I DON'T OWN NARUTO

"You panicked."

"I'm sorry, what was that?" Minato asked, not believing what he just heard.

"You panicked, Yondaime-sama."

Frowning slightly, Minato replies "What makes you say I panicked?"

"You, a seal master, managed to touch someone who could become intangible twice and never thought to slap a chakra suppression seal on him? I think you panicked."

"... You might be right. I did have a village and my family to save."

"Interesting you said village first. Well this has been just a delight but I'd like to speak to my mother now, Yondaime-sama."

"Naruto, please, can't you call me something else?"

"It's either Yondaime or prick, I'll let you choose. You can tell me next time. By Yondaime-sama."

As Minato's chakra presence fades Naruto takes a moment to think about what his father told him of Kurama's release, feeling uneasy about the details of the first few hours of life. Before Naruto can dwell on the new information for long another presence greets him.

"Hi sochi." The redhead says.

"Hi, Kaa-chan." Naruto replies.

In another part of Naruto's mindscape Minato is with Kurama.

"Poor little Hokage looks sad. I'd take more pleasure in your misery if you weren't a construct."

"That's enough, demon. I won't be mocked by you. It's bad enough my only son hates me."

"The fuck you mean, demon? I'm a being of pure chakra. I'm more of the natural world than your foolhardy ass could ever be. Where do you get off calling me a demon, asshole? Especially when I allow you more time with your son? Goddamn ingrate, at least the tomato appreciates what I'm doing for her."

"Gomen, Kurama, you're right. It's just hard seeing how much Naruto hates me."

"You have your village to thank for that and if you have any hope of Naruto forgiving you you need to understand the source of his pain."

"I know he's had a hard life…"

"No, not that. That adds to it but you've been deified in your accursed village. Naruto grew up looking up to you above all others, the perfect and universally loved Minato Namikaze. He wanted to be you, to be that accepted because of what you've achieved. Then on the same night he finds out why people hate him he realizes his hero did that to him. Not only that but his hero is probably his father. This near godlike man not only left him alone but was loved for doing it. It's not rational but a part of Naruto believes you could have done something else because a childish part of him doesn't believe there was a limit to your abilities. At least he did. He may start to see you as just a man and if he does you may earn his forgiveness but not if you insist you were right to leave him."

"I didn't have a lot of time to plan this, you know? I know he suffered but what was my option? Let you destroy the village and kill thousands while I run off with my family? I couldn't live with myself."

"And this is why he'll continue to hate you. You did have an option. You chose the one that saved the most lives but at the expense of your son. You left him unprotected."

Minato, approaching a near seethed wanted to point out he had left protection for Naruto but was cut off. "Before you say that you left contingencies in place you knew your sensei's personality faults. It was entirely predictable he'd leave your boy alone or go along with whatever Sarutobi wanted. He may be a great shinobi but he's a weak man and has shown his response to turmoil is to run away. So, you left your son with an irresponsible middle aged adolescent."

Minato wanted to defend Jiraiya but he couldn't. He loved his sensei but seeing Naruto's memories left him with the impression that while Jiraiya was an excellent sensei for him, that may have been an outlier and the man never truly intended to be there for his godson. "I don't know what to do. How can I apologize for what he's been through when I'd make the same decision? I couldn't justify sacrificing that many people for my own happiness."

"That you'll have to figure out yourself."

"Why do you care if I square things with Naruto, what's in it for you?"

"A matter of self-interest. His emotional stability benefits me and that's all I'll say on the matter now away with you, prick." Kurama finishes with a chuckle.

The morning finds Naruto waking up, tears in his eyes but feeling lighter. While he still didn't know how to feel about his father, he adored getting to meet his mom and loved her red hair. Thanks to the conversation Naruto had someone to meet today, along with his other activities for his last day off before he enters his intensive training period. Looking at the clock, Naruto realizes he's slept in but can meet Tenten at her team's training grounds if he hurries so he sets off to get ready for the day.

After a quick shower and small breakfast Naruto gets dressed in his signature orange jumpsuit and heads to training ground 9 where he sees the team wrapping up their exercises for the day. Walking over to the group, Naruto greets each member, "Ohayo, Lee, Gai sensei, Tenten, Neji-chan!".

"Ohayo" they all say except Neji that glares at Naruto noticing the vest.

"Uzumaki, you were promoted?" Neji asks in disbelief.

"Yes, Neji. I guess it was fated to be." Naruto says with a barely hid smirk.

"Your flames of youth will surely reach new heights, Naruto." Gai said.

"Thank you Gai sensei, I appreciate that and only hope my youthful flames burn forever brightly!"

"YOSH" shouted Lee and Gai as they make their exit.

"Tenten, I do not understand how you have befriended this moronic boy." stated Neji.

Tenten, not wanting to be in the middle of Naruto and Neji again tries to deflect the comment but is interrupted by Naruto.

"Neji, why don't we get along? I see us both as strivers, trying to fight against a stacked deck so why are we so acrimonious toward each other? Now, I know you believe in fate but you believe that if things were fair and positions decided by merit you'd be in Hinata's position, yes?"

Now, Neji has been around Naruto enough to be cautious. He thinks for a moment, trying to find the trap but cannot see it so answers honestly, "You are correct, Uzumaki. If clan head was decided by merit then I would be the heir, not that failure."

"Now, now, Neji I recall a double elimination during the prelims so she isn't really a failure but I take your point. How about I make you a deal? I will treat you how you believe a fair and just universe would operate? I acknowledge you Neji as the most talented Hyuuga of your generation."

Taken aback Neji can only nod at Naruto's pronouncement.

"Hey, Tenten, you busy?"

"No, no mission today and I don't have to work at the shop, why?"

"Oh, I figured it'd be a good time to meet your idol."

Both Neji and Naruto were temporarily deafened by her squeal. As they depart, Naruto bids Neji a good day, "Bye, Neji-hime!" he says leaving the boy irate.

"Why do you always have to poke at him, Naruto?" Tenten asks, trying not to laugh.

"Honestly? It hurts knowing I'm not first in your heart, Tenny! Did our love mean nothing? You just cast me aside for fancy bloodline limit and a perma scowl? I thought we had something!"

Tenten gains a tick mark over her brow and precedes to draw a kunai, which doesn't go unnoticed by Naruto because he immediately takes off. Shouting, Tenten says, "WHY ARE YOU RUNNING, NARUTO? I'M NOT GONNA HURT YOU!"

"You lie! I won't be taken in by your sweet words anymore, vile temptress!"

This response causes Tenten to throw her kunai at a retreating Naruto, barely missing him. The two continue to run until they arrive at Hokage Tower where Tenten stops and looks visibly nervous. Seeing this, Naruto puts a hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. See she's calmed down, the two enter the building and make their way to Tsunade's office, stopping at Shizune's desk just outside.

"Hi, Shizune-san, is Tsunade available?"

"Hi, Naruto. You know you don't have to call me san, don't you?"

"Hai. Sorry, force of habit."

"No worries and is this who you told me about?"

"Yes, this is my very good friend and Tsunade's biggest fan. Tenten, this is Tsunade's longtime apprentice, Shizune Kato."

"Hi, it's really nice to meet you Tenten."

"It's nice to meet you as well."

"Now, Tsunade-sama doesn't have a lot of time but I did make a little room in her schedule for you so go right on in."

Walking to the door, Naruto knocks and waits for permission to enter. Once given he walks in and introduces Tenten to her personal hero. While this is happening Kakashi is having discussion with Asuma who is overseeing the training of team 10.

"I talked to Pop last night, I'm beginning to think the old man has lost his mind."

Holding back a scoff, Kakashi responds, "If only we were so lucky. No, he knew exactly what he was doing."

"He also let it slip whose Naruto's parents were. Can't tell you how stupid I felt not putting that together." Taking a long drag of his cigarette Asuma continues, "I know it is late in the game but I'd like to make it up to Naruto. I understand he's entering some intense training for the next few years so any help I can be let me know."

"I appreciate the offer but if it is out of pity he won't accept it."

"It's not. It's just… most shinobi understand the boy isn't what he contains and pat ourselves on the back for treating him neutrally. It's so easy to forget how he's actively saving the village and what he lost in order to do it. We owe him a lot and far too few people acknowledge it, content to write him off. I know I did but I'd like to change that."

"Ok, I'll let him know. He has a fuuton affinity but Danzo is training him on that." At the mention of Danzo, Asuma quirks a single eyebrow. "I know what you're thinking but he's actually changed. Don't know when or how but him and Naruto have a previous relationship and now he isn't all "Darkness is my ally!" and world domination-y like he was. But I'm sure we can figure something out, Naruto isn't likely to turn down training." Asuma responds with a single nod and Kakashi shushins away.

Naruto made his exit shortly after introducing Tenten to Tsunade. While he didn't have a lot to do today, there was one important visit he needed to make as prompted by his mother. Before going, however, he needed to pick up something which is why he is in this market right outside of the clan compound district. Making his way to the liquor aisle he finds what he was looking for and heads to the cashier. Preparing himself for an incident, Naruto is shocked with the cashier rings him up, smiles and tells him to have a good day. He says the same to her and continues to his destination

Finally, making it to the Inuzuka compound Naruto heads to meet Tsume, his godmother. He takes a minute, remembering how animated his mom was when talking about the clan head:

"Sochi, I'm guessing Sarutobi never told you Tsume was suppose to look after you if something happened to me, did he?"

"No, he didn't. I've never even spoken with her. I know her son and he's an asshole."

"She was too" Kushina said laughing. "We used to fight all the time at the academy. The day we became friends it's because we got stinking drunk on some cheap sake she lifted from her parents.

Watching his mom act out her drunken hijinks with Tsume delights Naruto and brings a tear to one eye. He can't help but think of how much he missed out on and how many things he isn't even aware he's missing by losing his parents. Kushina's story reaching its climax refocuses Naruto

"So, her parents find us on the Inuzuka training grounds. Every time they try to scold one of us the other one speaks up in defense. At some point I yell that I will lower the drinking age when I become Hokage, dattabane! And then pass out. We had to clean the kennels for a month but had been inseparable ever since.

"Earth to dobe, what are you doing here?"

Naruto snaps back to attention when he hears Kiba address him. "Oh, hey… you. I'm here to speak with Tsume-san so if you'd excuse me."

This only serves to irritate Kiba who has no issue letting it be known, "First of all, don't pretend you don't know my name deadlast! Secondly, what do you want with my mom?"

"Look… Kidra" Naruto said while narrowing his eyes feigning as if he's struggling to remember, "What I have to speak to your mother about doesn't concern you so if you would please either announce me or get out of the way I'd appreciate it."

Now, this would seem an entirely weak effort to annoy someone. And it is but Kiba is just easy like that, much to Naruto's amusement. Especially now that the boy seems to really want to hit Naruto. But after a strongly worded warning from Kurenai-sensei Kiba knows he can't attack the dobe so instead he screams in frustration which alerts Tsume.

"What the hell is going on out here?"

"Hello Tsume-san, I don't know what's wrong with Kiba, I just asked to speak with you and he seemed greatly upset by the request."

"Oh… that's odd." Deciding to not investigate it further Tsume moves on, "What can I do for you Naruto?"

"I was hoping to talk to you and I wanted to give you this," he said handing her the bottle of sake.

Looking at the bottle Tsume instantly tears up remembering her lost friend.

Before she can even ask the question Naruto speaks, "I know." and that is enough for Tsume to invite Naruto in while sending Kiba off to run an errand. Sitting in her kitchen Tsume looks at the boy that was suppose to have such a different life than the one he's led. Never has her loyalty been tested as when Sarutobi denied her permission to adopt Naruto and later forbade he from having any contact with the boy for fear she'd reveal his heritage or make him grow too attached. She can't help but wonder how Naruto knows and if he resents her. While not raised as one, Tsume knows from Kushina that Uzumakis are family first and she would have ignored Hiruzen entirely to be there for Kiba and Hana. Getting lost in her grief and guilt she almost doesn't hear Naruto speak,

"So, how should we do this?"

"We can start with what you know and how you know it."

"I've suspected the Yondaime is my father since the night I became a genin. I had that confirmed and learned of my mother's identity while retrieving Tsunade-sama. As for how I know about you, the night the Yondaime and my mother sealed the kyuubi inside of me they both left a chakra imprint in the seal which I managed to access last night."

"If I didn't know them I'd think that impossible." Tsume said in between chuckles. After her laughter died down things became quiet once more as neither party knows exactly how to have this conversation. Reaching her breaking point, not that she ever had much tolerance for inaction, Tsume starts, "Naruto, I'm sorry."

"Please don't apologize. I'm assuming Sarutobi told you to stay away from. Probably some deep seated need to torture me." Naruto said with a mirthless laugh but the comment seemed enough to break the ice as the two found conversing came naturally from then on. The two talked at length, Naruto asking about his mom, asking about Tsume herself. Tsume followed suit while congratulating Naruto on his promotion. It had been a few hours but it felt like minutes when Naruto saw the time and took his leave, promising to stay in touch.

On his way back to his apartment Naruto is filled with an optimism he hasn't allowed himself to indulge in quite sometime. He is actually looking forward to the future. Training begins in earnest tomorrow and he'll have no excuses, he'll either show he has what it takes to be an excellent shinobi or he won't. The chance to live on his own accomplishments and effort, unincumbered is almost intoxicating. But this new hope isn't just related to being a shinobi as Naruto also enjoys the idea that he doesn't have to fear the villagers as much, not having to hide his friendships for fear his very presence will taint their reputations. Not only that but he has new people he can potentially rely on. While it is too soon to say he fully trusts Tsunade or Shizune, he has to admit that there does seem to be an ease to which they understand each other but time will tell and he'll enjoy the relations while he can. Thinking back on that night in the bar with Tsunade, Naruto can't help but think about Sasuke. For so long Sasuke was an outsized presence in Naruto's life.

The tragic genius the villagers loved but whom he could never bother to love in return. Naruto would never lie and say he wasn't jealous of Sasuke but it was never because of his so called talent or how things came easier, which is remarkable when you have dedicated senseis but people believe as they wish. No, Naruto's jealous was that Sasuke knew loneliness but chose to stay that way.

In a way, Sasuke was no better than Inari. He did nothing to help himself, instead chasing after his own personal boogeyman because it was easier than grieving his losses and so much of the village enabled him to do so. Tsunade lost her family too but she had spent years serving others, her two greatest losses were stacked on top of numerous others. Sasuke could never reach out not because he was traumatized but because he simply didn't value anyone to the degree he valued his clan. And if Naruto was being honest, that too fueled his resentment. The simple fact of the matter is that loneliness cannot be cured by purely yourself, it takes others and that means that on some level Naruto was dependent upon the very people who cursed his existence. He needed them and he hated it. He didn't have the framework of clan bred arrogance to universally diminish all those not of his name. Sasuke did and while it only continued his suffering he never had to feel the true torment Naruto did. Some bastards have all the luck… but luck eventually runs out.

Quickly moving off the topic of his dead teammate, his first kill that no one was there to actually help him through, Naruto instead focuses back on his hopes for the future. If nothing else the next few years should be interesting… but interesting isn't always good.