"Talking"

'Thinking'

Biju talk/think

Minato marveled at the stories that Minatsuki was telling about her adventures when she was young, of course he didn't know that she had tweaking the stories from time under Kakashi in the future. Sakumo had made her sit down while he and Kushina had cooked up a feast, but Kousei and Kushina where easily eating what the others couldn't.

Minatsuki didn't focus much on eating, after talking a bit about herself, she stopped when Sakumo -and eventually Minato- started talking about Jiraiya. She never knew how close Sakumo and Jiraiya had actually been, as Jiraiya rare spoke about Sakumo unless he was comparing Kakashi to Sakumo. What was even more intriguing to Minatsuki though was that Sakumo had been Kushina, Mikoto, and Hizashi's jonin sensei.

Her eyes slid to Kakashi. Had their lives been truly that interwoven together? How will things turn out now with all the changes Minatsuki planned on making from her own timeline?

"Sensei, we should have dinner more often!" Kushina grinned, "I can even make sure Mikoto and Hizashi get away from their stuffy compound!"

"Kushina," Minato gasped, exasperated.

"What? They are. Especially Mikoto. She's losing the fire that was the best part of her ever since she was forced as a Clan Heir to marry that stick in the mud Fugaku."

"Fugaku's not that bad," Minato defended his sort of friend, "Just very clan oriented."

"Hizashi is clan oriented but the stick up his ass isn't as far up as Fugaku's," Kushina deadpanned.

Minato sighed as he looked at a giggling Kousei. Sakumo coughed to cover his laugh and Minatsuki had a hand over her mouth and her shoulders were shaking. Kushina had a point, but neither Sakumo nor Minatsuki were going to encourage the Uzumaki woman more than necessary. Kushina was too busy watching the conversation to care about asking questions about the people they were talking about. It wasn't hard to figure out though. His father had taught him about the clans and the different heirs.

When the food was gone, Kushina and Kousei disappear to his and his mother's room. Kushina was smiling as they put some of things that they had bought earlier, she also put a couple of Minatsuki's and Kousei's clothes in different piles to be sealed away for Minato and Kushina to take home. When the clothes were sealed away, Kushina's violet eyes looked up to Kousei's tired blues.

"How are you really doing Ko-kun?" she asked Kousei as she pulled the small red head into her lap.

"I'm fine," He purred as Kushina stroked his long locks. If Kushina was surprised by this then she didn't show it. She hummed as she slowly brushed her hands through his hair.

"Please don't lie,"," Kushina said a few seconds after.

Kousei turned his head towards Kushina, so he could see his face, "I'm fine, really, it's Kaa-chan who you should be asking. Tou-chan made Oji-chan, Kaa-chan, and me henge so that the hunters won't find us. Tou-chan died then Oji-chan sacrificed himself to keep a mean creature from trying to take Kaa-chan away. W-we had to leave Oji-chan. Kurama made Kaa-chan take me away, we had to go to Konoha, Tou-san said so. We-we left him."

"Who was your Oji-chan?" asked Kushina.

"His name was Naruto, he looked more like Jiji but had the same hair colors as Kaa-chan," Kousei said, trying to explain Naruto from he remembered.

"And Kurama," Kushina asked carefully.

"He's inside Kaa-chan, he's fluffy and grumpy but really kind underneath," Kousei described.

Kushina's eyes widened as she hugged Kousei closer, "He's sounds wonderful Kousei."

The young Uzumaki looked up at her, "He was. He was like a second father to me."

"I see," Kushina said, her eyes misty with emotion.

"He wanted to be Hokage. Naruto-oji-chan told me the reason was because that the Kage are the strongest and he wanted to protect our family," Kousei said, his voice quivering slightly.

Kushina's eyes filled with tears, hugging Kousei tightly. "Don't worry, little one. We're here now to protect you and your mother."

"Kaa-chan said she felt it. When Naruto-oji-chan died," Kousei whispered.

Kushina pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, "What do you mean?"

"Whenever something really bad would happen to him, she would go into a trance. Sometimes she would get really sad and sometimes she would get really mad," Kousei explained, his voice dropping to a whisper, "No one would believe them, but they had a special connection. Feelings could be shared, and if they really focused, even thoughts could pass between them," Kousei sniffled, "I think she felt it when oji-chan died, but she didn't let it show to me. She was empty looking thought."

Kushina's heart ached for the little boy who had lost so much. She tightened her grip around him, "You're both safe here, with us."

Kousei and Kushina walked back into the living room. The young red head ran for Kakashi and climbed onto the couch; he snuggled into the older boy's arms. Kakashi looked up at the two with a small smile, noticing the sadness in Kousei's eyes, "Everything okay?" he asked softly.

Kousei nod, pushing his face into Kakashi's neck, making the masked boy blush, "Kousei is okay," he murmured, trying to reassure them both.

Minato and Sakumo shared a look, understanding the unspoken words exchanged between the two. They had been discussing about a few random topics with Minatsuki.

"We should get some sleep," Sakumo said, looking at the clock. It was late and the children needed rest, especially after the long day they had.

Minatsuki nodded, standing with some effort. "I'll take Kousei to the guest room. Thank you for coming over for dinner, Kushina-chan, Minato-kun," she said, her voice gentle despite the weariness etched on her face.

Minato looked at Sakumo, who nodded in silent understanding. "We'll be seeing you around, Tsuki-nee," Minato said with a warm smile. Kushina waved goodbye, her heart heavy with the newfound knowledge of their guests' past.

Once the door was shut, Sakumo sighed, "Kakashi, help me get Kousei to bed, will you?"

Kakashi nodded, his eyes still glued to the red-haired child in his arms. He felt a strange warmth that he hadn't felt in a long time, something that made his heart beat a little faster. But it wasn't like a gentle warmth of a mother's love that he got from Minatsuki, this was different. It felt more... comforting? He wasn't quite sure how to describe it, but he liked it. He carefully picked Kousei up and followed his father to the guest room, which had been prepared for them. The room was simple, yet cozy, with a futon laid out neatly and a small nightstand with a candle already lit.

As they reached the futon, Kakashi noticed Minatsuki's crutches leaning against the wall. His curiosity piqued, he asked, "Tsuki-oba, why do you use those?"

Minatsuki looked at the crutches and sighed, "I have to give those back tomorrow, I technically no longer need them."

"But why do you have them?" Kakashi pressed on, his curiosity not letting up.

"When your father had met me, I injured my leg, but it's all better now and I have to give the crutches back," Minatsuki explained.

Sakumo nodded, "Kakashi, can you help Kousei get ready for bed?"

"Hai, Tou-san," Kakashi said, setting Kousei down on the futon.

Kousei looked up at him with tired eyes. "Thank you, Inu-chan," he mumbled, his voice barely audible, "Inu-kun," Kousei murmured, his eyes barely open, "will you stay with me tonight?"

Kakashi felt a jolt of surprise, but something in the way Kousei looked at him, so innocent and vulnerable, made him nod. "Of course," he whispered, his voice cracking slightly.

As Kakashi helped the sleepy child into his pajamas, his mind raced with thoughts. The bond between Kousei and Minatsuki was clear as day, but this...this was something he wasn't prepared for. He had never felt so drawn to someone.

Once Kousei was tucked in, Sakumo leaned heavily on the doorframe, watching them. "Thank you," he mouthed to Kakashi, who nodded, still feeling the warmth of Kousei's head on his shoulder.

Minatsuki looked at Sakumo with a soft smile, "He's been through a lot."

Sakumo nodded solemnly, "I can see that."

Minato and Kushina bid goodbye before leaving the Hatake Compound back to their apartment.

"Kakashi, are you okay?" Sakumo asked, noticing the boy's flustered state.

"H-Hai," Kakashi responded, trying to compose himself. "It's just... Kousei is so... I don't know, I've never felt like this before."

Sakumo nodded understandingly, a knowing smile playing on his lips, he knew what Kakashi to feeling but decided to let his five-year-old son figure it out himself, "It's alright to care for people," he said, giving the young boy a pat on the head before heading to his own room.

Kakashi sat with Kousei until the latter's breathing evened out into the gentle rhythm of sleep. He gently stroked his hair, feeling the warmth of his body against his own, and realized that maybe this was what it felt like to have a little brother. He had always felt a little lonely being the only child of his father, but now, with Kousei here, that loneliness was replaced with a comforting warmth.

The next day, Kakashi's nose twitched as he smelled something wonderful. His eyes slowly opened to see, Kousei's face buried in his chest and his face in Kousei's hair, it smelled like, "Tulips and Lavender," he murmured.

He smelled something else, coming from the kitchen. It was a comforting scent of eggs, toast, and a hint of something spicy. He gently laid Kousei down on the futon and stood up, stretching his limbs.

Walking into the kitchen, he found Minatsuki cooking breakfast along with his father.

"Good morning," she greeted him, her eyes sparkling with amusement at his sleepy state. "Couldn't resist snuggling with Kousei, huh?"

Kakashi's cheeks warmed as he took a seat at the table. "He looked so peaceful," he mumbled.

Minatsuki chuckled, placing a plate of food in front of him. "He isn't a heavy sleeper. I'm surprised you didn't wake him up."

Kousei walked into the kitchen, rubbing on of his eyes and sat at the table, he leaned his head on Kakashi's small shoulder and yawned.

"Good morning," he murmured sleepily, snuggling into the crook of Kakashi's neck.

Kakashi stiffened at first, but then relaxed, smiling slightly. "Morning, Kousei," he said, his voice still groggy.

They sat together, enjoying the quiet morning as Sakumo and Minatsuki finished preparing breakfast. The atmosphere was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos and fear that had filled their lives just a few days ago.

As they ate, Sakumo couldn't help but watch them interact. He was torn between pride and concern. Pride because Kakashi was showing such kindness and care for his newfound family, and concern for the burdens they all carried. They all finished eating and got ready for the day.

"Alright, time to take you two to the academy, it's your first day Kousei, you excited?" Sakumo asked.

Kousei nodded, "Yeah, a bit nervous too," he admitted, his eyes looking up to Kakashi for reassurance.

"It's not that bad," Kakashi snorted, "Its honestly boring to me."

Kousei had heard quite a bit about the academy from his mother, he knew most of the ciruiculam because he was around a lot of revived people from history and they and his mother taught him a lot from their point of view and the academy.

Kushina and Minato arrive to take them with Sakumo to the academy, Kousei climbed on to Minato's shoulders while Kakashi walked next to the young jonin. Minatsuki stayed behind saying that the Hokage wanted to met her for something, but Kousei hadn't really paid attention to what it was.

As they walked to the academy, Kakashi had a serious look on his face. He had never felt this protective over anyone except for his father, so Kakashi guessed that instead of parent-child love, this was sibling love. Yeah, Kakashi nodded to himself, that made the most sense.

Kousei pouted as he saw the building, his mother and uncle hated the academy, he didn't want to go there, it seemed boring.

Kousei groaned into Minato's hair and he chuckled beneath him, "What's wrong otōto?"

The young Uzumaki looked up with a pout, "Kashi says the Academy is boring."

Kushina chuckled, "Well, Kakashi has his own peculiar taste in what's boring. But for you, it's a place to make friends and learn new jutsu."

Kousei moved his gaze to the older red head. Kushina sweat dropped at the complete bored look painted on the young 5 year old's face.

Minato and Kushina looked at each other before looking back at the unenthusiastic Kousei, who had been told by his mother that the academy was a place of learning and growth. Sakumo had a slight frown of worry on his face at Kousei's reaction.

"Kakashi-kun," Sakumo began, "I need to go on a mission for a few days, and your mother, Kushina-san, has kindly offered to take you and Kousei to her place for the weekend. It'll be a great opportunity for both of you to get some extra training," he said, trying to put a positive spin on it.

Kousei's eyes grew wide as he took in the information, "But what about Kaa-chan?"

"She'll be busy with the Hokage," Sakumo replied, trying not to let his own sadness show. It wasn't easy for him to be separated from his son, but he knew that the mission was important. Plus, it would be a good chance for Kakashi and Kousei to bond more.

The academy was bustling with energy as young shinobi-hopefuls rushed to their classes. Kakashi, who had already started his training, was eager to show Kousei the ropes. He knew the academy wasn't his favorite place, but he hoped that with his guidance, it wouldn't be as bad for the young Uzumaki.

Minato picked up on the tension and decided to lighten the mood, "Hey Kakashi, remember when you first came here and thought the obstacle course was a giant playground?"

Kakashi couldn't help but laugh at the memory, "I didn't know it was supposed to be scary!"

Kushina ruffled Kousei's hair, "Don't worry, you'll love it here. And think of all the amazing jutsu you'll learn!"

Kousei looked up at her with a hopeful smile, "Okay," he said, his eyes sparkling.

They arrived at the academy gates, and Sakumo gave both of the children a gentle pat on the back, "I'll be back before you know it," he assured them, trying to sound more optimistic than he felt.

Minatsuki henged into a slightly older version of herself, maybe by 2 or 3 years. She had Maya blue hair and dark jungle green, almost black, eyes. She wore the actual ANBU uniform and had the Hyō (Leopard) mask on her face. She had told Sakumo that she wouldn't be back for a few days with a sort of lie that the Hokage had called, which he did.

She jumped through the window of the Hokage's office to see the Sandaime's deadpanning at her, "I have a door."

"The windows are faster," Minatsuki said simply.

Hiruzen just sighed, "The henge is a nice touch."

"Thank you," Minatsuki said, "I'm going to change the hair color every time, keeps my mind active."

"Hyō-san, let's get down to business yes? ANBU, leave us," there was slight hesitation before 4 flickers left the room, "What do you want your first mission to be?"

Minatsuki looked around the room, before throwing two kunai, one at a bookshelf, another at the corner next to the window she had came in through. Two blank masked shinobi fell dead before erupting into blue flames.

Minatsuki growled, "Your 'rival' has been spying on whatever you have been doing, anything important?"

Hiruzen shook his head, "No, not today."

Minatsuki handed the Sandaime a seal, "Put that under a hidden place but easy to access, push chakra when you want to talk about something sensitive."

Sandaime just nodded, he wasn't an expert in seals, so he would have to go off of what Minatsuki said, "Thank you Tsuki-chan."

"I was thinking that I would start with the Academy before dealing with Danzo," Minatsuki said.

"What about it?" the Sarutobi asked.

Minatsuki bit her lip, "Are you sure? I might sound a bit harsh."

Hiruzen shook his head, "It's perfectly alright, if you need to be harsh to me, then be harsh."

"I've been reading some reports from the academy, and it turns out that the academy standard decline during peaceful times. Back in the future, it was more likely that a full civilian genin team who fail then a team full of genin from a clan," Minatsuki said.

"So what his your opinion on the academy model?" the Sandaime asked.

"I think that it doesn't work," Minatsuki sighed, "The students that enroll in the academy are a diverse group. They have grown up differently, different blood limits, chakra capacity, literacy, intelligence... I don't think lumping them together for a few years teaching them the basis of the shinobi arts and then throwing them on a team of three with a jonin, is stupid and is a terrible way to teach out future shinobi."

Hiruzen grimaced for a minute before replying, "Alternatives."

Minatsuki snorted, "Many, but there are a couple I like in particularly. The first two years of the academy teach them this history and the geography and the other basic subjects, like Math and Reading & Writing, will have to be done every year. When their is their 3rd you can start with kunai, shuriken and taijutsu, their 4th year will be when they get to change from the academy taijutsu to whatever style they want or change the academy style to suit them more. But when they get to maybe their 5th or 6th year, let them start to learn elemental ninjutsu or genjutsu, even fuinjutsu and kenjutsu. You'll need different teachers for that too and you don't need as many regular class because there is so much room and your waisting space by doing that. Once they get to their 7th year, you have them perform D ranks as academy students, it dumb to send genin to D-ranks then suddenly send them to a C rank with involves real ninja 'stuff'."

Minatsuki took a deep breath before continuing, "Also, there are a lot of civilians who take advantage of D ranks, I understand plowing fields or doing thing for the elderly, but their are people who aren't in their mid-30s yet they give genin their chores. Lets make it so that they have to put in a request in and it has to be approve, so if someone who is 27 is ask genin to go shopping for them, you can deny them by saying they are old enough and young enough to it themselves."

The Sandaime blinked at that and slowly processed the information, "That is a good plan, ambitious, and needs to get approved by the council. I'll have a meeting set up today, would you be willing to join me?"

Minatsuki nodded, "I want this to go through, the civilians will fight and whine about it, but if their kids don't pass that means that they weren't cut out to be shinobi."

The morning flew by quickly for Kousei, he had slept through most of the history and theory, his Kaa-chan and others from the future had taught him a lot. He grabbed a bento Kushina had made for him and decided to eat high in a tree. He missed Kakashi a lot was hoping to see him from this high up, but Kousei caught no sight of him and sighed sadly.

His Naruto-oji-chan and Kakashi-oji-chan had taught him how to walk up trees, but being sent back in the past set him back a bit. So after 3 tries, he final climbed up it. He watched all the other five year olds run around the grounds and talking. He clutched his bento closer, Kousei really wanted his Kakashi.

Non of these kids talked or acted like Kakashi, so it boring for Kousei since he was slightly more mature than others. His Kaa-chan my have bad dreams and wake up in the middle of the night, but he had insomnia and anxiety. His insomnia wasn't bad like Gaara's, but if he went to bed at 9:45, he would really only sleep at 12:45 or even 1:00.

"Hey!" a voice called up at him. Kousei blinked and looked down to the base of the tree to see a black haired boy. His deep black and porcelain skin signaled that he was an Uchiha, "How'd you get up there?" the Uchiha asked Kousei with curiosity.

Kousei looked at the boy more closely, he seemed familiar, but Kousei had seen a lot of Uchiha revived back from the dead, so he could be one of them. Kousei started to pack his lunch to go higher, he didn't wanted to be bothered right now. He let the chakra go to his feet, and out of the corner of his eyes he could see the stars and even more curiosity painting the smiling Uchiha's eyes. Wait smiling!

"Cool!" he said, "Teach me that!"

Kousei frowned at the rude boy, but was still surprised at seeing a smiling Uchiha, he rarely saw Uchiha smile. The curiosity seemed to spread to Kousei, and he jumped down a few branches, sitting on one and staring at him. This made the Uchiha shift uncomfortably.

"Do you talk?"

A nod.

"Would you be willing teach me that?"

A shrug.

A frown, "You're weird."

Kousei shrunk back a little, slightly hurt at the comment, but the Uchiha didn't seem to notice.

"Is he bothering you?"

Kousei yelped and jumped slightly, he whipped his head around to see a young brown haired boy with a dango stick in his mouth. Genma, Kakashi-oji-chan talk a bit about him, but Kousei remembered one important thing about Genma-san, he always had a senbon in his mouth. The young redhead internally shrugged, guessing this habit started early on.

"I'm sorry I scared you," Genma said.

Kousei smiled at him, and shook head.

"Hey Genma, do you know how he did that?" the dark haired boy called up.

Genma looked at him, "No. I just climbed with my hands up another tree and jumped here."

The boy practically wilted, "Aw man."

"Obito, don't do bother people when they want to alone."

Kousei froze at that. THAT was the Obito Kakashi-oji-chan talked about!?

Obito pouted at Genma, "But she's the new kid, I wanted to see if she wanted to be friends, then she went and walked up a tree with no hands."

Genma just rolled his eyes and exhaled, "Whatever," he looked to Kousei, "You sure that your fine with him annoying you?"

"Hey!"

Kousei didn't even look at Obito, he smiled kindly at Genma. Standing up he reached up and patted the older boy's head before jumping down and doing the same thing to Obito, who flushed bright red.

Kousei just giggled, "I'm a boy," then he walked away.

Obito spluttered and Genma made a choking sound.

End of Chapter 4

Author's Note: Sorry it took so long. Review, something nice please, a family member recently passed away.

Posted: Friday, January 24, 2025.

This might me late, but Merry Chrismas and New Year.

Bye loves,

Slivia