The power of human sacrifice

by wylcaros

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

41. Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Choosing the third hokage!

Deep in the night, three honorable leaf ninjas were moving through the forest thicket. In front of everyone was Jiraiya, as he was the guide, to his right was the third hokage, but to his left was Tsunade. All three moved confidently and without any hesitation, each of this trio going about their business with a determined stride. Everyone had a different reason for why they agreed to this mission. It's sad to see a Master go to kill his student, and how the co-commanders will kill their partner in arms. Jiraiya and Tsunade were reminiscing about how the three of them had faced an entire army in past shinobi wars. After all, these are the unique people of the shinobi world. The only ones who have been honored with the title of sanin. Jiraiya though realized that this world would be better off without Orochimaru. But still, in the back of his mind, he dreamed of bringing his friend back. Tsunade on the other hand saw Orochimaru as universally evil and what his intentions were, it wasn't acceptable to her. Hiruzen Sarutobi was the one who had to realize that he had to get rid of Orochimaru. Tsunade was unsure about Orochimaru sitting still.

Tsunade... Jiraiya, are you sure Orochimaru will be where we need him?

Jiraiya... I'm sure I heard the last time we confronted each other, he had to change his body. On account of he needs to recover from such a technique and it will be undesirable for him to stagger across countries from our pursuit.

Tsunade was somewhat happy about this news and couldn't help but share this joy.

Tsunade... Hmm, so he's not going to go to Konoha to kidnap Naruto anytime soon?

Jiraiya was skeptical of such news.

Jiraiya... I'm not sure he'll back down from his goals. It would be better for him to kidnap Naruto now, when he couldn't stand up to Orochimaru and his gangs.

Tsunade... Damn madman, all he wants is a young girl with good potential!

Jiraiya... But he also has a dream of destroying Konoha, and we can't let that happen. Gotta move, there's still miles to go to rice paddy country.

Tsunade... How do you know that's where he'll be?

Jiraiya... Tsuna, you forget that I'm a scout first and foremost, and I have spies aplenty. Yeah, and I had to make an outing a few days ago.

Tsunade... So this is where you left the village instead of preparing Naruto for the finals! I thought you were hitting the saunas again.

Jiraiya almost jumped with anger at that.

Jiraiya... That's what you think of me, you flat-chested old woman!

Tsunade heard these words and wanted to strike, but noticed her sensei on her right, who was as gloomy as ever. Jiraiya also noticed this and decided to speed up.

Jiraiya... We need to rest, even though we had to go out at night, we will still need our strength. There's a little place not far from here, I think we should make a break for it. The three of them sat down by the fire and began to think about their own things while looking at the fire. Jiraiya and Tsunade understood their sensei's melancholy as well as anyone else, but they decided to talk to him to get him to talk and take the weight off his shoulders.

Jiraiya... Hey, man, you got something to say?

Tsunade... Sensei?

Hiruzen did indeed, have a lot to say.

Hiruzen... It's sad to realize that whatever you do, it all goes to hell. I took you on as an apprentice, I thought you would continue on my path. But what I have now, you Tsunade as a direct descendant of Hashirama, left the village twenty years ago. You, Jiraiya, would rather write your own books than accept the post of Hokage. And finally Orochimaru, he's the one I was hoping for. But still the darkness in his heart consumed him completely. He became greedy and did not value human life, playing with their fates. Now I'm off to fix what I've grown with my own hands.

To such a statement no one dared to interject. Jiraiya understood a lot about his sensei's situation too.

Jiraiya... Man, maybe I can understand you. I had high hopes for Minato back in the day. And he lived up to those expectations. But what he did to his son, to his own blood, is simply unforgivable.

Tsunade.. But Minato came to his senses.

Jiraiya... What's the point? Twelve years have passed, and Naruto has no idea that the man who sits in the residence is his father.

Tsunade... Yeah, they made a mess of things, but what can you do? They made this mess, let them clean it up themselves.

Jiraiya... I hope it doesn't make things worse.

Hiruzen has often thought about this himself, since Naruto is the jinchuriki and Minato is the hokage. Their conflict will hurt the village's reputation and defense.

Hiruzen... Jiraiya, Tsunade, stop it!

The two fell silent from their discussion and just sat in silence. Neither of them wanted to broach the subject of the third having to sacrifice himself.

Konoha Hospital.

Kushina walked down the corridor and met Inami, who was looking for her, and when she saw her sensei, she approached her with a worried look.

Inami... Sensei, I have an urgent matter for you!

Kushina... Hey, what's up?

Inami... There, Naruto broke his cast...

Kushina got worried and rushed into the blond man's room. Inami, on the other hand, ran after her, voicing the situation along the way.

Kushina... How did this happen?

Inami... Last night, we had a third Sama come to us. I stepped out for a few minutes to get some tests on some patients you had me run. And when she got to the ward, the third said Naruto slipped and fell on his hand. He somehow managed to calm Naruto down and let him sleep. I removed the plaster fragments, but I didn't touch the arm because I was afraid of doing something wrong.

Kushina's thoughts... Uh, breaking a cast by slipping. Naruto has good reactions and couldn't fall like that, okay, let's check...

They entered the room, where Naruto was ungodly asleep and the poupon of his sleepy cap was almost climbing on his forehead. Kushina briefly started checking the state of her arm with her mystic hand. And Inami crossed her arms and began to worry about the outcome.

Kushina's thoughts... Hmm, the chakra channels seem to be stable. Except that it hasn't fully recovered and it's unlikely that he'll be able to use his right hand to perform techniques anytime soon.

Kushina... Inami!

Inami... Yes, Kushina Sensei!

Kushina... You didn't happen to throw away any plaster shards, did you?

Inami... Threw it away.

Kushina made a mental gesture with her hand to her face and looked at her usenet with a stern look.

Kushina... Inami, find those shards immediately, I need to know something.

Inami... All right!

She ran to the closet where she had left the bag of plaster shards yesterday. Meanwhile, Kushina started checking the rest of the organs as well.

Kushina's thoughts... Hmm, pulse seems normal, wonder what happened yesterday.

Inami brought a bag of shards and Kushina picked up one of the shards, looking at it from all sides.

Kushina's thoughts... That's odd, the swirls of the inside of the cast, it should be on the palm side. Hmm, and he has two techniques that can work similarly. It turns out he wanted to get rid of the cast, the little guy's ruining my day...

Here Naruto squeezed his eyes shut and looked at Kushina and then at Inami. Inami excitedly began to hug the blond man.

Inami... Naru, you scared me last night, you were mumbling in your sleep for some reason and I couldn't wake you up.

Kushina... Mumbled?

Naruto still lay there with an impassive look. Kushina, on the other hand, was not in the least concerned about such a condition of the blond man.

Kushina... Inami, let Naruto come to his senses for now. In the meantime, I need your help, come with me!

Inami didn't think long and followed sensei, a few minutes later they were in the head doctor's office. Kushina sat down across from Inami and picked up a notepad and pen.

Kushina... Inami, I want to know everything that happened last night when you stayed on the night shift.

Inami was slightly pert and the circles under her eyes made it clear that she hadn't slept a wink.

Inami. Last night, after the third one left. I cleaned up the shards and went to the wards to give plaids to those who were cold. At two in the morning, I returned to Naruto's room, then he started talking in his sleep and clenching his fists, I tried to wake him up. But he refused to wake up. All the doctors were busy because yesterday they brought in someone with a serious condition after a mission and I had to sit with him.

Kushina... Hmm, I wonder what exactly he was saying in the dream?

The girl rubbed da chin remembering the words and raised her index finger up.

Inami... Oh, I remember him saying, "no, don't go, stay." He repeated it many times and his voice shook.

Kushina noted this case as very strange and decided to look into it. But when she saw her student's tired and battered condition, she put her hand on her shoulder.

Kushina... Honey, I can see you're tired, go home and rest!

Inami... But what about Naruto, is he going to be okay?

Kushina... Don't worry, I'll take care of him!

Inami scurried off to her nursing room, but Kushina was to go back to the blond man's room. She had a lot of thoughts going through her head, worries.

Naruto, on the other hand, lay unmoving in the ward and had deja vu from the last time Maya had left the village. Like what happened to him was just a dream and he's two years old again and has to go to an orphanage. He fiddled with the lock of the ward door and every moment, he imagined Maya coming in and saying "Naru, let's go for a walk, I found a beautiful place." The silk on the door took his breath away and he lifted a little. It took him forever to open the door, and when it opened he was glad. But seeing Kushina in the doorway, all the good mood faded away and he lowered his head. Kushina seeing the way Naruto's hands clenched and began to shake a little, she began to walk towards him worriedly. As she walked up close, she took a seat on a chair and noticed that tears had begun to pour down the blond man's necks. She didn't understand why her son would be in such a state. After all, it was the first time she had ever seen her son cry. In the blond man's eyes, she saw only pain and despair.

Naruto... Why?

Even the blond man's voice gave off pain and the woman was very uncomfortable listening to such a tone, but came to her senses.

Kushina... What?

Naruto... Why does it hurt so much to let a person go?

Kushina's thoughts... What could he be dreaming about, or who?

Kushina... Naruto, is something wrong?

Naruto... I remember the day Maya chan dattabayo left.

Kushina realized the gravity of the situation and seeing the way the tears on the blond's necks were pouring non-stop. The body itself, on the other hand, was tense from Naruto trying to hold back. It pained her herself to see Naruto in such a state.

Kushina... Naruto, don't hold it in.

Naruto... Two months before my birthday, I found out I was going to be sent to an orphanage. Maya chan told me to prepare for the day. Since the shelter usually accepts from the age of four, and shelter number six is the most dangerous for newcomers. And being only two years old, it was just crazy to send me there. Maya Chan, said she wouldn't leave me and would help me prepare for the shelter. I learned to write and read every day, as she was afraid that because I was not allowed to teach anyone. She also taught me hand-to-hand combat, as she was from an orphanage and knew the aggressive nature of orphans. And the fact that I'll only be two years old, I could just be a punching bag. I prepared every day in the sweat of my brow for what lay ahead. But that night, I will never forget, the third one came to Maya to see to Asuma san to keep him out of trouble. I was in pain that night and could not sleep realizing that Maya Chan would leave the village. She, too, was desperate and crying in fear of what might happen to me. I was hurt that she was crying and decided not to give a hoot and when she said she was going to leave. I just let her go, letting her know that her teachings and my training were not in vain and I could stand up for myself. But when she left, I let out everything that had built up inside of me, I cried nonstop. And when the anbu came for me, I just followed him. I gave myself my word that I would wait for her and adversity would not break me. I fought off the orphans' attacks every day, because I was the smallest one there and in their opinion, I was just an easy target. Even so, I didn't deviate from my goal. I waited for her, and I dreamed of her picking me up from the orphanage. Even when the whole village turned on me. I hadn't given up hope that she'd take me and me with her out of the village. It's no secret that outside the village, it's much more dangerous. I trained and honed my skills to be ready for life outside the village. When the grass jonin came after me and kidnapped their village. I was able to get away from them, and ran north towards the fire temple. It was then that I met Maya Chan again. I was happier than I'd ever been when I met her. But the jonins caught up with us and Maya Chan had to sacrifice herself so I could escape. Two grass jonin were killed, but here was the third jonin who managed to escape. I was so looking forward to Maya chan, but in the end when I saw it, I lost it again. I was angry at myself, at whoever killed May Chan, who managed to escape. I hated this whole cruel world. It's been over six years now, and I still haven't been able to forget that day. I hate October 10, it's the day I lost my parents. Became the jinchuriki of the nine-tails. And it was on this day that Maya Chan died! Kushina san, tell me, am I cursed by datebayo?

At the last word, Naruto couldn't help himself and just started sobbing profusely. Kushina listened to this story and shed unsolicited tears herself. But seeing the hysteria in her son's eyes, she pulled herself together and hugged her son. She was afraid to say a word as she was afraid of blabbing too much. But still rehearsing the words in my head.

Kushina.. No, Naruto, you're wrong, you're not cursed. Please don't ever think about it.

Naruto pulled himself together and took a deep breath and looked at her with tearful eyes and hugged her back. Naruto was so nervous that he fell asleep in his arms. Kushina noticed this and laid back on the bed and covered her with a blanket. She didn't want to leave him alone, but she needed to speak out to her husband herself. She saw that Naruto had fallen into a deep sleep, so she just decided to kiss him on the forehead and left the room. She came into the office and put up a barrier and let her emotions run wild with anger scattering everything on the desk. She'd been sedated for a day now, and here was another sedative bubbling in a glass of water. Taking a sip of her glass, she clutched her head.

Kushina's thoughts... What have we been doing all these years? Maya did things for him that they couldn't have done in the rest of their lives. And in the end, instead of being thanked, she was sent to the front of the fire temple. Naruto, son, every time I learn about you. It's getting scarier and scarier. You've been through so much, and we broke down just because Aunt Kaname died. I have no right to be called your mother, but you are my son and I don't want to lose you!

She calmed down and wiped away her tears and began to pick back up what she had scattered from the table. But suddenly a thought struck her.

Kushina's thoughts... Third, I wonder what he could have said that Naruto was depressed today. Xoo, I don't care what he tells me, I have to deal with this!

She walked out of the hospital with a determined look, handing out instructions to Shizuna. She walked the streets glaring at the residence. When she entered the counselor's office, she found no one. Climbing up to the second floor, she opened the door wide open. Minato was taken aback by this arrival and seeing the stern and determined look in his wife's eyes, thought not kindly.

Minato... Honey?

Kushina... Where's the third one?

Minato was stumped by such a question and just said directly.

Minato... He's left the village!

Kushina.. Where to?

Minato... It's a secret mission, and what's wrong?

Kushina put up a barrier and sat down across from her husband. Minato realized that this was going to be a serious conversation.

Kushina... Last night the third visited Naruto and afterward according to Inami, Naruto broke his cast and he passed out. And at night he had a nightmare that ten years ago, Maya went to the front. And in the morning, I heard something from Naruto that I never wanted to hear!

Minato was wary of such news and cautiously decided to ask around.

Minato... What exactly did you hear?

Kushina swallowed remembering the story, but first she took a glass of water and threw a sedative in it. Taking a sip, she began to recount her son's story word for word. Minato listening to the whole story began to nervously run his fingers over it himself. Minato berated himself for what he had done to his son. Toward the end of the story, hearing about Naruto calling himself cursed and himself casually sipping a glass of sedative.

Kushina... Minato, what could have happened to make Naruto act like that today?

Minato was worried about this question himself, closing his eyes, he began to push his theories.

Minato... The third, wants to kill Orochimaru at the cost of his life.

Kushina lingered in place with disbelieving eyes at such a statement.

Kushina... Kill, at the cost of your life?

Minato... Yes!

Kushina... But why at the cost of his life?

Minato... Because he can't do it any other way. Orochimaru has the immortality technique, he wants to rip out his soul with the seal of the eight elements.

Kushina was scared out of her wits.

Kushina... Shiki fujin, he's willing to sacrifice his soul, into the clutches of a shinigami, just to kill that snake? Isn't that too high a sacrifice?

Minato sighed in frustration, but decided to continue.

Minato... The third feels it's his duty to stop Orochimaru's luxury execution. After all, he was his mentor in his day.

Kushina pondered these words and came to disappointing conclusions.

Kushina... Are you saying that the third one told Naruto that?

Minato... Yes, there's no doubt about it!

Kushina... But why?

Minato sipped his glass of sedative and took a deep breath.

Minato... A long time ago, Hiruzen made a promise to bring Mai back safe and sound, but you know how that turned out. He blames himself for this broken promise and I think he wanted to apologize before he left on this mission.

Kushina... But he made it worse. The third one also means a lot to our son, and if he dies...

Minato... Kushina, if anything happens, we'll be there for you. I'll talk to him, how is he feeling right now?

Kushina... He's asleep, he's been hit hard emotionally.

Minato... Uh, okay.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a knock outside the door, and Kushina had to remove the barrier. A secretary entered the office with a report.

Secretary... Hokage herself, there are explosions going on at Range 14. Also, Shizune san said that Uzumaki Naruto escaped from the hospital again, leaving a shadow clone in the room.

The couple realized the connection between the news and looked sternly at the secretary.

Minato. No one goes to range 14, I'll take care of it.

Secretary... Bingo!

When the secretary left the office, the couple looked at each other.

Kushina... Minato!

Minato understood his wife's struggles and the fact that she wasn't taking her first sedative pill was clear from the moment she entered his office.

Minato... Kushina, he's going to hurt himself, so I'm sure you can help.

Kushina... All right. Uh-huh.

Minato left the clone in his office and moved with his wife to the vicinity of range 14, where he left the mark when he trained Naruto in anbu gear. They stood not far from the firing range, but 200 meters away from it there was a clearing where there were numerous explosions on the ground and rocks, and the trees around the clearing were cut to shreds. Naruto stood still in his pajamas that he had worn around the hospital. His gaze was full of pain and despair, and there were new scratches on his body, indicating that Naruto had not been careful with his techniques. Here Naruto forms a Kpzeri in his hand and shatters another boulder at full speed. It was clear that Naruto was in no way saving chakra and was using it to the fullest for his techniques. Finally, when there was no more chakra left, the blond man gazed up at the tree. Without thinking of fatigue, he brought his fist up and ran towards the tree and sealed the blow right into the bark, leaving a swirling stain on it a little bigger than his fist. He didn't stop there and began to mutilate the tree further. Minato saw his son desperately trying to dull the pain by slapping the blood on his fist. Kushina, on the other hand, was already ready to stop her son. The tears flowed in rivers and the desperate sobs that came to their ears began to torment their souls. Finally, the younger blond, having lost all his strength, sat down with his back against a tree, covered his eyes and began to cry bitterly. Minato had never seen his son, in such a depressed state. Seeing the whole scene, Minato himself could barely contain himself. Hiruzen was Naruto's rock, the one who taught him right from wrong. Taught me to be fair and honorable no matter what. Minato understood his son's pain, for he had also at one time vented the accumulated pain of losing those dear to him. Sitting in the tree, Minato himself clenched his fists until his bones turned white. After all, in all fairness, everything that happens to him is his fault.

Minato's thoughts... Naruto, I want to help you, but whatever I do. It still won't dull your pain. I'm not worthy to be called your father, but you are my son. I have to help you through this.

Pulling himself together, he spun out of the tree and began to slowly walk toward his son. Naruto still sat propped up on his knees the same way, and the blood on his hands wouldn't stop flowing. Kushina followed her husband, afraid to look at her son's bloody hands.

Naruto... How pathetic I am, dantebayo!

The couple was taken aback at such a bitter exclamation, but still Minato sat down against him, while Kushina was still afraid to move clutching her pendant around her neck. Minato was choosing his words so as not to say too much.

Minato... Naruto..

Naruto... I promised myself I would never cry. I promised myself I would never pry into my past. And what do I have now? This range is very dear to me, this is where Maya Chan took me to train. I kept telling myself that I didn't want to live in the past, I didn't want to know about my parents so as not to defile their souls with datebayo! I tried to forget everything, everything bad that had happened to me. I don't want to live in the past, but the past doesn't want to leave me.

Kushina's thoughts... It's a nightmare to see my son like this. He destroyed this testing ground, hoping to repudiate his past.

Minato's thoughts... Naruto, I can't take it anymore...

Minato was tempted to hug his son for support at such a difficult moment.

Minato... Son.

Naruto listened to the word and simply threw back Minato's hands.

Naruto... That's enough!

Minato was completely shocked at this reaction, and so was Kushina.

Naruto... Hokage-sama, why do you and Kushina-sama care so much about me? Instead of hating?

This phrase they repeated to themselves looking into their son's eyes every time they saw him.

Kushina... Naruto, what are you talking about?

Naruto decided to finish what he couldn't tell Minato the first time they met.

Naruto... Tell me honestly, who was the ninetail jinchuriki before me?

The couple shuddered at such a question, Minato pulling himself together.

Minato... That's classified information!

Naruto... Secret information, did my father happen to be the ninetail jinchuriki?

Such absurdity almost made the spouses' brains melt. Kushina clenched her fist and gritted her teeth.

Kushina... Naruto, it was...

Minato grabbed his wife's hand and in a demanding voice.

Minato... Naruto, why do you think that?

Minato himself wondered why his son blamed himself for their troubles. Naruto lowered his gaze again resting his closed eyes on his folded elbows.

Naruto... The first jinchuriki was Mito Uzumaki. She wouldn't dare be touched since she was the wife of the first Hokage. But nothing is known about the other jinchuriki, as well as my parents. Kyubey's power can only be contained by a member of the Uzumaki clan. My father was the jinchuriki of a nine-tailed fox. On the day I was born, my mother died, perhaps because of this my father was sad with grief and then lost his temper and let the fox out. Perhaps many blamed my father for such a calamity and in retaliation to him sealed the fox in me. And their bodies weren't even buried in the cemetery.

The couple simply couldn't say a word, for much was logical in the younger blond's arguments. Kushina held on with her last strength resting against her husband's back.

Kushina... Naruto, you're wrong, it's not true!

Naruto switched to raised tones.

Naruto... Kushina san, you and I are from the same clan, hokage herself, I am the jinchuriki of the nine-tails and you have a great responsibility for me. . So why didn't I see you until 11 years later?

The couple stood in mute shock afraid to answer the question. Naruto calmed down a little and began to lower his tone.

Naruto... Maybe you used to hate me like everyone else. I'm grateful that you've been able to reflect. Maybe you blame yourself for hating me and maybe that's why you're trying to patronize me. But we're not related and you don't have to do all that.

Minato's thoughts... What's going on in his head, we need to tell him the truth. Minato, pull yourself together wimp, you have to do it!

Minato... Son.

Naruto... Your son died that day, I honestly, really feel for you. Maybe if I hadn't been born that day, my mom wouldn't have died. Father wouldn't go out of his way to revel in his grief and let Kyubey out. Maybe then people wouldn't have lost their families and you wouldn't have lost your son. All of us lose our loved ones, your son, my parents, my Maya chan, sensei Takeshi.

At the last moment Naruto began to shake squeezing out the last word.

Naruto... My grandfather Hiruzen. I know and realize that we have to move on with our lives. But that doesn't make it any easier!

It was obvious that the hysteria had reached its peak and Naruto fell into sleep again falling on his side. The couple just stood there with dumbfounded eyes. Kushina came back to her senses and began to run her mystical hand over Naruto's brain with trembling hands. Minato, on the other hand, was simply analyzing his son's words, not believing what he heard. Grinning he began to walk slowly toward his son.

Minato... Kushina, we have to get him back to the hospital!

The woman, on the other hand, silently grabbed her son's arm, healing the knuckles on her hands. Minato moved to the hospital grabbing his wife and son with him. Minato laid down on the bunk and Kushina took off her son's boots. They gawked at the tired bags under their eyes for several minutes.

Kushina's thoughts... Is this really happening?

Minato realized that they were obviously unnecessary and taking his wife's hands, he walked out into the hallway. A nurse walked by and Kushina instructed.

Kushina... Saeri, please change Naruto's clothes!

Kushina's voice gave off steel, and the look was simply one of loss. The same was true of Minato, it was obvious that both were on edge. The nurse, afraid of getting caught in the hot hand, simply brushed past them into the tent. But the couple was looking through the window at their son and they had an epiphany of a memory.

Kushina... Minato, remember that day when Naruto was just born and he was lying like that in the hospital couch after the incident was over?

Minato started to remember that day and just fell into a stupor.

Minato. Yes, he lay just as helpless, without the right to live in love and care.

Kushina clutched the railing from the bench with such force that it began to bend.

Kushina... That day, I blamed him for everything, blamed him for being born that day. And now, now he blames himself for being born! God, what the hell is happening to our lives?

Minato, seeing that his wife had little left and was ready to destroy everything around her, just hugged her.

Minato... Kushina, let's go to your office!

Kushina pulled herself together and walked in the direction of the head doctor's office. Along the way, she ignored everyone to avoid yelling at passersby. When they entered the office, she simply lay down on the couch and Minato crouched down beside her grabbing her arms. Kushina had endured so much today that she didn't have the energy to hysterical anymore and just started shedding silent tears.

Kushina... Minato!

Minato. Hmm?

Kushina... Why do you think he would have such thoughts?

Minato sighed in frustration.

Minato... The day I first introduced myself to him, he told me something similar. He believed it was his parents who were responsible for the destruction of the fox. I was able to assure him then that he was wrong. But apparently he didn't tell me everything at the time. When I asked him how he could think that. He replied to me that people often discussed this topic and he was able to construct a chain of events based on the words of others.

Kushina... Why would the rest of us discuss such things?

Minato... After the destruction of Konoha and the sealing of the Kyuubi. We had to make a propaganda campaign about our son being dead. And Naruto's parents are dead and unknown.

Kushina jumped with laughter and sarcasm.

Kushina... PF, so we're the ones who led him to the idea. That's what it means, you reap what you sow. Hmm, it's ironic, we've been distancing ourselves from the idea that he's our son. And now Naruto is trying to do the same with us, even if he doesn't know about our role.

Minato didn't share that sarcasm, for he had another thought on his mind.

Minato... Kushina, right now Naruto's on edge and telling the truth about our parentage is not a good idea.

Kushina was still drilling the ceiling the same way.

Kushina... You're probably right, but what do we do next?

Minato. I think we should wait and try to talk to him again.

Kushina... Okay, but we need to calm down, too.

With those words, she went to the book rack and pulled out the bottle of sake that was in the cheat book. Minato almost jumped with laughter, seeing the way his wife wanted to calm down.

Minato... Honey, I thought you didn't like that drink. Turns out I'm not the only one hiding them in my office.

The woman simply silked her husband's forehead at such a statement.

Kushina... Don't forget, this is Tsunade-sama's office, and she likes to get drunk after work. There'll be three times as many sake stashes here as in your office.

Minato, remembering the hobbies of one of the Sanin, simply waved his hands.

Minato... I see...

Minato was already pleased by this turn of events as the wife poured a choco for herself and her husband, then set it back down. Minato was confused by her actions.

Minato... Kushina, why don't we keep the bottle?

Kushina put her fist forward with a stern look and voice.

Kushina... No, my dear, we want to calm down, not get drunk as pigs.

Minato lowered his head and without even chugging began to drink the alcohol with a resentful look.

Kushina... By the way, when can we all get back to the main missions? Of course my girls couldn't find a better place to practice irienin than a hospital. Still, we haven't been outside the village for a month now.

Minato was easily intoxicated, especially when he was relaxed and now propped up on his elbow.

Minato... Kushina, now in our village, there are still many guests. They often order D rank missions and geninis are a good excuse to work without mentors. When the guests disperse to their respective countries, things will go back to normal.

Kushina... That's a good thing, because Miroku is already itching to get outside the village, and a lot of genin have started whining about it.

Minato... Heehee, well, they're kids, they all like new things. All the more reason for our daughter to learn patience. Think back to the first time you got an assignment outside the village.

Kushina jumped with laughter at the memory.

Kushina... Heehee, I then like a fool showed up at the gate two hours before the mission started.

Minato... I ran away from the village, but Jirae Sensei got punched by the third guy for it.

Kushina... Ah, the day the sentries got distracted by smugglers trying to sneak past the gate?

Minato... Yeah, I was the same age as Naruto back then.

Kushina frowned at her son's name.

Kushina... But him, you wouldn't understand it. He's seen so many places he won't care where or how the mission goes.

Minato... It's daaa, judging by the stories from the third one, he was already starting to do C rank missions at 6 years old.

Kushina frowned at this confusion and sighed bitterly.

Kushina... Ugh, every time I learn something new about our own. It's something unbelievable or scary, how did we get to this point!

Kushina adjusted her robe, but then a piece of paper rustled from her pocket, she pulled it out of her pocket and began to examine it. Minato, of course, had become interested in the sheet himself.

Minato... What is it?

Kushina handed the sheet to her husband and he read the DNA tests of Naruto, Minato, and Kushina with a 97 percent match. But it wasn't that that surprised him, it was the one who did the analysis.

Minato... Tsunade herself, you know?

Kushina... Yeah, but that's not what's important right now, I think I'm gonna burn this one. I was thinking of using this sheet of paper as proof that we're related to Naruto.

Minato realized that his son still wouldn't believe his words when it came time to confess.

Minato. Hmm, I don't think we should get rid of him just yet. I'll take it with me and keep it in the safe, under seal.

Kushina waved her hands.

Kushina... Okay, but don't you have to go to work?

Minato remembered that he had left the office to the clone.

Minato. Yeah, right, I'll come by tonight!

At this time, the happiest jonin in this village was walking through the streets of Konoha after a mission. After all, he had made tons of money on the bets and though the smile wasn't visible behind the mask, it hadn't fallen off him since Naruto had defeated Gaara. Of course he is happy that it was his student who won the final, but he is also happy that he was able to make a decent profit on it. Even though the odds were more equal than the last two battles. He sang his abstruse song while reading his favorite book. He would have gone on ahead if the other jonin mentors hadn't called out to him. Kurenai, Asuma, and Gai were sitting in a barbecue restaurant and upon seeing their comrade in arms, urgently called out to them. And Kakashi didn't mind, after all, he wasn't in a hurry to go anywhere anyway and decided to skip one shot after another. Taking a seat across from Guy, he ordered himself some food and a drink. The order came quickly, and we spent time talking about nothing. But there was talk of the genii that were attached to them.

Guy... Hey Kakashi, how come you managed to get such a strong team?

Kurenai... Yeah, it's kind of unfair, because teams are supposed to be balanced.

Kakashi sighed in frustration and in a monotone voice.

Kakashi... Actually, no one asked for my opinion, I was told to take the team, so I took them.

Asuma exhaled nicotine and smirked at that answer.

Asuma... You're probably just lucky, and it doesn't matter now. But what's it like to be the sensei of such a strong team?

Kakashi remembering all of his team's shenanigans just shivered in shame.

Kakashi... You just won't believe it, these three are really something. One is better than the other and vice versa. They are hard to command, if they feel weak, they can eat you right away.

That description made everyone start to get a slight smirk.

Guy... That's what I mean, they've all got youthful vigor pouring out of them. By the way, you have a student who won a final, I hope you're proud of him.

Kakashi sipped his choco and began drilling one spot with his eyes.

Kakashi... As a teacher, I'm very proud of him, and who wouldn't be happy that it was your student who won the finals.

Kurenai only smirked at that statement and sipped her choco.

Kurenai... Hmm, who'd have thought it, since everyone's given up on your team. Specifically Naruto-kun. I even lost ten thousand dollars because of him, oh, what a life, you don't know what to expect from it.

Asuma was somewhat skeptical of such an analysis.

Asuma... Well, there was no doubt about it, and he was well trained as a child.

Gaius, on the other hand, was somewhat depressed about the situation. He was somewhat offended that his eternal rival was again about cocoaing him.

Guy... Come on, Mr. Colleagues, we have our own students. Let's make them stronger to keep up with Kakashi. Kakashi, your student defeated one of mine, but don't get cocky. I'll train them so they can face your team next time. All in the name of the power of youth!

Everyone else was somewhat skeptical of such bravado. But after thinking for a while they decided they shouldn't lag behind either.

Kurenai... Gaius is right about something, we must not fall foul of it, we need to step up our genin training too.

Asuma... Hmm, though it will be difficult, it's still worth a try.

Kakashi, on the other hand, sat there with a pouty face, but he was pierced by the thought that he had never once visited his student.

Kakashi... Guys, I gotta go, here.

Everyone looked perplexed at where Kakashi was sitting. In which there was no one there and on the table was lunch money and an empty plate of barbecue.

Kurenai... When did he get there so fast.

Asuma... Well, it's Kakashi.

The copilot himself was walking around the village at the direction of the hospital. At this time Naruto woke up sitting on the bunk, hugging his knees. He hadn't even noticed he was already wearing different clothes.

Naruto's thoughts... What happened to me today, grandpa made his choice. I can't oppose it, only support it. Yeah, and a lot of things I blabbed to the Hokage herself and Kushina san, I'm an idiot! We should apologize to them!

Behind these thoughts, he noticed a burst of wind and his mentor sitting on the window.

Kakashi... Yo, Naruto, how you doing?

Naruto didn't answer right away looking around at his sensei. Kakashi on the other hand was somewhat surprised at this reaction, as Naruto always greeted him with barbs as soon as he would see him.

Naruto... Sensei, everyone's already visited me, and you're late as usual, dattebayo.

Kakashi sighed in relief that nothing had changed, except that the tone was somewhat lowered and sluggish.

Kakashi... Sorry, I was on a mission.

Naruto... Uh, okay, well, how are you doing?

Kakashi... It's business as usual, mission reading mission. Except without the three of you.

Naruto shifted an eyebrow at that answer.

Naruto... Training, you rarely train with us.

Kakashi lowered his gaze with regret.

Kakashi... Uh, okay, by the way, how's your health, you gonna be okay soon?

Naruto looked at his bandaged right hand, blowing a chakro pulse.

Naruto... I think soon, chakra channels are almost restored, hopefully discharge soon.

Kakashi sighed a sigh of relief and set the bag of apples on the nightstand and put his hand on his student's shoulder.

Kakashi... Mma, Naruto, I didn't get a chance to tell you then. Congratulations on winning the finals, you made a splash.

Naruto smirked at such congratulations and extended his fist, which Kakashi promptly responded to. Kakashi stood up to his full height and smiled with one eye.

Kakashi... Well, it won't be long before all the genin will be back to normal once all the guests have left. So get well as soon as you can.

Naruto... Yes, Kakashi sensei dattebayo!

Kakashi waved his hand and disappeared into the smoke, leaving Naruto in his thoughts.

Naruto's thoughts... Hmm, I once told him to let go of his past. Grandpa will pass away, but will live on in our hearts. I must fulfill his request to take care of Konohamaru!

At this time, Shisui was walking around the hospital with his pakotas in hand looking for Kushina, and standing in front of the right office, he knocked on the door. Hearing permission to enter, he immediately opened the door.

Shisui... Kushina san, good afternoon, may I?

Kushina... Yeah, sure Shisui kun, have a seat.

Shisui took a seat on a chair opposite the woman in the things put on a neighboring chair.

Shisui... Kushina san, I would like to inquire about Naruto's health status.

Kushina had wanted to ask about Naruto for a very long time and now that she presented the opportunity, she just couldn't pass up such a chance.

Kushina... So, the condition is stable, the chakra channels are almost restored, the pills you gave me are doing a good job. I think it'll be ready to be discharged soon.

Shisui... Hmm, good to know, I hope he didn't run away from the hospital? Cause he loves this stuff.

Kushina didn't want to talk about Naruto's morning tantrum just yet and decided to start from afar.

Kushina... It's happened a couple times, which is what I wanted to ask you about. Why would he do that so often from the hospital?

Shisui sighed in annoyance, remembering this reason.

Shisui... Kushina san, from the time he was born, he lived in this hospital for newborns. It was a cozy place and comfort zone for him. It's sterile and clean, I think that's why he pays so much attention to cleaning so often.

Kushina remembered how Naruto kept the ward clean, even if the nurses came to clean.

Kushina... Yeah, I noticed he even keeps his room clean. Heehee even the nurses were offended by it. But what does that have to do with running away?

Shisui frowned even more remembering the past days.

Shisui... When everyone found out who the jinchuriki was. Naruto was often hospitalized because of the residents' attacks and rarely received the medical attention he needed. And once after that incident with May, I brought him to the hospital, nobody wanted to treat him, not only to treat him, but even to change his clothes and give him a place in the ward. I had to take care of him myself and guard him to make sure no one hurt him.

Kushina listening to this story involuntarily broke her pencil with anger.

Kushina... Shisui kun, do you happen to know who was working that day?

Shisui realized the case was taking a new turn.

Shisui... I know, but those who worked before we came from the fire temple are no longer working. The Third Sama instructed Satoshi san, fire incompetent doctors and recruit new ones, as well as keep strict discipline.

Kushina was somewhat upset by this fact, but still began a new remorse.

Kushina... Okay, you only wanted to know about his health?

Shisui... No, I wanted to put Naruto's clothes in your patient supply closet. His old clothes were completely battle-worn, so I had to buy him a new one. The only thing that wasn't damaged was his wristbands, leaf bandana, weapon holsters, and sword. But the sword, I left it at his house. You're not supposed to keep that kind of stuff in the ward, but I think your warehouse will allow it.

Kushina... Oh, sure, you can leave them with me, I'll drop them off at the warehouse later when I'm free.

Shisui... Thank you, Kushina san!

Shisui stood up from his seat leaving one bag behind and taking the other in his hand.

Shisui... Well, good work, Kushina san!

As Shisui left the office, Kushina sat in her thoughts contemplating the news she had just heard.

Kushina's thoughts... Oh my god, even the doctors refused to treat Naruto. Where this village is going, but what can you do. Everything's been fixed without us, xoo, I wish we could meet all these doctors and break their bones. Huh, okay, let's see what we got.

Kushina opened the bag and there was a blue t-shirt, orange shorts, an orange vest, two weapon holstered pouches, white wristbands, blue sandals, and a leaf bandana. Taking a closer look at the bandana, she found some oddities.

Kushina... This bandana, there's a seam on the inside, I remember that seam. When I was a kid, Minato came home after a mission with a torn bandana and I stitched up that seam for him. Did Minato really give you that bandana? Heehee, how symbolic, a father giving his bandana to his son as a sign that he has become a genius. Okay, what else we got?

She examined the vest from all sides and noticed that the Uzumaki mark on the back was missing. Digging through her things, she pulled out the red swirling mark of Uzumaki and began stitching it to her back.

Shisui left the office and went straight to Naruto's room. Opening the door, he noticed that Naruto was somewhat depressed, but upon noticing Shisui, he immediately rushed into a hug.

Naruto... Brother Shisui, are you back already?

Shisui... As you can see, Otto, how's your health?

Naruto stuck his thumb up.

Naruto... Best of all datebayo!

They sat down on the bunk and started to discuss pressing issues, but then Naruto looked at Shisui with a serious look.

Naruto... Brother, did you know about the mission that Grandpa Three is going on?

The last thing Shisui wanted to do was broach the subject, but seeing that he wasn't about to be spurned by this conversation, he just sighed tiredly.

Shisui... Yeah, I was aware of that.

Naruto... I see!

Shisui... You couldn't talk him into it either?

Naruto... Yes!

Shisui... It can't be helped, looks like we'll just have to support his decision.

Naruto... I think so, too. But what will happen to you now, you were under his direct command, weren't you?

It hurt Shisui to say that himself, especially at a time like this. Still, it was necessary.

Shisui... Naru, I'm going to move to a village hidden in the snow.

Naruto wasn't surprised by this news, as he had assumed this outcome before.

Naruto... Did you make up your mind?

Shisui... Yeah, I'd like to take you with me, too, if that's okay.

Naruto realized that Shisui was worried about him, but he had a lot to do in this village.

Naruto... Brother, don't worry about it, I understand. But I had a request from the third, I need to take care of Konohamaru.

Shisui was grateful to the world for having such an understanding brother.

Naruto... But, how are you going to leave the village, because if you leave, you'll be labeled a renegade?

Shisui on such a question pulled out a form exempting him from the oath of office in this village.

Shisui... The third made this document before he left on his mission.

Naruto... Okay, when are you going to leave?

Shisui squeezed his eyes shut dreading to imagine this day.

Shisui... After mission three is over.

Naruto looked at Shisui and realized that he was as devastated by this news as he was. He gave his brother a supportive hug and they stayed to talk about all sorts of things to dispel unnecessary thoughts. Evening came, Minato decided to consult with his wife before going to see his son. Walking into her office he saw a strange scene, his wife was sewing up some areas of stitches on Naruto's clothes. For greater reliability.

Minato... Darling, good evening.

Kushina only came to her senses now and looking at her husband, she smiled.

Kushina... Oh, honey, hi, how was work?

Minato... I'm fine, how are you doing?

Kushina showed her activities.

Kushina... As you can see, I'm working hard. By the way!

She pulled a hitai from the bag and tossed it to her husband.

Kushina... You don't recognize it?

Minato twirled his old bandana in his hand.

Minato... Yeah, that's my old bandana I gave Naruto.

Kushina... Hmm, so I'm not wrong, but how come he didn't get his armband from just anyone, but from the Hokage himself? Much less his personal armband?

Minato... Well, it's a long story, remember I told you about the traitor Mizuki?

Kushina... Oh, the one who tried to scam Naruto for the scroll?

Minato... Yeah, after Naruto caught him. I gratefully counted him as a rank B mission and gave him this armband.

Kushina... Ace, that's how, weird, you didn't tell me about that, but come on, I'm done now.

She put the things back in the bag and went to the warehouse. After putting her things in a drawer, she closed the storage unit and walked with her husband in the direction of her son's room. Both were flustered and somewhat annoyed.

Minato... Worried?

Kushina... Yes!

Minato... Kushina, I've been thinking a lot about what Naruto told us, I don't think we should say he's wrong in his judgment.

Kushina looked menacingly at her husband, but he died about her ardor by taking her hand.

Minato... Honey, I understand, I'm not happy that he thinks his parents are non-existent people either. But you saw what happened this morning. We were walking on a thin edge and probably movement and it might have just broken.

Kushina remembered her son's broken state and simply couldn't let it happen again. So she had to agree to it.

Naruto, on the other hand, sat in meditation to clear his mind of unnecessary thoughts. But as soon as the door opened, he opened his eyes and lowered his head in regret. The spouses from this reaction just didn't know where to start and began to review each other, hoping that one of them would start a conversation.

Naruto... I'm sorry about this morning, I shouldn't have snapped at you.

The spouses, from such an apology, were further driven into incomprehension.

Minato... Um, it's okay, we get it, you heard about this news.

Kushina... Naruto, we're here about something else.

Naruto... Uh, which one?

Minato... Naruto, we wanted to apologize to you for being overprotective. Yeah, it seemed weird, on our part.

Kushina... Just understand, you're a leaf village ninja, and Minato is responsible for every single one of his subordinates. And as your primary care physician, I just can't help but care about your health.

Naruto racked his brain and came to one conclusion.

Naruto... You're right, I don't know what came over me this morning.

The couple were somewhat happy to see their son full of spirit again. Minato waved his hand with a smile.

Minato... Nothing, okay, I guess I should go, good luck Naruto kun.

Naruto... Goodbye, Hokage-sama! Kushina san, when will I be discharged?

Kushina... Well, I need to check your labs first and then I'll give you an answer.

Naruto sighed in frustration and looked at the open window. Kushina, noticing where her son was looking, began in a stern tone.

Kushina... Don't even think about it, if you run away from the hospital again, you'll stay here longer.

Naruto threw his hands up in the air with a small shudder at that exclamation.

Naruto... No, I just wanted to, uh.

Kushina... All right, let's get started!

Kushina stayed behind to check on Naruto's condition and gave those vomiting pills as a last resort. The next morning, a little black-haired kid was standing outside the front desk and started arguing with Karin, who was on duty.

Konohamaru... Once again, I'm here to see Brother Naruto.

Karin adjusted her glasses and began to snicker in response.

Karin... And I've told you for the hundredth time, it's not allowed, reception hours don't start until after lunch. And they won't let you into the ward without an adult escort.

Konohamaru... What kind of hospital is this? You can't do this or that in the Hokage's residence!

Karin... Hn, it's what it is!

Kushina had just now gotten to work and noticed the altercation between her student and Konohamaru.

Kushina... What's going on here?

Karin rejoiced at the arrival of her teacher.

Karin... Sensei, tell that pushy boy that he's not supposed to enter the hospital without an adult!

Kushina ducked down a little and smiled.

Kushina... Sorry kid, but those are the rules!

Konohamaru... But I really need to, I've been locked out of the hospital for days. And it's been so many days since I've seen my brother Naruto.

Kushina sighed in frustration.

Kushina... Huh, okay, Karin, I'll take responsibility for him!

Konohamaru jumps on the spot with a pleased look on his face.

Konohamaru... Yay!

Kushina smirked at him and taking his hands led the way. As they were leaving the post, Konohamaru showed Karin his tongue. Karin was furious at such a gesture.

Karin... You little brat, wait for me!

Kushina de just pulled the child's ear.

Kushina... Konohamaru kun, it's not polite for a girl to show her tongue.

Konohamaru... Ow, ow, ow, that hurts, Kushina san. I was taught by my brother Naruto that you should always put rude people in their place regardless of age or gender!

Kushins... That's what young people are like, no respect for their elders. All right, let's go!

Naruto woke up and ate his breakfast, washed his face and went back to reading his book. But then from nowhere something opened the door and it flew into his room with a joyful squeal.

Konohamaru. Brother Naruto, I'm finally here for you!

Naruto seeing Konohamaru's joyful face perked up a bit.

Naruto... Hi Konohamaru, how did you get in here, they don't usually let kids in here.

Konohamaru... Kushina san helped me, by the way, cool you're that sandstone guy, you're like bam bam bam bang bang bang bang. And he's like, boom, boom. By the way, did you remember that you promised to teach me sword fighting?

Konohamaru gesticulated with his hands with every word, Kushina looking through the window reveling in such a situation.

Kushina's thoughts... Heehee, there's a second Naruto growing, okay, time to get in!

She walked into the room and coughed into her fist to get attention.

Naruto... Oh, Kushina san, good morning!

Kushina... Good morning, Konohamaru-kun, could you wait outside, I'll check something quickly and you can come back in!

Konohamaru lowered his head at such a request and walked out the door. Kushina began to run her mystical hand over Naruto's right arm and summed it up.

Kushina... Well, I guess we can sign out tomorrow!

Naruto was sick of it all and looked at the woman with pitying eyes.

Naruto... Kushina san, how about today? I'm feeling great!

Kushina's thoughts... Xoo, if he leaves, then again I won't see him much.

Kushina... I'm sorry, I can't, I need you to make a full recovery!

Naruto folded his arms in supplication and bailed out with kawaii eyes.

Naruto... Please, Kushina san!

It cost Kushina a lot not to give up on that look.

Kushina... No!

Naruto's thoughts... Ah, that's how Kushina san!

Naruto lowered his eyes as well as his hands.

Naruto... Kushina san, you know that Konohamaru is the grandson of the third grandfather.

Kushina... Yes, I know!

Naruto... I need to be there for him in his time of need.

Kushina thought back to the mission of the third one she had been diligently hoping everything would turn out okay. But now that her son is asking for such an important favor, compassion has overcome feminine selfishness.

Kushina... All right, I'll discharge you, follow me.

Naruto followed her excitedly and, calling Konohamaru with him, they went to the warehouse where Kushina gave her son clothes with a heavy heart.

Kushina... Okay, you go to your room and get ready. In the meantime, I'm gonna go get your discharge.

Naruto... There's Kushina san! Konohamaru, come on, we gotta go!

Konohamaru. Let's go!

Kushina was walking into her son's room a few minutes later with the form in her hands. Walking into the room, she saw Konohamaru chewing intensely on an apple and Naruto wearing his bandage on his forehead. Kushina even caught a flashback of her son being so much like Minato in his childhood years. She shook her head and gave a blpnk to the blond man.

Kushina... That's it, don't get sick again!

Naruto... Okay, Kushina san, Konohamaru, first we'll go home to get our swords and only then we'll go to the datebayo range!

Konohamaru. Yosh, Naruto's brother!

Naruto loaded all the hospital stuff into a box and paired up with Konohamaru to parachute out of the room. Kushina looked at her son's back and let a tear escape her eyes at the fact that he was leaving her.

After a few hours, Naruto split his swords in two, gave one to Konohamaru and began to teach him the basics of kenjutsu. He wanted to occupy his own with anything to keep his mind off the fact that soon the third would be gone.

The Village of Sound

It was already noon, the sky was bright, the sound village was a somewhat poor province. Even though it was a fairly young village, it was still full of ninjas. A few years ago, the daimyo of the rice fields lost his defense because the root was disbanded. For several years this country suffered various attacks from neighbors or simple brigands. Orochimaru took advantage of the plight of this country and created a treaty with the daima of the rice fields. After the treaty, he founded this village of sound to defend this country. But that was only lip service; in fact, he was thus granted immunity status in this country. He could spin a lot of his shenanigans. He had other safe havens in different countries besides this one. But because he recently changed his body. He had to settle down in this country for now, just to be safe, until he fully recovered.

The three honorable ninjas were not far from the village of sound, Orochimaru's stronghold. Lurking in the bushes, they waited for the right moment to sneak past the numerous guards.

Jiraiya... Dude, it's time!

Hiruzen... Jiraiya, you've got guards on you, I know you're the best at infiltration, but...

Jiraiya signaled him not to continue. Jiraiya realized that he could only hinder the murder by giving in to friendly feelings.

Jiraiya... Dude, I hear you... Drafting Techniques.

Jiraiya with a large toad started jumping around the village, making a commotion, thus distracting the ninja sounds to himself.

Hiruzen... Tsuna, let's go! Daughton, earth tunnel. Let's jump!

Tsunade... Bingo!

Hiruzen and Tsunade started walking through the tunnels until they came across solid rock.

Hiruzen... It's a wall, looks like we've reached the underground corridors Jiraiya told us about.

Tsunade... Sensei, we should hide the chakra, who knows how many minions are guarding this snakekin.

Hiruzen... You're right, but first things first, doton, earth shattering!

After punching a hole in the wall, they entered a corridor with swirling ornaments along the walls. They walked for a long time, as the corridor was a labyrinth, any henchmen they encountered, they slit their throats. Hiruzen started to check the area and he sensed Orochimaru's chakra and started walking in that direction. They stopped in a large pore five meters away and Hiruzen gained determination. Orochimaru was both his best student and his worst embarrassment. He went day after day wondering if he should wash away the shame. Would he lay a hand on someone you've taught everything you know. With a sigh, he opened the gate, and what he saw, though not surprising, made him realize that they were expected here. They walked into a huge hall where in the center was a trio with Orochimaru himself sitting on it, with his assistant, Kabuto, standing next to him. Orochimaru, upon seeing the guests, began to argue in his trademark manner.

Orochimaru... What guests, Tsunade, Sarutobi sensei, only one Jirai is missing. Oh, yeah, he's on top of it.

The third knew his student's habits very well and was not surprised by such sarcasm.

Hiruzen... Long time no see Orochimaru, bad or good, you haven't changed a bit.

Orochimaru... Kukuku, thanks for noticing, so to what do I owe this visit. Decided to reminisce about the old days and get our team back together again?

Hiruzen... Wrong, I'm here to finish what I started nine years ago.

Orochimaru... To finish what we started, well, I wanted to finish our disagreement myself.

And then he turned to Tsunade and licked his lips with his long tongue.

Orochimaru... Tsuna, you're in luck, you'll meet your family today, both in this world and the other!

Tsunade realized what the serpent meant and couldn't let that happen.

Tsunade... Oh you, don't you dare disturb their peace, their souls should be in pure peace!

Orochimaru... Kukuku, let's get started, Kabuto, you take Tsunade, and I'll take care of Sensei! Drafting technique!

They were standing on Manda's huge snake, which was not at all happy to be here.

Manda... Orochimaru, you again, I told you not to summon me until you find me a thousand victims!

Orochimaru.. How about sacrificing my sensei and my partner?

Manda took a closer look at his two adversaries temptingly and stuck out his tongue.

Manda... That works for me, but be warned, if it's like last time, you won't live!

Orochimaru... Okay, Kabuto, Manda will be with you!

Kabuto... Bingo!

Hiruzen... Tsuna, be careful!

Tsunade... Don't worry sensei, I've wanted to tear that bastard to pieces for a long time. Drafting technique!

Tsunade stood on a large slug and glared angrily at the bespectacled man and his pet.

Katsuya... Tsunade herself, is it that Manda again?

Tsunade... Yeah, see that snake, it's about time you let it go for a leather purse!

Kabuto fixed his glasses with a smirk.

Kabuto... Tsunade herself, let's not disturb the meeting of student and teacher, don't you agree?

Tsunade... Whatever you say!

Kabuto and Manda left down another hallway and Tsunade followed them to Katsui and stopped in a neighboring hall. And facing each other, they decided to talk before the battle began.

Tsunade... You've made a speedy recovery, you must be really good at medicine.

Kabuto... You bet, who knows, maybe in a couple years, I'll surpass you Tsunade herself!

Tsunade.. Don't be so presumptuous, as you are about to die! Katsuya, go!

After saying that, the slug and the serpent began their battle. Manda tried to tie up Katsuya at high speed, but she split into small slugs for each grab and rejoined and tried to throw acid on her opponent. And the ninjas themselves were trying to hurt each other with chakra scalpels. Tsunade had never been put by great speed and had to rely on her own stamina. Kabuto, on the other hand, was unusually fast and was able to avoid the sanyin's attacks. It was obvious that the battle was dragging on, Tsunade decided to exhaust her opponent since she had more chakra. Manda and Katsui were still trying to catch each other on the attack and at one point Manda managed to grab hold of a slug.

Manda... Gotcha, apparently you don't have any chakra left for your acid and can't split up anymore.

With those words, the serpent was already preparing to swallow the slug.

Katsuya... I don't think so!

The Katsuya began to partially separate and the smaller Katsuya around the edges began to coat the main body with acid. The acid began to eat away at the serpent's flesh through the skin.

Manda... Aah, you sneaky little brat!

After those words, the serpent disappeared into the smoke, and Katsuya began to gasp with exhaustion.

Katsuya... Tsunade herself, I've used up a very large amount of chakra, I won't be able to hold back my summoning any longer.

Tsunade... It's okay, I'll take it from here, you can leave.

Katsuya... Good luck to you!

Kabuto was very upset that Manda had disappeared, but he couldn't fall in Tsunade's eyes.

Kabuto... It's a shame, but it's okay.

With those words, he began to bring his scalpels in for another attack. Tsunade still stuck to her strategy, for she had learned a very good lesson after her battle with Naruto and was not quick to underestimate her opponent. Kabuto began to lose speed with each attack and at one point, he missed a heavy blow from the sled and flew straight into the ceiling. Tsunade could destroy everything to keep her opponent at bay. But this was highly unacceptable because of the threat of a collapse underground.

Kabuto's thoughts... Damn, that's a lot of power I can't handle. She can't be allowed to interfere with Orochimaru's battle watch.

Kabuto splayed himself from the ceiling, and at full speed despite everything tried to hit the sled. Tsunade followed the same strategy as the battle had already dragged on and she hoped to help sensei. Kabuto hit the left clavicle and Tsunade hit right in the neck. But the effect was different for everyone, Tsunade's collarbone muscles were torn, but Kabuto started to move unnaturally.

Kabuto's thoughts... What is it, I want to move my right foot, but I move my left hand. I want to move my head, but my left leg moves.

Tsunade healed the muscles on her collarbone and approached the bespectacled man crunching her fingers.

Tsunade... It's a special chakra scalpel, I've got your nerves all over the place. Any last words?

Kabuto was scared out of his wits, his nerves tangled and he couldn't even move his jaw to say anything. Tsunade realized there was nothing to do here and simply stabbed the chakro's heart with her scalpel. But then she felt the very familiar chakra of a long gone man.

Tsunade... Grandpa?

She ran toward the explosions on emotion. Half an hour before, Hiruzen with Orochimaru after Tsunade and Kabuto leave. Teacher and student stood looking into each other's eyes, Hiruzen realizing that this was his last battle anyway. Orochimaru, on the other hand, had long wanted to kill his sensei for past wrongs.

Hiruzen... Orochimaru, without you, life in this world will only get better.

Orochimaru... Kukuku, how much better, and what is life itself, it is meaningless if it is not eternal after all!

Hiruzen... You keep dreaming this dream of a springtime life, but why do you want to achieve it by tearing away the fates of many people. Who've had enough of the cruelty of this world?

Orochimaru... Cutting fates short? Sensei, I give them the meaning of their existence, and they in turn serve me in gratitude.

Hiruzen... Don't be sarcastic, you ruin some people's lives to make puppets out of them.

Orochimaru... Ah, you mean Naruto-kun, yeah, that boy is not easy to break.

Hiruzen... And you won't break what you hoped for when you thought he'd follow you.

Orochimaru decided to tease sensei.

Orochimaru.. Ooh, you care for him so much, though you were often surly toward children, especially orphans. Is this your way of washing away the shame of the Third Shinobi War? The children you sent to war are dead, and you are alive and standing in front of me.

Hiruzen often lost control when he heard such an exclamation. But there was no time to think about it now.

Hiruzen... That's enough, it's time to start.

Teacher and student battled it out in taijutsu and cold weapon combat. It was a battle of experience versus youth, even if Hiruzen's best years had already passed. He could still give a decent fight to his apprentice. Orochimaru realized that even his speed and strength would not be enough against skill and experience and decided to use techniques. It lengthened its neck like a serpent and bit into the old man's neck, and he collapsed in the earthy slurry. But when the third tried to attack back, the sled himself disintegrated in the earthen slurry. Orochimaru was disappointed by the arsenal of techniques used by the shinobi who was nicknamed Professor by many.

Orochimaru... Gee, you're a master of so many techniques and you use such a cliché.

Hiruzen... Orochimaru, you still judge a shinobi's strength by the number of techniques he has, what about skill? Daughton, mud bullets!

A layer of dirt began to gather under the third man's feet and flew toward the sled as if it were bullets.

Hiruzen. That's not all, Cato, dragon flame technique!

The fire began to scorch the mud slugs and as if by a bomb they rained down on the place where the sleighman stood. But what he saw introduced incomprehension. There was a man's skin where the sleigh had stood. And Orochimaru himself was standing to his left.

Orochimaru... Sensei, come on, I need to learn more techniques before you die!

Hiruzen's thoughts. So that's the technique of immortality, he can shed his skin, thus being born again. Well, we'll have to exhaust him first before we can use the eight element seal.

Hiruzen... Shuriken, kage bunshin!

A hail of shurikens flew towards the sanyin and he just huffed at that smell and folded the seals himself.

Orochimaru... Edo tensei, unholy resurrection, first, second!

Two coffins grew in front of the sled and shurikens slammed into them.

Orochimaru... Sarutobi sensei, I think you also have someone to see both in this world and the other.

The old man was dumbfounded by this outcome and was simply afraid to look into the eyes of those who had high hopes for him.

Hiruzen... Damn boy, how dare you summon those two? And where did you find their DNA? I personally ordered their bodies burned so no one would have them!

Orochimaru... Wow, I see you have a lot to talk about with them. What do you think they'll tell you? And as for their DNA, an old mutual friend of ours helped me with that!

The third gritted his teeth remembering the name and hissed angrily.

Hiruzen... Danzo!

Orochimaru... Yeah, that's him, too bad, I wanted to call on him too. But he wasn't much different from the rest of the ninja without the stolen sharingan and mokuton arm. I think it's time to get started!

Four ninjas of sound ran into the hall and stood in the corners of the hall.

Tayuya... Come on, guys, let's barricade the inside so this old guy doesn't escape.

Kidomaru... Whatever you say, purple light barrier!

The hall was covered in a barrier of purple light, and Tsunade ran headlong into the barrier and blacked out.

Tsunade... Xoo, this barrier is indestructible, and those ninjas in the corners, I can't reach them. Man, I hope you can do it!

Orochimaru... Oh, Tsunade's here too, it's about time you met them.

The coffin lids fell to the ground revealing two past Hokage. Tsunade just started to get angry and with all the strength she had, she started hitting the barrier.

Tsunade... Damned serpent, how dare you insult the souls of my ancestors with this technique.

Orochimaru... Kukuku, take offense, this technique was created by your ancestors, specifically the second hokage! Anyway, once I've dealt with the old man, you're next!

The first and second stood hunched over in their gear. Their gaze showed nothing but indifference. Orochimaru stabbed them in the heads with a kunai with the seal of submission.

Orochimaru... One, two you can start. Sensei, how ironic it would be to die at the hands of your mentors, and Tsunade at the hands of her grandfathers! It's a beautiful day!

The two resurrected raised their eyes and launched themselves at Hiruzen in taijutsu. It was obvious that the third was not happy about such a battle and on emotion missed blow after blow. Tsunade seeing the one-wicket beating, just angry that she couldn't do anything about it. Seeing her grandfathers throwing punches.

Tsunade... Sensei, these aren't real Hokage, they're just zombies under the power of that serpent! They've been dead for a long time and now it's your job to bring them back to a clean world.

This yrawada brought the third one back to safety and he dodged two consecutive attacks and took Tobirama by the leg and hit Hashirama with it and threw them to one side and then folded the seal.

Hiruzen. Cato, the dragon flame technique!

The fire swept over the ground like a wave and rained down on the two past hokage, covering them completely. Orochimaru was not happy with this resurrection technique.

Orochimaru's thoughts... This technique isn't perfect, I had to completely erase their mind so they wouldn't break free of my control like the third kazekage's soul did. The first and second due to limitations can only use twenty percent of their powers!

The wave of fire showed glimpses of chakra and in it Tobiramu held a water defense, the third realizing that the idea had failed, stopped blowing out fire.

Tobirama... Suiton, tsunami!

Hiruzen jumped away and folded the seal.

Hiruzen... Daughton, wall of mud!

The water wave crashed into the large earthen wall Hiruzen was standing on.

Tobirama... Suiton, water cutter!

A powerful jet of water began to cut through the wall and the third had to jump aside so that the water cutter would not hit him, but then Hashirama was waiting for him and the third had to fend off the blow, but Tobirama grabbed him from behind and carried him under the water.

Hiruzen's thoughts... Even if they don't have half of their powers, I still can't handle them.

He somehow got out of the grip and like a monkey started scrambling on the wall again.

Orochimaru... Kukuku, you live up to your nickname of old monkey, but I think it's time to call it a day, first up!

Hishirama... Mokuton, the birth of the impenetrable forest! The ground beneath my feet began to loosen and tree roots broke down the wall and then enveloped the third in undulating branches.

Orochimaru... Everybody, finish him off!

The first and second ran towards their victim, but the third himself folded his seals and tried to reach for the nearest branch and as soon as his hand touched it.

Hiruzen... Summoning technique, Monkey King Enma, appear!

A two-spotted monkey with white fur and wearing a kimono emerged from the smoke. He struck the two approaching hokage in reaction and turned into a staff, releasing the branching plan of his summoner and a third jumped to the ground with a staff in his hands.

Enma... Orochimaru, him again, I should have killed him when I had the chance!

Hiruzen... There's no point in regretting it! Enma, lengthen up, I need to keep them at bay until I get my technique ready.

Enma... Got it. Lengthening!

Orochimaru meanwhile pulled his sword out of his mouth and began thrusting at the third along with the first and second. Hiruzen with an extended staff flung them off in different directions and then Enma turned back into a monkey began to defend the old man while he prepares his technique along with the two clones.

Hiruzen... The printing technique, the invocation of the god of death!

Behind Hiruzen and his clones, ghostly silhouettes of the god of death with pointed teeth, long hair, long clothes, and a sword in his teeth began to appear. And in front of him was the structure of a chakra chained man.

Orochimaru... The seal of the god of death, that's how you want to stop me. The second one!

Tobirama.. Illusion technique, impenetrable darkness!

The area was covered in darkness and Hiruzen and his clones had to defend themselves from the attacks of both the second and second hokage.

Hiruzen's thoughts... I need to get to them, I'll have to use chakro momentum to find them in this darkness. Let's go!

Hiruzen and his clones raced in three directions and in a few seconds they caught each of them in a tackle. The clones began to draw out the soul of the first and second, thus releasing them from control. Tobirama looked at his student with a guilty look.

Tobirama... Sarah, I'm sorry, we've put too much on you.

Hiruzen... First one by myself, second one by myself, sorry for what I have to do.

Tobirama... Don't regret your decision Sarah! You had to do it!

The pierced hand of the god of death took Tobirama's soul. Hashirama, on the other hand, looked at his granddaughter and raised a finger in the air with a joyful smile.

Hashirama... Tsuna, I'm glad you came to your senses, I'm proud of you!

Tsunade was afraid to hear anything but that. She let tears fall after saying that.

Tsunade... Thanks grandpa, I'll be like everyone else, guarding your dream, no, our dream!

Hashirama nodded with a pleased smile, then relaxed gave a take your soul. Orochimaru at this time could not believe that it would end and tried to bite the third with his snake hand, but Enma presented himself under the blow and lay paralyzed on the ground.

Orochimaru... No, it wasn't supposed to end like this, I was supposed to live forever!

Orochimaru folded the feat with his fingers, thus guiding Kusanagi into the old man's back. The sword was unable to penetrate it as Enma took his will in his fist and stopped the sword with his bare hand. Orochimaru started yelling all the curses at him.

Orochimaru... Stop the machinery old madman!

Hiruzen, on the other hand, stood in prostration and didn't know what to do next. Looking at Orochimaru, he saw the same boy with his life broken and couldn't believe he was cutting his life short with his own hands. Enma himself could not understand the inaction on the part of his summoner.

Enma... Hiruzen, you called me here to die like this? Pull yourself together!

Tsunade on the other hand stood in the same kind of prostration, she didn't acrylic that this was all really happening. She hoped she could kill Orochimaru herself without letting her sensei die. Hiruzen woke up from his exertions and looked menacingly at his student.

Hiruzen... Orochimaru, you wanted to live forever, so you will live forever in misery.

Orochimaru... What are you babbling about, you old grouch?

Hiruzen... I'll take all your techniques with me to the grave, you'll never be able to use your hands! This will be my punishment to you. Don't relax, I may die, but life will give you more punishments!

From that answer, Orochimaru began to panic even more.

Orochimaru... No, you wouldn't dare, you have no right!

It was too late, as the god of death with his sword cut Orochimaru's arms.

Hiruzen... Printing eight elements, close!

Orochimaru's hands began to cover me with a blue hue and he couldn't move them.

Orochimaru... Damn you old man, damn you, damn you!

All of the ninjas soundly released the barrier and moved to their master taking him away from the scene of the battle. Tsunade ran to her sensei and tried to keep him alive, but then the sounds of a collapse started and a huge boulder came flying at them from the ceiling. Tsunade was ready to destroy the boulder, but Jiraiya stood in front of it and folded the seals.

Jiraiya... Ninpo, you toad's throat!

He imprisoned his sap-men in the dubya gulch and in a couple minutes a small frog stood on the grassy plain and opened its mouth and spat out its imprisoned men. Jiraiya and Tsunade looked at their sensei and realized that he was still alive and the god of death was still hovering behind him.

Jiraiya... Dude, you finally made up your mind.

Tsunade was in silence and couldn't say a word. Hiruzen, on the other hand, took a deep breath.

Hiruzen... Where the leaves dance, the fire burns ... The shadow of the fire lays over the village... And once again new leaves are sprouting! Bivaco, Casaro, wait, I'm coming to you!

After this poem, he closed his eyes and fell asleep forever. Tsunade didn't hold back and hugged her sensei and began to cry bitterly. And Jiraiya looked at the horizon.

Jiraiya's thoughts.. Rest in peace old man, you have fulfilled your last will!

A few thousand miles away in a village hidden by snow. In a quiet clearing near the river sat a man of static age, smoking his favorite pipe and enjoying the sunset. He would have sat like that if the wind hadn't blown in his direction and extinguished his pipe. He took a closer look at this anomaly and began to worry.

Itama... Hiruzen!

But in the leaf village, at one of the ranges, two leaf shinobi were practicing their sword wielding skills. Naruto was fending off Konohamaru's blows when suddenly a third man's hand fell on his shoulder and hesitating he missed the cut on his arm.

Konohamaru... Oh, I'm sorry, Brother Naruto!

Naruto didn't even hear him as his gaze was fixed on the third man's countenance, which went cracked from his right temple to his left chin.

Naruto's thoughts... Grandpa, it happened after all!

Konohamaru was still trying hard to get through to the blond, who came to his senses and looked at Konohamaru with eyes full of pain and hugged him without restraint. Konohamaru was beginning to worry at such a look and action from the blond.

Konohamaru... Brother, is something wrong?

Getting no answer he looked over to where the blond had been looking before and was horrified.

Konohamaru... Grandpa?

Naruto... Konohamaru, let's go home!

The child was in emotional shock and couldn't even respond or move from his seat. Naruto put his swords back into their sheaths and sat Konohamaru on his back. Walking through the streets of the village all the villagers were puzzled as to why the countenance of the third had gone cracked. And those who knew the reason simply put their heads down and began to grieve for him.

Naruto came to the Sarutobi clan and entered Hiruzen's house. Without thinking long, he entered Konohamaru's room and sat the master of the room on the bed. Konohamaru was still in shock, but pulled himself together.

Konohamaru... Brother, is the white one all right?

Naruto was afraid to answer that question, but with that silence he made it clear that not all was well and he immediately started crying into the blond man's vest. Naruto stroked the baby's back to comfort either himself or Konohamaru. After an hour, Konohamaru was exhausted and simply fell asleep in the blond's arms and he laid him down on the bed with a blanket. Leaving the room he went to the living room where he found Asuma already smoking his second pack of cigarettes. You could see he was broken and decided to support him.

Naruto... Asuma san, I am so sorry for your loss!

Asuma took a drag and let the smoke out and looked at the blond with a sad look.

Asuma... Our loss! My father was your grandfather!

Naruto squeezed his eyes shut at such a suggestion to keep the tears away and sat down at the table.

Naruto... Asuma san, why does life take the best?

Asuma exhaled a puff of smoke.

Asuma... Because life is cruel, and the best have no place in this life. As my father used to say, no matter what kind of life you live, live it with dignity.

Naruto cheered up at that and got up from his seat and decided to walk around Konoha at night. He often recalled the moments he had spent with the third. As he approached Shelter 6, he remembered the time when Hiruzen had been in charge of the library and how he often helped him sort books. As he approached the park, he remembered the time when they sat there and comprehended the wisdoms of meditation. As he approached the forge where he used to work, he remembered the time when Hiruzen took him there to work. The last place he found himself was a hospital, walking to the neonatal ward he stopped at the room where he had lived two years from birth. When he entered the room, he noticed only junk and things that had not been cleaned. He tried to turn on the lights and to his surprise, everything worked. It turned out that this ward had been converted into a storage area for baby stuff. He turned back to the door and as in his childhood began to wait impatiently for his grandfather. He remembered that door and how eagerly he had stood by that door and waited for the third old man to open the door and with a joyful face say. "Oh Naru, how are you doing, do you want to play segi?" And he'll say, "Of course, grandpa, I'm waiting for you!" He opened that door several times hoping that a third would come in and say those cherished words. He remembered these walls like the back of his hand. And so he sighed with frustration and squeezing his eyes shut he opened the door, and the tears that covered his eyes did not let him see clearly, but still he saw the silhouette of a man in front of him. He wiped away his tears and looked again at the one who stood before him. It was Kushina, who decided to check to see who had snuck into the neonatal ward without asking. But seeing Naruto in front of her, she almost had a heart attack. She wanted to reprimand him, but seeing those eyes full of pain on her son again, she just couldn't say anything.

Naruto... I'm sorry, Kushina san.

Kushina... It's okay, I understand, you must be in pain?

Naruto didn't hold back and hugged the woman and began to shed silent tears. Kushina, on the other hand, began stroking his hair in response. Naruto somehow calmed down and turned back to the ward.

Naruto... How long has this ward been made into a warehouse?

Kushina... I don't know, it's the first time I've come here, to be honest.

Naruto... Got it!

He started to walk over to the corner of the room and pushed back the floorboard and pulled out his first drawings wrapped in a bag that he had drawn a long time ago. Kushina looked interestedly at the drawings and saw a small boy with yellow hair and a young girl leading him by the handle. A little farther up, there was an old man with a pipe in his mouth.

Kushina... It's a beautiful drawing...

Naruto... Yes, that's me, and that's Maya Chan, and there's Grandpa walking behind and smoking his pipe. Maya Chan told the third to stay away from us with that smoke.

Kushina was confused as to why these drawings were here.

Kushina... Naruto, how did these drawings end up here?

Naruto... I lived in that ward for two years.

Kushina looked around the room and was shocked to see that this cluttered room was once clean and well-maintained. Naruto walked over to the wall where the lines were circled and lost them.

Naruto... These lines were made by Maya Chan every month as I grew up.

Kushina crouched down on her knees and started measuring height and next to it were notes, Naruto 7 months, Naruto 8 months, etc. and each one was accompanied by I centimeter or half centimeter intervals. Kushina pictured little Naruto with that height and just marveled at the kawaiiness. Naruto in turn and further began to look around the room remembering the past days.

Naruto... At that moment everything was so carefree and was confident about tomorrow dattebayo!

From that blissful smile, Kushina was ready to kiss her son. But then he bumped back into the door.

Naruto... As a kid, I often anticipated the third one as soon as I saw it through the window. He would come over to my house, play sega with me, tell me cool stories from his life.

He pulled out a book he's been rereading his whole life.

Naruto... He gave me this book and thus gave me a purpose in this life, and Maya chan instructed me to follow these goals datebayo!

He smiled at the memory and pressed the book to his heart.

Naruto... Though they have left this world, they still live here and their memory will not die. And in the name of their memory, I will continue toward my goal!

Kushina ruffled the blond man's hair and kissed his forehead.

Kushina... Well done, Naruto-kun!

Naruto looked at everything around him and then back at those drawings.

Naruto... I've always told myself that you can't change the past and you shouldn't live it. And I was afraid to come in here, afraid I'd shut myself in again. I think it's time for me to let go of the past, too.

Naruto put his drawings back in the bag and placed them on the table.

Naruto.. Sorry for the intrusion, just needed to get my thoughts in order.

Kushina... Nothing, by the way, you don't want these drawings?

Naruto looked at the woman perplexed.

Naruto... What do I need them for?

Kushina... Well, if you don't want them, then scrap them, I'll take them myself.

Naruto spread his arms and walked towards the exit.

Naruto... Goodbye, Kushina san!

Kushina... Bye.

Kushina stayed in the room and began to further examine the room as well as Naruto's drawings.

Kushina's thoughts... Wow, he was so little back then and he was already drawing so well. Yay, I wish I could hug that tomboy!

A couple days later, two sanyin with an escort arrived in Konoha. Minato decided not to delay the funeral and the next day everyone stood in the cemetery to see Hiruzen Sarutobi off to the pure world. The whole village came to his funeral. All stood dressed in black and each of them brought a flower to the grave of the third. Minato took a long time to decide to push the speech, but gave up and gave that honor to his son, Asuma. Minato didn't want to spoil the farewell with his speeches, as he didn't think he was worthy of such a part. Asuma stood on the podium and cackled into his fist.

Asuma... Dear citizens of Konoha, today we see off a shinobi as pure of heart as you are. He had lived for many years, seen empires dawn and civilization meet sunsets. His entire life was spent fighting for peace and justice. He considered our village as one big family and as the former head of this village he always defended and protected it from enemies. He was a just ruler, a loving husband, a kind grandfather.

At this point, Konojamaru moved the corners of his lips with Naruto, but Asuma remembering the way he had behaved in front of him began to feel ashamed of his actions.

Asuma... A wonderful father!

But by pulling myself together.

Asuma... But what will not remain unchanged, he was and will continue to be the greatest man of both his and our generation. Before he died, he left us his poem. Where the leaves dance, the fire burns ... The shadow of the fire lays over the village... And once again new leaves are sprouting! With this he punished us all to protect the next generation of future defenders of our village! Everyone chooses their king, and I've already chosen mine and it's the next generation.

Everyone took in such a speech and lowered their heads. Clouds thickened in the sky and rain began to beat down. No one dared to leave the cemetery, until the end of the send-off, even if the rain covered their eyes. As the send-off came to an end, Konohamaru and Naruto stood near the heroes' memorial. Konohamaru had already shed many tears and now just squeeze out and drop. Naruto had been trying to get the kid to talk for days now. But now he's decided to take other measures. He crouched down on one knee in front of Konohamaru and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Naruto... Konohamaru, our grandfather was born a warrior, and for a warrior, there's nothing better than dying with a weapon in your hands. No need to feel sorry for him, no need to grieve for him. He made his choice and walked to the end of it. We can only support him in this choice. Konohamaru Sarutobi, you are the grandson of the great Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi. You're not going to disgrace his memory with your Dantebayo regrets, are you?

Konohamaru sniffed his nose at such speech and in a calm voice.

Konohamaru... No, Brother Naruto, I won't.

Naruto... That's fine, we need to move on, as hard as it sounds, I'm at least going to do that. I hope you're with me.

Konohamaru was a little relieved.

Konohamaru. Of course I'm with you, Brother Naruto!

Naruto held out his fist beckoning for a response and Konohamaru didn't take long to respond.