Author's Notes: Hey guys! Sorry for all the fuss with the updates. I'm really busy! I've also recently started watching Naruto again (I haven't watched Naruto in a long time and I felt like I had some catching up to do). Needless to say I was so disappointed. I just don't know, but I don't like how the current Naruto(anime) has turned out. I don't know if anyone would agree, but I think Kishi made Naruto... I don't even have the words to describe my meaning. But it isn't good to me now! What the hell happened?! Anyway, enough of the depressing stuff. I'd like to thank you guys so much for the support on this story and the reviews. You've made writing so enjoyable. I'm not really a good writer *hides* and english isn't my first language, but I've been studying a lot and using fanfiction to improve myself. I can only hope that I'm doing well. To all those flamers out there. Come on guys, you're better than to result in insulting someone's work just because you don't agree with the ideas. Like really. I don't really care if you flame my work, but flamers should really grow up and open their minds. Here is the latest update and I hope you enjoy it. Sorry if it seems rushed but I was in a hurry...
Minato woke up groggily. He looked outside the window of the Namikaze estate and could already tell that it was a bit late into the morning, well more late than he usually woke up. He looked around tiredly and suddenly realized that Kushina was not next to him in bed. That's when he remembered that she was on a mission with her children.
He got out of bed and proceeded to do his morning routines. He got out of the main bedroom and went down stairs. He passed the living room and approached the kitchen. When he made his way inside he was treated to the sight of Aki feeding Narumi.
Aki had been making baby faces and blowing air, all which seemed to be making Narumi giggle cutely, before feeding the girl with a spoon of food. Minato smiled at the sight. Narumi was always a bundle of joy.
Aki suddenly noticed him and quickly stopped her actions before bowing in respect to the Hokage.
"Good morning, Minato-sama," Aki said respectfully.
"Hi, Tou-san!" Narumi greeted enthusiastically.
"Come on, Aki. There's no need for all that high and mighty stuff. We welcomed you into our family. You don't need to act like you're beneath us," Minato said with a grin.
"You are very generous Minato-sama, thank you." Aki did not stop a respectful actions at all.
Minato sighed and then shook his head before muttering, " Don't mention it."
He turned his sights to his little daughter and saw her looking at him curiously.
"What is it, Musume? Is there something troubling that cute little mind of yours?" Minato cooed gently.
Narumi initiated a thinking pose and then asked her question. "Where is Nii-san and Nee-chan?"
"They're gone on a special mission with your Kaa-san" Minato said.
"Oh." Narumi frowned and then looked at her father again. "I couldn't feel them."
To anyone else this would just be the random antics of a three-year old girl, but to Minato he knew something else must have been going on. Narumi was very random at times, as should a curious child, but something about what she said did not make sense to the Hokage.
"Feel, Narumi-chan?" Minato asked confusedly.
"Yeah! When Nii-san and Nee-chan are close, I feel this biiig thingy," Narumi said as she stretched her little arms at either side of her body.
"Big thingy? Like what?" Minato inquired curiously.
"Like... Like." Narumi looked around, trying to find anything that could help her explain her meaning. However, when all looked hopeless Narumi frowned and pouted her lips. "I don't know. It's just that I always feel this big thingy a lot. Nee-chan and Nii-san have it."
Alarm bells where already going off in Minato's head. There had always been a mystery surrounding Narumi, such as her knack to randomly seem serious and then playful in an instance. Her intelligence was also something very alarming, the girl could understand a lot of things with very little effort. The sudden revelation that she could 'feel' her two siblings only added to the mystery that was Narumi.
Minato knew that this was connected to the Kyuubi somehow, but he just couldn't fully grasp what it meant. For now, he could only chalk it off to something that he would have to deal with later, but his daughter was very important to him so he thought a little on what she told him.
Narumi's frown quickly turned into a giggle as Aki resumed feeding her.
"Here comes the next one Narumi-chan," Aki cooed softly and proceeded to gently feed the girl.
Minato was still in deep thought however. Narumi had shinobi qualities, not all but some, it was still very confusing how his duaghter behaved sometimes. No, he would have to deal with this later.
"Uhh... I have to go now. I'll see you later Aki, Musume," Minato said as he kissed Narumi's forehead and starting making his way to the front door.
"Bye bye, Tou-san!" Narumi shouted when she saw her father leaving.
Minato made his way out of the Namikaze estate and walked on the streets of Konoha. He didn't have to worry about the council. Sarutobi had informed him that the interrogation of the council members had been completed and the results would be in his office. All Minato had to do was check the results and decide a justifiable punishment to those who deserved it. He walked at a leisure pace. Some people looked at him with trepidation and respect, other's looked at him in guilt and sadness. He ignored every single one of them. It would serve them right to suffer and although it isn't as much as he hoped it was still some sort of justice.
Flashback.
It had been three hours since Kushina's departure and Minato felt like he prolonged the villager's suffering long enough. He had ordered all villagers to come to the Hokage tower. It did not take long for the whole village to gather around there. Many already had and inkling on what would transpire in the next few minutes. Most where dreading Minato's appearance while others could only hope that whatever the Hokage chose as their punishment would not hinder any of their financial growth.
They already knew that he wouldn't kill them all. He couldn't, reason being he was selected by this very village to be their leader. He was their Hokage. He could not kill them for he was their protector. Oh yes, they knew full well that he could punish them, but they were also aware that those things came and left in due time. A measly punishment that would last a mont or two was better than death.
They waited for a while and some were starting to lose patience. No one would dare voice out their frustrations under the fear that it would possibly end very badly for them.
Minato finally made his appearance at the top of the tower and looked at the villagers with cold and calculating eyes. He was too far for most villagers to see him perfectly, but those who could shuddered at the cold visage of the Hokage.
"Well, now that we're all here I bet you're wondering what punishment I have for you people," Minato said seriously, deciding to get straight to the point.
"Please Hokage-sama! Some of us are innocent! Some of us have not put one finger on your son," a random villager said.
Minato regarded the man for a moment and then replied, "I know that. I've done my research, so for those of you who didn't do anything, I can not hold you responsible for Naruto's suffering, but it doesn't mean I find you redeemable either. You ignored my child in his time of need," Minato said.
"We're so sorry Hokage-sama! We didn't know that he was your child!" A woman in the crowd said.
Anger flashed in Minato's eyes at that.
"How dare you! It should not have mattered whose child Naruto was. He still should have been treated like any other person. In fact he should have been treated like a hero, not filth! He is the container of the Kyuubi, not the demon reborn! Your blatant acts of stupidity and ignorance are unforgivable," Minato snarled.
The villagers kept silent as the shock of what Minato said hit them. It was the classic kunai sealed in a scroll predicament, and Naruto was the scroll. How could they forget such a simple lesson? Things were looking even worse for them now.
"I have thought long and hard about this and I am ready to give my verdict," Minato said as he took out a piece of paper.
The villagers waited with bated breath for their fates.
Minato cleared his throat and started. "Since I am Hokage of this village I can not make harsh decisions that could be detrimental to Konoha's progress. I can't inflict death to any villager that I have sworn to protect. So I found a ultanative." Minato said as he looked down at the villagers. "Before I begin I will have you know that this is just punishment for your prejudice beliefs in what a bijuu is. You have committed crimes against a child for twelve years and that demands compensation."
The villagers looked on confusedly.
"My first verdict is that All shinobi, clothing and food stores that have committed unfair conduct on Naruto will have to pay a monthly fee of half their profits to Naruto Uzumaki himself. Specific shinobi stores such as Geti and Kemu will close indefinitely for selling defective equipment that would have resulted in shinobi losing their lives." Minato said seriously.
"What?! I have never sold any defective equipment," Geti screamed from within the crowd.
"Me too!" Kemu pleaded her case.
Minato growled. "Do not mistaken me for an idiot. According to reports compiled from my ANBU and Sarutobi himself, you have each sold used or broken kunai and shuriken to Naruto Uzumaki, during his training in the academy." Minato said.
The two store owners kept their mouths shut. There was no use in arguing against the irate Hokage when the evidence rang true.
"The second verdict. All involved in riots or beat downs of Naruto will be taken into custody. Now, I will not throw you in prison -" he saw some villagers smile in relief at that but he was far from finished " - but you will be subjected to torture of sorts. It will only be done to one person at a time and randomly at that, so you will never actually know when it's your turn to face justice."
There was an uproar of complaints at that, but Minato continued undeterred.
"Inoichi has agreed -" more like he was forced " - to subject those who are found guilty of nearly, repeatedly, killing Naruto to a taste of their own medicine. You will view Naruto's memories, everything you put him through, in the span of a few weeks. You will see every torture method that you used on him. You will feel the pain that a child had to go through for twelve years because of pig-headed ignorance. The only possible way for this to stop for you is by earning my son's forgiveness." Which Minato knew would never happen. This could only work if Naruto came back soon however since Inoichi needed take the memories from the blonde.
Minato could see the horror dawning on their faces at the prospect of being tortured. Tough! It was a shame he couldn't do anything to the people who ignored his son's plite. He would just ignore his former friends however, they ignored his child so they didn't deserve his forgiveness or time, unless it was for professional reasons.
Flashback end.
It was lot do to, but it had been done. Geti and Kemu had closed shop and all he had to do was wait until the end of the month to receive Naruto's payment from other stores. He could see that most villagers were on edge. Well they should be. As soon as Naruto came back Minato was fully prepared to begin his torture, but for now he had other matters to deal with.
Minato was so deep in thought that he accidentally bumped into someone. He looked down and saw a little girl on the ground. He analyzed her features carefully and that's when it hit.
"Oh Geez, I'm sorry -" he helped the girl to her feet and continued "- Hinata, right?"
Hinata looked up and her eyes widened when she recognized the current Hokage. It did her very little good that Minato reminded her so much of Naruto
"S-Sorry, H-Hokage-sama!" Hinata squeaked and hurriedly bowed.
"No sweat. I wasn't watching where I was going." Minato eased the girl. "Naruko has told me a lot about you. She likes you very much. She's on a mission with her brother. She'll be back in a few days at most."
Hinata started playing with fingers and looked down when her blush started forming.
"I-I-I" Hinata started to stutter incoherently. Her body started swaying from side to side.
"Woah, are you okay?" Minato asked in concern.
It was at that moment Hinata lost consciousness.
Minato looked at her in surprise and then looked around.
"... Well, you maybe Hitomi's daughter but you're sure act differently. I hope its nothing serious," Minato picked up Hinata and started heading towards the hospital.
He arrived at the hospital and submitted the girl to a room. He knew it wasn't something serious, but he wasn't taking any chances.
"H-Hokage-sama?" He looked around and noticed a short nurse looking anywhere but him. She was very nervous, Minato thought. Well obviously. It was no secret that Minato was angry at Konoha. The villagers however could not hold it against him since his anger was justified. As long as he treated the village like a leader should, then the villagers knew they did not have a say in his judgements.
"What is it?" Minato asked in annoyance.
The nurse squeaked and replied timidly, "Jiraiya-sama has awakened from his...uhh...condition." The girl had caught herself before announcing Kushina's participation in Jiraiya cuts and bruises. She did not want to anger Minato any further.
"What a coincidence." A dark look formed over Minato's face. "Which room is he in."
Jiraiya looked outside the window of the hospital with a foregone expression. When he first woke up in this place he was confused to the fact that he had severe bruises and numerous wounds on his body, but he soon remembered the reason. He just knew that Minato and Kushina were not finished with him, Kushina more so. He had seen a lot of things that would give anyone lesser traumatizing nightmares, but the unbridled rage his saw in the mother's eyes will forever haunt him. Kushina looked very crazed when she beat the living hell out of him then. He breathed out a sigh.
He did not even make to move as he heard the door open.
"Look, I told you that I'll be fine. I've been through worse," Jiraiya said.
"Hmm. I can't really say that's good to hear." Jiraiya turned away from the window and looked into burning azure irises.
"...Hey, Minato. You here to finish the job or something?" Jiraiya inquired half heartedly.
Minato glared it his former sensei. "I'll leave that to my wife. Right now I want answers."
"I figured you would." Jiraiya nodded and motioned to a nearby chair. "Take a seat."
"I'd rather stand," was Minato's emotionless reply.
"Suit yourself," Jiraiya shrugged. "So what should I answer first?"
"What exactly happened when Kushina and I left Konoha?" Minato asked seriously.
"Concerning Naruto?" Jiraiya questioned rhetorically. "Well a few things. Sarutobi made a speech on your death and announced that the kid was the container of the Kyuubi. After that people seemed to take it in stride and ignored us, which was fine since Tsunade and I didn't really know many people within Konoha." Jiraiya said.
"Continue," Minato commanded with narrowed eyes.
"Okay, let's see... Tsunade and I started taking care of Naruto as agreed. We took care of him for a few weeks in a secluded area that was a bit away from the village..." Jiraiya suddenly tailed of with a frown, as if what he said next could very well get him killed.
"And?!" Minato demanded in anger as he slowly approached his sensei. He was slowly getting to the truth and he refused to let Jiraiya just clamp up and remain silent.
"... One day I came home and saw no trace of Tsunade. She was gone. The only person to have seen her leave the village was Sarutobi and even he didn't know the reason to it. We never heard from her again. I-I...tried, I really did, to look after Naruto -" Jiraiya gulped and then looked at Minato seriously "- But with the threat of the masked man coming back to Konoha and with my spy network operational at a very far distance. I had little choice -"
"Little choice!" Minato came close and gripped Jiraiya by the scuff of his shirt and hauled the man up to his feet. "How stupid could you be? How could just up and leave Naruto like that?! All because you had a sense of obligation to Konoha?!" Minato screamed in fury.
"The protection of the Leaf Village is important, Minato! It's our home and -" Jiraiya was cut off with a straight punch to his face.
"You chose the leaf over Naruto?! After you PROMISED to look after my son?! After you sent us monthly LIES about Naruto's life?! You fucking bastard!" Minato snarled.
Jiraiya wiped the blood off his face and glared back. "I left the kid in the same orphanage that you grew up in. It would have been beneficial in his upbringing and taught him responsiblity like it did you. How was I supposed to know that people hated Naruto?" Jiraiya realized that he must have said something very idiotic as he felt Minato's chakra flare. Jiraiya's eyes soften. "I'm sorry for what happened. It was a stupid decision I made and I should have been there more. We're human Minato. We all make mi -"
"Don't say anymore or will kill you, Jiraiya," Minato gritted out. He couldn't believe this. No wonder Naruto didn't want anything to do with them. Then Minato thought of something else," What happened to all the presents that we would send every month? Who did those presents go to? They were all addressed to Naruto, so who would take them?"
Jiraiya shrugged again, "I'm not sure...I wasn't around Konoha remember?"
Minato's breath was haggard at this moment. This was a nightmare. How... What could he do? It was as if the universe was telling him that there was no way to fix the situation with Naruto and his family. The more looked into Naruto's past, the worse the answers would reveal. He felt sick to his stomach. Naruto had every single right to hate their guts.
He couldn't stop the tears as the started to fall. He looked at Jiraiya with hatred. "You stabbed us in the back and now look! Everything is a mess! This whole thing is a mess! I-I... Kami, I'm a horrible father. I didn't even make an effort in seeing Naruto once throughout his childhood." Minato just let the tears stream down his face as he looked on with empty eyes at nothing in particular.
Jiraiya grimaced when he witnessed Minato breaking down in front of him. Everything seemed hopeless for them all.
"...I'm sorry, Minato. I really wish I could amend my mistakes," Jiraiya said sadly. He meant his words. He did not want to die as an old man with many regrets, and leaving Naruto to this village was one of them.
"It's too late to apologise. Besides, I'm not the one you should be apologising to. I just can't help but despise you, Jiraiya. What on earth did you think leaving Naruto to grow alone would do?" Minato hissed with rage.
Jiraiya looked down and started. "You turned out great. I was going to come back when Naruto was at the right age and train him. It would have also given me a good idea if Naruko was really the child of prophecy." Jiraiya said.
Minato stood up and wiped away the tears. He looked at his former sensei monotonically. "To think that you would stoop so low as to put little effort in Naruto's upbringing because of a stupid prophecy? You owe Naruto a lot for neglecting him. You will make it a point to earn his forgiveness at any cost. As of know our relationship will only be on professional terms."
"Please Minato, I'm sorry. I never thought that things would turn out this way."
"The only person you should be focused on is Naruto." Minato retorted.
"...What about Kushina? Do you think she would let me come near Naruto."
"That's not my problem. Aside from that, I want to know where Tsunade is," Minato said seriously.
Jiraiya frowned. "I told you that I don't know."
"But you have the best chance at finding her," Minato deduced.
"...Yes," Jiraiya said. He was truly said to realize that Minato most probably hated his very presence. He wanted to make things right between them. He didn't want to lose one of his closest friends, so he was prepared to do anything he could to make amends if it came to it. He cursed himself so much for being careless. He could have at least put a spy to look out for Naruto, but in his haste he had forgotten completely.
"Then you will find her and bring her here when you're admitted out of the hospital,," Minato said as he started walking away.
"Is there any chance...that you could ever forgive me?" Jiraiya hurriedly asked.
Minato did not turn to face him.
"To be honest, I'm not sure. Don't put any hope into Kushina however. She'd rather die than even consider forgiving you. Like I said before, the only person you should be focused on in making things right with is Naruto, not us," Minato said and promptly left the troubled Sannin.
Jiraiya sighed in sadness. It was not going to be easy getting involved in Naruto's life, but if he ever hoped to fix anything then he had no choice.
"Kid's gonna be pissed." Jiraiya couldn't help but grin at that.
"Attack the demon!" A shinobi yelled as he rushed into battle to help his comrades.
Naruto looked around and could see a lot of shinobi running in one direction. One particular shinobi seemed as if he would bump Naruto - to which the blonde put his hands in front of himself to block the impact - but the person just phased through him and continued to rush into battle.
"They are not real, remember? They're just memories," Kyuubi said from next to him. She looked up as a random shinobi came flying and hit a building above them with a sickening crunch. Naruto winced, but Kyuubi laughed.
"That never gets old!" Kyuubi laughed out.
Naruto looked at her weirdly. Was she serious? He decided to focus on something else and looked at the visible vicinity. It was Konoha, that was certain. The place looked so detailed and precise, everything in place where it should be. Naruto scowled and turned his attention to his companion.
"...What?" Kyuubi asked when she noticed his glare.
"You said that you could show me both our memories. If that's so then how is this possible? Shouldn't we be seeing just our memories from eye view instead of like this," he gestured to their ghost like forms. "These hardly looks like memories that you and I could see from this perspective."
Kyuubi thought about that then soon shrugged. "I'm not sure how it's possible. Perhaps the Shinigami was involved in creating this kind of view, but I can assure you that this is what happened that night."
"How can you be so sure?" Naruto curiously quarrelled.
"Because I've seen these memories over and over again. They play out the same way and show the same thing. Most of which I remember happening," Kyuubi said.
"Most?" Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah. I couldn't have been at every single place at once, but the areas that I have been played out the same memory as I remember happening. So I know it's true, simple as that," Kyuubi said with a shrug.
Naruto's mouth formed frown at that. How on earth was he supposed to believe what he saw was the truth then?
"You'll just have to trust me," Kyuubi said with a roll of her eyes.
Naruto grumbled under his breath. He had forgotten that Kyuubi could read his mind.
Kyuubi looked around and her mouth formed a thin line as she saw so many dead bodies.
"Let's go closer to the battle." She started walking immediately.
Naruto had seen the reaction and he could not help but stare at the Kyuubi incredulously. She seemed to have a knack of changing from sadistic to compassionate in a blink of an eye. Maybe it had something to do with her being a human? Naruto shook his head and started following her deeper into the memory.
"ROAR!" Naruto looked up and was treated to the sight of the huge Nine-tailed Fox as it attacked the Hidden Leaf Village. He looked between the Kyuubi as a girl and the demon fox decimating his village. To think that the two where one in the same. Yep, he would believe that.
"Come on! We have to hurry!" Kyuubi suddenly said as she broke into a sprint and headed straight for...ehh...herself. Naruto soon followed her lead and broke into a run to catch up with her.
As they approached the towering figure Naruto could see his father as he battled someone wearing a mask, said person had taken a little baby hostage it seemed.
"Who is that?" Naruto asked as he gestured to the masked man.
"The person responsible for this whole mess. He calls himself 'Madara', or at least that's what he said before taking control of me." Kyuubi said with a scowl.
"Who's he holding?" Naruto questioned further.
"Eh...that's you kid," Kyuubi said after a pause.
"Hey! We're the same age!" Naruto shouted in irritation.
"Only in physical human appearance," Kyuubi replied easily.
Naruto just looked away from her and focused more on the memory that was playing out. He watched on as his father battled 'Madara' to safe him. He continued to watch on as the memory played along. He watched Kyuubi as it continued its rampage. He watched on as his parents put their bodies on the line to save their children. He even watched as Minato sealed the Kyuubi into him and it seemed that he had done the same to Naruko as well, which was interesting. He viewed his parents as they lay bloodied and bruised, holding their children in a protective embrace, as if their very own lives had no meaning to them other than to protect their kids.
Naruto looked away at that. This had to be a lie. There was no way that it could be true -
"Don't turn away. You have to watch the whole thing," Kyuubi scolded.
Naruto glared at her but did as she commanded and continued to watch the memory. He watched as his parents neared death and started cooeing lovingly to both Naruko and himself, whispering softly to them. Naruto's eyes burned but he forced back any emotion that he felt at the sight. He watched as his parents were healed by a blonde pig-tailed woman while an old man looked around as if to make sure that no one was around. The group soon started to converse and Naruto felt like it was the perfect time to hear what was being said. He approached them and things started to become clearer.
"...to prevent this from happening again. The guy just disappeared without a trace. It was as if he never came here in the first place. We will be more prepared but we have to take precaution" The old man said.
"You're right, sensei. He infiltrated Konoha without anyone noticing and extracted the Kyuubi from my wife after she had given birth." Minato said as he held Naruko.
"Wait, wouldn't that result in Kushina's death?" The blonde woman asked in surprise.
"I was thinking the same thing, Tsunade, but for some reason here I am," Kushina said with a tired smile as she held Naruto.
"Maybe it was the way the masked guy extracted the Kyuubi out of her body. Do you remember anything of that, Kushina?" The old man asked.
"All I remember is pain, Jiraiya," Kushina said with a frown. "That's all."
"Just great," Jiraiya sighed and then turned to Minato. "This is bad, Minato. That man's attack was nearly flawless and he knew exactly what he was looking for. If his reasoning for attacking Konoha was its destruction then he did a pretty good job in coming close."
"I know. He knew exactly where to go without being detected and its obvious now that his main objective was the Kyuubi." Minato said.
"Something tells me his not done with Konoha or us," Kushina said worriedly as she looked at her babies.
"You always have a knack of attracting the worser kind of enemies, Minato," Tsunade said with shake of her head.
"But I don't even know the guy!" Minato protested.
"Does it matter? You're the one who is well-known around the elemental nations and that's all it takes," Tsunade said evenly.
"You're right," Minato said sadly.
"Oh Kami, our children were nearly killed," Kushina said.
"That's not the only problem at this point," Minato said.
"What are you talking about?" Tsunade said.
"...Notice a big red demon fox missing? I think I found a way to alter the Shiki Fujin in separating the Bijuu's soul from its very own chakra. I sealed the chakra into Naruko and the soul into Naruto. theoretically the result should have been my death, but I think since I performed a different version of Shiki Fujin my life was spared," Minato said.
"...I knew you were a genius but this? Even I have to admit I'm impressed," Jiraiya said in shock.
"Are you sure that's what you did?" Kushina asked in concern.
"I'm positive. I saw the soul and chakra separate from each other before sealing them into Naruto and Naruko." Minato said confidently.
"My poor babies," Kushina said sadly.
"Since I separated the two key aspects that make a Bijuu whole then I don't think the Kyuubi can be extracted without both children being present when it happens," Minato said.
"You mean, you need both kids together to get the Kyuubi?" Tsunade asked.
"Yes... In theory anyway." Minato looked at his wife seriously. "That man might come back and try the same thing again. That could end badly for Naruto and Naruko. We can't stay here if that is the case."
"You want us to leave Konoha?" Kushina asked in surprise.
"Yeah, it's the only wat to protect the village and the children... That man could come after us for the children, and since he will need both kids to release the Kyuubi then..."
"I hope you're not suggesting what I think you're suggesting!" Kushina hissed suspiciously.
"I'm sorry Kushina-koi, but we can't take both children with us -"
"No! I am not leaving any of my babies! What the hell are you thinking, Minato-kun?!" Kushina shouted angrily.
"Here me out. We won't be leaving anyone alone. Jiraiya and Tsunade can look after and train one while we groom the other," Minato said and shrunk as Kushina fixed him with a withering glare.
"They are not objects to just experiment with. They're our children! OUR CHILDREN! Of all the ideas that you've come up with, Minato-kun, this is the worst!"
Minato's shoulders sagged. He began to see what she was talking about. He sighed. "You're right. We'll just have to figure out something else -"
"I support that idea," Jiraiya said.
Everyone looked at the old man with wide eyes.
"You what?" Tsunade inquired warningly.
"It's solid. Since Naruto and Naruko can't be near each other yet then this is the best we can do. I think Naruto should stay."
"Don't start with that stupid prophecy garbage again!" Kushina shouted angrily.
"No, it's not that. I just think that it would be the right thing to do. I'm his godfather. It wouldn't hurt."
"To hell with that! It is absolutely ludicrous! You can't make such a huge decision based on a half assed belief that the children must be separated or that man would not only find them but release the Kyuubi as well." Tsunade fumed.
"We can't take any chances! If we make a mistake it could possibly result in Naruto and Naruko getting killed!" Jiraiya argued.
"Exactly! What do you think would happen if that masked man came back and tried to take the Kyuubi from the child you left behind? It would still lead to the same result." Tsunade said.
"That's why we would be here. Minato and Kushina could protect Naruko and we could easily protect Naruto with the aid of Konoha. That man will not be a match for two Sannin!" Jiraiya boasted.
"You're right, sensei. This way we can be assured that both kids will at least be safe and the Kyuubi can not be freed." Minato said.
"I refuse! What the hell has gotten into you! Don't make me slap you, Minato!" Kushina warned.
"Kushina-koi, we don't have much time to do this before people find out. It's the best that we can offer our kids at the moment. We won't be abandoning Naruto. He'll stay with Jiraiya and Tsunade -"
"And we'll tell him all about you guys and what great parents you are, right Tsunade-hime?" Jiraiya asked with a grin.
"This isn't right. This isn't right and you know it," Tsunade said seriously.
"We have little choice, Tsunade. Don't worry, he won't be in your care for too long. We'll be back for him when the time is right," Minato said.
"...I can't leave him. Please Minato-koi, don't make leave him. I love him so much. Don't make me do this," Kushina pleaded as she looked at her son who was in her gentle embrace. "Sochi-kun..."
"I'm sorry Kushina-koi, but we have to. We'll be back for him soon enough, and we'll be a family again. I promise." Minato said with conviction.
"I just can't. He's my sochi. Can't you see you're making this painful for me." Kushina looked at her husband with a sorrowful gaze.
Minato's eyes soften. He understood what she was going through. It was really tough decision to make.
"He would never grow with us. He would never have that type of childhood that kids need. Can you really expect this to go in our favour? What if he grows to hate the parents that left him behind? I just can't deal with that. If you're so insistent in leaving for the safety of our kids and the village then...let me stay with him in Konoha," Kushina said.
"I would love that more than anything Kushina-chan but Naruko will need you," Minato said.
"What do you mean?" Kushina said.
"She only has the chakra of the Kyuubi. It's malevolent and malicious, adding to the fact that it does not have a soul and it will remain aimless with no focal point then Naruko could lose herself to the chakra indefinitely," Minato said.
Kushina understood immediately what Minato was implying, "You need my chakra chains."
Minato nodded his head grimly.
"Then why don't you stay with Naruto?" Kushina questioned.
"Because enemies would know that Minato's alive and they'll know that Naruto is his son. They'll come after the kid, no doubt about that," Jiraiya said seriously.
Kushina's mouth formed a thin line as the dreaded news was given to her. Will they ever get a break?
"If...If you're going to leave Naruto here, then people should not know who his parents are. We can't have him live anywhere in Konoha where he could be an easy target either." Tsunade said.
"I own an estate just outside Konoha. No one else knows that it exist because of the genjutsu that I put on it. You could use that place as a home to look after Naruto and train him to be stronger," Minato said.
"You want us to train him?" Tsunade questioned.
"Yes, I want you to teach him everything you know. I know you guys a very capable in making him a great shinobi." Minato said.
"This is so unfair!" Kushina cried. "Why do we have to do anything?! We can just stay in Konoha and see how things turn out!"
Everyone understood that Kushina was falling into desperation. She loved her children and as a Uzumaki family was very important to her.
No one noticed that Naruto's eyes had briefly opened, and they were red...
"I'm really sorry, Kushina-chan, but for the sake of Konoha and our children we have to do what's right. I-It isn't easy for me either. I love Naruto and this is hard for me too."
Kushina only whimpered as she looked down to her now sleeping son. The tears wouldn't stop.
"Don't worry, Kushina! He'll be in good hands!" Jiraiya said.
"...Promise me," Kushina whispered.
"What?" Jiraiya asked.
"Promise me, you'll look after him. You'll help him grow to be a responsible and loving boy. You'll tell him all about us and how much we love him. You'll train him to be the best shinobi he can be. You'll love him just as we do." Kushina was serious and made sure they knew it.
"Yeah...sure. I promise," Jiraiya said, a bit confused in Kushina's behavior.
Kushina turned to Tsunade.
"...I...promise," Tsunade said, although her response was very unenthusiastic.
Kushina looked at them for a moment and then nodded, "We'll send letters every month with presents for you to pick up. I want you to send us letters on Naruto's progress every month. If they are problems then you must inform us immediately. I don't want my sochi to grow up alone or unwanted," Kushina said.
"Yes," Jiraiya said in exasperation. However, Tsunade only looked away in thought.
"Then we have an agreement," Minato said with a hint of excitement.
"I really don't like this, but if you're right Minato then we can't endanger anyone," Kushina said and proceeded to repeatedly kiss Naruto's forehead. She looked at her son. "Kaa-chan loves you."
"And Tou-san loves you," Minato added with a grin as he rubbed Naruto's head.
The image started to distort until they view changed and Naruto found himself back in the mindscape. He looked around in surprise.
"Hey, what happened?!" Asked the frantic blonde.
"The rest of the memory was too boring to play." Kyuubi waved off and then looked at the boy again."However, that's basically everything you need to know."
Naruto looked down. The memory looked very real, but it could have easily been fabricated.
"For goodness sake! You're really an annoying brat!" Kyuubi paused and then started to giggle randomly.
Naruto looked at the Kyuubi as if she grew a second head. "What's so funny?"
"Be glad that you have me in you and not my counterpart." Kyuubi said.
Naruto could only stare at the girl in bewilderment. Kyuubi sighed and decided to explain.
"When your father tried to perform an ultanative version of Shiki Fuujin he thought that he stripped my chakra from my soul. His intention were good - depending on how you look at it - but his theory was ultimately incorrect." She laughed at Naruto's lost expression.
"What he did was not separate the soul from the chakra, but split the soul in half. Like I told you before my chakra is my soul. My yang chakra took a physical appearance before being sealed into you. My yin chakra took the form of pure chakra before been sealed into your sister, giving Minato the false pretence that he was able to 'separate' bijuu chakra from its soul. So all that effort that your family made to distance Naruko from you was all in vain," Kyuubi laughed.
Naruto glared at the fox. She seemed to have been taking some kind of sick pleasure from his suffering. She must be demented. Before he could retort however, Kyuubi continued.
"Just be glad you have me, the yang chakra, the good kind, in you instead of the yin chakra."
Naruto paused and processed her words. "The bad kind of chakra?" He inquired.
"Yep! I kind of feel sorry for your sister," Kyuubi said with a straight face.
Naruto had his doubts that Kyuubi felt any sort of sympathy towards his sister, but if this Kyuubi was crazy then he shuddered to think what Naruko's Kyuubi was like. He felt sorry for his sister.
"Eh? You know I can read your thoughts, right?" Kyuubi asked as she promptly bonked the poor boy on the head.
"Hey! You bitch!" Naruto cried out as he rubbed his head.
"God, You're still irritating. I need to teach you some manners, among other things," Kyuubi said thoughtfully.
That caught Naruto off guard, "What?"
"I decided to take you under my wing and train you. I have centuries of jutsu and skills under my belt and since you desperately need it then I feel inclined to teach you. Don't ask me why because I don't know why I'm doing this," Kyuubi regarded distractedly.
"Train me? Do you think that I believed that crap you showed me?" Naruto said incredulously.
"Excuse me?" Kyuubi inquired warningly.
"You heard me. My parents left me because they wanted me to be safe? They love me? My mother was your jailer before me? I have godparents that promised to take care of me? I was supposed to get presents and letters from them?" Kyuubi really despised that mocking tone that Naruto was using. "What a load of bullshit!"
Kyuubi did't respond.
"I refuse to believe any of this crap! My parents left me for Naruko! The only reason that they're even trying to make an attempt at me is because their guilt has caught up to them, not because they love me!" Naruto spat in anger.
Kyuubi yawned and then looked at Naruto boredly. "Are you finished?"
"Even if that was true they still left in the end. How can I overlook that! They didn't even check up on me once! And now they think that they can just show their faces and everything will be alright. They thought that I'll be that happy idiot that would just love them straight off the bat. What a laugh!" Naruto shouted.
Kyuubi walked up straight to Naruto and slapped him hard across the face. Naruto fell on his butt. He looked up and gazed into blazing red eyes.
"I don't give two shits if you love or hate your parents. I don't give a shit if you hate me. Hell, I hate your attitude right now. What I do give a shit about is this disgusting place that I will be calling my home for the rest of my life. Like I said before, Your emotions affects the mindscape. Just look at this place. You made it like this," Kyuubi said as she motioned to the area.
Naruto looked around and his eyes widened at the dreadful environment. This was...his doing?
"Adding to the fact the you're a coward who won't even talk with his parents and move on with his life then you can bet that I'm not in the happiest of moods."
Naruto glared at her. She didn't know anything about him.
"Oh no, I know everything about you, Naruto. I've seen your pitiful life for myself remember? Little baby's upset? Little baby's life was unfair? Little baby's gonna throw a tantrum? Grow up! Life isn't fair to anyone! You're not the only sorry excuse for a boy who had his childhood stripped from him. You're not the only one who's suffered. Look at me. I'm in this dreadful place for the rest of my life and it wasn't even my fault. I have little chance of freedom and I can't change that! Here you are, with the perfect opportunity to rectify everything and move on. You can't even do that right?"
Naruto was caught off guard with Kyuubi's tirade. He could not retort to anything.
"You know what? Fuck off. If this is the way you're going to be acting like then I'm just wasting my time." And with that he was forcibly removed from the mindscape.
Naruto slowly opened his eyes and looked around. He was laying on a couch.
"Good morning, Nii-san." Naruto looked to his side and saw Naruko, sitting on the opposite sofa.
"...Morning, Naruko. What time is it?" Naruto asked.
"It's still a bit early into the morning. Tazuna is going to leave for the bridge later during the day and we'll go with him for protection, but that's probably in the afternoon or something," Naruko stopped her rambling and then looked at her brother with adoration. "Kaa-san is all better. She said it was thanks to you. She's in bed resting."
Naruto nodded his head when he processed the words. He had his doubts in trusting a random person for a cure to help Kushina, but it seemed that Haku had come through in the end. He would like to thank her, if he ever saw her again. He just knew they would be questions on where he acquired the cure. Those would be questions he had no intention in answering.
"Kaa-san also said that when we get back to Konoha Team seven will terminate."
"What?!" Naruto got to his feet in surprise. Team Seven will be no more? This was his only chance at being a shinobi and Kushina was going to take that away from him? So he disobeyed orders. It didn't mean that Kushina had to kick him out of the shinobi ranks. Okay it did, but it was still unfair.
"Relax, Nii-san! We won't stop being shinobi," Naruko hurriedly cut in to ease her brother's fears. She knew what he was thinking, call it a twin sense, but she knew he did not want to end his career as a shinobi.
Naruto sighed in relief at that.
"Kaa-san told me that she will be taking the both of us with a new member while Kakashi will be taking Sasuke and Sakura, with an extra member of their own of course." Naruko said.
Naruto was shocked to hear that. Just how much did he miss in his sleep?
A thought suddenly inclined to Naruto and he got to his feet. He started making his way to the stairs.
"Nii-san? Where are you going? Sasuke and Sakura are training outside. We could join them," Naruko suggested.
Naruto thought about it and shook his head. "Sorry, but I have to talk to Kushina-sensei."
"About what?" Naruko inquired tentatively.
"All I can tell you is that it's important. I-I can't say any further," Naruto said.
"Okay, I'll be outside if you need me." Like he would ever call for her help. Naruto did not like to depend on his family so she didn't expect much of a response from her brother other than a nod, but she was surprised when Naruto said something that shocked her greatly.
"Thanks. I'll let you know." He left a flabbergasted Naruko as he made his way upstairs to face his mother.
Author's Notes: Done! I'm really trying to make the progress a bit slow so I can add more chapters. I'm not sure how many chapters I'll create for this fic, but I suspect a lot. The story is far from over and I have so many ideas thrown my way that I have a better picture of what the story will be like in later chapters. Thanks for reading and reviewing. You guys rock!