I'm back! I'm sorry for the long wait. It's been a while, I'm trying to get back into writing again.

I recently uploaded a new Minato x Kushina one-shot as well on my other account: ATLATO. If you're interested in MinaKushi at all, please check it out!

Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter!

Kakashi felt restless.

He woke up from his small nap and couldn't relax. His body was exhausted, yet his mind was anything but.

He was worried about Minato.

Sure, he knew his sensei was strong but that masked man was no joke either. Besides, the cave they were in felt eerie and smelled of dead corpses. Kakashi wanted to get out as soon as possible.

Having his sensei with him brightened his mood slightly though, even if it was only a clone. They chatted idly while they waited, Kakashi had missed it, missed just talking to his sensei about normal stuff.

The Anbu had come back after they dealt with Hidan's remains and sat down next to the tired Jonin and Hokage clone.

"Sensei." Kakashi started with a hoarse voice, breaking the brief silence that had fallen over them. "What do you think is happening right now with Minato-sensei?"

"I don't know, Kakashi." He admitted, but smiled. "I wouldn't worry about it too much though. Everything will turn out fine, I'm sure."

Kakashi couldn't help but believe him, just as when he was younger. Minato's calm voice and presence soothed him, not that he'd ever admit it. He was damn near twenty years old and not a young kid anymore. It would be embarrassing to rely on his sensei so much.

But still, he couldn't help the smile that appeared behind his mask.

After that, Kakashi tried distracting himself by walking around, and speaking to The Anbu. They were in the middle of talking about Kakashi's own Anbu training back in the day in low murmurs, when suddenly, a yellow flash lit the dark cave.

Kakashi's heart jumped and a grin broke across his face.

It was Minato.

"Sensei!"

It was only then that Kakashi noticed a few things that seemed wrong. For one, the man Minato had been fighting was still alive, he was flung over Minato's shoulder with his back facing them.

Kakashi's mouth dropped. His sensei spared the man that killed his wife? After everything he had done? To say Kakashi was stunned would be an understatement.

What was even weirder, was his face. He was emotionless. Even though they had just won, Minato was just staring blankly ahead.

But the moment he heard Kakashi's voice, he smiled. Or at least he tried to, but it came out strained.

The yellow-haired clone wordlessly puffed away, making the real Minato close his eyes for a brief moment as he absorbed all the information.

He opened his eyes and took a good look at Kakashi, making sure he was fine, before his eyes went to the two remaining Anbu.

He nodded at them with a tired smile.

They won, but not without a cost. The small Anbu team he had brought with him to this mission, was reduced to only two.

Minato pursed his lips, If only Hiruzen just had let him go alone. None of this would've happened.

"You didn't kill him?" Kakashi asked, not hiding the shock in his face.

Minato couldn't meet his eyes.

"Put me down, dammit!" The man on his shoulder growled, making Kakashi frown.

His voice sounded familiar.

"Kakashi." Minato finally spoke up with a dry mouth. "I can't even explain... just take a look for yourself."

He put Obito down and stepped back with a heavy sigh.

Soon, the confused look on Kakashi's face was wiped out and was replaced by a look of disbelief. His only visible eye widened and his breath hitched in his throat.

"W-What... is that-?"

"Hello, Kakashi." Obito glared darkly at the Jonin. "If I wasn't bound, I'd kill you."

"I don't-" His wide eye snapped to Minato, but the look on his Mentor's face said it all. "It really is him...?"

First his Sensei came back from the dead and now his old friend, who he had grieved over everyday, since he had 'died'

Obito.

Kakashi wanted to cry, but he controlled himself. "How... I saw you get crushed by that rock- How are you still alive?" he stammered, his one eye staring at Obito's own singular eye in disbelief.

At this point, he wouldn't be surprised if Rin popped out, out of nowhere, to complete the team.

"You wish I was dead, huh?" Obito's one eye pierced Kakashi's. "That way, you killing Rin would be kept under the wraps."

Kakashi's head dropped in shame, before his eye widened again as realization washed over him. "Rin...? So you were there?"

Obito growled, wanting to tear the man into pieces. "I should've killed you right there and then!"

Minato frowned and once again berated himself over the state of his team. One was dead, the other two hated each other.

He let them all down.

With a deep sigh, he picked Obito up and ignored his protests. "Come on everyone, it's time to go home. Our mission is done here."

Kakashi nodded, face stoic. The Anbu walked toward The Hokage wordlessly.

Minato asked everyone to touch him, before he teleported them all back to Konoha with the last bit of chakra he had left.

Naruto scratched his head as he read the question over and over again. He glanced at Sasuke and saw him scribbling down the answers with ease. He wanted to ask the Uchiha for help, but his pride didn't allow him.

He would just make fun of me anyway. He sighed.

Naruto was about to just give up, when he saw Iruka's gaze land on him. The man raised his eyebrow questioningly.

Naruto meekly raised his hand, remembering what he had told him. He half-feared Iruka would shoot him down, or even worse, tell the whole class that he was stupid, but to his surprise he smiled and walked over to him.

"Everything okay, Naruto?" He whispered, crouching down to look at his paper.

Naruto swallowed, shaking his head. "No, Sensei. I don't understand this question at all." he pointed at it with a small voice.

"Hmm, It is worded a little oddly." Iruka rubbed his chin. "Think of it like this. If a Shinobi was to struggle in a battle, what is he supposed to do?"

Naruto looked at him, the answer coming to him immediately. "Call for back up."

Iruka grinned at him and patted him on the shoulder. "Exactly, just type that and you'll be good."

A wide grin broke across Naruto's face and he nodded rapidly. "Thank you, Iruka-Sensei!"

Sasuke groaned when Iruka walked away. "Stop being so loud, loser. I'm trying to focus here."

Naruto rolled his eyes, but the grin never left his lips. "Don't act like this test is hard for you."

The Uchiha shrugged.

The rest of the questions went pretty well for Naruto. Sure he probably got most of them wrong, but at least he actually understood the questions this time and gave it his best.

He caught Iruka smiling at him proudly after they returned their papers and his stomach had fluttered with excitement.

After school was over, he followed Sasuke as usual to their house. The Uchiha couldn't help but notice the spring in Naruto's step and held back a smile.

"How did you do?" Naruto was the first to ask him as they walked.

Sasuke looked at him for a moment, before looking away. "Pretty well."

Naruto nodded and started asking more about the test when they were interrupted by a cheery voice.

"Sasuke, is that you?"

They turned around and Sasuke's face lit up when he saw who it was. "Shisui!"

The teenager was walking toward them with a grin on his face. Sasuke ran toward him excitedly.

Shisui caught the running boy in his arms and laughed. "Long time no see, eh?"

Sasuke nodded with a laugh.

"You've gotten taller, I see." Shisui observed with a grin. His gaze then went to the blonde child and his eyes softened.

"Hello, Naruto."

Naruto waved meekly, it sounded like the older boy knew who he was, but Naruto hadn't seen him before. "Hi."

He was also a little confused. Everyday after academy, Itachi would meet with him and Sasuke, he'd either take them to eat or would walk them home. In fact, Itachi had been with them quite a lot. Even Sasuke was perplexed, his brother usually didn't have time to be with him, but lately he had been sticking around quite a lot.

"I've heard a lot about you." Shisui exclaimed, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Naruto's mouth opened in shock. "You have?"

He nodded and laughed. "Itachi has taken a liking to you, and of course word has gone around about the Fourth Hokage's son." a look of awe came over his face. "Your father is a legend!"

Naruto grinned, feeling very proud. His father was so cool and respected by everyone.

"Where's Itachi?" Sasuke cut in, curious. "I thought he'd come here like every other day."

A strange look flashed across Shisui's face, before it was gone just as quickly. Naruto thought he imagined it. "He's got some stuff he has to deal with and asked me to walk you two home."

Sasuke crossed his arms. "Why do we have to be walked home anyway, we've been alone before and always walked home on our own."

Shisui bit the inside of his cheek, his eyes glancing at the yellow haired boy. He couldn't possibly tell them that he was tasked to watch over Naruto. It would raise too many questions, questions that he didn't have answers to.

"Well, It's always good to make sure."

"Anyway, let's get going." He grabbed both of their hands and started walking. "Are either of you hungry?"

Naruto's face lit up and he licked his lips, which Shisui noticed.

He laughed. "I guess that is a yes then?" he teased, making Naruto blush.

"You're always hungry, fatty!" Sasuke grumbled, glaring at the blonde.

He glared back at him, his face turning redder. "Shut up, Sasuke!"

Shisui laughed again, bringing both kids closer to him and rubbing their heads with his knuckles playfully. He ignored their protests and attempts to escape his hold.

"Did you hear? The Fourth Hokage returned from his mission!" Naruto heard a passing villager say, and the chopsticks in his hand dropped as his body froze.

His dad was back?

A huge grin spread across his face and he was about to bolt from his chair, ramen be forgotten, when Shisui's hand landed on his shoulder.

"Woah, slow down." The teen laughed. "Don't go running around on your own, I'll take you to him."

Naruto didn't understand why, but he was too excited to care so he just nodded.

They walked painfully slow, Naruto wanted to run, but he held the urge back and stayed by Shisui's side.

The grin never left his lips as they walked. His dad was back, after so many painfully slow days.

When he spotted him, his heart felt like it was going to explode from pure excitement.

"Dad!" He screamed, grinning from ear to ear and jumping in place. He waved his hands furiously, trying to catch his attention.

To say Minato had a long day would be an understatement. His joints ached, his head hurt from everything that had transpired. He felt exhausted both mentally and physically. Yet as he heard Naruto's voice calling for him and saw his adorable face light up, a wide genuine smile spread across his face.

When Minato's familiar blue eyes met his and he grinned back at him, Naruto couldn't hold back anymore, he tore his arm away from Shisui and ignored the Uchiha's protests as he bolted toward his dad and jumped into his waiting arms.

Naruto sunk into his embrace and squeezed tightly, feeling safe and warm.

He refused to let go.

"Dad... I missed you so much." He whispered with tears in his eyes. Minato's eyes softened and he ran a hand through his hair affectionately. "I missed you too, Naruto. I'm sorry for taking so long."

After a few minutes, Minato reluctantly pulled back, or at least he tried to, but Naruto's small arms only tightened around him. Minato laughed and pried his arms away gently, so he could look him in the eyes.

"How have you been? Is everything okay?"

Naruto nodded with a wide grin, turning his head to glance at the two Uchiha. "Yeah! Sasuke's family have been so nice to me!"

Minato's eyes went to Shisui and Sasuke and he smiled genuinely. "Thank you, Sasuke."

The boy's eyes widened, before his cheeks turned pink and he looked away.

He looked at Shisui next and the two exchanged grins. He was about to thank him as well, when Kakashi spoke up. "Sensei, what do we do with Obito...?"

Minato's face fell as he turned around to look at the rogue Uchiha who kept his gaze on the ground. He was on Kakashi's shoulder and had been quiet ever since they arrived to the village.

"Put him in a cell and inform the Hokage of everything." He knew he should be going with them to brief the Hokage of their mission. But as he glanced at his son, who was grabbing onto his vest and practically bouncing on the soles of his feet, he knew he had already made his decision. "I'll come by later."

Naruto's eyes went to the strange man they were talking about. He stared at his form curiously and even Sasuke tilted his head. Shisui on the other hand had paled, looking like he was seeing a ghost.

"Who is he?" Naruto asked with a light voice. Obito's head finally snapped up and he glared at him with his one eye, making Naruto shrink back in fear.

"He looks scary."

Minato shot the Uchiha a look of disapproval and wrapped an arm around Naruto.

"It's complicated. He's an old student of mine... who lost his way."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Really?" his face then scrunched up in disbelief. "This guy is a student of yours?" His dad was a good man, why would he have a scary student like him?

Minato smiled sadly. "Life isn't as simple as it may seem. One day you'll understand." Perhaps Naruto too, would grow up to hate him just like Obito. He squashed that bitter thought as soon as it came with a hard swallow.

Naruto looked down thoughtfully. He knew there was more to it than met the eye, the man perched up on top of Kakashi's shoulder looked empty and drained of life. What could've possibly happened to make him so… broken.

Minato watched with pained eyes as his old student was dragged away, into jail. He once again wondered how it had come to this. Obito. His goofy student who had the kindest heart out of everyone Minato knew, was the same man that killed his wife.

A surge of anger shot through him, so sudden, he had to take a deep breath to calm himself. He knew there would always be a part of him that would resent Obito for what happened, but a much bigger part of him, wanted to help Obito.

It was his fault that his student had gone down this dark road in the first place, was it not?

Could he really be angry at Obito for what he had done, when it was he who had failed him?

When he sensed Naruto's eyes on him, he shook his head and forced a smile onto his face. "Come on, let's go home. We have a lot of catching up to do, don't you think?"

Naruto's face lit up and he grinned from ear to ear, already forgetting about the scary Uchiha. "Yes, we do!"

Minato's smile turned genuine and he chuckled. If there was anyone who could cheer him up, no matter the situation, It was Naruto.

He was just too adorable.

He thanked Shisui and Sasuke one more time, grinning when Sasuke only nodded at him shyly, and informed them he would pay them a visit soon. He still had to talk to Fugaku, after all.

Minato hadn't forgotten the man telling him he had something very important he wanted to discuss with him.

"Wait, actually!" Minato looked at him in confusion when Naruto stopped in his tracks and tugged on his arm. "Can I show you some stuff I learned at the Academy with the help of Sasuke and Iruka-Sensei!"

Minato wanted to refuse for a moment, feeling the exhaustion deep in his bones, but how could he when his son was grinning and looking at him with such big, hopeful eyes.

"Of course!" Minato smiled instead. "I'd love to see that!" When Naruto's grin widened and he threw his fist in the air with excitement, Minato chuckled.

Yeah, It was totally worth it.

They went to one of the empty training grounds and Naruto showed him everything he knew, which admittedly wasn't much.

But Minato was actually quite impressed with his kunai throwing skills.

"Where'd you learn that?" He wondered, as he watched him throw one more kunai, which lodged into the tree trunk cleanly without falling off.

Minato was impressed by the precision and accuracy of his throw.

Naruto grinned, holding the last kunai in front of him in a fighting stance. "Sasuke taught me! I even know how to use it in a fight now!"

Minato walked closer to him and fixed his stance a little, bringing his arms a little further apart from each other. "Sasuke taught you good, but try to be a little less stiff."

"Like this?"

"Yeah, that's better." Minato paused, thinking for a moment, before he pulled out his own kunai. Naruto's eyes widened as he looked at the kunai in surprise. It looked different from all the other ones he had seen.

What was that mark on it?

Minato took a few steps back and smirked. "I want you to attack me. Try to land a hit on me."

Naruto frowned, uncertainty in his blue eyes, as he looked down at the sharp weapon in his own hand. "I don't want to accidentally hurt you."

Minato's playful smirk turned into a soft smile. "You won't hurt me, come on." he encouraged him.

Naruto swallowed but reluctantly charged at his father.

Minato easily side stepped and parried his attacks, making Naruto grin. He stopped holding back and hesitating once he realized that he didn't have to worry about anything.

His dad was the Fourth Hokage and the strongest man in the village!

So he tried harder, and harder. Minato only defended himself, not attacking him back. Their light sparring went on for a few minutes. Minato would say a few words of encouragement every now and then, which boosted Naruto's confidence.

Naruto jumped up and swung at him in the middle of the air, when Minato suddenly grabbed his arm and stopped their spar. Naruto looked at him in confusion, when Minato stumbled forward slightly.

"Are you okay, dad?" His voice was full of worry, the kunai immediately dropping from his hand.

Minato looked down and tried to smile but it came out weak. "I'm so sorry, Naruto. I would love to continue our sparring but... I'm exhausted." He hated that look of worry in Naruto's eyes, he hated himself for not being able to do a simple spar with his son.

Naruto shook his head, his kunai on the ground, forgotten, as he looked at his dad and for the first time noticed how worn out he truly looked. He felt guilty now. "Please don't be sorry, it's okay. You should rest."

Minato looked at him, a little surprised, before his gaze softened and he smiled at Naruto appreciatively.

He could see the slight disappointment in Naruto's eyes though, no matter how well he tried hiding it. He had wanted to spend more time with him.

Minato knew he should head back home and rest... but he couldn't leave Naruto like this. Before he knew what he was doing, the words were already tumbling past his lips. "You like Ice cream?"

Naruto's hopeful blue eyes snapped to Minato's and he nodded slowly, trying to keep his excitement to a minimum.

Minato only laughed and ruffled his hair.

"What do you say we go for a walk, I'll even buy you some Ice cream on the way."

Naruto nodded without a thought. Ice cream sounded delicious, and he couldn't even remember the last time he had anything sweet. Yet, somehow the thought of spending more time with his super awesome dad dwarfed the excitement he had for the sugary treat.

Another thought that came into his mind made him frown however. Minato watched curiously as Naruto's small hands reached for his pockets and he took out a frog wallet. The man frowned when he noticed it was nearly empty.

"I don't have m-much, but I can pay-" Minato didn't even let him finish. A hand on his shoulder silenced him and he stared up at his father, feeling his eyes burning with tears.

"Don't worry about that, I'll be paying."

Naruto looked down, not wanting his dad to see his tears. "But, you've already done so much for me, and-"

"And I will do more, because I want to." Minato explained with a soft, yet firm voice, crouching so he could look him in the eyes. "You're my son, nothing makes me happier than being able to do these things for you."

Naruto looked up with teary eyes, his lips trembling slightly. "R-Really? You don't mind?"

Minato shook his head, a sad smile on his lips. "I know life must've been hard for you, living all alone, having to save up money for food and other needed stuff. But you don't have to live like that anymore, okay?" He brought the small boy into a hug. "You have me now."

"Okay dad, I'm sorry." He wiped his tears away with his forearm as his dad got up and squeezed his shoulder gently.

"Don't be."

"How was living with Sasuke?" Minato began after a while, starting up a conversation. "You didn't cause too much trouble, did you?"

"No, Dad." Naruto snickered, then crossed his arms with a pout. "Why do you think so lowly of me."

Minato pretended to look shocked. "Why, you say?" He put a hand on his chin and feigned a thoughtful expression. "Well, I did hear from the Third Hokage that you are known for pulling pranks and have caused him a lot of trouble. I heard you even painted over my Hokage face."

Naruto gasped in disbelief. How dare the old man snitch on him. He was worried for a moment that his dad would really be upset with him, but when he glanced at him and saw the playful grin on his face, he laughed.

"I'm a changed man now! I don't do that kind of stuff anymore!"

"Mhm." Minato didn't sound entirely convinced as he ruffled Naruto's yellow hair. "I'll be keeping an eye on you." he winked.

Naruto fell into fits of giggles as he tried to pry the man's hands away. "Hey! Quit messing up my hair, old man!"

The Fourth Hokage threw his head back and laughed. Naruto's grin widened as he laughed with his father.

Minato took his smaller hand in his, and as the two walked, Naruto began to ramble about anything and everything that came to his mind.

Minato smiled in content, the sound of his excited chatter soothing his troubled mind.

"Obito..." Minato started, but the younger man didn't even look at him. "I know I messed up, really badly. I've made a lot of mistakes. But I don't want to see you like this. It pains me to see you like this."

"Rin wouldn't either..." He added after a moment when his student didn't say anything or react in anyway.

Just as he expected, Obito's head whipped up and he snarled, rushing forward in a sudden movement. He latched onto the bars of his cell and glared at the Fourth Hokage darkly. "Don't talk about her, you have no right!"

Minato didn't even flinch, only looked at him with a sad gaze. "You have time to change still, it doesn't have to be like this." He then turned around and prepared to leave. "We've all made mistakes, you killed my wife and ruined Naruto's life by taking his mother away from him." He accused him, unable to hide the slight bitterness that had laced his voice. As much as he understood Obito's pain, it didn't excuse any of his actions.

Minato didn't see it, but Obito's head dropped just slightly. "We can't change the past, but you can change the future and it doesn't have to be like this."

He paused for a moment, before continuing. "You can still become Hokage. You can build a better life, a life Rin would be proud of."

"The choice is yours, Obito. Just know that I deeply regret everything and… I still care about you." Minato whispered the last part, before finally walking away and exiting the cell, leaving Obito with his thoughts.

He fell onto his butt, his back facing the cold stone wall of the cell. "Damn you, Sensei." he whispered into the empty, cold room.

He just had to ruin everything. Obito had a perfect plan, he was fine living the rest of his miserable life with hatred but his damned shitty Sensei got him second guessing himself, which made him hate him even more.

And Naruto... that damn twerp looked at him with those innocent yet fiery eyes that reminded him so much of his younger self.

You can still become Hokage.

A few tears escaped his eyelids and he clenched his fists. He cried in the silent, dark cell, feeling more lost than ever.