Chapter One
Father and son.
Namikaze Minato had done it.
For the last 35 years, he had obsessed over this—rewriting, adjusting, and refining his formulas, using every ounce of his expertise in space-time ninjutsu to develop a jutsu that could bring him back. Back to that night. The night he lost everything.
His body ached in protest as he tried to move, the backlash from using such an advanced technique tearing through him. But no amount of pain could compare to what he had already suffered—watching his wife and son die before his very eyes. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to stand, surveying his surroundings.
The massive gates of Konoha loomed just ahead, and he spotted two guards stationed at their usual posts. Neither of them had noticed him yet. His body still trembled from exhaustion, but he had no time to rest. Not when his family's fate depended on him.
With a flicker of movement too fast for a mere Chūnin to track, Minato slipped past the gates, his arrival unnoticed. He pulled up the hood of his cloak, concealing the streaks of white now woven through his once-bright blond hair—a consequence of tampering with space-time for so long.
As he walked the familiar streets of Konoha, he took note of subtle differences. Certain buildings looked newer, constructed within the last decade. His sharp mind immediately began forming theories, but now wasn't the time to dwell on them.
His goal was clear.
Stopping in front of his former home, Minato clenched his fists. He would prevent the masked man's attack. He would ensure that the version of himself in this world never had to experience the pain that had shaped him into the man he had become.
...
...
Hours of research had led him to a single, crushing conclusion.
He was too late.
Nine years had already passed since that fateful night.
Minato sat atop his own Hokage Monument, his expression blank with exhaustion, but the weight in his chest was unbearable. He had failed. Again.
His grave—a solemn marker in the village cemetery—confirmed his fate in this timeline. And now, with the little life force he had left, another jump into the past was impossible. Four years. That was all he had left, assuming he didn't push himself past his limits.
Fifty-nine years of failure.
He had abandoned his duty as Hokage, sacrificed everything for this single chance… and it had amounted to nothing.
Jiraiya had once called him the saviour of this world. The thought made him laugh, though the sound was hollow and cracked with exhaustion. He let his head drop, shoulders sagging in defeat—
Then, a voice rang out, snickering mischievously.
"The look on their faces when they wake up to this," the boy giggled to himself.
Minato's head snapped up.
He moved to the edge of the monument, his weary eyes widening in shock.
Bathed in the soft glow of the moon stood a boy, his golden hair illuminated like a halo, three distinct whisker marks adorning each cheek. Those blue eyes—so bright, so alive—gleamed with a mix of mischief and loneliness.
Minato watched, unable to tear his gaze away as the child scribbled paint onto the Hokage Monument, completely unaware of his presence. Even as the boy defaced the stone likeness of his own face, Minato remained frozen.
Because standing before him, after decades of grief and regret, was his son.
Naruto.
Minato trailed the boy through the village, watching as he walked with an air of carefree mischief. But Minato wasn't fooled. His sharp eyes caught the subtle tension in Naruto's small frame, the way his shoulders stiffened slightly at every whispered insult, at the cold glares the villagers threw his way.
Some murmured their disdain under their breath, unable to contain their contempt. Others barely hid their disgust.
And yet, Naruto kept walking. Head high. Steps steady. As if he couldn't hear them.
Minato, hidden beneath a simple henge, clenched his fists. The son of a Hokage being treated like garbage—this wasn't normal. There had to be a reason. And he would find out.
He followed the boy until Naruto reached his apartment in one of the village's less desirable districts. It wasn't the worst place Minato had seen, but it was far from where the son of a hero should be living. He watched from the cover of a nearby rooftop as Naruto climbed the stairs, his small form disappearing behind the door of his home.
Minato waited.
Hours passed before he finally moved. His chakra control was flawless as he leapt onto Naruto's balcony, landing without a sound. Carefully, he slid the window open and stepped inside.
The apartment was small—a single bedroom, but it was sufficient for a boy his age. It was messy, as messy as one would expect from a nine-year-old child, but it lacked warmth. There were no signs of a parent's touch.
His gaze flicked toward the bed.
Naruto lay sprawled across the mattress, his arms wrapped tightly around his pillow, murmuring nonsense in his sleep. A line of drool slipped from his mouth, his blanket forgotten at the side of the bed.
Minato's expression softened.
With quiet movements, he reached down, pulling the blanket over the boy's small form. He hesitated for only a moment before stepping back, slipping out as silently as he had come.
He had seen enough. Now, he needed answers.
...
...
The tavern was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of cheap sake and damp wood. The quiet hum of conversation filled the space, but Minato paid it no mind. He sat at the far end of the room, hood drawn low over his face, listening.
He had spent hours gathering information, piecing together the details of this world. But what he truly needed was the village's truth about Naruto.
Why was his son treated like an outcast?
His eyes flicked toward a drunken man slouched over the bar, his voice louder than the rest. A retired shinobi, if Minato had to guess. The scars on his arms spoke of battles long past, but his sharp, wary glances at the room suggested old habits hadn't faded.
"…damn brat," the man muttered, swirling his drink. "Always runnin' around causing trouble… like this village doesn't have enough problems." He sneered. "Ain't right, him walking around like any other kid… after what's inside him."
Minato's fingers twitched against the rim of his untouched cup.
'As I feared.'
Rising from his seat, he moved toward the man, steps unhurried. A flick of his fingers inscribed a seal onto his palm—a subtle, low-level genjutsu woven not just with chakra, but with the precision of his fuinjutsu expertise.
He settled onto the stool beside the man, nursing his drink. Then, in a single motion, he clapped a firm but casual hand onto the shinobi's shoulder.
The seal activated instantly.
The man stiffened for half a second before relaxing, his pupils dilating slightly as the genjutsu clouded his already drunken thoughts—not enough to alarm him. Just enough to make him talk.
Minato's voice was low, unthreatening. "What's so bad about the kid?"
The man snorted. "You must be new 'round here."
Minato didn't answer. He let the silence press against the man, a quiet push toward more words.
And it worked.
"That brat's got the damn fox in 'im," the man muttered, taking another swig of sake. "Nine years ago, the Kyuubi tore this village apart. Killed the Fourth Hokage, killed a hell of a lotta good shinobi. Then suddenly—poof—the beast is gone. And there's this kid, born the same damn night." His fingers tapped against the counter. "Some of us knew right away. The way the old man—the Third—looked at him. The way the higher-ups never denied it." He let out a bitter laugh. "Demon fox in a human body."
Minato's jaw tightened beneath his hood.
Hiruzen had kept Naruto's heritage a secret. And the village—the people Minato had once fought to protect—had repaid his sacrifice with hatred.
They didn't see Naruto as a boy.
They saw him as a monster.
The man's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Course, the Third outlawed anyone from talkin' about it. Not that it changes much. Everyone knows. Parents warn their kids away from him. Shopkeepers barely sell to him." He scoffed. "And he—" the man sneered, "—just keeps smiling. Like he doesn't get it."
Minato exhaled slowly, forcing himself to remain still.
Nine years. Nine years of isolation, of scorn. Naruto had grown up alone, hated for something that was never his fault. And worse—he had no idea why.
Minato withdrew his hand, sending a pulse of chakra through his fingertips. The genjutsu released, the man barely noticing as he turned back to his drink.
Without another word, Minato rose, placed a few coins on the counter, and stepped into the cool night air.
His expression was unreadable.
His son had been abandoned by the very village Minato had died to protect.
And now, he had every reason to stay.
...
...
Golden light pierced through the windows, casting warm rays onto Naruto's face. He stirred, groaning as the brightness forced him awake. Squinting against the sunlight, he sat up groggily, stretching his limbs as he tried to shake off the last remnants of sleep.
It had been two days since he last attended the Academy. Two days since he had decided to quit.
The judgment in Iruka's eyes after his harmless prank in the graveyard still lingered in his mind, the hidden disdain cutting deeper than any scolding ever could.
With a shake of his head, Naruto shoved the thought aside, pushing himself off the bed. Dwelling on it wouldn't change anything.
Stripping off his clothes, he stepped into the shower, letting the cold water jolt him fully awake. By the time he emerged, he was dressed and ready for the day, even if he had nowhere to be.
Walking over to his refrigerator, he yanked it open, frowning at the sight of his nearly empty provisions. The Old Man was supposed to bring his stipend soon—hopefully before he ran out of food completely.
After finishing his meal, he locked his apartment and leapt off the balcony, ready to face whatever the day had in store.
...
...
As Naruto wandered deeper into the village, he was met with an unexpected sight.
The paint he had so carefully scribbled onto the Hokage Monument just yesterday at night—his masterpiece—was completely gone. Wiped clean, as if it had never been there.
His eyes widened. "What the hell?!"
His outburst drew a few passing glances, but most villagers simply ignored him, too used to his antics to pay him any real attention.
Before he could dwell on it, a voice called out behind him.
"Hey! Naruto."
Naruto turned to see three familiar figures approaching—boys from his Academy class. He recognized the one in the cap as the leader of the trio. Just a few days ago, he had pranked them, much to his own amusement.
He crossed his arms. "What do you want?"
The boy smirked. "You can join our group."
Naruto blinked, his irritation giving way to surprise. "Really?" His voice brimmed with hope.
"Yeah," the boy nodded, his grin widening. "But you gotta prove you've got guts first."
Naruto leaned in eagerly. "What do I have to do?"
The boy's expression turned sly. "A few days ago, my dad's patrol unit fought some rogue ninja near the eastern forest. They took 'em out, but the bodies are still there." He paused for effect. "Go there and bring back a weapon—or something personal from one of the rogue ninjas—to prove your loyalty."
Naruto's eyes gleamed.
A test. A chance to belong. A chance to have people to play with—without judgment, without cold stares.
"That's easy!" he declared, grinning as he turned toward the forest. "I'll be back before you know it!"
Without another word, he sprinted off, his heart pounding with purpose.
"Are you really going to allow him to join after he scared shit out of us at the graveyard a few days ago?" the glasses-wearing boy of the trio asked curiously.
"Heh. Let a monster like him join? As if," the cap-wearing boy scoffed.
"You see, my dad said the rogue shinobi they fought had a survivor still lingering in the forest," he continued.
"So?" the third boy asked.
The cap-wearing boy smirked. "Yeah, our little pariah, Uzumaki Naruto, is walking into a trap."
With that, he turned toward the academy, his goons following behind him, laughing at their plan.
Unbeknownst to them, two boys—one with his hair tied in a ponytail and another, robust one stuffing his face with chips early in the morning—caught wind of their conversation from under the bridge where they stood.
...
...
Konoha Library (7:22 AM)
Minato had snuck into the library, trying to reacquaint himself with this version of the future.
He searched for major incidents that had occurred over the past ten years.
He wouldn't say he wasn't surprised.
The entire Uchiha clan massacred by a 13-year-old boy in a drunken haze to prove his superiority.
The ongoing bloodline extermination in the Mist Village.
Hiruzen Sarutobi reinstated as Hokage after this world's Minato perished.
The Hyūga Clan stepping up as the leading and most influential clan in Konoha.
The morning light slipped through the windows of the restricted section he currently occupied—an area not accessible to shinobi below Jōnin rank.
'I was Hokage,' Minato mused. 'That means I still have access to these places.'
He needed more information, but for now, he would be content with what he had discovered.
With a final glance at the records, Minato slipped through the upper floor window, unheard by the librarians filtering in for their morning shift.
I need to establish a base—a place I can work from unnoticed.
Deep in the Forest of Death, he would build a cabin.
But first, he needed to check on Naruto at the academy.
...
...
Konoha Academy
Iruka's classroom was filled with its usual hum of morning chatter as he took attendance, calling each student one by one.
He continued until he reached the enigma that was Uzumaki Naruto—the bane of his existence.
"Uzumaki Naruto," he called out.
Silence.
The usual boisterous boy was nowhere to be found. Iruka scanned the classroom, frowning.
"Has anyone seen Naruto?" he asked.
Murmurs of no spread through the room.
Just as he was about to move on, a voice unexpectedly cut through the air.
"Naruto is at the eastern forest," the ponytailed boy answered, his gaze locked onto the trio of boys who had sent Naruto there.
"Right, Hayama?" he added.
The cap-wearing boy, Hayama, gritted his teeth, fists clenching.
"Why are you asking me about that prankster, Shikamaru?" he shrugged.
"That's enough," Iruka's firm voice cut through the room, leaving no room for further discussion.
Shikamaru sat back, but his displeasure was clear. He had wanted Hayama and his group to be punished for deceiving Naruto, but it seemed the issue would be left unresolved.
Unbeknownst to the entire class, a shadow was listening outside the window.
Then, it disappeared.
Naruto grinned as he caught sight of his target—shuriken littered the ground, kunai embedded in trees, scars of a battle fought not long ago. The morning sun illuminated the battlefield, making the scene feel almost surreal.
He walked around, searching for any kunai or shuriken that were still intact.
Minutes passed before something caught his eye—a Fūma shuriken, its blades pristine and unbroken.
If I bring this back, Hayama and the others will let me join their crew for sure!
Lifting the heavy shuriken, Naruto turned toward the village, excitement bubbling in his chest—
Only for a voice to cut through the morning stillness.
"Well, well, well."
Naruto froze.
A man stepped into view, clad in a gray version of a Konoha Chūnin vest, his standard shinobi pants dirtied and torn. A Fūma shuriken rested on his back, even larger than the one Naruto had just picked up.
The man's green hair was wild, his eyes sharp with unhinged amusement.
"We weren't able to best the patrol unit from Konoha and were ruthlessly cut down," he murmured, voice thick with resentment.
His gaze locked onto Naruto, a predatory grin spreading across his face.
"Perhaps this is Kami's way of quenching my anger—by delivering me a boy."
He took a step forward, movements slow, deliberate, almost savoring the moment.
Naruto's breath hitched.
Then—instinct kicked in.
He bolted, tearing through the forest as fast as his nine-year-old legs could carry him, heart pounding wildly.
Behind him, the rogue shinobi let out a dark chuckle.
"Oh, come on now! You're not actually thinking you can outrun me, are you?"
Naruto kept running, darting through the trees, but the rogue shinobi kept up easily, pivoting through the forest with expert grace. His movements were almost lazy, his expression bordering on boredom, as if the chase had already become tedious.
After a few minutes, the green-haired man pulled out a kunai with an explosive tag attached. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled it ahead of Naruto.
Boom!
The explosion sent Naruto spiraling through the air, disoriented. Before he could react, the rogue kicked him mid-air, sending him crashing against the base of a tree.
Naruto grunted in pain, clutching the side of his stomach where the man had struck. His face twisted into a glare as he shouted:
"What did I ever do to you?!"
He gritted his teeth, eyes dropping as his voice suddenly turned solemn.
"I just wanted some kunai..."
The rogue scoffed. "And I wanted to be rich as hell and live a luxurious life." His smirk widened as he took a step forward. "We don't always get what we want, brat. But maybe you can help me take the first step towards my goal. I'm sure there's someone out there willing to pay a good price for a boy your age."
His tone turned mockingly sweet, but the malice in his eyes was unmistakable.
Naruto's breathing grew heavy.
This is it...
For as long as he could remember, the villagers had hated him, feared him—but none had ever dared to actually hurt him. Words, glares, whispers—that was all.
But this man?
This man was going to kill him or sell him to the highest bidder.
All because I just wanted... someone to accept me.
The rogue's hand shot forward, fingers reaching for Naruto's throat.
But then—
A calm voice cut through the tension.
"There you are. I've been looking for you."
Both Naruto and the rogue whipped their heads toward the voice.
A man stood at the edge of the clearing, his hood pulled over his head, concealing much of his face. Only his amethyst eyes gleamed beneath the shadow of his cloak.
The rogue narrowed his eyes. "Who the hell are you?"
The stranger didn't move. Instead, he spoke softly, almost casually.
"Can you let go of my nephew?"
Naruto blinked. "Nephew?!"
The rogue scoffed. "And if I don't?"
Minato sighed. "Then I'll have to make you."
Before the rogue could react, two kunai left Minato's fingers, embedding themselves in the tree behind Naruto.
The rogue chuckled mockingly. "You missed."
Minato simply stared impassively.
A second later—one of the kunai detonated.
A brilliant flash of light engulfed the clearing, blinding both Naruto and the rogue.
Minato didn't waste a second.
He vanished.
Before the rogue could recover, his arm was wrenched away from Naruto, and a sharp kick slammed into his gut, launching him backward. His body smashed through multiple trees, finally coming to a painful stop.
The rogue groaned, clutching his stomach, his vision blurred from the impact. Blood dripped from a fresh wound on his forehead.
As his eyesight cleared, his gaze locked onto the figure standing protectively in front of Naruto.
Minato turned slightly toward Naruto, his voice gentle.
"Are you alright?"
Naruto swallowed hard and nodded slowly.
His mind was racing.
No one—not the villagers, not the shinobi, not even his teachers—had ever protected him before.
Only Teuchi and the Hokage had shown him kindness, but this was different. This man had fought for him.
A strange warmth spread through his chest.
The rogue, still clutching his stomach, forced himself to stand, though his movements were sluggish. He chuckled darkly, wiping the blood from his brow.
"You're fast," he admitted.
Then, his expression twisted with wild amusement. "Let's see how you dodge this."
He reached for the Fūma shuriken strapped to his back.
But before he could even complete his hand seals, Minato vanished.
A cold blade pressed against his throat.
The rogue froze, his entire body locking up.
His skin prickled with sweat.
"P-Please..." he stammered, his voice suddenly shaking.
Minato ignored him.
With a single clean motion, he plunged his kunai into the rogue's throat.
Blood gurgled from the man's mouth as he collapsed lifelessly onto the forest floor.
Naruto's eyes widened.
His breath hitched as he stared at the motionless body, realization slamming into him like a tidal wave.
He's... dead.
For the first time in his life, Naruto saw someone die.
And it wasn't like the books described.
There was no grand final moment. No slow, dramatic fall. Just a simple movement—quick, efficient, absolute.
Minato wiped his kunai on the rogue's clothes before turning back to Naruto.
The blond boy stared at him, eyes wary.
Minato smiled softly, his tone gentle once more.
"Don't be scared."
Naruto swallowed thickly, his fists clenching. "...Who are you?"
Minato crouched down to his level.
"Your uncle. Your father's younger brother."
Naruto froze.
"My... uncle?"
His voice was barely above a whisper.
Minato nodded, then lifted a hand. "Come on. I'll take you somewhere safe."
Before Naruto could process what was happening, Minato placed a hand on his shoulder—
And the world blinked.
Naruto's feet hit solid ground again.
He stumbled slightly, blinking at his new surroundings. The dense foliage, the untouched earth—they were deep in the forest now.
Minato turned to face him.
"This will be my base."
Naruto looked around uncertainly, still shaken from everything that had happened. Then, he took a breath and focused on the man before him.
"Does that mean... you knew my parents?" he asked hesitantly.
Minato's eyes softened.
"I'm sorry... but your parents are dead."
Naruto looked down, his fists trembling at his sides. "...I see."
A beat of silence.
Then—
"I'll tell you about them."
Naruto's head snapped up.
Minato smiled faintly.
"But only under one condition."
Naruto frowned. "What condition?"
Minato's expression turned serious.
"You can't tell anyone about me. And—"
He took a step closer, his next words firm, unyielding.
"You return here tomorrow. For training."
Naruto blinked. "Training?"
Minato nodded. "I'm going to make you the strongest shinobi this village has ever seen."
Naruto's breath hitched. "...Really?"
Minato nodded once. "But for now, you need to go back to the village. Before your academy teacher starts looking for you."
Naruto scowled at the mention of Iruka but didn't argue. He turned to leave—
Then paused.
"Wait... what else were you gonna tell me?"
Minato smirked.
"That you'll find out tomorrow."
Naruto pouted. "Tch. Fine."
And with that, he headed back to the village, his mind racing with everything that had just happened.
A/N.
Reviews, suggestions and constructive criticism are always welcomed.
Fun fact: this version of Minato is unaware that Obito carries a mark from the Hiraishin as he was unable to mark him in their encounter in his world