pure bliss. Perfect happiness.

He could have been in that state forever, or for a second, when a discordant note sounded in the symphony and a slight bitterness appeared in the taste. He frowned. What was this feeling?

Fear...

...and guilt?

His eyes snapped open.

He was looking at his father's face. The Hokage was crying, silent tears falling to land on Naruto's cheeks. Naruto realized he was lying on his back and his father was leaning over him, one hand resting on the ground near his head, the other clamped firmly between Naruto's teeth. He must have bit down at some point. He relaxed his jaw, releasing his father's hand. It hurt because his father winced slightly. But he made no sound. Naruto ran his tongue over his teeth and noticed they were sharper then they should have been, and not just his canines. He looked at the Hokage's hand. Instead of one small cut, he now had two puncture wounds on his thumb. Naruto hoped they didn't go all the way through.

He pushed his instincts back, and watched as the claws holding his father's hand started to retreat. He removed his other hand from the Hokage's arm, which he had gripped some time during the bonding, and waved his fingers over the wounds. The bleeding stopped instantly. He hesitated a moment, but then brought the thumb back to his mouth and licked the blood off. Why waste it?

He didn't miss his father's flinch or the wave of guilt that followed it. He sighed. His loss of control must have been pretty spectacular.

His father's blood was still the best thing he had ever had, but the reaction wasn't nearly as strong. He didn't think he would ever feel that wonderful again. He sighed again and released his father's hand. At least he'd gotten to feel it once. He started to sit up.

"I'm sorry, Naruto," his father murmured as he moved back, giving his son space. He wiped his eyes quickly.

"Why?" the young blonde asked, confused.

The Hokage shook his head. "You were so happy…and I ruined it."

Naruto blinked. "What?"

"I could feel your happiness. It was incredible. It was the most amazing thing I've ever felt. And I could hear…something…it was beautiful. And I wanted you to stay there, in that place, for as long as you wanted. But, I…" he trailed off. "I was still aware of what was going on here, and you were leaking that…that feeling, like earlier. Only it was worse. I was trying so hard not to be afraid, not to let it through to you, but I failed. And that brought you back. I'm sorry."

Naruto smiled. "You don't need to apologize, Hokage-sama. Jiraiya-sensei says that in order to be better people, we have to face our fear. And you did, ne? I'm sure that, eventually, you won't be afraid anymore." Minato stared at his son, surprised by his words. But Naruto didn't give him time to reply. "Anyway, I am happy I got to feel it at all. And I'm happy you got to feel it too. And hear the music! Isn't it wonderful? That's the song your blood sings. Well, this time, it was the song our blood sang together."

Minato blinked a few times. "You hear that when you taste my blood?" Naruto nodded. "Wow."

Naruto grinned. But then he frowned. "What happened? How long was I…out of it?"

Jiraiya spoke up. "It was only a minute or two, Naruto. Just after you licked Minato's finger, you lost it, and fell backwards. You even started leaking a little chakra."

"Really?" Naruto questioned. He shuddered a little. It had been bad then. He was glad it was just a little chakra. Too much and…well...the situation would have been worse.

Jiraiya nodded. "It was only some small wisps. Anyway, you were like that for just a bit, and then you woke up."

"Naruto, something happened to your forehead," the Hokage said. "The blood I smeared there seemed to sink into your skin, and then a seal appeared. Do you know what that's about?"

Naruto shook his head. "No, but I guess it has something to do with the ability to sense thoughts and emotions. Is it still there?"

The Yondaime shook his head. "No, it faded. I'd like to see if we can make it reappear though. I'm interested in it."

Naruto grinned. "Right, you're a Seal Master. If you like, I can show you the seals on my soul too."

Minato stared. "What?! Seals on your soul?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah, okaa-sama made them."

"S-sure, Naruto. I'd like to see that sometime," the older blonde stuttered. His son just kept surprising him. "But right now, I don't think I can handle it. I feel like I've been run over by a ninja platoon."

Minato got wearily to his feet and pulled Naruto up after him. He rubbed his eyes. His headache was back with a vengeance. "Alright, musuko," Naruto gasped and smiled brilliantly at the word, but didn't say anything. "We are bonded completely, right? There are no other steps to accepting you?"

"No, Hokage-sama, that was the final bond. All the steps are completed."

"Good."

Naruto grinned and scratched the back of his head. "Ano, Hokage-sama, do you know where my headband is? It's just my hair gets in my eyes without it, and it's kind of hard to run like that…"

The Yondaime chuckled. "I have the same problem," he said, gesturing to his own unruly spikes. "And I have your headband right here." He reached into one of his vest pockets and pulled out, not Naruto's plain black band, but a Leaf hitai ite.

Naruto sucked in his breath. It was the symbol of a Konoha nin. His father was making him a ninja under his command. It was everything he'd ever wanted.

"Uzumaki Naruto," his father said, in a serious voice. Naruto straightened his shoulders and bowed, his own face totally serious.

"Hai, Yondaime Hokage-sama."

"I am accepting you into the ranks of Konoha nin, level Chuunin." The Yondaime stepped forward and tied the headband around Naruto's forehead. "Congratulations."

"Arigatou, Hokage-sama," Naruto said, with another bow. When he straightened, he found himself being hugged by his father.

"I'm so proud of you, musuko," the older man murmured.

Naruto merely squeezed his father back. His smile could outshine the sun.

The Hokage released him and stepped back. He walked to where his coat was lying, picked it up, shook it out, and put it on. "Now, it's been an extremely long day. I have a headache the size of Fire Country, and I desperately want to sleep. So, I suggest we head back. Don't forget your jacket, Naruto."

"Hai, Hokage-sama!" Naruto called. He bent to pick his jacket up from the ground where it had fallen from his father's lap. Then he made his way to where his katana was stuck in the earth. He plucked it out and slid it smoothly into the sheath strapped to his back. He put his jacket on and zipped it up. It was black with an orange lining and a high, ribbed collar. An orange swirl that ended in a leaping flame on the back was its only decoration.

He was just turning to where his father and the Toad Sage waited when something silver caught his eye. It was the bell. He grinned and swiped it up off the ground, then ran to join the two men.

In the mountains to the west of the Village Hidden in Leaves, in the gardens of a relatively small but richly furnished traditional house, a dark-haired teen paused in his training. It was dark, but he wanted to finish this last set of katana forms before turning in for the night.

He dropped his stance and pressed his free hand into his stomach. A deep rumble was emanating from there and it echoed in his head. What was that damn fox up to now? He didn't think it was an angry growl, not like the Kyuubi usually made. And that threatening, fear-inducing feeling he usually had when the fox acted up wasn't there either. Instead, it was more of a…a...an amused feeling. Amused? The fox was amused? Was he laughing?!

"Is something wrong, Sasuke?" a voice called from the direction of the house.

The teen shook his head. "No, nothing, onii-san," he replied, getting back into his stance. "I'll be done in a moment."

A pause. "Don't let your tea get cold."

"Hai, onii-san."