The Third Hokage's office was a solemn place as Minato Namikaze entered, his heart heavy with apprehension. The Hokage's gaze bore into him, filled with a mixture of concern and resolve.
"Minato," the Third Hokage began, his voice measured yet firm. "I've called you here to discuss your sister, Crystal."
Minato's breath caught in his throat at the mention of Crystal's name. His beloved sister, his precious little Crystal, the thought of her causing fear and unease among her peers filled him with a sense of dread.
As the Third Hokage delved into the details of Crystal's behavior at the Academy, Minato's heart sank deeper with each word. The reports of her lack of empathy, her cold-hearted demeanor, and her ruthless nature in sparring sessions painted a picture of a child he barely recognized.
But amidst the accusations, the Hokage's tone shifted, praising Crystal's skills and potential. He spoke of offering her a place in the Anbu, citing her exceptional abilities and the need for someone like her in their ranks.
Minato's mind raced as he struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the decision before him. The Anbu, a world shrouded in darkness and secrecy, was not a place for his innocent sister. He had heard the stories, the tragedies that befell those who wore the mask of the Anbu, and he couldn't bear the thought of Crystal being swallowed by its shadow.
"Please, Hokage-sama," Minato pleaded, his voice trembling with emotion. "You can't do this to her. Crystal is just a child, she's my responsibility. I won't let her be consumed by the darkness of the Anbu."
But the Hokage's resolve remained unyielding. He explained his plan to assign Crystal to a Jonin Sensei, to provide her with the guidance she needed to succeed in the Anbu. And when Minato insisted on being her Sensei himself, the Hokage's tone turned stern.
"Minato," he said, his voice firm with finality. "As her older brother, you are too close to the situation. Crystal needs someone who can provide her with unbiased guidance, someone who can help her navigate the challenges ahead without clouded judgment."
Minato's heart shattered as the weight of the Hokage's words settled upon him. He had fought so hard to protect his family, to shield them from harm, but now, he was powerless to protect his precious sister from the darkness that loomed ahead.
Tears welled in Minato's eyes as he realized the futility of his pleas. The Hokage's decision was final, and he could do nothing to change it. But as he stared into the depths of the Third Hokage's unwavering gaze, a fire ignited within him.
"If anything happens to her," Minato vowed, his voice laced with determination, "I won't forgive you."
The Hokage's fist slammed against the table, his words echoing with finality. Crystal would begin her Anbu training, and Minato would not be able to stand by her side as her Sensei.
As Minato left the Hokage's office, his heart heavy with sorrow and regret, he knew that the battle to protect his precious baby sister had only just begun. And though the road ahead was fraught with darkness and uncertainty, he would never stop fighting for her, for she was his last remaining family, his precious Crystal.
Minato's pov~
Minato's heart felt like it had been torn asunder, the weight of his failure crushing him as he stormed out of the Third Hokage's office. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes, but he refused to let them fall, his emotions a tumultuous storm raging within him.
Using his Flying Thunder God technique, Minato disappeared in a blur, reappearing atop the head of the First Hokage. He sank to his knees, the weight of his sorrow threatening to engulf him. With a heavy heart, he finally allowed himself to surrender to the pain, the tears flowing freely as he wept for his precious sister, Crystal.
Guilt clawed at his chest, gnawing at him relentlessly. He had failed to protect her, failed to keep her from the darkness of the Anbu. As her older brother, it was his duty to shield her from harm, to guide her down the right path. But now, he felt utterly powerless, his failure a bitter pill to swallow.
He didn't know how long he sat there, weeping in the shadow of the First Hokage's statue. Time seemed to stand still as his grief consumed him, leaving him hollow and empty inside.
It was evening when Kushina found him, her concerned gaze piercing through the darkness that shrouded him. She had gone to their home looking for him, only to find an Anbu stationed outside their door and Crystal leaving with her belongings in tow.
As Kushina questioned him, her voice filled with worry and confusion, Minato could only muster a hollow gaze, his eyes devoid of hope. With a heavy heart, he finally managed to speak, his voice barely a whisper.
"The Third Hokage's orders," he murmured, his words heavy with resignation. "Crystal... she's been assigned to Anbu training."
The weight of those words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of his failure to protect his sister. As the darkness of night descended around them, Minato felt a sense of hopelessness wash over him, his heart heavy with the burden of his guilt.
He knew that he would do anything to keep Crystal safe, to shield her from the darkness that threatened to consume her. But now, as he sat atop the head of the First Hokage, he couldn't help but feel utterly powerless in the face of the Third Hokage's decree.
Tears continued to stream down his cheeks as he clung to the statue, his heartache echoing in the empty expanse around him. In that moment, Minato felt as though he had lost everything, his despair consuming him whole.