Author's Notes:
Well, I don't remember originally uploading my initial draft. I did take some of the original comments into consideration. I am working on better expanding the build up into the relationships. More to come on the wave arc.
Crywolf178 – You are right, this was more of a cliff notes version as I typically write out my initial draft and then go back and further expand or change things. Hopefully this is a bit better.
Prologue: The Unexpected Arrival
The malevolent chakra of the Kyūbi no Yōko saturated the air around Konoha, its roar echoing through the mountains. The village was now a battlefield, with shinobi and civilians scrambling to defend their homes and families. The Kyūbi suddenly focused on the Hokage monument and on top of the fourth head stood a man, Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect his village and his newborn daughter.
After transporting a purple spherical attack from the Kyūbi, Minato was able to use Gamabunta, a giant toad, to hold the Kyūbi long enough to teleport it to a clearing where his wife, Kushina Namikaze, and his child were waiting.
Once in the clearing, Kushina wasted no moment in unleashing her Adamantine chains to restrain Kyūbi and forming a barrier around the clearing. As Minato prepared the sealing ritual, a sudden distortion rippled through the air and a blinding light erupted, momentarily making Minato pause. As the light faded, a young man appeared, clad in a tattered cloak reminiscent of his own, blonde hair matted with seat and grime. Most noticeably, his cerulean eyes seemed to glow with power, though weary and tired.
The stranger approached the Kyūbi without any hesitation and after a series of swift hand signs, he too summoned Adamantine chains, firmly securing the Kyūbi in place. Minato, Kushina and the onlookers outside the barrier watched in astonishment as the young placed it's hands on Kyūbi's colossal snout.
"Rest now," he murmured, and in an instant, the Kyūbi's massive form dissipated, it's chakra absorbed into the young man's body. The oppressive energy that had loomed over the village vanished, in its place an eerie silence.
Turning towards Minato and Kushina, the stranger's gaze softened. "Mom… Dad…"
Minato cautiously stepped forward. "Who are you?" he demanded, kunai at the ready. However, he was brushed aside by Kushina, caution overridden my maternal instincts. She approached Naruto and placed her hand to his left cheek.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki and… " Naruto paused as he noticed the bundle in Kushina's arms. He then looked around, and continued "… it's summer… that's not me," he pointed at the baby. "Um… in my world, I was born on October 10th and you died sealing Kurama into me."
"Tell us more," Minato said simply.
Naruto continued, his voice heavy with the burden of his experiences, "After your deaths, the village never really recovered. First Danzo staged a failed coup but caused further instability. The remaining Uzumaki gathered and settled in the village, taking me in. Twelve years after the Kyūbi attack, Konoha fell at a joint invasion. Hiruzen-sensei died defending the village, sending me away with the Uzumaki. Jiraiya-sensei was next in order to ensure Tsunade-Baachan could come aid me. She too died when Sunagakure fell. Finally, in a last ditch effort, the Uzumaki used a seal to send me back, hoping to change the past."
Minato could not deny the pain and truth Naruto's eyes held, "You've been through so much, my son. We can talk more later, for now you're home."
Together, they headed back to the village and as the family was seen huddled together, villagers began to whisper about the mysterious stranger who looked so much like the Hokage.
Over the next few days, Naruto realized that this was truly a different world. Menma had been born in his place and cherry blonde hair like little Mito. Furthermore, nothing had happened that night. His knowledge of the future was useless here, all he could do now was continue to polish his skills and grow his power so it would be enough to handle anything.
The council meeting had been tense as Inoichi Yamanaka had confirmed his story, "His memories… his world was a battlefield. It makes the third great war seem like a mere playground brawl. So much death and destruction."
The more difficult question had been how to explain Naruto's appearance without causing alarm. "Don't hide it but don't tell them everything. The Uzumaki had a tendency to play with dangerous seals. Just leave it at that. He's their child but a result of a seal gone wrong," Shukaku Nara said.
With that, Minato took the opportunity to announce with Kushina, that Naruto would become the official head of the Uzumaki Clan. "Kushina is a Namikaze by marriage, and Naruto is an adult who wields the blood and strength of the Uzumaki clan. It's his right," Minato told the council. Naruto had not known about this but the council had no opposition beyond requesting an official DNA test first. One Minato had already ordered and presented the results to the council.
Meeting the Hokage's Student
The warm afternoon sunlight bathed the streets of Konoha as Minato and Kushina led Naruto through the village. Naruto was still struggling with the differences between his world and this new one. The air here was peaceful, not full of despair and pain like his world. Here there was happiness and joy, as evidenced by the little bundle in Kushina's arms, baby Mito.
As they approached the training grounds, there was a presence that made Naruto's breath hitch. A silver-haired man walked with an effortless grace, hands stuffed in his pockets, a deceptively relaxed posture. His hitai-ate sat askewy, covering his left eye, and a mask concealed the lower half of his face, but Naruto did not see his features to recognize him from his own world.
Inu.
A flood of memories came to him—a silent protector shrouded in ANBU armor, hiding in the shadows, watching a boy too young to bear the burdens placed on him. Naruto had never spoken to him, but had always felt Inu's presence, but most importantly, when Konoha fell, Inu had given his life without hesitation, stepping between Naruto and an Iwa-nin's fatal strike.
It was here that Naruto realized why there was no hesitation from Inu. He'd been his father's student and while he seemed a little less jaded, the pain from his chakra signature was unmistakable, the loneliness, grief, and regret were still there.
"This is Kakashi," Minato said as he gestured to his student.
Kakashi gave a casual wave. "Yo."
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle as he asked, "Just a 'yo'?"
Kushina sighed dramatically. "That's just how he is. Even as a kid, he barely spoke."
Suddenly, Naruto decided he would befriend Kakashi. He reached out and grabbed Kakashi. "C'mon, I'm starving. You're coming with me to this new place I found."
Kushina giggled as she watched Kakashi get dragged off by Naruto.
The rich aroma of broth and simmering pork filled the small ramen stand. Naruto felt at home in this little stall he'd discovered just the other day.
"Teuchi-jiji! Give me three miso pork ramen bowls!"
Kakashi quickly eyed the menu "I'll try the shoyu."
The food quickly arrived, and they dug in. Naruto was confused as to how Kakashi could eat with his mask on but decided not to question it. They were enjoying the quiet moment after when it was suddenly interrupted by a booming voice.
"Kakashi, my eternal rival!" A green blur burst into the stand, a man with a bowl-cut had firmly planted himself beside him. Naruto couldn't help but notice his thick eyebrows which arched with dramatic intensity.
"This is Might Guy," Kakashi said with a sigh as gestured at the man to Naruto. He then looked at Guy and said, "Must you always be so loud, Guy?"
"It's the flames of youth, my friend," Guy said as he placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "Who is your new friend, Kakashi?"
"Naruto Uzumaki. And you must be Might Guy, taijutsu specialist." Naruto said with a smirk.
Guy beamed. "Have you heard of me?"
"Not quite," Naruto admitted, "but that outfit makes it clear. Your muscles are practically screaming at me."
"Such a keen eye! I like you!" Guy said as he put an arm around Naruto in a side hug.
"Not so tight, bushy brows…" Naruto said with a cough. He did notice the signs of a small smile under Kakashi's mask as Guy finally let go.
A few weeks later found Naruto wandering the village. Both Kakashi and Guy were off on missions. Naruto was unfortunately stuck in the village given his sudden appearance; it would remain this way for a while. He and his father had worked on improving village defense seals. But today Minato had meetings to attend so Naruto was bored so he headed toward the training fields.
The sound of steel slicing through the air caught Naruto's attention and his eyes landed on a figure practicing fluid sword strikes. Each movement was precise and controlled. Naruto watched for a moment before the man noticed and paused mid-swing.
"Sorry, couldn't help but notice your skills. That's a nice blade too," Naruto said as reached behind his head in slight embarrassment.
"I didn't realize the Hokage's son was interested in swords. Hayate Gekkō," the man said in between coughs.
"I'm fairly good with the sword myself. Interested in sparring?" Naruto said with a smirk and a seal suddenly appeared on his wrist and with a quick glow, a blade appeared in front of him. As he drew the blade, a crimson katana gleamed under the sunlight. This was a no ordinary sword, it pulsed with his chakra, forged through Uzumaki craftsmanship. Hayate smiled and nodded.
Over the next hour, the two men clashed blades. Naruto used his chakra to further suppress himself, there was no need to overwhelm Hayate with his speed. Hayate could tell that Naruto wasn't going all out but he was not holding back on his bladework. This was purely about swordsmanship. This was rare in Konoha, where there were few sword styles unlike other nations like Kiri. Just as Hayate was about to press the attack, a voice cut through the air.
"You're having fun," A young woman who stood at the edge of the clearing said. Her violet hair was tied back, and a sword was strapped to waist. Naruto noticed her sharp, calculating gaze at him but then a sudden warmth as she looked over to Hayate.
Naruto was introduced to her. Yūgao Uzuki, Hayate's childhood friend. The sudden explanation of their friendship made Naruto smirk. They clearly hadn't realized it yet, but he could tell there was more than just friendship there. Idiots.
Much to Naruto's surprise, Hayate and Yūgao were friends with Kakashi and Guy. As a result, Naruto found himself in a dimly lit bar just outside the heart of Konoha. He enjoyed how they were subtly trying to integrate him further into the village's social circles. It certainly made his life easier in getting to know people.
"You're finally meeting the rest of us," Asuma Sarutobi said with a smile, a cigarette lazily perched between his lips. "You've been kind of a mystery."
Kurenai Yuhi, sitting beside Asuma, gave Naruto a polite nod. "Yes, it's good to finally meet you. The mysterious young man who is barely younger than his own father."
Naruto smiled, "Well Uzumaki seals don't always quite work as intended."
A hand slammed down Naruto's shoulder a sultry voice said, "So you're the Hokage's secret love child, huh? You're even cuter up close."
Naruto turned his head slightly and was met with a pair of gleaming amber eyes, full lips curled into a devilish grin. She was absolutely stunning.
"That's Anko Mitarashi," Kurenai said helpfully.
Anko, leaned closer, hear breath warm against his ear, "You're even cuter up close."
The table's reactions were mixed—Asuma was smirking, clearly enjoying this. Kurenai sighed as if she expected nothing less, Hayate and Yūgao were mildly amused. Kakashi, of course, had his nose buried in his book, though Naruto could tell he was listening.
Anko bulled back slightly, her grin widening. "Cat got your tongue?"
Naruto's brain finally reset, and his lips curled into a smirk of his own. "Oh no, just a bit surprised, is all. It's not every day a gorgeous woman like yourself throws herself at me."
The table went silent, and even Kakashi peered up from his book. Anko just blinked. Then, she threw her head back in a real, full-bodied laugh. "Oh, I like you."
"Good. 'Cause I was thinking the same thing about you," Naruto said with a lowered voice. He saw a flicker in Anko's eyes.
"Careful, blondie," she purred. "I bite."
Naruto's grin widened as he said, "I hope you don't expect me to complain." At that, Asuma choked on his drink.
Naruto took a deep breath as he stood outside Anko's apartment. She'd happily accepted his invitation for dinner, but only if she got to cook—so here he was. He knocked softly on the door.
After a moment, Anko opened the door in a loose-fitting shirt and shorts, her purple hair still damp from a shower. "Took you long enough."
Naruto grinned, "I thought I'd give you enough time to actually get dressed."
Anko rolled her eyes and teasing waved him in as she said, "Come on in, lover boy. I hope you're hungry."
The scent of spices filled the small apartment, making Naruto's mouth water. He looked around, taking in the organized chaos of her space—scattered kunai on a table, a half-read novel on the couch.
Anko nudged him toward the table as she proceeded to move through the kitchen with effortless ease. Naruto found himself watching her more than the food she was setting out. "So what's it like being the Hokage's kid?"
"Oh, it's weird because I feel like I'm just getting to know him. But I want to know about you, it seems that few are willing to talk about you in the village," Naruto said as he reached over for some food.
Anko just sighed and swirled her drink, " Fine. You wanna know the big, bad secret?" She held up two fingers. "I was trained by Orochimaru as his apprentice, he trained me, built me up, and then abandoned me like I was nothing when he betrayed the village. People think I'm just like him, the snake bitch.
She then revealed her shoulder, "And he left me a 'gift'. One that I know he can use to control me. Even Lady Kushina is unable to remove it."
Naruto looked at the seal, "Can I take a closer look?"
"What?" Anko asked in surprise.
"Your seal. Can I take a closer look? I'm more skilled in fūinjutsu than even my mother. And even at just a glance, I think I can tell how that works," Naruto said without any hesitation. He continued, "If I can, I'd remove it for you or if it's what I think it is, I can make it a tool for you to wield of your own choosing."
"Are you serious? What do you get out of this?" Anko said. She liked the man, but her wary nature still took control. She did, however, turn her back to Naruto and lowered her shirt to give him better access to her seal after she saw the conviction in his eyes. She gasped as Naruto gently touched her seal, his warm touch making her heart race. Not only because the possibility of being freed from this seal, but something more.
"I can remove it," Naruto said simply, "Or… I can make it better."
"Better?" Anko asked. "How can—"
"We have to talk to my dad first. I'll explain everything there. I promise." Naruto said.
The Hokage's office was filled with tense silence and Minato Namikaze tapped his fingers across on the desk, his eyes fixated on his son. Next to Naruto was Anko, her arms crossed and expression unreadable.
"So, you can remove it or you can improve it?" Minato asked, unbelieving of the possibility. He, Jiraiya, and Kushina had been unable to do anything with the seal and although he knew his son was a seal master well beyond his own level, he was amazed.
"Yes, I don't think that Orochimaru quite knew what he was doing but I can remove all the negative parts of this seal, the control aspects, the forced submission, and adjust the seal to better channel Nature chakra efficiently without the side effects the current method would cause," Naruto said.
"You mean Senjutsu?" Minato asked.
"Yes, the pain she gets is from when the seal currently releases nature chakra into her system in bursts due to its incomplete nature. Her body is already used to the chakra so if we change it to trickle continuously, it will strengthen her.
Minato exhaled slowly before giving Anko a considering look. "What do you want to do?"
Anko stared at Naruto for a long moment. He hadn't lied to her, he didn't hesitate to try to help her the moment he learned about her seal. He was offering her not only freedom, but a way to use this seal against her former sensei. She smirked. "Hell, let's do it."
The last four years had passed in a blur. Naruto had become a fixture in the lives of his closest friends. Anko and Naruto spent more time together and had quickly fallen into an easy, passionate relationship. One that included trust and a deep, unspoken understanding between them. Their playful banter always cheering up the rest of their friends. Asuma and Kurenai, too, had found their own rhythm and were now dating.
Even Hayate and Yūgao had finally, to everyone's relief, realized what the rest of them had known for years—they were in love. Hayate's health had improved over the last few years thanks to new discoveries Tsunade had made.
"Come on, lover boy," Anko teased as she had just returned from a mission. "Let's get a bite to eat!"
"How about some ra—" Naruto was interrupted when Minato's ANBU appeared beside.
"The Hokage needs you immediately," the ANBU said before disappearing.