DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto, or any other previously published characters, techniques ect. used in this story.
A/N: Hello! This is my first fanfiction story. I have been reading the stories off of this site for several years now. This being said, It is entirely possible that some my ideas may be similar to another writers on this site. If you feel that I am using your ideas, please send me a PM - I will try to settle any problems you feel are necessary.
On another note. The category for this story is -Unspecified-. This story will contain many aspects of several different genre and will not be limited to any specific category. Furthermore, I will not announce any pairings - you will just have to find out for yourself. I am open to all forms of criticism. If you feel I have made a mistake, or feel I should add, change or remove something. please feel free to say so.
Again this is my first story, and have not established how I am going to write this story. You will likely notice several inconsistencies between Japanese and English linguistics(such as saying 'Water Style' over 'Suiton' and so forth.). If you decide to review, I would appreciate some input on how you think it should be written, I'm not sure what the public's preferred standard is. I have tried to write this story assuming the reader knows about the naruto-verse and how things work, but when necessary I may make changes. If you feel my explanations for simple naruto-verse concepts in unnecessary. please say so. This is the type of feedback I would appreciate. so Thanks in advance.
Chapter 1: Tails of the Gutsy Ninja
It was a warm summer day in the Land of Fire. After several years of conflict, it seemed that the tension of wartime had finally faded. Citizens of Konohagakure no Sato and its surrounding villages had finally settled into a comfortable peace. In one of the smaller forests on the outskirts of Konoha, a tall man with a mane of spiky white hair relaxed in one of the many large trees beside a river. The sunlight pierced through the thick forest treetops bathing the clearing in a warm light. The man was oblivious to the world as he wrote in his black notebook. After several hours, the man suddenly snapped his notebook shut and tucked it away into his traveling pack with a sigh.
The man jumped from his comfortable resting place and landed lightly on the ground. After a loud stretch he stared at the center of the clearing expectantly.
At that moment, a cloud of white smoke exploded in the clearing. revealing a large blue toad.
"Jiraiya! The Great Elder Toad has requested your presence at once." The blue toad stated in a rough voice.
The normally aloof man gained a serious expression. "The Elder? ...Of course, Ill head to Myoboku immediately". The toad gazed at him as if not fully believing him before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
Jiraiya reached into his pack and pulled out a scroll and unfurled it. He glanced at the complex seal array for a moment before placing his hand in the center of a circle on the page. He closed his eyes in focus before disappearing from the clearing as well, Leaving no trace of ever being there.
Mount Myoboku
Immediately after appearing in the realm of the toad summons. Jiraiya strode purposefully into the large cave that served as the Elder Toad's home.
A large elderly toad flanked by two much smaller but equally old toads were already waiting for him as he sat cross-legged before them.
"Ahh, Jiraiya-chan. I'm surprised that you came so quickly. I expected you to have taken your time with your 'research' before joining us." the large toad mused aloud teasingly.
"Ha! I would have, if I had any decent material..." he said this part with a slight pout. "but luckily I was only working on a new seal when I received your summon, Elder".
The Elder Toad chuckled amusedly before giving Jiraiya a firm look and getting down to business. "Jiraiya, I have summoned you here in regards to the child of prophecy..".
"What of him? Minato seems to be doing quite well since the war ended. His political strength as Hokage is doing wonders in the Ninja World. In the short time since the war ended. He has all but sealed alliances with two of the other Five Great Nations, at this rate we may actually achieve a lasting peace." Jiraiya explained.
"Hmm... Yes. Your student is indeed quite the hero, but whether he is the one is unclear... Jiraiya, The child of prophecy will bring either salvation... or destruction to the world of ninja, and you will be his sensei... I have summoned you in order to remind you this. And to warn you that a great evil is about to befall the Ninja World." The Elder Toad warned before closing his eyes and falling into a meditative sleep.
Jiraiya rose from his seat on the cave floor and returned to his world in a cloud of smoke.
Konoha - Hokage Tower
In one of the several conference rooms in the Hokage Tower, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in a comfortable silence with his wife Biwako. They were waiting on his successor, Minato, to arrive with his expecting wife Kushina. Although he had retired, Hiruzen had the aura of a powerful shinobi. In his prime, he was known as The God of Shinobi, The Professor, but of all his titles - he was the Sandaime Hokage. Even now, with graying brown hair, wrinkled face and tired posture - he still reigned as one of the most powerful ninja alive in the world. Hiruzen had been the student of both the Shodaime Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and his brother; the Nidaime Hokage, Tobirama Senju. He had carried on not only their power, but also their belief in the Will of Fire - The belief that love is the key to peace, and is the source of true power. That every Konoha shinobi should love, fight for, and protect his village and comrades with their lives. Hiruzen had made it his goal in life to instill this belief into the next generation. As he sat with his wife, he thought of his successor, and how bright the Will of Fire blazed in his eyes. He truly was a genius - a powerful shinobi, who harnessed a true love for his village and fought for peace.
"He is truly the Chosen One that Jiraiya spoke of" Hiruzen thought to himself as he waited for Minato to arrive.
Just then a young couple walked into the conference room. A tall handsome man in his twenties, with blonde spiky hair that framed his slender face perfectly; and a young woman with long, straight, fiery red hair. She stood a head shorter than the man, and had a slender body but sported a rather expanded stomach hidden under the purple dress she wore.
"Ah, Minato! Kushina! How are you both?" Hiruzen said as he rose to greet his successor and his wife.
"We are fine Sarutobi-sensei - Though Kushina says Naruto should be here very soon.." Minato said in a slightly nervous voice.
"That is precisely why we have asked you here. Kushina, as we have discussed before, because you are the Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi; we need to have you give birth in a secret area outside of the village. You will accompanied by a barrier team, a Seal Master, and Biwako herself will deliver your baby." Hiruzen explained.
"As there are only two Seal Masters in the world, and Jiraiya is on an important mission looking for Orochimaru - Minato will be assigned to maintain the seal while you give birth." Hiruzen continued.
"You will gather what you need, and meet me at the Main Gate in 1 hour. We will then meet the barrier squad, and begin preparations." Biwako said in a kind yet commanding voice that left no room for negotiation.
Kushina nodded and smiled. "Understood! We will meet you there. Let's go Minato!" Kushina said as she excitedly ran out the door.
"Always so energetic Kushina... Can't we just walk?" Minato complained amusedly as he chased after his wife.
Konoha - Main Gate
Kushina was approaching the Main Gate to meet Minato and Biwako, when she saw her closest friend exiting a store. Tightening her grip on the bag she had packed for herself she ran over to greet her friend.
"Mikoto! Hey! I was just...Eek! Is that him!?" Kushina said excitedly as she approached her friend.
Mikoto Uchiha smiled and lifted the bundle she was holding up to her long time friend. "Yes! Kushina, I would like you to meet my son; Sasuke Uchiha!" Mikoto announced with a smile.
"Oh Mikoto! He is so adorable!" Kushina gushed.
"He is! and he will be a handsome, powerful, ninja some day." Mikoto said as she kissed her baby on the forehead.
Kushina leaned into her friend conspirationally. "So...does it hurt?".
Mikoto gave Kushina a blank look before bursting out into laughter. "Hah! So there IS something that scares you, eh?".
"Well!?" Kushina prompted.
"Ill never tell!" Mikoto teased, sticking her tongue out slightly.
"What!? WHY!"
"Consider it payback for that prank on my wedding night!" Mikoto retorted, a little heat in her tone.
After a short conversation, and a promise to meet when she returned to the village. Kushina continued to the Main Gate to meet with Minato. After checking out with the guards they made a hasty departure from the village.
Secret Location - Outskirts of Konoha
Kushina had gone into labor shortly after arriving at the hidden shelter designated by Hiruzen. Minato had immediately ran out to inform the barrier team and ANBU guards that the moment had arrived. Said ANBU diligently reported to their posts, and prepared for the unlikely event of attack. Minato, as the powerful figurehead that he was insisted that his chosen units should practice a constant vigilance and to expect anything. These were some of the most proficient ninja his village had to offer, and they would protect their leader with their lives.
It was this same powerful figurehead that was shaking in a nervous fear just moments later as he watched his wife scream in agony.
"But...but Biwako-san! I've never seen Kushina scream like this.. Not even in the worst parts of the war! Are you sure she is okay?" Minato cowered.
Without looking at him Biwako admonished him. "A man could never understand the pain she is going through. For Kami's sake, Minato! You are the Yondaime Hokage! Be a man! You must focus on maintaining the seal and keeping the Nine-tailed Fox at bay!".
"R-Right!. I'm on it!" Minato exclaimed as he focused as much of his attention as possible on the seal that was glowing on Kushina's stomach.
After a very intense delivery it seemed all had gone well.
"Thats it! You did it Kushina-chan! He is a healthy baby boy!" Biwako said happily as she brought the newly born Naruto away to clean him up. "Minato! Do not lose focus on the Seal! We are not out of the woods yet. The delivery has greatly weekend the seal as well as Kushina! This is when the Kyuubi will attempt to force its way out of the seal. You must keep it at bay!" Biwako insisted.
Minato said nothing, but was ecstatic to hear the delivery was a success. However, as soon as he heard the cries of his son, he had felt a powerful push from the Kyuubi. Minato now had both hands held over the seal and a bright glow was emitting from his hands as he focused on suppressing the Kyuubi.
*THUD*
"Biwako! NARUTO!" Kushina screamed hoarsely.
Minato averted his focus behind him and saw a sight that made his blood run cold.
Standing above the still form of Biwako Sarutobi, was a tall man wearing a black cloak ordained with red clouds, and a large round orange mask that covered his entire head, except for a single eye-hole. In his arms he held a kunai knife to the neck of the still crying Naruto.
That moment seemed to drag on for an eternity before the masked assassin spoke.
"Minato Namikaze...Step away from the Jinchuuriki, or your son dies." The man said in a deep emotionless voice.
"NOT NARUTO! LET HIM GO!" Kushina screamed painfully.
"Wait! Hold on! Don't do anything rash! Let's try to talk about this." Minato suggested trying with all his might to maintain a politically strong tone while still holding the seal that was continuously thrashing against his lowered concentration. "Who are you? How did you know we were here? How did you get through the barrier? What is it you want?" Minato interrogated in the hopes of stalling for time.
"If I could just suppress the Kyuubi, then I can fully focus on the situation." Minato thought to himself.
"You are truly an incredible adversary, Minato Namikaze, to so quickly take hold of a situation and plan a strategy shows the truly remarkable ability you have as the Hokage." The man said amusedly in his cold voice.
"My name is...unimportant. I have...ways of attaining information. I have been planning this operation for months, and have been waiting for the perfect moment to make my move. You do not think a simple barrier and a few amateur ninja could stand much of a challenge for me do you, Minato Namikaze?" the assassin informed, the arrogance evident in his tone.
"This is impossible! Those were some of my best teams! How could he defeat them without alerting us to his presence? Wait..red clouds... Could this be that man? So that means his target isn't Kushina, but.. " he thought frantically, his apprehension rising at the realization.
"My target...is the Kyuubi no Kitsune." the assassin declared. "I will not say it again. Step away from the Jinchuuriki, or your son will die."
"Wait! We can wor-" Minato was cut off as the cloaked assassin made his move.
"So be it!" he tossed the baby into the air and prepared to strike with his knife.
"NARUTO!" Kushina screamed in horror.
As the arc of the strike descended on the falling baby, a flash of yellow blocked the assassin's vision. In that moment his victim and Minato had both vanished completely. With a dark chuckle the man approached the defenseless Kushina.
"Now, Jinchuuriki, I will extract the Kyuubi from your body. Unfortunately...This process will end your life...Farewell, Jinchuuriki." the mysterious assailant said as he activated his Sharingan Eye and sent Kushina into unconsciousness.
Back in the village Minato was placing Naruto into the crib he had constructed in the Hokage's Office. Night had fallen and Hiruzen it seemed had returned home. Turning from the crib, he gathered chakra for one of his favorite lutsu.
Shadow Clone Jutsu! Three perfect copies of Minato appeared before him awaiting his orders.
"You two stay and guard Naruto! Do not let anyone enter this room under any circumstances!" Turning to the third clone he addressed it. "Go to Sarutobi-sensei! Inform him what has happened tell him to gather all active duty Jounin and Chuunin to prepare for deployment! We will be under attack within the hour!" Minato commanded.
The third clone nodded in confirmation and vanished in a flash of yellow.
After checking that Naruto had fallen asleep. Minato flashed away. Hoping that he will make it in time to save his love and stop the assassin from unleashing the Kyuubi.
"Minato.. will.. stop you!" Kushina gasped as the newly identified Uchiha went through the final set of handsigns. The seal had just been broken, and the chakra of the kyuubi was flooding the area, marking the release from the seal.
"Fuuin: Release!" The mysterious assailant intoned. With a blood curdling scream the remainder of the Kyuubi's chakra in Kushina's body exploded outwards; destroying the cabin's walls and converging in a single point. Forming a giant red nine-tailed Fox.
The Kyuubi no Kitsune, the most powerful of the nine bijuu was released upon the world once again. The massive being of power turned its head toward the humans that stood at its feet.
"YOU! I WILL DESTROY YOU HUMAN! YOU WILL NOT CONTROL ME AG-" The savage declaration by the Kyuubi was cut short the moment it had made eye contact with the cloaked ninja.
"Now! Kyuubi! Destroy Konoha! Let none survive! Destroy EVERYTHING! the Uchiha commanded.
With a mythical roar, the Kyuubi turned towards the unsuspecting village, and began to carve slow devastating path in its wake.
Before the assassin could begin the evil maniacal laughter that all villains were required to perform after a successful plan. He was interrupted by the voice of Kushina.
"Water Style: Water Bullet Jutsu!" Kushina grunted as she fired a condensed bullet of water from her palm; but the attack seemed to just barely miss her target and smashed into a stone a short distance away; reducing it to very small pieces.
"Still alive are we?" The mysterious assailant chuckled as he turned to face the ragged young woman. Kushina's once beautiful image was transformed into a gruesome sight. Her creamy skin was scarred with dozens of bleeding cuts and bruises, her hair was drenched in sweat causing it to clinged to her face and body, her body barely covered by shredded bedding she had manage to cling to. But most disturbing was her eyes. An all consuming rage filled her once alluring blue eyes.
"The Uzumaki Clan is truly remarkable...for you to survive the extraction of a bijuu - the most powerful bijuu no less - speaks volumes of the powerful chakra your clan is famous for, Kushina Uzumaki." the man complimented as he withdrew a kunai from his cloak. "It's a shame that you are the last of your clan..I suppose the famous Uzumaki Clan will end with you...and your son, of course".
"YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY BABY YOU BASTARD!" Kushina yelled her voice cracking.
"And I suppose you will stop me? Heh heh. No, I-" the man's sentence was cut short when a yellow blur flashed in front of Kushina, and then quickly flashing away with her. Leaving the assassin alone in the ravaged clearing.
Just as the Uchiha was preparing to persue the Kyuubi, he was stopped when a yellow light flashed into the clearing revealing a very pissed Minato Namikaze; fully equipped in his standard Jounin uniform and a strange looking kunai knife in hand.
"Ah! So you want a fight do you? I suppose I could spare some time to play with the Legendary Yellow Flash of Konoha.." the man taunted.
Both ninja stood their ground for a moment, neither taking a stance or offering any sound or movement. As the tension between the two powerful ninja built, a cool eerie breeze blew through the clearing. At once both men disappeared from sight, the only indication of movement being the dust expelled from the points the two took off from - and the points they made contact with.
Both ninja exchanged attacks, neither seeming to touch the other. Minato launched a flurry of combinations at the assassin, who seemed impossibly able to avoid every single attack. after an unsuccessful swipe with his kunai, Minato put some distance between himself and his opponent so he could think.
"What is going on here? I know that last swipe made contact..but it phased right through him! What kind of just is he using? Could it be..he is using a space-time ninjutsu? Minato thought as he reached into the ninja pouch on his belt.
"It seems you've figured me out...impressive, Minato Namikaze. You know that I am utilizing a space-time ninjutsu to avoid harm. My jutsu is not much different from your own..the legendary Hiraishin. Tell me, Minato Namikaze, is it true that you had decimated all of Iwagakure's forces during the Third Great War with that single jutsu? How does it work? I can truly appreciate the work of another powerful ninja such as yourself.. I wonder how your space-time jutsu stands up against my own.." the man arrogantly taunted.
"How about we find out?" Minato said before jumping high into the air and flinging a handful of strange kunai at his enemy. The cloaked ninja, in his arrogance, made no intention of moving as Minato made a single handsign.
Kunai Shadow Clone Jutsu! Minato shouted as the dozen kunai he had flung multiplied into thousands as they rained down as a wave of black steel upon the assassin.
"Impressive display of chakra!" The assassin whistled, still standing in the same spot.
Without a word and still airborne, Minato vanished in a flash of light. All around The assassin the yellow light flashed around him at impossible speeds; several times slashing right through his body but leaving no trace of ever making contact only the high wind brushing the assassin's cloud ordained cloak indicated that Minato had been attacking at all.
After several approaches and spontaneous ambushes using various ninjutsu, Minato flashed a few meters from his opponent, breathing heavily.
"I get it now! His space time jutsu phases his body into a parallel dimension, and he phases back only to attack. So I will have to wait for him to go on the offensive and counter with a Hiraishin attack! There must be limitations to this jutsu.. If only I had more time!. I may be able to make a Fuuinjutsu to counter his space time jutsu." Minato thought furiously.
Across the clearing, The assassin observed Minato warily. Suddenly his attention was drawn in the direction the Kyuubi had gone.
"Though this has been most entertaining...I'm afraid I must take my leave. It would seem the Kyuubi is just now encountering the first wave of resistance from Konoha. I wouldn't want to miss the destruction of my rival's prized village... Good luck stopping the Kyuubi...I will be watching, so be sure to give me a good show will you? Goodbye for now...Minato Namikaze." The assassin said villainously as he melted into the ground; leaving no trace of where he had gone.
"Rival? does he mean me? or possibly.." His thoughts were cut off by the sound of explosions in the distance.
Minato swore loudly before flashing back to his office.
Konoha - Hokages office
Minato had been making his preparations for nearly an hour. He knew that there was no way to kill the Kyuubi. It was a being of chakra, and could not be killed by normal means. His only option was to seal the Kyuubi into a new vessel, a new Jinchuuriki.
In the corner, Kushina was holding her newborn son. Her face was torn between happiness and fear. She was so happy to have her son safely in her arms, but she had come so close to losing him; and their enemy was still out there and currently attacking the village. Minato had told her his plan to seal the Kyuubi, and she was not happy. She knew her husband was hiding something; and she has a sneaking suspicion that he was planning something drastic.
Minato looked over his work with a critical eye. The seal array before him was even more infinitely as complex than normal seal arrays. In these moments where his skills as a Seal Master were used to their fullest he could truly appreciate his aptitude for the art. Fuuinjutsu was a rare skill; even the most skilled Jounin could barely pull off the most basic seals. These were often limited to mere Storage seals or Explosive tags.
The seal he was currently finishing was based off theory that had been left behind by Tobirama Senju but was a seal of his own creation. This was a seal that he was sure would surpass all other previous Bijuu sealing techniques. It would ultimately bind and suppress the Bijuu, but then would slowly convert the Bijuu's demonic chakra into chakra that would assimilate into the Jinchuuriki's Chakra System.
Minato also devised a special key that could loosen or tighten the seal, therefore allowing more or less power to leak to the Jinchuuriki. Additionally, there were dozens of other seals intertwined within the Master Seal that would provide several options for the jinchuuriki should any special circumstances arise.
A yellow flicker in his peripheral vision alerted him to his two clone's arrival. One clone wordlessly hurried over to the wall where photo's of previous hokage were hung. Removing the picture of himself from the wall revealed a steel safe with hundreds of seals carved upon it. The clone activated a storage seal on a slip of paper, unsealing a large Master Scroll. After sealing the Master Scroll within the safe, the clone replaced the picture and began carving a complex seal along the wood frame of his picture.
The remaining clone who had been sent to recon the situation outside began his report. "Boss! Our forces have been stalling the Kyuubi successfully, it has yet to reach the village walls. However, we have taken on heavy casualties. Sarutobi-sensei arrived on the battlefield a few minutes ago after evacuating the villagers into the shelters. I expect us to only have about twenty minutes worth of preparation time before our forces will be overcome."
Having finished his report the clone dispersed. The clone could have just given the report by dispersing, therefore transferring the knowlege to Minato, but had given his report audibly for Kushina's benefit.
Glancing at the seal array one last time, Minato rolled it up and rose to his feet and walked over to his wife and son.
"Kushina, I have to tell yo-" He was cut off by Kushina.
"Minato, I may not know as much about fuuinjutsu as you do, but I know what you plan to do and I'm not happy about it! How can you do this? He will be forced to live the horrible lonely life of a Jinchuuriki! You don't know what it's like! To be different! He-" This time Minato had interrupted her angry rant with a soft kiss.
"Kushina, you know this is our only option..This seal...will cost me my life to use" Kushina tried to argue further but Minato just continued. "but it will seal the Kyuubi far better than it was sealed in you, it will ensure that the Kyuubi cannot be stolen, and will eventually give Naruto the ability to seize control of all the Kyuubi's power. It will be the greatest protection...and curse that we could ever give to him."
With tears rolling down her cheeks, Kushina nodded solemnly, resigning her husband's words. "I Just hope that the loved ones we leave behind will take care of him in our absence.."
Outskirts of Konoha
The once lush forests beyond the north wall of the Hidden Leaf Village had been transformed into a scarred battlefield. Fires could be seen blazing across the landscape, as specially assigned teams of ninja focus their efforts to contain the spread. Craters large and small marred the terrain. Jagged sections of earth had been ripped open by the earthquakes caused by the Kyuubi's powerful tails. Just a short distance from the village walls, a large red fox with nine lashing tails could be seen thrashing about wildly as it was battled the full force of Konoha's military strength. Try as they might, the Kyuubi continued to advance on the ninja.
"Keep on the offensive! We can't let the Kyuubi enter the village!" shouted one of the commanding ninja.
"Stall it until the Hokage gets here!" another shouted.
With a demonic roar, the Kyuubi slammed its nine tails into the ground, causing several massive shards of earth to fly in all directions, impacting the village walls and several ninja who would with all likeliness not be fighting any further.
Not hesitating, the Kyuubi opened its jaws wide. The surrounding ninja who were still sending a powerful onslaught of jutsu and weaponry watched in horror as a massive ball of blood colored energy began to form in the Kyuubi's maw.
"NO! It plans to wipe out the village with a single attack!" a young masked ninja with gravity defying silver hair called out to his squad. "Team Alpha! Emergency Defensive Operation 4!" he ordered. The boy could not have been any older than sixteen, but judging by the immediate reaction and coordination of his clearly older teammates, he was their team captain.
Four ninja, dressed in traditional jonin attire, including the young captain appeared just a few yards from the Kyuubi. As one they unfurled four large scrolls over one another, dropped on one knee and slammed their hands on specific areas along the intersected scrolls.
"Konoha Secret Fuuinjutsu: Birth of Trees!" The four ninja intoned. A massive and complex seal expanded from the intersected scrolls in a seemingly erratic yet organized chaos of chakra. The seal was visible to most of the ninja still on the battlefield. Hiruzen Sarutobi could see it clearly from his impromptu command station just outside the village gates.
Hiruzen was beginning to to become frustrated with the situation. He had arrived on the scene of the Kyuubi's rampage what seemed like ages ago, and yet he still had yet to even reach striking range of the Kyuubi's position.
Since his arrival, he had been forced to provide assistance to the Medical Corps. who were experiencing great difficulty in moving the injured further away from the battlefield because the Kyuubi was approaching their designated medical area at an alarming rate.
As soon as the Medical Corps. had been safely moved within the village walls, Hiruzen had sent up a blue flare, signalling all ninja who were not currently assigned to duties on their Team Captain's orders, to report to him for direction. However, Hiruzen had not expected there to be so many teams not given assignments. Most - if not all the ninja not in ANBU, had swarmed to his position to report on the situation and recieve orders. It was just after he had sent out the last three teams, most of which were fresh chuunin to check on the shelters, that he saw the Kyuubi preparing its most devastating attack so far.
Before he could properly react to the large ball of destructive chakra about to be released from the Kyuubi's jaws, he saw the seal burst into existence. It was with pride and solemn reminiscence that he watched the legendary jutsu of his sensei, Hashirama Senju's Birth of Trees. Several dozen trees began to rise out of the ground around the four shinobi who cast the jutsu. Starting from small buds and growing into enormous trees in little over 3 seconds. Bending and twisting into a massive arced wall over the Kyuubi, that threatened to encase it completely like a jail.
With a savage roar and the blast not comparable to anything the ninja could fathom, the Kyuubi released its ball of condensed energy into the tree structure now in its path.
The light from the attack blinded Hiruzen momentarily. When his vision cleared the only remains of the short-lived yet beautiful structure of life was shards of wood and burning branches of leaves.
As he took in the visage of the many shinobi emerging from the rubble and niches where they had taken cover to begin the attack again. Hiruzen reflected on how lucky they all were that Minato had become his successor. He had done so much to improve the military strength of konoha. Konoha had not only grown in number, but the quality of shinobi had improved as well. Especially so shortly after the Third Great Ninja War, which had weakened each of the Elemental Nations greatly. But it was not just that; Minato and brought so much...innovation to the village and it's ninja. This was a perfect example.
After the passing of the first hokage, he and those who were old enough to remember him, never would have believed they would see his amazing and unique jutsu ever again. But Minato, along with Hiruzen's own student Jiraiya of the Sannin, had worked diligently to use their talents in Fuuinjutsu improve Konoha's military strength. The uniqueness of the type of power Minato had developed was immensely valuable to the village, as it was a power that could not be stolen, used by the village or given to allies. This particular seal, that had saved them all from the Kyuubi's attack was one of a kind, and was given to Minato's only surviving student, Kakashi Hatake, when he became ANBU Captain. It was supposed to be an emergency experimental defense, only to be used when large-scale assault was imminent. Luckily Jiraiya and Minato had been successful, and now had proof to begin developing similar seals for their shinobi to utilize. 'The potential is truly astounding...nearly infinite!' Hiruzen thought to himself before shaking his head to clear his mind. This was one of Hiruzen's great strengths and why he was named 'The Professor', he was always thinking of ways to develop or improve in any situation, even in heat and chaos of battle.
"It's time I entered this fight!" Hiruzen declared to himself as he removed his cloak, revealing his famous battle gear. The black samurai-nin style armor was his trademark. In past wars it was known to each of the Great Nations, if you see Hiruzen Sarutobi in that gear, He meant business; which meant to expect the full power of 'The God of Shinobi' to be unleashed.
Disappearing in a swirl of leaves, which was the effect used to mask the use of Konoha's Shunshin Jutsu. A technique that allowed a ninja to travel a certain distance(depending on the amount of chakra used) at great speed. Hiruzen reappeared next to the four shinobi who had cast the jutsu.
"Team Alpha, Are you alright?" Upon arriving at their location he immediately noticed that the four ninja had yet to rise from their crouched positions over their scrolls. Upon further inspection, they seemed to all be breathing heavily.
"Sandaime-sama..Thank Kami your here! The Shodai Salvation Seal successfully blocked the Kyuubi's attack...but Kyuubi's power was far greater than we expected. The Birth of Trees is only as powerful as the Chakra infused, the recoil from the assault drained us all completely... I think Yugao-chan is in shock, Genma and Raido are both unconscious.." Kakashi reported between heavy breathes of air. His normally gravity-defying silver hair hung limp with sweat over his headband, and his mask, which usually covered his right eye was pulled down so it only covered his nose and lower face. His scarred right eye was closed and he was barely keeping his left eye open enough to see Hiruzen.
Hiruzen examined the three other members of the team while Kakashi spoke. After checking Raido and Genma's pulses. He confirmed they were both unconscious and were likely suffering from Chakra Exhaustion. When he turned to Yugao, the young girl was staring blankly at her scroll where her hand still was pressed against the paper. Her hand was burned lightly and was trembling, though that was the only part of her that seemed to be moving, she did not seem to be blinking. It was startling to see the young teen in this state.
"Yugao-chan, can you hear me? Are you alright? Can you move?" Hiruzen asked deliberately. Not receiving any response he made a cut on his left hand with a kunai from his pouch and went through a quick series of handsigns before slamming his hand on the ground and calling,
Ninja Art Summoning: Monkey's Royal Guard!
A plume of smoke marked the arrival of four large regally dressed monkeys. They each wore Konoha style jounin flak-jackets over their regal attire and were each armed in their own respective weapons of specialty.
Not hesitating for greetings or introductions, Hiruzen made a firm yet respectful command.
"Take these ninja to the Hospital quickly! Inform the Medical Corps that these ninja are to be treated immediately, then please bring a message to Enma. Ask him to pass a message to the Chief Toad, Jiraiya of the Sannin has been recalled from his current mission by authority of the Sandaime Hokage, and to immediately report back to the village. Inform his of the Kyuubi's attack and possible involvement of enemy ninja! Please Hurry!".
Nodding as sign of understanding their orders, the monkey-ape nin lifted each of the fallen ninja over their shoulders, and took off at a high speed towards the village.
Turning towards the Kyuubi, which had not made any progress since the Birth of Trees was unleashed, was currently swiping at the Several Konoha ninja who were currently fighting it. With a roar and another swipe of one of its tails, another earthquake rumbled under their feet.
Just as Hiruzen was beginning a long series of handsigns for a jutsu he hoped would stall the Kyuubi for a longer period to allow the troops to regroup, A Giant Toad slammed down behind him.
Turning his back on the Kyuubi, He saw that the giant toad was Gamabunta, the Chief Toad Boss. Gamabunta towered over all of the ninja, a size comparable to two large houses. Gamabunta was sporting his signature yakuza cloak, pipe, and tanto secured around his midsection. Atop his large green head, stood Minato Namikaze fully garbed in his shinobi gear and a large scroll on his back. Next to him, crouched Kushina Uzumaki. Kushina, also in her jonin gear, was holding a bundle of blankets and looked very pale and appeared to be having a hard time standing, but still she kept a strong face.
The ninja all across the battlefield cheered loudly at the sight of Gamabunta and their leader, redoubling their efforts with hope renewed the ninja began to bombard Kyuubi with several jutsu causing it to be distracted from the new arrival.
Minato seized Kushina around the waist and jumped down next to Hiruzen who had a relieved look on his face.
"Minato-kun! Finally you are here!" Hiruzen said. Turning to Kushina he continued. "Kushina-chan, I'm so relieved that you're okay. When Minato's clone told me you were attacked. and that the Kyuubi was freed, I was afraid the assassin had.." Hiruzen's ramblings were interrupted by Minato.
"Sarutobi-Sensei, I'm sorry but there isn't time for this. We need to seal the Kyuubi, now." Minato was in a hurry because if he didn't act quickly. The man with the shroud of red clouds could make another appeance and interrupt the sealing, which would leaving them all with much bigger problems than they had now.
"Right. So What's our next move? Are you going to re-seal the Kyuubi into Kushina-chan?" At this Kushina's eyes started to tear up. She had suggested this to Minato, but he was convinced the Kyuubi, would merely break out of the seal because of how weak her body was after the extracting. It just reminded her of the feeling of being weak, a feeling she hadn't felt since she was still in the academy.
"No, Sarutobi-Sensei, Kushina's body is too weak to seal again after the Kyuubi was extracted. In fact, she is quite lucky to be standing let alone living at all. Her chakra...is slowly fading as her coils were heavily damaged, her organs will start to fail once her chakra is gone. She doesn't have much time." Minato said sadly but still kept to commanding presence; lest their ninja somehow notice his state and lose faith.
"I see...". Sarutobi looked to the bundle in Kushina's arms and immediately knew what Minato had in mind. "Minato-kun, Are you sure you want to do this? You will be placing such a heavy burden on your child. Being a Jinchuuriki is exactly what the name says. They are a sacrifice Minato, You do not need me to tell you how Jinchuuriki are usually treated..."
"Sensei, I have faith that the village I have loved, fought for, and sacrificed for, will respect my last wishes and treat my son as the hero he is. and he will not be alone as other Jinchuuriki usually are, the loved ones we leave behind will care for and love him in our stead." Minato said with determination in his eyes.
"Yes Minato, bu- Wait! 'last wishes'? 'leave behind'? What the hell are you getting at, Minato?" Hiruzen demanded as he realized what Minato was implying.
"This seal... is my greatest work yet, Sensei." Minato began as he watched the Kyuubi thrash and claw at the ground where the many shinobi still fought. "It's called the Eight Trigram Divination Seal - Hakke no Fuuin Shiki. I added several adjustments to the design, but as proud of it as I am, and as much I'm sure you could truly appreciate the work, I can't explain it all now. Here's the basics; I will draw the seal onto Naruto-kun's stomach, then I will activate the Seal on my Back, Then I will Seal the Kyuubi. The Kyuubi will be sealed unlike it ever has before. It will not be able to be freed without Naruto-kun's doing it himself. I have designed it to have several special features and failsafe. The seal will slowly drain the Kyuubi of its chakra and convert it into Naruto-kun's Chakra and allow it to pass through his chakra system. I left a letter explaining it in your desk in the Hokage Tower".
Hiruzen was stunned but didn't think for a second that there wasn't a catch. Hiruzen was a very intelligent man, whose wisdom went far beyond the ninja arts. He knew that there would have to be some sort of exchange equal to the result Minato sought. He made to voice his thought, "What's the cost though Minato? There cannot be such a result without some sort of exchange or source to power I-WAIT. what do you mean MY desk in the Hokage Tower?" Hiruzen stopped, realization and a slight bit of horror appearing on his features.
At this, Minato and Kushina smirked slightly. "Jiji, I'm afraid your old nemesis has missed you a great deal, and anxiously awaits your return." Kushina joked, attempting at a bit of humor in this depressing moment.
"Minato, You can't be serious. If this seal is going to kill the user, why don't you let me do it? I know enough Fuuinjutsu to activate the seal, there's no reason for you to die and abandon your son!" Hiruzen pleaded.
"I'm sorry sensei, but the complexity of the Kyuubi's sealing is more than you could know to complete the sealing successfully. This is my choice sensei, I will make this sacrifice for my son, for my friends, for my village." Minato said resolutely.
After a moment of contemplation Hiruzen spoke. "And here I thought I would never have to deal with that damned paperwork again." Minato smiled at this.
"I'm counting on you and Jiraiya-sensei to take care of Naruto for us. Please care for him and teach him all you can in our stead. Be sure that he grows into a fine man and ninja. Teach him well, so that he can take the hat from you someday, and who knows? you may still get a decent retirement after he becomes Hokage." Minato said amusedly. "I currently have about 150 clones setting our affairs in order. They will leave documentation of everything that I have been working on, and was thinking of working on. They will seal off the Namikaze Estate and Clan Compound all of our important possessions and other intellectual property are sealed and preserved there. Only Naruto can unseal everything once he claims his Inheritance and knowingly swipes his blood on the seal behind my picture in the Hokage Office. It might seem like a lot to ask Sensei, but I've left everything you'll need and need to know in a letter on your desk."
A roar and sudden pressure in the air interrupted their conversation. "It's time, Goodbye Sarutobi-Sensei. Thank you for everything." Minato said as he gave his long-time mentor and grandfather figure a hug and then stepped back for his wife to also give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you for everything Jiji. Please take good care of Naruto for me." Kushina said with teary eyes.
"Of course, Kushina-chan. Of course I will." Hiruzen choked as he hugged Kushina tightly.
Without further hesitations Minato stepped up to his wife and they both disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
"Well I believe this is my signal to enter the fray!" Gamabunta's voice boomed over Hiruzen's head. Hiruzen watched as the large toad unsheathed his enormous blade and leapt towards the Kyuubi.
"I guess I should find a place to observe the sealing so I can get Naruto-kun out of there." Hiruzen said to himself before also disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
The Leaf Ninja had almost completely halted their attack on the Kyuubi. Most had put a great deal of distance between themselves and the tailed beast who was now waging an intense battle with Gamabunta, the Chief Toad and their Hokage's most powerful summon creature. Entire Teams of shinobi had regrouped with their team mates and friends to gape in awe of the titanic struggle.
Gamabunta was putting up a great fight, utilizing a mixture of swordplay and his signature Water Style: Toad Water Bullet Jutsu!, he was keeping the Kyuubi solely focused on him. Therefore, allowing the Leaf nin to collect their wounded and regroup. Gamabunta kept his distance though, leaping in to strike at the Kyuubi before leaping away just as quickly to launch another powerful blast of water. He kept this pattern going for as long as he could, knowing full well that if the Kyuubi was able to land a powerful blow to him, he would be forced to reverse summon back to the summon realm.
With Minato and Kushina
Minato had just finished drawing the complex seal array onto Naruto's stomach, who was sleeping soundly despite the turmoil around him. Minato had placed him under a light genjutsu to induce sleep so he could complete the seal without the newborn accidently moving and ruining the seal.
"I think that's it Kushina. It's all ready... Are you ready?" Minato asked his wife, his normal ability to keep an image of brightness under any circumstance seemed to be completely gone now. All that remained was sad eyes and a voice that cracked with emotion.
Kushina said nothing, she merely nodded in confirmation. She could not trust her voice. She feared that if she spoke, she might break down again. They had both already said all they had wanted, and even had said their goodbyes before they left the Hokage Tower. Kushina had broken down twice since Minato told her his plan to seal the Kyuubi into their son; she did not want to lose it again on the battle field, she could not. It would put Minato's entire plan in jeopardy, and they couldn't afford that, not now.
"When you're ready...place both your hands over the seal here." he said as he pointed to a part of the seal near the middle. "Just like that. Great...Now like I said before... When I activate the seal it will drain the remainder of your chakra and place into a deep sleep. You won't feel a thing when you go, I promise." Minato explained.
He knew she was not afraid to die, all shinobi know that their lives were expected to be short and would likely end painfully in combat. Very few ninja ever met their end comfortably. Still he felt the need to assure her that he would make it as painless as possible. And he had done so. He had been completely sure that she would be in a comfortably deep sleep when the chakra left her body. She would not have to feel her organs slowly failing and her own death. He owed her that much.
Minato finally leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. before saying, "I love you Kushina. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world for knowing you. I don't know what will happen after we leave this world, but I promise you; I will fight for eternity to find you in the afterlife." As he said this he tried to convey all of the love and determination he had into this statement and their kiss.
Still Kushina said nothing. With tears in her eyes and a bright smile on her face she nodded and gave him a deep kiss in return. "Ill hold you to that Minato-kun." she finally said. Her voice seemed a bit happier that it had been since the assassin had attacked them. Perhaps it was because she knew she had the opportunity have her consciousness sealed into her son. This seal Minato had worked so hard on would allow her to meet her son someday. It would seal a portion of her soul and consciousness into the seal to allow her to visit him in his mindscape someday. As a Jinchuuriki, she was well versed the ways the mind would create a world to contain the Tailed Beast sealed within them. She would be able to visit this world within her sons mind someday.
Once they separated Minato made a long series of handsigns. Kushina waited patiently and watched her sons sleeping face with a sad smile. After almost a minute of waiting she thought maybe Minato had stopped the sealing, when she turned to look at her husband, it was just in time to see the last of the handsigns of the complex just. A blinding blue light flashed from what seemed like everywhere. Then she knew only darkness.
After completing the sealing jutsu, Minato leapt to catch his wife before her body hit the ground. He watched sadly as her face changed from a mixture of confusion and a small amount of fear to a soft smile and light blush as the genjutsu settled her mind as she slept. This made him smile slightly. He was glad she seemed to be enjoying the dream he had created for her final moments of life. He averted his eyes from her face, not wanting to think about how she was dying in his arms.
He laid her on the ground next to her child. Said child was still sleeping soundly wrapped in his simple blankets on the shredded earth.
Minato picked up his son and held him for a few moments, savoring the feeling of holding his son.It was with great pride and no small amount of sadness that he thought about what he was about to do to his son. His son would be a hero. He would be blessed with power unlike any other before him, however it would come at a high cost. He wasn't as confident about how his son would be treated as he had portrayed to his wife or his sensei. He knew that fear could mar people's judgment, and it was possible that Naruto would have many struggles in his youth. He only hoped that his friends and sensei would care for him. There was so much that he would miss of his son's life and it saddened him. He would not get to be the father he had promised himself he would be. He only hoped that when he met his son within the seal several years from now, his son would forgive him.
Minato prepared himself mentally before focusing on the seal array he had placed on Gamabunta's head. He activated the handsign for the jutsu that was feared in every nation in the Ninja World and disappeared with a yellow flash of light.
Minato jumped from Gamabunta's head, Naruto held protectively in his arms. With a last glance at the Toad Boss summon, he silently thanked him for his help. Gamabunta gazed down at the human who had fought alongside his clan for several years. When Minato turned to face the Kyuubi who was recovering from being toppled over by Gamabunta's last water bullet attack, Gamabunta spoke to his summoner.
"Minato, You have been a true friend and ally of the Toad Clan, I promise you that we will offer the same allegiance to your son, and will fight alongside him as we have for you."
Without turning Minato thanked the giant toad, "Thank you Gamabunta, You have been a great friend and ally to me. Maybe someday we can share a drink again in the next world, my treat." He added amusedly before beginning the handsigns for the seal.
With a booming laugh Gamabunta leapt towards the Kyuubi, his sword drawn and poised to strike. He intended to provide Minato with as much time as possible, he would no longer evade the Kyuubi's attacks, Gamabunta was going all out.
"Fuuin: Eight Trigram Divination Seal!" Minato shouted as he focused his chakra into the Jutsu.
Almost immediately Minato sensed a power unlike anything he imagined possible appear behind him. It felt as if the air around him were as dense as lead. He felt as if gravity itself had multiplied in intensity by a hundred times.
Jiraiya-sensei had taught him to use seals that could manipulate gravity's pull on his body, but this pressure felt more intense that the time he had first tried it on his own and had wound up lying in the dirt for several hours before Jiraiya had finally found him. Minato stood frozen in place almost afraid to turn around and face what he knew was there.
The Fuuinjutsu he had created was a very powerful technique. It was also based on research he had discovered written by Tobirama Senju, who was famous for his incredible understanding of chakra and Fuuinjutsu. This particular bit of research involved the link to the afterlife. Of course in his research the 'afterlife' had many names. It referred to where souls went after death on this plane. It was called the 'Next Life', 'Other World', and various other names. It was the life after this one. Memories of his studies, flooded his mind as he stood in the presence of this enormous power. 'I thought it was all theory.. but this power...I feel smaller than an insect in comparison. Stay calm Minato, when you turn around you will come face to face with a shinigami. It is vital that I show no fear in front of this being if my seal is to work. I must be able command this being of death.' Preparing himself to face a hooded skeletal figure beyond all horror and power. Minato turned to face the Shinigami.
And his mind went completely blank.
Before him stood not a giant hooded skeletal god, but instead a petite black haired girl. She stood two heads shorter than Minato. She had shoulder length black hair that framed her young face perfectly. She wore a black hyori with white trim and one of her slender porcelain white hands rested on a long sheathed blade fastened to her hip. The girl before him could not have been any older than seventeen at the oldest, though she would be considered quite small for a girl of such an age. Almost immediately Minato knew that he was not mistaken, this was the shinigami he had summoned for the sealing. Her posture spoke of a royal upbringing and the experience of a warrior who had been in countless confrontations.
Most of all, it was the power that seemed to just explode from her relaxed stance. He noted the confusion in her purple eyes and the slight frown on her slender ethereal face.
"You! Answer me! Who are you? and where am I?" the shinigami girl demanded. Her voice was not that of a child, nor that of a godly being; it sounded like the typical voice of any teenage girl he might encounter in his village. He felt sure that she was raised a in a royalist lifestyle now, her voice told of a young girl who was used to being answered with respect. There was something else there though... something he couldn't place. Minato was so floored by this turn of events, he almost forgot to answer her questions. Quickly trying to regain his composure he replied,
"My name is Minato Namikaze, I am the Yondaime Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. and I have summoned you here to help me seal the rampaging Kyuubi no Kitsune into my son". He explained as he gestured to the baby he held in his right arm.
The young girl averted her eyes from the child's sleeping face to the battlefield behind the human who had apparently summoned her to this place. As soon as she heard his introduction, she knew where she was. She was in The Elemental Nations. This was the world of Ninja that existed beyond the mists of the mortal world. In front of her was a Bijuu, a being of immense chakra manifest into a corporeal beast. She was only vaguely familiar with the goings on of the mortal world but she had over heard her superiors discussing the Ninja and their Chakra many years ago.
"You are aware of the cost you will pay for summoning a shinigami to your world, mortal?" she questioned in a flat voice. She was not comfortable with what she knew she had to do next.
"Hai, shinigami-sama. I am aware that I will pay my soul in exchange for the sealing. I however have an offer to make you." Minato said in what he hoped was a politically strong voice.
This statement surprised the shinigami girl greatly. It wasn't often that a shinigami was sent to the World of the Living outside of mission parameters, let alone being summoned by a mortal.
To the best of her limited knowledge, the number of events similar to this could be counted on one hand, and in those times the mortals did not actually interact with the shinigami, merely made use of a small portion of their powers before being taken by said shinigami. To think that this human was actually trying to talk to her as if she were another human surprised her a great deal. He did not seem to be afraid of her, nor did he try to bind her to his will as the rumors of the events had assumed, he even seemed to respect her. Curious, she listened. "I'm listening, human."
Taking a deep breath, both out of relief and in preparation. He was surprised that the shinigami was willing to listen, he had expect her to merely sever his soul with that blade of hers rather than actually listen.
"Shinigami-sama, I request that you allow me to seal a portion of my soul and chakra into my son's seal along with the Nine-Tailed Fox's chakra. This will allow me to create a failsafe within the seal that I can activate when the need arises. In exchange for your assistance in this, I offer you the Yin chakra of the Kyuubi along with my soul that was promised in the summoning."
The shinigami girl silently listened to his request. It was a simple request, and was a very generous offer. If she were to bring an evil power of that magnitude back to Soul Society, it would bring her a great deal of respect from the Captains. The yin chakra would be of great value to the 13 Court Guard Squads.
Still she hesitated a few moments before answering. She had already made her decision but decided she would make the man sweat a bit. It wasn't often that she was in a position of authority over someone and she was quite enjoying the way the man was trying not to crumble under her presence.
"I accept your offer, human." was all she said before she stepped past him towards the Kyuubi.
Suddenly, the Kyuubi became aware of a presence that was not there before. An incredibly powerful presence had just appeared a few yards from where it stood. The power it felt was far greater than even its own. The power was so vastly superior that Kyuubi turned away from the annoying toad who it had been fighting. When the Kyuubi turned to face the new presence, it was surprised to only see what appeared to be a young human girl.
Without any warning or handsigns the girl disappeared from the place she was standing and reappeared on the Kyuubi's nose between its eyes. Shocked by what had just happened the Kyuubi could only watch in detached horror as the small girl made a strange chant before reaching her arm straight through the Kyuubi's head and removing handful of silvery smoke. The Kyuubi watched as the girl leapt from its head down to where Minato was waiting with Naruto sleeping soundly atop an unrolled scroll.
'No! What are they doing! I will not be sealed again!' the Kyuubi roared inside its head.
Apparently, the two humans had heard it's thoughts, because the both glanced back to the paralyzed chakra construct.
"Yes you will. And this time, You will not be escaping." Minato said as he finished his preparations.
Fuuin: Seal! Minato intoned. He felt the shinigami's powerful energy flow through his body into the seal on Naruto's stomach. It was euphoric, the immense power made him feel like a god. Like he was invincible and was beyond even chakra's capabilities in power.
Then at once it stopped. It was gone. Not only the power of the shinigami, but his chakra too. Normally he could feel his chakra like a warmth coursing through his body, but no, there was nothing, he felt empty. His body felt extremely heavy, he ached in every part of his body. Scarres and injuries long forgotten seemed to reappear all at once. Minato glanced over his shoulder. He saw the shinigami girl, who was watching the Kyuubi in fascination.
The Kyuubi was slowly fading into a orange-red haze of chakra that was streaming into the seal he had placed on Naruto. As the chakra flooded the seal, the Kyuubi shrunk continuously until all that remained was a small sphere of red and black smoke.
The shinigami girl casually strode to the sphere and placed it into the pocket of her kimono.
"We are done here, human. Let's go." she said impatiently.
Minato nodded. He could see Hiruzen rapidly approaching the spot they stood. His features looked both relieved and worried. Looking down to Naruto he froze. Laying next to Naruto was...himself.
It was a strange feeling, seeing himself unconscious next to his son who was now awake and crying softly into his blankets. He knew what had happened.
He had died.
It was strange, he did not even notice it had happened. He wondered idly if that was how all people died, or if it was unique to sacrificing his soul to a shinigami.
He noticed the girl was now standing next to him. He noted how he could not feel her power pressing down on him anymore she seemed to be just like any normal teenage girl.
Silently she drew her blade from its sheath in a fluid elegant motion. Minato wondered if she was going to cleave his head off with it, or perhaps impale him through the heart. He decided it didn't matter. He had completed the sealing and had reinforced it with the power of the shinigami. Providing his son with this power and protection was worth the cost.
But the girl did not strike him down. She extended the blade out in the empty air in front of her. From the tip of the blade was a light that rippled outward in all directions like a pebble landing in a smooth pond. The light slowly expanded and changed shape until it became a large regal sliding door that opened for them expectantly.
"Come, Minato. We have much to discuss" the shinigami girl said as she waited for him to enter first.
Minato noted how she had called him 'Minato' and not 'human' or 'mortal'. He then realized she had said 'discuss'. What was going on? What was there to 'discuss'? These and many other questions flooded his mind as he glanced once more at Naruto, who was now being cradled protectively by Hiruzen. Minato assumed they could not see him, and wondered if he or any of the shinobi had seen the sealing of the Kyuubi or the young girl who had sealed the beast.
"No Minato, He cannot see us. All he and the other humans saw was the light from your seal activating and you collapsing next to your child. Now, Come. We have to leave, now" the girl insisted.
Not wanting to argue with this girl who had been kind enough to grant his request, and slightly out of fear, Minato stepped through the door into Soul Society.
The shinigami girl glanced back to the old man who was holding the newborn child, she got the feeling that something important had just happened. and she was now involved. Sighing slightly, she watched the old man disappear in a swirl of leaves before she followed Minato into Soul Society.
A/N: So there you have it. Chapter one. I would like to take a moment to say a few things.
First of all, Thanks for reading! This chapter was quite long( a little over 11,000 words). I feel I should say now, that this story will be novel length and I hope you will stick around for the long haul. As I have, said before, This is my first story and I will be learning as I go. You very well might see changes in my style throughout the story.
Second, This crossover blend with bleach (and that one mild reference to DBZ) was COMPLETELY unplanned. It sort of just...happened. But I really enjoyed how it turned out and now I have allot of new ideas that I hope will make this story unique. This Story this story will be Naruto-Centric, but will also follow Minato's life in Soul Society. I'm not sure how much at this point but I'm sure it will probably be enough to be considered a crossover of sorts (opinions?). I'm going to sort of decide based on how reviewers respond to it. I have the plot already planned out but its open to revision.
I am also writing a Harry Potter story, which I am posting soon. So if you are interested drop by my profile to check it out.
Thanks for reading!
~ZerOrange~