Chapter 21
Remorse
Minato woke up on his desk and lifted his head.
Minato... I must have fallen asleep in here, wait, what's this?
Minato took down the photo and looked at his son.
Minato... Naruto, what am I supposed to do with him? Damn, hopefully in a year his teacher can get him up to speed...
Minato quickly hid his son's picture so as not to disturb his wife.
Kushina... Minatoo, why didn't you go home yesterday?
Minato... Uh, Kushina, darling, I'm sorry I was working too hard and fell asleep on the table.
Kushina began sniffing her husband.
Kushina... Minato, what have you been drinking? You stink of sake all over the room!
Minato... Oh, you mean this. Uh, anyway.
Kushina.. Okay, I'll forgive you for the first time, but did you ask the third about that boy?
Minato considered the third man's words and now he was right, he and Kushina think of everyone but his son.
Minato... Pretty much, but the third one said this boy was moving to another country.
Kushina.. Too bad... But he was very funny, and so open, even if he was under a mask. Oh, that reminds me of Obito...
Minato... Obito? Are you saying that boy looked like Obito?
Kushina... Yes, but more courteous, well-mannered, smart beyond his years, it's strange to find these qualities in one person. And that little bastard screwed us over, it was only fair. He took advantage of what we wanted to know about him, so we paid the price.
Minato... Yeah, it's a case.
Kushina noticed her husband's confusion and decided to question.
Kushina... Minato, what's wrong with you?
Minato... It's okay, it's okay.
Kushina... Are you sure?
Minato... Yeah, I've got a lot to do today, so I'm thinking about getting home.
Kushina didn't believe it of course, but she can't help it since Minato has a tough job. Kushina kissed her husband and walked back home. And Minato pulled the picture back out and stared at it for a moment, then made up his mind.
Minato... I'm sorry Naruto, I won't be able to see you, but I'll try to help you finish this academy.
The third was sitting in his house at this time, mulling over his conversation with Minato yesterday. It seemed to him or did he see regret in Minato's eyes, after all talking to Naruto had always made Minato cold and calculating, but not yesterday. At that moment, Naruto walked in on him.
Naruto... Yo grandpa, how'd you sleep?
Hiruzen... Ahem, good Naru, how are you?
Naruto... Oh, that's great.
It was the last year of school and Hiruzen knew that Naruto would be watched more actively, so he decided to talk to Naruto about it.
Hiruzen... Naru, you haven't forgotten that ninjas are supposed to be stealthy, have you?
Naruto... Of course I didn't forget, what's the big deal?
Hiruzen... You see, you're in your final year of school this year and your progress and every step of the way will be watched more actively.
Naruto... I know what you're getting at, but I'm not going back to that shack on the outskirts!
Hiruzen... It's not a problem if you don't get caught, but still be careful.
Naruto... All right, Grandpa.
Hiruzen... Good, you've got school starting soon, so prepare yourself properly.
Naruto... Definitely grandpa!
Naruto left in an upbeat mood, but Hiruzen continued to drill a single point.
Hiruzen... Hmm, I hope you're up to it Naruto.
That same evening, Naruto sat on the head of the third and sated himself in the cool breeze of Konoha. He was finally able to let go of his past and move on with his life. After jumping off the monument he decided to take a walk around the village, but he didn't walk for long as he was stopped by a big man with bad intentions.
... Hey, demon, you hanging around here again?
Naruto decided to ignore it and just walked around the big guy, but he wouldn't stop.
Big guy... Stop when I'm talking to you, you bastard!
With those words, he threw towards the blond man, two stones. Naruto caught one and the other kicked away so the rock hit the vase and broke it, then threw the one he caught right into the offender's leg. The man grabbed his leg and started yelling.
Big guy... Police, police!
The law enforcement officers from the Uchiha came running.
Police... What's going on here?
The man pointed at the blond man and started babbling hysterically.
Big guy... That boy threw a rock at me!
The police looked at the boy skeptically.
Police... What? That kid?
Big guy... Yeah, believe me, he can do better than that.
Police... Hey, kid, did you throw a rock at him?
Naruto decided to divorce this guy, nothing for being in a cage.
Naruto... Yeah, I threw that rock at him!
The guards were surprised at this turn of events.
Police... Why did you do that?
Naruto... Yeah, I just saw him stealing those vases across the street from you, so I thought I'd stop him.
The big man began to boil inside.
Big guy... He's lying, you're not gonna believe him?
Naruto shrugged.
Naruto... Any criminal would deny it, I told you the truth, look at my hands, they're dusty and that means I threw that rock at him. And this rascal cleared his hands of the dust that was on the vase, too bad this crooked hand dropped this vase.
The police looked at the boy and the big guy.
Police... We'll deal with you two at the station.
The man started drooling out of his mouth.
Big guy... What, you're gonna believe this demon? It's a genie...
One of the Uchiichi knocked out the big guy, then turned to the boy.
Police... Oh, come on, come with us!
Naruto... Give me a minute.
The blond pulled his wallet out of his pocket and took the money out of it and put it on the counter and then covered it with the shard.
Naruto... All right, we're good to go!
Police... Why did you do that? It's not your fault.
Naruto... I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Police... Ahem, okay, let's go.
Twenty minutes later, Naruto was sitting in the interrogation room waiting for some of the staff to come to him. Fugaku himself was passing by this interrogation room and noticed the blond man, and then called one of his subordinates over.
Fugaku.. Shikumo, what's a boy doing here?
Shikumo... They say he stopped some thief, and they're all busy right now, so I'll go to him in five minutes and ask him how it went.
Fugaku... What about that thief?
Shikumo... He's in the holding cell, hysterical and screaming across the room that he's being set up by this demon. I was told he almost blabbed about the jinchuriki.
Fugaku.. Ahem, hell, let me talk to him myself.
Shikume... Good Fugaku san.
Fugaku walked into the interrogation room and began to examine the blond man, after all it had been eight years since they had seen him. Fugaku noted that the resemblance to Minato was growing.
Fugaku... Hello, Naruto-kun!
Naruto... Good afternoon, you have a familiar face!
Fugaku... We've seen each other for a long time, you may have forgotten by now, but come on, my name is Fugaku Uchiha, and I am the captain of the Leaf Police.
Naruto... Nice to meet you, uh, again.
Naruto scratched the back of his head with a silly grin, but Fugaku noted that he had adopted Minato's habits as well.
Fugaku... So let's get started, I'm told you stopped a mugger, well done, but will you tell me what happened?
Naruto decided not to be sneaky and just tell the truth.
Naruto... Truth be told, I did set him up.
Fugaku's eyes dripped, and he decided to find out the details.
Fugaku... Tell me how it went.
Naruto told everything without a secret down to the smallest detail, Fugaku listening to this story more and more amazed at the blond's cunning.
Fugaku... But why did you do it?
Naruto... I want him locked up.
Fugaku... But you could have called the police yourself.
Naruto... I don't trust the police.
Fugaku... That's a bold statement, but do you have a basis for it?
Naruto... If it was just me, they would have taken me and now I'd be sitting here and this scoundrel would be walking free.
Fugaku... What makes you think my men would let him go?
Naruto... Because my position at the time wasn't very promising, so I had to hang that vase on him.
Fugaku... That's smart, but you do realize you're to blame for the broken vase, right?
Naruto... Yes, but I paid for it and even left some amount for the inconvenience.
Fugaku... Hmm, I see, well, it can't be helped...
Naruto... Will you let the man who attacked me go?
Fugaku... Unfortunately it was a slight misunderstanding, so we can't keep him here.
Naruto... And you will allow this man to go around the village beating up children?
Fugaku remembered about his youngest son, because he and Naruto are the same age, and imagined that he was a freak beating Sasuke, but the law is the law.
Fugaku... No, he has no previous convictions for beating children, so I can't put him in jail.
Naruto... So you're saying this man attacked me for a specific reason?
Fugaku couldn't tell who Naruto was so he started to think of an escape plan, but there was none and realized he had fallen into a verbal trap.
Fugaku... I don't think he had a reason, but...
Naruto... Fugaku san, you're contradicting yourself, there's a reason and there isn't, by the way, he said I'm a genie.. And then it was knocked out, but what does that word gin mean? Or did he just leave it at that?
Fugaku no longer had any answers to that question.
Fugaku.. All right, we'll put him away.
Naruto... Thank you. Can I go home now?
Fugaku... Sure, let me walk you to the exit.
Naruto... Thank you...
Fugaku and Naruto were walking through the hallway and a pissed off big guy was already being dragged out of the holding cell, Naruto showed a fak seeing him. Fugaku even smirked at Naruto's rambling nature. As Naruto walked out the front door, Fugaku stared after him and muttered under his breath.
Fugaku... Minato, you're a fool after all..
Fugaku visited Minato that evening, bringing a bottle of sake with him.
Fugaku.. Hey, Minato, busy?
Minato... No, I just finished my reports. Are you here on an important matter, or just an old friend?
Fugaku... Both.
Minato... Have a seat!
Fugaku... No sake, no sake, get the choco.
Minato was surprised at this outburst from his friend and pulled out two chokos from under the table. Fugaku poured a choco each and toasted himself.
Fugaku... To the children!
They both had a shot each and Fugaku started first.
Fugaku... How long have you been seeing your son?
Minato was surprised at such a question, but decided to answer honestly.
Minato... No, I haven't seen him in 11 years.
Fugaku... I realize you did it for the good of the village, but as a father, I was against it back then.
Minato... Yeah, that's going to haunt me for a long time.
Fugaku decided to get straight to the point!
Fugaku.. You know, I saw him today, he was in the squad room.
Minato was frightened by this turn of events.
Minato... What? I hope he didn't do anything wrong.
Fugaku... No, on the contrary, he filed a report against the man who attacked him.
Minato... Can you give me the details?
Fugaku told everything without a secret and even added his opinion about the case.
Minato... Uh-huh, surely it was Naruto? I looked at his file and his grades are so high I'm not even sure he can write.
Fugaku... I don't think he trusts anyone, and he's not likely to tell anyone about himself and his skills.
Minato lowered his eyes pouring himself some sake, taking a shot.
Minato... It's my fault! Everyone in the village hates him and over my bad head.
Fugaku... Hmm, I don't think that's going to change, but I'll tell you one thing for sure, Naruto's not as simple as he looks. When I talked to him, his manner of speech, his habits, just like you. It's kind of what they call a hidden genius.
Minato... What about the man he attacked?
Fugaku... He's going to sit, because he almost told Naruto about Kyuubi.
Minato... Well, let him sit, and here's another request.
Fugaku.. Which one?
Minato... Don't tell anyone what you found out about him. I want to find out about him myself.
Fugaku... Good idea, but I suggest you don't show your face to him yet, he's a smart guy who might get suspicious.
Minato thought for a moment and an epiphany came to him.
Minato... I'll wear my old anbu uniform.
Fugaku... Wow, you've decided to take this thing seriously!
Minato... I haven't seen him since he was born, that's enough.
Fugaku... I wish you luck.
A few days later, the weekdays at the academy began. Naruto was still sitting in class or just sleeping. Minato on the other hand decided to start with Naruto's handler, the afternoon after class Iruka walked into the hokage's office.
Iruka... Summoned the Hokage herself?
Minato... Yes, Iruka, come on in!
Irusel sat down on the couch and waited for the reason for his summons.
Minato... So, Iruka, you're in charge of your final course, so I'd like to hear the names of all the promising shinobi.
Iruka... Oh, yes, of course now.
Iruka pulled out his journal and started listing names.
Iruka... Sasuke Uchiha is the best student in the stream, then comes Nara Shikamaru, although he is lazy, but his logic is higher than Sasuke's, Sakura Haruno is an excellent student, Hinata Hyuga studies well, but in sparring she is always afraid of hurting her opponent, Kiba Inuzuka, although he is a double-header, but in sparring is on par with Sasuke, Choji Akimichi is an average student, but I think with the development of his potential he will do well. And, uh.
Minato noticed the non-agreement from Iruka.
Minato... Master Iruka, you can speak, I value your opinion.
Iruka... Well, you know, I'd like to put Uzumaki Naruto as well.
Minato... Naruto? But I read his file, and it's all negative.
Iruka faltered and even considered letting it go.
Iruka... Exactly, he has bad grades, not to say he's lazy, but I think he doesn't want to study on purpose.
Minato... Oh, yeah, and can you tell me why?
Iruka decided to confess what he did on October 10th.
Iruka... It's my fault!
Minato... What, can you be more specific?
Iruka... Anyway, I hated him, and he was learning on purpose to spite me. And one time I left him after school and gave him class duty as punishment. That would be fine if it wasn't October 10th!
Minato... And then what?
Iruka... I had lost my parents that day and I had overreacted by telling him he wasn't going anywhere that day. He got angry and said that getting angry at a person for no reason is an act worse than a monster.
Minato... And then what?
Iruka... He ran away, I came back and ran after him to apologize, but I found him in the cemetery.
Minato... In a cemetery? What was he doing there?
Iruka... He stood looking at the monument of heroes. I heard that Naruto also lost his parents that day and I think he looked for them there and then went to one grave and stood there for over an hour.
Minato... Do you remember whose grave he was looking at?
Iruka... It said Maya.
Minato remembered this girl, because she was the one he had sent to the front so Naruto wouldn't have any connections.
Minato... Does he visit this grave often?
Iruka... Every year on October 10th, I often saw him there when I went to visit my parents' grave.
A long silence ensued, but Iruka continued.
Iruka... And then he disappeared for three days.
Minato... For three days, I wonder where he was during that time.
Iruka... He was in his house and he was holed up there because you told him not to go in there. I found him in the ramen, he loves that place and is there almost every day. He told me to stay away from him and since then I rarely talk to him at all. Sorry hokage-sama, I have to go, I felt like a moral asshole then and even now I can't forgive myself for it...
Minato... Go on.
Minato sat in his office in his study thinking over everything he had heard from Iruka.
Minato. If Iruka feels like an asshole, how should I feel?
Minato left the office to the secretary and decided to take a walk. Walking through the city he noticed his feet came to the outskirts where Naruto's house used to be. He didn't dare go up there, for this was where all the trouble had started. He forced himself through the force to walk toward that house. When he came to the place he saw the horror, the house was burned and on the wall were inscriptions "die demon" "die devil spawn" "bastard".
Minato... Oh, my God, is this where he lives?
Going in through the door he could see nothing as the windows were boarded up with shutters. The lights were out, there was no water, and the junk and unbearable odor stank even from the street. Minato came out at once and started shaking.
Minato... Damn it, we gotta find him!
He ran all over Konoha but couldn't find him.
Minato... Shit, I should take tomorrow off and follow him.
The next day, Minato put on his old anbu uniform and started following Naruto to the academy. It was the first time he'd seen him live in 11 years. Naruto slept through his lessons and Minato even smirked.
Minato... Oh, Naruto, if you knew how much I hated those lectures myself.
He wasn't allowed to admire it for long as a crumpled note flew into his head, Minato unfolded the note.
Naruto... Stop following me!
Minato was a stupor because he'd never been noticed for any of his service in the Anbu, and now he's an 11-year-old kid. At least Minato was wearing chakro blocking armor. Minato decided to reply to this letter.
Minato... Why are you sleeping in class?
Crumpling the note he threw it back at the window and was surprised at the younger blond's reaction. The answer came right away!
Naruto... I'm getting enough sleep because it's my last year at the academy, and I'm not gonna get much sleep on a mission.
Minato decided to make contact with his son.
Minato... I'll meet you after school?
Naruto sent a reply right away.
Naruto... Come on, I'll see you at range 14.
Naruto realized what the third man was saying and decided to find out more.
Minato waited for his son to come out, but he didn't, when suddenly a black-haired boy called out to him, signaled him to follow, and ran at full speed across the rooftops. Minato thought he was glitching, but upon arriving at the range Naruto removed his henge.
Minato... Oh, you're good at henge!
Naruto.. Listen, uh, Owl san, who sent you? And why are you following me?
Minato... The Hokage sent me.
Naruto... Hokage? I don't think you're being precise...
Minato... Oh, right, the fourth Hokage.
Naruto... Strange, I thought he was like a vampire, never leaves his office during the day.
Minato almost whistled at the opinion his son had formed.
Minato... Well, you could say that.
Naruto... So, to what do I owe the honor?
Minato... You see, where do you live?
Naruto didn't like the question and decided to go with a new plan.
Naruto.. Same place it's always been.
Minato... You don't live in that house in the suburbs. If it's not a secret, tell me your real address.
Naruto... A secret!
Minato... I'm sorry, then I'm gonna have to keep you.
Naruto... And for what reason?
Minato... Because the Hokage needs to know where everyone in our village lives.
Naruto... Well, I've lived here since I was born, and I think in 11 years the Hokage should know where I live.
Minato though he felt reproachful, but decided to think about it later.
Minato... Why don't we have an argument then?
Naruto... Hmm? What's the argument?
Minato pulled out a single bell and twirled it on his fingers.
Minato... This is an old game, so I think you'll find it interesting.
Naruto... Maybe and what's the dispute prize?
Minato... Well, if you take away the bells in twenty minutes, then you win and you can go on your way, I hokage will not say anything and if you can not, you tell me your address.
Naruto rubbed his chin.
Naruto... That doesn't sound fair, I'm an academy student and you're an Anbu.
Minato. Agreed, I won't use techniques then and you can do whatever you want.
Naruto... Deal, but you give your word that you will definitely not use the techniques.
Minato... You have my word.
Naruto... Well, let's get going.
Naruto ran into the melee Minato just fought back with ease from the blows. Naruto did slips, feints, hit with somersaults, and even tried to grab for holds. Naruto jumped back with both feet from Minato's block.
Minato... Strange, I've been told you're a zero in taijutsu, you're an interesting kid, and they don't teach such techniques at the academy.
Naruto... Well, you can't just rely on what you learned at the academy.
Minato... Well, you can't argue with that. Shall we continue?
Naruto.. Of course!
Naruto unsealed two kunai.
Minato... Wow, this is something interesting...
Naruto ran at Minato with his kunaiami and started punching and kicking back, sparks from the blows flew in all directions, Naruto caught his wrist in a cut and pushed back at him.
Naruto.. You're not a simple anbu, am I right?
Minato. You might say that, but you're not an easy academy student either.
Naruto.. There's no turning back?
Minato... Not anymore, but you have time.
Naruto... But you still get the benefit of so-and-so, and this bell game is designed for a team.
Minato... Well, I think you can make up for it without it.
Naruto... You know all about me, don't you, Owl San?
Minato... Well, I know some of the details...
Naruto.. You're not gonna tell me, are you?
Minato... It's a secret!
Naruto... All right, it's time to get serious.
Naruto ran at Minato and when there were only a few centimeters left Naruto disappeared and three clones stood around him and began to hit synchronously and helping each other in their attacks. Minato thought that there was nothing to be surprised about as Naruto suddenly started throwing shurikens with great speed and from different trajectories.
Naruto... Shuriken kage bunshin!
Minato was already running away from them in the other direction but Naruto used the fishing line to redirect the movement. Minato could barely restrain himself from using the thunder god's kunai. Minato barely fought off the last of the kunai as suddenly Naruto and his clone folded the seals.
Naruto.. Collaborative machinery, water cannons...
Minato... Damn, why did I ever agree not to use the techniques...
Minato was already running all over the range and Naruto was following him. Minato thought he would stand on the water and that would be it, but no such luck, Naruto ran after him through the water blowing the water elemental once again. Minato was already scorched and Anbu's mask had already nearly come off several times. Minato jumped into the clearing and then looked at his watch and decided to stall for time.
Minato... How do you know these techniques?
Naruto... What's your real name?
Minato... A secret!
Naruto... Likewise.
Minato... So, you're giving up?
Naruto... Hmm, well, looking at our situation, I might have given in, but the terms and conditions are still in place and I don't think anyone would turn down the opportunity to discredit the best employee in the unit, and that doesn't always happen. ...
Minato tried to understand the direction of each sentence and only now realized that the boy had stupidly insulted him.
Minato... That's a hell of a game, kid, I'll give you that.
Naruto threw the kunai forward and jumped to throw the rest, to change trajectory. Minato often used kunai all over the area already thinking Naruto would show the thunder god's technique. But Naruto threw two by two shuriken forward and in flight they changed trajectory. Minato had to jump back to the boulder, but that's exactly what Naruto was waiting for and just caught Minato in a web of webs.
Minato... Nice strategy, but you're almost out of chakra.
Naruto.. There's enough datebayo for one technique.
Naruto folded the seals and grabbed his wrist, Minato thought it was a chidori, but the spinning disk surrounded by wind blades told a different story.
Minato... What the...
The two Naruto clones folded the seals for the wind springboard and Naruto flew at full speed. Though this speed was a bit slow for Minato, he was now waiting for the alarm clock to ring. And his prayers were answered, Minato moved away from Naruto and watched as Naruto stuck his hand into the boulder and then the boulder shattered.
Minato... Damn, that was close.
Naruto was already falling unconscious, but Minato picked him up and put him on his back. After walking a few minutes to the river Minato laid down on the soft grass of his son and stated the fact about the chakra depletion.
Minato... Eh, Naruto, take a break and then we'll go home. So, what's with the cuff?
Minato examined the cuff and put it on his hands.
Minato... Okay, that's the kind of seal he used.
Minato had a kunai and then a shuriken on his hand.
Minato... Busy toys you use... All right, let's go back...
Minato put the cuffs back on and began to think to himself.
Minato... I wonder how he knows so many techniques. And that wind disk, it's kind of like my rasengan, but made with seals like Kakashi. Wait, Kakashi said that Anbu under the fox mask created a new technique based on raiki, the wind disk. Could it be Naruto, the fox mask, had he found out everything? Damn, though stop, the third one was still taking care of him behind my back. Although I've heard that the third one looked out for Naruto as a child. Oh, come on, but what am I saying, I'm really over my son. Son? I was afraid to even call him my son. What to do, although it doesn't matter anymore, I have no right to interfere in his life. I don't care if he's a jinchuriki or not, it's his life.
At that moment, Naruto woke up.
Minato... Uh, you're awake!
Naruto... What happened to me?
Minato... You've lost a lot of chakra.
Naruto... Okay, Owl san!
Minato... Hmm?
Naruto... I'll lie down and then I'll go home,
Owl... Let me carry you home. I won anyway.
Naruto... Okay, well, I'll show you where I live. What's going to happen to me now?
Minato... What are you talking about?
Naruto... Because you'll tell the fourth one about me, I know who I am! After all, according to the government, I am the weapon of the village! I read in a book that they get rid of uncontrolled weapons.
For Minato, those words were like stabbing a blunt knife into his heart.
Minato... So you don't trust the fourth?
Naruto... Not that I don't trust him, but I don't know what to expect from him. I've never seen him, and I don't even know his name. Just keeping that gun disposal fact in mind.
Minato... I see! Okay, I won't tell him about you. But I still have to take you home, you've used too much chakra.
Naruto... Okay, I'll tell you where I live.
Minato put the boy on his back and hopped home and ten minutes later stood in front of the door and opened it with the key Naruto had given him.
Naruto... Careful, there's a lot of traps, I don't like strangers entering my house.
Minato was already thinking about it.
Minato. Oh, man, what a mess I've made of you.
Naruto got off his back and began to disarm the traps.
It was almost evening and Naruto put on his pajamas and hat and laid down on the bed. And Minato decided to check out his son's mansion.
Minato... Pretty clean apartment, Naruto seems to be constantly cleaning around the house, weird, even Miroku doesn't keep his room clean like Naruto does the whole apartment. Let's go to the bathroom. Uh, and the bathroom's clean. All right, let's go to the kitchen. Let's see what's in the fridge. Wow, he has everything prepared in advance, onigiri, fried fish and even meat. Eh, with a lifestyle like that, you could be a bachelor for life. Let's see what's in his room. The pictures, wait it's Shisui and the third one, and Itachi what's in the picture? Okay, we'll figure it out later. Wow, that's a lot of books and it's a student who doesn't want to learn? What else is there. Technician's diary? Well, wow, he kept this diary for how long? From the age of two? Are you kidding me? Naruto learned to read and write at two years old? I mastered my first technique when I was two years old, the water elemental taught by Maya. Shit, I've got to make copies. Though is it right that I only interfere in his life after 11 years. If I was even doing the right thing by him. I brought him nothing but pain and suffering, hell what have I been doing his whole life. Rightly said the third, what kind of father am I, my daughter spoiled to the point of outrage, my son threw out on the street burdened with burdens. By the way, we should check the seal. Indeed the seal was intact, so the nine-tailed man's chakra had never once made contact with him. I wonder if he knows. He only talked about the village's weapons, but not a word about Kyubey. What am I supposed to do? I haven't even shown my son once. Three, I need a third and I need it soon.
Minato covered his son with a blanket and went out the window. He was so engrossed in his son's life that he forgot the wounds of battle.
Minato... Yeah, Naruto, you really did a number on me, though, you deserved it.
Half an hour later, he was standing outside Hiruzen's house, daring to go in. But here the old man himself came out to him.
Hiruzen... An owl? It's been a long time since you wore that Minato uniform!
Minato... Third, we need to talk!
Hiruzen... Hmm, come on in!
Minato settled down beside Hiruzen in the living room.
Hiruzen... Did you dare to inquire about your son's life, I heard about your fight, you left him no choice but to take that fight.
Minato... You were right! They were always right!
Hiruzen... Does Naruto know?
Minato... No, I appeared to him in an anbu uniform.
Hiruzen... Well, he won't get that depressed a second time!
Minato... A second time?
Hiruzen... On your birthday. He lost May in his arms at the age of five when he was kidnapped by the grass jonin,that's when he first killed a human.
Minato... Kidnapped? But we'd know, the barrier stands over all of Konoha.
Hiruzen... Not in that shack he lived in for a year and a half.
Minato... Shit!
Hiruzen... That's putting it mildly.
Minato... I did a terrible thing, I thought I was doing the right thing, but really I was just mad because he was born on that day.
Hiruzen... It was all of our fault, we failed to stop Danzo in time and twice.
Minato... How come Maya knew about the grass jonins?
Hiruzen... You didn't control the mail and everyone was writing to us and there was only grass country in the vicinity of the fire temple. Maya didn't know about the kidnapping of the jinchuriki and just fled to Konoha, but it was thanks to her that Naruto survived, but she had to sacrifice her own life.
Minato... This is all my fault, if I had just taken Naruto in, he wouldn't have survived all this.
Hiruzen. Perhaps, but Naruto wasn't the type to bend to that pain. You think he blames someone else for his plight? Absolutely not. He is constantly going forward through suffering and pain. I gave him an opportunity to develop and in return I got something more.
Minato... And what's that?
Hiruzen... A grandson!
Minato... You have more right than I do!
Hiruzen... Minato, I'm glad you've finally realized your mistakes, but you do realize there's nothing you can do for Naruto as a father.
Minato... Yes!
Hiruzen... At least keep your relationship to him a secret, trust me, you won't like the outcome at all.
Minato... I understand.
Hiruzen... You don't understand very well, you think he'll retaliate?
Minato... That would be fair of him, I'm willing to take the blame.
Hiruzen... He won't retaliate, he will just forget you and never bring it up again. But will you be able to live peacefully after that?
Minato... No!
Hiruzen. He would have easily found out about you and Kushina a long time ago, but thank life for having Maya chan. She has replaced the two of you combined and in his heart she is the most important thing in his life.
Minato... All right. Uh-huh.
Hiruzen... Naruto really do make people lighter, even you are not indifferent.
Minato... You're right, but what about the missions you're giving him?
Hiruzen... The mission is just an excuse for Naruto not to see these callous people around him.
Minato... Did you teach him everything?
Hiruzen... Some me, some Shisui.
Minato... I see, but Shisui knows we're related to Naruto.
Hiruzen... No, Shisui doesn't know. But Naruto and Shisui consider each other brothers and always support each other to the best of their abilities.
Minato... I'm glad Naruto has someone he can count on.
Hiruzen... I see he got you good.
Minato... It's okay, I think it'll be healed by tomorrow.
Hiruzen... Yeah, sometimes your resemblance to him is frightening.
Minato... Maybe, but I hope he doesn't turn out like me!
Hiruzen... I hope so, too. But what are you going to do now that you've found out about him?
Minato... I don't have the right to decide for him what to do, let things stay the way they are.
Hiruzen... Well, this year I will not send him on missions, let him rest and then when he becomes a genin, let him decide for himself, anyway, work in the forge feeds him well.
Minato. The forge? I thought the orphan allowance was supposed to do a good job.
Hiruzen... Oh, you don't know, Yasaki has been embezzling Naruto's money for over six years.
Minato... What? I'll deal with him tomorrow.
Hiruzen... You deal with him yourself, but don't give Naruto any money, he won't take it.
Minato... Got it!
Hiruzen... I thought I'd never see the day, too bad you didn't realize it sooner.
Minato... I can never forgive myself for that.
Minato left the house third and decided to stop by the hospital to bandage his cuts and bruises. He was coming home late at night and right in the kitchen he was almost hit by a frying pan.
Kushina... Where have you been, you white-haired bastard?
Minato... I'm here on business!
Kushina... Work? Why are you wearing bandages?
Minato decided not to tell Kushina about Naruto, so as not to get in too much trouble.
Minato... The opponent was just too difficult.
Kushina... Yes? You went through the war without a scratch, and now they've made a mummy out of you.
Minato... Believe me Kushina, that was the toughest opponent I've ever faced.
Kushina... Strange, you've never once talked about such preointers, much less who in Konoha could have attacked you? You're the Hokage for crying out loud...
Minato... There's no such thing as an invincible man.
Kushina sighed at the sightlessness of it all
Kushina... All right, let's go to dinner.
The next day, Minato kicked Yasaki out of the clerical office and kept one eye on Naruto for the next few days. Minato though he wanted to learn more about Naruto, but each time he found his failures. Minato was dumbfounded that Naruto was being cheated at the market and when he had the chance, he simply fined the vendors. When October 10 came around, Minato decided to wear an anbu mask to watch Naruto and found him in the cemetery and stood next to him near the heroes' stone.
Naruto... Owl san?
Minato... Hmm?
Naruto... Did you also have a loved one die that day?
Minato... Yes!
Naruto... I sympathize, but still they watch us and see what kind of life we live...
Minato... I hope not...
Minato thought to himself.
Naruto went to May's grave and put flowers on it, then bowed low and left, but Minato stayed, first going to Kaname's grave and then to May's.
Minato... Maya san, if you can hear me, please forgive me and my hardheadedness, I am guilty before you and Naruto. I know I'm sorry, but I also want to say thank you for raising Naruto to be a very good person. I pray that your soul lives in peace in a clean world.
On the evening of the same day, Minato delivered a gift for Naruto through a third person.
After that, Minato continued his work at the residence. The end of the academy was approaching and Naruto had recently left the forge as he would soon be a ninja, officially. He gave his tanto to Yoshida san to attach chains to the hilt so that he could hold the sword by the chains and attack from a distance. With Shisui still training the same way, and Itachi had to put up with his brother in training. And so on one of the ranges lay Naruto with his back to a tree, he had been practicing his wind disk all night and fell asleep at dawn. At this time, Kushina and Miroku were on their way to their training session to better prepare for the chunin exam. Suddenly Kushina saw the boy lying under a tree, but Miroku took the floor.
Miroku... What is he, a bum, sleeping here?
Kushina... Honey, let him sleep. He must be tired.
Miroku... No way, this is a practice field, not a vacation home.
Miroku walked over and brought her foot in for a braking motion, Naruto woke up before she touched her foot and thrust the kunai forward. Kushina seeing the blonde hair and the tendrils on her cheeks lied, but Naruto thought.
Naruto... Old acquaintances...
Miroku... What are you doing here? Put that kunai away or you'll go to jail for assaulting the Hokage's daughter.
Naruto hid the kunai and straightened up shaking off the dust, he was wearing old training clothes so he wouldn't ruin his everyday clothes.
Naruto... Actually, it was you who tried to hit me, I pulled out a kunai in self-defense.
Miroku... Who cares, I'll say the right words to the right people and you'll go to jail.
Naruto sighed in frustration at how many princesses on a mission threatened to run over the blond with their position.
Naruto... Go ahead, try it. No one's gonna believe a crazy girl like that.
Miroku boiled at such words.
Miroku... Who the hell are you to talk to me like that?
Naruto... A resident of the hidden leaf village.
Miroku... Idiot, I'm asking for a name!
Naruto... Before you ask me my name, you should introduce yourself first.
Naruto knew her name, but conspiracy was everything... Miroku, on the other hand, stomped her foot on the ground.
Miroku... An ignoramus like you just can't know who I am! My name is Miroku Namikaze, and I am the daughter of the Hokage. I'm the strongest of Konoha's genin, and I'm also the prettiest of the girls in the village.
Miroku was rasping her hair as she endured this tirade, and Naruto was already mentally thinking of how to strangle her, but he found another way.
Naruto... Uzumaki Naruto!
Kushina flinched at that name, but Miroku made a snide face.
Miroku... Uzumaki Naruto? I heard in the academy that you are the worst student, and actually Uzumaki is my mother's maiden name, you disgrace this name, so do not voice it to anyone, and you do not look like Uzumaki! Uzumaki has red hair like me and my mother, now I understand why they don't give that last name for Inami and Karin, they don't want your worthless nature to touch you too.
Naruto was already mentally strangling the sassy girl, but he decided to teach her a verbal lesson.
Naruto... Your mother? You didn't mention your mother once, so you don't appreciate her very much, since you put your greatness and ties to the hokage above her.
Miroku almost fell over at that statement and turned to her mother.
Miroku... Mommy, this is bullshit, this asshole doesn't know what to talk about. Mommy, please answer me.
Kushina only now came to her senses and raised her eyes and then looked at the children.
Kushina... Miroku, let's go home!
Miroku was confused and grabbed her mother's hands.
Miroku... Mom, I told you that idiot talks too much. Are you gonna cancel practice because of this loser?
Naruto walked over to Kushina and made a bow.
Naruto... Sorry for the inconvenience, uh, what's your name.
Kushina... Kushina Namikaze.
Naruto... Kushina san, I'd better get out of here!
Kushina couldn't take her eyes off of the blond looking after him, but Miroku held a grudge against Naruto and promised to teach him a lesson.
Miroku... Wait till I get my hands on you, asshole.
Kushina was already leaving the range without even telling her daughter, her thoughts were in chaos.
Kushina... It's been 12 whole years, 12 years I haven't seen this kid, he looks a lot like Minato. We were afraid that the mind of a nine-tail might take over our child's mind, but what do we have now. Moderately courteous, at his age at the exclamation Miroku would have long ago thrown at the offender. Oh Kaname san, you're missed. Did we do the right thing then, I kept telling myself every moment that Naruto was no longer my child. You're a good mother after that... I have to talk to Minato.
Miroku stayed at the range to blow off steam, but Kushina was interested in learning something about Naruto. Shisui and Itachi were due back from the land of snow soon and so Naruto had to pass the time alone or with the anbu in the Owl Mask or the Sarutobi clan. Owl began to talk to Naruto often about various topics, Hiruzen had warned that Owl was his own man, so Naruto could talk to him freely. Naruto himself was walking around the city and suddenly met with an anbu in an Owl mask.
Naruto... Owl san, hello, long time no see.
Minato... Hi Naruto-kun, I've been given orders to patrol the city. I see you've been at practice, any luck?
Naruto... Not really, it's hard to train alone.
Minato... I understand, but if you want, I can give you some practice time.
Naruto... That would have been great, but I was already tired and hungry, so I was going to Ichiraku to eat noodles.
Minato didn't want to fall in front of his son, not yet.
Minato... Let's go out, I'm not really hungry so I can just sit with you.
Naruto... Won't the fourth punish you for leaving your post datebayo?
Minato almost jumped with laughter.
Minato... Don't worry, I'll get over it somehow.
Naruto... All right, whatever you say!
Naruto and Owl walked into Ichiraku and started talking about various topics in life. Minato wondered at his son's appetite, but remembering the seal feeding all questions fell away. Kushina wanted to buy groceries home, but walking past Ichiraku she noticed Naruto and the masked anbu and was furious.
Kushina... That's it, you white-haired bastard, that's where you disappear on weekends, come home and I'll kick your ass!
Kushina went off shopping taking care of the shiver that came over her. And the two blondes went to the range after Ichiraku. Naruto wasn't particularly interested in who was under the mask of Owl, as he himself realizes that anbu don't give away their identity. Minato enjoyed being able to spend some time with his son. He couldn't forgive himself for what he had done and resigned himself to the fact that he was just a stranger to Naruto. Minato walking along with Naruto had only one thing on his mind.
Minato. Hell, if I had the chance, I'd like to go back in time and beat myself up for what I did and prevent all of this from happening. I was considered a genius, a real genius walks beside me. Shit, shit, shit.
Minato often berated himself for what he had done as soon as he saw Naruto.
That night, Kushina waited for her husband in the kitchen. Kushina had recently noticed changes in her husband's behavior, disappearing on weekends or just not sleeping at home, but the questions did not give much result, Minato excused himself with work. But tonight she's gonna find out what's on her mind. The door opened and Minato walked straight into the kitchen. Kushina sat crossed her arms and furrowed her brows. Minato, seeing his wife's menacing look, began to choose his words carefully.
Minato... Hi honey, sorry I'm late, I've been sitting on my reports.
Kushina... Yeah really, what were you doing with Naruto this afternoon, I saw you with him in Ichiraku. You think I've forgotten your old anbu uniform?
Minato berated himself for his carelessness, for this was the second time he had been burned.
Minato... You see, I just decided to diversify my work a little bit and, uh.
Kushina stood up and started to walk over with a frying pan in her hands, and then she lifted her husband up with one hand grabbing his collar.
Kushina... Now you're going to tell me everything or I'll be a widow and Miroku will lose his father!
Minato realized he couldn't get away with it, so he decided to tell the truth.
Minato... Kushina let go, let's sit down and I'll explain everything to you.
Kushina let go of her husband and sat down at the table, while Minato sat down across from his wife and began to speak regretfully.
Minato... Kushina, I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away, I didn't want to upset you.
Kushina sat there trying to restrain herself from killing her husband.
Minato... Kushina, you have to admit, I'm a terrible parent. I burdened Naruto with a heavy burden, and then as the third one said, I threw away our son. I have no right to be called his father. I realized this recently, hell, not a day goes by that I don't regret it. Everyone thinks Naruto is a monster, but the real monster sits in the residence every day and rules this village. I wanted to see Naruto at least, but I'm not ready to show my face to him. I'm a whole 12 years late, and I have no excuse.
Minato was holding back as much as he could to keep from crying, but Kushina couldn't help herself and began to shed tears.
Kushina... Minato!
Minato... Hmm?
Kushina... That blame lies with me, too!
Kushina got up from her chair and was about to leave when she was suddenly stopped by Minato.
Minato... Kushina, where are you going?
Kushina... I have to tell Naruto!
Minato... Kushina, we're 12 years too late. If he finds out, it won't end well.
Kushina... But we have to undo what we've done.
Minato... The only thing we can do is move on with our lives. I've already made Naruto's life unbearable, but telling him the truth about it will only make it worse.
Kushina clung to Minato's chest and began to cry bitterly. Kushina had offered Miroku to spend the night at Inami's house, so she could not hold back her feelings.
Kushina.. I want to see the place where he lives!
Minato, in a fit of rage, flattened that place on the outskirts with his rasengan, so that only a large crater remained.
Minato... Kushina, Naruto doesn't live in the suburbs anymore.
Kushina... Where does he live?
Minato... I'll show you, but not until tomorrow when Naruto leaves for the academy.
Kushina... All right. (chuckles)
Minato... Honey, let's go to bed, classes at the academy start early tomorrow.
But they didn't get much sleep. The next morning Naruto left for the academy locking his key. Minato and Kushina stood near the door.
Minato... You ready?
Kushina... Uh-huh.
Minato opened with the copy of the key he had made when he first came here with Naruto.
Minato... Wait five minutes I'll disarm the traps, Naruto doesn't like strangers entering his house.
Kushina... My God, what we've turned our son into.
Minato removed the traps and walked over to his wife and took her hands in his.
Minato... Believe me, I'd do the same thing if I were him, so are you coming in?
Kushina walked into the house and looked around the kitchen.
Kushina.. It's weird, I thought it would be a mess, since kids his age don't keep it clean, especially boys, but this is cleaner than Miroku's room.
Minato... He was raised well, and he's very clean.
Kushina... I'm glad, but I hope he's eating well, I'd like to make him something!
Minato... Don't worry about that, look in the fridge.
Kushina opened the refrigerator and saw the abundance of food and almost drooled.
Kushina... Can he cook too?
Minato... Yeah, I stayed with him once and he put some fried smelt on the road for me.
Kushina... Aren't you ashamed of eating your son?
Minato... Believe me, he was very persistent back then.
Kushina... Heehee, so those smelt you brought home weren't bought at a restaurant. They tasted really nice, though.
Kushina closed the refrigerator and went to the bathroom.
Kushina... Wow, he's got the place all shiny.
Minato... Naruto has a lot of time on his hands and tries to clean around the house often, you haven't seen the room yet.
Kushina got out of the tub and went to her room.
Kushina... It's really bright and clean in here. The bed's made, and what's this?
Kushina looked at the chair where her pajamas and sleep cap were folded.
Kushina... Wow, I thought he didn't like that kind of thing.
Minato... Trust me, it gets so cold here at night, he can't do without it. It cost me a lot of labor to heat this place.
Kushina... I see...
Kushina folded her pajamas neatly and then turned to her desk and bookcase.
Kushina... Wow, I was told Naruto was a bad student at the academy, and there are so many books and records.
Minato remembered Naruto's words about ridding himself of weapons.
Minato... Kushina, he trusts me!
The woman nearly fell off her chair.
Kushina... What? I thought he knew about you.
Minato... No, I've been playing the role of anbu in front of him all this time, he doesn't trust me as hokage.
Kushina... But why?
Minato... He is very intelligent for his age and knows who he is to the village.
Kushina... What? Does he know he's a jinchuriki?
Minato... Exactly!
Kushina... But that doesn't explain why he's learning so poorly.
Minato... He said to me. Uncontrolled weapons are being gotten rid of.
Kushina was already starting to tremble.
Kushina... Does he really think you'll kill him if you find out about him?
Minato sat down on the bed and crossed his arms.
Minato... His fears are unfounded, we brought it on ourselves when I transported him to the outskirts and made him live in that shack.
Kushina was already starting to cry.
Kushina... Oh, my God, what are we gonna do now?
Minato... I'll try to talk to him. He didn't see me as the Hokage. I rehearse every word I say to him every day. He'll easily see the catch, but I'll have to try hard to convince him that I don't mean him any harm.
Kushina... My God, the third one's been telling us almost every day that we're doing it wrong. Like a fool I didn't listen to him. What kind of mother am I?
Kushina started to wipe away her tears and Minato walked over to her and took her hands.
Minato... It's been and gone, we have to move on and try not to let him find out.
Kushina... But how? From what I've seen, he's not stupid, and it's a miracle he hasn't found out about us yet.
Minato pulled out an album that had pictures of Naruto from his early childhood and showed where Naruto had been since May.
Minato... That's why he's not looking for us.
Kushina... Who's that?
Minato... That babysitter who took care of him and replaced his parents while I-
Minato stammered at that word.
Kushina... Bye, you?
Minato... Until I sent her to the front at the temple of fire...
Kushina... What? But why?
Minato... It was another stupid decision on Naruto's part.
Kushina.. Where is she now?
Minato took a pause and released his gaze.
Minato... She died, she sacrificed her life to save Naruto from the grass jonin.
Kushina... But what were these ninjas doing here?
Minato... It's a long story and trust me you won't like it.
Kushina realized that her husband had no intention of continuing and simply nodded and then began to perk up the album.
Kushina... He was so cute when he was a kid, and it hasn't changed. What are Itachi and his friend Shisui doing here?
Minato... After Maya died, Shisui took care of him like an elder brother and then he would go out on missions with him. So Naruto wouldn't see the evil stares that surround him here. And Itachi met them later and went on missions with them.
Kushina... But why didn't Itachi say anything to me about it?
Minato... It's because of the law that no one is allowed to contact Naruto or teach him anything.
Kushina... I see... What are the missions?
Minato... Various, from C level and up.
Kushina... It's dangerous after all, and even more so what was the third one thinking when he issued such missions for an academy student.
Minato... Dangerous? Naruto was almost beaten up by two men last week. It's a good thing I was around, but I don't think they could have done anything against Naruto.
Kushina... Is he strong enough to handle two adults?
Minato... I've seen it firsthand.
Kushina stood over him and carried his fist.
Kushina.. Did you attack him?
Minato raised his palms.
Minato... No, just thought I'd test his skills.
Kushina... Did you check it out?
Minato. It was the toughest opponent I've ever faced. He conditioned me not to use any techniques, only taijutsu.
Kushina brought her fist up to her chin.
Kushina... Oh, I remember you came home at the end of August all beat up and cut up. And now it's April. You were with him the whole time and you didn't tell me?
She didn't hold back and tapped her husband on the top of his head and he began to rub the bump.
Minato... Kushina, I told you I didn't want to upset you.
Kushina... You'll know how to keep these things from me.
The woman returned to the album and admired it and then closed it.
Kushina... I'd like to make a copy of this album.
Minato scratched the back of his head
Minato... I kind of did a long time ago...
Kushina... You could have shown me yesterday.
Minato... I forgot!
Kushina... Balda.
Kushina walked over to the clothes closet and started going through her things.
Kushina... Oh, my God, he's full of orange.
Minato... Well, he loves that color!
Kushina... Beautiful clothes he buys! What's this?
Kushina touched the wall of the closet and pulled down the canvas. Minato guessed what was in there, but he didn't check it out much.
Kushina... That's quite a stash!
The woman opened the folding door and saw an anbu uniform with a fox mask.
Kushina... What? So that kid is Naruto?
Minato realized that Naruto had hit it big.
Minato... Honey, don't be mad. He's been hiding from us a lot, so-
Kushina took the mask and frantically began to step back.
Kushina... So it was Naruto who screwed us out of 20,000 re!
Minato... Honey, please don't be mad at him.
Kushina... It's funny to me, it's funny if Kakashi and Gai find out.
The consort laughed and Minato continued.
Minato... Anyway, I decided to put him on the same team as Kakashi. Only Naruto can pass his test.
Kushina... Kakashi's gonna kill him when he finds out Naruto set him up.
Minato... Don't worry, I'll talk to him.
Kushina... Nice!
Minato... Now we have to get out of here before Naruto gets back, I know roughly where everything is.
They laid everything out as it was but Kushina was meticulous and checked every inch. Minato took his wife by the hand and moved into the house, showing her the album, and Kushina flipped through each picture for a long time.