Naruto: Deal with the Devil 1 - Awakening
Title: A Deal with the Devil
Author: ofphenwa
Rating: R - NC17
Warnings: Violence
Summary: Dying was easy but living is the hardest thing to do as Namikaze Minato discovers for himself after making a deal with Shinigami - with literally deadly consequences, should he fail.
Notes: This was written before the events of Chapter 500 onwards and hence, there will be some incongruities with canon (i.e The events of Kyuubi’s Attack). This is massively AU.
Master Post 1 2 3
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Hamlet, Act I Scene V
Chapter 1: Awakening
The last thing he remembered was fire. Giant red flames as tall as the trees around Konoha that consumed everything in their wake, wreaking death and destruction. He remembered thick black smoke that stung his eyes and made him choke. The smoke had stained his pristine white cloak grey with fine ash. He remembered being afraid and immensely sad. He remembered regret. He had carried a baby in his arms, so small and delicate that the child almost disappeared into the pale blue blankets swaddling him.
He had kissed the baby's head, crowned with feathery blond hair and the baby's eyes opened, revealing them to be a bright clear blue, so much like his mother's eyes in shape. Choking on thick ash and feeling chilled, he bled freely from his forearms, blood scrawled as neatly as he could with trembling arms and dimming vision into a massive seal onto the baby's stomach, wishing with all his might that he didn't have to do this.
The baby didn't cry out once and he was so proud of the baby, his child, her child, the child who would save them all. Feeling as though ice was stabbing his heart, he summoned the terrible Shinigami and sealed away the equally terrible demon into his child's stomach. The child wailed as Kyuubi burned six lines into his cheeks in its final terrible act and his heart clenched. His arms couldn't move any more, even though he wanted to hold his child for one last time, to soothe his cries. His heart stopped.
Naruto… I'm so sorry.
His heart beat, a tremendous shuddering in his chest. Once stagnant blood flowed through his veins and it was agonising like thousands of needles piercing him at once. He breathed, his chest expanding with his first breath in years. He opened his eyes and was nearly blinded by the bright sunlight shining directly into his eyes. He immediately covered them with his hand - it was no longer covered with his blood and the first thing he remembered was… He murmured a single word, finally recalling all his memories he had lost in the dark void with that word that meant everything to him, "Naruto."
A great need to find Naruto consumed him and Namikaze Minato, the resurrected Yondaime Hokage, quickly looked around to ascertain his location despite his nausea. He was in some underground ruins of a laboratory - broken machines and medicine cabinets were scattered around him. Dappled sunlight spilled through overgrown weed and cracks in the rocks in the heavily damaged ceiling. He was nude and covered with some sort of slimy clear liquid, much like amniotic fluids; the same liquid pooling at his feet and leaking out of the strange metal capsule he was in.
Minato swiftly kicked open the glass door and climbed out of the capsule, a thousand questions regarding his unusual situation flying around in his head. How was he alive again? Why was he alive? Where was he? How many years had passed? There were too many questions and no answers. Goosebumps immediately appeared on his skin from the damp chill and reminded him that he needed to wash off the fluid and find some clothes first before he could even begin to find his answers.
Luckily for him, there were some spare clothes remaining in one of the relatively intact closets. He quickly dressed and started looking around for a way to leave this dreary place. If Minato had been in a clearer state of mind, he would have been suspicious about why and how he’d been mysteriously resurrected. But right now, disorientated and freshly back from the dead, Minato was not in the mood for deep thinking. All he wanted to do right now was to find his son Naruto and make sure that he was safe.
Approximately three hours later, Minato had successfully gotten out of the underground labyrinthine complex with much effort, his body initially weak from years of inactivity and surroundings unfamiliar to him. He was now slowly walking along a stream, his body getting used to motion once more and strengthening quickly. He was in giddy euphoria, relishing the myriad varieties of sensations, sights, smells and sounds that bombarded him. It was so wonderful to be alive again.
But the euphoria soon faded as the reality of his situation finally caught up with him. Minato had completely no idea where he was. And not to mention… he hadn't aged a single day since his death; his smooth youthful face staring back at him from the water surface. He wasn't sure of how to feel about this - was it a good or bad thing? Minato raked his hand through his blond hair with a discomfited grimace; if he was in Earth Country, this was going to be very bad for him as Iwa nins' memories were long and they bore grudges like nobody else's business. He wasn't sure if he was still as good as he had been before his death and he wasn't eager to find out so soon. No thanks, he'd rather live than return to the void of Shinigami's stomach.
He finally emerged from the forest to see large fields of rice stretching out before him, still feeling fresh despite having travelled for hours. The ripe rice fields rippled gold under the hot sun and he could see a lone farmer bent over as he harvested the rice. Before approaching the farmer, Minato disguised himself as a nondescript brown-haired man with an illusion and carefully masked his chakra signature. It didn't hurt to be cautious.
Minato soon learned that he was in Rice Country, which meant that it would take him at least two days to reach Konoha at walking pace. If he wanted, he could reach Konoha within a day if he ran flat-out. Before he left, he asked the farmer, "What date and year is it?" The farmer raised an eyebrow at the odd question but he answered anyway, causing Minato to reel when he heard the date.
It's been thirteen years…?
Though he knew that this might happen, it was still a huge shock. Just how much would have changed in the past decade? Forcefully suppressing his turbulent emotions and thoughts, Minato thanked the farmer and hurriedly headed in the direction the farmer pointed him towards. He didn't want to waste a single second - who knew how long he had before Shinigami caught up with him? Minato was determined to meet Naruto before Shinigami retrieved his soul.
On the roof of the Hokage Tower, three elderly people gathered together. Their wizened faces were stern and humourless. As Sarutobi's advisors and Konoha's Elders, they were the ones who now controlled the fate of Konoha in the late Sandaime Sarutobi's passing and they had much to do in so little time. The one-eyed man Danzo glanced in the direction of the hospital and said, "The Uzumaki boy is becoming too dangerous. We should remove him from his genin team and have him trained properly."
Homura rebutted, "Naruto is unlikely to release the Kyuubi, if that's what you mean by 'dangerous'. You know what Hiruzen said. Naruto would die if he ever tried to do that."
"I know. What I mean to say, is that the boy is becoming too powerful. You saw that chakra, didn't you? When he was fighting against the former Rookie Genius Hyuuga Neji, everyone felt that malevolent chakra. I've also received reports that the boy was seen fighting the Shuukaku container and that he won. There were also disturbing reported sightings of the "Kyuubi" in that battle - though it was apparently the Toad Boss Summon in a combined henge, so we will ignore that for now. I think we should induct him into ANBU."
Koharu replied sharply, "Absolutely not, Danzo. The Sandaime's will was very clear that Naruto was not to be treated as a weapon. We cannot allow you to take Naruto into your custody. Naruto will remain with Team Seven under Kakashi's command."
"Sarutobi is dead. The situation now has changed - Konoha needs strength now at its time of most need and Naruto will be that strength. I doubt that Kakashi is able to teach Naruto what he needs to know as Naruto requires unconventional learning methods. Kakashi is a good ninja but a lousy teacher, don't you agree?" Danzo smoothly replied, undeterred by their rebuffs. Homura hummed thoughtfully, considering his words.
Koharu pursed her lips and replied sourly, "We need a new Hokage, not a weapon. Naruto stays with Team 7. Period."
"Ah yes, we were supposed to discuss our potential candidates for the Hokage seat as well. I've been considering Jiraiya for the position as he was Sarutobi's student and one of the legendary Sannin." Homura acknowledged her as he pushed his glasses back up his nose.
Danzo folded his good arm into his robe and acquiesced, "I have no objections. But somehow, I do not think that he will agree. Jiraiya's never been one for responsibility."
Koharu tartly said, "We'll just have to ask him then. Come, Homura. We need to find Jiraiya."
When Koharu and Homura had left, Danzo turned his head to look up at Sarutobi's giant stone head on the Hokage Mountain. The sculpture remained stonily silent, its blank stare fixed into the distance. With a grunt, Danzo limped down the stairs with the help of his cane.
As Minato came closer to his destination, he began to notice a faint tugging sensation in his mind and heart that inexorably grew stronger with every inch he gained. He instinctively knew that if he followed this call, it would lead him straight to his son. By late afternoon, he finally reached the outskirts of the forests surrounding Konoha, skilfully avoiding the routine patrols as only a Kage-level ninja could. He had sprinted all the way at his highest speed, which was extremely fast indeed even without his Hiraishin; without taking a break and he felt like he could still keep on running. Minato was slightly perturbed by the inexplicable increase in his physical abilities but as it allowed him to be with Naruto much sooner, he felt deeply grateful. He would worry about what his new abilities meant later.
He easily slipped past the protective barrier by authorising his entry with his chakra - evidently, there was a loophole in the barrier that still recognised Hokages, even if they technically weren't a Hokage anymore or "living". This was something that the current Hokage, whoever he may be, would have to fix. Keeping to the shadows and staying low-key, Minato immediately headed for the Konoha General Hospital - the mental pull was much stronger now and pointed in its general direction.
Arriving at the hospital in about half an hour after repeatedly backtracking and taking circular routes to make sure he wasn’t being followed, Minato disguised himself as a nondescript brunette. Then he confidently went up to the counter and demanded to know where Naruto was warded, projecting authority in his voice. The receptionist's expression blanked at the mention of Naruto, rousing Minato's suspicion. Nevertheless, she politely gave him the number of Naruto's room. He smiled politely, "Thank you for your kind service, madam."
As he left, his sharp ears caught her muttering vehemently under her breath, "Why would anyone want to see the demon?”
It was like ice-cold water had been dumped over Minato. He was immediately filled with an intense desire to hit the receptionist for daring to speak of his son in such a hateful way. He clenched his fists and jaw, reigning in his anger and forced himself to walk. He couldn't cause a ruckus now, right in the middle of hospital when Naruto was so close.
In fact, Minato could feel a warm and large chakra signature gently pulsing in time with his heart-beat. He instinctively knew straight away that it was his son's, having felt it before a long time ago, when he had held Naruto in his arms. His son's chakra felt so bright and beautiful, creating the impression of the sun reflecting off the vast ocean in his mind's eye. Minato quickened his steps, his heart beating rapidly with anticipation.
Finally reaching the door of the ward Naruto was in, Minato could feel his son's presence stronger than ever. Naruto's vibrant life-force resonated so strongly within him that he was helpless to resist, his hand pushing the door open. The small room was brightly lit by the late afternoon sunlight streaming through a glass window. Beside the window, there was an IV drip beside the solitary bed with a person in it. From the distance, he could only make out a mop of bright yellow hair that shone like gold in the sunlight. Minato felt like he couldn't breathe as he unconsciously stepped closer to the bed, to where Naruto was. When Minato was close enough to finally see Naruto clearly, his heart felt like it would burst.
“Kushina… if only you could see how much he’s grown…”
Sinking to his knees beside the bed, Minato brushed Naruto's hair from his face with a trembling hand, unable to believe reality. He absently noted the IV needle piercing his son's wrist and secured with bandages. The peacefully sleeping Naruto didn't stir, humming in sleepy contentment. Naruto's hair felt soft and smooth, reminding Minato of Kushina's long red hair that had felt like silk when he ran his hands through her hair.
While Minato could immediately see that Naruto had his colouring, close examination allowed him to see that Naruto had inherited most of Kushina’s looks - he could see her in his nose, in his full lips and the rounded curves of his cheeks and jaw. Minato covered his mouth with his other hand, stifling his cries as he finally allowed himself to grieve for Kushina and celebrate his joy at finally being reunited with his son.
After what seemed like an eternity, Minato finally calmed. His grief no longer felt so vivid and was more bearable. He felt truly reborn for the first time since he woke up in that abandoned laboratory. Wiping away his tears, Minato smiled softly at the sight of Naruto still dozing away, having slept through his mourning.
Emboldened, Minato took the risk of touching Naruto's cheek, lightly tracing the whisker-like marks and carefully avoiding the bandages so as to not hurt Naruto. His eyes dimmed at the physical reminder of that night. Naruto stirred, his eyes fluttering open for the slightest of moments before closing shut as he turned his head into Minato's hand, a small smile spreading across his face.
Minato was frozen, his hand unmoving. He was quite stunned to see that while Naruto's eyes were like Kushina's in shape, the colour of his eyes was his own, neither the mesmerising violet of Kushina's eyes nor the deep ocean-blue of Minato's eyes. Instead, they were the hue of the azure sky, just like Minato dimly remembered from the day he had died. Naruto made a disgruntled unintelligible noise and Minato resumed stroking Naruto's cheek, his eyes softening as he apologised, "I'm sorry if I disturbed your sleep. I just… I'm so very glad to see you again."
Naruto didn’t reply but he did smile in his slumber as though he had heard him. Minato sighed contentedly, wishing that this lovely peaceful moment could last forever. He also hoped that Naruto would wake soon because he looked forward to speaking with him and learning more about his son.
Unfortunately, the peaceful moment was rudely broken when Minato sensed a group of ninja approaching the room at high velocity. Quickly hiding himself, he watched four masked ANBU appear in the ward. He kept still and hid his breathing as he crouched above them on the ceiling, using a small genjutsu to keep them from noticing his presence. Why was ANBU here? Had they discovered his presence and sought to apprehend him? If that was the case, Minato had the feeling that they would probably try to kill him first, thinking him an imposter rather than the real (ex-)Yondaime Hokage. After all, he still looked like he was in his twenties instead of being in his late thirties.
“Secure the boy. We will bring him to Danzo-sama.”
The leader gestured to the unconscious Naruto. Two others nodded and stepped closer to the bed. Before they could touch Naruto, they were suddenly blocked and thrown backwards by a stranger. Immediately, the Root ANBU went on alert, uneasy that they had somehow missed the presence of the mysterious stranger who was now murderously glaring at them.
“What does Root want with Naruto?”
“Eliminate him! No one must know of our mission.” Not deigning to answer the stranger, the leader ordered his squad to attack him. No one could know of the truth behind Naruto’s disappearance tonight. The ANBU jumped with their swords raised, aiming to kill the man.
Minato snarled and his eyes flashed dangerously as he dropped his disguise, shocking the Root ANBU with his true appearance. Before the ANBU could react, he had already blurred out of sight. The one closest to Naruto fell backwards with blood spraying from his mauled throat; the white of his spine gleamed through the savaged flesh. Before the first drop of red blood even landed on the pristine white floor, the Root had been decimated to the last man without being given the chance to fight back.
Minato reappeared in front of the last ANBU. His eyes were flinty. As the ANBU quailed in fear, his pupils seemed to grow outwards, consuming his eyes until they were completely pitch-black. It was a frightening sight: a ghost of a dead Hokage with pitch-black eyes, surrounded by the blood of dying men at his feet. Despite being the instigator of the carnage, Minato was clean of blood, which only made him even more terrifying to the last ANBU. His knees failing him and feeling like he was suffocating and being crushed in the demon’s overwhelming killing intent, the ANBU moaned fearfully, “Monster…!”
Next
Author: ofphenwa
Rating: R - NC17
Warnings: Violence
Summary: Dying was easy but living is the hardest thing to do as Namikaze Minato discovers for himself after making a deal with Shinigami - with literally deadly consequences, should he fail.
Notes: This was written before the events of Chapter 500 onwards and hence, there will be some incongruities with canon (i.e The events of Kyuubi’s Attack). This is massively AU.
Master Post 1 2 3
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Hamlet, Act I Scene V
Chapter 1: Awakening
The last thing he remembered was fire. Giant red flames as tall as the trees around Konoha that consumed everything in their wake, wreaking death and destruction. He remembered thick black smoke that stung his eyes and made him choke. The smoke had stained his pristine white cloak grey with fine ash. He remembered being afraid and immensely sad. He remembered regret. He had carried a baby in his arms, so small and delicate that the child almost disappeared into the pale blue blankets swaddling him.
He had kissed the baby's head, crowned with feathery blond hair and the baby's eyes opened, revealing them to be a bright clear blue, so much like his mother's eyes in shape. Choking on thick ash and feeling chilled, he bled freely from his forearms, blood scrawled as neatly as he could with trembling arms and dimming vision into a massive seal onto the baby's stomach, wishing with all his might that he didn't have to do this.
The baby didn't cry out once and he was so proud of the baby, his child, her child, the child who would save them all. Feeling as though ice was stabbing his heart, he summoned the terrible Shinigami and sealed away the equally terrible demon into his child's stomach. The child wailed as Kyuubi burned six lines into his cheeks in its final terrible act and his heart clenched. His arms couldn't move any more, even though he wanted to hold his child for one last time, to soothe his cries. His heart stopped.
Naruto… I'm so sorry.
His heart beat, a tremendous shuddering in his chest. Once stagnant blood flowed through his veins and it was agonising like thousands of needles piercing him at once. He breathed, his chest expanding with his first breath in years. He opened his eyes and was nearly blinded by the bright sunlight shining directly into his eyes. He immediately covered them with his hand - it was no longer covered with his blood and the first thing he remembered was… He murmured a single word, finally recalling all his memories he had lost in the dark void with that word that meant everything to him, "Naruto."
A great need to find Naruto consumed him and Namikaze Minato, the resurrected Yondaime Hokage, quickly looked around to ascertain his location despite his nausea. He was in some underground ruins of a laboratory - broken machines and medicine cabinets were scattered around him. Dappled sunlight spilled through overgrown weed and cracks in the rocks in the heavily damaged ceiling. He was nude and covered with some sort of slimy clear liquid, much like amniotic fluids; the same liquid pooling at his feet and leaking out of the strange metal capsule he was in.
Minato swiftly kicked open the glass door and climbed out of the capsule, a thousand questions regarding his unusual situation flying around in his head. How was he alive again? Why was he alive? Where was he? How many years had passed? There were too many questions and no answers. Goosebumps immediately appeared on his skin from the damp chill and reminded him that he needed to wash off the fluid and find some clothes first before he could even begin to find his answers.
Luckily for him, there were some spare clothes remaining in one of the relatively intact closets. He quickly dressed and started looking around for a way to leave this dreary place. If Minato had been in a clearer state of mind, he would have been suspicious about why and how he’d been mysteriously resurrected. But right now, disorientated and freshly back from the dead, Minato was not in the mood for deep thinking. All he wanted to do right now was to find his son Naruto and make sure that he was safe.
Approximately three hours later, Minato had successfully gotten out of the underground labyrinthine complex with much effort, his body initially weak from years of inactivity and surroundings unfamiliar to him. He was now slowly walking along a stream, his body getting used to motion once more and strengthening quickly. He was in giddy euphoria, relishing the myriad varieties of sensations, sights, smells and sounds that bombarded him. It was so wonderful to be alive again.
But the euphoria soon faded as the reality of his situation finally caught up with him. Minato had completely no idea where he was. And not to mention… he hadn't aged a single day since his death; his smooth youthful face staring back at him from the water surface. He wasn't sure of how to feel about this - was it a good or bad thing? Minato raked his hand through his blond hair with a discomfited grimace; if he was in Earth Country, this was going to be very bad for him as Iwa nins' memories were long and they bore grudges like nobody else's business. He wasn't sure if he was still as good as he had been before his death and he wasn't eager to find out so soon. No thanks, he'd rather live than return to the void of Shinigami's stomach.
He finally emerged from the forest to see large fields of rice stretching out before him, still feeling fresh despite having travelled for hours. The ripe rice fields rippled gold under the hot sun and he could see a lone farmer bent over as he harvested the rice. Before approaching the farmer, Minato disguised himself as a nondescript brown-haired man with an illusion and carefully masked his chakra signature. It didn't hurt to be cautious.
Minato soon learned that he was in Rice Country, which meant that it would take him at least two days to reach Konoha at walking pace. If he wanted, he could reach Konoha within a day if he ran flat-out. Before he left, he asked the farmer, "What date and year is it?" The farmer raised an eyebrow at the odd question but he answered anyway, causing Minato to reel when he heard the date.
It's been thirteen years…?
Though he knew that this might happen, it was still a huge shock. Just how much would have changed in the past decade? Forcefully suppressing his turbulent emotions and thoughts, Minato thanked the farmer and hurriedly headed in the direction the farmer pointed him towards. He didn't want to waste a single second - who knew how long he had before Shinigami caught up with him? Minato was determined to meet Naruto before Shinigami retrieved his soul.
On the roof of the Hokage Tower, three elderly people gathered together. Their wizened faces were stern and humourless. As Sarutobi's advisors and Konoha's Elders, they were the ones who now controlled the fate of Konoha in the late Sandaime Sarutobi's passing and they had much to do in so little time. The one-eyed man Danzo glanced in the direction of the hospital and said, "The Uzumaki boy is becoming too dangerous. We should remove him from his genin team and have him trained properly."
Homura rebutted, "Naruto is unlikely to release the Kyuubi, if that's what you mean by 'dangerous'. You know what Hiruzen said. Naruto would die if he ever tried to do that."
"I know. What I mean to say, is that the boy is becoming too powerful. You saw that chakra, didn't you? When he was fighting against the former Rookie Genius Hyuuga Neji, everyone felt that malevolent chakra. I've also received reports that the boy was seen fighting the Shuukaku container and that he won. There were also disturbing reported sightings of the "Kyuubi" in that battle - though it was apparently the Toad Boss Summon in a combined henge, so we will ignore that for now. I think we should induct him into ANBU."
Koharu replied sharply, "Absolutely not, Danzo. The Sandaime's will was very clear that Naruto was not to be treated as a weapon. We cannot allow you to take Naruto into your custody. Naruto will remain with Team Seven under Kakashi's command."
"Sarutobi is dead. The situation now has changed - Konoha needs strength now at its time of most need and Naruto will be that strength. I doubt that Kakashi is able to teach Naruto what he needs to know as Naruto requires unconventional learning methods. Kakashi is a good ninja but a lousy teacher, don't you agree?" Danzo smoothly replied, undeterred by their rebuffs. Homura hummed thoughtfully, considering his words.
Koharu pursed her lips and replied sourly, "We need a new Hokage, not a weapon. Naruto stays with Team 7. Period."
"Ah yes, we were supposed to discuss our potential candidates for the Hokage seat as well. I've been considering Jiraiya for the position as he was Sarutobi's student and one of the legendary Sannin." Homura acknowledged her as he pushed his glasses back up his nose.
Danzo folded his good arm into his robe and acquiesced, "I have no objections. But somehow, I do not think that he will agree. Jiraiya's never been one for responsibility."
Koharu tartly said, "We'll just have to ask him then. Come, Homura. We need to find Jiraiya."
When Koharu and Homura had left, Danzo turned his head to look up at Sarutobi's giant stone head on the Hokage Mountain. The sculpture remained stonily silent, its blank stare fixed into the distance. With a grunt, Danzo limped down the stairs with the help of his cane.
As Minato came closer to his destination, he began to notice a faint tugging sensation in his mind and heart that inexorably grew stronger with every inch he gained. He instinctively knew that if he followed this call, it would lead him straight to his son. By late afternoon, he finally reached the outskirts of the forests surrounding Konoha, skilfully avoiding the routine patrols as only a Kage-level ninja could. He had sprinted all the way at his highest speed, which was extremely fast indeed even without his Hiraishin; without taking a break and he felt like he could still keep on running. Minato was slightly perturbed by the inexplicable increase in his physical abilities but as it allowed him to be with Naruto much sooner, he felt deeply grateful. He would worry about what his new abilities meant later.
He easily slipped past the protective barrier by authorising his entry with his chakra - evidently, there was a loophole in the barrier that still recognised Hokages, even if they technically weren't a Hokage anymore or "living". This was something that the current Hokage, whoever he may be, would have to fix. Keeping to the shadows and staying low-key, Minato immediately headed for the Konoha General Hospital - the mental pull was much stronger now and pointed in its general direction.
Arriving at the hospital in about half an hour after repeatedly backtracking and taking circular routes to make sure he wasn’t being followed, Minato disguised himself as a nondescript brunette. Then he confidently went up to the counter and demanded to know where Naruto was warded, projecting authority in his voice. The receptionist's expression blanked at the mention of Naruto, rousing Minato's suspicion. Nevertheless, she politely gave him the number of Naruto's room. He smiled politely, "Thank you for your kind service, madam."
As he left, his sharp ears caught her muttering vehemently under her breath, "Why would anyone want to see the demon?”
It was like ice-cold water had been dumped over Minato. He was immediately filled with an intense desire to hit the receptionist for daring to speak of his son in such a hateful way. He clenched his fists and jaw, reigning in his anger and forced himself to walk. He couldn't cause a ruckus now, right in the middle of hospital when Naruto was so close.
In fact, Minato could feel a warm and large chakra signature gently pulsing in time with his heart-beat. He instinctively knew straight away that it was his son's, having felt it before a long time ago, when he had held Naruto in his arms. His son's chakra felt so bright and beautiful, creating the impression of the sun reflecting off the vast ocean in his mind's eye. Minato quickened his steps, his heart beating rapidly with anticipation.
Finally reaching the door of the ward Naruto was in, Minato could feel his son's presence stronger than ever. Naruto's vibrant life-force resonated so strongly within him that he was helpless to resist, his hand pushing the door open. The small room was brightly lit by the late afternoon sunlight streaming through a glass window. Beside the window, there was an IV drip beside the solitary bed with a person in it. From the distance, he could only make out a mop of bright yellow hair that shone like gold in the sunlight. Minato felt like he couldn't breathe as he unconsciously stepped closer to the bed, to where Naruto was. When Minato was close enough to finally see Naruto clearly, his heart felt like it would burst.
“Kushina… if only you could see how much he’s grown…”
Sinking to his knees beside the bed, Minato brushed Naruto's hair from his face with a trembling hand, unable to believe reality. He absently noted the IV needle piercing his son's wrist and secured with bandages. The peacefully sleeping Naruto didn't stir, humming in sleepy contentment. Naruto's hair felt soft and smooth, reminding Minato of Kushina's long red hair that had felt like silk when he ran his hands through her hair.
While Minato could immediately see that Naruto had his colouring, close examination allowed him to see that Naruto had inherited most of Kushina’s looks - he could see her in his nose, in his full lips and the rounded curves of his cheeks and jaw. Minato covered his mouth with his other hand, stifling his cries as he finally allowed himself to grieve for Kushina and celebrate his joy at finally being reunited with his son.
After what seemed like an eternity, Minato finally calmed. His grief no longer felt so vivid and was more bearable. He felt truly reborn for the first time since he woke up in that abandoned laboratory. Wiping away his tears, Minato smiled softly at the sight of Naruto still dozing away, having slept through his mourning.
Emboldened, Minato took the risk of touching Naruto's cheek, lightly tracing the whisker-like marks and carefully avoiding the bandages so as to not hurt Naruto. His eyes dimmed at the physical reminder of that night. Naruto stirred, his eyes fluttering open for the slightest of moments before closing shut as he turned his head into Minato's hand, a small smile spreading across his face.
Minato was frozen, his hand unmoving. He was quite stunned to see that while Naruto's eyes were like Kushina's in shape, the colour of his eyes was his own, neither the mesmerising violet of Kushina's eyes nor the deep ocean-blue of Minato's eyes. Instead, they were the hue of the azure sky, just like Minato dimly remembered from the day he had died. Naruto made a disgruntled unintelligible noise and Minato resumed stroking Naruto's cheek, his eyes softening as he apologised, "I'm sorry if I disturbed your sleep. I just… I'm so very glad to see you again."
Naruto didn’t reply but he did smile in his slumber as though he had heard him. Minato sighed contentedly, wishing that this lovely peaceful moment could last forever. He also hoped that Naruto would wake soon because he looked forward to speaking with him and learning more about his son.
Unfortunately, the peaceful moment was rudely broken when Minato sensed a group of ninja approaching the room at high velocity. Quickly hiding himself, he watched four masked ANBU appear in the ward. He kept still and hid his breathing as he crouched above them on the ceiling, using a small genjutsu to keep them from noticing his presence. Why was ANBU here? Had they discovered his presence and sought to apprehend him? If that was the case, Minato had the feeling that they would probably try to kill him first, thinking him an imposter rather than the real (ex-)Yondaime Hokage. After all, he still looked like he was in his twenties instead of being in his late thirties.
“Secure the boy. We will bring him to Danzo-sama.”
The leader gestured to the unconscious Naruto. Two others nodded and stepped closer to the bed. Before they could touch Naruto, they were suddenly blocked and thrown backwards by a stranger. Immediately, the Root ANBU went on alert, uneasy that they had somehow missed the presence of the mysterious stranger who was now murderously glaring at them.
“What does Root want with Naruto?”
“Eliminate him! No one must know of our mission.” Not deigning to answer the stranger, the leader ordered his squad to attack him. No one could know of the truth behind Naruto’s disappearance tonight. The ANBU jumped with their swords raised, aiming to kill the man.
Minato snarled and his eyes flashed dangerously as he dropped his disguise, shocking the Root ANBU with his true appearance. Before the ANBU could react, he had already blurred out of sight. The one closest to Naruto fell backwards with blood spraying from his mauled throat; the white of his spine gleamed through the savaged flesh. Before the first drop of red blood even landed on the pristine white floor, the Root had been decimated to the last man without being given the chance to fight back.
Minato reappeared in front of the last ANBU. His eyes were flinty. As the ANBU quailed in fear, his pupils seemed to grow outwards, consuming his eyes until they were completely pitch-black. It was a frightening sight: a ghost of a dead Hokage with pitch-black eyes, surrounded by the blood of dying men at his feet. Despite being the instigator of the carnage, Minato was clean of blood, which only made him even more terrifying to the last ANBU. His knees failing him and feeling like he was suffocating and being crushed in the demon’s overwhelming killing intent, the ANBU moaned fearfully, “Monster…!”
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