"Talking"
'Thinking'
Biju talk/think/Jutsu
Flash Back
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
"WHAT?!" Mikoto exclaimed, her voice echoing through the training grounds. Kushina swiftly lunged forward, clamping a hand over her best friend's mouth while shooting a worried glance towards the children diligently practicing their chakra control on the nearby water surface. Kushina had already activated the training ground's privacy seals, but the children were still within its protective range.
Across the distance, blue eyes met violet. Kushina was taken aback to see a flicker of understanding in Minaruki's gaze before the child offered a small nod and returned to her water-walking katas.
Mikoto yanked Kushina's hand away from her mouth, her dark eyes wide with disbelief and a hint of panic. "How are you even alive? Isn't that supposed to kill you?!" she hissed, her voice low and urgent.
Kushina shrugged, meeting her best friend's frantic gaze with a surprising degree of nonchalance. "Normally? Yes," she stated matter-of-factly. Mikoto paled considerably.
"Then… how?" she implored, her voice barely a whisper.
Kushina glanced towards Minaruki, a soft expression on her face. "She has a stronger seal. It somehow pulled the fox from me and into her. But I think being near her has helped. At first, just getting through the day was excruciating. I was constantly exhausted. I have a theory—"
"Minato has a theory," Mikoto interjected with a wry snort.
Kushina ignored her teasing. "Because the fox essentially just moved from one seal to another instead of being forcibly ripped out, I was spared the worst of it. All I've really had to endure is severe chakra exhaustion. Being in close proximity to Minaruki seems to facilitate my recovery, as the fox's chakra still subtly leaks from her when she sleeps."
"Are you even allowed to be telling me this?" Mikoto suddenly tensed, her gaze darting around as if expecting eavesdroppers.
Kushina offered a sheepish smile. "Nope. But I needed someone I trust implicitly, someone with the Sharingan, to know. Minaruki insists that she and the fox are friends, but I can't entirely trust that the fox isn't simply manipulating her. Minato and I can manage the seal ourselves, but if we're out of the village on a mission, I need you to keep a watchful eye on her for me."
"The Hokage?" Mikoto questioned, her brow furrowed.
"Will understand my concern," Kushina deflected smoothly.
"Hn," Mikoto responded with the typical Uchiha non-committal sound, though Kushina could detect a hint of lingering disbelief in her tone.
"So, you'll protect her when we aren't here? I know Sakumo-senpai is incredibly strong, but your Sharingan offers a different kind of protection."
Mikoto sighed, a hint of resignation in her voice. "I should have never told you about my Mangekyou," she muttered under her breath.
Kushina simply shrugged, a beaming smile spreading across her face. That was about as close to a "yes" as she was likely to get from her stoic Uchiha friend.
Minaruki sighed softly as she eavesdropped on Kushina and Mikoto's conversation. She hadn't realized that Mikoto was aware of her mother's past as the previous Jinchuriki. Her reanimated form during the war had never hinted at such knowledge, only that she had suspected they were her friends' children.
Shaking away these lingering thoughts, she refocused on her sparring match with Kakashi. He was showing significant improvement, but so was she.
Soon after, they were both gestured to sit down and observe the older teenagers' spar. Minaruki's jaw dropped in genuine surprise at the fierce display unfolding before them. Even their taijutsu was so lightning-fast that she knew Kakashi couldn't fully perceive its speed. They seamlessly transitioned into ninjutsu, and Minaruki felt a tremor of restrained excitement course through her as Kushina's signature chains materialized.
"Sugoi!" Minaruki exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.
"Hai," Kakashi agreed, letting out a stunned sigh, completely engrossed in the spectacle.
Kushina whipped her chains around her body in a fluid motion before launching an attack on Mikoto. Mikoto's Sharingan eyes darted around, tracking every movement, effortlessly dodging each chain and every direct assault Kushina launched. Abruptly, both women halted their taijutsu, simultaneously pulling out small scrolls. With twin puffs of summoning smoke, they each held gleaming katanas. The ensuing kenjutsu battle was a blur of motion. Kushina's chains remained active, lashing out while Mikoto expertly deflected each strike, holding her own against her formidable best friend.
'Has she always been this incredible?' Minaruki mentally queried Kurama, her gaze fixed on Kushina's impressive skill.
Kurama lazily opened one massive, slitted eye, peering through his host to assess the object of her fascination. Witnessing the two kunoichi locked in intense combat, he let out a dismissive snort. "Are they at it again?"
'Kurama?'
"Yes, brat. These two are among the most formidable kunoichi of their respective eras. They had Hatake as their sensei, remember? He's a kenjutsu specialist. Minato fears them for good reason."
Minaruki snorted softly, but her attention remained glued to the captivating spar.
"Ne, Kashi?"
"Hm?" he replied, his gaze unwavering from the ongoing fight.
"What's your dream for when you grow up?"
"To become a shinobi as strong as my Tou-san. You?" he answered without hesitation.
Minaruki's soft smile shifted into a fierce, determined grin. "To become an extraordinary kunoichi. One who surpasses those who came before me. I don't just want to be as strong as them; I want to be stronger."
Kakashi paused, finally turning his gaze to her. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice firm. "I want to surpass Tou-san too."
Minaruki met his determined gaze with an equally resolute one of her own. "Together?" she asked, a hopeful glint in her eyes.
"Hai. Together," he nodded firmly. Minaruki beamed, reaching out to take his hand as they continued to watch the two women spar. She deliberately ignored the faint blush creeping up Kakashi's cheeks, holding his hand a little tighter in her own.
Minaruki smirked, her gaze fixed on Kai, who simply glared back at her.
"I genuinely thought you'd leave me out of this," he grumbled during lunch the following day, his voice laced with annoyance.
"Never," Minaruki replied, her grin widening. Kakashi snorted softly, continuing his own lunch, seemingly unfazed by their exchange.
"Just because you haven't been caught yet doesn't guarantee you won't be," Kai retorted, a hint of a pout in his tone.
Minaruki merely smirked again, a silent acknowledgment of his frustration. Kai visibly suppressed a whimper of defeat, his Uchiha pride battling against the undeniable reality of the kunoichi's success.
"Oi!" Obito called out, bounding over to their small group, a wide, enthusiastic grin plastered across his face. His spiky pink hair clashed spectacularly with his orange goggles. "Did you guys hear? Someone pranked—" He paused abruptly, noticing Kai's presence.
"Ah, Kai-nii."
"Hello, Obito," Kai replied, offering his cousin a small, tight smile. "Yes, they've all heard and seen the… artistic modifications someone made to our clan."
Obito slumped, plopping down between Minaruki and Kai. He crossed his arms, directing a dramatic glare into the middle distance. "I still can't believe the prankster even managed to get Kaito-oji-sama."
"I can," Kakashi interjected dryly, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Obito shot him an irritated look. "Oh? Do you know who it is? Everyone's searching for them."
"I heard even ANBU is involved in the hunt," Genma added, hopping down gracefully from a nearby tree branch.
"Shishō said it's a complete waste of time looking. That some red-haired Uzumaki was probably the culprit," Anko chimed in, squeezing herself between Obito and Minaruki.
"Shishō?" Obito asked the purple-haired girl, tilting his head in confusion.
"Orochimaru-sama took her on as an apprentice," Kurenai explained, leaning over Minaruki with a soft smile. "Ne, Minaruki, would you like to join my friends and me at the park this afternoon?"
Minaruki opened her mouth to reply but paused, a familiar chakra signature entering her sensory range. She smiled sweetly at Kurenai. "Thank you. Tomorrow instead?" she asked.
Kurenai's smile remained warm. "That will be lovely."
"Eh? Can we come too?" Kai asked, a hint of hopeful eagerness in his voice.
"Absolutely not, boys," Anko declared, a playful glare directed their way. "You two just suck all the fun out of everything."
Kai recoiled, a hurt expression flashing across his face.
Minaruki swiftly reached over and pinched Anko's leg, eliciting a sharp yelp from the purple-haired girl.
"Be nice," Minaruki chided gently.
Anko pouted, harrumphed dramatically, and turned her face away in a sulk. Kurenai sighed softly but offered the boys a reassuring smile.
"It will be fine. The more of us there are to play ninja, the more fun we'll have."
Minaruki observed and listened as her circle of friends expanded, their chatter filled with excited plans for their ninja playdate after the academy the following day. However, her attention drifted as she subtly extended her senses, tracking the familiar chakra signature she had detected earlier. A happy smile tugged at her lips, and her hand instinctively reached for Kakashi's.
Kakashi glanced at her, noticing the distant look in her eyes. He briefly wondered what had captured her attention, but Gai's boisterous voice quickly pulled him back into their conversation. It wasn't until after the academy dismissal that Kakashi would understand Minaruki's unusual behavior.
As soon as the final bell rang, Minaruki grabbed Kakashi's hand and bolted towards the academy gates.
"Mina!" Kakashi yelped, startled by her sudden action. "What's wrong this time?"
Minaruki simply grinned at him over her shoulder, her excitement palpable. He frowned, trying to decipher her unusual energy.
"Where are you taking me?" he asked, struggling to keep pace with her rapid stride.
Minaruki just giggled as they raced out of the academy grounds. It wasn't until they were beyond the gates that Kakashi finally understood, a familiar and comforting scent carried on the breeze reaching his nose. Soon, Kakashi was practically dragging Minaruki along, his own pace quickening with anticipation. They rounded a corner, and there, standing with Kushina and Minato, was Sakumo.
"Tou-san!" Kakashi shouted, his voice filled with uncontainable joy, releasing Minaruki's hand to sprint towards his father.
Minaruki was right beside him, however. Together, they launched themselves at the White Fang, who greeted them with a warm, loving smile.
Sakumo let out a soft grunt as the two small figures collided with him. He instinctively caught them, his feet shifting slightly as a familiar twinge of pain shot through his old wound. But the comforting scents of his two pups, Kakashi and Minaruki, instantly soothed any lingering discomfort. A warm chuckle rumbled in his chest as he returned their enthusiastic embrace, holding them tightly against him, their small arms wrapping securely around his neck.
"Saki-chan," Minaruki sighed contentedly, nuzzling her face into his chest.
"Hello Kakashi, Minaruki. Tadaima."
"Okaerinasai!" they chorused in unison, their voices muffled against his clothing. Sakumo's heart swelled with happiness.
Minaruki's sensitive nose twitched first. She stiffened in Sakumo's embrace. While the faint scent of others' blood clung to him, she distinctly detected the metallic tang of Sakumo's own. She abruptly pulled back, her gaze searching her caretaker's face. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, exhaustion dulled their usual warmth, and a subtle grimace of pain lined his smile.
"Saki!" she cried out, her voice sharp with alarm. "Hospital! Now!"
Sakumo looked at her, surprised by her sudden urgency. "I'm alright, Mina-chan."
Mina simply narrowed her eyes, her small face set with determination. "I smell your blood."
Sakumo sighed, a hint of weariness in his voice. "I just came from the hospital. I have strict orders to rest."
Mina grunted, then abruptly jumped out of his arms, yanking a startled Kakashi with her. He landed in a surprised heap while Sakumo stared at them, utterly perplexed.
"Mina-chan?"
"No," Mina stated firmly, her gaze fixed on Sakumo. "Saki-chan is hurt."
Sakumo sighed again. "Hai, but I can still carry you both. I've missed you two terribly."
Mina glared, then marched over to Kushina. "Up, please, Nee-san."
Kushina offered her Senpai a weak but understanding smile before scooping her little sister into her arms. Mina then looked at the pouting Kakashi, her violet eyes sharp.
"Minato-Nii can carry you, Kakashi. Not Saki-chan. It will make his wound worse."
"But—" both Sakumo and Kakashi began, protesting her decision.
"No!" Minaruki declared, her small voice firm, genuine tears welling in her violet eyes. The thought of her loved ones being hurt always ignited a fierce protectiveness within her.
Kakashi flinched, surprised by her vehemence, while Sakumo simply stared, taken aback by her intensity. "Mina-chan. I'm alright. I promise I'll show you when we get home."
Minaruki sniffled, leaning into Kushina's comforting embrace. "Fine. But no carrying Kakashi."
Sakumo's lips formed a slight pout, but after a moment, a gentle, understanding smile replaced it. "Alright." He looked at Kakashi. "Since I can't carry you, would you still like to walk with Minato-san, or hold my hand?"
"Your hand, please. I've missed you, Tou-san," Kakashi said simply, reaching out to grasp his father's hand and the fabric of his shinobi pants. Sakumo's large hand gently brushed through Kakashi's silver locks.
"Missed you too, son."
Together, the group made their way back to the Hatake Compound. Minaruki kept her sharp gaze fixed on Sakumo, subtly observing him, trying to pinpoint the source of his injury. All she could discern was a slight wince whenever he twisted his torso. A back injury, then?
Minaruki half-listened as Minato and Sakumo discussed the non-classified details of his mission during their walk. Once they arrived at the compound, Minaruki was set down, immediately retaking Kakashi's hand as the adults moved into the main living area.
"I can cook, Senpai," Kushina offered, heading towards the kitchen.
"Thank you, Kushina," Sakumo replied gratefully.
He lowered himself onto a cushion slowly, Kakashi settling onto the cushion beside him, and Minato taking a seat across from them. Minaruki, however, walked directly to Sakumo's free side and stared intently at him.
Sakumo glanced down, meeting her determined frown with a gentle smile. "I'm fine, Minaruki-chan."
"You promised you'd show me," Minaruki stated, her voice unwavering.
Sakumo sighed, a hint of resignation in his tone, but complied, pulling his shirt off. Minaruki gasped softly, her small body stiffening as she took in the sight of his entire torso wrapped in layers of white bandages.
A small whimper escaped Kakashi's lips.
"Senpai?" Kushina called out, entering the room carrying a tray of steaming tea.
Sakumo sighed again, rubbing the back of his neck with a weary gesture. "It's not as bad as it looks, honestly."
"What happened?" Minato asked, his brow furrowed with concern as he took in Sakumo's bandaged state.
Sakumo grunted, pulling his shirt back on. "Just a lucky shot from a nuke-nin. I was providing cover for a Chūnin who'd joined my team for extra support. He caught me while I was defending the Chūnin from another Jounin. A few shuriken got embedded in my back. Wouldn't have been so bad if they hadn't been attached to ninja wire. The healers have dealt with most of the burns, but I'll need another session."
"At least you're home safe now. That's all that truly matters," Minato offered gently when neither child spoke, their worry evident in their silent gazes. Kushina nodded in agreement, then excused herself to check on the dinner preparations.
Minaruki wrung her small hands, her brow furrowed with concern as she took a hesitant step closer to Sakumo.
"Sakumo is going to be alright, isn't he?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Sakumo visibly jolted at the unfamiliar formality of his full name on her lips.
He looked down at her downcast face, his own softening with empathy. He offered her a gentle, reassuring smile, hoping to ease her worry.
"I'm okay, Minaruki. I'm home now, and I'll heal."
Minaruki nodded slowly, then moved to sit carefully on his lap, snuggling close to his chest. "Don't want to lose you too," she murmured, her voice thick with unspoken anxieties.
Sakumo's heart clenched at her words. He wrapped his arms around her small form, holding her tightly. "I'm not going anywhere if I can help it, Minaruki. I need to be here for you and Kakashi."
Minaruki simply hummed in response, her gaze drifting upwards to see Kakashi leaning against his father's side, his own worry etched on his young face. Sakumo gently pulled Kakashi closer, his large hand once again stroking through his son's silver hair.
Sakumo gazed down at the small heap of sleeping pups nestled on his lap. They had devoured their dinner, eagerly demonstrated the skills they had honed in his absence, and then promptly succumbed to exhaustion. He gently ran his fingers through their hair, marveling at the contrasting yet strangely similar textures of their soft strands.
"How have they really been?" Sakumo asked, his voice low, as Minato and Kushina sat together on the cushions opposite him, Minato's arm resting affectionately around Kushina's shoulders.
"Honestly? Really good," Minato replied, beaming.
Kushina rolled her eyes playfully. "They bickered like typical kids every now and then. But a few idle threats about reducing their training time, and they straightened right up."
Sakumo chuckled softly. "Thank you both again for taking Kakashi in as well."
"It was no trouble at all, Senpai," Kushina smiled warmly, her gaze softening as she looked at the two sleeping children. "I think Minaruki would have been much lonelier without him."
"They certainly act like siblings," Minato remarked, a fond smirk playing on his lips.
Kushina shot her boyfriend a pointed look. "Really?"
Minato looked back, genuinely confused. "What? They do."
Kushina simply rolled her eyes again, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "It's a good thing you're pretty."
"Oi!" Minato protested, feigning offense with a playful pout.
Kushina smirked knowingly. Sakumo chuckled softly into his teacup. "What if they're not just siblings?" he mused, directing the question at Kushina.
Kushina's smirk widened into a full-fledged grin. "Kashi's got it bad," she declared, her eyes twinkling.
Minato's eyes widened in surprise, while Sakumo simply tilted his head, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "He's been smitten since the day I brought her home. Called her his 'Golden Doll'."
Kushina's smile grew even broader. "I knew it!" she cheered softly, a triumphant glint in her eyes.
"I don't get it," Minato frowned, looking from Kushina to Sakumo, utterly perplexed. Kushina patted his leg reassuringly.
"Don't worry your pretty little head, Minato. I'll explain it to you later."
He shot her a dubious look. "I understand what being smitten means, Kushina. I certainly was with you. But they're five years old."
"Yes, physically. But they don't always act their age," Kushina countered, her gaze softening as she looked at the sleeping children.
"Kushina's right, Minato," Sakumo interjected gently. "They may be five in body and sometimes in their thinking, but they possess remarkably sharp minds. It often makes them think and perceive things like older children." He took a slow sip of his tea, watching as understanding finally dawned in Minato's eyes.
"Oh! Speaking of which," Kushina exclaimed, her smile bright, "Minaruki will be graduating with Kakashi." Sakumo promptly choked on his tea, sputtering.
"W-what?" he managed to splutter out, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Kushina grinned. "You heard me, Senpai. Her sensei had her assessed when she demonstrated skills and knowledge far beyond her years. She'll be graduating with Kakashi and the other fourth-year students."
"B-but she's barely five!" he stammered, still struggling to process the information.
Minato offered a sad, understanding smile. "We're still dealing with the lingering effects of the Second Great Ninja War. The academy's curriculum is still somewhat accelerated due to wartime needs. But at least with the major conflicts over, they hopefully won't be sent to the front lines. The Third Hokage will hopefully be able to keep them within the village for a few years."
Sakumo sighed deeply, rubbing a weary hand across his brow. "I knew she was bright, but this is just…" He trailed off, his gaze softening as he looked down at the blonde head resting on his lap. "Will there ever be a time when children aren't steeped in the bloodshed of wars their elders initiated?"
Minato sat up straighter, a resolute glint in his blue eyes. "I believe true peace isn't as unattainable as many seem to think. That's why I aspire to become Hokage. I want to dedicate myself to striving for that peace."
Sakumo studied the young man across from him. The determination in Minato's gaze was unwavering. A genuine smile touched his lips.
"Jiraiya would be immensely proud," he said sincerely. "I'll have to remember to raise a toast to him for raising and training such a remarkable apprentice."
Minato beamed, a flush of pride warming his cheeks. "Thank you, Senpai."
Sakumo waved a dismissive hand. "We're all friends here, Minato. 'Senpai' feels a bit formal. Sakumo is fine. Besides, you're a student of one of my dearest friends."
Kushina giggled, and Minato's blush deepened as Sakumo joined in the easy laughter. Sakumo absently wondered how long this fragile peace following the war would last. It had been a brutal and protracted conflict. The early loss of Uzushiogakure had been a devastating blow to Kushina and had weakened Konoha, severing their longest-standing alliance. And that didn't even account for the immense damage inflicted upon the villages caught in the crossfire. Sakumo listened as Minato and Kushina recounted the two children's antics during his absence, but his mind was also grappling with the long-term consequences of the war. 'What will our actions in this conflict ultimately mean? How long until the repercussions ignite another war?'
Sakumo hadn't earned his reputation as one of the Hokage's most formidable Jounin solely due to his unique chakra. He was also known for his sharp intellect. He had a grim premonition that this recent war would inevitably sow the seeds for a third.
His fingers trembled almost imperceptibly against the soft heads resting on his lap.
A third war that his pups would likely have to fight in. That seemed an unavoidable truth. And in that moment, Sakumo knew that all he could do was prepare them for it.
"Don't let Sakumo move around too much, alright?"
"Hai."
"Make absolutely sure he gets to the hospital for his follow-up appointment tonight."
"Hai."
"See to it that he eats plenty of red meat and dark leafy greens to replenish the iron he's lost."
"Hai," they responded, a hint of exasperation creeping into their voices this time.
"And make sure—"
"Boss!" the Blood Clone snapped, its crimson eyes narrowed in mock annoyance. Minaruki looked at her duplicate, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "I'll handle him," she reassured softly. "Now, go."
Minaruki groaned, running a hand through the long, black hair of her henge. With one last glance at her younger clone self, she nodded and located one of her Hiraishin markers in her alias apartment. With a swift thought, she vanished, reappearing in her temporary dwelling. Moving to the bedroom, she redressed in her actual ANBU uniform, swiftly braiding her hair into a single long tail. She meticulously filled her weapon pouches, donned her porcelain mask, sealed the apartment against intruders, and then bounded across the moonlit rooftops towards the Hokage's office.
It had been a trying day since Sakumo's return. Minaruki had stubbornly insisted on staying home to care for him, but he had firmly sent her to school with Kushina and Kakashi. Minato had already departed on an ANBU mission, and Kushina would soon be back on active duty. This meant Sakumo had been left to his own devices at home, likely disregarding his doctor's orders. As much as Minaruki disliked hospitals, Sakura's relentless lectures had drilled into her and Naruto the importance of seeking skilled medical attention. Without Sakura's forceful presence, she lacked the means to intimidate her stubborn guardian into compliance. This thought reminded her that she needed to either persuade Orochimaru to track down their wayward comrade and drag her back, or simply undertake the task herself.
'Now that's a thought worth pursuing,' she mused.
The clone she had left to discreetly monitor Sakumo had reported his distinct lack of rest during their academy hours. He had been utterly bewildered when she returned home and gently scolded him for his disobedience, her knowledge of his activities seemingly inexplicable.
Now that the stubborn man was finally resting, she needed to focus on her Danzo mission. Hence, the exasperated Blood Clone left behind to ensure his continued, albeit grudging, recuperation.
Leaping silently onto the Hokage's office windowsill, Minaruki paused, her senses immediately picking up the presence of a waiting ANBU team inside. She stepped fluidly into the room, her masked gaze settling on the Hokage. A distinct twinkle in his eye caused her own to narrow imperceptibly.
Minaruki knew she had sent him a henge clone, disguised as Kitsune, with her message outlining her intent to begin the Danzo investigation. She had explicitly stated her preference for a solo operation. What set her on edge, prompting her to subtly suppress her own chakra signature to near nothingness, was the unmistakable feel of Minato's chakra emanating from behind the Cheetah mask.
"Hokage-sama?" she inquired, her voice firm and carefully neutral.
"Kitsune-san," Sarutobi replied, his tone measured. "I am aware that this mission was initially intended to be a solitary endeavor. However, I would feel considerably more at ease knowing you had a team supporting you. Captain Cheetah has volunteered his squad to be under your command. He is a young Captain, but one of our most capable."
Minaruki hummed thoughtfully, her masked gaze returning to the Hokage. "May I request the privacy seals, Hokage-sama? This is a matter of considerable sensitivity."
Sarutobi didn't hesitate, activating the seals instantly. Neither did Minaruki. The moment the barrier shimmered into place, she focused on the subtle, almost imperceptible chakra signature she had detected on the fifth member of Cheetah's team.
Before anyone could react, she launched herself forward, closing the distance in a blur of motion. She slammed the masked ANBU against the wall, her hand clamped firmly around his throat. Her other hand swiftly disarmed him, snatching away his weapons and slapping a potent sealing tag onto his stomach. Just as she finished, she felt the rest of Cheetah's team surround her, their weapons drawn and aimed.
"Stand down!" the Hokage commanded, his voice resonating with authority. "Kitsune—"
"What did we discuss, old man?" she retorted easily, her free hand reaching up to displace enough chakra to dispel the Boar mask concealing her face. The now unmasked ANBU agent glared at her with undisguised animosity. "Plus, I must extend my gratitude. I anticipated having to hunt down one of his spies. Now, I can begin to unravel everything much sooner."
"They are that deeply entrenched?" Sarutobi sighed, leaning back in his chair, a hint of weariness in his voice. He paused, noticing Cheetah's team hadn't moved. "I ordered you to stand down!" he snapped, his tone sharper this time.
The team took a hesitant step back. "Hokage-sama, this ANBU has one of my teammates—"
"Held hostage because he's a spy," Sarutobi finished, a weary sigh escaping his lips.
"What?" the ANBU team hissed in unison. "Impossible."
Minaruki tilted her head, studying the blank-faced ANBU agent beneath her. Despite his trained impassivity, she could detect a flicker of worry in his dark eyes. "How long has Danzo had you operating undercover?" she inquired, her voice sharp and probing.
The ROOT agent maintained his blank expression, yet a dawning realization flashed in his eyes before being swiftly replaced by fear. It grated on Minaruki that this was likely one of Danzo's unwilling pawns. With a low growl, she hauled him away from the wall and forced him to the floor. With the Boar masked agent still paralyzed by her seal, she straddled his chest and forcefully yanked his mouth open, her gloved hand pulling his tongue into view.
She heard the collective gasp of the remaining ANBU team.
"Well, well, look at what we have here," she hummed, examining his tongue closely.
"Kitsune-san," Cheetah began, his tone cautious.
"My friend Sai showed me briefly—" she paused, a fleeting image of the former ROOT operative flashing through her mind. She disliked the necessity of this half-truth; she would confide the full story to the Hokage later. "He intended to explain more, but the seal prevented it."
"A control seal?" Cheetah hissed, his gaze fixed on the exposed tongue.
"Hai," Minaruki confirmed, glancing at him briefly through her mask before returning her attention to the agent below. "A simple design, yet intricate in its function." Minaruki hummed again, thinking aloud. "A dear friend of mine was once a ROOT agent, tasked with spying on me and my team. They are indoctrinated from childhood to be emotionless killing machines. The only reason my initial attack wasn't a true fight was because I caught him completely off guard. That, and I was an unknown factor to him. Their orders are to observe unknowns before engaging." She tilted her head, releasing his tongue. "How long have you been in training?" she asked, a plan forming in her mind, knowing she now had a rudimentary understanding of the control seal.
"Since I was six," he answered readily, then his throat constricted as he attempted to speak further. "H-Help," he finally managed to choke out.
Minaruki felt a fraction of the tension leave her body. "Why?" she pressed.
"Taichou is a good man," he said, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes. "He's saved me countless times, even when I'm supposed to—" His throat tightened again, cutting off his words.
Minaruki stiffened, a troubling thought taking root, 'Did my father have Danzo's spies watching him even before he became Hokage?'
"It is possible. Remember, Danzo eliminated those who stood in the way of him obtaining the Hokage's hat himself," Kurama rumbled ominously in her mind.
A low growl rumbled in Minaruki's own throat at the implications. "You're here to spy on Cheetah," she accused sharply.
She saw the named ANBU captain stiffen, while the Hokage shot to his feet, alarm etched on his face.
"What?" he demanded, his voice sharp. Minaruki glanced up, her gaze flickering between the Hokage and Cheetah.
"With all due respect, Hokage-sama, I can address that question later. For now, we need to proceed with this mission. Now that I possess one of the control seals, I can begin working on establishing a connection with my own variation."
Sarutobi held her gaze for a tense moment before sighing and settling back into his chair. "Alright. Kitsune, please continue."
Minaruki nodded, looking down at the unmasked Boar agent. "Will you cooperate now?"
"Hai," he answered, his voice hoarse. Minaruki nodded in response, standing up and releasing the paralysis seal. Taking his hand, she helped him to his feet and guided him towards the nearby couch.
"Sit," she instructed firmly. "Open." The Boar agent complied, opening his mouth and extending his tongue. Minaruki swiftly unrolled a scroll and began her intricate work.
"You all might as well take a seat," Minaruki called out, her voice calm even as her nimble fingers worked on meticulously transcribing a copy of the control seal onto the waiting parchment. "This will take a while," she murmured, her focus absolute.
"Hokage-sama?" Cheetah inquired, his tone uncertain.
"Do as your new team leader instructs for now. She is one of my most capable ANBU," Sarutobi stated firmly, his gaze unwavering.
The team shifted uneasily, finding places to sit in the Hokage's office, though Minaruki could sense Cheetah's chakra signature hovering nearby, a silent observation.
"You can watch," she smirked subtly behind her mask, her awareness sharp.
Cheetah grunted softly in response.
"Fuuinjutsu is a sadly fading art," she commented, her voice even as she continued her delicate work, sensing Cheetah's proximity. "I'm always pleased to find others with an interest in it."
"What, precisely, are you doing?" he asked, the suspicion in his voice lessening, replaced by a growing curiosity.
"I'm utilizing this replicated seal as a conduit to tap into the broader Control Seal network. They are all interconnected, ultimately linked to the master key that Danzo carries within his own body. Once I can establish a connection to that chakra network, I can forge a separate key, one that will allow me to override the original through counter-commands. While his key transmits signals dictating his will, mine will—"
"Order them to follow your commands instead," Cheetah finished, his eyes scanning the newly drawn seal on the scroll beside the copied control seal, comprehension dawning in his gaze.
Minaruki hummed in acknowledgement, glancing up at Cheetah over her shoulder, a hint of respect in her masked expression. "You are skilled. Compliments to your teachers."
Minato's cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected praise, especially as shadowed dark blue eyes seemed to pierce through his Cheetah mask. He had never encountered this Kitsune ANBU before, never even heard whispers of her name, yet her voice carried the weight of experience, and her movements were those of a seasoned veteran.
"Thank you, Kitsune-san," Minato replied, his voice respectful.
Kitsune hummed in acknowledgment, turning her attention back to the intricate seal work. Minato glanced at his unmasked teammate, Boar, noticing the subtle but significant shift in his demeanor. His face was no longer etched with tension, and his shoulders seemed to have relaxed. A small smile touched Minato's lips. He had always sensed the heavy burden his teammate carried, but the revelation that it involved resisting an order to kill him eased the sting of the earlier betrayal.
"You alright, Boar?" Minato asked softly, his concern genuine.
Dark eyes met his. "Hai, Taichou," Boar replied, his voice steady. He then turned his gaze towards Kitsune. "Will you also be able to remove the seal entirely, Kitsune-san?"
Kitsune snorted softly, a hint of dark amusement in the sound. "Oh, most definitely."
"Then why not just do it now?" Usagi asked, stepping forward to stand near Cheetah, her gaze fixed on the masked ANBU.
Kitsune chuckled, a low, dangerous sound. "Soon. I merely have to eliminate—"
"Kitsune!" the Hokage snapped again, his voice sharp with warning.
Kitsune glanced over her shoulder at the Hokage, her long black braid sliding smoothly over her opposite shoulder with the movement.
"Yes, Hokage-sama?"
"We had an agreement," he reminded her, his tone firm.
"Danzo is a stubborn old warmonger. I will present him with the options, as we discussed. Do I believe he will choose the one that allows him to live under my thumb? No, never. He is far too prideful and consumed by his lust for power."
"You said—"
"I outlined my plan for you. I told you I would offer him choices. I did not divulge what I know he will inevitably do, regardless of those choices."
"Kitsune!" He rose from his seat, striding towards her, his expression a mixture of frustration and concern. She stood to meet him, her gaze locking onto his pain-filled brown eyes. "He is still my old teammate—"
"He will kill you!" she exclaimed, her voice rising, unshed tears burning behind her eyes. "He will kill you for that hat, Hiruzen," she said, her tone softening slightly, a hint of desperation creeping in.
"I am not so easily defeated," he stated, his voice firm, though a flicker of doubt crossed his features.
Minaruki felt a low growl rumble in her throat before her hands moved in a rapid series of hand seals. Suddenly, four identical Kitsune ANBU materialized, surrounding them and slamming their hands onto the floor. A vibrant purple barrier flared outwards, encasing only her and the Hokage within its solid walls. Those outside could see nothing within, and those inside could see nothing beyond its opaque surface.
His eyes widened in surprise at the sudden barrier before turning back to her, a question in his gaze. "What is this?"
"A… modification of Orochimaru's barrier technique," she replied, her voice steady as she reached up and removed her mask, revealing her face.
"Kitsune—" he reached out a hand towards her, but she waved it away gently.
"The barrier is completely solid and soundproof, Hokage-sama. It is my most secure. They cannot see us, nor can they hear a single word we exchange."
Sarutobi visibly relaxed, a small smile touching his lips as he watched the henge dissipate from her hair and cheeks, revealing the familiar features of Minaruki.
"I'm not addressing you as Kitsune in this moment," she stated, her voice shifting, imbued with an unexpected authority. Her ANBU uniform shimmered, transforming into the outfit Sarutobi vividly recalled from their shared mindscape. "So listen closely, Hiruzen."
Sarutobi snapped to attention, his aging body straightening at the commanding tone.
"My paramount duty is the protection of this village and every single one of its inhabitants," she declared, her blue eyes narrowing with fierce resolve. "While the Hokage holds the most prominent position, those who safeguard the Hokage are no less vital. Do you understand who the true King is, and who it is that protects them?"
Sarutobi sighed, a hint of weariness in the sound. "Minaruki—"
"The children are the King, Hiruzen. I will always prioritize the safety of the next generation. However, you are their protector. Therefore, it is my responsibility as Rokudaime, regardless of my current formal standing, to protect you, the one who safeguards all. I will eliminate any and all threats to your well-being. Danzo has dispatched multiple assassins after you. I only learned the full extent of this after we went underground and shared our weekly tea. I know you possess the strength to survive such attacks. That does not mean I am willing to risk their recurrence. He has already inflicted so much damage. I cannot permit him to cause any more. I will uphold my promise to offer him the option to live, but my instincts, and my experience, tell me he will choose to fight."
Sarutobi gazed into her tired blue eyes, a wave of realization washing over him, a profound sense of loss settling in his chest. He was going to lose another of his old comrades. Pushing his personal feelings aside, he looked intently at Minaruki and let out a long, resigned sigh.
"As you wish, Rokudaime-sama."
"I don't relish forcing your hand, Jiji," she whispered, her henge returning, cloaking her in her familiar ANBU guise. "But I cannot allow your inherent kindness to spare a man who does not deserve it. It pains me to cause you distress, Jiji, but I have witnessed the consequences of his twisted vision of what's best for Konoha. It is not a benevolent place. His version prioritizes only his own ambitions, not the well-being of the people, not the future of the next generation."
Sarutobi offered her a tired, understanding smile. "I understand, Minaruki. I apologize for creating such a scene."
Minaruki returned his sad smile with one of her own. "If it offers any solace, once this mission concludes, I can share more about my friend Sai. I am optimistic that without Danzo's manipulation, he will not follow the same path. I would be glad to see him experience a normal childhood. I would like to share his story with you."
Sarutobi nodded, his gaze sweeping across the now-transparent barrier. "I would indeed appreciate that. Now, I have a strong suspicion that your new team and my own ANBU are in a state of considerable alarm."
Minaruki dispelled one of her shadow clones, the memories flooding back to her. "Nope. My clones preemptively calmed them down before any… misunderstandings could occur."
Sarutobi studied her more closely, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "Doesn't that barrier require all four of your clones to maintain its integrity?"
Minaruki smiled enigmatically. "Nope." She moved to the shimmering wall, placing her hand upon its smooth surface. "They are present as additional observers once the barrier is established." The wall pulsed with light, and she swiftly donned her mask just as the purple energy field dissipated. "Only I possess the means to dismantle the barrier from within," she concluded, her gaze sweeping over Cheetah's bewildered team and the equally perplexed ANBU guards surrounding them.
"Stand down," Sarutobi sighed, rubbing his temples wearily. "I desperately need a vacation." He moved slowly towards his desk, his shoulders slumping with exhaustion.
"Pick a successor," Minaruki stated flatly, her tone devoid of emotion. Sarutobi turned his head slowly, a mischievous Cheshire grin spreading across his lips.
"Is that an offer?"
Minaruki stiffened, her blue eyes widening in mock horror. "Don't even joke about that, old man! I have absolutely no desire for that ridiculous hat! I know precisely how little training time you actually get. I am intimately familiar with the sheer volume of paperwork you drown in!"
Sarutobi's grin merely widened.
"NO!" Minaruki snarled, her exasperation evident.
Sarutobi chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "Worry not, Kitsune-san. You lack a public persona. I couldn't possibly choose you, even if I were inclined to."
Minaruki relaxed infinitesimally. "Good," she murmured under her breath.
"Um—" Sparrow began hesitantly, and Minaruki glanced his way. "What exactly just happened?"
"A minor disagreement," Sarutobi sighed, rubbing his temples again. "It has been resolved. My apologies for the disruption, Kitsune-san."
Minaruki shrugged dismissively, gently guiding Boar back towards the couch. "No worries, you old ape," she muttered, a hint of wry amusement in her tone as the tense atmosphere in the office eased slightly, though a palpable sense of confusion still lingered.
The Hokage's personal guards melted back into the shadows, resuming their posts, while Cheetah's team cautiously moved closer.
"What in the world did you just do?" a firm voice demanded, the question directed at Minaruki even as she leaned over Boar, her attention returning to the intricate seal on his tongue. She paused, the voice strangely familiar yet not quite recognizable.
She glanced over her shoulder, noticing the last member of Cheetah's team standing protectively behind Boar.
"Relax, Bear," she said, recognizing the distinct animal mask more clearly now. "Only the Hokage is privy to my true face."
"Standard protocol," Cheetah muttered, his arms crossed.
Minaruki hummed in agreement, returning her focus to the seal. Talking and working simultaneously had become second nature to her after years in the Hokage's seat.
"Indeed, but my identity remains under a constant henge, even beneath the mask."
"Kitsune-san is one of my most adaptable shinobi, and her henge fluctuates frequently. Only I am able to perceive her original appearance," Sarutobi interjected, lighting his pipe with a steady hand.
Minaruki grunted softly but continued her meticulous work. Thirty minutes later, she finally released Boar, carefully tucking the transcribed seal into a secure pocket.
"I can complete the modifications at my residence. For now, I have the necessary components to alter the control seal." Minaruki stood, offering Boar a hand up. "Now—" she looked him over intently and then, with lightning speed, struck his throat sharply with a precise chop.
He gasped and choked, a dark, swirling ink flaring briefly around his neck. He then collapsed, clutching his throat, struggling for air. A palpable spike of killing intent filled the air as his team reacted instinctively, but Minaruki held up a hand, effectively halting their advance.
"Patience," she commanded, her voice firm and unwavering.
Boar suddenly gagged, a glob of dark ink sputtering from his mouth and landing with a wet splat on the polished floor. He gasped raggedly for air, his wide eyes fixed on Minaruki.
"What—what the hell was that?" he choked out.
Minaruki sighed softly, extending a hand towards him. "Apologies for the unpleasantness. I promised to remove it. Complete removal without alerting Danzo is currently impossible, but what I have extracted is the constricting control mechanism. You should now be able to speak freely about him and his schemes. Resisting his direct orders should also be within your capabilities. You may still feel a slight compulsion to obey, but your own will has been restored."
Dark eyes stared at her in stunned disbelief before he gratefully accepted her hand. Once standing, he abruptly embraced her, his gratitude palpable.
"Thank you. Thank you, Kitsune-san."
Minaruki chuckled, patting his back awkwardly. "Your Captain is a good man. I had no desire to harm him. Danzo recognizes his potential as a Hokage candidate, knows of his aspirations for the Hat. He wanted him eliminated."
Minaruki hummed, a low sound intended to mask the surge of anger that threatened to erupt at the confirmation of Danzo's treachery. "It's good to know you're now on our side," she said instead, turning her attention to the remaining ANBU. "Now that this… misunderstanding has been resolved, allow me to brief you on the events that will unfold this evening."
"Kitsune-san, I have finished with the scroll you may eventually require," Sarutobi added, holding up the requested document.
Minaruki moved to take it, a subtle skepticism coloring her tone despite the neutral expression on her masked face. "Not going to wait for me to actually obtain the evidence this mission revolves around?"
Sarutobi simply regarded her with a look of quiet resignation. "You are the individual I trust most implicitly in this moment, Kitsune-san," he said softly. "I recognize the potential Kage within you. I understand your reluctance to assume the hat, but I observe and listen intently. You will always safeguard the Will of Fire, the heart of our village. I have faith in your judgment regarding what is truly best for Konoha. Your actions are not driven by personal ambition, but by the welfare of the King, of our people. I respect that deeply, and therefore, I honor our earlier discussions by providing you with the means to execute this mission effectively."
Minaruki smiled gently behind her mask, a rare display of warmth. "Thank you, Hokage-sama," she replied sincerely, bowing respectfully at the waist. "I will not fail you."
"You never have," he said, a hint of fondness in his voice. "Now, Team Leader Kitsune, please brief your team on the mission parameters."
She nodded and turned swiftly to face the four masked male ANBU and the single masked female ANBU.
"Ordinarily, this mission would have been a solitary undertaking. However, the Hokage desires that I have backup. Therefore, the five of you will serve in that capacity. Our objective is to infiltrate Danzo's ROOT headquarters and retrieve his mission reports. We will be collecting all records from the organization's inception, creating copies to replace the originals. This will not be a single-night operation. Even with my clones assisting and your contributions, the sheer volume of mission reports will necessitate multiple incursions and subsequent analysis." She glanced back at the Hokage.
"To reiterate, I intended to gather this evidence independently, but the Hokage believes a team is necessary." Minaruki ignored his subtle smile and addressed her new team. "I will not dispute the assistance. It will alleviate some of the mental strain." She muttered the last part almost inaudibly.
"I have already conducted preliminary reconnaissance of the headquarters and placed specialized tags in key locations that will facilitate our access." Minaruki paused, looking directly at Cheetah. "I believe Cheetah will recognize the nature of the jutsu we will employ for entry. And no, it is not your own creation, though it shares similarities. You were not the only one intrigued by the Second Hokage's techniques."
Cheetah visibly stiffened. "You've also deciphered it?"
Minaruki chuckled softly, crossing her arms. "Hai. However, my variation requires significantly more chakra and incorporates additional layers. Yours, and the Second Hokage's, prioritize minimizing chakra expenditure to maximize speed. Mine can be utilized in a similar manner, but that is not its primary function."
"What is its main purpose, then?" Cheetah asked, his curiosity piqued.
Minaruki rolled her eyes behind her mask and waved him off dismissively. "Classified." She could almost sense his disappointed pout through his animal mask.
"Returning to the task at hand. We will arrive via a space-time jutsu. From our entry point, we will proceed towards his office. I will state this only once." She held up a single finger, addressing the team. "Do not kill any ROOT agents. Incapacitate them only. If incapacitation proves impossible, restrain them long enough for me to apply a sealing tag. For the most part, we should be able to evade direct confrontation. I can sense the unique seals they possess and will do my utmost to bypass any that obstruct our path. Once inside his office—" she retrieved a scroll from her back pouch and unfurled it. "We will utilize these." The scroll shimmered, summoning several smaller scrolls. She opened one to display its intricate markings.
"Whoa," Cheetah whispered, accepting the offered scroll with evident fascination. "This is incredibly complex seal work. Is this a modified storage scroll?"
"Hai," Minaruki chuckled. "I have a substantial quantity prepared for this operation, though we will not be able to retrieve all the documents in a single night. Therefore, the remainder of these scrolls are currently secured at my residence. Now, as Cheetah astutely observed, these are specialized. They are designed to not only store the original item within the first seal—" she pointed to a specific marking and then to another adjacent seal connected by a series of fuuinjutsu symbols—"but also to simultaneously copy the contents of the first storage seal into the second. There, you will summon the duplicates and replace the originals precisely where they were found. There is a capacity limitation, which is why this endeavor will be time-consuming. These particular scrolls can only copy a maximum of approximately five pounds of material at a time."
"Why the weight restriction?" Cheetah inquired.
"The greater the mass of the item being copied, the exponentially more intricate the sealing formula becomes," Minaruki explained patiently. "Creating such a complex seal on a scroll of this size is exceptionally difficult. Furthermore, any errors in the execution would risk the complete collapse of the scroll and its sealing matrix, leaving us with nothing but useless fragments. While it will require more time, utilizing these smaller-capacity scrolls minimizes the immediate risk of detection due to a faulty seal."
"Ah, I understand," Cheetah nodded.
"As I was saying, we will meticulously copy the files, replace the originals with the duplicates, and then make our exit. Subsequently, you will all accompany me to a secure location to analyze the retrieved documents for any incriminating evidence against Danzo."
"ANBU Headquarters?" Bear asked. "Or T&I?"
"Neither," Sarutobi interjected, looking directly at Minaruki. "Your apartment is secure, I presume?"
Minaruki grunted, a hint of annoyance in the sound. With a swift, one-handed seal performed more for dramatic effect, a shadow clone materialized beside her. "It will be," she stated, nodding to the clone, who returned the gesture and vanished with a Hiraishin jump. While she had secured her new apartment against external intrusion, accommodating guests was a different matter entirely. The clone would undertake some rapid shopping for essential provisions, refreshments, and items to lend the space a more lived-in feel without revealing any sensitive information.
Sarutobi chuckled softly, and Minaruki sighed inwardly, resisting the urge to rub her face in exasperation at his antics.
"Just shut it, you old monkey," she mumbled under her breath. He merely snorted in amusement.
"No. You need friends, Kitsune." Friends closer to your own age, remained unspoken, though Minaruki understood Sarutobi's intention. While Minato was the youngest of their generation, Minaruki knew Sarutobi was subtly pushing her towards more personal connections.
"I am a shadow, Hiruzen. Do not drag me into the light," she almost pleaded, her voice low.
"Kitsune," he sighed gently. "You will reconvene with your team at your apartment after each infiltration to review the recovered information. As I have already stated, I trust you implicitly. I trust your ability to safeguard any sensitive materials within your own home."
Minaruki grunted again, a slight glare directed at the Hokage. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," she muttered, turning her attention back to the masked faces of her team. She could practically feel their curiosity radiating off them in waves, undoubtedly stemming from her informal interactions with their usually stoic Hokage. "We will rendezvous at the designated arrival point and utilize the same space-time jutsu to return to my apartment. There, we will dedicate a few hours to meticulously reviewing the paperwork. We will conclude with ample time for everyone to obtain sufficient rest for the following day. Tomorrow night, we will reconvene at my apartment at five sharp to continue our analysis, likely over dinner. From there, we will depart for ROOT Headquarters again at nightfall. This pattern will persist until we have acquired all relevant files."
Minaruki turned back to the Hokage. "Once all pertinent evidence has been gathered, I will compile a comprehensive report and seek your final authorization before proceeding with the decisive confrontation." She glanced at her team. "At this juncture, your direct involvement in that final stage is not anticipated." She jerked a thumb towards Sarutobi. "Whether or not he requires your assistance at that point is a matter for later discussion." Minaruki looked back at Sarutobi.
He sighed. "We will address that subsequently." Minaruki nodded in understanding.
"Alright. Let's move out."
Sarutobi dispelled the privacy seal, and the six ANBU operatives leaped silently out of the Hokage's office window, disappearing into the bustling Konoha night.
