Chapter 1: Kyuubi Attack
The bustling streets of Konohagakure no Sato were alive with laughter and conversation, as villagers went about their day with a renewed sense of peace. It had been two years since the conclusion of the brutal Third Great Ninja War, and over a year since Minato Namikaze—the Yellow Flash—had taken on the mantle of the Fourth Hokage. His leadership had brought fresh energy to the village after the long tenure of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
In his time as Hokage, Minato had introduced several important reforms, including raising the graduation age for academy students to prevent children from facing the horrors of battle at too young an age. He also fostered diplomatic ties with Suna's Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, strengthening trade and alliances with Suna and other minor nations. Meanwhile, the other great villages—Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri—were focused on their own struggles; Iwa and Kumo were still recovering from the war, and Kiri faced internal conflicts, isolating themselves from the rest.
Under Minato's rule, relations with the Uchiha clan had improved significantly, largely due to his choice to avoid imposing surveillance on them despite pressure from the village elders. Morale was higher than ever, and a sense of hopefulness permeated the village.
Walking through the bustling streets was Kushina Uzumaki, Minato's wife, her red hair gleaming in the sun. Her large, rounded belly was unmistakable—today was the day she would give birth. Beside her, holding her hand with wide, curious eyes, was a young boy with blonde hair and bright cerulean eyes—Naruto, her adopted son, who was nearly two years old. To the outside world, Naruto was seen as Kushina and Minato's biological child, born in secrecy during the wartime to protect him from potential threats. Only a select few—Kushina, Minato, Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and Kushina's best friend Mikoto Uchiha—knew the truth of his origins.
Kushina glanced down at Naruto, a soft smile on her face. Today, her family was about to grow again, and she couldn't wait to see Naruto meet his new sibling. Her heart swelled with love as she thought about how lucky she was to have him in her life, and she was looking forward to seeing him take on the role of an older brother.
"Today's the day!" she thought to herself, a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirling within her. As a Jinchuuriki of the Nine-Tailed Fox, she knew that childbirth was risky. The seal containing the Kyuubi weakened during pregnancy, and at the moment of delivery, it was at its most vulnerable. Yet, she took comfort in knowing that Minato, a sealing expert, would be by her side.
Just ahead, Biwako Sarutobi, Hiruzen's wife, glanced back at her, urging her to hurry. "Kushina, we need to get you to the outskirts of the village," Biwako reminded her, a hint of impatience in her voice.
Kushina nodded, gently tugging Naruto along. On the way, they encountered a young woman with raven-black hair and kind, onyx eyes, holding a small bundle close to her chest. It was Mikoto Uchiha, Kushina's closest friend, whom she hadn't seen in months due to their respective pregnancies.
"Kushina!" Mikoto greeted warmly, her face lighting up as she saw her friend and little Naruto. Her gaze softened when it landed on the child in her arms. Kushina's eyes brightened as she took in the sight of Mikoto's baby, a small, dark-haired girl wrapped in a soft blanket.
"Is it a boy again?" Kushina asked, smiling as she reached out to gently touch the baby's cheek. She adored Mikoto's son, Itachi, and often imagined Naruto playing with him as they grew.
Mikoto chuckled. "No, this one's a girl. Her name is Sayuri." She looked down at her daughter with a proud smile. "She's already got her mother's eyes."
Kushina cooed at the baby, softly brushing her fingers over her little hand. "She's beautiful, Miko-chan," she said, her voice full of affection. She looked down at Naruto, who was staring at the baby with wide eyes. "Naruto, this is Sayuri-chan. You'll be classmates someday, so be good to her, okay?"
Naruto blinked, tilting his head as he regarded the baby with a curious expression, as if already sizing up his new friend.
Biwako stepped forward, her eyes softening as she gazed at Sayuri. "A beautiful name," she commented. "I hear you had planned to name the baby Sasuke if it was a boy?"
Mikoto nodded with a small smile. "Yes, after Lord Hiruzen's father. But since she's a girl, we decided to keep the theme close—'Sayuri' still holds meaning for our clan." Her face softened as she looked back at Kushina, who was still fussing over Sayuri. "Speaking of names, Kushina, have you picked one for your little one?"
Kushina's face lit up, and she gently patted her belly. "Yes! We've decided on 'Naruto.' He'll be strong and full of spirit, I just know it." She smiled down at Naruto, who was listening intently, seemingly intrigued by all the talk of names.
Mikoto's smile grew as she looked between Kushina and Naruto, feeling the warmth of their friendship and the family bonds they had created. Though life as a shinobi was often harsh, moments like these reminded her of why they fought and sacrificed so much.
Kushina and Mikoto had known each other since their academy days, and their friendship had only grown stronger over the years. Mikoto was one of the few people who knew about Kushina's marriage to Minato, as well as her role as the Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi. Their husbands, too, were close comrades, with Minato and Mikoto once being genin teammates under Jiraiya. Although Fugaku often expressed frustration at being overlooked for the Hokage position, he respected Minato and shared a competitive camaraderie with him.
Kushina leaned closer to Mikoto, lowering her voice. "So… does it really hurt, giving birth?" she asked, a hint of nervousness creeping into her tone.
Mikoto chuckled softly. "You're really worried about that?" she teased, raising an eyebrow. "This is the same Kushina who took down bandits single-handedly and faced down enemy shinobi without a second thought."
Kushina huffed, her face turning slightly pink. "Yeah, but… this is different!" she replied, casting a glance at Biwako, who looked on with an amused smile.
Before she could say more, Biwako stepped forward, firmly but gently taking Kushina's arm. "We need to keep moving, Kushina. It's almost sundown."
Kushina sighed, giving Sayuri one last gentle pat on the head. "See you soon, Miko-chan! Naruto and I will come visit once my little one arrives."
Mikoto smiled, waving as Kushina, Biwako, and little Naruto continued on their way. She looked down at Sayuri, a soft smile on her face. "You'll have a friend in Naruto," she whispered. "I hope you both grow up together, strong and happy."
As she watched them disappear down the path, Mikoto felt a warmth settle in her heart, hopeful for the future her children and Kushina's would share.
Later That Night
A stillness blanketed the village outskirts, broken only by the distant hum of wind through the trees. The air seemed almost too calm, a deceptive peace hanging over the hidden ANBU bunker, where only a handful of people knew what was happening inside.
But then, the silence shattered with a piercing scream.
"IT HURTS, 'TTEBANE!" Kushina Uzumaki's voice echoed through the stone walls, raw with pain and frustration as she struggled through the ordeal of childbirth. The Fourth Hokage's wife, the vessel containing the formidable Nine-Tails, was deep in labor, each cry a testament to her strength against the formidable beast sealed within her.
Within the bunker, only a select few were present. Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, had handpicked ANBU guards stationed around the perimeter, their unwavering presence ensuring the utmost secrecy and security. Village elders were informed, though they remained far from the scene itself, leaving only those directly involved in the delivery within the secure space.
Unbeknownst to them all, a shadow lurked just beyond the edge of their awareness. Hidden in the darkness, out of sight from even the sharp-eyed ANBU, a figure watched intently, his face concealed behind a swirling orange mask. He was masked in more ways than one—for though he wore the appearance of Obito Uchiha, he had long since cast that name aside.
Inside, he was someone else entirely.
He no longer considered himself to be the boy he once was. Obito was gone; his heart, broken and abandoned by the world he once sought to protect, had left behind only a hollow shell. Now, he was Madara Uchiha—a name synonymous with power, vengeance, and unwavering conviction. He who rejected the world as it was, choosing instead to shape it by his own will.
Obito had severed ties with his former identity to such an extent that he scarcely felt anything when he thought of his old comrades. But tonight, a faint, lingering shred of regret flickered to life as he watched his former sensei's wife in her struggle. Minato and Kushina—once, they had been like family to him, mentors who had inspired and cared for him. Yet that warmth had been crushed under the weight of loss and betrayal.
Tonight, he would sever that connection once and for all.
'Forgive me, Minato-sensei. Kushina-nee,' he thought with a dark finality. 'But in the true reality of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, you'll have all the time in the world to be with your son.'
A bitter twist of resentment stirred within him. 'Maybe… maybe then, sensei, you'll be there when you're needed.' His fists clenched, memories flashing in his mind—the faces of his old teammates, the memories of missions, the moments of camaraderie shattered by Rin's death. 'Perhaps you would have saved Rin… or even me.'
Pushing these thoughts aside, he forced himself to focus on the task ahead. Tonight was not the time for nostalgia; it was the moment to enact his plan, to strike a blow against Konoha that would ensure its weakening and further his vision for the world.
Behind the mask, he felt a sinister satisfaction as he considered the events he had already set in motion. In Kiri, under the guise of Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage, he had sown seeds of mistrust, fanning the flames of civil unrest. The village was already teetering on the edge of ruin, its people caught in a cycle of violence and suspicion. And, across the seas, his manipulation of Nagato had taken root. Yahiko's death had nudged Nagato down a dark path, twisted his vision, and the partnership with Hanzo and Danzo had only fueled the turmoil, making Amegakure a breeding ground for pain and suffering.
But Konoha—Konoha was a different challenge. Though he wore the name and guise of Madara, Obito knew he was not yet strong enough to seal the Kyuubi himself, nor could he yet transfer it to the Gedo Mazo. For now, he would have to focus on disrupting the village, weakening its spirit and strength. If his plans went as he anticipated, tonight's events would devastate Konoha, giving him the upper hand and leaving the village vulnerable. Perhaps it would even fracture the Uchiha clan's already delicate relationship with the rest of the village, setting the stage for further division and chaos.
A faint smile touched his lips, but it was devoid of warmth. A part of him knew this was petty—striking at Minato, the man he once looked up to, and Kushina, the woman who had always treated him with kindness. But he couldn't deny the dark satisfaction it brought him. He felt a twisted sense of justice, believing they would pay for the pain and betrayal he had suffered.
As he prepared himself, his mind drifted once more to his former sensei, Minato. Despite the bitter resentment that now colored his memories, he couldn't completely forget what he had once felt for his teacher. 'I'm sorry, sensei,' he thought, his emotions carefully locked away. 'You were too late then, and now… now, you can only watch as your world crumbles. But in my world, in the reality of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, you can live happily. You'll have all you ever wanted.'
He took a slow, steadying breath, allowing the bitterness, the anger, and the pain to settle within him, shaping him into the weapon he had become. 'But Obito Uchiha…' he reminded himself firmly, 'is dead. I am Madara. I am the one who will change this world.'
With that final thought, the figure known as Madara stepped forward, his resolve unbreakable as he prepared to unleash the chaos that would alter Konoha's fate forever.
Inside the delivery room, Minato was filled with worry and helplessness, his brow furrowed as he focused all his energy on maintaining the integrity of the seal holding back the Kyuubi. Although the physical and mental strain was immense, it paled compared to the agony he felt watching Kushina struggle.
"Is she… is she alright?" he asked Biwako and the midwife anxiously, sweat beading down his forehead. "I've never seen her in so much pain."
Biwako shot him an exasperated look. "You're the Hokage! Act like it!" she chided, crossing her arms. "Honestly, if men experienced even a fraction of what childbirth is like, they'd drop on the spot. Women are the real fighters here."
"Y-Yes, Biwako-sama, sorry," Minato mumbled, his face reddening slightly as he attempted to steady himself. The midwife stifled a giggle, watching the usually composed Hokage look sheepish.
Kushina, barely able to catch her breath, reached over and gripped Minato's arm with surprising strength, making him wince. Between strained breaths, she managed to whisper, "Minato… huff… our baby… better be worth… AHH… all of this, because… we are never… doing this again!"
As her grip tightened, Minato's eyes watered, nodding quickly in agreement, his free hand reaching up to comfort her as best he could.
Biwako shook her head with a small smile, her gaze softening as she observed the young couple. "You two really are a piece of work," she murmured, unable to resist a chuckle. Just then, her attention was caught by the other midwife, who had a look of excitement on her face.
"I can see the baby's head!" Taji, the midwife, announced, her voice ringing through the room. Everyone's focus sharpened as Kushina gathered every ounce of strength for the final push. Minato continued maintaining the seal, feeling the Nine-Tails' fierce resistance within Kushina's chakra.
'Just a bit longer,' Minato thought, his concentration intensifying. 'Hold still, Kyuubi. Let this end safely!'
After a few more agonizing moments, Kushina's screams filled the room—only to be joined by a new, smaller cry. Tears filled her eyes as she heard the first sound from her newborn.
In the ensuing quiet, Minato, wide-eyed, whispered in awe, "She's here."
"She's a healthy baby girl!" Biwako exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy. She and Taji carefully cleaned the newborn and wrapped her in a soft blanket. Minato took a step forward, his heart pounding with anticipation.
"May I… may I hold her?" he asked, his voice soft, barely able to contain his excitement.
Biwako turned, giving him a firm look. "Not so fast. The mother sees her first," she said, pulling the swaddled infant just out of his reach. Minato deflated slightly, pouting like a child. Taji couldn't help but giggle, watching her Hokage reduced to a mere eager father.
Biwako placed the baby in Kushina's arms, where her cries softened, and she gazed up at her mother with wide, curious eyes. "Hello, sweet girl," Kushina whispered tearfully, gently brushing her daughter's cheek. "I've been waiting to meet you."
The midwives and ANBU guards looked on, their expressions softened by the tenderness of the moment. Biwako soon lifted the infant again, cooing softly as she reassured Kushina, "Don't worry, there'll be plenty of time for you two to get acquainted."
As Biwako and Taji moved toward the exit to conduct the newborn's health check, Minato leaned over, taking Kushina's hand, his face filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Kushina," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
She gave him a weary smile, a single tear slipping down her cheek. "Minato…" she murmured softly, her love evident even in her exhaustion.
Minato clenched his fist with renewed determination. "Alright! Let's finish this," he said, preparing to reinforce the Nine-Tails' seal and bring Kushina and their daughter home.
But before he could begin, a new scream pierced the room. Minato turned, his heart dropping as he saw Biwako and Taji's lifeless bodies fall to the ground. A figure with a spiraled orange mask stood before them, cradling the newborn in his hands.
"Biwako-sama! Taji!" Minato's voice shook with fury as he glared at the masked intruder.
The masked man turned to him, his voice cold and ominous. "Fourth Hokage Minato, step back from the jinchuuriki," he warned, holding the infant out threateningly, "or this child will not live to see another minute."
Minato's mind raced, his thoughts sharp with dread. 'How did he get through the barrier? How did he slip past the ANBU? Who is this man?'
As Minato processed the terrifying sight, Kushina's chakra faltered, the strain of the situation weakening her seal. The Nine-Tails surged within her, its ominous presence pressing against the bonds holding it. Kushina let out a strangled groan as the Kyuubi's energy became visible on her skin, crackling with hostility.
Minato's breath caught as he looked to her. "Kushina!" he called, his voice filled with desperation.
The masked figure's patience wore thin. He drew a kunai, bringing it dangerously close to the baby's face. "I said step back. Or do you care so little for your child's life?" he taunted, pushing the blade closer to the infant.
Minato's heart hammered in his chest as he held out his hands in a placating gesture. "Alright! Alright, calm down. I'm moving," he pleaded, his voice steady but his mind frantic.
The masked man gave a low chuckle, his tone mocking. "Calm? Oh, I'm perfectly calm, Minato." With that, he tossed the crying baby into the air, causing Kushina to scream in horror.
Just as the masked figure moved to strike, a flash of yellow light filled the room. Minato appeared at the opposite wall, cradling his daughter protectively.
"Quick as they say, Yellow Flash," the masked man said, sounding impressed. He formed a hand seal, and Minato's heart stopped as he realized an explosive tag was hidden in the baby's blanket.
"Kushina! Mito!" she screamed, but before the explosion could go off, Minato teleported himself and Mito to a pre-marked safehouse, narrowly avoiding the blast.
Lying on the ground outside the now-destroyed building, Minato shielded his daughter with his body. As he checked her over, relief washed over him. "Good, she's safe," he muttered, his expression hardening. 'He wanted to separate me from Kushina, likely for the Kyuubi. But why?'
Quickly, Minato teleported Mito to another safe location, settling her gently on a bed. He stroked her tiny head. "I'll be back soon, Mito. Take care." Then, he vanished once more.
Elsewhere, Kushina was bound against a large stone, breathing heavily, exhaustion etched on her face. The masked man loomed over her, his intentions clear.
"Why… why are you doing this?" she gasped, a mix of fear and defiance in her voice.
The man tilted his head slightly. "To release the Kyuubi and destroy Konoha," he replied calmly.
Kushina's eyes widened in horror. "No, please—you don't have to do this!"
Ignoring her pleas, he entered her mindscape, where the chained Nine-Tails glared up at him. "Do you have any idea how long I've waited for this?" he sneered, his Sharingan spinning.
The Nine-Tails' eyes widened. "You're…"
But before it could continue, the man's Sharingan glowed, and the Kyuubi fell under its control. "Come, Kyuubi!" he commanded, releasing the monstrous beast from Kushina's seal for the first time in years.
Kushina, her energy waning, watched in terror as the Kyuubi emerged. The masked man directed the beast toward her, preparing for the final blow.
But before the Nine-Tails' claw could reach her, Minato appeared in a flash, whisking her away to safety.
Holding his weakened wife, Minato looked down at her with concern. "Kushina… don't worry. I'll stop him."
Her eyes fluttered open, her voice faint. "Minato… Mito… are they safe?"
He nodded, his gaze fierce. "Yes, she's waiting for you. Let's get you both out of here."
In that moment, the masked man smirked, watching them vanish from his sight.
The night descended into chaos, the once-peaceful village overwhelmed by the agonized screams and the desperate shouts of shinobi trying, and failing, to halt the monstrous rampage of the Nine-Tails. Amidst the terror, a collective sense of dread took hold as the towering beast wreaked havoc, its power unmatched by any who dared to stand against it.
Yet, in the midst of the destruction, the fox's attention shifted abruptly, its ferocious gaze locking onto a lone figure standing atop the Hokage Monument—specifically, on the fourth head.
Minato Namikaze stood alone on his own stone likeness, having just transported Kushina back to their daughter's side. Clad in his Hokage attire with a jonin flak jacket over his blue jumpsuit, the white cloak of the Hokage marked by crimson flames flowed around him, and the Leaf Village emblem gleamed from his headband. Every detail of his posture reflected his unbreakable resolve. He'd stationed himself here, knowing it would draw the creature's focus. 'As Hokage, I must protect the village that is my family.'
Sure enough, the Kyuubi's murderous gaze locked onto him, recognizing the formidable threat that Minato posed. "So, you've noticed me," Minato murmured, meeting the beast's eyes with unyielding calm. In response, the fox began to form a dense, ominous orb of chakra within its mouth—a Tailed Beast Bomb, its destructive power enough to turn Konoha into little more than rubble.
Unfazed, Minato began a series of quick hand signs, his expression firm. "Not on my watch…" he said, finishing in the Ram seal as the Kyuubi unleashed the massive blast. The Bijuu Bomb scraped across rooftops as it hurtled toward the Hokage, but before it could connect, the sphere froze midair.
Hiraishin: Guiding Thunder* Minato called out mentally, summoning a huge sealing array to transport the deadly attack away from the village in an instant. The blast vanished from sight, reappearing at a distant marker, its effects dispersing harmlessly into the wilderness. Despite his victory in averting disaster, Minato could feel the strain of his jutsu taking its toll, the immense chakra usage weighing heavily on him.
Meanwhile, down below, three clan heads observed the spectacle from the village streets. Choza Akimichi, a burly man wielding a bo staff, stared up at the Hokage Monument in astonishment. "Was that a space-time jutsu?"
Beside him, Shikaku Nara, his hair tied in a ponytail and a goatee framing his face, nodded, relief evident in his voice. "Must be Minato," he said, hope flickering in his eyes. His friend, Inoichi Yamanaka, the blond leader of the Yamanaka clan, nodded in agreement.
Together, these three made up the Ino-Shika-Cho formation, a team whose precise coordination and mutual understanding had made them invaluable assets during the Third Great Ninja War. They were also close friends of Minato and Kushina, looking forward to raising children who would one day be friends as well.
Back on the monument, Minato barely had a chance to catch his breath before he sensed an ominous presence behind him. Instinctively, he slashed his kunai at the figure, but it phased through the masked intruder as though he were an apparition.
'What… what sort of jutsu is this?' Minato's mind raced as he tried to decipher the technique. But the masked figure gave him no time.
Clamping down on Minato's arm with a vice-like grip, the masked man spoke in a low, chilling tone, "You're fighting me, and you've already lost."
As he spoke, his right eye swirled, generating a vortex that began pulling Minato into it. Recognizing the danger, Minato quickly teleported himself away, using his Hiraishin jutsu to escape to a field far from the village.
The masked man muttered, "Fast." He shrugged, teleporting himself to Minato's location in the blink of an eye.
As Minato steadied himself, catching his breath after the rough landing, he watched as the masked man materialized twenty feet ahead, seemingly unfazed. Minato's sharp gaze analyzed the stranger. 'He has a Sharingan—and his space-time jutsu surpasses even Nidaime-sama's and my own. He evaded Hiruzen-sama's ANBU and the barrier without a trace, separated me from Kushina, summoned the Kyuubi within Konoha, and now here he is…'
An unsettling thought crossed Minato's mind, a possibility he couldn't ignore. 'Could he be… Madara Uchiha?' But the idea seemed absurd. "Are you… Madara Uchiha? No, that's impossible," Minato said aloud, searching for any reaction in the masked man.
To his surprise, the masked man flinched, ever so slightly, before letting out a low chuckle. He removed his hood, revealing spiky black hair. "Who knows?" he said with a nonchalant shrug, his response as ambiguous as his intentions.
Minato's expression hardened, his voice cold and demanding. "Why attack Konoha?"
The masked man raised a hand, revealing a chain wrapped around his wrist. "Perhaps it was a whim… or maybe it was part of my plan," he replied, a smug tone to his voice. "Though, I doubt you'd believe me if I said it was all for… peace."
Minato narrowed his eyes, assessing the masked man's movements, especially his use of the chain. He'd noticed the man's apparent intangibility, which he used in coordination with the chain to ensnare targets. 'His jutsu allows him to phase through attacks, but he solidifies briefly to touch. He's using those chains to trap anyone who tries to get close.'
From the direction of the village, Minato heard a distant explosion, a reminder of the ongoing battle. 'I don't have time for Sage Mode or opening the Gates. I need my reserves to handle the Kyuubi after this.'
With a determined look, Minato gripped his special tri-pronged kunai. *Let's test this theory* he thought before charging straight at the masked man, his kunai poised. As expected, his attack phased through the man, but before Minato could react, he was caught by the chain, just as he'd anticipated. 'As planned!' Minato thought, teleporting to a marker he'd prepared moments earlier.
Minato closed his eyes briefly, analyzing the masked man's technique. 'So, he becomes fully intangible but has to solidify to physically interact. This means he's vulnerable during that brief moment.'
The masked man paced back and forth, chains swinging as he kept his distance, but Minato readied himself. 'I need to hit him the instant he materializes.'
The two clashed again, Minato dashing forward with his kunai raised. As before, the masked man let the kunai pass through his head, focusing instead on grabbing Minato. But in Minato's other hand, a Rasengan began to form, its dense energy swirling with lethal precision.
At the last moment, Minato teleported to the kunai he'd thrown behind the man, using the split-second of solidification to strike. Before the masked man could react, Minato's Rasengan drilled into his back, sending him crashing into the ground below. Minato landed, observing his fallen opponent with a calm intensity. "This is Hiraishin: Level 2," he declared.
Unseen by the masked man, Minato had also left a Hiraishin mark on his back.
The masked man struggled to his feet, white tendrils of goo coiling around his injured arm as he reformed. He looked up, visibly shaken. "Impressive, Minato. You caught me off guard, I'll admit—"
But before he could finish, Minato reappeared behind him, taking advantage of his solid form to strike again, this time planting a kunai directly into the man's abdomen.
"With this," Minato said coldly, as he channeled chakra into his hand, forming a sealing array over the man's chest, "the Kyuubi is no longer yours to control."
The masked man's eyes widened in panic as he recognized the Contract Seal. "A contract seal? You're severing my control over the Kyuubi?!"
Minato nodded, his gaze unrelenting. "Yes. The Kyuubi is no longer bound to you."
Back in Konoha, the effects of the seal became apparent. Freed from the masked man's control, the Kyuubi paused, disoriented, before its eyes gleamed with a new, terrible resolve. Now that it was free, its fury toward the village that had imprisoned it surged anew, and it resumed its devastating attack, the ground quaking beneath its monstrous weight as it continued its rampage across Konoha.
Minato stood over his defeated opponent, the masked man's voice filled with venomous resolve as he rasped, "You may have won this round, but the Kyuubi will belong to me one day." The masked figure began to disappear, swirling into the void as he left Minato with his ominous parting words: "One day, I will control everything."
As the masked man vanished, Minato frowned, sensing a frightening sincerity in the words. *He means it…* he thought darkly, his attention quickly returning to the catastrophe still unfolding.
There's only one choice left* Minato realized, knowing this battle would likely be his last. *But Naruto… and Mito… this is something I can only entrust to you. Succeed where I failed.* With that, the Fourth Hokage transported himself back to Konoha.
Appearing atop the Sandaime's stone face, Minato's heart raced as he took in the scene: the Kyuubi, now at the village's edge thanks to Hiruzen's relentless efforts with his Adamantine Staff, was building a massive Tailed Beast Bomb aimed directly at Konoha. Without wasting a moment, Minato rapidly wove hand signs and summoned his trusted partner.
"Summoning Jutsu!" he called, and with a flash, the massive figure of Gamabunta, the Toad Boss, appeared atop the Nine-Tails' head, attempting to pin it down.
The gathered shinobi, exhausted and desperate, looked up and cheered in relief. "Minato-sama! Thank goodness!"
"Minato," Hiruzen called out, worry in his eyes as he took in the situation. But Minato had no time to respond, his focus solely on what needed to be done.
Forgive me, Kushina* he thought somberly, knowing full well she wouldn't approve of his plan to make Mito a jinchuuriki. "Gamabunta! Just hold him a little longer!" Minato ordered.
"Easier said than done, kid!" Gamabunta grunted, straining against the Kyuubi's fierce power. "I can only buy you a few seconds!"
As the fox continued gathering chakra for its Tailed Beast Bomb, Minato prepared himself. Just as the beast was about to unleash the attack, he swiftly teleported the Kyuubi and himself away, leaving only Gamabunta behind.
"Did Minato teleport the Kyuubi away?" Hiruzen wondered aloud, his heart heavy with concern. *But where did he take it?* Even as he pondered this, a massive explosion reverberated in the distant forest, and Hiruzen, dread tightening his chest, raced toward the sound.
In a clearing deep in the forest, Minato stumbled slightly, visibly drained. He had teleported the monstrous Kyuubi away from the village's borders, narrowly avoiding the Tailed Beast Bomb's devastating impact. Fighting through his exhaustion, he quickly transported back to the safehouse, retrieving Kushina and the children—two-year-old Naruto and newborn Mito—and then returned to the field, where the recovering Kyuubi was stirring once more.
Gasping for breath, Minato placed Kushina on the ground, cradling their two children. His chakra reserves were nearly depleted. *Just a bit longer* he urged himself. *I need to create a barrier…* But before he could act, he watched in astonishment as Kushina summoned her remaining strength, releasing her Adamantine Sealing Chains. The golden chains shot forward, binding the Kyuubi in place and forming a protective barrier around the area.
"KUSHINA!" Minato cried, seeing her cough up blood from the strain, and his heart ached as he heard Naruto wailing in his arms.
For any other person, enduring childbirth, losing the Kyuubi, and then restraining the beast itself would have been impossible. But Kushina was no ordinary person. She was his remarkable, resilient wife.
With a weary but determined smile, Kushina looked up at him. "Minato… it's alright. I'm… I'm going to take responsibility for my burden." Minato's eyes widened, understanding her intent.
"No…" he whispered, realizing that she meant to sacrifice herself to contain the Kyuubi once again. She nodded, a sad smile on her face.
"Yes… I'll draw the Kyuubi into myself and die with it. That'll delay its return to this world," she said, her voice faltering, blood trailing from her lips. "I'll use every last bit of chakra to save all of you." She looked lovingly at Naruto, who looked at her with terrified eyes, and at Mito, nestled in her father's arms.
Minato clenched his jaw, his lips trembling as he struggled to contain his emotions. Tears stung his eyes as he gazed at her.
"T-thank you… for everything, Minato," Kushina whispered, her smile both proud and heartbroken. Minato took a steadying breath, reaching for her hand.
"Kushina," he began softly, "it's me who should be thanking you." Her eyes widened in surprise.
"It's because of you that I became Hokage. You made me who I am, a father, a husband." He gave her a tender smile. "You made my life so full, so meaningful."
Kushina's own tears filled her eyes. "I'm grateful for every moment we shared, Minato… I only wish I could have had more time with you, with our family." She chuckled softly, then added, "Don't go all soft on me, you girly-man!"
Naruto stirred at her words, as though sensing the sadness in the air. She gently stroked his cheek, her voice shaking. "My one regret… is that I won't get to see our children grow up."
Minato closed his eyes, his resolve hardening as he came to a decision. Opening his eyes, he spoke with renewed determination. "Then, Kushina… use what little chakra you have left to make sure you and Mito are together again." He paused, looking at her with fierce love and conviction. "I'll perform the sealing myself, and I'll take the Kyuubi with me."
Kushina's eyes widened as she realized his plan. "Minato… no," she murmured, understanding he meant to use the Reaper Death Seal. "If you do that, you'll—"
He held up a hand to stop her, his face resolute. "I'll seal only half of the Kyuubi into myself. The other half…" His thoughts turned to the masked man and the dark threat he posed, as well as Jiraiya-sensei's prophecy. Minato felt the weight of a new revelation. "The other half will be sealed into Mito, with the Eight Trigram Seal."
Kushina gasped, too overwhelmed to protest, her strength nearly gone.
Minato went on, his voice steady. "Today, I learned two things. First, that masked man… he'll bring untold chaos and destruction to the world." He looked down at their children, pride filling his gaze. "And second… the one who will stop him is our children."
"Our daughter will bring hope to the future as a Jinchuuriki, with Naruto right there to support her" Minato said, his confidence in Mito unwavering. "I believe in them."
"We have to trust in Mito," he declared, then turned to his wife, his voice gentle. "After I complete this seal, I'll leave the rest of your chakra within her. I want you to be there for her, to guide her when she learns to control the Kyuubi."
But Kushina, anger welling up through her exhaustion, shook her head weakly. "She's just… a baby," she protested, her voice rising in desperation. "Why put this awful burden on her? Why use that seal at all?"
Tears glistened in her eyes. "Why must you give your life for me?" she sobbed. "Why must Mito bear this? Konoha's balance with the bijuu… is that really worth our child's happiness?"
Minato met her gaze, his voice calm but firm. "To abandon our duty to the village is to forsake our children. Without a home, they'd be forced into a hard life without support or safety." He gave her a sad smile. "Our family are… shinobi."
Kushina's breath hitched as she understood the weight of his words, her memories of Uzushiogakure's fall heavy in her heart.
Minato leaned closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Besides, if you were to live, I'd never match up to you," he whispered, managing a faint smile. "Even if you have only a short time, there are things only you can teach Mito. Things only a mother can say."
He looked down at Mito and added, "And I would gladly give my life for her future." His voice softened. "That's a father's role."
Outside the barrier, Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived, accompanied by two jonin. The former Hokage banged on the barrier, watching helplessly as Minato prepared to give his life.
'Minato… he's still so young, with a family who needs him,'
Hiruzen thought bitterly. He knew the village would likely call him back as Hokage until a new leader could be found, a role he didn't wish to take on again. But Minato was irreplaceable, and Hiruzen knew the village needed him more than ever.
Within the barrier, just as Minato was about to complete the final hand sign for the sealing jutsu, Kushina's expression steeled with sudden resolve. Calling upon her last reserves, she sent one of her chakra chains lashing forward, striking Minato in the side of the head and rendering him unconscious.
Kushina moved forward, taking his place beside Mito. She couldn't let him sacrifice himself—not when Konoha needed its Hokage, and their children needed their father. Summoning all her remaining strength, she prepared to carry out the sealing herself.
Closing her eyes, she began the sequence for the sealing jutsu. Snake, Boar, Ram, Rabbit, Dog, Rat, Bird, Horse, Snake, she chanted mentally, clapping her hands as she activated the Reaper Death Seal.
A spectral figure with white hair and horns appeared behind her, a ghastly blade clenched in its teeth. Kushina could feel her own soul held in its grip, yet her gaze remained fixed on her children.
An ethereal arm stretched out from her soul, latching onto the Kyuubi's thick fur. The fox, realizing what was happening, snarled with fury. "Damn you… you're sealing me again!" it growled, struggling against the restraints. But Kushina's focus remained resolute.
"Seal!" she called out, and the Shinigami began pulling the Yin half of the Kyuubi's chakra into Kushina's body. She grimaced in pain as the immense energy entered her, a dark seal forming on her chest with the Uzumaki swirl at its center. Her body felt numb, nearly overwhelmed by the force of the fox's chakra. *The power… it's almost unbearable in my current state.*
With the Yin half of the Kyuubi now sealed inside her, the creature's form diminished, leaving its Yang half still bound by her chains, though visibly smaller and straining against the weakened hold.
Summoning the last of her strength, Kushina conjured a sealing altar and gently placed newborn Mito on it, ready to complete the ritual. The Kyuubi, noticing her intent, bared its fangs in rage. *They intend to seal me again?* Its eyes narrowed as it recognized the setup and turned its attention to the altar. *Inside that child?*
Kushina, beginning to fade from exhaustion, coughed violently, blood staining her lips as her grip on the chains began to weaken. She gasped for air, but even in her state, her thoughts remained on protecting her children. Just then, the Kyuubi saw its opportunity. Seizing the moment, it broke free from the weakened chains and lunged toward the sleeping Mito on the altar.
"Now!" the Kyuubi roared, bringing a massive claw down toward the infant. Kushina's eyes widened in horror as she tried to move, desperate to intercept the attack. But her body, drained and weakened, was too slow.
In an astonishing instant, Naruto, barely two years old, stepped between his sister and the incoming claw. His right eye, the cerulean blue that had always mirrored Minato's, suddenly shifted, forming a pattern in the shape of an Endless Knot. Chakra burst forth from Naruto, forming tendrils that surged out to wrap around the Kyuubi's claw, freezing it just as it was an inch from Mito's tiny form. The raw power pulsing from Naruto held the mighty beast in place, binding it firmly.
Kushina, overcome with shock and relief, staggered to her feet, her heart swelling with pride and awe. She rushed to her children's side, her gaze locked on Naruto's glowing eye and the chakra strands that held the Kyuubi at bay. "Naruto…" she whispered, astonished & bewildered at her son's sudden display of strength.
Realizing she had only moments left, Kushina didn't ponder on it for long & acted quickly, placing her hand on Mito and preparing the final seal. Just then, she felt a wave of chakra surge behind her.
"Thank you, Minato," she whispered gazing sadly at her husband's unconscious form, gratitude filling her voice. Then, summoning Gerotora, the toad scroll, she prepared the final pieces of their plan. Gerotora appeared with a puff of smoke, eyeing the chaos with astonishment.
"Kushina! The Kyuubi—what's happening?" Gerotora exclaimed.
"Gerotora… I need you to take the Sealing Formula key to Jiraiya-sensei. Keep it safe," Kushina instructed, her voice weak but determined.
Gerotora solemnly nodded, accepting the key onto his scroll, and with a final nod of acknowledgment, he vanished in a swirl of smoke.
Taking a deep breath, Kushina turned her gaze toward Mito, ready to impart her last wishes. The image of her precious children and her husband filled her heart with both sorrow and joy. *I'll give her everything I have left* she thought.
Kushina leaned down, her voice gentle and loving as she began. "Mito… Naruto… I don't have much time, so listen to me." She paused, steadying herself as tears filled her eyes. "Mito… my sweet daughter, and Naruto, my brave little boy… there's so much I want to say."
She began to speak through her tears, her words a mix of gentle advice and motherly guidance. "Mito… Naruto… don't be picky. Eat well and grow strong. Make sure you stay warm and take care of yourselves."
"Don't give your father too much trouble. Get lots of sleep, and remember to make good friends. You don't need a lot—just a few, ones you can trust completely." Her voice trembled, her heart breaking as she thought of the lives they'd live without her. "Remember, everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses… so don't be discouraged if things are hard. Keep learning, keep practicing…"
Kushina continued, recalling all the little things she wanted to share, the hopes she had for them. "And be careful with money… save what you earn," she added with a smile, thinking of her own frugality.
"Don't drink too much, and… don't get too attached to anyone who isn't good for you. Look for someone like your mother." Her eyes shone with warmth, and she gave a small laugh. "And remember… keep an eye on Jiraiya-sensei; he can be quite the troublemaker!"
Kushina's voice grew softer as tears finally spilled down her cheeks. "You'll face hardships, and there'll be days you'll feel lost. But be true to yourselves, always… and follow your dreams with all your heart."
She looked down at Naruto, who was still holding the Kyuubi's claw at bay, and her heart swelled with pride and love. "I love you both more than words can say… I wish I could stay with you."
The Shinigami's presence began to intensify, signaling that her time was almost up. Kushina choked back a sob as she looked at Minato. "I'm sorry, Minato."
With her last strength, Kushina pressed her hand to Mito, initiating the Eight Trigram Seal. The Kyuubi howled in defiance, struggling against the pull, but the Shinigami's grip was too powerful. The spectral figure's knife glinted as it drew closer, ready to finish the ritual.
Kushina felt the weight of the sealing ritual consuming her, yet she forced herself to keep her focus on Mito and Naruto. She whispered, "Eight Trigram Seal."
As the ritual completed, the Kyuubi's chakra flooded into Mito, binding the fox's essence within her as the seal locked into place. Her last vision was of her children, Naruto's protective presence over his sister and Mito's peaceful, innocent face.
And then, there was silence. The mighty Kyuubi, subdued and sealed, had a new vessel.
The Hokage's hat sat on Hiruzen Sarutobi's head like a heavy crown, far weightier than the last time he had worn it. Though it was the same hat he had passed on nearly two years ago, the weight of the responsibility it represented felt unbearable now. The burden of rebuilding Konoha, protecting its people, and honoring the sacrifices made on that fateful night pressed down on his shoulders.
Hiruzen rubbed his temples as he stared at the growing pile of scrolls and documents on his desk. The wrinkles on his face seemed deeper, his once dark hair now a stark white. His heart felt the weight of every name on the casualty lists. Civilians, shinobi, and cherished friends had been lost to the Kyuubi's rampage. Chief among those losses were his wife, Biwako Sarutobi, and the Yondaime Hokage's wife, Kushina Uzumaki. Kushina's sacrifice to save the village had been noble, but the cost was immeasurable.
He sighed heavily, thinking of Minato Namikaze, the bright light of Konoha, now hidden away in Tsunade's Slug Summon dimension, his life hanging by a thread. Only Hiruzen, Tsunade, and Jiraiya knew of his survival, and they had agreed to keep it that way. Minato's comatose state made him vulnerable, and any leak of his condition could destabilize the village further. For now, the world had to believe Minato was gone, his sacrifice immortalized as the man who had saved Konoha.
The children left behind—Naruto and Mito—were both symbols of hope and heartbreaking reminders of the tragedy. Mito, the newborn jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, had been sent to Tsunade for her protection. Hiruzen had reasoned that it was safer for the actual jinchuuriki to be raised away from the village's prejudice and hatred. Naruto, however, could not follow. Tsunade already had her hands full with Minato and Mito, and the village needed Naruto to serve as a decoy. Only Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and Tsunade knew the truth: Naruto was not the jinchuuriki. But the elders, council, and villagers were told otherwise, a necessary lie to protect Mito and placate the shinobi council.
Hiruzen's thoughts wandered back to Kushina's final moments. Even in her pain, her focus had been on her children. *"Please… look after our children,"* she had pleaded.
He had promised her that he would. But as he glanced at the growing chaos outside his office window, he knew the path forward would be treacherous.
The quiet in the Hokage's office was broken by a familiar presence. Perched on the windowsill was Jiraiya, his usually jovial demeanor muted. His expression was somber, his shoulders slouched.
"So… they're really gone?" Jiraiya asked, though he already knew the answer. His voice was thick with grief.
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "Kushina… yes. And Minato… he is alive but barely. He remains comatose, hidden under Tsunade's care. For now, the world must believe he is gone."
Jiraiya's eyes widened briefly before narrowing with concern. "And the kids?"
"Mito is with Tsunade," Hiruzen replied. "She's the actual jinchuuriki, but no one must know. Naruto… remains here. He'll be the face of the village's jinchuuriki to protect Mito. It's the only way."
Jiraiya clenched his fists, anger and sorrow clashing within him. "You're telling me that the kid's going to bear that hatred for something he didn't even do? All so the village can sleep better at night?"
Hiruzen's gaze met his student's. "I don't like it either, Jiraiya. But we must protect Mito. And Naruto will be protected as well. I've made arrangements."
Jiraiya growled in frustration. "Let me take him. I'm his godfather, for crying out loud! I'll protect him!"
Hiruzen shook his head. "You know that's not possible. Your work as a spymaster is too critical now, especially with the village vulnerable. We can't afford to lose you or your network."
Jiraiya turned away, his jaw tight. "What about Mikoto? She's practically family. She'd take Naruto in."
"That's even less feasible," Hiruzen said gravely. "Naruto is seen as a military asset—a jinchuuriki, even if it's a lie. Placing him with the Uchiha would destabilize the delicate balance of power among the clans."
Jiraiya glared at Hiruzen but said nothing more. After a tense silence, he finally relented. "Fine. But don't let the council ruin that kid's life, old man."
"I won't," Hiruzen promised.
Hours later, a knock on his office door pulled Hiruzen from his work. "Come in," he called.
The door opened to reveal Mikoto Uchiha, her normally serene face marked with grief. Her eyes were red and swollen, the signs of recent tears evident in her expression. She entered with a respectful bow, her movements slow and deliberate.
"Sandaime-sama," Mikoto began softly. "I haven't had a chance to visit since the funerals. Please accept my condolences for Biwako-sama. She was a wonderful woman, and I can't imagine the pain you're feeling."
Hiruzen managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Mikoto-chan. And I offer my condolences for your own loss. Kushina and Minato were dear to all of us. Their absence will be felt for a long time."
Mikoto nodded solemnly, her hands clasping tightly together as if to steady herself. She hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her tone carrying a mix of determination and vulnerability. "Sandaime-sama… I came to make a request."
Hiruzen's eyes softened, but his heart sank. He had a feeling he knew what she was about to say.
"I would like to adopt Naruto-kun," Mikoto said, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "I know Jiraiya-sensei is his godfather, but with his duties, it's clear he can't care for Naruto directly. I've spoken with Fugaku, and we're both willing to take Naruto into our family. He and Itachi would grow up as brothers, and Naruto would never feel alone."
Hiruzen's expression remained composed, but inside, his thoughts churned. As much as I would love for Naruto to have a family, I cannot allow it. The political and strategic implications of placing Naruto with the Uchiha were too dangerous. If the village believed the jinchuuriki was aligned with a single clan, it would disrupt the balance of power, heighten tensions, and potentially lead to more suspicion and resentment toward the Uchiha.
"I understand your intentions, Mikoto," Hiruzen said carefully, "but I'm afraid that won't be possible."
Mikoto's brow furrowed. "Why not, Sandaime-sama? Naruto deserves a family. Kushina was my closest friend—she would have wanted this."
Hiruzen sighed deeply, rubbing his temples as he searched for the right words. "Naruto is… special," he began. "He carries a great burden, one that makes it impossible for him to be tied to any single clan. To place him with the Uchiha would upset the balance within the village."
Mikoto's eyes flashed with frustration. "He's a child, not a tool to be 'balanced' among clans. He needs love and support, not politics."
"I don't disagree," Hiruzen replied, his voice firm yet understanding. "But this is a reality we cannot ignore. The council has agreed that Naruto must remain independent of clan ties. It is for his protection as well as the village's stability."
"And what about Mito?" Mikoto pressed. "She deserves the same protection and care."
Hiruzen's expression grew somber. "Mito… perished alongside her parents," he said quietly, the lie weighing heavily on his conscience. "The strain of that night was too much for her to survive."
Mikoto gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. "No… not Mito too…"
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "It was a tragedy beyond words."
Mikoto took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as her grief threatened to overwhelm her. But she refused to give up. "If Mito is gone, then Naruto needs me even more. You can't leave him to grow up alone, Sandaime-sama. He deserves better."
Hiruzen closed his eyes, his heart heavy. "Jiraiya has forbidden it," he said at last. "He has arranged for Naruto to be cared for at the orphanage, with funding to ensure his needs are met. It is his wish, as Naruto's godfather, that this arrangement remains in place."
Mikoto's hands clenched into fists. "Jiraiya is never here! How can he decide what's best for Naruto when he doesn't even know him? I do! I know what Kushina would have wanted!"
Hiruzen's voice softened, though his resolve remained firm. "Mikoto, I understand your feelings, but this decision is final. Naruto will be well cared for at the orphanage, and Jiraiya's contributions will ensure he lacks for nothing."
Tears streamed down Mikoto's face as she stared at the man she had long respected. "You're wrong," she whispered. "Naruto needs more than material comforts. He needs a family. He needs someone who loves him."
Hiruzen looked away, unable to meet her gaze. "I'm sorry, Mikoto. This is the only way."
Mikoto stood in silence for a moment, her shoulders trembling as she fought back sobs. Finally, she bowed deeply, her voice barely audible. "By your leave, Sandaime-sama."
Hiruzen nodded, watching as she turned and left the office, her grief hanging heavy in the air. Once the door closed behind her, he collapsed back into his chair, the weight of his choices pressing down on him like never before.
"This will come back to haunt me," he muttered, rubbing his temples. Perhaps when the tensions with the Uchiha settle, I can reconsider. But for now, Naruto must remain where he is.
And so, another painful decision was made, one that would ripple through the years to come. Hiruzen could only hope that one day, Naruto would understand the choices made to protect him—and forgive him for the burdens placed upon his small shoulders.