Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Ghost Guardian ❯ Training Continues and Heritage Revealed ( Chapter 6 )

CrimsonCat101: Heh, sorry it took me awhile, but it is a good length. I cried when I saw how many reviews the last chapter got, and I'm very happy about it. If I get a good response from this chapter I'll update this story before my others. (Referring to Fanfiction.net for the amount of reviews)

 

spiritwolf30: I'm happy to see you like this story, and no I won't tell you. (I'm not a spoiler type)

 

RoseOfSand: Thank you!

 

toratsume: I hope you like this chapter as well =D

Revised: 12/7/07 Due to needed explanations.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

 

Ghost Guardian

-Training Continues and Heritage Revealed-

 

For the past few days Naruto worked diligently on his training. Naruto paid attention in class as well as took notes. Yeah, you know it's the end of the world when Naruto starts taking reasonable notes. Of course that might have been because he was pressured to do so with Minato hovering over his shoulder. His friends noticed his changes in behavior, especially Shikamaru, Chouj, and Kiba, because he refused to skip class anymore. His pranks also decreased, to which Iruka started to become worried about. After school he usually ate, most times ramen, but sometimes he was forced to eat something else like vegetables. Naruto could've sworn that Minato was enjoying his pain when he was eating healthy foods…

 

Over the course of the week, Minato had split up his training so that he could work on many things instead of focusing on just one. Minato had made him do tree climbing, a chakra control exercise that consisted of one climbing a tree using only their feet. It took Naruto just two days to get it down with the help and encouragement of Minato, of course those two days weren't exactly full days either. Naruto also worked on the Henge and Kawarimi no jutsu, as well as attempted the Bunshin. Naruto could now do both the Henge and Kawarimi, however, the Bunshin was still something he was unable to do. In order to compensate for this problem, Minato had taught Naruto the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. Kage Bunshin is a kinjutsu that instead of creating illusionary doppelgangers created solid ones, capable of using chakra. Naruto had gotten the jutsu down in a few hours, though Minato had explained it was partly due to his overly large chakra reserves. Naruto also had worked out underwater and above water, to make sure that his timing and balance were still correct. Working out had only slightly increased his strength and speed, but not enough yet to make a large difference. Since memorizing the basic katas of the Uindo Saafin-ryu (Wind Surfing Style), Naruto had gone through each slowly, so that he would be able to get through each kata with less thought and effort as well as build stamina, and strengthen his muscles.

 

For the rest of the month and throughout the next, Naruto was dedicated solely to his training. His knowledge continued to grow as he paid attention in class. His own chakra reserves continued to rise steadily over the course of his training. His speed, stamina, and fluidity increased as well, to the point where he could now fight his classmates in an average spar. Sasuke along with some others could still pulverize him, but he didn't let that bother him. He still continued switching between working out underwater and above. Naruto practiced the tree climbing exercise in order to make sure his chakra control didn't worsen, as well as increase his own chakra reserves. Minato also made Naruto practice the Henge and Kawarimi no justu until he could do them both effectively. Naruto also practiced stealth training, as well as basic target practice.

 

The month after that Minato had come to the decision to finally tell Naruto about his heritage, despite his own anxiety and fear.

 

(December 1st, Wednesday; 7:07PM; Training Field 29)

 

Naruto grinned as he watched all five of the shuriken he had thrown hit their intended mark.

 

Minato nodded approvingly, “Five bulls-eye simultaneously, I'd say that you're improving. Even though I think that it took you too long to aim, it is defiantly better then the first time you tried.”

 

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly at the mention of his first try about a month and a half ago. That time all three of the shuriken he had thrown had missed the target altogether and had each passed through Minato harmlessly. Minato had hung that over his head for the rest of the week. Though Naruto had to admit it was pretty hilarious, they both had laughed about it afterwards.

 

Minato smiled, “Alright, go retrieve your shuriken and we'll start working on kunai.”

 

Naruto did as ordered and pulled the five shuriken from the target board. Naruto then put the five into his shuriken holster located on his right leg. Walking back over to where the Yondaime stood, Naruto drew two kunai from both kunai holsters on each leg.

 

“Remember don't make this harder then it is. Use the least amount of movement necessary,” the Yondaime lectured.

 

Naruto groaned, “I know.”

 

Minato chuckled, “Sure you do.”

 

Naruto ignored him and focused on the target. The blond raised his arm slightly before flicking it in a brief rapid motion. The kunai sped towards its intended mark, or at least it seemed that way. Instead it missed the board entirely and hit a nearby tree.

 

Naruto narrowed his eyes at the kunai, `Stupid kunai, can't you just go where I want you to!'

 

Minato chuckled, “Just try again, but this time, don't flick your wrist as much.”

 

Naruto sighed, as he took his second kunai and repeated the same thing he did last, but instead took the Yondaime's advice and didn't put in as much effort to flick his wrist. This time the kunai imbedded itself within the outer rim of the target.

 

Naruto smiled at his achievement, before going over to retrieve his two kunai. Minato smiled at the improvement Naruto had made over the past few months. At first Naruto had complained quite a bit, but over time Naruto began to look forward to training. Naruto also learned things Minato had thrown him fairly fast.

 

Naruto ran back to Minato and practiced throwing his kunai over and over again. Naruto's accuracy improving bit by bit, until he could hit the third out of five rings on average. After about forty five minutes of kunai target practice, Minato told him it was time to head back and that training was over for the day.

 

Naruto made sure that he had all of his equipment, before following after the Yondaime.

 

“I think tonight for dinner you should have maybe some broccoli or carrot,” Minato mused with a sinister smile. Naruto stuck his tongue out and gagged in disgust, which Minato laughed at. “Oh come on, I'd guess by now you'd get used to them.”

 

Naruto frowned, “And you have?”

 

The Yondaime rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, “Um, no. But I was forced to eat them anyway.”

 

Naruto cocked an eyebrow, “Who could force you to do that?”

 

“My wife,” Minato spoke in a dead flat tone.

 

Naruto laughed at the Yondaime's expense, “How did she do that?” Naruto asked.

 

Minato smirked knowingly, “Trust me, women have their ways. My wife was the forceful type, unfortunately.”

 

Naruto snickered before stopping after a short moment, “Uh, who was your wife?”

 

The Yondaime sighed, “I'll tell you when we get to your apartment.” Naruto looked at the blond man curiously, but shrugged it off soon after.

 

“So Naruto what do you think about that pink-haired classmate of yours?” Minato asked, changing the subject rather easily.

 

Naruto blushed, “I like her, and I think she's really pretty.”

 

The Yondaime grimaced, “Even though she treats you like trash?”

 

Naruto frowned and looked at the floor depressingly, “Well…still …”

 

Minato shook his head sadly, “I think the only time she would see you, would be if the Uchiha didn't exist. Or…”

 

Naruto cocked an eyebrow, “Or?”

 

Minato scratched the top of his head, “Or, she by some miracle got over her blind sighted crush, which I somewhat doubt.”

 

Naruto dropped his head sadly, “Should have figured.”

 

The Yondaime gave a comforting smile, “Well there is a girl in your class that actually has a crush on you.”

 

Naruto picked his head up in surprise, “Really!? Who?”

 

Minato smirked, “The one that blushes when you're near, and faints when you get to close.”

 

Naruto blinked, “Hinata? I thought that she was sick or something, doesn't she do that around everyone?”

 

Minato shook his head, “No, so what do you think about her.”

 

Naruto scrunched his eyebrows in thought, “Well, she's always been nice to me, but she's kind of creepy. Then there is the fact you can barely hear her when she talks, I don't know…I see her maybe as a possible friend, not a girlfriend.”

 

Minato nodded in understanding, as they entered Naruto's apartment. They walked up the stairs and down the hallway. Naruto pulled out his set of keys, and then inserted a small brass one. Naruto turned it, and attempted to open the door. When the door remained closed, Naruto tried to pull his key out of the lock. To the blonde's unfortunate luck the key snapped audibly. Naruto brought the broken key up to his face for closer inspection and scowled.

 

Minato watched the events amusingly.

 

“That's it!” Naruto cried kicking the door open forcefully. The door swung open with a resounding bang. Naruto stepped in and looked at the door, `Great Izumi-san will kill me…well there goes some of my savings…'

 

Minato walked in and Naruto shut the door behind him. Naruto walked towards Minato, but stopped at the creek of the door opening. Naruto groaned and slammed the door shut with a loud bang. He was about to step away, when the door opened once more. Naruto growled and held it shut.

 

“I think it's broken, “Minato commented.

 

Naruto turned away from the door to face the Yondaime, “Thank you captain obvious!” he snarled sarcastically.

 

Minato smiled cheerfully, “No problem.”

 

Naruto slapped his forehead and sighed. Looking around Naruto grabbed the chair by his table and placed it near the door. “That'll have to do for now I guess.”

 

Naruto went through the cupboards, and grabbed the container of the food he loved so much. Naruto was about to prepare the instant ramen when Minato stopped him, “Naruto, I told you no ramen tonight.”

 

Naruto turned to face him, “But whyyyyy!” he whined.

 

Minato raised a finger, “I let you have ramen for lunch today, and that was plenty enough.”

 

Naruto continued to pout, and when that didn't work, he changed his strategy.

 

Minato looked at the teary expression and caved in, “Fine, just as long as you have a vegetable and fruit with it, alright?”

 

Naruto cheered and began to prepare dinner enthusiastically. After a few minutes Naruto walked over to the table and set his bowl and plate down. He then went to replace the chair against the door with the wastebasket. Naruto began to eat, while Minato seemed to watch him with a scrutinizing gaze.

 

After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence Naruto spoke, “Uh, what's wrong?” Minato's eyes flicked back to the life from the dull blue they had become.

 

“Nothing,” the Yondaime replied a little too quickly.

 

“Thinking again Driftwood?” Naruto asked with a grin.

 

The Yondaime nodded his head with a small smile, “Right on the money.”

 

Naruto curiously questioned him, “So, uh, what were you thinking about?”

 

“Nothing important,” Minato replied simply, but still seemed to be somewhat conflicted.

 

Naruto studied Minato for a second, but resumed eating with a shrug. Naruto knew there was something bothering the blond man. He could tell without even looking at the Yondaime that the man was strongly conflicted, as well as worried, and guilty. Naruto didn't know how he could see and feel the Yondaime's emotions, but he wondered if it was because he had been spending so much time with Minato, or the fact that he considered Minato to be like the family he never had.

 

Family.

 

A word never felt so foreign to him, but it was the idea that Naruto wished for the most. A mother to watch over him, to scold him, and to comfort him in his darkest moments. A father to support him, to teach him, and to care for him. But Naruto knew better then to hope for such things, even though it was what he desired most.

 

Once he finished eating, Naruto began to clean, Minato strangely silent the whole time. Naruto finished, the silent atmosphere making him very uncomfortable. With his eyes narrowed, Naruto finally snapped, “What's bothering you so much!”

 

Surprised, Minato brought his gaze up to meet Naruto's, “W-what?” he stuttered.

 

Naruto recoiled back after noticing his actions, “Ah, sorry. I just…I don't know…” Naruto wondered why he snapped like that. Was it because he didn't like secrets being kept from him, or was it because he didn't like to see the Yondaime bothered so much he wasn't sure.

 

Minato shook his head, “No need to apologize. I kind of have to get this off my shoulders anyway…”

 

Naruto raised an eyebrow curiously, wondering what it was that was making Minato so worried and indecisive. For the Yondaime to be so troubled he knew it had to be something big.

 

Minato ran a hand through his blond locks and gave a depressed sigh. “Well, I've been kind of hiding something from you for awhile. I know you have the right to know this though.”

 

Naruto sat down next to the blond man on the couch, his cerulean eyes consumed with questions and curiosity. “The right to know what?”

 

“Your heritage,” the Yondaime spoke, his eyes scanning the younger blond for a reaction.

 

Naruto froze in shock. How can one not be stupefied by the prospect of knowing one's origin? Naruto had wanted to know his entire life who his parents were, wondering if they abandoned him, hated him, and feared him like the rest of the civilian populace, or they died loving him, or were even still alive. Naruto had asked the Sandaime many times who his parents were, and the subject always seemed to change or something happened to distract Naruto. Now that the Yondaime was going to reveal who his family is or was, he couldn't help but be apprehensive and scared at the same time. He couldn't stand the idea that his parents abandoned him, or hated him, but at the same time he just wanted to know who they were.

 

Naruto also felt somewhat angered by the fact that the Yondaime was just now telling him. He wondered why the blond Hokage didn't tell him before. Why would the Yondaime hide something that wasn't relevant to himself? The thought made Naruto wonder if Minato knew his parents personally, or he had a reason to hide the information from him.

 

“On the day of the Kyuubi attack, your mother was stressed beyond belief. That stress caused her to go into labor. She was then brought to the hospital, while I tried to stop the Kyuubi without sacrificing myself. After a few hours our numbers decreased by half, slaughtered and killed by the Kyuubi no Kitsune. I was tired myself, my reserves pushed past my limit. A chunin approached me amidst the fight and told me that your mother had given birth. I watched the battlefield, broken and weary, before making the choice to give up my life. I then used the Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Tecnique) to get to your mother, having given her one of my kunai to protect her. I was there beside her in a flash, literally, watching her hold you closely to her heart when I arrived.”

 

So his mother did love him? Or did her opinion change later? What about his father? Naruto looked at the Yondaime intently, “What did she look like?”

 

The Yondaime gave a serene smile, his eyes becoming glazed as his mind flashbacked, “She was too fair for a ninja I can assure you. She was beautiful, with long red hair and defiant emerald eye. She was average in height and her body was well endowed. Her complexion was always radiant, and she always had this cocky and stubborn attitude a lot like yours.”

 

Naruto chuckled, “Did you have a crush on my mom?” he asked mischievously.

 

Minato smirked, “Maybe.” `You'll soon find out,' he thought to himself. Minato continued as though never interrupted, “She carried herself in with utmost confidence and loved wearing bright colors, namely orange,” The Yondaime shuddered as Naruto grinned.

 

“See! Orange is the best!” Naruto spoke with a gleeful grin.

 

Minato shook his head, “Never. Well she did change her style after a while though. Thank Kami-sama she did.”

 

Naruto huffed childishly, “I still say orange rules…”

 

Minato rolled his eyes, and continued the story, his mood shifting from carefree to depressive in the fraction of a second. “With many dieing at the same time I was with your mother, I was pressured to move quickly. Without me at the front line, more were dieing then before, so I was rushed, even though I wished for the moment to last longer…

 

(Minato's Flashback; October 10th; The Konoha Medical Center)

 

Minato watched his wife hold Naruto tenderly, her bright red hair hovering over her child as she looked at him. Her motherly affection was displayed full force at the moment. Kushina moved her gaze from the baby in her arms and towards him.

 

“He's beautiful isn't he?” She asked with a joyful smile.

 

Minato smiled back, the guilt of what he was about to do replaced with the moment's feelings of bliss. “That he is. He'll be a fine young man when he gets older.”

 

Kushina nodded and turned her sights back to Naruto, a large smile formed on her face.

 

“Well look at that,” Kushina spoke in interest. Curious, Minato moved closer to see what she was referring to. Looking at Naruto, he noticed the slight tug at the corner of his mouth, a sure sign of the newborn trying to smile. “It appears he'll have a grin similar to yours, huh?”

 

Minato smiled, “Yeah, but it seems to me he inherited your positive outlook on life.” Kushina smiled back at him, before turning her focus back towards the infant snuggled in her arms and wrapped in a baby blue blanket.

 

A shout was heard outside the closed hospital room door, breaking the once happy atmosphere. “He's dieing! Get him into the emergency room stat!”

 

A muffled shout replied back full of dread, “There is no more! They're all full! We're out of medics as well!”

 

Kushina hugged Naruto closer to her chest, “Oh Minato what do we do? Kyuubi is coming and…”

 

Minato placed a firm hand on her shoulder, “Don't worry I'm going to stop it.”

 

Kushina's eyes flickered with hope, “How?”

 

Minato's gaze drooped, “I'm afraid it will require me to sacrifice myself.”

 

Kushina gasped in horror, “You can't!”

 

Minato tightened the hold on his wife, “I must, for the village. It is my duty as Hokage to put the village's lives before mine. You know this,” he spoke sadly.

 

Kushina nodded, “I do, but why did it have to happen now?”

 

Minato joked despite the situation, “Fate seems to hold a grudge against me, but I must do this.”

 

Outside the window behind Kushina, a bright red ray of light appeared far off in the distance. As the light dimmed away, the sound of an explosion reached them as well as a few tremors. The explosion sounded like that of thunder on a stormy night, the low growls of the explosion soon died away. The vase fell off the desk beside Kushina, spilling the bright orange flowers and the water within it.

 

Minato tightened the hold on his three pronged kunai that was strapped to his leg. “Kushina, I need Naruto.”

 

Kushina looked at him with obvious worry, “What do you mean?”

 

The Yondaime visibly winced, “Do you trust me?”

 

Kushina replied instantly, “Hai, with all my heart.”

 

“Then trust me now with what I'm about to do. It is the only way to stop this.”

 

Kushina's eyes flicked with a hint of doubt, but it soon disappeared. She handed over the small child and Minato took the baby with a great sense of gentleness.

 

Minato studied the infant cradled in his arm, before disappearing in a bright yellow flash. Leaving with two departing words, the words like a quiet whisper in the wind.

 

“I'm sorry.”

 

(End Flashback)

 

“…and you know what happens after that,” the Yondaime finished.

 

Naruto sat stunned and slightly angry. Naruto knew Minato was stuck in a hopeless situation, `but still…' Naruto looked at Minato with mixed emotions, studying the blond man intensively. Naruto could tell that the man was grief stricken and guilty, but was hiding it considerably well.

 

Naruto sighed tiredly, “Please continue…I-…tell me more about my mother and…if possible my father as well.”

 

Minato let out a breath he apparently was holding and continued, “Your mother's name was Uzumaki Kushina,” he began, before he was interrupted by Naruto.

 

“Why do I have my mother's surname?” Naruto questioned curiously.

 

Minato waved him off, “I'll get to that soon. Anyway, your mother Kushina was originally from the country of Whirlpool. Her clan was a founding clan of her village. The Uzumaki to her village, were like the Uchiha to ours. Our war with Iwa (Rock) had slowly dragged Whirlpool country into the conflict. Iwa began using Whirlpool as a means for military bases, and even went as far to start claiming some of the territory as their own. Whirlpool country stood no chance against Iwa, watching as their land was used for Iwa's personal needs, they decided to seek help from Konoha. Whirlpool knew they stood no chance against one of the five great shinobi nations on their own. We then became allies and began to fight against Iwa together; however, an unseen large strike by Iwa left Whirlpool in ruins. Fulfilling our alliance we allowed the survivors to seek refuge within our borders,” Minato looked at Naruto worryingly, “Are you getting this?”

 

Naruto had his eyebrows scrunched together in deep concentration, and his eyes closed thoughtfully. After a minute Naruto answered, “Kind of...So you're saying that my mother's country was destroyed in the war and then they were taken in by Konoha?”

 

Minato nodded pleased, “Hai, there were a few hundred survivors from the village, so we took them in. Most survivors were ninja fortunately, and they continued to aid us in the war. After the war ended the people of Whirlpool returned to their country and began to rebuild. Your mother however, stayed in Konoha and became a ninja here because she fell in love with your father.”

 

Naruto stood up from the couch in front of Minato, his eyes widened considerably, “My father?” he spoke inquiringly, “Who was he?”

 

The Yondaime shook his head, “I'm getting to that. Your mother was a jounin, her experience in war paid off well in the end. Your father was well known around the world for his skills in combat, and the two loved each other more then you could ever guess. I can also safely say that they both loved you dearly as well. Because your father was well known in the shinobi world, it was clear that his enemies would come after you. Thus the reason you were given your mother's surname.”

 

Naruto waited a full thirty seconds, before becoming impatient, “And my father? Who was he?”

 

Minato seemed to cringe, and the blond Hokage's anxiety appeared once more.

 

“Well?” Naruto asked, his agitation showing clearly.

 

Minato sighed, “Your father wants you to know that he loves you, and…that he hopes you will forgive him one day…” Minato's words were long and dragging, his voice becoming softer as he progressed.

 

Naruto was confused as to why Minato was telling him this, and what was there to forgive? He didn't have too much time to think as the Yondaime met his eyes with his own electric blue, “Your father's name is…Namikaze Minato, the Yondaime Hokage, or otherwise…me.”

 

Naruto's breath hitched, and his thoughts and emotions became overwhelming. `He's my father? The Yondaime Hokage is my father? He sealed the demon in me, his own son?'

 

 

The Yondaime watched as Naruto's eyes flickered with different emotions. He could see confusion, anger, denial, sadness, happiness, and betrayal all within Naruto's cerulean orbs.

 

Minato had been nervous about this moment ever since he found out that Naruto was his son that day. He was scared, scared that Naruto would never accept him, or reject him even. But it was him that gave Naruto the hellish life he never deserved, Naruto's judgment, whatever it was, was fully justified.

 

Naruto's emotions and thoughts seemed to overwhelm his own mind to the point where the small blonde's system could only do one thing…

 

Shut down.

 

Minato watched as Naruto fainted on the spot, falling backwards towards the hard wooden floor. On impulse Minato jumped from his spot on the coach and tried to stop Naruto from continuing his collision course with the floor.

 

Of course after he had reacted he remembered that he was in fact a ghost, and couldn't stop Naruto.

 

Minato watched as Naruto slipped through his hands and collided with the hard floor. Minato shook his head, sighed and collapsed back onto the couch. Looking at Naruto's unconscious form, he couldn't help but stand back up and walk over to him. He looked at his son's form and smiled, `Heh, he really does look like me…'

 

Minato brought his hand over Naruto's face and snapped his fingers. No reaction came from the small blond, so Minato began calling his name. “Naruto. Naruto come on....” With no response the blond Hokage tried a different tactic, “NARUTO FREE RAMEN!”

 

Naruto remained still and Minato knew that he must've shocked Naruto pretty bad for him to be so unresponsive.

 

That's when the Yondaime felt the tug on his consciousness, small, but plainly noticeable. Minato concentrated on it, `What is this feeling?'

 

(December 1st, Wednesday; 8:26PM; The Seal)

 

Darkness. Black. Nothingness. The emptiness soon began to fade, and became a swirl of mixed colors. The scene became clearer and sharper, the colors separated, and the blurriness disappeared.

 

Naruto blinked, his mind beginning to awaken. With his thought process and vision becoming comprehensive, he observed his surroundings. It was dank, that much was certain, and there seemed to be a menacing presence nearby that made him want to shudder. Sitting up, his back wet from the watery floor, he looked at the walls. The walls were lined with pipes, some thicker then others. Behind and in front of him was darkness, however, the direction in front of him had a faint eerie red glow.

 

`Where am I? How did I get here?' Naruto thought, but soon recounted what had happened before he had awakened in the strange place. `Oh yeah…the Yondaime is my father huh? I looked at him like one…but he…he really is…'

 

Naruto's thoughts were cut short by a bestial growl, deep and threatening. Naruto focused on the direction of which it came, not surprisingly from in front of him. Letting the curiosity get the better of him, he began to warily walk through the sewer like environment towards the direction of the sound. The red glow began to slowly brighten, the dampness becoming slightly worse as he continued.

 

After turning a few corners he had arrived in a large area, where thick metal bars loomed in front of him. The menacing aura seemed to increase, a heavy wave of terror and fear gripped Naruto's soul.

 

Naruto shook off his feelings and strode towards the cage. The blond came within a few feet of the closed off space when he noticed the small piece of paper attached to the center of one of the metal bars.

 

Naruto scrutinized the withered paper, “Seal?” he read aloud. The moment he had spoken, large scarlet eyes flashed open. Naruto jumped in surprise, taking a step back unconsciously.

 

The pair of crimson eyes gazed upon him with mild interest. “It seems you have entered my domain, what is it that you wish of me?” A deep animalistic voice spoke from within the barred cage.

 

Naruto stood stock still, his body not moving according to his will.

 

The voice snarled annoyingly, “It appears you still do not realize where you are, so allow me to explain. You are within the seal, brought here by your own disarray and mental conflict. Here I have watched your life through the reflection of the water of which you stand.”

 

Naruto stared at the dark figures malevolent eyes before it clicked, “K-Kyuubi?” he stuttered.

 

White teeth became apparent beneath the crimson red eyes. Naruto audibly shuddered; the mind-numbing, bloodthirsty grin from the blackened figure scared him.

 

The dark figure howled in laughter at his expression, “It appears my reputation still lives on.”

 

Naruto stared at the figure, not knowing what to do, and then it clicked. The fox before him was responsible for all his pain and grief. The Kyuubi ruined his life, making it impossible for him to make friends or to live without fear. Without the fox before him, life would be so much better. He would have a living family, a village that looked at him without hate, and possibly friends. Unconsciously his fists tightened, and his cerulean eyes turned from fearful, to ones of cold fury.

 

“You,” Naruto started out quietly, “You're the reason my life is a MESS! You made my life MISERABLE! YOU MONSTER!” he cried angrily, his eyes glaring furiously at the still grinning figure.

 

A paw stepped closer to the cage bars, revealing a blood red coat of fur. Another paw was revealed, and the Kyuubi's head moved into the light, a sinister grin still in place.

 

Naruto's anger was replaced with shock, as he stared at the large figure.

 

“I'm touched. Your sentiments are nothing to me however. Why would I care about a small insignificant life form anyway hm? It is you they hate as well, not just I. You are as much as me as I am you. I felt your hate towards them, I know how much you wish to rip them apart and bathe in their blood. Are we so different in mind? No. You are a monster. I am a demon.”

 

Naruto backed away from the cage, “I'm not you! I'm nothing like you! Stop messing with my head you furball!”

 

Kyuubi continued, “Oh but we are similar, you wish for power do you not? In terms of power we are nothing comparable, but in mind we are one in the same. I feel your rage, your anger, your fury, your hate, and your thirst for blood, especially when the Yondaime revealed himself to be your father. You think I couldn't hear your thoughts, or feel your emotions? You hate him for what he has done to you!”

 

Naruto shook his head vigorously, “No stop! I-I don't I-“

 

“Think! He took you from your mother! He sealed me in you! Hate him. Hate Konoha. You feel that emotion? That is anger. I can feel your thirst for blood. You are a monster!”

 

Naruto grabbed his head, “Stop. I-I don't want to kill anyone!”

 

Kyuubi scowled, “Your will is great, but you cannot resist the reality of it.”

 

Naruto took a few steps back, “No it's not true,” his voice much smaller then before. His thoughts were a mess, and his feeling unrecognizable. He tried to sort out things, but he couldn't. Was the Kyuubi right? Was he really a monster? No, Minato had told him he was only the container, but still…a small sliver of doubt still existed.

 

Being so confused, Naruto didn't see a figure approach him. Before he knew it he was being hugged in a warm embrace, strong arms were wrapped tightly around his head where he was pulled towards the figure's stomach.

 

“Don't listen to him. You should know better then to think you are a monster. You are Naruto, the next Hokage, and my son.”

Naruto relaxed in his father's hold, his mind slowing down to a point where he could think. He felt secure and safe in the Minato's hold, he never knew such warmth. His emotions came to the surface, and he hugged his father back tightly. Silent tears formed in his sky blue eyes, beginning to slide down his whisker-marked cheeks soundlessly.

 

Minato turned his head from him towards the fox, his eyes narrowed dangerously. “You would do well not to mess with my son.”

 

Kyuubi grinned insanely, “Just make sure he becomes strong enough to hold my reputation. His will is already powerful, more so then most; many would have broken a long time ago. However he could still be stronger, if he does become stronger in mind and body then I will not interfere.” With that said the kitsune retreated back into the depths of his cage, nine crimson tails following his wake.

 

Naruto wiped the tears from his eyes, and Minato released him. Naruto turned his gaze away from the blond man, “I'm sorry I believed him.”

 

Minato blinked then shook his head, “It's okay, he got you when you were weakest. We'll just have to make it so it doesn't happen again okay?”

 

Naruto nodded, before realizing that he could touch the Yondaime, and then there was the fact he was here at all. “How?” Naruto questioned.

 

Minato looked at him curiously, before it clicked, “Oh! You wondering how I got here huh? Well I don't know the details, but when you fainted-“

 

Naruto shook his head in shame, “Ugh I fainted…it just doesn't sound like me…” Naruto looked at Minato, his eyes an icy cold, “You tell anyone I fainted, or cried I will kick your ass, got it?”

 

Minato poked him with each point, “One, watch your mouth. Two, don't ever threaten me. And three, does it look like I can?”

 

Naruto looked at him in shock, before dropping his head and having the decency to blush. “Um, gomen,” he apologized.

 

Minato waved him off, “You're new to it so I'll give you a break, just remember not to do it again.” Naruto nodded in reply and a comfortable silence fell between the two. After a while it became less comforting and more awkward.

 

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, “So ah, do you know what we were talking about again?”

 

“Not a clue,” his father spoke in a dead flat tone. The Yondaime then remembered where they were, “Oh, right! I was telling you about how I got here.”

 

“Oh yeah,” Naruto nodded with recognition.

 

“Anyway you fainted and I began to feel…weird I guess. It was like a pull on my consciousness towards yours. Anyway, I think what happened is that because my soul is not contained properly within a body, and you and I have sort of a connection, I think it is safe to say my consciousness found its way to yours. Of course this is mainly a guess; honestly, I have no clue about it.”

 

“Um, okay. How come you can touch me anyway?” Naruto questioned.

 

Minato closed his eyes in thought, “Well…I think it has something to do with us both being spiritual in a sense. We both don't have a body at a moment, so I guess things work differently here…”

 

Naruto shook his head, “Forget I asked, I already have too many headaches for one day. So how do I ah…return to my body?”

 

Minato blinked, “All you have to do is calm yourself. You came here because of unbalanced emotions, so in order leave you must do the opposite and calm your emotions.”

 

Naruto nodded, “I think I get it.” Naruto closed his eyes and slowed his breathing to the point where each breath was longer and deeper.

 

Naruto opened his eyes slowly, the sight of his banged up apartment greeting him along with blissful silence. Naruto enjoyed the tranquility of the moment, the ease on his strained mind made him content…

 

Minato seemed to come out of nowhere, eliciting a small jump of shock from the smaller blond. “Yo,” he chirped in an overly cheerful voice.

 

Recovering from his momentary shock Naruto cried out in his natural loud voice. “Gah! Would you cut that out!”

 

Minato smiled mockingly, “Who's the Driftwood now?” Naruto's eye twitched, no comeback seemed to come to mind.

 

Minato smiled victoriously, “That's what I thought.”

 

Naruto growled and looked the other way childishly, his arms crossed in front of his chest in a typical pout. Naruto stayed that way until Minato spoke, his voice softer and far more depressing compared to how cheerful he just was.

 

“Naruto, what do you think of all this?”

 

Naruto knew what the Yondaime meant, his body tensing slightly at the topic. Naruto brought his eyes towards his father, before dropping them back towards the floor and to the right.

 

“I don't know. There's a lot to take in, and I…I think just need some time. I mean…”

 

Naruto stopped speaking when a comforting hand was placed on his shoulder. Naruto felt a strange sense of warmth pervade through his being. Not a feeling of touch, but one of presence. Naruto looked up from the floor and at Minato, whose face had broken into a warm smile. Minato spoke reassuringly, “Take as long as you need. I know this a lot to take in at once, and I must say I'm proud to see how well you have taken it thus far.” (2)

 

Naruto gave his signature grin, but not the usual one he flashed to just about everyone, but a true honest one. “I came this far didn't I?” Minato's smile broke into a grin that was very similar to Naruto's own. “And don't forget I still need to surpass you old man.”

 

Minato's grin shattered and his eye twitched audibly, “Don't. Call. Me. Old.”

 

Naruto laughed loudly at the Yondaime's expense, “Looks like I found a weak spot!” he howled in laughter.

 

Minato's face had turned red by this point, “I'm only in my twenties I'm not old!”

 

Naruto laughed even louder, and Minato launched at him in a fit of rage, of course Naruto wouldn't just let him catch him that easily.

 

The chase began, with Naruto jumping over furniture and Minato following him close on his tail. Laughter filled the air of the once lonely apartment. After a minute of the chase, Naruto suddenly stopped and Minato continued right on through him. Minato stopped and turned towards his son, who stuck out his tongue playfully.

 

Minato chuckled, “Guess there is now way for me to win huh?”

 

Naruto grinned brightly, and Minato sighed after noticing how dark it was through the window. “Come on Naruto, it's time for bed.”

 

Naruto pouted childishly, “Can't I stay up?”

 

Minato smirked, “Alright, but don't come complaining to me when you're too tired to train…” Minato heard the slam of Naruto's bedroom door, and chuckled.

 

“He is far too much like me…”

 

 

(1) Uindo Saafin-ryu (Wind Surfing Style) is not entirely correct I know. It is actually English hidden in Japanese. It was a tough translation and I apologize.

 

(2) I'm sorry that I didn't make this clear the first time so I went back and changed it. I'm human and I make mistakes, so I thank my reviewers for pointing that out for me. Like I said Minato Can touch things himself, but he cannot feel and neither can anyone feel him. Refer to making solid surfaces explanation in I Chapter three, either that or two. This does not mean one cannot feel him in a sense of aura or presence. What I mean by that is like a feeling of a sixth sense so to speak. For example, you know someone is behind you but you didn't see or hear him or her, you just know they are there. It's like that. As for the feelings of warmth, like I said presence and feeling.

 

(3) If you haven't noticed already, I am NOT the spoiler type. So if you ask for one, don't expect one.

 

(4) A reviewer has said that Naruto's behavior is somewhat inconsistent. Jumping from the appropriate age level to one in his mid-teens. To explain this, I wanted to show that having a harsh childhood forces one to unconsciously grow up in some aspects. However, it does not change the fact that Naruto is still a child and is weak in some areas. Naruto can be immature in many ways, but mature in others due to experience. People grow mature because of experience in life, and Naruto has experience in some areas but not all. A harsh life like Naruto's can cause one to adapt and wise up in the areas needed. I thank the reviewer who pulled up this point so that I may clarify.