Chapter 1
The end of war and the beginning of history
War. This word lingers on the tongue of every shinobi in this world. The Third Great Shinobi War claimed many lives; children were left orphaned, the elderly now linger at the graves of their children who went to the frontlines, and infants perished without ever seeing the light of day. Warriors have even forgotten why this war began. And because of this war, many villages ceased to exist, several cities were destroyed, and even an entire country like Whirlpool vanished, leaving the illustrious Uzumaki clan on the brink of extinction, a clan that once could rival and even surpass in strength clans like Hyuga, Uchiha, and even Senju. All the leaders of the Five Great Nations have long been ready to negotiate a ceasefire, but if any one of them declares it, they would immediately be seen as the losers.
These thoughts have been haunting Minato Namikaze, an elite jonin of the Hidden Leaf Village known as the Yellow Flash of Konoha. Minato is a young man with expressive eyes the color of clear sky and bright wheat-colored hair that reaches his shoulders, tousled in a way no comb could fix; he's typically dressed in a standard jonin vest, dark blue trousers, a turtleneck of the same color, and wears a thigh holster with a pouch for weapons; his feet clad in ordinary shinobi sandals. Completing his ensemble is a forehead protector with the symbol of the Hidden Leaf.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted Minato's thoughts:
"Minato-san, today is finally the day!" This cheerful exclamation belonged to one of his companions, Genma Shiranui.
"Yes, Genma, today is the day when the whole world will breathe a sigh of relief. But don't rejoice too soon. Everything depends on how the negotiations go."
Flashback
A few days ago, Minato Namikaze was summoned on urgent orders by the Third Hokage. And now he heads to the office of the village's leader.
Entering the room, he sees a spacious office adorned with portraits of all the Hokages, a large red sofa standing in the corner, several cabinets nearby, and a spacious desk, behind which, seated in a chair, is the village's leader. Fighters sometimes call him the Old Monkey because of the Monkey King summon — Enma, and "The Professor" because his arsenal boasts countless techniques, but his real name is Hiruzen Sarutobi. He is the head of the Sarutobi clan and concurrently the Third Hokage. Hiruzen has been through all three wars, and at the moment, he is fifty-five; the first wrinkles appeared on his serious face, his brown eyes looked tired but confidently peered from beneath slightly lowered eyelids; he was dressed in a white haori with inscriptions on the back: "Shadow of Fire of the Third Generation", on his head, starting to gray, was the Hokage hat, marked with the crimson symbol of Fire; a smoking pipe with tobacco stuck out of his mouth.
Leaning on one leg, Minato asked, "You summoned me, Hokage-sama?"
"Yes, Minato, come here," Hiruzen ordered energetically. "I have a serious task for you, so I ask you not to interrupt!"
"I'm all ears, Hokage-sama!"
"Minato, at the moment, we are in a dire situation. Civilians and clans are not happy that we are on the brink of collapse. The war has claimed countless lives: both warriors and civilians. I understand their grief for their lost loved ones, but we cannot come to a ceasefire. You understand the consequences, don't you?" Seeing a slow nod, he continued, "The outcome will be that if this continues, I may be removed from my position, and they would be right. Because throughout my reign, I've made nothing but mistakes... I failed to protect the Senju clan from its destruction, I failed to send reinforcements to aid the Whirlpool Country, I sent children to this damn war..." Hiruzen hesitated for a moment, but, gathering himself, he continued, "Minato, we need to end this war! And also choose a new Hokage because if the situation turns in our favor, I won't be able to continue handling these affairs."
Hiruzen was rarely so candid, only with his family, and he treated Minato as a son. Minato, considering the Hokage's words, said:
"Hokage-sama, I agree with your view on this situation: the war needs to end. Many of my peers, like me, want their children to be born not into a world of constant warfare. But about the new Hokage... I think there are many good candidates."
"You're wrong, Minato. There is only one. You know, when you were studying at the academy, you often insisted that becoming Hokage was your dream... And I think it will soon come true," Hiruzen smiled, casting a knowing glance at Namikaze.
"Hokage-sama, you don't think that I...?" Minato widened his eyes.
"Yes, Minato, I am leading to that. You have charisma, leadership qualities, and a sharp mind; you value those around you, and the respect of all the people in this village belongs to you, not to mention your renown throughout the world. You have all the qualities to become Hokage."
"I agree, Hokage-sama. I won't let you down! But what about the ceasefire?"
"I already have a plan. We will agree to a ceasefire, but only on our terms. The countries involved in this war must return the prisoners of war from our village and pay compensation. After all, on the world stage militarily, we are leaders, and if they refuse, the chaos in their villages will engulf them before us. Here is a scroll with our demands. The day after tomorrow, there will be a meeting of Leaf, Sand, and Stone shinobi. And if they're not fools, they'll accept our proposal. As for the Raikage and Mizukage, I'll send these messages through messengers. And by the way, Minato, don't worry that I'll leave you with this mess. As soon as the war is over, I'll settle all clan and civil disputes, as well as the economy."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"Enough about business. How's the family? Is Kushina due soon?"
"Yes, Third, very soon. I hope I'll be back by then."
"Congratulations! Bivako will prepare everything. And Kaname is the best seal master, so don't worry about the Nine-Tails. Do you remember where the birth should take place?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"Ah, we're talking too much... Go on, when you're ready, and good luck, Minato."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Walking home after meeting with the Hokage, Minato looked at the village, enjoying its lively atmosphere and the good people in this settlement. Thinking that in a few months he would take responsibility for them. On the way, he met his student - Kakashi Hatake, who was a thirteen-year-old teenager with ash-colored hair; he was dressed in dark clothes with white stripes... both his shirt and trousers; in his hands, he held a book titled "The Life of a Shinobi," and the hitai-ate, which was on his forehead, covering his left eye, under which was the Sharingan dojutsu of the Uchiha clan. His brown right eye was open, so Kakashi saw Minato approaching him. Kakashi lost his mother when he was a baby, and then lost his father - Sakumo Hatake, - who was a legend of this village with the nickname "White Fang of Konoha." After a failed mission, Sakumo committed suicide in front of his son. The only one who supported the boy after all this was Minato Namikaze, who later became a sensei for Kakashi and his two teammates: Rin Nohara and Obito Uchiha. During the war, Kakashi lost his teammate and friend Obito and received the Sharingan as a parting gift. And then, on one of the missions, Rin ran into Kakashi's hand, which was sparkling with the deadly Chidori. After that, the ashen-haired boy developed a pessimistic view of life, he distanced himself from the world, and only missions helped him distract himself from the darkness that clouded his mind.
"Good day, sensei. Were you at the Hokage's? Do we have a mission?" Kakashi asked slowly and seemingly without interest.
"Yes, Kakashi, we have a mission. Inform the others; we're setting out this evening."
"Why such urgency, sensei, is it something serious?"
"Indeed, if the mission succeeds, the war will be over!"
Kakashi incredulously looked at his sensei, then, touching his left eye, he said, "Finally, sensei! Finally, Obito's eye will see the end of this war..." As soon as he raised his right hand, the one that killed Rin, he immediately lowered his gaze. Minato noticed this and said, "Kakashi, stop blaming yourself. This war has taken many. I mourn for them too, but we must try to live for them and honor their memory," Kakashi, relaxing, looked at his sensei. "Yes, sensei, I will try."
Leaving the boy alone, Minato went home and, opening the door to his house ajar, saw his wife sleeping on the couch, her legs dangling. Kushina Namikaze, formerly Uzumaki, was one of the last members of this clan. At the age of ten, she was brought to Konoha along with her aunt, Kaname Uzumaki, to seal the Nine-Tails. She is Minato Namikaze's peer and wife. She had long crimson hair that reached her hips, a snow-white face, and deep dark blue eyes in which one could drown. She was dressed in a green dress covering her rounded belly. Approaching her quietly, Minato knelt down so as not to wake Kushina and kissed her belly. But when he did, he felt a faint kick. Kushina woke up immediately. "Darling, you're already home!" she smiled. "Yes, dear!" he said with a joyful face. "Were you with the Third?" "Yes." "Something serious?" she asked with a grim face, as her husband often went on missions after meeting with the Hokage. "Yes, dear, don't worry, I'll be back before our girl is born," Minato said with a smirk. "I'll hold you to that, and if you don't come back as promised, know that you don't have to come home," she warned, raising her fist to her husband's temple. Feeling her angry aura, Minato felt uncomfortable and decided to change the subject. "By the way, what should we name our girl?" "Miruku!" she replied, stroking her belly. "Beautiful name, who came up with it?" "Aunt Kaname!" "Heh," Seeing her beloved's frowning face, Minato took her hands. "Kushina, don't worry about the Nine-Tails, Kasame is the best sealing master in Konoha, just like you, she's from the Uzumaki clan; and both she and I won't let you and our daughter be harmed," After these words, Kushina stood up, stretching her arms upward, and in a commanding tone said, "Right, Minato, this fluffy ball of fur won't interfere with our happiness! And also... could you bring me ice cream and wasabi, preferably in one dish?" Minato, cringing at such an "appetite," didn't argue with her, as he knew his wife's character better than anyone. "Okay, dear, I'm on my way." The silence was interrupted by a knock from outside. Opening the door, Minato saw a middle-aged woman with crimson hair: almost a copy of Kushina, except for her green eyes and a tuft of hair on the back of her head. "Kaname-san, come in, we've been waiting for you," "Hi, Minato, how's my niece?" "Waiting, but can't wait for the rumors that have accumulated during your absence," Namikaze joked, for which he immediately received a tap on the head. "What did you say, blond bastard?" Backing away into the corner, Minato raised his hands in a peace sign. "Kushina, I meant that you missed her." "Okay, darling... I'll forgive you this time." Seeing this, Kaname shook her head, disapproving of these actions. "Kids, stop it right now! Kushina, you're pregnant! And you, Minato, don't provoke her!" "Sorry, Kaname-san!" Kaname took guardianship of Kushina after Uzushiogakure was destroyed, and after learning that Minato was an orphan, she did the same. Seeing this scene, tears welled up in her eyes. After all, she managed to teach them a lot. And for both of them, she was like a mother. Minato, preparing to leave, kissed his wife, and then hugged Kaname-san.
End of flashback.
Upon reaching the clearing, Minato witnessed the aggressive gathering of forces from the Village of Sand and Stone. Just as they started shooting lightning bolts at each other, a three-petaled kunai with the Flying Thunder God seal was thrust into the ground before them. Then, a clap of thunder resounded, and Minato himself appeared.
"Gentlemen, allow me to deliver a message," he said. As soon as Minato appeared, the Hidden Stone villagers started to get nervous and step back. They were taught that when the Yellow Flash of Konoha appears, they should run immediately and avoid his gaze at all costs. After all, just a few months ago, Minato had decimated a large part of the Hidden Stone's army in an instant.
"A message?" asked Rasa, also known as the Fourth Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village. Leading the Stone was Kitsuchi, son of the Third Tsuchikage of the Hidden Stone Village.
Minato handed them the corresponding scrolls. Upon reading, the faces of Rasa and Kitsuchi turned stony. Though shinobi were taught not to show emotions as it would be seen as weakness, Minato could read through their eyes: confusion, anger, inevitability, resignation, and a hint of relief. After reading, they both spoke up. First was the Kazekage:
"The demands are fair, albeit absurd in some aspects, but the Hidden Sand agrees to these conditions and is ready to make peace."
Then it was Kitsuchi's turn:
"I am not the leader of my village, but rest assured, my old man hasn't lost his wits in his old age, so you can be sure he'll agree." Minato, breathing a sigh of relief, headed back to his people and approached Kakashi.
"Kakashi, we did it. All that's left is to report to the Hokage."
"Finally, sensei. I was starting to think I wouldn't live to see this day."
"What's with the mood, Kakashi? Be optimistic like me," Minato said cheerfully.
Suddenly, he felt the beacon seal he left on his wife activate, indicating danger or urgency. Without delay, he instructed Kakashi, "Kakashi, tell everyone to return without me. It's urgent—Kushina's calling." Kakashi, understanding the urgency, nodded confidently. Minato stood up, leaving the boy to go ahead, swiftly performed seals, and found himself next to Kushina, having used just over half of his chakra.
"Kushina, what's happened?"
In response, Biwako Sarutobi said, "Minato, your old man's in trouble, hurry, take your wife's hand and support her!"
Upon hearing this, he rushed to his wife, took her hand, and only then surveyed the room. They were in Konoha's underground. There were several nurses in the room; Biwako, as the chief midwife, and Kaname, who held Kushina's hands to contain the seal.
"Ow-ow-ow, it hurts, dattebane!" Kushina screamed, crushing Minato's hand.
"She's in pain!" Minato yelled, concerned for his wife's condition.
"Of course, it hurts! This isn't child's play—there's little pleasure in it!" Biwako sarcastically replied.
And when the whole process was over, they handed the baby to the exhausted Kushina and wheeled her to the hospital. Minato entered his wife's room with their daughter. He approached them, kissed the red-haired woman, and took the daughter in his arms. Listening to her sweet cooing, he said:
"Kushina, our daughter was born on the day the war ended. Do you realize that?"
"Yes, dear, our daughter has brought happiness not only to us but to the whole world."
"By the way, how's the seal?" Minato asked.
"It's all good, darling. Aunt Kaname restored the seal so well that the Nine-Tails lost consciousness. I think it will sleep for a long time." Minato, breathing a sigh of relief, stayed with them in the hospital, not wanting to leave his happiness.
A few days later, Kushina and their daughter were discharged from the hospital and sent home. There, they were greeted by Kaname, the Uchiha couple—Mikoto's best friend with her husband Fugaku and little Itachi. Also, two of the three legendary Sannin: Tsunade and Jiraiya; the legendary trio: Ino-Shika-Cho, and Kakashi.
The celebration in honor of the arrival of the newborn had begun. Women started gossiping, while men enthusiastically drank and reveled. On this day, Jiraiya was beaten by Kaname and Tsunade for making an inappropriate compliment to a girl. Itachi kept an eye on the little girl and occasionally shooed Jiraiya away at Kushina's request. Shikaku fell asleep on Choji's stomach, while Choji himself couldn't lift his body from the couch. Inoichi futilely attempted to lift them both, one at a time. Only Minato noticed Fugaku standing on the balcony with a melancholic gaze fixed on Itachi. Curious, he approached him.
"Fugaku, my friend, why the long face?"
"Have you heard, the war is over, and an official announcement is due tomorrow?"
"Yes, indeed."
Minato, sensing Fugaku's penetrating stare, understood he was trying to see through him. When he turned his head, he spotted Itachi again. He decided to start with some leading questions.
"Is something wrong with Itachi?"
"Hmph, no."
"Fugaku, I've known you since childhood: you're lying!"
"Northwest, two weeks ago after the battle between Stone and Cloud, we went to clear the bodies. There was one survivor, and Itachi..."
"Wait, Fugaku, you took your four-year-old son to the battlefield?"
"Yes."
"Did you achieve what you wanted?"
"Now it doesn't matter. The war is over, there's no point, and my son turned out to be a foolish whim of my caprice."
"Stop, Fugaku. You're the head of the Uchiha clan and the Konoha police. Enough sulking..."
"Right, you're correct. I'll go talk to him and apologize... and maybe, let him go?"
"Yes, go!"
The next day, the entire village gathered in the square outside the Residence to hear the Hokage's speech.
"My dear fellow citizens, today we have gathered to celebrate the end of the Third Great Shinobi War. I understand that this war has claimed many of our dear friends, acquaintances, and relatives. But they gave their lives to secure our future, so that our children could see smiles on their parents' faces, and smile along with them. Let us open this new day without war with that smile!"
A murmur ran through the crowd after this passionate speech, and then the Hokage indicated he wasn't finished speaking.
"And also, in four months, I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, will step down from the title of Hokage and choose my successor."
There was a brief pause.
"The Fourth Hokage will be the one who ended this war. The Fourth Hokage will be the one who shed blood with you, both theirs and others'; The Fourth Hokage will be the one who halted entire armies. Introducing! Konoha's Yellow Flash - Minato Namikaze! The official appointment will be in four months, after I've fulfilled my duties," Hiruzen concluded with these words.
A/N : Hello everyone! I want to warn you English is not my first language. I hope you enjoy the story!