The power of human sacrifice

by wylcaros

Abandoned at birth, searching for strength for survival-this is all about Naruto.

51. Chapter 51

My mother tongue is Russian. I know English at the level of 11 grades at school. I wrote this story in Russian and it was getting a lot of coverage and I thought why not try to translate it into English. It's really hard for me to do. The translators all translate really badly. I'm fixing what I can fix. I'm sorry the story is hard to read.

Chapter 51

The first snowflakes

After the mission in the land of the sea, Team 7 decided to report back to the Hokage. But, Kushina decided to issue the report herself and the guys were fine with that. She walked in out of habit, swinging the door wide open.

Minato... Honey?

Kushina... Hey, honey, we finally made it.

Minato... I understand your mission was difficult.

Kushina... It's very complicated, read it, it's all laid out.

Minato took the report and his eyelids fluttered up with every text he read.

Minato... Honey, you sent me that you were taking that girl to the village. But why is it listed as a failure in the supplemental assignment?

The woman lifted heavy eyelids.

Kushina... Minato, that criminal the Anbu took, finally broke her. She was ready to kill herself, good thing Naruto was able to change her mind, but it didn't make things any better. She doesn't trust people, after all. I thought if we couldn't make her human again. Then she'll get even more frustrated with people and she'll just kill herself.

Minato noticed his wife's indignation, but there was something else and he decided to inquire.

Minato... Honey, what makes you think she would do that?

The woman lifted her heavy eyes and with bitterness in her voice.

Kushina... Because the same thing happened to Naruto.

Minato... What do you mean?

Kushina... Have you ever wondered why he doesn't want to be related to anyone? For example, why doesn't he want to reciprocate Inami's or Hinata's feelings? Or is it that he doesn't want to be a member of our family or with anyone at all?

That was the question that stumped him, of course the Hokage occasionally speculated about it. But I couldn't find a clear answer.

Minato... Hmm, do you have any thoughts on that?

Kushina... Naruto said when he first got to the orphanage. It was extremely difficult for him to be there. The orphans at that orphanage tried to beat him up every day. He went about every day on pins and needles preparing for a blow from the back. Orphans in orphanages were rarely taken in by families. Much less him for a no-adoption order. Anybody who came to pick up the kids was shunned. But, at one point one young couple did decide to adopt him. Maybe they didn't know about the order. But they did tell Naruto that they would take him into the family. Naruto entrusted me to them and waited for them to do the paperwork. But, they didn't come. He waited for them and hoped they would come. They didn't come until two weeks later, but not for him. It was mean, since he had relied on them and decided to ask what was wrong. But the spouses replied that all questions, to the director of the shelter. But the principal told her, you know what?

Minato listening to this story began to half-shrug.

Minato... And how did she answer him?

Kushina... She replied that no one wanted children with a defect and pointed to his antennae. God, how could she answer a two-year-old like that?

At the last word, she let tears fall uncontrollably.

Kushina... But even then, he hadn't completely given up hope of having a family. He waited for May, whom he regarded as his own sister or mother. He hoped that his expectations would not be in vain and endured the loneliness as best he could. Even when the whole village was baiting him, he gritted his teeth and pushed away the thought of suicide just to be with Maya. But when Maya died in his arms, he simply lost hope of having a complete family. You know, if it wasn't for the third and Shisui kun, he'd just kill himself! He was only 5 years old at the time, and he was already disillusioned with the family's feelings. He feels immense gratitude towards them. And they are the only ones he calls family. And he feels nothing but friendship for us. And we don't even deserve that attitude. Minato, now do you understand why I let Isaribi go? Because if she disappoints, I'm just like Naruto. Then she won't have people like Shisui Kun or the third one. She's just gonna get herself killed, and I can't forgive myself for that.

Minato did not pursue this conversation further, what he had learned was a burden for him as well.

Kushina... Minato, I don't even know how I'm supposed to go on. Knowing what I did to my son. How we're going to handle this. What we did to him was inhumane. It's only guilt that keeps me in this world. I want to fix a lot of things in his life. But no matter what I do, it's all in vain.

Now that was something Minato didn't like, of course he was of the same opinion himself, but thinking through his death. Getting up from the chair he sat down on the couch and hugged his wife.

Minato... Kushina, don't even think about it. Our son, already at such a young age has dealt with his pain. And he had many times worse than we did. You're not gonna give up just because you feel guilty?

The wife heard these words and felt ashamed of herself. I mean, really, a five-year-old who could deal with his own pain. And a 37-year-old woman who's willing to get herself killed for her own mistakes.

Kushina... You're right, honey, I've been a little soft lately.

Minato... That's good, you know, our son did the impossible. He was able to change the minds of many in our village. We're his parents, can't we do the impossible? Believe me, we can make sure he finds his happiness. After all, it's our duty as parents. Enough regrets, the past can't be changed, so we'll have to make do with what we have.

He really hoped that these words would cheer his wife up and he was not mistaken.

Kushina... Okay honey, we will do everything possible and impossible to make our kids happy!

The tense atmosphere was slowly fading away and Kushina decided to move on to another problem.

Kushina... Honey, something else happened that I couldn't put on the report.

Minato... What is it?

Kushina... The seal began to break down.

Now, this was extremely serious.

Minato... Had the fox's chakra leaked through the seal?

Kushina... Yes, it did come out.

Minato... Did you manage to suppress that chakra?

Kushina... No, he was able to suppress the chakra himself!

Minato... What, but how did he manage to curb the fox's chakra the first time?

And this is the question that perplexed the spouse.

Kushina... It surprises me too, maybe he's encountered this chakra before.

Minato... But if the chakra had leaked through the seal before. It would have cracked before.

Kushina... Minato, didn't you repair the cracks in his seal?

Now it was the spouse's turn to be surprised.

Minato... Kushina, what makes you think that?

Kushina... He said only you interacted with his seal and Jiraiya sensei. And in the village, you were the only one who knew seal techniques well, even better than me and the third. So here's the conclusion...

With every word she uttered and her husband's reaction, she began to suspect something amiss.

Kushina... Or did he deceive me?

Minato... Uh, no, the last ones to interact with the seal. It was just me and Jiraiya sensei. I checked then, the seal was intact. Even if there was a five element seal on top of it.

Kushina... Exactly, and he himself couldn't know, especially since eight element printing is a high-end printing technique. Even a third person wouldn't have the skill to repair the cracks in the seal. I doubt even I would have made it. Especially without the key, it would be impossible. Which makes it even more suspicious! Aunt Kaname wouldn't give us the keys to Kyubey's cage, since she didn't have time to finish the lock then and had to seal the fox without it. And it is impossible to fix the seal without the key, except for a highly skilled member of my clan.

Minato was often alarmed when he saw the pensive look on his wife's face and realized that she might do something crazy.

Minato's thoughts... I guess I'll have to tell you.

Minato... Kushina!

Kushina... Hmm?

Minato... When he went on missions in the land of snow. He met with a member of your clan.

Kushina... Uh, what, are you serious?

Minato... Yes!

But Minato now began to fear for his life, for for Kushina, the loss of the clan was very painful. She was basically the one who initiated the search for her tribesmen. After Kaname's death.

Kushina... And you chose not to tell me about it?

Minato... Kushina, I just wish you wouldn't interrogate Naruto. I myself had to exchange important information with him.

Kushina... Which is what?

Minato... 7 years ago, the Kazekage requested help. Gaara was really losing his temper. It turned out that he had stamped it wrong and needed help to fix the stamp. A wandering ninja named Takeshi Uzumaki responded to this request. He was able to fix the seal and the one-tailed man's chakra stopped poisoning his mind.

Kushina... You said wanderer, now I see why we couldn't find a member of my clan. But what did Naruto tell you?

Minato... He said he had met him in the land of snow when he went there with Shisui, on behalf of the third.

Kushina... Wow, but printing eight elements is much more complicated than printing a sand pumpkin. Is he really that capable?

Minato... According to Naruto, he was twice if not three times stronger than Kakashi. Hmm, he was the only one Naruto spoke well of, that's rare you know.

Kushina... Yeah, what's his comments about Kakashi, Jirai sensei, and Tsunade-sama worth.

Minato... Hmm, I'd say he respects him more than all three of them combined. It's the only sensei he's ever spoken so well of.

Kushina... Sensei?

Minato... Yes, he had trained with him for a while, perhaps it was under his tutelage that he was able to learn how to suppress the fox's chakra.

This information was of extreme interest to the woman.

Kushina... Did he happen to tell you where Uzumaki Takeshi is right now?

The Hokage paused to let his wife prepare herself for this news.

Minato... Naruto said that Takeshi was no longer alive. I didn't bother to ask further.

Kushina... Hmmm, so that's how...

She was sad that she wouldn't be able to find her co-clanmate now. It didn't take her long to slap her husband.

Kushina... That's for keeping Takeshi from me.

And another slap that made Minato start scratching the back of his head.

Minato... What was that for?

Kushina... And that's my dear for genes, you and Naruto have terrible genes. You're gonna make up some crazy tech stuff. You instinctively hide these things from me! Why, you're the one who said not to interrogate Naruto, so get him!

When the spouse was able to calm down a little bit.

Minato... By the way, we should check his seal, maybe we can do something about it too.

Kushina... Perhaps when you have a practice coming up?

Minato... After tomorrow.

Kushina... We'll check it out then.

Minato... Now back to your mission, by the way, how did the main mission go.

Kushina... All in all not bad, you can see they have experience in this sort of thing. Naruto has shown himself to be an enterprising leader. Sasuke, on the other hand, turned out to be an executive perfectionist. Sakura, on the other hand, was doing well with support. I even thought they could have done it without me. But still, an arrangement is an arrangement.

Minato... Hmm, I see, so everything's fine.

Kushina... All right, don't stay out late. I'm gonna go home and make dinner.

Minato... Okay...

After his wife left, Minato was left pondering.

Minato's thoughts... How could I forget about Shisui, since the third one wouldn't let him go out of the country without him. Is it possible that he went to the place where Uzumaki and Senju live? I wonder if the third one knew where they lived? Hmm, he was talking about the village of snow. But it is not possible to check there as no outsiders are allowed there. Ever since conflict broke out there, both international and domestic. This country is considered a closed territory. It's easier to sneak into the land of rain than into the land of snow. The last one to be there was Kakashi and possibly Shisui, Naruto and Itachi. But I don't think so about the latter, a third wouldn't risk it. And I can't interrogate Itachi either. Fugaku will skin me. Okay, I should check out all the missions I've sent him on.

He started rummaging through reports and began listing orders.

Minato... So, there's mostly orders from crescent moon land, bear, frost and they're all long term and interestingly they're all marked. The personal involvement of Uchiha Itachi himself. But that's still not enough to connect with him.

Naruto decided to go home after the mission and refresh himself with a cold shower. He had a lot of things to think about while the pressure of the shower cooled his brain.

Naruto's thoughts... What I have, the seal is a little by little, but has given a crack. The last time I encountered this chakra was only two years ago. But then as recently, I had by pure chance. I need to get out to the land of snow as soon as possible. But how am I supposed to do that? After all, there is no way to escape, as that would be desertion. And this is the most horrible thing a ninja can do. Hmm, looks like I'm going to have to ask Itachi to go outside of datebayo country after all!

After showering, he put on fresh clothes and finishing his lunch, he cleaned up after himself. Locking the door shut, he headed towards Amoguriyama, where Itachi often sat, spending a third of his paycheck on dango. The weather was sunny and the hums of children couldn't distract the blond from heavy thoughts. He walked leisurely into the establishment and his hunch was confirmed, Itachi was sitting where he assumed he would be. He leisurely walked over to his table and noticed at least ten dango skewers on the table. And the Uchiha himself was reading his book in a relaxed manner and nonchalantly pulling down a dango ball with his teeth.

Naruto... Yo, Itachi!

The Uchiha put the book down and raised his eyes to the blond man and smiled lightly.

Itachi... Oh, Naruto, hey, Sasuke said you just got back from a mission recently?

Naruto took a seat against him and grinned just as easily.

Naruto... Yes, it wasn't easy, but still we made it through.

Itachi... Well, that's good to hear, but you didn't come here for nothing, did you?

This question explained a lot of things.

Naruto... Uh, yeah, there's a reason you waited for me here. So Sasuke told you what happened on the datebayo mission?

Itachi noticed the blond's slight wince and decided to change the conversation in another direction.

Itachi... Yes, but I don't think this is the best place to discuss it. So give me something else.

Itachi took portions of the dango and stacked them in a container.

Itachi... Come on, I was just finishing lunch anyway.

The blond couldn't hold back a chuckle at this situation.

Naruto... Heehee, only you can get full with those dattebayo sweets.

Itachi... I could say the same thing about you about ramen. And Sasuke has an immense love for tomatoes.

Naruto... What can you do, we don't have an appetite for anything else anyway.

They were walking down a half-empty street toward the bluffs by the Nakano River.

Itachi... I heard you had to fail an extra mission.

Naruto... I had to, especially since her problem at this point is unlikely to be solved by medicine.

Itachi... And if she got another failure, would it end very badly for her?

Naruto... I wasn't entirely sure she was suicidal. Still, it wouldn't make sense for her to go under the knife.

The Uchiha huffed at such assumptions.

Itachi... How cruel this world is, some people condemn others to suffering, and those have to get along with it.

Naruto... Like Shisui said, a shinobi is a man who goes forward through pain. But Isaribi wasn't a shinobi. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. You could say she was a victim of circumstance.

Itachi often liked to talk to the blond about philosophical topics and his comrade was tolerably comfortable with it to fuel the conversation.

Itachi... This poor scholar has broken the most important rule of the shinobi world. Not to involve peaceful civilians.

Naruto... It's unlikely that many shinobi follow these rules. Orochimaru also liked to break them a lot. These two just don't value human life and their nature. Or perhaps on the contrary, they appreciate, but in their own piggish way.

Itachi... Hmm, I'm surprised you couldn't resist stabbing the bastard.

Naruto... What would that do? He'd suffer a few moments and go to hell without answering to this world for his atrocities. Consider it a favor we'd be doing him.

Itachi... Hmm, been meaning to ask for a while, why do you kill the others if they commit equally serious crimes?

Naruto... I always act on the situation, for example, if there is a jail and patrol officers nearby, you can give it to them. And if they don't, I can't let them go on their rampage. Or the simple instinct to kill or be killed. What makes you think to ask? You haven't inquired from me before, even though there's been plenty of cases.

Itachi... You know I like to study people's motives. And I was right, all my guesses about you were right.

Naruto... Uh, I thought it would be obvious, you and Shisui did the same thing. From whom you learn, from whom you learn.

Itachi watching his younger comrade's indignation decided to poke his finger on his forehead.

Itachi... That's exactly why I wanted to ask you. Sasuke is too inexperienced in such matters right now. Hopefully he can learn a lot from working with you.

The blond squinted his eyes finely, looking reproachfully at the Uchiha.

Naruto... That's a neat trick you pulled on me to raise your little brother.

Itachi... Oh, well, that's how everyone learns to live. I learned a lot from Shisui, just like you. He's a distant relative, but we have the same relationship as you and Sasuke.

Naruto... Well, you can't argue with that.

They sat down by the cliff and Naruto put up a barrier against the wire.

Itachi... And now for the main point, is the seal cracked?

Naruto... Unfortunately yes!

Itachi... Kushina san, did you see that?

Naruto... Yes.

Itachi... Sasuke said you were able to handle the seal yourself.

Naruto... I had to, or Sasuke would've put the suppression seal you gave him on me. then Kushina San would give him a hard time.

Itachi... Yeah, then Sasuke would be under suspicion, too. Hmm, looks like the technique you learned in the Hokage Sama scroll. She loosened your seal, for she is a high-level manipulation of the wind technique. And according to the results you showed, it interacts the most with the chakra center where your seal is located.

Naruto... That's the story I told Kushina sanu.

Itachi... Okay, well, it sounds like you're faced with a dilemma. If Sasuke had used that seal sheet, the crack would have clawed back.

Naruto... Yes, but it's too late now, because Itama herself said that the seal should be applied until the fox's chakra is drawn back into the seal.

Itachi... Hmm, looks like you'll have to go to snow country anyway. I'll think of something, but in the meantime, try to avoid the Hokage's inquiries about the seal.

Naruto... I'll have to...

The next day, Team 7 practiced in their own way. But Naruto suggested to Sasuke, a technique to train with the clone. Sasuke didn't argue and after creating a clone, he began to fight it with taijutsu. It worked out well, they batted with the same opportunities and conditions. Sakura sat back and enjoyed the mirror fight between her two companions. Naruto also fought his clone in a similar fashion. But the fight went on for a long time and Sasuke got tired of it and after scattering the clone he sat down on a stump and began to pant from fatigue. Coming to his senses a little and equalizing his breathing, he looked over to see Naruto and his clone still battling taijutsu.

Sasuke... Dobe, what's the point of this training? I can't defeat my clone, and neither can he defeat me. We know each other like a shoe. And this technique is eating up most of my chakra.

Sakura... Yeah, I don't understand it either, since the shadow clones are complete identical to the original. You know each other's abilities and weaknesses.

Naruto stopped the fight with a gesture and dispelled the clone, then crouched down against the Uchiha.

Naruto... That's the point, tell me, what's the most difficult opponent for you?

The brunet didn't understand the question and just answered what came to mind.

Sasuke... Uh, someone who's stronger than me.

Naruto... Kakashi sensei is stronger than all of us combined. But we do manage to pass the bell test time after time.

Sasuke... Shh, we're just practicing like hell and coming up with new strategies. We're just winning on the surprise factor.

Naruto... What's stopping you from doing the same to your clone, dattebayo?

Now the brunet was completely confused, of course he knew his friend was right, but still.

Sasuke... What are you talking about?

Naruto... Here Sakura said that our clones are completely identical and know our strengths as well as our weaknesses. What if you do something you've never done before? For example, you dodge a direct hit and so does your clone. What if you do the other way around, instead of dodging, you counter and counterattack? Your clone, who knows your nature, will just fly off the counterstrike without finishing his combo. Of course it sounds axe-headed and incomprehensible. But still try to surprise yourself.

Now that advice made sense and Sasuke was already raring to get up and try it. But, the chakra was already running low.

Sasuke... Shh, that cloning technique just eats up chakra like hell, even with just one clone.

Naruto... I told you, meditate more often and your reserve will increase.

Sasuke pulled out a notepad and wrote down notes, then sat back down and started eating the tomatoes.

Naruto... By the way, we should get ready for tomorrow, the hokage herself will do the bell test.

Sakura... But can we do it? We got lucky last time, he played with us like kittens.

Sasuke... Yeah, after his training, Sakura spent two hours healing my torn muscles.

Naruto... Hmm, yeah, that's a problem. And we got a hell of a defense. I don't think the barrier trick is gonna work. Everyone has weaknesses, but the Hokage himself is very well hidden.

Sasuke... Shh, there goes his problematic flying thunder god technique. Last time, we were able to counter this technique. But if he touches us, it's game over.

Sakura... Yeah, and his sensorics are a lot better than yours, Naruto. It didn't take him long to find me and Sasuke kuna.

Naruto pulled out a three-bladed kunai and began to study the seals on it.

Naruto... The wrist scrolls are some sort of chakra storage. I read in the scroll that it's like a lighthouse. We have to get rid of them or screw them up so he can't use them. Or else. Sasuke, Sakura, how often do you think Kakashi sensei complained to the hokage herself after our tests?

Sasuke... Uh, it's kind of common, why?

Naruto... And the fact that she knows how we're going to fight. We had hoped so many times for traps against Kakashi sensei that he already knew the location of every datebayo fishing line. And the hokage herself just expects us to use traps like that.

Sasuke and Sakura began to catch up on the concept of the conversation.

Sasuke... Dobe, if that's what I'm thinking, it's a very bad idea. Without traps, we just won't last a minute against him.

Sakura... He's gonna bury us in the first second, that's all.

Naruto... On the contrary, we will be using traps, but a slightly different format dattebayo!

Sasuke... Hn, what are they?

Naruto pulled out a notepad and a map outline of the range.

Naruto... Before that, we were just adding new techniques and traps. We'll change everything tomorrow! It's better to start today, though, because tomorrow we simply won't have the strength.

Sasuke... I agree, and it's very time consuming.

As if on cue, Naruto's clones began propping up trees around the neighborhood. And Sasuke and Sakura began tightening fishing lines all over the range. Rocks were prepared around the edges and in the center for ejection. There was a lot of cheating, though.

The next day, Minato and his wife approached range number 7.

Minato... Uh, I think today's interesting, do you happen to know what they have in store for me?

The wife looked reproachfully at her husband.

Kushina... Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you. You like to hide things from me.

My husband put his palms out around his chest at this and started to get covered in goosebumps. But was still excited for the battle, since he sits in the residence all the time and rarely gets to go out like this and train with the genin. It was nostalgic for him to do the bell test.

Meanwhile, Naruto and his team were finishing up with their attack planning.

Naruto... Most importantly, keep his kunai from getting close and touching you. Last time I was lucky we spotted the thunder god's seal on my dantebayo vest in time!

Sasuke... I hope we get lucky this time.

Sakura... By the way, the river plan, are you sure you can keep him there longer?

Naruto... We won't know until we try it, but the experience from the last mission should help me and Sasuke.

Sasuke... Everyone, they're coming...

The couple approached them leisurely and waved their hands. And the spouse lost her hands in anticipation.

Kushina... Hey guys, how are you feeling, ready to kick your Hokage's ass?

At such a statement, the others began to smirk awkwardly and look away.

Naruto... Uh, it's not that.

Minato's thoughts... Honey can be so sadistic sometimes.

Minato... Well, let's not waste any time...

Sasuke... We're ready!

Kushina... First, tell me a place where I can sit and watch your test.

The guys realized what she meant and the girl pointed to the cliff.

Sakura... There, we knew you'd come to see, so we left that cliff untouched.

Kushina... All right, good luck, guys.

Kushina parroted toward the cliff and closed herself off with a barrier just in case to avoid being hit. And Minato and the young shinobi stood face to face and the hokage pulled out the bells.

Minato... Okay, you know the rules, so let's get started!

Minato expected a lot of things from them, but not a direct attack right away. The trio rushed forward and started a taijutsu fight to warm me up and get used to the opponent. Naruto and Sasuke were an order of magnitude faster and provided maneuverability, thus opening a gap in the hokage's defense, for Sakura.

Minato's thoughts... Wow, this is something new, no tricks, no traps, and started all three of us going head-on.

Minato fought off the cohesiveness of the guys on offense. Naruto and Sasuke helped each other with everything, combination, counterattack and defense. Minato was so engrossed in fighting off the swords that he didn't even notice Naruto's clone emerge from the ground and grab both of the hokage's legs. Sasuke and Naruto took advantage of this and held the older blond by the arms, enough for Sakura to deliver a powerful blow that sent him flying into a tree.

Naruto... It's a little too easy...

Sasuke... Formation manjia!

The guys stood in a triangle and started looking around, and the clone that flew to the tree disappeared in the smoke. Naruto began to cast a pulse of chakra and noticed the hokage behind him.

Naruto... Scatter!

Naruto realized that Sakura wasn't going to make it in time so he pushed her away with a gust of wind and jumped forward himself and turned his head back. Minato stood relaxed and looked at the team with admiration.

Minato... As expected, you noticed something wrong right away. By the way, how was your warm-up?

Naruto... Great, but, uh, now let's get real! Explosion!

The earth's crust beneath Minato's feet began to crackle and he had to jump aside.

Naruto... Here we go!

Now the battle began in a new vein. Minato had to dodge from all sides as catapulted rocks and shurikens thrown by the guys flew towards him. And Sakura threw a small round stone in his direction. But the traps didn't end there as thick logs flew from the trees onto the rope. From the outside, it seemed that the range had become an attraction of endless traps. Minato had to dodge them, but bumped into the fishing lines that activated the mechanism and the kunai flew towards him. Meanwhile, the guys were blowing their joint techniques. When Minato noticed the rips on his pants and vest.

Minato's thoughts... There's a lot more traps than last time. If this keeps up, I'll have to buy new clothes again.

The Hokage jumped back against a tree and turned to the kids.

Minato... How are you doing with stalking the enemy?

The boys looked at each other without turning their heads and followed the hokage, who immediately started jumping through the trees.

Minato's thoughts... If I wear them down in this chase, I think I have a chance to defeat them without striking a single blow. What the-

The branch he jumped on cracked under his weight and he began to fall down. He of course tried to throw a kunai, but the guys had already thrown their own to keep him away. He had a dilemma, either fight back and go down to the ground, or try to throw but get a kunai on his back. Of course he chose the first and fighting back, he went down to the ground, but, his feet got stuck in the sinking swamp.

Minato... What, where'd the swamp come from?

Naruto... Ha, we caught up with you, Hokage-sama! Sasuke, it's your move!

The aforementioned pulled on the fishing line and let loose a chakra lightning bolt that led to the swamp.

Minato's thoughts... We're back to the dilemma, okay.

He threw the thunder kunai towards the children and behind his back at the same time so fast that Naruto couldn't fight them all off and one kunai went past him and the hokage appeared behind his back and watched as the drowning swamp was covered in lightning and exploded.

Minato... Yeah, it's not a pretty sight.

The boys turned their heads back in horror and saw the hokage in one piece.

Sasuke... That's the speed!

Minato... You've done well in pursuit of the enemy, but what about retreat?

The guys took the hint and.

Naruto... To the right!

Vshuh and they were off to the side as behind them was the thunder god's kunai stabbed into a tree. The Hokage began to chase after them jumping after them at a leisurely pace.

Minato... Did the hunters become prey?

The Hokage started throwing kunai and Sasuke and Naruto had to fight them off so he wouldn't get to them. The atmosphere was heating up, as the boys knew firsthand that they would never escape the yellow lightning of Konoha. And prayed that Minato would just keep playing with them until he got bored. Sasuke never once during the battle, not even for a second, had his sharingan out, and Naruto was on a chakra pulse to make sure he didn't miss a single kunai.

Sakura... Oh, mommy, I'm so scared.

Sasuke... Shh, we gotta do something.

Naruto... You can't stop, much less relax.

Minato playfully evaded the traps and began to push off the timbers more often to avoid bumping into undercut logs. If it wasn't for the hitchhiking traps, Minato wouldn't even hesitate to decide to catch up with them.

Minato's thoughts... And I could get used to them. I wish I'd had students like that in my day. And that Kakashi often complains about this test. It's fun to feel the adrenaline like that, and the fact that these kids are very unpredictable. This adds even more interest.

Kushina, meanwhile, ran after them to see how his subordinates were handling the test.

Kushina... Damn, there's a lot of traps, are they gonna have a war here?

The boys, meanwhile, had already emerged from the forest and stood on the water of the large river and repelled the kunai flying in their direction with a swipe. Minato landed against them and stood on the water. Kushina, on the other hand, stood on a boulder and looked toward the river.

Minato... Great, you did a great job with the retreat, too.

Naruto... Here we go!

Sasuke... Cato, fiery phoenix flowers!

Naruto... Wind shuriken, kashe bunshin!

The shurikens, infused with wind and fire chakra, came at the hokage and he had to move away, but Sasuke and Naruto guided them back at him with a fishing line. Sakura meanwhile hit the water with a powerful kick and raised the waves, thus partitioning off a path of retreat. Minato had nothing left to do but go underwater, and there underwater he began fending off piles of shurikens infused with wind chakra. Naruto and Sasuke created clones and pushed off from the springboard of wind as if they were projectiles and flew towards Minato, swords drawn. Meanwhile, Sakura was making sure the hokage didn't come out from under the water.

Minato's thoughts... We're going to have an underwater battle, that's new.

As he fought off the attacks, the seals underneath the stone began to explode I and direct the stones towards the hokage. The guys, on the other hand, would push off the reefs and lunge at their opponent. Minato got sick of it all and threw the kunai upwards, but the water pressure made the throw weak and Sakura was hitting the water to keep the kunai from going out. It had been over five minutes and the guys' oxygen was running low as they had spent a lot of chakra just from having to use chakra to increase their speed underwater. They pushed off from the rocks and started heading towards the hokage from both sides. Minato in turn tried to dive up, but Sakura came down on the water and hit the block with all her might and Minato began to sink back into the water. The bubbles from the impact obscured his view and Naruto managed to grab his legs, while Sasuke managed to snatch the bells. Minato threw his kunai up and picked up the children in an armful, then moved outside. Naruto and Sasuke started gulping for air. Minato though he had experience in underwater combat, but it was still a rarity. Sasuke took a breath and jingled his bells.

Naruto... Huh, is everyone...

Minato... Good, you've done well on another test.

Sasuke... Yeah, but this time was a lot harder than last time.

Minato... Well, I thought I'd turn up the pressure a little bit.

They walked back to the range and sat down near a tree. Kushina began patching up the cuts and bruises on the kids.

Kushina.. And why so many traps, you're the one who got hurt by them.

Naruto.. Well, the Hokage himself is very fast, so I had to slow him down at least a little.

Kushina... Oh, you, uh, well, I think you should get some rest.

The guys got comfortable and started opening their bentos. Kushina brought the basket and gave her husband a tea sandwich and started eating the salad herself.

Minato... Overall, your teamwork is at a good level, the only thing I can advise is to keep it up.

But no one heard him, as the boys were already shoveling their food and it caused a lekky knot on the adults' faces.

Minato... Hehehe, I guess they didn't need my advice.

Kushina... They'll probably do what they need to do anyway.

When lunch was done, the boys began cleaning up their traps and getting the range in order. Minato and Kushina sat across the отда and watched their tumultuous work.

Kushina... We're raising a good generation.

Minato... Hmm, you bet, progress doesn't stand still after all.

Kushina... Speaking of progress, how are my girls doing in Kakashi's care?

Minato... Well, so far they haven't complained, they've enjoyed working independently.

Kushina... You mean Kakashi's done with them too?

Minato... No, on missions he helps them, but in training, they develop themselves.

Minato's thoughts... It's true Kakashi himself is not happy with their whining.

Kushina... Here's how...

As the kids started to leave the range, they stuffed their belongings into a backpack.

Minato... Naruto, stay a few minutes, we need to talk.

Naruto... Uh, all right, you guys go ahead, tomorrow morning as usual.

Sasuke... Okay, goodbye, hokage herself, Kushina san.

Sakura... Bye!

When Sakura and Sasuke were out of sight, Minato put his hand on his son's shoulder.

Minato... Naruto, Kushina told me that the seal on your stomach is cracked.

Naruto's thoughts... She did tell me, xoxo, what am I supposed to do? Okay, easy Naruto, I think it's okay.

Naruto... Uh, yeah, apparently my air pulse technique overloaded and caused it to overload.

Minato... Can you show me?

Naruto pulled on his vest and let his chakra flow into his stomach to reveal the symbols, and Minato began to examine the seal. As he researched, he began to wonder more and more.

Minato's thoughts... Wow, I've never found that before. On top of the printing of the eight elements, there's another one. It's like a stamp on a disguise. It's barely visible, looks like the crack has failed and the masking seal has stopped working completely. If it wasn't for the crack, we wouldn't have found it at all.

Minato... Naruto, tell me, didn't Takeshi give you that cloaking seal?

Naruto and Kushina's mouths dropped open at that statement.

Kushina's thoughts... A seal of disguise? I didn't see it last time.

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, why did I even say that name in the first place. I'm sorry sensei, but this is for the village of snow. But why did he give that name under Kushin san. Xoo, looks like he blabbed to her, too.

Naruto... Uh, yeah, he said it would help hide my seal even when it cracked.

Minato... Ah, that's how it works.

Kushina... Naruto, tell me honestly, how many times have you had chakra leak out of your seal? And don't you dare lie!

The younger blond realized that if he didn't answer, they would find out anyway and decided to go all the way.

Naruto... Three times. Except for that moment on the island of Kikoigima. I've suppressed fox chakra before, so I did it last time.

It wasn't easy, and Naruto noted the surprise and wariness on his wife's faces.

Minato... Apparently they were all outside the village, am I understanding this correctly?

Naruto... Yes...

Minato... Naruto, we need to strengthen the seal.

Naruto... Can you do that?

Naruto didn't have high hopes for them, but still, he could just dump everything on Takeshi, so he decided to seize the moment.

Minato... I'm not saying we're going to make it, but we need to check it out first. And to do that, you have to remove the masking seal.

Naruto... But if you take it off, the seal won't go away as the crack has already gone.

Minato... Don't worry, I've seen seals like this, so I can put it back in place.

Naruto... Uh, all right.

Minato took his wife and son by the shoulders, then moved with them to his range. Minato led the way to the stone bed where the seal of the five elements had been broken last time.

Minato... Take off your outer clothing and lie down on the bed.

Naruto... Uh, okay.

Minato... Darling, do you have the scroll of the eight element seal with you?

Kushina... Yes!

Minato... Okay, Naruto, try to stay still.

The older blond placed a scroll beside him and after writing out a few hieroglyphics, he folded the seals and pulled the seal of disguise into the scroll. And then went back to the seal and began to check the seal thoroughly, during his inspection he noticed several inconsistencies with Kaname's notes.

Minato... It's weird, the stamps don't match the records.

Kushina... What, why is that?

Minato... I don't know, there are a few extra characters on the belly. And they're not in the scroll.

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, you have to say something or else you'll get unnecessary questions.

Naruto... Um, you know, Takeshi sensei added a little bit of formulae to the datebayo seal!

After this explanation, the spouses were perplexed.

Kushina... What, and you kept quiet about it?

Naruto... Forgot...

Kushina... Oh, dummy.

Minato... And why did he add the formula in print?

Naruto... Well, when I was a kid, most of the reserve went to the nine-tails. Not just to maintain the seal. He said that these symbols would evenly exchange both mine and the nine-tailed man's chakra. From then on, I didn't need to eat a mountain of food to replenish my chakra reserve. He also told me not to push myself to the point of total exhaustion.

Minato's thoughts... It turns out Kaname obasan, misprinted the seal? Xooo, Naruto had a hard time with the seal and I didn't even check?

The Hokage decided to thoroughly test the seal property.

Minato... Yeah, but it'll make it harder to restore your seal. Since printing eight elements is extremely difficult Fuinjutsu.

Naruto... So you're not gonna make it?

Kushina... I'm sorry, but our records go without those formulas. Consider your seal, though slightly different from the one we have.

Naruto sullenly contemplated the whole situation.

Minato... Naruto, I'll try to do something. But first I need to learn these formulas.

Naruto... Okay...

Kushina's thoughts... As a child, I often heard the voice of a nine-tailed man. As soon as his sakra came out of me. I owe it to him to find out if he sent him a brain?

Kushina... Naruto!

Naruto... Yes, Kushina san?

Kushina... Uh, well, I've heard that biju often tempt their jinchuriki with mind tricks. Say, have you ever heard the voice of a nine-tailed man?

Minato was also interested in this fact and perked up his ears. The younger blond, on the other hand, looked at Kushina in surprise.

Naruto... Is it? I've never had that before. When the seal leaks out of me, though, it makes my eyes constantly swim and drowns out my ears. So I never saw or heard that flea rug.

Kushina was thanking all the gods from that answer, as she knew more about the fox's cunning than anyone else. Minato wrote down the seals and returned the seal disguise after which the symbols disappeared on his stomach. Naruto got up from the box and put on his blue t-shirt and orange vest again.

Minato... As soon as I find something, I'll let you know. In the meantime, let's go home. They moved to Naruto's apartment and after saying goodbye to him, they went home.

Kushina... Minato, do you have any thoughts on how to fix the crack on the eg seal?

Minato... Unfortunately, I don't know yet. But I'll try to study these characters I've written down first.

Kushina... Okay, I'll go through the library at home, too. It turns out, if it wasn't for Takeshi, Naruto would have let the fox loose a long time ago.

Minato... It goes like this...

Kushina... Okay, it's time to get down to business.

Minato and Kushina went into their library and started looking for any seals that were similar to the one they had seen on their son's stomach. They searched for a long time and thoroughly searched the entire closet. But they never found the right records.

Minato... Looks like I'll have to dig through the archives.

Kushina... In the meantime, I'll continue my search here. We haven't checked them all, in case I find anything else in these history books.

Minato... All right, in the meantime, have your team arrive on Rank C missions.

That was settled, in the days that followed, Naruto and his team would go outside the village on errands for the Hokage. And Minato himself was looking for records in the archives in the evenings, and here it was one evening. He intently flipped through the Fuinjutsu records until he heard a knock on the door.

Minato... Come in!

His old friend the head of the Uchiha clan walked through the door.

Fugaku... Hi Minato.

Minato... Hey, you decided to help me with my records?

Fugaku looked around the table, which was just littered with mostly books and scrolls on Fuinjutsu, and decided to poke at it.

Fugaku... As the years go by, you haven't changed. You were a crammer at the academy and you still are.

The hokage, on the other hand, didn't even notice his comrade's sarcastic barb.

Minato... Oh, you mean that, yeah, you have to learn something new every now and then to be ready for anything.

The black-haired man walked over to the table and grabbed a chair.

Fugaku... That's it, will you let me?

Minato... Sure, did you have something you wanted to ask me?

As he sat down at his chair, he decided to begin his question from afar about a family problem that had come to his attention.

Fugaku... Minato, I was wondering why my son is rarely at our house.

The Hokage didn't immediately understand the question and just said what came to mind.

Minato... Ah, it's just that Naruto often asks for missions outside the village for his team to gain more experience, so...

Fugaku... No, I don't mean him.

Minato... You mean Itachi?

Fugaku... Yes, when he was under the command of the third. I hadn't really thought about it. Since he was often on a mission with the Shisui pair and didn't worry about them as they could have each other's backs. And now he goes on long term missions alone.

Minato... Uh, weird, you said you'd stay out of his life. Well, because, uh.

Uchiza frowned, remembering the time when Itachi had often cried as a child and was grateful to Shisui for being able to restore his son's composure.

Fugaku... Yes, I promised myself that, but one thing keeps me going.

Minato... What is it?

Uchiza pulled a scroll from behind his sinus and handed it to the hokage. Minato looked at the scroll and noticed that there was a seal that could be opened with the chakra of the recipient or the addressee.

Minato... It's not a simple seal, but where did you get it from?

Fugaku... Mikoto found this scroll when she was cleaning Itachi's room. She said it was brought by Shisui's raven. They often passed letters to each other that way.

Minato... So this isn't the first letter?

Fugaku... Yeah, Mikoto found her just this morning.

Minato... Hmm, the scroll is intact, so you didn't open it?

Fugaku... No! Tell Minato, because after the death of the third and Shisui's departure. Itachi is now under your command. So how is it that he also goes off on long-term missions like this?

That voice gave off interest and concern.

Minato... To be honest, I don't know why that is. All the missions he's received require him personally to act.

Fugaku... Hmm, that's kind of weird. You can show all the missions he's completed since he's been under your command.

Minato's thoughts... So I'm not the only one who's noticed weirdness in Itachi's missions.

Minato... Uh, okay.

A couple minutes later, Fugaku was flipping through his son's reports and came to a bewilderment.

Fugaku... Minato, here in the reports from the land of the bear and the tusk, not a single name of the orderer is repeated. So how can they ask for Itachi's participation specifically?

Minato looked closely at the piece of paper and wondered the same thing.

Minato... Really weird...

Fugaku... Yeah, and I asked him a question once. What is the name of the capital of the land of moons, and he couldn't even answer. Although his report says he was there for a little over two weeks. He could have memorized it by heart in that time.

Minato turned back to the seal scroll and now some of the oddities made more sense to him.

Minato... Fugaku, I have some ideas about that too, but we'll need to print out a scroll for that.

Fugaku... Uh, okay, can you do that?

Minato... Hmm, quite... The printing, while sophisticated, is not so sophisticated that it can be hacked. You only need to get Itachi's blood, as it is saturated with the owner's chakra.

Fugaku... He recently had a checkup at the hospital.

Minato... Great, I'll be right back.

Ten minutes later, after much persuasion from Tsunade, he was able to get a minestrone with Itachi's blood on it.

Minato. All right, we're good to go.

After an hour of long and laborious work, the seal yielded.

Minato... Bingo!

The Hokage unrolled the scroll and paired up with Fugaku and began to read the letter.

Itama's entry... Itachi, I got your letter saying that you found a letter saying that you found Koyuki Kazahana, who is hiding under the name Yukie Fujikaise. I was also informed by Shisui that the seal on him had cracked. Don't try to do anything with it, as without my mokuton, it will be impossible to re-seal the crack. The fox's chakra might just flat out break the seal and the nine-beast might walk free. Also, don't try to amateurize. Now back to Princess Koyuki. You wrote that she works as an actress. I'm glad you were able to talk the director into shooting scenes in snow country. Let Naruto's team take over the camera crew. Since he has a stamp on his hand and they can get him across the border. Tell him it's a very serious mission, since without the daimyo. The country cannot function internationally. Koyuki is unlikely to agree to this, as she left as a refugee and traitor to her country. But, Shisui was able to restore her glorious family name in the society. She is the sole and rightful heir to her country. In high society, it has its own weight. So another challenge for Team Naruto is to get her to accept her post. But don't let them spread the word about such a serous assignment just yet. If they succeed, our country will no longer be a closed territory. And your job is to arrange our meeting with the Fourth Hokage. Yes, Itachi, it's about time we showed up our old allies. The meeting will be scheduled here in our village. There are some issues that can only be resolved with him. This information will be top secret, no one but the Hokage herself should know about this recording. Our Uzumaki and Senju clan isn't ready for the rest of the world yet. Only the leaf and only the Hokage.

Shock, that was the only thing that could be seen on the face of the two high ranking ninja of the sheet.

Fugaku... Itama Uzumaki, possesses mokuton, the genome of the first Hokage. A village hidden in the snow, what on earth is going on?

Minato... So my evidence checks out. Ninjas of Whirlpool Country, not all of them were destroyed. Looks like they were able to escape to the land of snow before the village was destroyed.

Fugaku... But why did Itachi keep quiet about it?

Minato... Because it wasn't his secret. And there's a lot we can only learn in the land of snow.

Fugaku... Hmm, so what, Itachi's been working for them all this time?

Minato... Yes, but it's legal, even though the missions were rigged, the revenue from the missions went into the sheet.

Fugaku... I see, but what about Princess Koyuki?

Minato... Two and a half years ago, Setsuna Kazahana, the daimyo of the Fire Nation was assassinated. The court daimyo has asked us for a mission to rescue Princess Koyuki from Kazahan Castle. I sent my best cadre at the time, Kakashi Hatake, on the mission. It was a tough mission, he said. But it's better to get the details from him.

Fugaku... Wait, so because of Konoha's actions, this country is considered off-limits?

Minato... So it looks superficial, but it's better to assume unnecessary speculation for now...

Fugaku... I see, but what about Naruto, does that mean he's familiar with the snow village too?

Minato... It looks like it, but the seal, it turns out Itama changed the seal herself. And the mokuto, according to what Naruto said. Itama herself is truly the greatest owner of this genome. It was only with his help that he was able to seamlessly alter the seal and patch the cracks.

Fugaku... Hmm, you informed me that Naruto has a problem with that. But why didn't you ask Tenzo, since he has the wood element too.

Minato... Yeah, but he doesn't have the strength to contain that power. Tenzo was given this power, not born with it. So it's a bad idea, there's a risk I'll further loosen the seal and it won't hold at all.

Fugaku... I see... So he'd better go to the snow village like the scroll says.

Minato... Hmda, okay, Itachi was supposed to be back today, maybe that's why he couldn't get this letter in time, but how do we explain to him that we know what's written in this scroll?

Now that made Fugaku nervous and he began to rub his chin vigorously.

Fugaku... It's kind of awkward, like it's none of my business and only you would know about it. Can you restore the seal in the scroll?

The Hokage double-checked the seal and shook his head.

Minato... Unfortunately no, as the chakra belonged to another who was sealing. Itachi can easily find out everything.

Fugaku... Oh, boy.

Minato... Come tomorrow, the two of you, I have a few ideas.

Fugaku... Eh, how hard it can be sometimes with kids...

Minato... You bet. But you get it, it's classified level S information.

Fugaku... Of course, by the way, did you put up a barrier?

Minato... Ever since we started reading the scroll.

The Uchiha pulled a bottle of sake out of his pouch and looked at the hokage anxiously.

Fugaku... Great, then get the choco, I knew this was gonna be a tough conversation.

Minato was dumbfounded by such news ge less and decided not to refuse the drink. Taking a sip of liquor the Uchiha began to speculate on everything.

Fugaku... Uh, Mikoto said the letter came from Shisui the raven. So he didn't go on any journey, but to this hidden village?

Minato... That was in my assumptions, too.

Fugaku... You said that Naruto, Shisui and Itachi worked under the third. Does the fact that it was the third one that sent them on missions to the land of snow mean that it was the third one?

Minato... That explains a lot, since only he could send them on such missions without hindrance. He's been a great help in assigning missions, after all.

Fugaku... I wish I knew why the third one kept it from us.

Minato... The fact that he couldn't help the land of the maelstrom in his time. Such a fact, often struck at his heart. And the Whirlpool Nation was only destroyed because of their power. You know how they treat a clan that gets too strong.

Fugaku... You mean Danzo? Yes, how many times did he intend to set us up or humiliate us in the public eye. To get us to fight back and give him an excuse to destroy us. I wouldn't even be surprised that it was because of his luxuries that a clan like Sendu ceased to exist in our village. It seems hiding from everyone, even us, was the best solution for them.

Minato... That too, it was war then, no one knew who your enemy was and who your ally was. I have a hunch that the third knew that the Senju clan and Uzumaki would move to the land of snow before their village was destroyed.

Fugaku.. And now, relatively, but there is a world.

The Hokage took a sip of sake and was electrocuted by the memory.

Minato... You know what I remember?

Fugaku... And what's that?

Minato... Before the third left on his last mission in his life. I asked him why on earth he wanted to go for this suicide. He replied to me that he would have passed away sooner. But it was only his sins that kept him in this world. Breaking the maelstrom, sending children to war, a traitorous apprentice. It was all like a lump in his throat. I heard from Naruto that the third one often gave charity to an orphanage. He wanted to atone for the children who died in the war. To punish a misbehaving student, that was second. And the third is keeping the secret of the whirlpool country and help in the form of our three shinobi.

The clan head marveled even more at Old Man Three's generosity and raised his glass upwards.

Fugaku... For the third, he never liked to leave a heavy load behind.

The fourth remembered how Hiruzen at one time did not give him the post, until he would not deal with the problems that brought a third of I war shinobi and just could not answer the gesture and clinking glasses, the two shinobi sipped the liquor.

Fugaku... What about Kushina, since she's also from the Uzumaki clan?

Minato... Unfortunately not yet, if she finds out, she'll interfere with the mission. If Naruto has to be sent on an escort mission, she's the only one who can subdue the fox's chakra. Kakashi is no match for this as the sharingan simply won't work on Naruto. In the meantime, we need to wait for Itachi to make a more detailed plan.

Fugaku... Uh, that's gonna have to wait. You know, Itama was the name of Senju Hashirama's younger brother.

Minato. Maybe he's a distant relative. Still, owning a mokuton speaks volumes.

The Uchiha drank the last of his glass and stood up from his chair taking the scroll with him.

Fugaku... Okay... I'm going to go, I have a difficult conversation with my son tomorrow.

Minato... Good luck...

When Minato was alone in his office, he began to clean up his desk and stay in thought.

Minato... I wonder if Itama herself is aware of the fact that Kushina was once a leaf jinchuriki? Eh, how things are getting more and more complicated.

The next day, Itachi was returning from a mission to Tanzaku as he suddenly ran into his father on the way. Fugaku took a closer look at his son and noticed the bags under his eyes and his shabby appearance.

Fugaku... Itachi, we're talking!

And this was something unusual for Itachi, since the last time Fugaku had spoken to him in that tone was when he had asked to take Sasuke on a mission.

Itachi... Good father! But I have to turn in the report to the Hokage myself.

Fugaku... You don't have to worry about that. We'll go to him together, but in the meantime, there's something we need to talk about, not here.

Itachi... Uh, okay.

Itachi was not happy about this state of affairs and now only dreamed of a warm and soft pillow. After all, he had to work for days without sleeping a wink. They walked through the streets and stopped at the edge of the village where the Uchiha neighborhood used to be.

Fugaku... Itachi, before I get to the main point, I want to tell you why we came here. In the past, our clan was feared for our abilities. But in time, after that night of the fox attack. We got what we deserved, trust, respect and all because we proved that our powers could protect her.

That exclamation strained Itachi a bit, for they rarely talked about it and the conversation always ended on a heavy note.

Itachi... Father, I don't know where you're going with this yet.

Fugaku... Itachi, I realize I was too cruel to you when I showed you the terrible things of this world. Even though you recently stopped wearing diapers. I told you then that you're free to choose who you want to be. But you or Sasuke must someday replace me in my position as clan leader. Itachi, I've been noticing oddities in your missions lately, as well as the Hokage's. If your actions damage the reputation of the Konoha, it will bring shame to our clan, just because you are my son.

That suspicion sharply cheered Itachi up and he straightened up dispersing chakra throughout his body.

Itachi... Father, what does that mean?

Fugaku... Here, take it!

Itachi grabbed the scroll and noticed that it was already printed.

Itachi... Father, did you read what was inside?

Fugaku... Yes, son, as the clan leader, I can't let the Uchiha clan's reputation fall in front of everyone because of your actions. So I had to go to extreme measures.

Itachi started to read everything that was in there and looked up surprised again.

Itachi... Does the Hokage herself know about this scroll?

Fugaku... He's the one who helped print this scroll. Good thing he had technicians who could print it out.

It was a disaster, as the secret about snow country, had been hidden for over two hundred and fifty years.

Itachi's thoughts... No wonder, the hokage herself might have thought wrong once Naruto told his man about the mokuton property.

Itachi... Here's how... Father, I can explain everything, this.

Fugaku seeing his son's wary look, put his hand on his shoulder and smiled.

Fugaku... Don't be afraid Itachi, I'm proud of you for helping our longtime allies.

Itachi was very unaccustomed to his father's praise, for in all this time he had only listened to dry thanks from him and the praise didn't sound so enthusiastic.

Itachi... Thank you father, so is that why we're going to the Hokage together?

Fugaku... Yes! I know I promised I'd stay out of your life. But as a father, I was very worried about you.

Itachi.. It's okay, as long as no one else finds out about it.

Fugaku... Don't worry about that, Minato and I are in our positions for a reason.

They walked to the residence with their heads held high and entered the hokage's office with the same mood.

Fugaku... Minato, we're here to see you about our business.

The Hokage set the barrier down and nodded at the younger Uchiha's bow.

Minato... Itachi, as you realized, I know about the scroll that Shisui sent through the raven.

Itachi had already reacted more calmly to this, as he realized that such information was not supposed to be secret to him.

Itachi... I see, what's your opinion on that?

Minato... Hmm, I understand a lot of what was written. Let's face it, I've suspected the three of you of doing this before. After all, the third was your immediate superior.

Minato and Fugaku began recounting all their thoughts on the matter. Itachi was glad they understood why the hidden snow was hiding from the rest of the world. Toward the end, Itachi summed it up.

Itachi... Well, as long as you're aware of everything, may I?

Itachi pulled out two reports, and placed them on the table.

Itachi... The first scroll is a stakeout mission I completed, and the second is an order for a mission to escort a film crew to the land of snow.

Minato... Here's how, promptly...

Itachi... Except I was planning on taking on this mission with Naruto. But since I have to escort you to the land of snow, there's no choice.

The Hokage reread the order and marked the lines he needed.

Minato... Yes, the camera crew escort mission starts in three days.

Itachi... Yeah, I think they're having the premiere of the first part movie tomorrow. And the second part will be filmed in the land of snow.

Minato... Yesterday, I was lucky enough to find them right where my mission was. Really had to wait a day until they let me in to see the director. There was a risk that they would order ninjas from other villages...

Minato... Okay, what about negotiating when we hit the road?

Itachi... It was implied in the scroll to start by warning you about it. And the exact date should be asked to Itama-sama. Seems to need your signature and stamp with a letter saying you are willing to go to snow village to negotiate.

Minato... Okay, I'll text you later.

Itachi... Great, I'll come by tonight to pick up the letter.

Minato... And now Fugaku.

Fugaku... А?

Minato... When I go to the land of snow, I need you to be the Hokage for me. I mean, even getting to her would take us how long?

Itachi... About three weeks round trip at our speed.

Minato... And with negotiations to last a little over a month.

Fugaku... Minato, you're sure I'm the captain of the Leaf Police, and I've got a clan to look after. And Sasuke and Itachi will leave on a long-term mission.

Minato... Don't you have someone to replace you?

Fugaku began to list in his head all of his employees who could handle his duties.

Fugaku... There seems to be only one, but he needs to be shown and told everything.

Minato... Hmm, we still have time before we leave the village.

Fugaku... Okay, I hear you...

Itachi yawned looking at the others and slightly depressed.

Itachi... Well, now that we've all decided, I'm gonna go.

Vshuh and Itachi disappeared into the shunshin, while the others in the study, went back to their business.

The next day, Team 7 returned to the village late in the afternoon. After the report, Naruto said goodbye to the hokage and left in a puff of smoke. He performed his evening motions as usual and went to bed.

Naruto's dream.

Our blond woke up from the noise in his ears and looked around. He was standing under a high stone wall, and there was not a soul around. The buildings were dilapidated and abandoned.

Naruto... Where I am, this place looks like a castle. But where are the people, why isn't there a dantebayo soul here!

The blond started jumping on rooftops, hoping to find someone, but it was all to no avail. But suddenly he heard a chuckle and drew his weapon.

Naruto... Who's here?

He was only answered with another laugh and decided to go for the sound. Turning the corner he noticed a human silhouette with black hair and wearing a pink dress walk away around the corner.

Naruto... Stop right there!

Heehee, you can't catch up, that's all he heard. The blond began to look around for a silhouette of black and pink. Along the way, he began to remember the buildings.

Naruto.. Familiar buildings, but where could I have seen them? Hey, you in the pink, stand up for dattebayo!

The blond man started skipping across the rooftops and saw a little girl on a bench.

This girl braided her black hair into two small ponytails, from her clothes, she wore a pink dress and a small strap wrapped around her forehead. Naruto grinned at her nonchalance and the way she hummed as she braided her hair. Naruto walked over to her and ducked down smiling happily.

Naruto... Hey, kid, why are you here alone?

The girl raised hers to the blonde and smiled just as happily spreading her arms out to the sides.

... And I'm not alone, here, look, this is my house, I adore her very much!

The blond looked around and was a little horrified at how happy the girl was about the empty street.

Naruto... This is your house, why isn't anyone here?

The girl got naughty and listened to the question.

... What's your name?

Naruto's thoughts... Here's the baby...

Naruto... Uh, my name is Uzumaki Naruto!

Yuki... And my name is Yukie, Yukie Fujikaze! But my dad just calls me Yuki, like snow!

Naruto... Oh, yeah, who's your father?

The girl mockingly listened to this question as well.

Yukie... Why don't we play catch-up?

Naruto's thoughts... What a girl, I wonder if I was the same at her age? Huh, hopefully she'll show up so I can ask her.

Naruto... All right. (chuckles)

Yukie... Yay, you're water!

Yukie ran towards the tower and the blond ran after her.

Naruto's thoughts... She's got good speed for her age.

The girl ran into the tunnel and the blonde had to run after her. Yukie was increasing her speed, and the blond man started looking around at the walls on the tunnels along the way and accidentally swiped his palm on the wall. But suddenly he smelled blood and looked at his palm, which was covered in the same blood.

Naruto... Blood, what's that tunnel? Yukie, stop it, it's not funny anymore.

Yukie... You can't catch up, you can't catch up, yada yada yada.

Naruto... Shit, I'll give her hell when I catch her.

Suddenly there was a light at the end of the tunnel and Yukie hid behind the pool of light and the blond man ran fiercely towards the light, but when he got there, out of embarrassment, he slipped on a rock and rolled across the ground. Slowly getting to his feet, he began to rub his limbs and look around.

Naruto... Xoo, where's that girl gone again? Whoa, that's a different place...

The walls on the buildings were already cracked and some were already destroyed. The place began to resemble the horrible picture he had experienced.

Naruto.. That's Kazahan's castle! But it was destroyed, and it was restored. Why has this place remained unchanged?

Suddenly a fire erupted not far from him, and within it came the sound of that girl crying. This place was a huge shoji where the late daimyo of the snow country lived with his daughter. Naruto ran to the rescue and sent a water wave at the burning building, but as soon as he reached the burning palace, the doors rattled and an anbu in a dog mask came out. Naruto couldn't react in time and was simply knocked down by this anbu. The blond got to his feet and ran after Anbu, who was carrying the very girl on his back.

Naruto... Let her go! Xoo, get it!

Naruto threw shurikens from both sides in an arcing trajectory to avoid hitting the girl, but Anbu still managed to fend off the shurikens and ran on.

Naruto... Come on, why do you need that Dantebayo girl?

What was strange was that the girl wasn't crying, just hanging on that anbu's back depressed. They reached the edge of the castle and descending into the dungeon, they disappeared into the same tunnel the blond had entered through. But Naruto couldn't catch up with them as the entrance to the tunnel collapsed and there was a fire.

Naruto... Xoo, how so, who's the anbu in the mask?

He didn't lament for long as a layer of ash fell on his cheeks like snowflakes.

Naruto... Ashes?

But suddenly a human body fell beside him and he went into a fighting stance in reaction.

Naruto... What the hell is this?

A plop and three more bodies fell behind him and the blond man began to panic.

Naruto... Where are these bodies coming from? There were people around the geese, weren't there?

And he began to remember his toughest mission in his life, the holding of Castle Kazahan. After the flashback, a pile of corpses, both enemies and allies, fell to the ground. Naruto dodged the falling corpses and shivers ran through him, both from the memories and from seeing the tortured bodies fall to the ground. Panic was complete and the blond ran for cover under the overhang of a huge fallen building wall as thunder suddenly erupted in the sky. He glimpsed at the sky, and the krom kept getting stronger and more concentrated at one point, forming a huge, lightning-fast ball.

Naruto... Wuthering hell, that's Takeshi Sensei's technique! Xoo, what the hell is going on here?

And the lightning ball increased in size striking the ground with single bolts of lightning. Suddenly, Naruto noticed that the falling bodies started to get up like zombies. Even though there were bones sticking out on their chests and some had no head at all.

Naruto... It's not funny anymore.

Suddenly all the dead people looked in his direction and started yelling and then ran at him. Naruto didn't think long and ran towards the castle walls and climbing them, he tried to leave this castle. But just as he tried to climb over the wall, a barrier appeared in front of him.

Naruto... Xoo, how come there's a barrier? I mean, there's no one on the dots.

Naruto tried to break through the barrier with every technique he had, but the dead started climbing the walls climbing on them. Naruto created clones to skin them with his techniques and weapons. But the dead were getting bigger and bigger and began to surround them on all sides. The blond man was panicked and started punching himself in the face and spiking his hands as hard as he could.

Naruto... It's a dream, xoo, it's just a dream. Come on, wake up, come on, come on! Duttebayo!

After such an exclamation, thunder erupted in the sky and a lightning ball struck the ground and before the shockwave could reach him. He saw Takeshi's silhouette.

Naruto... Aah!

The blond woke up in a cold sweat, examined himself from all sides and making sure he was okay, he wiped the sweat from his forehead. It was a terrible dream, he wanted as much as he could to forget what had happened in that castle two years ago.

Naruto... This dream, why today?

Naruto got out of bed and wandered over to the shelf where there was a balloon with a miniature village of snow inside it. Shaking the balloon, snowflakes began to fall on the village.

Naruto... What does that dream mean?

The blond man coughed and began to choke little by little on the stuffiness of the apartment.

Naruto... Xooo, it looks like my poor sleep caused me to release chakra, making the whole room stuffy.

Without thinking long he opened all the windows, and himself went up to the bolcon and sighed with relief sitting down on the railing. He looked around me and observed the quiet and serene village. He wanted to not think about that terrible dream and the memories that had brought that brutal massacre in Kazahan's castle, two and a half years ago.

Naruto... Hmm, I hope it was just a dream.

But his hopes were dashed as soon as his gaze settled on a huge poster of men in armor and with weapons in their hands. He jumped closer to see what was depicted. The poster now had a better view of the characters. Everyone was unremarkable except for the one girl in the center. Black hair, snow white face, dark blue eyes. And she was wearing a green kimono. The movie was called, "The Adventure of Princess Fuun." But it wasn't the title that surprised him, it was the name of the main character.

Naruto... Yukie Fujikaize? That girl in my dreams, her name was the same as this dattebayo heroine!

He didn't look at that poster for long, deciding to call it a day, he couldn't sleep anymore and so, he decided to kill time by reading his favorite book, "the legend of the fearless ninja". He was so engrossed that he fell asleep with a book in his hands, when suddenly there was a knock at the door and he sleepily went to open the door.

Naruto... I'm coming, I'm coming.

Silk and opening the door before him stood his friend and comrade. The brunet examined the blond from head to toe and mentally grinned at the pajamas and nightie hat.

Sasuke... Dobe, you're 12, are you really going to wear those pajamas all your life?

The blond accepted the barb from his comrade and decided to respond.

Naruto... It's better than cuddling with a dinosaur dantebayo.

Sasuke... Hey, it was a one-time thing, xoo, did Itachi tell you?

Naruto... Okay, forget it, you're early, practice starts in two hours.

The brunet swallowed the retaliatory barb and hummed proudly.

Sasuke... It's not about that, Kushina San passed it on through my mom. That we come to our bridge, 9 o'clock sharp.

Naruto... The mission?

Sasuke... I don't know yet, but she said to come over to the bridge where we always gather. Be there at 9:00 sharp, and I'll go to Sakura's to warn her.

Naruto... Okay...

The blond closed the door behind him and began to perform his morning motions. Just in case, he dressed for the mission and closing the door behind him, he walked towards the bridge. He sat down on the railing and began a meditation to kill time. Sasuke and Sakura were the first to arrive and began to wonder why they might be summoned here. I mean, if there was a mission, they'd always go to the residence. But the red-haired woman came in at 9 sharp and smiled waving her arms.

Kushina... Hey, guys.

Team 7... Good morning, Kushina san.

Kushina... I'm glad you got here on time.

Naruto... Kushina san, are we going to have a mission?

Jonine pulled out three tickets and gave everyone one.

Kushina... No, tonight you're going to the premiere of the movie, The Adventures of Princess Fuun.

The guys were surprised at this state of affairs, and Naruto was starting to get nervous.

Naruto... Kushina, we don't need all this, we have enough thrillers on our mission.

Kushina's thoughts... That's an odd reaction from him, he usually enjoys this kind of entertainment.

Kushina... Consider it a personal order from me!

The guys had nothing to say to that and went to see the movie. After handing over their tickets at the box office, they stuck their feet to the ceiling and started watching the movie. The movie was set in a snow country. And the plot turned out to be this, the protagonist and her companions confronted an antagonist named Mao, who could summon the dead.

Naruto's thoughts... Those dead people, I've seen them in my dreams. So this Princess Fuun will confront them? Hmm, and why is it snowing, why is this girl so familiar to me?

Toward the end of the movie, Princess Fuun joined swords with her companions and formed a seven-colored chakra, and then this power was directed at the dead, but Mao managed to escape. That's how the whole movie ended. After the screening, the kids went out into the yard and looked at the poster of this movie. Sakura was delighted with the plot.

Sakura... Such a great movie, I loved the sword of that Tsukie san.

The brunet, on the other hand, was somewhat skeptical.

Sasuke... What nonsense, it's just a movie, it's much cooler in real life, isn't it, Dobe!

The blond glared at the main character and tried to remember where he had seen this girl from.

Naruto's thoughts... This girl, she looks a lot like Koyuki Kazahana, is it possible? No, I don't think she could be the one.

Realizing it's useless.

Naruto... Yeah yeah, Sasuke, you're right...

Vshuh and over the wicket jumped on a white horse, the girl who was the main character of the movie.

Naruto... Look out!

The blond pushed off with Sakura and the wicket was broken through by warriors in armor and on black horses.

Sasuke... What the...

Sakura... Are they crazy to do this in our village?

Naruto... Sasuke, Sakura, take care of these armored men and I'll go deal with that girl.

Sasuke... Yes, Sakura, I'll cut them off and you corral them to me.

Sakura... All right!

Everyone took off in pursuit, Naruto chasing after the girl on the white horse and thwarting the pursuers by cutting nets.

Naruto... Kage bunshin no jutsu!

Naruto and his ten clones landed right on his opponents' heads.

Naruto... Sasuke, the rest of the unit went to the cutoff, I'll go with the south side, you go with the north dantebayo.

Sasuke... All right. (chuckles)

The brunet knocked out a couple of soldiers and left at the designated spot. And the blond sent the clones to the south side and went off in pursuit of the princess.

He saw her near the river and began to get concerned.

Naruto... Ma'am, why were you being chased by those soldiers?

The girl turned her head toward the blond and was startled to see the tendrils on his cheeks.

Yukie ... Aah!

She quickly climbed onto her horse and paraded off in the other direction, leaving the blond man equally dumbfounded.

Naruto... Uh, what's wrong with her?

Chunin didn't really torture himself with questions and went off to join the team.

Meanwhile, Sakura and Sasuke were tying their opponents into a tight knot. Their commander appeared on the pedestal and in a treacly voice.

Kushina... What the hell do you think you're doing?

Sasuke... These people were causing a stir in the village, so we decided to stop them.

Kushina... That's how it is.

Vshuh and the ropes on the captives arms were cut in half and Kushinpa helped an aging man stand up. This man had short hair with a beard and mustache and small, narrow black eyes. He was mostly dressed in a long-sleeved shirt and wore small glasses.

Kushina... Forgive me Sandayu san, my kids got carried away.

Sandayu... Nothing, we just wanted to shoot a little chase scene. I think this scene will be even better.

Sakura... So you're actors?

Sandayu... No, we're just extras for the movie.

Kushina... So, meet Asama Sandayu. And these are my subordinates, Sakura Haruna, and Uchiha Sasuke. Sandayu San, our customer, we will accompany his film crew. Well, someone's missing, but where's Naruto?

Sasuke... He should be here soon.

Kushina... Um, okay, Sandayu san, you go to the residence and we'll come over a little later.

Sandayu... Okay, Kushina san!

On the way, Kushina's team met Naruto and told him to go with them to the residence.

Naruto... Kushina san, did you say we'll be accompanying those actors? And where are we going to escort them to?

Kushina... We're about to find out.

At the residence, Sandayu was deciding on a mission when suddenly his ward broke in the door.

Sandayu... Yukie, is something wrong?

The girl was scared to death after running away.

Yukie ... Sandayu san, I saw him.

Sandayu... Who did you see?

Yukie ... That boy with the mustache on his neck.

Now that had the Hokage on alert.

Minato... What did he look like, that boy with the whiskers on his cheeks?

Yukie turned her head to the ruler and pointed to his hair.

Yukie ... He had the same hair as you, only he was younger and had the same mustache.

Minato's thoughts... Naruto!

Bam and the door swung open and the hokage's consort walked through it and started grinning stupidly.

Kushina... Sorry for scaring you...

Her subordinates followed her in, but when a blond man walked in, Yuuie pointed at him in horror.

Yuuuie... It's him, Sandayu san, remember him?

Everyone was in a stupor at such a statement, but here Sandaya covered me with goosebumps and began to twitch.

Sandayu... No way, those tendrils, there can be no mistake.

Minato... What do you mean?

Sandayu... Hokage-sama, tell me, do you see him too?

Minato... Uh, yeah.

The old man began to back away even more.

Sandayu... Kid, how did you survive that collapse?

Naruto began to take in the silhouette and began to remember where he had seen those glasses and the aged face. Some memories visited him and he pulled out a kunai with anger.

Naruto... You, you were the one in the catacombs!

He was about to stab the old man in the chest with his kunai, but he was stopped by Sasuke and Sakura grabbing his arms.

Sasuke.. Dobe, calm down, you're not alone!

Minato didn't understand what was going on here anymore and decided to clarify the situation.

Minato... Silence!

Kushina slapped her subordinates and when they calmed down. Minato. So, I've gathered you here to give you a mission. Kushina's team, you'll be accompanying the Sandayu-san crew.

There was a sepulchral silence, which was broken by the oldest of them.

Sandayu... The Hokage herself, is he the one who will be accompanying us?

Minato... Yes, he knows snow country well. Right, Naruto?

And this was a situation the blond man extremely disliked.

Naruto... Snow country, but it's a restricted area.

Minato sighed in annoyance, for he hadn't expected this exact conversation at all.

Minato... The mission starts early tomorrow morning. In the meantime you can leave, Sandayu san, Naruto, you two stay.

Kushina glared at her husband and promised herself that she would find out everything, but later, but for now she dismissed the others. Yukie didn't want to stay here herself and left first when only three people were left in the office.

Minato... Bear!

Fshuh and behind Naruto and Sandayu the aforementioned anbu appeared.

Tenso... Yes, the Hokage herself.

Minato... Quick, find me Kakashi.

Tenso... Bingo!

Minato... Itachi, you can come in now!

The Uchiha walked through the door and leisurely approached the table.

Minato... Naruto, I know about the land of snow, and more importantly, the village of snow.

The younger blond was surprised by this fact and looked at Itachi.

Itachi... Don't be afraid Naruto, it was bound to happen. All the more reason for the Hokage herself to know about it.

Minato. I know all the secrecy and I get the whole point of the case. But that's not what this is about right now. Itachi, Naruto, you know what happened two years ago at Kazahana Castle, right?

Both nodded at the question and Minato warily asked.

Minato... Were you involved in his defense?

Receiving another nod, Minato began to wince.

Minato... So that's where you met Sandayu san?

Itachi... No, I only met him a year ago.

Naruto... And I'm there, but because some bastard knocked me out, I couldn't remember him. And there was a lot to do back then, so I didn't really pay much attention to it.

Minato removed the barrier and when his student walked in, he put it back up again.

Kakashi... Yo, sensei, you paged me?

Minato... Yeah, Kakashi, take a seat next to them.

Itachi... Hokage herself...

Minato... Don't worry, he's involved in this case too.

Itachi and Naruto looked at Kakashi in surprise, and the latter just shrugged.

Minato... I want to know everything that happened at Casahan Castle, two and a half years ago. Itachi, Naruto, which one of you will start first?

Itachi... The Hokage herself, and Kakashi San shouldn't.

Minato... Itachi, Kakashi will come with us to the land of snow. Itama herself indicated in the letter that I would have to explain myself for that mission in the land of snow, as far as the situation was concerned. And Kakashi was his enforcer and can elaborate more. I've gathered you here to address your situation and help Kushina's team accomplish the mission.

Itachi... Oh, here we go.

Everyone was confused, especially Kakashi and just decided to listen to the others first.

Itachi... Two and a half years ago, conflict erupted in the land of snow. Sousetsu Kazahana, former feudal lord of the snow country. Was killed by his own brother, Doto Kazahana. And then burned down his palace. Kawarama herself had managed to send a snow ninja in time to prevent Doto from taking over. But, Doto fled to the land of ice and talked them into attacking his own country. The border guards of the late daimyo's troops, began to gather people from the settlements and took refuge in Kazahana Castle. Doto, at the head of an army was about to attack the castle. And then, Kawarama gathered 22 snow ninjas in a hurry, including me, Shisui, and Naruto. And Takeshi Uzumaki was appointed as the commander of this squad.

Minato... Takeshi, isn't that the ninja you told me about, Naruto?

Naruto... Yes!

Minato... Hmm, okay, go on!

Itachi... We arrived at the defense of Kazahana Castle and Takeshi san outlined our task. The four Uzumaki will handle the barrier. The others who owned the mokuton would reinforce the walls in case of destruction. Myself and Shisui will support with techs and fight in the front lines if possible when the barrier is broken. And Naruto, will be helping in the infirmary to deliver the wounded. Or it will collect the corpses of enemy soldiers in a pile and we will burn them so that they do not interfere with maneuvering in the battle.

The Hokage looked at his son with surprised eyes and signaled for him to continue.

Itachi... The first three days, there were mostly raids by scouts, but even then there were so many of them that for a day the barrier was broken by me twice because of enemy techniques. After the third night, we learned that Princess Koyuki had escaped from the castle. Then discontent began among civilians and soldiers. Many already wanted to surrender since they were only fighting for her. But Takeshi sensei and leader Uraharu were able to rein them in. After the third day, the real carnage began. The barrier broke every four hours, and each day the interval became smaller and smaller. Even though the Uzumaki possessed vast reserves of chakra, even they were squeezed dry before the barrier was restored. Enemies were coming from everywhere. The walls were breaking down like a house of cards. Those who owned the mokuton didn't even have time to rebuild the walls. Shisui and I had to throw enemies over the wall from hot spots. Takeshi sensei was the strongest of all of us put together. But even he was exhausted after each wave of attacks. Naruto had already stopped carrying the wounded on the fifth day of the siege, as the infirmary was full of wounded Uraharu san troops. Yeah and there was no time to heal them, so we kept Naruto around and he helped us kill enemies. Reinforcements were late because of the night ram and on the tenth day, when no one even had a hope of survival. Takeshi sensei, made the decision to perform his strongest technique. A thundering inferno, this technique concentrated natural energy in the sky. It worked on the principle of heating the atmosphere that Naruto had performed in the final stage of the exam.

Kakashi... That lightning that fell on Gaara, is that the technique you're referring to?

Itachi looked at everyone with a serious look.

Itachi... That punching power that Gaara received was a thousand times weaker than Takeshi sensei's.

Minato and Kakashi covered themselves in goosebumps.

Minato... I remember this night, there was a light on the horizon from the north, even from here. Was it this particular technique?

Itachi... Yes, Takeshi sensei spared no chakra when forming this technique. He towered in the sky and began to gather all the lightning energy around him. He's so much gathered all the power of natural energy. that the lightning ball was the size of a five-story building. Shisui ordered us all to hold the barrier and he and I covered the remaining seven ninjas including the three of us in Susanoa armor. When Takeshi Sensei fell upon the enemies embraced by the colossal lightning, everything that was in the way was either incinerated or torn to shreds, and those who were in the way died from the electric shock. Then, over eight thousand shinobi and ordinary troops of the Land of Ice died.

Minato and Kakashi didn't believe that such power was possible, but seeing how Naruto and Itachi remembered these events with horror, all doubts simply fell away.

Minato... How did you survive?

Itachi... The barter could only withstand 10 percent of the impact force, and the castle walls simply shattered. Matami san, with Sakazu san created a tree dome that absorbed most of the impact force. The last shockwave came to Shisui Susanoa and I, but even they couldn't withstand them. And then Naruto had to use the nine-tailed man's chakra. To repel the remaining shockwave. But, after such a force, he too was unable to move normally like us. Yamashi san as our Irtenin had to pour most of his chakra into him just to keep him from passing out. We were all desperate then, we had to go to extreme measures every day. When things quieted down, we went to the rescue, Takeshi sensei. We all had high hopes that he might have survived his technique. But when we saw his tortured body and burned skin, and his red hair turning gray from exhaustion, we realized that nothing could save him. I only knew him for two weeks, but even so, he became an example to me personally. What a true shinobi was supposed to be like. Before he took the dangerous step, he told us. That the new home, a village of snow, should not repeat the fate that the whirlpool country has met. He demanded nothing for himself, but gave his life, taking a thousand enemies with him to the grave, so that the future might prosper and not sag before the invaders. I'm a pacifist by nature, but this case has shown me that even if I don't want war. But I still have to fight so that the world can live in peace.

It was the first time in years that Minato had seen the sadness and despair on Itachi's face. Naruto was no less depressed and even let tears fall from the memories and realized that Takeshi meant a lot to them. The Hokage leisurely walked over to the sideboard and put two pills in the glasses and poured water. And then walked back up to them. Itachi and Naruto took a sedative and calmed down little by little.

Minato... Naruto, tell me, how did you see Sandaya san in the catacombs?

Naruto... On the third day, Takeshi sensei ordered me to get all the civilians into the shelter before the real carnage started. I was creating as many clones as I could. The shelter was underground, I helped the civilians as best I could to reach the shelter. Then, I saw Princess Koyuki, she too had to take shelter with the civilians. She had changed a bit, and so I didn't immediately recognize her. She was overwhelmed and just listened to my every word. But suddenly, people started whispering that the princess was missing. I closed the overhead passageway so she couldn't leave. I was looking for any exit point and wandered into a huge wall with a snow sign. There was a draught and I decided to check it out. When I cut the sign with the wind, I saw a pancake catacomb. I started running along it and after 500 meters, I felt two chakras. One belonged to Princess Koyuki and the other belonged to Sandai san. I started to catch up with them and saw that Sandayu san was running with her to the south side. I stood in front of them and asked why Sandayu san is posing her. He told me that the princess doesn't belong here because we're all going to die. I told him if the princess left, there'd be a riot. But he was adamant. I asked her why on earth she wanted to run away from those who fought for her. But she didn't answer me anything and I attacked Sandayu sana. During the battle, I was able to hit him a few times, but I got hit from behind and started to lose consciousness. Sanday Sanu was approached by his accomplice and asked what was the matter. But Sandayu san, said they need to hurry, this accomplice took Princess Koyuki on his back. Sandayu san blasted the ceiling and debris started falling on me. I managed to create a clone and it pushed me off with a springboard om wind, otherwise I wouldn't have survived.

Minato gave Kakashi and Sandaya a stern look and they covered themselves in goosebumps.

Naruto... I had to return with nothing, and then the rumor that the princess had escaped was buzzing. The townspeople started a riot in the shelter and I was alone among them. Takeshi sensei came to the commotion and was able to calm them down and told them to stay close to Shisui and Itachi out of sin. Because the princess escaped, we had to hold back not only the enemies, but also from those we were protecting.

Kakashi's thoughts... Oh crap, so that little guy in white was Naruto? I hope he doesn't find out it was me who knocked him out then, otherwise he's going to abuse me for the rest of his life!

When he finished his story, Sandayu was in front of Itachi and Naruto and bowed low leaning his head on the floor.

Sandayu... Itachi kun, Naruto kun, it's my fault you had to restrain your own.

Now that was news to them.

Sandayu... The princess didn't want to run away, I'm the one who kidnapped her. And she didn't answer you because I threatened her to keep quiet on pain of death. I was a courtier and retainer of the late daimyo Sousetsu Kazahana. I couldn't let her die at that point. I didn't believe you all would survive. But when I saw Itachi kun in my movie studio, I just couldn't believe my eyes that he survived.

Itachi... So that's why you called me a ghost when you first saw me.

Sandayu... When we left the country, we just put a cross. And there was no more news after that incident.

Naruto... So you and your accomplice just kidnapped her?

Sandayu... Yes, we kidnapped her!

The Hokage was interested in another fact of this conversation.

Minato... Naruto, do you remember Sandayu san's accomplice?

The younger blond rubbed his head vigorously remembering this accomplice.

Naruto... Not really, he was wearing a cloak and his face was covered by a mask.

Minato... Try to remember what kind of mask?

Naruto... Umm, like dogs, definitely a dog. He was wearing a ptsa mask.

That was all Minato needed and he turned his head menacingly towards Kakashi. The ashy-haired man waved his hands vigorously, begging him not to blab.

Minato... Okay, well, I've heard a lot from you now. Itachi, describe the entirety of the situation and the importance of the mission that Kushina's team will take on.

The Uchiha got up from his seat and walked over to the board.

Itachi... So, your mission is to escort a camera crew to the land of snow. And the true purpose of the assignment is to convince Princess Koyuki to enter the throne room of the snow country and accept the daimyo throne.

Naruto... Why not just tell her directly, it's not her fault she was kidnapped. And Kawarama herself said that the Kazahana clan has ruled the snow country for centuries.

Sandayu... That's true, but the princess herself is unlikely to agree to it. She had given up hope of becoming a daima ever since I took her away from the land of snow, in a very unfortunate at the time. It cost me a lot just to talk her into going to that country, but even now she doesn't agree to go there.

Everyone was starting to realize that the princess was already with her own cockroaches.

Itachi... What I don't understand is, why didn't you turn to hidden snow?

Sandayu... Kawarama herself refused to let me shelter Princess Koyuki, as the people around would start rioting, which is exactly what happened. I had to go to the leaf for help. They accepted my request and sent one ninja.

Naruto... Wait, so that accomplice was from Konoha? And you don't remember his real name?

Sandayu... Ka...

He received a poke in the side from Kakashi.

Sandayu... He did not say his name, and covered his face with a mask.

Naruto... Here's how...

Minato... Yes, he asked for our help and we didn't refuse...

Itachi... So this is the mission you were talking about, Hokage herself.

Minato... Yes, Itama herself, told me that if I provided all the evidence that it was a kidnapping. then Princess Koyuki will be cleared of all charges.

Itachi... But that's gonna bring down the leaf's reputation.

Sandayu... No, it won't, I'll have to answer in court as the perpetrator of all this. It was my idea to kidnap her. And the leaf was just doing my bidding. Yes and the leaf helped us change Princess Koyuki's identity and sheltered her as refugees.

Minato... Yeah, if we knew hidden snow even existed, we wouldn't have taken this mission. Since Kawarama herself, though not formally, is the co-ruler of the land of snow. Like I'm the co-ruler of the Fire Nation. But we're going to try to smooth this situation out, and to do that I need to gather all the information here and present it at the trial. If all goes well, we can clear the good name of the Kazahana family. Okay, Naruto, you can leave for now, I'll come back to you later and brief you on the situation.

Naruto... All right! But can I ask you one thing?

Minato... About what?

Naruto... Do you know who the ninja in the dog mask was?

The Hokage realized that his son had a grudge against him and decided to answer neutrally for now, before Kakashi had a heart attack.

Minato... Sorry, Anbu's identity is being withheld, but rest assured, he'll get his ass kicked.

Naruto... Okay, I'll wait for you at home.

Minato... Go!

When the blond man left closing the door behind him, Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief.

Minato... Kakashi, since you were the one who was the enforcer, you'll come with me to the land of snow and give your point of view.

Itachi realized why Kakashi was here and who he was on that mission.

Itachi... What, so that ninja in the ptsa mask was you, sempai?

Kakashi... Yes, but please don't tell Naruto, or he'll remember it for the rest of his life. Or he'll do something nasty that'll take me a month to recover from.

Itachi... Haha, he can do that, okay, back to business. We move out in five days, once we have all the information we need, right?

Minato... Yeah, as soon as we're done with business. You and Kakashi will be my escorts. This will help us all bypass all the unnecessary posts without unnecessary questions. In fact, we're going to negotiate with the crescent moon country. Also, Kakashi, anything you see in the land of snow and in particular a village hidden in the snow. You'll have to keep it a secret.

Kakashi... Okay, Sensei.

Minato... As for you, Sandayu san, you will join us as soon as they send for you.

Sandayu... Got it!

Minato... So now it's up to us to finish business here. Kakashi, team number 4, will be replaced by Yugao. And you are temporarily returning to the anba. Go through the entire archive and find everything related to this case.

Kakashi... Bingo!

Minato... Itachi, I'll write a letter to Itama myself about our progression and I need to find out exactly what documents will be needed at the trial.

Itachi... Okay, I'll send your letter tonight.

Minato... Sandayu san, as we agreed the secret mission will remain secret. Don't even tell Kushina, as she might interfere for personal reasons.

Kakashi... Sensei, I understand from your conversation that there are Uzumaki in the land of snow, but Kushina san won't leave all this to chance and may derail the mission in search of his kin.

Minato... Kakashi, I understand your concerns, but she's the only one who can contain the fox's chakra in case of anything. And your sharingan, as you know, doesn't work on him.

Kakashi... Here's how...

Itachi... Hokage herself, I left Sasuke the suppression seals just in case.

Minato... Yeah, you showed them to me, but it's still a safety net. I'll talk to Naruto about it myself.

Everything has already been infused t with an understanding of the importance of this case.

Minato... Well, now that you're done, you're free to go. And remember, everything you hear here stays here.

... Hai!

After negotiating, Minato didn't hesitate to go to his son's apartment and knock on the door.

Minato... Naruto, there's a conversation between you and Kushina, I hope you know what I mean.

Naruto... Yes, the Hokage herself, come in!

During this time, Naruto thought a lot about what had happened and realized that this was the drastic change in the land of snow. They sat down on the bed and the hokage decided to bring them up to speed right off the bat, but before doing so, he put up a barter against the wire.

Minato... Naruto, you know that Kushina is from the same clan as you!

Naruto... Uh-huh!

Minato... You know, after the vortex was destroyed, it cost her a lot to get back to normal. Ever since Kaname obasan left. She began to look for Uzumaki in many places. The only people she found were Karin and Inami. If it's about a village of snow and its inhabitants. Then she can abort the mission and go on a search. Itachi said that even in the land of snow, the Uzumaki clan and Senju go undercover. So there won't be a problem with that. But still, you shouldn't reveal them just yet.

Naruto... Kushina san, do you think she'll listen to me if she suspects something ddattebayo?

Minato... You convince her, I know you can do that. When you finish the mission, I'll show her myself. And while you need to finish the mission, she has techniques that can hold the fox's chakra. Unless you can suppress it yourself.

The younger blond was not surprised at his commander's prowess.

Naruto... All right, I'll do what I can.

Minato... Speaking of the seal, show it to me.

The blond pulled his stomach in and Minato began to run his hand over the seal.

Minato... Hmm, no deterioration yet. Once you're done with the mission, you and your team walk towards the snow village. There, Itama herself will help you seal the seal.

Naruto... Okay...

Minato looked at the bed and noticed the orb the blond was holding while they talked.

Minato... Will you let me?

Naruto... Yeah, take it...

Minato began to omnitool into small blue-colored houses with swirling gaps. He shook the balloon a little and watched the falling snowflakes with interest.

Minato... It's beautiful!

Naruto... Uh-huh!

Minato returned the orb and ruffled the child's hair.

Minato... Best of luck in your mission.

Naruto... All right, Hokage herself!

The Hokage left in a roll of thunder, and Naruto decided to return to his team at the shooting studio. As he walked into the room, he noticed the camera crew starting to chatter about something. He walked leisurely over to his own and treyotaeled his gaze.

Sasuke... Dobe, what happened between you, the customer and that princess?

Naruto... Just some old Dantebayo stuff!

Kushina... Really, why did he look at you like you were a ghost?

Naruto... Yeah, my shadow clone got caught in the rubble, so he went crazy in his old age.

Of course Kushina didn't believe it.

Kushina's thoughts... I'll ask Minato tonight.

Naruto... Well, what's all the fuss about, why aren't they coming, we're leaving in the morning!

Sakura... They say Yukie has run away and doesn't want to go.

The red-haired woman didn't like the whimsy and decided.

Kushina.. All right, that's it, let's find her and make her come with us. We leave in the morning and she'll be here doing her naughty things!

Team 7... Bingo!

Everyone scattered in different directions and started looking for one cranky girl. But Naruto was the luckiest of all, as he knew what slums the fugitive could be taken to and saw her. Yukie wore glasses and tied a scarf around her head. He decided to watch her from afar to see how bad it was. Yukie was surrounded by little kids and started asking for autographs. She stood unsure and daubed her hands that she wouldn't sign an autograph. But for all their pleas, she just walked past and ran off down an empty alleyway and did a snaking run into the pub. Naruto walked in behind her and watched as she was already drinking her fifth drink in a volley.

Naruto's thoughts... Maybe call Grandma Tsunade, she'd definitely talk her into going. And a drinking buddy wouldn't be a bad thing. Wait, who's that?

A grim-looking type in unremarkable clothes approached Koyuki and put his hands around her waist and the same hand was picked up by the blond man, clawing at her limbs.

... Let go, it hurts!

Naruto took to the street and handed over to a patrol of Uchiha police. And then he went back to her and sat down at a nearby counter.

Naruto... Princess Fuun, somehow your novel's hero doesn't get involved, with your nature as an alcoholic.

The girl looked at the blond with an impassive look and sipped her sake, tucking her crystal back under her blouse.

Yukie ... I'm not Princess Fuun!

Naruto... Okay, Princess Koyuki, whatever you say...

The girl grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and gritted her teeth.

Yukie ... Don't you dare say that name in front of me...

And then it was like she changed and started laughing.

Yukie ... But you know what, I don't care, call me whatever you want. I don't care if it's Fuun, or Yukie, or Koyuki. Labels don't mean anything anyway.

He was amazed at her nonchalant attitude and it cost him a lot not to slap her. After all, if she doesn't go to snow country the whole country will continue to be torn apart.

Naruto... Strange, but in the movie you showed yourself as a focused, courageous girl who inspires a lot of people. And what I see in my life is a broken, unprincipled alcoholic.

Yukie ... Hmm, because life can be a lot more complicated than a movie.

Naruto... The difficulty in life depends on the datebayo actors themselves!

The girl didn't know what to say, but she had a lot of nerve.

Yukie ... Why did you come here?

Naruto... I've come to fetch you, tomorrow morning we leave for the harbor, and afterward for the land of snow. So you'd better hurry up!

Yukie ... No, I'm not going anywhere!

Naruto... What?

Yukie ... I told you I'm not going anywhere!

The blond sighed sadly and turned to the baarman.

Naruto... Bartender, don't give her a drink, she's underage!

Yukie ... What are you talking about, I'm 20 years old.

Naruto... Yeah, and you don't act like you're 10 years old!

Yukie ... Shh, get out of here...

The blond stood up from his chair and walked toward the exit where the rest of the team stood.

Kushina... Still cranky?

Naruto... Unfortunately yes!

Kushina... Huh, Sasuke, knock her out!

The brunet turned on the sharingan.

Sasuke... Hey, lady!

Yukie turned her head and looking into the sharingan, began to fall into a dream. Kushina picked her up and turned to the others.

Kushina... Everybody, back to the studio!

As they left Yukie to the studio, Kushina turned to her team.

Kushina... All right kids, tomorrow we have an A-rank mission, so get some sleep, and in the morning get all your gear and we'll be on our way.

Team 7... Bingo!

Kushina went straight to her husband's residence and prepared for a serious conversation. Minato sat behind his papers and serenely reread all the necessary documents he would need for the trial. But suddenly he felt his wife's chakra and became wary, because he knew she wouldn't just let that farce with Sandayu san go. When the door was opened, it cost the hokage a lot to keep his cool.

Kushina... Minato, is there anything you want to tell me?

Minato... Hi honey, you look great today...

She gave her husband a trembling look and set the barter down, then with a menacing look.

Kushina... Why did that old man and the cranky princess look at my son like a ghost?

The Hokage swallowed uncertainly and decided to start from afar.

Minato... Uh, they just saw Naruto's clone fall under a cave-in and...

A slam on the table and Kushina with even more zeal.

Kushina... I've heard enough of this Naruto story, so let's do something realistic!

The Hokage didn't know where to put himself anymore and with a sodalizing look, he stood up from his chair and gently took his wife's hand.

Minato... Kushina, are you sure you want to know this?

Kushina... Of course I'm sure, what if that old fart and his whoremonger try to hurt him?

Minato... Kushina, trust me, it won't happen. Especially Naruto flatly refused to speak, as did Sandayu san. I just put it to them that they would have to go on this journey together. And it was best not to ask Naruto anything, since I barely had to calm him down.

Kushina had already realized that this was very serious and decided not to pursue the subject further (yet).

Kushina... Well, it's just that Naruto wasn't himself this morning, so I thought I'd help him out...

Minato... I realize you're worried about him, but for now, you can help by completing this mission.

Kushina... All right, darling, I'll do my best.

She drew her husband to her and kissed him passionately.

Kushina... We leave early tomorrow morning, so I don't think we'll see each other.

Minato... I wish you all luck on your mission, love.

His wife left through the door and Minato flopped down on the couch wiping sweat from his forehead.

Minato... Huh, this is going to be a very difficult mission, hopefully Naruto will hold her off until we're done with the trial.

That evening, in one of the underground shelters in the land of ice, a tall man with long hair and wearing chakra armor sat behind a throne. This man's name was Doto Kazahana. Doto's face was calm, but his eyes showed greed and power, for he had no trouble slaughtering his brother in cold blood and then burning down his palace. And on either side stood his minions, called Nadare's team. The first of the teams was named after Fubuki Kakueki. Fubuki had green eyes and pink ruffled hair sticking out of two holes in the top of his gray helmet, resembling pig tails. A notable feature in her appearance is her short-cropped eyebrows. Like her teammates, she wore Chakra no Yoroi. And the other member of the team was named Fuyukume Misore. Misore is represented as a large man whose hair was a rare purple hue. He also had extremely large pupils and small eyebrows. Mizore wore a Chakra no Yoroi, as well as a protector sewn into his gray ushanka. Doto stared at the screen that showed his niece Koyuki Kazahana. Suddenly, the ringleader of those two henchmen named Roga Nadare approached him. Nadwo was introduced as a skinny kid in a winter jacket with chakra armor underneath. Her hair was a light shade of lilac. And on his head was a headband with the ninja sign of the land of snow.

Nadare ... Doto herself, my informant has confirmed that Princess Koyuki is heading to the land of snow.

Doto... Oh, that's right, what about the crystal?

Nadare ... On her, safe and sound.

Doto... Great, I've arranged with the captain of the board, he'll take them to the land of ice instead of snow.

Nadare ... Hmm, so everything's going according to plan.

Doto... What about when I get my hands on that hexagonal crystal, I'll wipe out all those damn ninjas calling themselves shinobi hidden in the snow.

Nadare ... You are right, these colonists have no right to bear that title.

Fubuki... Doto-sama, why did these ninjas come to our land in the first place and do whatever they want?

Doto clenched the railing of the throne with force and gritted his teeth.

Doto... Over two hundred and fifty years ago, my brother took these ninjas as his own and gave them land. Every year there were more and more of them. What a pleasure it was for me to kill that oaf for his stupidity. The land of snow must belong to me! I'm the rightful ruler of this country, not this weak-willed little thing my brother has spawned. When I get my hands on this weapon, I will not only wipe out the village hidden in the snow, but I will bring the rest of the great shinobi nations to their knees. Haha haha haha!

This hysterical laughter could be heard from outside the bunker where they had hidden for so many years, from the ninjas of the land of snow.