Author's Note: Sorry for the wait to update this. Things got hectic at school and my time has been more preoccupied with writing the next arc to Legacy of Heroes. Of course if you already follow that story then you would have already read this. So the only logical reason you would want to read this chapter is to read the Author's Notes I write. If that's the case, then thank you for taking a vested interest in my thought process.
Tsunade was in the process of gathering the paperwork necessary to assemble a taskforce consisting of a company's worth of ninja to hunt down a duo of Akatsuki members that had been spotted in the Fire Country. She was halfway considering asking Gohan to join the Leaf's forces for this assignment when she heard a knock at the door. Before she could even reply, Naruto burst through the entryway, much to the displeasure of the Hokage's apprentice and secretary.
"Baka! You can't just go barging in like that!" Sakura scolded, trailing right behind the blond.
"Relax, Sakura-chan! Granny said it was urgent so I'm sure she was expecting us." Naruto said with easy going grin on his face. Tsunade couldn't help but smile too at the thought of what was about to happen.
"Its fine, Sakura. At least this time it is. Next time I'll throw you out the window if you barge in here again unannounced." Tsunade casually threatened.
"Sure thing, Granny. So what is it you wanted to see us for? Is it some awesome new mission? A Priestess that needs escorting? An old enemy nation of the Leaf come out from hiding that you need us to go preemptively tromp? Whatever it is I'm ready for it!" Naruto said, getting excited. Sakura could only shake her head at her boyfriend's childish antics. Which, while endearing and something she loved, needed to be distributed in small doses.
"Sorry, brat, no mission for either of you, but I do have a couple of people who have been dying to meet you and Sakura. And I think you will enjoy meeting them as well." Tsunade smirked.
"Really, I don't see anyone here with us." Naruto said looking around.
"These two aren't actually here with us, but I've asked King Kai to contact them and set up a mental link between the four of you."
Hey there Naruto, Sakura. King Kai spoke into both their minds.
Yo, King Kai, what's up? Naruto replied.
Oh you know, just the overseeing God of the Northern Universe acting as the gofer of one bossy mortal.
What was that? Tsunade butted in, sending a shiver down everyone's spine.
Nothing, nothing. King Kai hastily replied.
Whipped. Naruto said.
Shut up. Look, I've got Minato and Kushina waiting on the other line and I've got other things to do. So Naruto, grab Sakura's hand and the both of you close your eyes. You'll want to get a good look at these other two.
The two shinobi nodded and did just that. As soon as they closed their eyes the bright and sunny room seemed to turn pitch dark immediately. Naruto and Sakura could feel their feet still planted on the carpet inside the Hokage's office and feel each other's hands, but it felt far away. Even with their eyes closed, Naruto and Sakura could still see one each other standing next to one another clear as day. The distant feeling of warm sunlight shining through the Hokage office windows seemed to be overpowered by the cold isolation of the mental realm they now occupied. It was comforting to know that the two of them had each other to keep company.
Hello, Naruto. Came a beautiful voice. Quickly, Naruto and Sakura turned around towards the source of the voice and saw two distinct figures: a man and a woman. The man was tall with blue eyes and long spiky blond hair, similar to Naruto, wearing a white trench coat over a standard jounin uniform with a leaf headband on his forehead. The way he carried himself gave a sense of relaxed authority and power. The woman (who Sakura deduced was the source of the voice) was a head shorter than the man with violet eyes, a more roundish face like Naruto's, and extremely long red hair that almost went down to her ankles. She was wearing a simple dress with an apron, common attire for a housewife, yet she too carried an aura of nobility even as she smiled in a slightly mischievous way, kind of like how Naruto smiles when he is waiting for you to pick up on a joke he already knows. Come to think of it, the more Sakura looked at the two strangers, the more similarities she could make between them and Naruto. Something started to click in Sakura's head, but they couldn't be…
Um, hello? Naruto said, not sure what to make of the two strangers.
Naruto, the woman spoke. It is so great to finally see you again. It has been far too long.
I'm sorry, do I know you?
No, I suppose you wouldn't remember us. You were barely a half an hour old when we last saw you.
Half an hour? Are you crazy lady? Start making sense.
Sakura could only stare at Naruto. Was he seriously this thick headed, those two were obviously-
Oh come now Naruto, why don't you try to guess who we are? The woman spoke as a mother would to her cute little child. Naruto closed his mental projection eyes to really concentrate. Finally the realization came to him.
You're Gaara's mom aren't you! Naruto pointed at the woman and declared. Sakura did a massive face palm while the man and the woman who was obviously not Gaara's mom just looked dumfounded.
Baka! Of course that isn't Gaara's mom! Sakura scolded while bringing her fist down on her clueless boyfriend's empty skull.
Ouch! Come on Sakura, of course she is, she has to be. Look at her hair, it's the same shade as the Kazekage's, ya know. Naruto pointed out while shielding his head from more of his annoyed girlfriend's blows.
Um…that's not… The man spoke up for the first time. Worried that his son might have been dropped on his head at some point.
I am NOT the Kazekage's mother, ya know! The woman shrieked, having lost her patience with her dimwitted son.
Well his aunt then? Who else has such red- Wait, did you just say 'ya know'? The lightbulb finally went on and Sakura ceased her beatings.
Did I really say that? Sorry, I get over excited really easily and it just slips out sometimes. The woman sheepishly explained while rubbing the back of her neck the way Naruto usually does when he is embarrassed. Naruto felt the onset of tears coming on.
But did you finally figure it out? Took you long enough, ya know. Slowly, Naruto got to his feet, never taking his eyes off of the beautiful woman.
That's right, I'm your- She never got to finish her sentence for she was interrupted by the blond boy glomping her for all he was worth. His arms ensnaring her in the tightest hug he could muster. He was literally shaking from melancholy.
I…I've always wanted…to meet you…Mom… Naruto sniffed out through tears of joy. His mother had a soft smile on her face as she gently hugged her son back. The man's face was full of pride as he saw his son hug his mother for the first time. Sakura was at a complete loss for words. She cupped her hand over her mouth, tears threatening to fall, it was so beautiful.
After a minute, Naruto pulled away with the biggest smile on his face, not since Sakura-chan had asked to be his girlfriend was he this happy.
There are so many things I want to ask you, ya know!
Hold on there, Naruto, don't you want to be introduced to the man over there? Kushina pointed at Minato who had been waiting patiently in the background. Wondering if her son could pick up on the man's identity quicker.
Naruto's attention turned to the man in the white trench coat and immediately his expression fell.
I recognize you. Everyone was taken back with the blond's dark shift in tone.
You're Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage. Sakura's eyes shot open. How could she not realize it sooner? The man before her was a spitting image of the Fourth's portrait hanging in the Hokage Office. Or course it was, it was his picture. His face was in all of Sakura's history textbooks about the Leaf. His face was the on the freaking mountainside hanging over the village for Sage's sake!
Yeah, that's right, but can you tell us who else I am? Minato teased the boy like a father would tease his son.
Yeah, YOU'RE THE ASSHOLE THAT SEALED THE NINE-TAILED FOX INSIDE ME! Naruto slugged the Fourth Hokage right in the gut, doubling the older blond over.
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT MY LIFE HAS BEEN LIKE BECAUSE YOU DID THAT?! Sakura had to run up and secure Naruto into a full nelson to stop him from assaulting the deceased Hokage further.
ALL THE VILLAGERS HATED ME! ALL THE ABUSE, THE ISOLATION, THE BEATINGS! ITS ENOUGH TO DRIVE A PERSON CRAZY! THEY DIDN'T EVEN TREAT ME LIKE A PERSON! EXCEPT FOR A FEW OF MY FRIENDS! AND EVEN THEN THE FOX'S CHAKRA MADE ME HURT THEM! IT MADE ME HURT SAKURA-CHAN! YOU MADE ME HURT SAKURA-CHAN! Naruto screamed. 15 years of abuse finally spilling out at its source.
Now Kushina got in on physically holding Naruto back. Naruto, STOP! It's not what you think! She pleaded.
NO, ITS ALL HIS FAULT! HE TOOK ME AWAY FROM YOU MOM! I BET HE KILLED YOU TOO AFTER HE STOLE ME FROM YOUR ARMS! JUST SO THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ONE ALIVE TO TARNISH HIS REPUTATION WHEN HE SEALED THE DEMON FOX INSIDE A RANDOM BABY BOY!
THAT'S ENOUGH, YA KNOW! Kushina pounded her son's head in harder than Sakura had ever done, slamming the boy head first into the floor. Everything grew quiet.
I didn't…use a random baby boy… Minato wheezed out. I would never…ask a parent to make a sacrifice I wouldn't be able to make with my own son…
This got Naruto to look up in astonishment. What?
He's saying that he is your father, dumbass. Sakura huffed out, her patience spent after holding back Naruto during his well-justified temper tantrum. Her hands were on her knees as she stood over Naruto. While Kushina had retreated to Minato's side to check on him.
Yeah, and hoooooly crap! That means our hubby is the son of the Fourth Hokage. That makes him like, royalty! Inner Sakura raved. Everyone's gaze turned to the fifth apparition to appear in this mental conversation. Who looked exactly like Sakura, only with more curvaceous features.
Just went from an 8 to a 9.5. Inner Sakura said mostly to herself.
Excuse me, who are you? Minato asked.
9.5? Why not a 10? Naruto inquired.
Inner, what are you doing here! Sakura shrieked.
Inner Sakura ignored everyone's questions and chose to focus on Naruto.
Yeah, 9.5, we haven't gotten a look at the 'hardware' yet. Inner Sakura winked at the blond. Gotta think long term when it comes to these sort of things. Although 'length' isn't everything. She gave a sultry giggle towards the increasingly uncomfortable boy.
Ok, none of this! Get out! Sakura shouted while pushing her inner self away from the group.
Oh come on, I want to meet the in-laws. And Naruto was gonna learn about me sooner or later.
Well not today! God willing, not ever! Sakura berated before giving her inner self a final push that caused the pink haired mental projection to fade from existence back into Sakura's subconscious.
Sakura sighed in relief before remembering that she had an audience. She turned to look back at the perplexed faces of the reunited Namikaze/Uzumaki family.
Uh, hi. She squeaked out while giving a tiny wave. I'm Sakura Haruno, Naruto's teammate and…um, you know what? You guys probably have enough catching up to do so I'll just see myself out. Sakura offered without actually knowing how she was supposed to leave the black void.
Its fine, Sakura, really. Kushina laughed. We know that you are dating our boy and it's because of that reason that we wanted to talk to you. Minato also offered a reassuring smile.
No I shouldn't. This is a private family moment and I shouldn't be-
Sakura-chan. Naruto interrupted. It's okay. I don't mind you being here in the slightest. Naruto's ear splitting smile warming Sakura's heart. Giving her the reassurance she needed to walk back towards the Namikazes. Tentatively, she sat down next to Naruto and started healing his various head injuries (even if it was pointless since they were both mental projections, she did it subconsciously).
Minato and Kushina both got into their own sitting positions opposite the young couple. Minato was the first to speak.
Obviously there is a lot we need to clear up between the four of us. I'm Minato Namikaze and this is my wife, Kushina Uzumaki. Minato gestured towards his wife.
It's an honor to meet you, Lady Kushina. Sakura bowed towards Kushina. Then she subconsciously cursed herself for addressing Lady Kushina first before the Lord Hokage. Worse yet she had spoken to Naruto's parents before he could. Stupid!
Oh please, you don't have to act so formal Sakura-chan. Kushina waved off Sakura's embarrassed look. Just Kushina is fine.
Right, Kushina. Sakura smiled in relief. She had begun to remember who Kushina was from obscure history scrolls she had read. She was Kushina Uzumaki, the Red Hot-Blooded Habanero. There were rumors of her betrothal to the Fourth Hokage, but at the time of his rein, the Leaf had just won the Third Shinobi World War against the Rock Village and such relationships were usually kept hidden to deter revenge seeking ninjas from hunting down loved ones.
Uzumaki…so that is where my name comes from. Naruto spoke up. Sakura once again cursed herself for getting in the way of Naruto learning about his own parents.
Yes, I come from a rather infamous ninja clan from the Land of Whirlpools. Kushina explained. The reason you wouldn't know about them now is that they were wiped out long before I was born. The surviving clan members scattered across the globe and integrated into whatever village they could find. I was just lucky enough to have been sent to the same village as Minato. Kushina dreamily sighed, nuzzling her head into Minato's shoulder as she reminisced about how they met.
I always thought my last name was just a joke the Old Man Third played on me. Like how my name Naruto is a fishcake ramen topping and Uzumaki is the pink swirl.
Kushina burst out laughing at that explanation and Minato couldn't hold back his chuckles either.
Oh my God! Minato, that IS what his name means isn't it?! Haha! Why didn't we realize it sooner?! And to think if we hadn't been dead set on naming him after that character in your perverted master's book… Kushina couldn't continue as she was overcome with another fit of giggles.
I'm sorry, what? Naruto asked perplexed.
It's true. Naruto have you ever heard of a novel called The Tales of a Gutsy Ninja? Minato asked. Trying to massage his wife so she wouldn't pass out from laughing too hard.
No.
Well it was one of the less perverted books Master Jiraiya ever wrote.
Wait, Master Jiraiya? You were a student of the Pervy Sage?
Kushina burst into another round of laughter at her son's perfect nickname for the Toad Sage.
I was. And in the book he wrote, the main character was a strong, brave, and fiercely determined ninja who never gave up and vowed to end the cycle of hatred. We thought that by naming you in his honor you would inherit some of his traits and become a great hero.
Sakura was speechless, it was all so much to take in at once. God knows how Naruto was handling all this information. Still, thinking back on it, Minato and Kushina had gotten their wish. Sakura had yet to meet a man as courageous and unshakable as Naruto.
Wait, slow down. This is all too much to take in. Naruto vocalized Sakura's thoughts. Kushina meanwhile, finally managed to pull herself together.
You're right. We kind of did appear out of nowhere and are now dumping all this exposition on you. I know I'd be confused. Kushina admitted.
Maybe we should let you ask the questions Naruto. Minato suggested. Take your time, we've got all the time in the world.
Actually, there is something I've always wanted to ask you two if I ever met you. Mostly to Mom though… Sakura perked up at hearing this, already at the edge of her seat.
How did you two fall in love? Naruto asked. Sakura's heart melted. Kushina and Minato looked at one another before blushing and looking away.
That's…really embarrassing, ya know? Kushina admitted, rubbing the back of her head.
You said 'ya know'! You're excited! Naruto cried like a kid in a candy store.
Kushina and Minato looked up, both reminiscing about the day they met and when they individually fell in love with one another.
Kushina started off the story with her coming to the Leaf village and joining the academy. Minato explained how he was immediately intrigued by Kushina's red hair, but wasn't head over heels until he saw how she always managed to handle herself around the bullies who picked on her because she was an outsider and wanted to be Hokage. The same as Minato even though Kushina didn't see him as anything special with his girly appearance.
The bullies also used to call Kushina a tomato due to her round face and tomato red hair.
How could they make fun of your hair Mom? It's so pretty. Naruto declared.
Oh is that so? Well then thank you Naruto. Kushina said as she and Minato noticed the similar taste in exotic hair color shared between father and son.
At that point, Sakura secretly wished that her hair was red like Kushina's.
Yeah, it's almost as beautiful as Sakura-chan's hair. Naruto offhandedly mentioned.
Never mind.
While Sakura was hiding her ear splitting smile behind her hands. Minato pulled Naruto close to whisper in his ear. Nice save son.
What save? The clueless genius whispered back. Minato shook his head and leaned back. Meanwhile Kushina was holding up a lock of her hair, slightly disappointed that her son didn't think her hair was the prettiest. But actually, she was just sad that she had finally gotten to meet her son and there was already another girl muscling in on her turf as the most important woman in her son's heart.
The married couple took up their story again. Explaining how Kushina was kidnapped by a group of Lightning ninjas and all she could do to leave a trail behind was by dropping strands of her long red hair. Of the dozens of expert tracking ninjas the Leaf sent to retrieve Kushina, only Minato was able to pick up her trail. He defeated all the Lightning ninjas and saved Kushina, all because he noticed her trail of red hair. The same hair that Kushina hated because she was bullied for it so much, Minato had called beautiful and it became Kushina's Red Sting of Fate; leading to her true love.
Both Naruto and Sakura were so heart warmed by the story. It was so beautiful. At the same time it made them both sad for different reasons. Both of them couldn't help but notice the similarities between Kushina's story about her red hair and Sakura's feelings towards her large forehead. Both features were the girl's most hated feature, yet it had brought them both love.
Naruto contemplated telling Sakura that it was him, not Sasuke, who first complimented her forehead. But by revealing that, Sakura might take it the wrong way and think that Naruto tricked her all those years ago. Worse yet, it would shatter her one good memory of Sasuke that she alone shared with him. Even if it was all a lie.
Sakura was thinking of how it was Sasuke who first complimented her forehead, yet died before the two of them had gotten a chance to properly date. Not that the deceased Uchiha hadn't turned down Sakura's every proposal for a date ever since he had complimented her forehead. He even rejected her outright confession before leaving. But all of that was because he was dead set on revenge against his brother. Surely if Sasuke had returned after his revenge was completed and the two of them sat down together Sakura would have known for sure.
'No.' Sakura thought to herself. 'I'm with Naruto now. Sasuke is dead and gone. I won't waver my love for Naruto by questioning what could have been. Besides, Naruto complimented my forehead too. It might not have been on the first try, but my forehead did bring me love.'
'If you say so.' Inner Sakura commented. Sakura shooed her to the back of her mind before she could manifest again.
Once they were done, Naruto and Sakura further engaged in conversation with Minato and Kushina. Trading stories back and forth about their many adventures. Minato and Kushina already knew most of them from having watched Naruto from Heaven for all his life, but they took immense joy in hearing their son's adventures retold through his own words. Sakura also provided interesting side commentary when Naruto exaggerated or undersold his many deeds.
I can't help but notice. Kushina said at one point. The both of you have these new golden headbands. Did the Leaf do redesign or something?
What this? Naruto replied. Nah, me and Sakura-chan just joined the Neo Z Fighters.
The Neo Z Fighter? Are they some new task force of the Leaf?
No they're separate from the Leaf, we're a global-
Naruto was cut off by his mother screeching a banshee like wail and throwing herself into Minato, sobbing loudly. MINATO! OUR SON BECAME A DESERTER AND JOINED A GANG! PROBABLY TO CHASE AFTER THAT PINK HAIRED HUSSY! She wailed.
The two young chunin were obviously in shock at the red haired woman's drastic change in tone.
Now now, Kushina, calm down. I think you're jumping to conclusions. Minato patted her back while he tried to reason with her.
NO I'M NOT! SHE LED MY POOR BOY ASTRAY! PROBABLY BECAUSE HE NEVER HAD HIS MOTHER TO RAISE HIM PROPERLY!
Sage of Six Paths, Mom! Calm down! It's not like that at all! Naruto yelled, experiencing embarrassment by his parents for the first time in his life. Sakura on the other hand was developing a twitch on her forehead at being called a hussy.
I'm sorry. She gets worked up easily and jumps to conclusions even quicker. Minato tried to defend his wife.
Yeah, I think I see where Naruto gets it from.
WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN YOU HIGH FOREHEADED HUSSY!? Kushina spat. Naruto went dead silent; his mom had pushed the forehead button.
GRRRR, I'M NOT A HUSSY YOU FREAKING TOMATO! Sakura spat back. Now Minato went dead silent; his son's girlfriend had pushed the tomato button.
AND THE NEO Z FIGHTERS AREN'T A GANG! THEY'RE A GLOBAL PEACE KEEPING FORCE MADE UP OF NINJAS FROM ALL THE MAJOR NINJA VILLAGES AND WE- Sakura pointed back and forth between her and Naruto. –ARE THE FIRST LEAF NINJAS TO BE INVITED TO JOIN!
WELL THE HEADBANDS STILL LOOK SILLY!
THEY DO NOT! Naruto and Minato now had to hold back their better halves from killing one another in the mental plane.
This went on for minutes before Kushina and Minato silently agreed to take the young couple apart for private words. After promising that she only wanted a civilized chat, Kushina took Sakura for some girl talk while Minato requested Naruto for a private father and son chat.
When the girls were out of ear shot from the boys, Kushina turned to Sakura with a very serious look on her face.
I want to know straight out, what are your intentions with my boy? Kushina asked.
Somehow, Sakura knew this was coming. She had seen enough teen romances to notice that she was getting the shotgun talk. Although usually this would be happening between Naruto and Sakura's father.
I love Naruto. And with each passing day, that love grows stronger. He has always been like sunshine in my life and I never realized it until he left. He gives me strength, a constant drive to work harder, he gives me comfort. Now that I've got him back and I'm with him, I don't ever want to lose him again.
I made a promise of a lifetime that I will always stand by his side and keep him alive, just as I know that he will always keep me safe.
Kushina nodded. Well said. I approve.
What? Sakura asked and was glomped by Kushina.
Welcome to the family, Sakura-chan! Kushina squealed in the pinkette's ear.
What?
You officially have my blessing to marry my son. Kushina explained. Her eyes closed and a smile casually spread across her face like what she said wasn't a big freaking deal.
I-I-I-I don't think, I mean, don't you think it is too early to be thinking about things like this? Sakura stuttered as the sound of wedding bells rung through her head.
Nonsense, it's never too early when you live the life we do as ninjas. Besides, it's not like my offer will ever expire. Just continue on loving my son the way you do and I guarantee the four of us will one day meet again in the couples' section of heaven. Kushina smiled.
Sakura gave a nervous chuckled at the thought of the inevitability of death, but her inner self was over the moon.
One more thing that I need to ask you, Sakura. You said your last name was Haruno?
Yes. Sakura nervously answered. Oh God, there wasn't a rivalry between the Haruno and Uzumaki clans was there?
By any chance is your mother's name Mebuki?
Yes. Oh God, Sakura's mother and Naruto's mother didn't hate each other right?
Kushina squealed and hugged Sakura even tighter. I knew it! Mebuki was my best friend growing up!
Sakura was taken back, surprised that her mother and Naruto's mother had a history.
Oh my God, you said your name was Sakura? I held you when you were a baby! Just a few months before my Naruto was born!
Really? Sakura said. I don't think my mother has ever mentioned you.
Oh I'm sure she had her reasons, I'm just so happy to meet you again after you grew up. I remember babysitting you to give Mebuki a break every now and again.
Sounds like the two of you were really great friends. Sakura said to the giddy mother. Secretly she hoped that her own friendship with Ino could last as long as Kushina's seem to with Sakura's mother.
You know I actually asked her to be Naruto's Godmother before he was born.
WHAT!? Sakura screamed, untangling herself from the red haired Uzumaki.
My mother is Naruto's Godmother?
Yes, I always wondered why she didn't adopt Naruto as soon as Minato and I passed away, but I'm sure she had her reasons. Kushina explained.
How can you be so calm about this? My mother knew, and yet she still let Naruto grow up on the streets without a family to call his own!
We don't know that for certain. I know Mebuki and she might have been a massive nut busting bitch back in the day, but I'm certain that she wouldn't have let my boy suffer without good reason. Besides, that's all in the past and has shaped Naruto into the man he is today.
Sakura looked upon Kushina like she was crazy. How could she be so accepting and forgiving? What the village did to Naruto as a child was unacceptable, and anyone who could have helped him but didn't was just as bad in Sakura's eyes. She would have words with her mother when she got back to reality.
Listen Sakura, if there is one thing that death has taught me, is it that there is little to be gained by holding grudges and living with regret. Sure I was furious when I looked down upon the village abusing my boy just because he housed the Kyuubi, but looking at how his life has turned out now, all that hatred gets swept away. He has mentors to guide him, friends who cherish him, and he has you who loves him. I've seen the way you motherly scold him, Sakura.
Sakura looked away embarrassed.
And I have to say thank you. My boy is an idiot and needs a guiding hand every once in a while. In more ways than one, you are the woman in his life that I could never be. Kushina bowed to Sakura, who quickly returned the gesture.
Thank you, Kushina, for having Naruto.
Kushina laughed. Well thank God someone is grateful for me having Naruto. It was a lot of work carrying him around for 10 months, ya know. And actually having him was THE most painful thing I've ever experienced. Kushina shuttered at the memory.
10 months?
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention this earlier, I was the jinchuriki to the Kyuubi before Naruto. Long story, but one side effect of having the Kyuubi's chakra network intertwined with mine was an extra month tacked on to my pregnancy with Naruto while the Kyuubi's chakra enveloped him.
So does that mean?
I'm not sure because technically the only exposure your baby will have with the Kyuubi's chakra is from Naruto's-ahem-love juice. So depending on how much more exposure it gets during your pregnancy and how intertwined Naruto's chakra is with the Kyuubi…yeah expect to be carrying around that bun in your oven for at least 10 months.
Oh good… Sakura groaned, remembering that Videl only had to put up with baby baking for 6 months. Granted it was twice as intense as regular pregnancy but…WHY CAN'T THE GUYS JUST HAVE THE BABIES? THEY'RE THE ONES ALWAYS FLAPPING THEIR DICKS AROUND, LET THEM BARE THE CONSEQUNCES FOR ONCE!
Oh don't worry, Sakura. Once you hold your child for the first time, I guarantee it will all be worth it.
The thought made Sakura smile. A hospital room filled with Tsunade, Shizune, Ino, and all her friends and family. And right beside her was Naruto, flashing his trademark grin. Sakura of course would look flawless with a little bundle in her arms wrapped in a blanket. The bundle would have golden blond hair and blue eyes like its father.
All in due time, Kushina.
Hey come on, I want grandchildren. I'm not getting any younger you know.
You're not getting any older either.
Touché. Both women laughed at their joke.
Meanwhile on the boys' side.
So you think this masked man with Sharingan who attacked the village on the night of my birth and released the Nine-Tailed Fox is Madara Uchiha and is the leader of the Akatsuki? Naruto asked his father.
Precisely, either it was Madara who was supposed to have died fighting the First Hokage almost 80 years ago. Or it was an impostor taking on the name of Madara to inspire fear. Either way he is powerful enough to be a considerate threat to the Leaf village and the world.
So what can we do to prepare for him?
Honestly, the training you are doing now with the gravity room is more than I could ever expect of you. Taijutsu wise, you and your friends have exceeded my wildest expectations. But I wish that you would reconsider Gohan's proposal to train you to control the Nine-Tailed Fox.
Absolutely not. I lost control once and I nearly killed Sakura. Never again. I will save the village and protect Sakura with my own power.
Be that as it may, I sealed the Kyuubi inside you Naruto because I believed that you could master its power. I still do.
Well it's not happening. The Kyuubi will remained trapped inside me until I die of old age and take him with me.
Minato sighed. Arguing with his son was like arguing with his wife. Both too stubborn for their own good. If that is your wish, it is your burden to bare how you choose. Whatever you decide, know that I am proud of you son. Minato reached out and patted his son on the head.
Just a head's up, I left trace amounts of both mine and Kushina's chakra inside the Kyuubi's seal. One to act as a failsafe and restore the seal if it ever breaks and the other to help you along with taming the beast.
Thanks Dad.
Oh and Naruto. Don't let this one slip away. Minato smirked at his son.
I won't Dad. The two Namikaze men shared a mutual smile.
The boys soon reunited with the girls and unfortunately, Minato said that they had to end their meet up soon.
I hate to say this, but if Kushina and I don't get back to the Heaven quickly, we'll miss our flight to Hell.
Hell? What the Hell are you talking about? Naruto asked. How could his parents even think of leaving? They just met up after so many years.
I'm sorry Naruto, but if we miss our flight then lose our reservations at the resort and then we won't be able to see the G.O.O.H. Tournament.
The what now?
The Get Out Of Hell Tournament. Kushina explained. It's a major event in the afterlife that takes place once every few decades. It's a tournament where teams of up to six fighters from all over the multiverse compete against one another in no hold barred arena fights.
That sounds like every other fighting tournament ever held ever. Sakura commented.
Yes, but the winning team gets a unique prize. They select one soul, damned to spend the rest of eternity in Hell, and pardon him of all sins. The soul then gets to ascend to Heaven.
Just like that?
Just like that. We should go sometime once the two of you have passed on after living full lives and raising us dozens of grandbabies. Kushina suggested.
MOM! Naruto shrieked, embarrassed. That was the second time he had embarrassed him in front of his girlfriend in the same hour.
GIVE ME GRANDCHILDREN! Kushina shouted, only to be dragged away by Minato.
Listen Naruto, we'll talk more at a later date, you can believe that. Just contact King Kai if you ever want to speak with us. Minato said, trying to keep Kushina from ripping the pants off of Sakura and Naruto and throwing them together in a locked room.
You're damn right we will, believe it. Naruto said. A silence grew among the group, before anyone could say anything else, Naruto grabbed his parents in one final bear hug. He wanted to convey all his love into one final hug.
Naruto! Naruto! Too tight! Air! His father wheezed out.
Whoops, sorry Dad. Naruto said before releasing his parents who both drew in large breaths.
Guess I don't know my own strength. Naruto sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.
Yeah, I'll bet. I wish we had the gravity training back when I was your age.
Oh hush. We love you Naruto. With all our hearts. We'll talk again before your 16th birthday. Kushina promised.
I love you both too. Thank you for being my parents. All four ninjas were all on their way to spilling tears.
Slowly, Naruto and Sakura's mental projections began to fade from the black void and their consciousness was pulled back into reality. Naruto and Sakura returned to the real world with an overwhelming warm feeling permeating throughout their entire bodies.
Back in the void for a moment…
Hey why didn't you get hurt by Naruto's hug but I did? Minato asked Kushina.
Because it's like the Third's wife said during Naruto's birth. 'Women are strong and men are pussies.'
Author's Note: Correct me if I'm wrong cmartinHFD, but didn't I write the entirety of chapter 13 for Legacy of Heroes? So if readers who enjoy my writings and want to read more of my style, they should head over to your page and read the latest chapter? And then favorite it, follow it, then write a review for every single chapter even if it's just a one word "nice" review? Because as the review count increases it makes our collective balls feel big? I know I was excited when Legacy of Heroes hit 50 reviews. Thanks LegendaryWriterS. And a special thanks to airnaruto45 who wrote exactly the kind of reaction I was hoping to get with the ending of that chapter.
It is starting to get chilly in Michigan. So Guest Trolls, be sure to send me flames attacking my OTP through reviews so that I can keep my hands warm all winter and keep writing.
Not sure what the next one-shot chapter is going to be about. The next arc is my idea, but it isn't so much jam packed with narusaku moments as the previous few arcs have been. They will either be fighting or in Hell. I don't know, I might change things on a whim.