The Gang's All Here!

by MidnightRain19

Summary:

"You look just like..." Kushina stops herself with a frown. She's never met someone who looks so much like Minato did as a boy. He smiles nervously. "Don't worry, I'm-" "Dad?" A voice asks behind them. Another blond boy. 3 generations of the Uzumaki family meet, but the how and what it will take to get back to their right times won't be so easy! Time-Travel/Pre-Nine Tails Attack. Canon AU.

Chapter 1

The Gang's All Here!

"You look just like..." Kushina stops herself with a frown. She's never met someone who looks so much like Minato did as a boy. He smiles nervously. "Don't worry, I'm-" "Dad?" A voice asks behind them. Another blond boy. 3 generations of the Uzumaki family meet, but the how and what it will take to get back to their right times won't be so easy! Time-Travel/Pre-Nine Tails Attack. Canon AU.

Current Ages of Couples/Characters:

Minato & Kushina- 24

Naruto & Hinata-16-17

Boruto-9

Himawari-7

Chapter 1: A Fever Dream? No, but you're pregnant!

---

For Blauer-Fuchs

Kushina-Minato & Kushina's Apartment/Konoha Marketplace

Her breath tastes sour, the remnants of bile and whatever else she barely managed to keep down for breakfast.

Goosebumps line her skin, absently recalling what her temperature was an hour ago. 38 C (100.4 F)? No, it went up to 39 C (102.2) right before Minato left for the day. He laid out boxes of tissues and water, promised he would try to be back early if possible...

She considers turning around and going back inside under her covers seeing frost lingering along the stairs and trees, rescheduling her doctor's appointment.

Slowly, she takes her hand off the doorknob.

No, it has to be today.

The at home tests could be false positives...

'Minato would just worry if he saw me like this, but maybe I'll have a surprise for him when he gets back!' She peps herself up, pulls out her pocket mirror to double check for puffiness under her eyes, sighs at the dark bags and redness to her cheeks she's been carrying around for days like extra baggage.

She slaps her cheeks twice to bring some color back to them.

"No, you got this Kushina! Everything's gonna be fine y'know! This could be what I think it is or just be a case of the stomach bug and flu virus that's been going around the village!" She pumps herself up aloud, reddens noticing Mr. Sawamori glance her way with an arched brow and shake of his head.

Ah, he must just be getting home from his night shift guarding Konoha's Central Bank.

Her neighbors study her more like she's a specimen than a person.

Not much has changed about Konoha like Granny Mito hoped for her, promises people would treat her kindly and with respect as the village's jinchuriki never got passed along to the civilians or even active shinobi really.

Not many people know about her true status as Konoha's tailed beast holder outside a few top officials she supposes, but her bright crimson hair is a giveaway to why others keep her at a distance.

She's an outsider.

So she feigns a smile at Sawamori's frown, twists herself before she starts hearing his mutterings of wishing she and Minato would move already to avoid the hassle of so many footsteps coming and going about the area at this time of day.

'We will, as soon as we start a family y'know! Then we'll never have to see your crabby face in the mornings ever again!' She huffs, purposely stomps her way downstairs onto the street.

Sunlight manages to pour in through the thick clouds that formed overnight, cobblestone lighting up in ambers and reds.

The first wafts of broth hit her as she detours for the markets, Miss Yuna's ramen!

She can cut through here to get to the clinic. Biwako shouldn't mind if she's a few minutes late if it means she's taking care of making sure she's eating well!

Well, hopefully.

She's seen how angry she can get with Hiruzen whenever he's apparently late in getting home from the Hokage office.

Hazel eyes catch with her own as she walks up, wave her over with a beckoning grin.

"First bowl of the day is on me Dear! Come, come! Is Minato feeding you properly?! Goodness, look at how pale you're getting as of late!" She frets, Kushina giggling as her fingers run gently through her locks, shoulders dropping.

Yuna reminds her of Lady Mito in so many ways, one of the few older women in Konoha who looks out for her in helping her get deals at the markets or slipping her extra spices, meats, and herbs for teas similar to the ones she brewed back in Uzushiogakure when she gets particularly homesick.

"Don't worry about me! I think I just caught some bug from maybe helping Mr. Ichiro in the library last week y'know!" Kushina waves off her concern.

Yuna tsks with uncertainty as she pushes a small bowl of tonkotsu ramen towards her.

"I'm gonna get more meat on your bones and send a few recipes Minato's way! There's more competition for me coming up with Teuchi planning to set up Ichiraku Ramen at the end of this month." She hums.

Kushina absently nods, always up for more ramen options. She tries and fails to ignore a sudden churn in her gut as soon as the noodles go down.

'Ugh, now I can't even enjoy good ramen?!' She bemoans.

She takes a few more polite sips before pushing the bowl back tasting acid in the back of her mouth, knows she's running late now when she glimpses ots already near 8:00 am. It's better she gets going now before the markets become too crowded.

The fishermen wave with fresh hauls of snapper, carp, and catfish on their backs, smells further plunging her gut.

"You sure you're alright Kushina? Your skin is a ghost white! I can brew you up some oolong or green tea if your stomach is bugging you or it's that time of month!" Yuna murmurs by her ear before she can fully go.

Kushina shakes her head, maybe too quickly feeling her gut further knot.

Her period is late by nearly a month now, part of the reason she's having this doctor's appointment today is to run further bloodwork and tests.

"No, no! But I promise I'll stop by again soon! Thank you again for the ramen!" She bows and twists left before Yuna can prod her with further questions.

She pauses at seeing blond locks walking a few meters ahead, cerulean eyes shining in the morning light.

A Yamanaka clan member? No, their clan members usually aren't out and about so early.

'Minato?'

No, he's not back from his assignment until tonight...

And she's never seen him wear orange really, picking up her pace just slightly to catch the tail end of this boy's conversation.

"-I don't know Hinata. None of this looks right y'know. I don't recognize any of these buildings and we were in Konoha not too long ago. Everything here looks so...old."

The girl beside him points north.

"Let's try the Hokage's office. We could get an explanation on what's going on there maybe. The Hokage Rock is only up to Lord Third's face which is the biggest clue we've gone back." She ventures.

Their voices get swallowed by the growing commotion of the markets as he grins at his violet haired companion in agreement, pair vanishing into the crowds before she can get any closer.

'A long lost relative of Minato's maybe? But Minato's an only child and he's never mentioned having cousins or any other family members living here in Konoha outside his parents.' Kushina wonders.

A hand lands on her shoulder, squeezes and she bristles when she turns to see dark eyes boring on her.

Biwako.

"I shouldn't have to chase down my only patient for the day! Especially after the symptoms you reported to me!" She scolds, pulling her along.

Kushina hides a grin as they luckily pass the couple, notes then the boy's height and teenage build.

'Ah, just a doppelgänger then I suppose.'

---

Naruto & Hinata-Hokage Tower

'Did she see us? Me?' Naruto clenches his teeth.

His chest lurches. He only had a brief talk with his Mom before her spirit departed for the afterlife and he's still yet to fully master control of the Nine Tails in the same way she seemingly could with ease via her chains. That was the purpose of his training and assignment surveying the resident animals of the Island Turtle.

But now it nags at him that there were multiple things off about that supposed 'mission'. The extra protection of Guy, Aoba, Yamato, and even Hinata explained away as additional measures to ensure nobody disturbed his training or surveying.

"You'll need them around based on how strenuous this training and data collection can become Naruto. A Hyūga clan member to keep track of the surrounding seas and sky for any unknown chakra. Yamato to prevent you from losing control, and Gai and Aoba as extra muscle and barriers they can put up for protection." Tsunade instructs him.

Naruto notes the scroll Yamato tucks away in his bag, the only one of them to get one.

"And what's that for?" He gestures with his head.

Amber eyes harden, tired of his questions, his wondering.

He leaves at 6:00 am sharp tomorrow whether he wants to or not.

"A final measure of protection for you both."

The Island started shaking that morning after a series of late-night storms, waters surrounding the area churning into murky greenish-blues reflecting the unstable mood of both them and the animals sensing danger coming. As dawn approached, gray clouds gave way to those familiar black and red robes.

The Akatsuki.

It clicks then the underlying reason why Granny and Iruka specifically wanted him to come all the way out here to Kumo's version of the Forest of Death with its twisting forest trails that lead to dead ends, cascading waterfalls, and wild flora and fauna meant to poison or kill.

All a means as well to hide him and Killer B.

He studies the way trails of smoke run behind the approaching duo in various shades of red to pure black.

The colors of fires and destruction; war coming.

"There's two of them: Kabuto and...Deidara? His body has been revived." Hinata breathes out, byakugan tracking the pair as they soar through the air.

Yamato grits his teeth, abruptly pulls her and Naruto back, unfurls the scroll.

Black ink pours out around them, paralyzes them in place.

"Damn it, we'll need to move locations! Though for now, you two can't stay here! We'll deal with them!" Yamato orders.

"What?! No, I can help you guys fight-" Naruto shouts back, explosion of white engulfing them, voice swallowed by a screech of wind and smog.

Yamato disappears from view, awakening in the forests once more, smell of oakwood singeing his nose. Hinata studies the pine and sycamore trees surrounding them, greenery going on for miles. Pearl eyes briefly shine with relief seeing him awake before they dull again, looking around.

"This...isn't Turtle Island or Konoha."

Naruto searches the dirt and grass. "Where's that scroll Captain Yamato used?"

Hinata smiles forlornly, points to a pile of ash.

"It seemed it got burned up by the remnants of the blasts. We'll have to find another way back."

He's sure Kushina was probably just as confused by his presence from her brief glance towards him and Hinata, how similar he looks to Dad.

They're just as confused how they went this far back in time, what feasible way they can find to get bavk to their correct time period knowing how hostile each nation currently is, all acting only in their best interests for rebuilding and restoring power.

Hinata curls her fingers around his hand hesitantly seeing his pinched expression, flitter of emotions running through his eyes. Kushina being alive at least confirms how far they are in the past.

Naruto forces a smile as he glances over to her. "Sorry, I know we need to focus on getting back to our proper time. Let's get going to the Hokage Tower."

Guards surround the steps leading into the Main Tower, Naruto drawing in a breath as they halt them with a mix of kunai and naginata blades.

"Minato Namikaze? No, who are you? State your business!" The head guard, Araki steps forward.

Naruto points towards the Hokage Tower.

"We'd like to speak with Old Man Third."

Araki holds up his tanto blade, scowl rising to his lips.

"Using such a rude title for Lord Third will get you nowhere! Besides, he's busy in meetings throughout all of today. You can try again tomorrow or even next week if you're lucky.

Naruto bristles. "We don't have that kind of time to wait around here y'know! Just tell him that I-"

Hinata holds up a hand. "We'll wait outside his office. This is too important to hold off on."

Araki regards her up and down slowly, bites her tongue not to squirm at his scrutinizing.

'A Hyūga? Guess there's some news regarding their clan that needs to be reported to Lord Third.' Araki sighs, finally lowers his blade.

"Fine. Get going then you two, straight for the office with no detours."

---

"Sorry to interrupt, but those two teenagers are still urgently requesting a private meeting with you Lord Third." Ryoshi states by way of greeting as his afternoon session with Konoha's engineering representatives wraps up.

Hiruzen looks up from his files, brows furrowing.

'They're still here?'

"Are they civilians or shinobi?"

Ryoshi straightens to attention. "Shinobi sir. I tried to explain you've been busy with meetings all day and that they should try again tomorrow, but they insisted on sticking around saying it was critical and they would wait however long is necessary to have an audience with you before today's end.

Hiruzen glances to his clock. 3:14 pm.

'That means they been waiting at least 5 to 6 hours now. Quite the bit of patience.'

He sighs, about to speak again to let them in when he hears yelling from the corridor.

"-Wait, you can't just go in there!"

"This can't wait any longer y'know! I'm talking to Old Man Third whether you all like it or not!" A second voice retorts back, screech of wind making him rise from his seat.

'Old, huh? I haven't been called that since the days of having those 3 as my students...'

Ryoshi winces at the moniker, holds back from fully leaving in case he needs his assistance.

Hiruzen pauses as he takes in the boy first as he pushes his way through. It's like looking at Minato's twin, but he lacks the man's social graces going by the looks of his advisors and officers' weary expressions in between sending him apologetic bows.

The girl beside him hails from the Hyuga clan, but he can't recall Hiashi saying he was going to send an attendant over to him.

"How can I help you two...?" He trails off, nods for Ryoshi and the others it's okay for them to leave them be.

Naruto waits for the last guard to fully depart, takes in Hiruzen's fully brown locks, lack of wrinkles.

'Ah, is it right to even still call him Old Man Third?'

"First, let me just speak without you interrupting me y'know. My name is Naruto Uzumaki, beside me is Hinata Hyūga. We're from the future; I'm the son of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki while Hinata is the firstborn daughter of the Hyūga clan's current patriarch Hiashi Hyūga."

Hiruzen rubs his chin thoughtfully at the sudden news. Looks wise, what he says checks out about them both.

But they could also easily be spies, shinobi who gathered details about the most prominent people of their village's appearances and want to infiltrate into Konoha to collect further intel.

Hiruzen settles back into his seat, glances over to his medical cabinet.

"I'm sure you two would have no problem submitting to a Yamanaka clan member probing your mind to confirm you both are who you say you are along with a few blood samples to confirm your DNA and genetic heritage?" He begins.

The pair readily agree, eager to get started.

"Oi, what if we run into one of our parents by chance? I don't know how you'll explain away having your clan's eyes Hinata." Naruto grumbles as Hiruzen sets to calling for Inoichi and Dr. Owara. Hinata purses her lips silently, that question and more has been weighing on her mind in the hours since they've been here.

Hiruzen peers back over to the duo. "What do you mean run into your parents? Have you already seen Kushina today?"

No, if that was the case, she would've billowed in here like a tornado with dozens of questions.

Hinata shakes her head. "We caught a glimpse of her at the marketplace, but we didn't fully interact with her."

Hiruzen pulls out a notepad, writes down what he's learned, stills when he hears a knock at the door. For all of the guards to have let somebody pass through, it must be Inoichi or Dr. Owara.

No, he recognizes that knock...

Blond locks hit sunlight casting them with a faint golden hue, Minato stepping in with a bow.

Despite the mud and dried blood caking his clothes, twigs and leaves scattered about his hair, a grin etches his lips.

"Sorry for my intrusion Lord Third, but I managed to finish the assignment early and wanted to get home early to check on Kushina-" He stops himself noting Naruto and Hinata, gaze lingering on Naruto.

He looks up him and down, sliver of suspicion coating azure before he grins warmly once more.

"Oh, you have company! My apologies, I should've properly waited for you to respond to my knock." Minato begins, Hiruzen stopping him with a beckoning hand forward before he can leave.

"No, it's fine. You're here now Minato and I ask that you lock and soundproof these rooms too. You need to be a part of this discussion as well."

Minato says nothing for a moment, gaze switching back to Naruto split between curiosity and distrust.

"I...I imagine it has something to do with this boy who looks very much like me, correct?"

Hiruzen nods, Dr. Owara poking his head in nervously.

It's rare to get calls from the Hokage of all people at this time of day, especially one where he must come alone and exercise discretion in telling any friends, family, or colleagues about this encounter.

"Yes, we're going to need a bit your blood to confirm the information he just passed along to us."

---

Boruto & Himawari-Konoha Business District

"How many times am I gonna have to apologize y'know?!" Boruto gripes.

It'd been a mistake to take that scroll, a hard lesson he didn't think would have such grave consequences.

Himawari jabs at his shoulder with bruising intent jolting him, blue of her eyes shimmering white.

"Until you can figure out what happened Big Brother! Why did you have to go and steal that scroll from the private study of the Hokage Tower anyways? Papa will be so mad once he finds out it was you."

Boruto withers at the thought, huffs and looks away.

"I'll figure out something; I promise." He attempts to assure her, brushing at tears pooling into her eyes.

It had been relatively easy enough to 'break in' to said study despite the multiple cameras situated about every corner of the room and apparent 24-hour guard system in place.

Everyone knows who he is seeing as Dad's inauguration ceremony is set to come up before the year's end, can't resist his disarming smile and light questioning of what said room contained.

"Oh, are you interested in becoming Hokage one day too Boruto?!" Daichiro mentions eagerly at his approach.

It's the lunch hour, luckily the quietest time of the day here.

Boruto resists blanching at the very thought, forces his grin to stay in place. This plan won't work if any of the guards get the slightest suspicion that he's up to no good or planning a prank on Dad again.

That's why he's brought along backup, Shikadai hiding in the hallways ready for his signal.

"Yes, we've been learning about the details of Papa's peace efforts before and after the last Shinobi World War. I want to be a strong shinobi too one day that can visit the other Great Nations! I know to do that, I need to learn more about how each Hokage made their speeches and how they delegate tasks. Papa and Old Man Kakashi or err Lord Sixth want me to bring over the Scroll of Ages & Seasons."

Half-truths are easy. While Dad may have multiple chapters dedicated to him in basically all the latest History and Geography books at the Academy, he disagrees.

How could Dad's life be so exciting when basically every one of their many quizzes and tests is just reviewing another one his supposed biggest contributions to the Shinobi world. He's never bothered to fully pay attention to any of it unless necessary to pass.

Eikichi nods. "I remember those! You have some big shoes to fill Boruto, though you'll be following in the footsteps of your Grandfather and Lord Seventh! Come, I know just the scrolls you can even take a peek at to learn about to get a head start on your studies!"

Boruto grins, scratches behind his ear twice, straightens.

Signal done, Shikadai forges a path for them in the opposite hall, wind and shadows checking every corner.

All clear.

"Wow, thank you! I'm lucky Papa and Lord Sixth know so many nice people!" He butters him up as he passes him the scroll.

Eikichi chuckles, ruffles at his hair.

"Why it's no problem! Please tell them hello on my behalf!"

It takes every ounce of effort not to run of the room as soon as he has the worn scroll fully in his hands like have about 5 to 7 minutes before one of those guards realizes that his Old Man and Kakashi-sensei never asked for any scroll.

Don't even know he was here.

"What exactly are you planning to do what that old thing? All this trouble better be worth it." Shikadai yawns as they head back out into afternoon sun. It's the perfect day to be lounging at home cloud watching before Mom gets home or playing Shinobi Card Strike.

Boruto smiles victoriously.

"The Ultimate Prank y'know! Dad's going to see how much I know about him without the need for school!"

And it would've been perfect too, if not for him forgetting one problem to his plan: Himawari.

"What are you guys gonna do with that dusty, old scroll Big Brother? You guys didn't steal it; did you?" She peppers them with questions seeing Boruto avoid her stare.

Shikadai wisely leaves him alone to his sibling, pair going into a stand-off.

"I'm err, just borrowing it! I'll give it back before the day is over." Boruto fumbles seeing her pout out her cheeks. The lie sounds awful even to his own ears, stiffening hearing the click of the main door opening downstairs.

"I'm home Himawari! Can you help me put away the groceries!" Hinata calls out.

"And come give Papa a hug as well!" Naruto adds in.

Boruto clamps up, heart skittering in his ears. 'Crap, why is Dad home too?!

It's now or never.

"Fine, Fine. I'll let you take a quick peek, then we'll go down there together." He decides, Himawari hopping up and down in delight.

That was his second mistake of the day, unfurling this scroll with abilities he had no true idea about.

A flash of white pours into the room just from that tiny glimpse, too late to stop as it coats them both.

Wherever they are now, this isn't the Konoha they're used to.

But surely Papa and Mama are around somewhere, just a different age than they're used to.

Boruto grabs at Himawari's hand. "We'll just need to check Mom and Dad's favorite shops and places. Let's start at Ichiraku's followed by Sweet Express Bakery and if they're not at either of those places, then the main Marketplace. If we explain our situation to Auntie Sakura and Ino, or even maybe to Old Man Kakashi, one of them will surely help us out."

Himawari wipes at her cheeks, tears still marring her flushed face as she slowly nods.

Cerulean eyes glance to Hokage rock, freezing in place.

Boruto scowls at attempting to tug her along until he follows her gaze, stiffening as well.

'Only 3 Faces?!' He gapes.

'Oh no, just how far back in time are we?'

---

Kushina-Minato & Kushina's Apartment

'He's late.'

She wrings the folder in her hands before stopping herself seeing the ends starting to tear, biting her lip.

Dinner is going to get cold; it's not like Minato to be late, especially without sending a messenger toad along. Her gaze falls back to the folder Biwako gave her confirming all her blood tests and imaging.

3 weeks pregnant give or take.

"I, along with my most trusted members of my medical team will be the equivalents of your obstetrician, gynecologist, and midwife. This is an especially precarious situation knowing your seal that holds the Nine Tails will weaken the further along your pregnancy goes." Biwako explains.

Kushina nods along, but her mind is already floating away with which room will become the nursery? Will it be a boy or girl? What should they name him or her? What features will they take from her and Minato respectively?

"Kushina, are you listening? It's very important you start on your prenatal vitamins and be on time for your monthly check-ups. You will need to avoid certain foods and beverages now as well." Biwako sighs at her starry expression.

Well, she supposes she remembers that feeling when she was pregnant with Asuma, no matter how rowdy and disrespectful of a boy he currently is now to both her and Hiruzen.

She pats at Kushina's hands refocusing her. "Alright, first things first. Let's take care of that fever. I have some herbs I want you to start taking every morning and evening. If your fever doesn't break by the end of the week, please let me know and I'll make adjustments."

She'd about cleared the apartment as much as agreed with Biwako to do without pushing herself too hard when she hears the key to their front door opening, puffs out her cheeks.

It's nearly half past 8:00!

'Oh, I'm about to talk his ear off! No way is he getting any of his favorite meals tonight or for the rest of the week y'know!'

"Minato, you better be ready to explain yourself!" Kushina waves out a spatula.

To that boy from earlier.

It drops to the floor with a clang, Naruto wincing and moving to pick it up. Hinata stays by the door, Minato stepping forward quickly.

"Ah, let me explain the best way I can Dear! Umm, this is Naruto...Naruto Uzumaki. He's our son from the future along with his companion Hinata Hyūga."

Kushina looks from him to the duo, violet eyes narrowing. It doesn't look like Minato is sick or confused, stepping forward to take in the pair up close now without any interruptions. Still, only one word escapes her lips as she takes in Minato's statement.

"Huh?"

-x-

---

Consider this an official preview of my next writing project for 2025. This is a request from one of my readers Blauer-Fuchs, I hope he/she enjoys this as this is another time travel story covering 3 generations. I wasn't sure about the idea at first, but after a few days, an idea came to me to fully get a story going.

Do you have questions? I may have answers below!

1.) Will Sakura, Sasuke, Kakashi, or anyone else be time-traveling? -Nope! There are enough characters in this story that I just want to focus on the Uzumaki family for right now. May change my mind but I highly doubt it for how I see the future chapters of this story.

2.) What are the main couples?-Strictly Naruto x Hinata and Minato x Kushina. Maybe other couples in the future, but undecided on that. I know people like to write and read about incest, threesomes, harems, and I long ago learned that's not for me and that's not what this story will ever be.

3.) Will Minato and Kushina live?-Yes, I don't think it would be right to have them die after meeting their son, daughter in-law, and grandchildren which leads into the next question:

4.) If Minato and Kushina live, how do you plan to change canon as them living means Naruto's childhood and personality are potentially very different along with major events not happening like the Uchiha massacre, Kakashi's darkness, stopping Orochimaru early so Sasuke doesn't defect from Konoha, where does Kurama go, etc.-This is probably the hardest topic to cover as this is essentially Canon AU, nothing is going to happen the exact same way in canon because Minato and Kushina won't die.

I only plan for this story to actually cover the 9–10-month period of Kushina's pregnancy in the preparations and changes Minato and Kushina will make to prevent their deaths and the negative things that happen in the future. Hopefully, it will make enough logical sense as these changes affect the future, but it won't be canon-compliant. Also, it's fanfiction, let me have fun making up shit along with family fun times and fluffy moments without dwelling too much on the darkness! I will say, you will see the effects of their changes as the story goes along, with the most major differences being towards the end when everyone is back in their correct time period.

5.) Who are the villains? -Same ones as canon with changes on when they'll make their appearance and for what reason.

That's all I can think of, please feel free to message me or send any further questions and tips via a review! I'm open to any ideas or suggestions on how to improve this and make sure the story flows smoothly outside of my own plans.

I look forward to your thoughts! I will update this again sometime in early 2025 either January or February. Consider this an early Christmas present! Happy New Year and Holidays to all my readers!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!

Chapter 2: Riddle Me This!

Chapter 2: Riddle Me This!

"The sweetest smiles hold the darkest secrets..."

―Sara Shepard, Flawless

---

Kushina & Minato-Uzumaki/Namikaze Apartment

She must still be running a fever.

It's the only logical explanation despite Minato's calm smile, puzzlement stretching across her features as her eyes skirt back to Naruto and Hinata. The duo stand by the door awkwardly, nobody speaking.

Kushina draws in a breath.

"Minato. Can I speak with you in your office; alone?" She manages to grit out feeling the last ebbs of her patience slipping away quickly, temper rising like a flame the more she just stands here.

She grabs his arm in a vice-grip before he can properly answer, practically pulls him along.

As soon as they're both inside his office, she waves up a hand in the air.

"Soundproof the area too; I don't want them eavesdropping y'know!"

Minato does as she wants, grins in that charming way that normally makes her melt, crosses her arms with a scowl to stay focused.

"What do you mean he's our future son?! Is this some type of prank, because I don't understand the joke if so." Kushina rushes out in a single breath.

Minato settles her into his office chair, rubs at her shoulders until her breathing finally settles. This close he can feel her rapid pulse, lips pursed tightly with uncertainty of what to make of this development.

She presses his hands to her stomach before his hands can fully leave her, smiles lightly. "I mean, I just found out today that I'm 3 weeks or so along. Heh, and now you're telling me we already have a teenager to deal with?"

Minato's eyes widen excitedly. "You're pregnant?! Ah, so you did go see Biwako! I'm going to be Father!"

Kushina nods giddily at their upcoming parenthood before remembering she's supposed to be mad at him. "Yes! So much is happening with you soon to start as the 4th Hokage and me going to be a Mother! Oh, but you still gotta explain what's going on!"

Minato leans back against his desk. "It's as I said earlier, he's our son from the future. I err, didn't get the full details exactly from him or Lord Third, but it seems he was sent back to the past via a scroll meant to protect him. He mentioned what might be a war happening as he was sent to the Island Turtle in Kumogakure."

Violet eyes instantly sharpen. "Kumo? Why there of all places..."

Minato shakes his head. "I don't know why that location specifically either especially knowing your past with that nation, but he said it was for a mission to survey the animals of the Island. However, he believes now that assignment was just a cover to stop him from getting involved in the war. Both he and his companion along with a few other shinobi were there as a mix of his bodyguards and part of his training regimen it sounds like before the Island was attacked by this rogue ninja group."

Kushina rubs at her chin, expression turning thoughtful. "We...We must have given one of those shinobi that scroll to send him back to the past, as a failsafe measure maybe y'know? If Naruto's as stubborn as me, we probably didn't tell him the true meaning behind the scroll's effects to not worry him and didn't realize it would send him back so far in time to before he was even born."

Minato nods along at the theory, granted Naruto barely looked him in the eye during his explanation of how he and Hinata got here.

'There's something he and Hinata weren't telling us regarding the future, something that even Lord Third didn't reveal from Inoichi probing their minds.' He knows.

"He and Hinata are in shock from all of this. I know there's much we still need to discuss, though I think it would be best to have them eat a light meal and get some rest. Then, we can all talk more in the morning."

Kushina nods, claps her hands in delight as she gets back to a standing position. "Good thing we just replaced the sofa in the living room and have some extra futons and blankets in the closet! I even have some camping gear from assignments we did back in our Academy days!"

'I don't think those sleeping bags will fit either of them.' Minato muses as they move back into the living room.

He watches in bemusement as Kushina loudly clears her throat startling the pair, slips easily into the role of Mother.

"Alright, Minato has explained everything to me now y'know! You guys will stay here until we can get a bigger living space, but you'll be sleeping separately, I don't need to become a grandma so soon either!"

Naruto and Hinata glance to each other, redden at her implication.

Naruto jumps up first from the sofa. "What? I would never take advantage of Hinata like that! I mean, we're not-"

Kushina pokes at his chest before he can go on. "Oh, I'm just teasing you! And no calling me formal titles like Mrs. Uzumaki, Mrs. Namikaze or anything of that sort that will make me feel old! I'm fine with you both calling me Mother. I may be younger than you're both used to seeing, but I'm sure I still look great for my age like 15 years into the future or so, right?!"

Hinata's nails dig crescents in her thighs, pearl eyes looking between Naruto and Kushina carefully before speaking for them.

"Thank you-Mrs. Uzu, or err Mother. We appreciate the both of you having us until we can get this situation sorted out." She bows.

Kushina chuckles, she's forgotten how prim and proper the Hyūga are compared to the other noble clans of Konoha.

Minato studies Naruto alone, the way azure hazes over not wanting to meet either of their eyes fully again, the cracks in his features caught between joy and sadness before he grins brightly again.

All just before Kushina can notice it.

"Right, what Hinata said y'know!"

Kushina gazes back to Minato, smile widening.

"Ah, he must be our son Minato, we even share the same verbal tic!"

---

Hiruzen, Boruto, & Himawari-Hokage's Office

"Sir, sorry to bother you at this late hour, but we have another situation."

Ryoshi shuffles from foot-to-foot hearing the grunt in Hiruzen's voice, thick with sleep and annoyance.

They both know how late the hour is now: 2:56 AM.

He'll be so glad when he can officially retire starting next week of dealing with these late night/early morning calls.

"Who is it?" Biwako mutters out beside him.

Hiruzen shakes his head that it's nothing major. "An urgent alert from one of the guards. Get some rest, I'll take the call in the hallway."

Outside is still dark, blanket of stars in the distance dots of whites and yellows.

"What type of situation?" Hiruzen questions as he sits up properly from his bedside and steps away from Biwako to let her keep sleeping.

He moves into his office, brings up his crystal ball.

Two more kids.

Ryoshi's voice is scratchy with fear. "Ah, well there's two kids here, siblings insisting that they need the Hokage's help right now regarding getting back to their correct timeline and their parents. They won't leave and keep saying they have nowhere else to go. I don't believe they're orphans going by what they've told us and how they're dressed."

Hiruzen takes in their features, sighs.

"Give me 10 minutes to get dressed and over there."

'The boy looks like Minato along with that teenage boy who passed through earlier. The sister looks like the girl he was with.' Hiruzen muses as he studies the two up close.

They have whisker marks to their cheeks, bright cerulean eyes.

He draws a puff from his tobacco, clears his thoughts to get to the facts.

"What are your parent's names again?"

Boruto speaks up first. "Naruto and Hinata Uzumaki. But Mom is formerly Hyūga if that helps y'know!"

He squeezes at Himawari's hand who nods, blue of her eyes turning pure white.

'The byakugan. Yet her eyes are normally blue otherwise.' Hiruzen writes in his notes next to her file.

He's updated the night guards to call what will be a surely grouchy Inoichi and frazzled Dr. Owara back to his office, though the pair won't come until daybreak to get a full amount of rest.

These two are from an even farther future based on being up to a coming 7th Hokage.

"Well, your parents are here..." Hiruzen begins, half-smiles at their looks of relief, pair instantly chattering in excitement.

Himawari beams, wipes at specks of tears as she glances to her brother. "See? Papa and Mama were looking for us! You're going to be in so much trouble now!"

Boruto deflates at the news, but Hiruzen can see the joy and lightening in his features as well. "Fine, whatever. I'll accept any punishment even if it's no VR or card games for a year y'know!"

'Ah, I have to clarify.' Hiruzen frowns before they get too carried away, hates that their expressions are going to sink.

Hiruzen waves up a hand to get their attention once more.

"How old are your parents by chance?"

Boruto shrugs. "Old. Like late 20s or early 30s, something like that!"

Hiruzen rubs his chin. 'Hmm, as I expected. Those two aren't their parents yet then going by these kids ages.'

He leans forward in his seat. "Listen you two, this pains me to say as your parents are here, but not as you would recognize them. They're teenagers who happened to get put in this timeline accidentally as well."

It sounds just as confusing to say it out loud.

And Boruto and Himawari stare back at him with equal puzzlement, features falling.

"...Papa and Mama aren't here?" Himawari clarifies softly.

Hiruzen clears his throat seeing tears pool back in her eyes, Boruto patting at her shoulder.

"He just means Mom and Dad aren't gonna recognize us because they're still young y'know. Something like that, right?"

Hiruzen nods. "You've been pulled from an even farther future than they came from. I would estimate based on the information you've given me that this is about 20 to 30 years ago in your timeline's past."

Boruto presses his lips together, stomach dropping as Himawari burrows into him.

'Wait, that far back...Mom and Dad would be like just toddlers or-'

He doesn't finish the thought.

Himawari twists with his jacket regaining his attention. "Big Brother, how do we get back home?"

He turns his focus back to Hiruzen, hands trembling.

"This is my fault Lord Third, I-I didn't know the scroll I was messing with would do all this y'know! I just wanted to prank my Old Man, he's always busy with some meeting and he's not even officially Hokage yet until Old Man Kakashi steps down."

He's rambling now, Hiruzen holding up a hand with a chuckle despite exhaustion weighing on him.

'So this boy loves pranks too? Just like so many youngsters I've seen around the village.'

Some things don't change even with the passage of time.

"It's fine. There's nothing we can do about it now except search for a new scroll similar to this one you used or possibly create a device that will get you all back to your proper times. However, it's late right now, we'll discuss this more when the sun's properly out with what I guess would be your grandparents." Hiruzen explains.

He nods to Ryoshi and the other guards by the door to set up some cots, pillows, and blankets for the two.

In the moonlight he again notes how much these two look not only like Naruto and Hinata, but their grandparents too.

Himawari perks up some at the mention of seeing them.

"We're gonna see Grandpa tomorrow?"

'I'll wait on bringing this news to Hiashi and his wife knowing how private the Hyūga are until Dr. Owara and Inoichi can confirm their DNA and do a mind sweep respectively.' Hiruzen decides.

He smiles, ruffles at her violet locks. "Yes, and your Grandma too. On your Father's side."

Though he winces internally at the thought of Kushina hearing she's a grandmother. Biwako only just yesterday confirmed she's pregnant and will begin preparations as her official OB-GYN to eventual midwife.

Boruto's eyes gleam with equal excitement as he peers back to Himawari, pair bouncing now in their blankets wide awake.

'I should've waited on telling them this.' Hiruzen muses at seeing its half past 3:00 am now.

"Wow, we never got to meet Papa's Mom and Dad! Maybe they can teach us some cool jutsu before we go back home!" Boruto cheers as Hiruzen nods to Ryosei and Satoru to watch over the pair for the rest of the night.

He pauses midway back to his room at an abrupt thought, thrum of his heartbeat shocking away fatigue.

'They've never met Minato and Kushina? Why?'

---

Naruto & Minato-Uzumaki/Namikaze Apartment

'He's still up?' Minato wonders.

Or really, Naruto never went to sleep.

He nudges the toad along by his hand, hopes his message reaches is former teacher in the next few days.

"Can't sleep?" Minato calls out.

Naruto practically jolts from his chair, peers behind him at the man as he holds out a cup of tea.

"Don't scare me like that y'know!" He whisper-yells before glancing to Hinata, sighs in relief seeing her still asleep.

A fitful sleep, but better than how he currently is.

He reluctantly accepts the cup, burns at his lips gulping down a few sips too fast. Minato tacks on a weak smile, he'd purposely kept his steps light in order to just observe him for a bit.

Sunrise is coming, sky a mix of pastel pinks and violets.

They step away to the patio outside.

"Ah yeah, I've been in and out of sleep to answer your earlier question. It's hard to rest or really focus knowing what's happening in the future. Hinata and I aren't there to help Captain Yamato and I don't know what even happened with Killer B if he was captured or pushed away too-"

Minato pats at his arm. "I know you're worried, but carrying this stress on your mind 24-7 won't help. Don't worry, trust in your Mom and Dad to get this figured out!"

Naruto swallows, gaze dropping from his again.

Tears burn at his eyes in the silence, turning away dropping his head into his chest.

Minato taps at his arm once more until he gently pulls Naruto into a hug.

"...What is it you're not telling us? We can't help you if you don't give us the full truth."

Naruto shakes his head.

"It's-nothing."

Minato hums. "Well, I guess we can just keep sitting here hugging until you tell me. I know you're not fast enough to get away from me!"

Naruto snorts lightly at that, wipes at his eyes as he pulls back some.

"You and Mom, at least in the timeline Hinata and I came from, don't survive the Nine Tails Attack. The seal breaks the day I was born. So...So I didn't grow up with you guys. Heh, only recently did I learn you and Mom's names and what you two looked like."

Naruto forces a smile at his stunned look, waves up his hands.

He should've just lied, made up some story they'd have no way to fact check.

"It's okay! Well, no, it wasn't okay for a while, but I became a genin and joined Team 7. And people don't ignore me like they used to-"

"Stop. I-I need a minute." Minato cuts him off.

He rubs at his head, shoulders shaking. This news will only devastate Kushina too, throat knotting up.

The worst possible scenario happens, the family he and Kushina dreamed of will never be.

Their son is going to grow up alone.

'No. He's here right now and has information that can change that.'

"Sarutobi or err Lord Third? Was he killed in the attack as well?" Minato eventually asks.

Naruto shakes his head. "He's dead now, but he took back over as Hokage when you passed. I assume he never told me you and Mom's identities since you have so many enemies across the nations."

Minato brushes a hand through his locks. So much isn't adding up.

"I don't understand, surely Lord Third could've found a caretaker or gotten one of his aides..." He trails off.

Naruto pats at his stomach, raises up his shirt just slightly revealing the seal. "No, not with the Nine Tails residing in me. Everyone knew back then, so that wasn't an option."

Minato peers up at him, blue to blue.

Naruto clears his throat seeing his pained expression. "I'm, err not mad or upset so much anymore Dad-"

Footsteps stomp up behind them.

"You two! It's cold outside, and we can't risk anyone in this house getting sick y'know. So get back in here so we can all enjoy breakfast together!" Kushina orders.

Minato looks over to Naruto who discreetly nods.

This conversation is done for now.

---

Kushina & Hinata-Living Room/Kitchen

'Ah, I'm not so weak that I can't handle bad news regarding our son Minato.' Kushina steps back towards the kitchen.

She heard enough.

Her footsteps slow as her vision blurs, figure at her side to keep her balanced.

Hinata.

Kushina laughs, sound cracked and warbly.

"Heh, sorry! I'm always slow on my feet in the mornings."

Tears slide down her cheeks too fast for her to stop, Hinata shaking her head as she pulls out a handkerchief.

They fall into the sofa at once. Her mind scrambles to make sense of what she managed to hear before making her entrance known to the guys. So it wasn't just her who sensed this despondency Naruto had been carrying around since coming to the apartment.

Now they know why.

"Is...Is what Naruto just said true?" She whispers out.

Hinata nods slowly. "Yes."

Kushina bites her tongue until a coppery taste hits, swallows back a sob.

She rocks on her toes, counts her breathing up to 20 as Biwako taught her before slapping her cheeks, peers back to Hinata with a new resolve.

Anger settles over her like stones for what has happened to her son. The same teasing, ignoring, and loneliness she felt in her first days coming to Konoha from Uzushiogakure, but at least she had Mito for comfort and advice. Though she can't worry about such things right now, can't let what hasn't even happened yet affect her.

"Alright then. No more crying, that future is no more. Minato and I will find a way y'know."

Hinata smiles warmly. "You sound just like Naruto, now I'm getting to see where it comes from."

Kushina chuckles, chest lightening up some as she nudges at her. "You love him; don't cha? I mean, well it's obvious from the way you look at him. Naruto looks at you that way sometimes too when you're paying attention to something else."

'He does?' Hinata blinks in shock, feels her cheeks start to burn.

She looks down to avoid seeing anymore of Kushina's teasing grin widening.

"I don't know how Naruto feels really, there hasn't been time to discuss such things with what was going on in our time period." She murmurs.

She balls her hands into her lap.

'There's no war currently going on here with the Akatsuki or undead shinobi. I don't think I've even been born yet...'

The Hyūga are still harshly divided into Main and Branch families, though this she can change with her current foresight.

Undoing the Cage Bird Seal's curse throughout the generations...

A slither of a dark thought takes root before she can truly consider a plan. Her own voice echoes back at her, drips with derision.

'Fool. They aren't going to believe you, even with the DNA confirmation. The Elders will assume you're just some random bastard child a Branch member hid away from the village.'

Her body stills.

She clenches her teeth, buries the image of their pitying to disgusted looks.

No, Neji hasn't been branded yet, Uncle is still alive.

Her stomach tilts the more she dwells on it.

'Mother is alive.'

Kushina pats at her hands until they unfurl.

"I've heard the Hyūga can be scary so if they reject you, then Minato and I are okay with you staying here. Their loss! Plus, we were thinking of moving to a bigger place soon with our growing family y'know!"

Hinata tacks on a smile.

"I want-no, I need to visit the compound."

Kushina waves up a finger just as Minato slips into the kitchen with an uncertain Naruto trailing him.

"Not without food in your system first!"

Violet eyes switch to Naruto.

"What do you normally eat for breakfast? I bet you can teach us some unique recipes!"

Naruto scratches at his cheek. "Err, ramen? Sometimes cereal with a glass of milk or toast?"

Minato chuckles, nods to Kushina. "Your Mother would eat ramen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I didn't stop her!"

Kushina pouts out her cheeks. "No! I couldn't even finish Miss Yuna's noodles the other day!"

She points a spoon at the pair.

"Anyways, nobody's going anywhere until I teach you two some basics and recipes from Uzushiogakure! Especially you Naruto, we'll make tamagoyaki with grilled fish, salad, rice, and nori! You can't eat ramen every day or rely on Hinata making you bentos!"

Naruto slouches but does as she wants when she shoots him a glare to get moving beside his Dad to chop up vegetables.

Hinata squeezes in on his opposite side, Naruto dropping his voice while Kushina goes to the fridge to pull out the eggs and grab the bread nearby.

"Don't listen to Mom, I liked the bentos you gave me back on Turtle Island way more than Gai's 'stews' or Captain Yamato's food pills y'know!"

Hinata stifles a giggle. "It always good to pick up cooking Naruto. You might like the way she prepares vegetables too."

He wrinkles his nose at that, bumps their shoulders again slightly.

"Hey, are you going somewhere later today?"

Hinata nods, smile flattening.

"Yes, I intend to visit the Hyūga compound."

He sneaks a glance back to Minato and Kushina watching them before darting their eyes quickly back to their tasks.

'Ugh, I can't keep even small secrets from them!' Naruto scowls.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

Hinata shakes her head even as she chest tightens and Naruto raises a brow, forces her body not to shake.

"No, Father wasn't exactly...warm in my childhood days as you know. This will be a scandal amongst both Main and Branch with rumors and gossip surely to swirl on Father's reputation and duty as patriarch."

Naruto hums. "I'll stay at a distance then just in case they try something."

Hinata opens her mouth to argue against that too, stops herself at his fixed look that he wants to be there.

For her.

'He looks at you sometimes when you're not paying attention.' Kushina's words rise up, unbidden.

She refocuses, ignores the heat of her flushed cheeks.

"Alright, but only as backup. I can't put it off visiting them. Eventually, news of my presence whether I want it to or not will reach Father's ears. I rather do this on my own terms."

---

Hiruzen & Uzumaki Family-Hokage office

"Wake up you two, you have some visitors."

Hiruzen's announcement gets met with yawns and grunts in return.

Boruto closes his eyes as he rolls over in his blankets, still picks up on tidbits of conversation.

"Grandparents?! Are you sure about this Lord Third...it's just been one surprise after another is all. I don't want to needlessly stress both Kushina and I out...No, no, of course we'll take them in. Though we'll need to move to a bigger place..."

Himawari sits up first, rubs grit from her eyes, blinks as she takes in fiery red hair.

"Oh, wake up Big Brother! Grandma is here!"

Boruto fully stirs at that, drowsily follows her pointing over to Kushina and Minato.

Kushina meanwhile looks behind her.

'Who is she talking about? There's nobody else here except Lord Third, Minato and I.'

She does a double take only to see Himawari now clinging at legs.

"Hi Grandma, nice to meet you! I'm Himawari, but Papa, Mama, and Big Brother sometimes call me Hima for short!"

Kushina crouches to her level, looks her over once before squeezing her in for a hug.

"Minato, look! She has your eyes!"

She pulls Boruto in as soon as he gets close enough, squeals in delight.

"Ow, too tight Grandma!"

Kushina squishes him closer in response, a mother and grandmother.

She used to be just known as the foreigner, the red-hot habanero.

'No matter how strange, I prefer these titles.'

"And he's a mini you too! Ah, I guess my red hair is hard to pass down."

Boruto squirms at her hold. Just as, if not even more crushing than Grandpa Hiashi's ones in the future.

"I can't breathe properly in this hug y'know!"

"Yes you can!" Kushina volleys back, snickers as she finally lets him go back to his sister's side.

Hiruzen passes them their files and scroll. "It's a recessive gene Kushina, but it's not impossible that it may come up in future lineage. More importantly, I've yet to figure out how to get these two back to their correct time period either. Unlike Naruto and Hinata, the scroll Boruto and Himawari have hasn't been burned amid their time travel, but it's written in various codes and text I've never seen before in our libraries."

Minato studies the mix of letters and numbers, glances to the siblings. "How did you two activate this the first time?"

Himawari points to Boruto who stiffens. "Big Brother got a guard to take it out for him. We don't know how it activated, it just flashed white when we first opened it."

Boruto waves away her hand with a scowl. "Stop tattling on me Hima! You were curious about the scroll too y'know!"

Himawari crosses her arms in return. "Nuh uh! I just wanted to know if you stole it or not! Besides, I don't think Papa and Mama would've been that mad if we had just explained it together."

Kushina steps forward to ruffle at both their heads. "Alright you two, no more arguing. What's done is done."

She glances back to Minato and Hiruzen studying the scroll together, Minato rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

'If it's anything related to fuinjutsu, perhaps there's a scroll or book I have on it.' Kushina considers, reminds herself to check her boxes of books and files she brought from Uzushiogakure when they get home.

"I reached out to Jiraiya to see if he perhaps knows anything about such scrolls or techniques." Hiruzen mentions quietly.

Minato nods, small grin rising up. "Ah, we think alike Lord Third! I reached out to Master Jiraiya as well just this morning! Granted, I'm sure he's traveling somewhere as far away as Iwa or Kirigakure knowing him."

Hiruzen blows out a breath, looks around again. "Speaking of travels, where are Naruto and Hinata? Back at the apartment?"

Minato shakes his head. "Hinata wanted to visit the Hyūga compound. I hesitated on letting her go, though she was rather adamant that now that Inoichi and Dr. Owara have confirmed their identities and DNA, that she talk with them and they hear everything from her first before the rumors and gossipmongers start."

'But they haven't been updated to Boruto and Himawari's presence.' Hiruzen shuts his eyes to think.

Hiashi just recently found out this morning he'll be a Father and eventual Grandfather down the line after calling him into his office alone.

Neither news had cracked his stoic features really, simply nodding as he reviewed over the results of the bloodwork and mind analysis Inoichi had done.

"As long as this doesn't majorly disrupt our usual clan politics, I'm fine with one visit or two, but not staying. I've just recently taken over as leader for the Hyūga clan as you know and I don't need my wife or others assuming the worse, especially in this early in her pregnancy. I trust this situation won't spread across the village to civilians and the other noble clan houses?" Hiashi mentions, finally peers up at him from scouring the paperwork.

Hiruzen's eyes darken. "Hiashi, it will be very difficult-no, impossible to stop the leak of this news as soon as someone sees one of the children out and about with Minato or Kushina. From what I've seen, your daughter comes from a rough timeline."

Opalescent narrows. "Then she must be a hardened shinobi; good."

Hiruzen pushes the memory away, one thing at a time.

"Naruto and Hinata need to get updated on Boruto and Himawari's presence sooner rather than later. As for bigger accommodations, I know you said you didn't want to live at the Hokage's Residence, so I've arranged for a mini compound that's been in a state of semi-disrepair since the end of the 2nd Shinobi World War. I've had a mix of both ANBU and guards cleaning and fixing up the place. It's only a 5-to-10-minute walk from here and out of the way of most pedestrians and the curious on-lookers surely to come."

Minato bows in thanks, peers over to Kushina with a relieved grin.

He claps his hands regaining Boruto and Himawari's attention. He's sure everyone is hungry.

Hiruzen stays back, inhales a long drag of tobacco.

'Now all that's left is to hear from that former student of mine. Probably lounging in some brothel or gentleman's club at this very moment.'

---

Jiraiya-Club Mystic/Kiri Gardens & Towers Hotel, Kirigakure

"Come on, one more round Jiraiya?! Please? I promise I'll let you have a good long peek this time!" Kimiko coos in his ear.

Her breath smells of the plum sake they've been sharing, amber eyes dancing between him and the man whose attention she truly wants across the way at the bar. It doesn't surprise him, Shuzo Muneyoshi has a majority of the girl's attention tonight with his striking gray-green eyes, dark locks, and boyish grin.

He looks like he was ripped right out from one of his Make-Out Paradise novels as he half-smiles at the latest women to curl around his arms.

Jiraiya chortles loudly over the thrumming pulse of music and cards, considers for a moment giving in to Kimiko by the swing of her hips and top before shaking his head, shrugs her off.

"Nah, I'm getting low on ryo! Gotta save some for the other gentleman's clubs around here!"

Kimiko's grin evaporates into a sneer at the wad of ryo he throws down, far less than she expected for wasting 2 hours with him. "Liar. You may not be the best-looking guy in here tonight, but I know you're the richest."

Jiraiya shrugs as he walks further away, peers to Shuzo from the corner of his eye.

The man catches his gaze, nods. He clinks his last glass with the busty brunette beside him before slipping away leading to a sea of whines and questioning on where he's going.

It's only a little after 9:00 pm.

"Bathroom ladies, but I'll be back before you know it! Keep my seat warm for me!" He beams with a wink to the growing entourage.

5 minutes later, he's back outside with Jiraiya.

He rolls his neck. "Sorry about that Sir. When you said to dress nicely, I assumed we were going somewhere more...upscale."

Jiraiya snickers, slaps at his back taking in his reddening cheeks. He reminds of him in Minato in that way, pays no woman any mind except the one he has back at home in Konoha.

"Ah, come on now! You were a master heartbreaker back in there! Club Mystic is about as ritzy as it gets for Kirigakure knowing how much corruption and bribery goes on amongst the upper echelon of this society."

Shuzo clears his throat, ready to be done with this subject as they head back for their hotel.

The rogue doctor they've been tracking from Konoha to here that plans to seek asylum within Kiri's borders to practice illegal operations hasn't yet realized they've already pinpointed his location. Apparently, now he's working at Kirigakure's Central Hospital under the assumed name of Dr. Takahiro Kasai.

Jiraiya unfolds the scrap of letter from his pocket as soon as they're within and soundproofed the walls of their suite within Kiri Garden & Towers Hotel.

It's nothing but a series of numbers.

3-8-9-12-4-18-5-14

9-14

11-15-14-15-8-1

20-9-13-5/ 20-18-1-22-5-12?

Jiraiya grabs a pen off the closest desk, assigns a letter to each number until he gets Minato's message.

'Children in Konoha. Time/ Travel?' He reviews.

It's similar enough to the message he received yesterday from Sarutobi-sensei.

'There's a situation regarding kids in the village and time travel.' Jiraiya mulls it over.

Well, he'll just have to go to the sources directly for a clearer answer!

Shuzo gets to a standing position seeing his expression change. "Should I start gathering our belongings?"

Jiraiya nods with a cheery grin knowing he'll soon be a good enough spy on his own to cover collecting intel for him regarding the Hidden Mist, stretches to a standing position.

It's been months since he's been back home, it will be nice to see how Minato's coming along especially with the news he's gotten that Old Man Sarutobi is truly planning to retire and have Minato take up the mantle as 4th Hokage of the Hidden Leaf.

"Yup, pack our bags! Looks like my old sensei and student need my genius expertise on a matter!"

-x-

---

Huzzah, the first chapter I post for 2025 goes to my newest work! Because I had too much fun writing it while I was on holiday break and light clinic duty!

A mix of sad moments in this chapter, but I thought it better to get major secrets out of the way. Minato and Kushina would easily sense something's off with how Naruto is with his emotions. I'm going to need to come up with a name for Hinata's Mom because as far as I'm aware, she wasn't given an official name that I could find? I'm open to suggestions, otherwise I'll think up one that matches the theme of the Hyūga family's names!

I want Naruto and Hinata to kind of gradually build their relationship, which won't be easy with Minato and Kushina's hovering on top of them eventually seeing they have 2 kids in the future lol. Right now their minds are focused mainly on getting back home and Hinata seeing if she can create some ripple effects within the Hyūga clan.

Jiraiya's the first person to make his arrival upon this family reunion of sorts, but I'm really excited to write about the rest of the characters finding out about this situation soon enough. Like Hiruzen said, things like this don't stay a secret for long!

Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!

Chapter 3: Family Reunion!

Chapter 3: Family Reunion!

Hitomi-Name I'll use be using for Hinata & Hanabi's Mom/Hiashi's Wife per reader comments/suggestions!

"Live today. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Just today. Inhabit your moments. Today is calling to you, trying to get your attention, but you're stuck on tomorrow, and today trickles away like water down a drain."

-― Jerry Spinelli, Love, Stargirl

---

Naruto & Hinata-Hyūga Compound

'I'm your future daughter, Hinata. No, he'll turn me away before I can even finish speaking.'

Dozens of options come to mind on how to greet Hiashi, none sounding any better than the last when she repeats them back to herself under her breath.

Father must be expecting her though, manor quiet despite this time of day. It comes into view as she turns the corner, rooftop tiles tinted with ambers and golds from afternoon light.

'Naruto hid himself out of sight.' Hinata notes, half looks behind her to no longer see familiar blond hair or orange-black attire.

But she senses him still tracking her from the shadows, blows out a breath that this will all hopefully go well.

She doesn't recognize either of the guards ahead, Hiroshi and Hizoto probably too young currently to hold any official titles or duties.

Still, the pair lift up their naginata blades at her approach, only lower them slightly seeing the white eyes trademark of their clan.

"You...are you a Main or Branch member returning from assignment?" The man on her left asks.

Hinata purses her lips, lie on the tip of her tongue to say Branch when footsteps approach from ahead.

Hiashi.

The pair instantly straighten and bow at his approach, Hinata taking in her Father's younger features. Stress lines don't mar his cheeks or under his eyes, auburn locks not yet peppered with the beginnings of telltale gray at the roots she's only witnessed once or twice.

Though pearl eyes are just as icy and stoic as what she's used to seeing, arms crossed.

"So you came here after all. Fine, let us go to the back in my private quarters. Hirazuki and Hiroyomi here will ensure we have no interruptions." Hiashi orders, nods for Hinata to give follow.

Memories flit to life of the compound during this era, the parts of the grounds not yet built to make way for coming Branch and Main members over the years. The koi pond glistens an emerald blue as they walk by, fish swimming towards the water's edge as a hand drops low towards them.

Hitomi.

"Mother." Hinata whispers seeing her giggle at a patch of silver-orange koi nibbling at the tips of her fingers.

"Don't worry, I brought enough for everyone." She chimes out softly.

And Hinata's pace slows to watch her, head pulsing at a particular memory.

"Don't be afraid Hinata, I'm right here beside you." Hitomi promises, grabs at her hand to gently pull her closer. They take in their reflections in the water's ripples, breath in the scent of hydrangeas, tulips, and lavender nearby.

Hinata's eyes skirt between her and back inside, the chants of sparring echoing behind them.

"Everyone, again! Palms up! 1...2...3!" Grandfather shouts.

Hinata squirms with the ends of her kimono, dark blue threading twisting and pulling under the weight of her grip. "Shouldn't I...be inside watching them? Father said starting next year I'll need to join in."

Hitomi's smile cracks for a moment before shaking her head with a renewed smile.

"No, you don't need to go in there just yet sweetie. I won't allow it until Hanabi is at least a year old."

Hinata follows her gaze to her sister as gently rocks her at her light stirring, first time seeing her up close since her birth last week. A grin etches up her lips taking in ruddy cheeks and soft brown locks.

'I'm a Big Sister now.'

The title led to a flurry of whispers behind her back regarding heiress duties and responsibilities, words she couldn't fully understand that always fell to a hush whenever Grandfather or Father stepped into the room.

Hitomi hugs her back to her side before she can protest staying out here longer or dwell on the thought, Hinata beaming as she shrouds her in warmth against a cool spring breeze. Hitomi grins back as Hinata burrows into her to avoid her fellow clansmen's stares, fingers brushing at her locks.

"Stay as close to me as you need dear because I won't let anyone change my mind on this. Come, you haven't had lunch yet; have you? I'll show you how to make those cinnamon rolls you've gained a sweet tooth for."

Hiashi roughly pulls on her arm as soon as their eyes lock in the here and now, forces her attention forward.

"I didn't say to stop. Keep going and match my pace."

Inside his private quarters he's already set up two mats, cups of tea placed on opposite sides of each other.

Hinata straightens, ignores the lurch in her chest feeling Hitomi's eyes follow them silently.

"I can assume I don't need to repeat what you already saw of my records?" Hinata begins gently once they're situated.

Hiashi nods, white eyes hardening to steel. "Yes, I'm well aware via Lord Third who you are and how you got here. Something about a war taking place in your time period and a scroll sending you back for your own protection?"

Hinata sips at her tea, mulls over how to go about this. "Correct. I'm from about 16 years in the future. I...I would like to discuss some matters regarding the future of our clan."

Hiashi arches a brow, Hinata forcing her posture to keep still.

"Oh? And what changes does my future daughter feel are necessary for the Hyūga?"

Hinata presses on despite his tone. "We should be united as one clan instead of split between Main and Branch families. It...It will breed resentment, and I don't want to repeat such negativity with Neji or-"

Hiashi holds up a hand. "No. You realize you're asking to change a policy we've had in place since the Warring States Era, right? It was created to prevent outside clans and rogue shinobi from learning the secrets to the byakugan. You've surely been taught this in our clan's private lessons; haven't you?"

Hinata nods, clicks her tongue. "Yes, of course. But that doesn't mean it should continue on through the decades. There's going to be a Kumo shinobi that will try to kidnap me in 3 years and though you kill him, it leads to Kumo wanting a body back in return for the killing."

Hiashi's eyes a fraction seeing where she's going with this.

"Hizashi, is he-?"

"He goes in your place yes, because he has the curse seal." Hinata answers before he can finish.

A mix of features cross Hiashi's face before they flatten all at once.

"-Though this pains me, so be it if it can't be prevented any other way once we get to that point in time. The curse seal is useful in times like that and yet you wish for us to abolish it?"

Hinata's hands curl in her lap with Hiashi noting the action, the flicker of anger in her eyes. His eldest is a lot more soft-spoken reminding him of Hitomi. It's not exactly what he expected or needs her to be based on the details he'd gotten about her, tests the frustration simmering and cracking just below her neutral look.

"Why did they choose you for that assignment that led you back to this time period?" He pursues.

Hinata draws in a breath.

Because her other clansmen had already been sent to the frontlines, because she wanted an assignment that separated her from needing to rely on Neji, Ko, or anyone else...

To fight alongside Naruto.

"Did you think you'd change my mind on Curse Seal with that example alone? The Branch family exists to serve the Main, to protect and sacrifice themselves should the byakugan ever be in danger of being compromised." Hiashi reiterates.

Her hands coil tighter. "Even if that means the loss of your twin brother? The death of your fellow clansmen that fought beside you on and off the battlefield? There are other ways to protect our clan's secrets Father without punishment of a seal we can activate at any time-"

Hiashi gets to a standing position, gaze fully dark now matching her own ire.

"Challenge me then; right now. If you can back up your words with action, I'll truly consider it."

Her stomach tosses about like a storm under his frigid stare, pushes down reluctance as she gets up to match his stance.

"Alright."

---

Hiashi starts the countdown before racing forward, jabs straight into her left arm and side knocking the breath out of her. He was never this rough even during their most intense spars before she left for the Island Turtle or in her younger years, maneuvers to not fully stay on the defensive or in such close range.

"Slow, you're holding back. Are you really even my daughter? The future heiress? Fight me like I'm truly your opponent and not your Father." He sneers.

Hinata abruptly moves to the side before his hands can pierce at her shoulders and arms to make her fall, strikes the center of his back briefly stunning him.

"I am." Hinata scowls as he momentarily pauses, Hiashi cutting a hand through the air before she can attack any further at his blind spot.

She shifts backward at the gust of wind, teacups spilling over, moves in for his left side before he can fully take out her right. She imbues lightning along the tips of her fingers, rushes to match his speed once more as their palms clash.

"Rotation!"

Hiashi spins the current of electricity away, streak of black scorching against the oakwood.

"Interesting. But still not enough."

Hinata ducks before he can fully jab at her right shoulder, jabs fire into both his knees briefly toppling him.

Still, that doesn't stop his right hand poised for her chest before he completely falls...

A hand jumps between them before the Gentle Fist can connect.

"Hiashi, stop this!"

Hitomi's voice is a thunder, pair stilling in place.

She takes in her husband's injuries first, quickly dabs cool water against his burnt knees, bruises forming shades of violet to crimson along his legs before opalescent shifts to Hinata.

"Are you alright?" She questions gently.

Hinata mutely nods.

Hitomi nods slowly in return at that, smiles faintly. "I'll deal with my husband now. There's much we need to discuss with what I overheard from you two."

Her chest clenches, fingers reaching for her kimono before she can help it. "M-Mother, I-"

Hitomi pats at her hand meeting her halfway and her heart crumples seeing her wary expression. "I...I see you get your features from me. However, for now, please leave with your guest."

'Guest?' Hinata repeats to herself.

Naruto approaches from the trees, eyes wild and dark. Two sets of guards move out of the shadows as well should he try anything.

Hinata glances from them to Hitomi, swallows back the taste of blood.

"I-I will visit another time once things are cleared up." She finds her voice.

Hitomi doesn't answer, curtly nods as she gets Hiashi to a standing position back into his private quarters, guards following blocking her from intruding.

Everything moves in slow motion after that as she steps over fallen tea and burnt floorboards. Naruto pulls her against him, any other officers kept at bay from a single look sent in their direction.

They stop at the Naka River before they go back to Minato and Kushina's apartment, Hinata blinking back a sting of tears taking in her reflection.

It doesn't look as bad is it hurts.

Naruto squeezes at her hand, chuckles weakly. "Sorry, I should've asked Mom where she keeps the first aid kit to have brought it along."

She studies the bruise blooming against her left cheek, constellation of cuts and marks growing along her arms and legs too. She reddens as her eyes turn to Naruto when his fingers brush at her face. Hinata catches his hand before he can drop it, holds it against the band-aid he places on.

Her mind swirls with wondering taking in the light flush to his own face at what he would've done if Hitomi hadn't stepped in when she did, chest starting to ease some.

"Thank you for coming."

Naruto shakes his head, azure brightening. "Of course! Next time, I'll even join in if you want me to y'know!"

Hinata giggles, slowly pushes herself to a standing position.

"L-Let's head back."

Naruto points in the northwest direction before they go too far. "Ah, before I forget, Dad said they moved to a bigger location. Got a messenger toad saying we have extra guests, but he didn't go into detail beyond that."

Hinata hums at that as they arrive at this new mansion via the toad's directions, pause noting a blond and violet haired child playing near the gate's entrance.

The girl looks up to them first hearing their footsteps, beams racing forward.

"You're late Papa, Mama!" Himawari chimes out.

The boy holds back, frowns as the girl slips out of his reach. "Wait Hima, you're gonna confuse them y'know!"

'Dad? Are my parents babysitting or something?' Naruto questions, looks around for Minato and Kushina.

Himawari launches herself at Naruto's legs, nuzzles in.

Oh, she meant him.

'Eh?!' Naruto looks to Hinata, equally puzzled.

"Welcome back!" Himawari continues on despite Naruto and Hinata's perplexed looks.

Boruto tries and fails to pull Himawari off, gives up at feeling his parent's stares.

"Ah, do you have us confused for someone else?" Hinata questions.

He shakes his head, points at them both.

"No, you're our parents. We're from the future too y'know!"

---

Uzumaki Family/Naruto, Hinata, & Jiraiya-Living Room & Front Yard

"Unfortunately, we haven't gotten any new updates from Lord Third. Or really have any full details yet on that scroll they came to the past with y'know!" Kushina starts with a clap of her hands.

The past two days they've gotten relatively the same answers: they don't know how Boruto and Himawari got here either.

The scroll they used remains indecipherable.

Minato clears his throat, glances towards to the center clock.

11:00 AM.

His official inauguration ceremony is set for 1:00 PM sharp today.

He peers over to Himawari dozing on Naruto's chest without care, Naruto having scooped her up at her prodding. Boruto meanwhile tries and fails to focus on a book he found for him on shinobi weapons, gaze skirting between the pages and his sister.

Kushina catches Minato's eye, snickers.

But Hinata beats her to it, pats the empty spot beside her.

"Um Boruto, right? Do...Do you want to lay down as well?"

He's been far more tense than his sister, unsure how to speak to them or behave besides polite mutterings and walking on eggshells around them.

'I hope Father isn't too harsh on him in the future.' Hinata considers at his nervousness.

"No, No, I'm okay. But thank you." Boruto mutters.

Naruto snorts beside her, points to the spot beside him instead.

"You can barely keep your eyes open and you keep looking in our direction y'know! Ya don't have to lie about it if you're sleepy! Hinata and I don't bite!"

Hinata reddens at his declaration, but grins.

"Naruto, we can't force him." She adds in gently seeing Boruto's stiff posture.

Kushina too gives him a pointed look and he winces, scowl twisting at Boruto's features now when he looks back towards him.

"Nobody asked you Old Man!"

Naruto clicks his tongue. "I'm 16. That's not old!"

Boruto shrugs. "You're practically Grandpa's age at the moment."

'Oh, he's lucky Hima's on my lap right now y'know!' Naruto matches his frown into a staring contest, only stopped by a flash of scarlet locks blocking his view.

Kushina walks up behind Boruto, flicks at his head causing a light yelp before picking him up and setting him down beside Hinata unceremoniously.

"No back talk mister! Now lay down. I know you were up late reading and walking around past midnight." She orders.

Boruto hurriedly does as she wants without argument, head settling between Naruto and Hinata.

Kushina moves behind her son next, lightly flicks his head too.

"Behave! No being rude to each other y'know!"

Naruto nods, deflates as she returns back to Minato's side.

"Since today is the launch of me becoming the Fourth Hokage, Kushina and I will unfortunately be away for most of the day. We bought plenty of food, drinks, and snacks. I also set up toads around the parameter incase anything happens; do you all remember the family code?" Minato begins.

Naruto and Hinata nod in unison. "The whirlpool swirls counterclockwise in the north."

"I set up some sealing traps as well, but Boruto and Hima can still play around the yard! They're just extra precautions! Do you need us to run any last-minute errands before we head for the Hokage Rock?" Kushina asks.

Naruto peers to Hinata who shakes her head, if anything, it feels like they're being too over prepared.

Naruto waves up a hand. "We can handle the house for a few hours y'know! I...I kind of just wish I could go to the ceremony too."

There's little information he's gotten on how his Dad was as Hokage, no matter now short his tenure was.

But he and Hinata already stick out too much, guests from neighboring nations are going to be in attendance.

They aren't even supposed to be in this era.

'Best not to risk more gossip or intel potentially spreading.' He sighs.

Minato ruffles gently at his head.

"We'll get some training in once these celebrations die down."

Azure brightens some at the prospect, nods.

The house falls silent as soon as they're gone, Boruto and Himawari's soft breathing filling the space between them.

Naruto scratches at his cheek, considers a thought that's been weighing at him.

"Boruto...he kind of reminds me of you. Well, not a minute ago when he called me old. Before that!"

Hinata giggles, shuffles with her toes.

"It's like Kushina said though, he's a mini you. Even Himawari looks like you."

Naruto shakes his head at that. "Nah, she's got your hair plus the byakugan too. When Boruto took the last pancake; you saw how mad she got! Heh, it's just the whiskers, not sure they like that they got that from me!"

Hinata blinks. "I like your whiskers Naruto. What's wrong with them?"

'Because they remind people of this Tailed Beast in me, that they're worried I'll lose control and unleash it one day.'

But those words stay on his tongue, shrugging instead.

His stomach twists more with asking if Hinata is okay with this. He's pretty sure none of the girls their age or even from back at the Academy would be happy with this news of having kids with him. He's nobody's type really after all going by how many girls are attracted to guys with looks similar to Sasuke or Sai. He couldn't have told Mom and Dad that back then in his mindscape or even now how unpopular he truly is.

'Is Hinata happy about this? Disappointed? Disgusted? Mad? Confused?'

Hinata leans against his shoulder, face a deep pink avoiding his searching gaze.

"I'm glad Naruto. I-I can tell you have a thousand thoughts racing in your mind."

He releases a breath, beams feeling his chest lighten.

'Because I love you Naruto.'

A warmth washes over him recalling that, throat tightening up wondering if her feelings have changed any since then. She had said that to him once, right before rage had consumed him, right before everything with Pain spilled into war...

'Maybe I should ask her about that to be sure I wasn't imagining it!'

At least to hear her say it again.

"Do...Do you still love me?" Naruto asks tentatively.

Hinata squirms for a fleeting second, nods.

"Of course, and...not just as a friend. However, you don't have to answer me back just yet." She assures him.

Heat runs over him once more in elation, Himawari stretching her hands into his face before he can answer back everything running across his mind.

Dazedly, she looks around, recalls where she is when she peers up to Naruto and Hinata.

"Papa? No, younger Papa and Mama?" Himawari clarifies.

Naruto nods, not sure what to make of that title as she slides down to the floor.

She peers over to outside, brightens seeing sunlight falling along the greenery. They haven't had a chance to fully clear out the front or backyard of webs, weeds, and creeping vines, Naruto giving follow as she races for the door.

"Let's play hide and seek!" Himawari declares.

Hinata hangs back. "One of us should stay with Boruto-"

"I'm up! I wanna join too y'know!" Boruto leaps up from the sofa, takes Himawari's hand as they weave into a nearby bush.

"Hima and I will hide first. You guys can be the seekers! No peeking Papa or Mama using her byakugan!" Boruto calls out.

Naruto pauses, listens for the direction of their giggles as he counts down from 10.

He nods for Hinata to go right while he'll go left.

'Hmm, well they can't have gone too far away considering all the seals and traps Mom and Dad put down. Maybe up into the trees?' Naruto wonders, peers upward just to check.

Nothing.

He twists to head for the front yard only for Himawari to pounce upon him out of a foliage of leaves, skin an ashen white.

"P-Papa, look! There's a ghost at the front gate!"

Naruto's brows furrow, follows the direction she points in before freezing.

'Pervy-Sage?'

Boruto hops down from the roof, eyes narrowing to scrutinize the man.

"That's not a ghost Hima, it's just Old Man Jiraiya, remember? Papa's mentor." He reasons.

But he hesitates at stepping forward seeing Naruto's pained expression.

And he recalls then a bank and school holiday Old Man Kakashi put into place: War Remembrance Day.

"How come Mr. Toad Gramps isn't buried at the cemetery like Uncle Neji, Inojin's Gramps, Shikadai's Gramps, and the other shinobi heroes who died in the war?" Boruto questions.

Naruto squeezes at his hand in return as Himawari toddles over to Jiraiya's memorial site, pats at his headstone before placing down the sunflower.

"Good job Hima!" Hinata cheers her on as she maneuvers back to them with glee, watches in awe as she lights the incense.

"Naruto chuckles at the moniker, sits down gliding Boruto's fingers across the spelling of Jiraiya's name and titles. "Jiraiya, Boruto. Err, but I called him Pervy-Sage. He was my teacher and many others mentors before me so that's what I used for his headstone. As for why he's not buried at Konoha's cemetery? Well, his body was unfortunately never found."

Boruto nods along, follows his lead clapping his hands. He offers his fallen sensei a cup of sake and karaage. Naruto grinning as they settle back into the shade.

"Pervy-Sage. Mom. Dad. Please keep watching over us."

"He's not dead...right?" Boruto presses at his silence, grabs at his pants leg to keep his distance.

Naruto shakes his head slowly, blinks back the burn of tears coming.

The last time he saw Jiraiya they enjoyed a bowl of ramen together at Ichiraku's, he planned to fully investigate the Akatsuki's leader while he would try to track down Itachi.

"I'll treat you to anything you want on the menu Kid once we're both done with our assignments!"

If he knew back then it was a potential suicidial assignment, he would've asked him to bring reinforcements. Would've forced Granny to add some backup whether Pervy-Sage wanted it or not...

If he knew, his future children wouldn't be wondering right now if he's a ghost.

He steps forward without thinking, Boruto and Himawari hesitantly moving with him.

Jiraiya meanwhile fidgets with disarming a wire trap, scowls as he gets stung again.

'What type of seals and barriers did they place around here knowing I was coming?! Geez, its like a minefield! How am I supposed to get around all this?!' He grunts, tired of getting shocked.

"Pervy-Sage!" Naruto declares excitedly, beams taking him in alive and here, reaches a hand forward.

And stops himself seeing Jiraiya's blank look.

'This is the past. This is the past!' He thoughts berate him.

He drops his hand to the side, balls it away.

"Sorry, I, err-"

Jiraiya waves up a hand, scoffs. "Pervy-Sage, huh? That's an awful name for children of the future to call me!"

Naruto hesitates as he goes back to fidgeting with the traps.

"What...What are you doing?"

Jiraiya hums, scratches a hand through his hair. "Oh you know, deactivating these traps Minato and Kushina put up. I guess I gotta do this the long way if you aren't gonna let me in!"

Naruto blinks before snapping his fingers.

'That's right! Old Man Third and Dad said they sent him a message!'

"We'll let you in Mr. Toad! It's okay to, right Papa?" Himawari answers, glances to Naruto for confirmation.

"Wait! Have you confirmed Jiraiya's identity?" Hinata comes up behind them.

Jiraiya peers over to her, looks her up and down before grinning back to Naruto.

"Got a Hyūga girl in here too, huh? Seems we have similar taste in body types Kid! In fact, I would say-"

Naruto pulls Hinata behind him before he can finish, Jiraiya studying him curiously seeing a flicker of vermilion run across his eyes.

'Hmm, those eyes just then looked eerily similar to Kushina when she's pissed.' Jiraiya regards.

"You're right, this isn't Jiraiya. Let's all stay away from him."

He begins to pull them all away, Jiraiya instantly pouting.

"Hey wait, I only go for older ladies! Don't leave; these seals and traps will take hours to days to deactivate!"

Naruto rolls his eyes as he looks back at him over his shoulder.

"Oh stop pretending already y'know! You deactivated those first seals/traps easily and could've been hopped the fence."

Boruto blinks in surprise as Jiraiya's easygoing grin briefly slips, jumps over the gate with ease.

He cracks at his neck and arms. "Well, well. Guess you do know me Kid! Or at least you did know me considering these kiddos here think I'm a ghost. You thought I was a ghost too for a brief second, didn't you? Seems Minato and Sarutobi-sensei were right in saying you guys come from a dark timeline."

Naruto looks down, cerulean clouding, says nothing to confirm or deny his theories.

'You already know.' He purses his lips as Jiraiya's gaze softens.

"So, which one of you exactly am I supposed to be researching more into? I have a rough idea from staring at all of your features and what I've already overheard."

Hinata speaks up for Naruto.

"All of us. We're all from the future at different points of time."

---

Minato & Kushina-Hokage Tower Banquet Room

"Congrats again to Namikaze, oh I guess I should call him Lord Fourth now! You two must be so excited to move into the Hokage's private residence!" Momoko gushes, tips her wine glass out to Kushina.

Kushina forces a light giggle with a nod, clinks her glass back before setting it aside as soon as her eyes move away to Reina on the opposite side of the room.

Outside, she watches as the sun dips low on the horizon, wisps of pinks and reds slowly darkening to black.

A soreness crawls down her back, wiggles her toes to relax.

'Good thing the sake being served is clear enough that nobody would notice me sipping water instead. Naruto, Hinata, and the kids would be so bored here like me! I'm getting tired of this small talk!' She stifles a yawn.

Minato weaves his way to her side.

"Just one more hour to go Dear."

Kushina smiles genuinely at his arrival, nods. "Yeah, I'm not sure how much more gossip I can take on if Mr. Asashi's son is actually his or not or if Madam Natsume really did forget to pay for all her groceries last week. The horror!"

He drops his head towards her neck, tips of her ears warming at the feather-like kiss he brushes there.

He clears his throat softly and she nods discreetly for him to go on.

"Master Jiraiya made contact with the children. As soon as it's polite enough to give an excuse to leave, we will."

'Ah, that explains the sensor going off in pocket.'

She'd nearly bolted back for the house, only stopped by catching Minato's stare, same buzz alerting him in his vest.

Violet eyes glitter in rising amusement.

"Should I create a distraction? I already stick out with my red hair and avoiding of all alcohol sent my way."

Minato chuckles at the thought, she would do it if he gave her the go ahead to feign a dizzy spell or stomach cramp.

"No, I saw Mikoto near the punch bowl. I can meet you there once I've chatted with every dignitary and ambassador in attendance."

Kushina restrains a giggle as Koharu and Homura come up behind him as if having heard him, stacks of paper in hand.

"Lord Fourth! We're glad we caught you before the night ends! There are some policies Hiruzen put into place during his tenure we'd like to discuss with you on continuing and some new additions we think will benefit the village." Homura begins.

She doesn't miss the way their gazes skirt to her, to her stomach.

Minato sends her a brief panicked look.

"Ah, sure! Though, must it be tonight? Festivies are all around us."

Kushina grabs at his hand seeing Koharu raise up a hand that she won't take no for an answer.

"Sorry, my husband and I are in the midst of an intimate conversation which you two just rudely interrupted y'know! Unless you want to hear about how we're personally going to celebrate tonight...?" She trails off.

The pair's faces flush, Kushina twisting them away before they sputter out how unbecoming she's acting as wife of the Hokage now.

Minato snickers under his breath.

"Well, the implications of that statement are going to be stuck on their minds for weeks now."

Kushina winks at his grin.

"You're welcome!"

Mikoto smiles at her approach, nods with her head to the duo as the reluctantly head back over to Danzo, Hiruzen, and other colleagues from their generation.

"I swear you say the silliest things without care Kushina!"

Kushina scratches at her cheek hearing a hush of whispers to her right, eyes upon that them look away as soon as she glances in their direction. Really, she should've chosen her words better. The last thing she wants to do is inadvertently embarrass Minato.

Her gaze falls to Mikoto's tiny bump, nudges her gently.

"You and Fugaku are expected another child?! Ooh, do you think it will be another boy?"

Mikoto gently hushes her. "It's still too early to tell Kushina! Fugaku says he doesn't care either way as he's focusing so much on Itachi's training. However, Itachi has told me in secret he hopes for another boy. A strong bond between brothers."

---

Kakashi-ANBU Headquarters/Konoha Marketplace

"Great work as usual Kakashi. You're dismissed."

He nods, turns away to head home before reminding himself he needs to get groceries, pet food too.

And a congratulatory gift for Minato-sensei.

So much seems to have changed in the village despite only having been gone a week for this particular assignment, confetti and old balloons still lying along cobblestone paths from earlier celebrations in the week. Meanwhile, he'd stopped a potential defector that had been in route for Iwa at a rice paddies checkpoint, sliced at his and his broker's necks before either could beg for his sympathy.

'Same old. Same old.'

He should request an assignment that takes him somewhere cooler, feels the lack of clouds already heating his skin.

'What should I get sensei?'

He's not big on sake or any particular fancy foods that he can recall as he always had Kushina's cooking tucked away in some type of bento box.

'Rin would be better at choosing a gift than me.' He frowns before shaking the memory of her away. Knots still reside in his chest no matter how often he visits the Memorial Stone, replays in his mind and dreams how he could lose his two teammates so fast.

'Alright, guess I'll bite my tongue and ask Kushina.' He decides.

He pauses outside their apartment door, brows furrowing at the darkness he sees from a slip in the blinds.

Specks of dust line the windowsill, the beginnings of some silvery webs in corner, leaves piling along the doormat.

"Who are ya looking for kid? Minato or err Lord Fourth and his wife moved from that apartment days ago. Landlady just hasn't gotten around to putting up the For Rent sign yet." Sawamori questions.

'Who's this old guy? A neighbor or eavesdropper?' He wracks his mind to recall.

Kakashi sighs, steps back from the entrance, this is news to him.

'Why didn't my commander Kozu or Hidenori update me on this?'

They've probably been busy with extra security measures since Minato's inauguration, assignments piling up now from the days they took off to celebrate and catch up with others.

"Do you happen to know where they moved to?" Kakashi ventures to ask despite knowing how much Kushina dislikes this guy.

The feeling is mutual telling by Sawamori's deepening annoyance on this subject, snorts as he flicks a hand up.

"What do I care where those two went?! Must've been something urgent Lord Third set up for them as they left in the middle of the night while I was at my job. Swear I heard some kid's laughter and running about here too, but never actually saw them. I'll be glad for the quiet that'll return to this area is all I can say and-."

'Well, this guy is no help.' Kakashi muses flatly, leaves Sawamori before he can finish talking.

He curses his rudeness, Kakashi deciding on the market next.

Neither are at the stalls they frequent most or Ichiraku's.

The lunch rush makes it harder to get groceries, pushes through window-shoppers and curious onlookers surprised to see him back in the village.

Sunlight burns on his back as he clutches his bags close, searches the crowds for any familiar blond or crimson locks.

He'll gift Minato these books on shinobi travels and this Make Out Paradise: Evenings Collection he figures can't be so terrible despite the librarian Mrs. Morita giving him the stink eye at checkout.

'That book isn't for children!'

Well, it's not for him really. He'll just borrow it after Minato is done with it.

He hears his old classmate to his left before he sees him, half-turns.

Gai.

'No, can't deal with him right now.' Kakashi walks backwards.

"I'm telling you; these aren't the same youth laced energy drinks Dad and I used to get every morning! It's missing that kick, that fire!" Gai declares to a vendor.

"'Youth-laced' or whatever you morons called it isn't a thing Kid. Now scram before you scare away potential customers!" He growls back. shoos him off with his broom to get going already.

Kakashi immediately weaves further away from them back towards the fish stands. Gai will surely want to celebrate his successful assignment with laps and full body workouts, no matter how sore he currently is.

He passes an ikayaki stand, slows his pace seeing Minato's cloak at the tail end of the market, away from the crowds.

'Finally.'

Though he stays at a distance seeing another blond with him.

'A family member? Sensei rarely spoke about his parents, I assumed most of his family members are already deceased.'

Kakashi studies the boy beside his him, does a double take at how uncanny their likeness is as he leaps away to the rooftops with ease.

He isn't a civilian, figure moving swiftly using the shadows of the trees to avoid as much detection as possible.

A shinobi too then.

Minato sees him before he can move forward, waves him over.

'Who was that?' Kakashi wonders, watches as the boy disappears into coming dusk.

Minato nods in the direction Naruto's left in.

"Welcome back Kakashi! I take it your mission went well?"

Kakashi nods, passes him the two books.

"Yes, congrats sensei or Lord Fourth now I should say."

Minato chuckles, accepts the gifts gratefully with a bow. "Oh either is fine with me! Hearing people call me that is still taking me some time to getting used to!"

Kakashi gestures with his head towards where that guy is moving.

"Who was that just now? A relative of yours?"

Minato hums, smile flattening and Kakashi straightens, gives follow.

They don't speak again until they're near an empty training grounds.

"No, that was...my son. From the future." He explains casually, grins again at Kakashi's rare look of puzzlement.

He bottles his emotions so much now, obsidian always too murky for friend or foe to know what's on his mind.

Minato goes on at his silence.

"I have a special personal assignment for you Kakashi. I'll explain on the way to my new home."

-x-

---

Does anyone know how old Kakashi was during his ANBU years? I'm ballparking it at 14-16, but I couldn't get an exact answer while researching for this chapter! It's a lot of fun writing all these interactions among everyone!

Anyways, I plan for Naruto and Hinata to have a semi slow burn romance. They'll keep putting their feelings on the back burner considering everything that's going on until eventually...one of them explodes and gives in! It's anyone's guess who that will be first!

Appreciate any thoughts as always!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!

Chapter 4: Hi, Nice To Meet You!

Chapter 4: Hi, Nice To Meet You!

"A 'hello again' after the final goodbye is sometimes harder than just keeping the goodbye as it was."

― Jessiqua Wittman, A Memoir of Love

---

Kakashi & Uzumaki Family-Formal Dining Room

'Your son doesn't want me here Minato-sensei.'

Kakashi sighs under his breath, clutches at his stomach to ignore it's gurgling. No matter how good Kushina's food is, he would've saved himself the awkwardness of this encounter with so many new faces. No matter how important of a personal task Minato-sensei wants him to do, he's sure he could've told him about it tomorrow.

"I should've gone home when I had my chance back at the markets.' He muses; his gifts would've been given at a later date.

But now he's squeezed between the Toad Sannin on his left and another boy a few years younger than him who looks eerily like his sensei too on his right.

Across the way Naruto chuckles at something a Hyūga girl beside him says, catches his eye before he sees that look again.

Cerulean hazes over, glances away first.

Whatever he's done, said, or kept from him in the future has changed his perspective of him for better or worse.

Kushina points at him with a chopstick jolting him. "Eat something Kakashi! I can hear your stomach grumbling for food from all the way over here y'know! And don't say you're not hungry when you just came back from an assignment."

'Well, I know better than to ignore an order from her.' He picks up his bowl of gyudon, feels multiple sets of eyes turn towards him.

Himawari leans forward curiously. "Mr. Kakashi, how are ya gonna eat with your mask still on?"

Boruto picks with his rice, wishes he had hamburger right about now. He peers over to Kakashi as well at Himawari's remark, azure shining with mirth at his uncertain look. "Oi Hima, Old Man Kakashi just eats really quick around his mask!"

'Old Man?' Kakashi repeats to himself at Naruto and Minato's stifled snicker.

Himawari's brows furrow, still uncertain. "Your face isn't injured though, right?"

Before Kakashi can create some type of excuse that he's fine, Boruto goes on, points to the corner of his mouth.

"No, Kakashi-sensei has a normal face, y'know. We've both seen it before Hima, he has that like black spot on his left side under his lips."

His eye widens a fraction before he can help it, twists himself to fully look at Boruto. He's just a little kid, but yet he knows about a distinct facial feature of his that not even his closest peers have seen...

'Who is he?'

His heart lurches at the idea of the enemy having slipped in so close right beneath his nose, chest tightening.

With a flick of the wrist, he presses a kunai to his throat, onyx darkening to steel. He peers at Boruto up and down, considers if he's a rogue shinobi in disguise or a test by his ANBU superiors.

"How do you know that? Who are you really?" Kakashi harshly questions him, Boruto frozen beneath him, tongue-tied.

But cobalt eyes soon sharpen in return, gritting his teeth as he attempts to turn his head away. "Get...off of me!"

Naruto and Hinata are instantly out of their chairs with a gentle fist and rasengan poised for his back, though it is Minato who moves in a blur, instantly points his own blade at the back of Kakashi's neck.

"Get off my Grandson Kakashi; now." He orders.

Kakashi doesn't move for a painfully long minute, breath turning ragged. "Sensei, are these children really who they say are or-"

Minato jabs his kunai in enough to draw blood in response, scarlet trickling down Kakashi's neck.

"You heard me; move."

Reluctantly, he slinks off of Boruto. He instantly curls for the opposite corner of the room, far out of his reach. Kushina peers him over for any major injuries, but his fingers curl around Naruto and Hinata's legs, catching his breath.

"A-Are you alright?" Himawari murmurs while at wiping at her tears, Boruto shrugging.

Bruises in the shape of purple-blue fingerprints begin to mar at his neck and arms.

"Fine." He answers shakily.

He glances to Kakashi, draws in another gulp of air before speaking.

"You like to wear various disguises in the future. One of them is called 'Sukea' that you use to give advice to me and my friends sometimes. But it's obviouslyyou. That's how I know about that mark."

Naruto meanwhile bores daggers at him, cerulean flashing a deep vermilion in a way that hauntingly reminds him of Kushina, of the Nine Tails that resides within her unless her future descendants inherit parts of the beast too.

His stomach churns, bile skimming the back of his throat.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" He snaps, Kakashi simply staring down at his hands.

"I-I..." He trails off.

He easily slit at the neck of that rogue shinobi just days ago without mercy or thought, blood turning maroon to black beneath his nails. And now he nearly killed a member of his sensei's family just on a slight suspicion.

Minato holds up a hand for calm, nods over to Kushina who claps her hands as she glances to outside.

It's a bit cloudy, but clear enough for part of the waning moon to be visible, point out the stars she always viewed with Lady Mito back in Uzushiogakure.

"It's not very cold out tonight. How about we finish dinner on the patio? Boruto, Himawari, we can catch some fireflies in the garden. Plus, I'll show you the constellations you can find under the eastern sky."

Neither look too excited at the prospect, though both are eager to get away from this scene.

Naruto looks from Kakashi to Minato, points at Kakashi.

"Sensei or not to me in the future, you need to be gone by the time we come back inside."

The door slams on his way out, Kakashi rubbing at his face. What does he even mean by sensei? He's never pictured himself working at the Academy and clearly, he's terrible with kids.

All of their gazes burn on his back as they follow Naruto outside, Kakashi avoiding each and every one.

Minato draws him a glass of water, nods back to his seat.

"Sit. There's still much we need to discuss despite this tension."

Only Jiraiya beams, swirls at his sake cup. He'll check in with Naruto privately one-on-one once things have cooled down some and the younger kiddos have bathed and been put to bed.

He clears his throat for them not to forget he's still here.

"I always did enjoy dinner with a show!"

---

Naruto, Hinata, Kushina, & Jiraiya-Uzumaki Patio

Naruto bites off more than he can chew of his takoyaki and natto, grumbles under his breath.

"Ugh, sensei's a bigger brat than I thought! Or maybe I'm the brat for getting angered so easily y'know." He ruffles up his locks.

Hinata lightly bumps at their shoulders getting his attention. "Did Kakashi-sensei say or do something to you back in the future that has you so riled up?"

Naruto follows her gaze to a growing crack in his bowl, sighs as he releases the pressure.

"It's just, I'm realizing that he really knew my Dad, kept so many things from me all this time. I know he was probably under orders, but he breaks or leans on those type of rules all the time. Like always running late to sparring sessions or even back when he let us continue with our Land of Waves mission despite realizing it wasn't a C-rank assignment. Plus, he was about to stab Boruto right in front of us! And I don't know, the thought of seeing him get injured right in front me just kind of made nearly...snap."

Hinata gently intertwines their fingers. "Yes, admittedly, I was going to attempt to jab him in him in his chest or neck to subdue him, though it's better Minato is faster than us both."

Their gazes fall back to Boruto and Himawari weaving through the grass, spheres of neon yellows to greens trailing around them.

The grass crackles behind them, Jiraiya moving out of the shadows, lifts Naruto up by his jacket.

He beams at Hinata's perplexed look as he nods over to a few meters away. "Gonna borrow your boyfriend here for a minute. Have a few questions for him!"

"Put me down Pervy-Sage!" Naruto wiggles out of his hold.

Hinata blinks, red flooding her cheeks, opens then shuts her mouth just as Kushina rushes up, grabs and pulls at Jiraiya's ponytail.

He instantly winces, turns to match the Uzumaki matriarch's glare. "Ow! What are attacking me for?!"

Violet eyes switch between him and Naruto. "Pervy-Sage! That's at least the third time or so I've heard Naruto mutter that moniker for you y'know! Why is that?"

Jiraiya shrugs helplessly. "I didn't ask him to create that nickname. I don't like it any more than you do!"

Naruto rolls his eyes at his theatrics before pausing when Jiraiya puts his hand out towards him. He studies his hand blankly, peers up to see his serious expression.

'Huh?'

"Alright, let's start over. My name's Jiraiya, also known as the Toad Sannin. You?"

Naruto's brows furrow, but he does as he wants accepting the handshake and bow.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, as you already know!" He grins.

The Jiraiya he knows...or knew was never so polite. He rubs his chin thoughtfully at the memory, Kushina's arms still crossed, lips flat.

Cerulean brightens at a new devious thought, turns towards her.

"Mom, the reason I call him Pervy-Sage is because he often peeps on women in the hot springs district for his research. It's how I first met him when he returned to the village right before the Finals for my Chunin Exams."

A curtain instantly falls over her features, scarlet locks fanning about her face like a rising flame stomping back into Jiraiya's face. "What?! You're teaching my son to be a pervert in the future? How could you?!"

Jiraiya holds up his hands dramatically as Naruto slinks away with Hinata back over to Boruto and Himawari, catches his eye and grins.

'Ugh, well he knows how to get out of an interrogation by me.'

For now.

He sighs as he stops Kushina's fists from flying about his face, lucky that Tsunade isn't here to join in. "Listen, you know he just said all that to purposefully piss you off, right? You can't blame me for something I haven't even done yet! We just met after all, at least from my point of view!"

Kushina scowls, breaks from his grip before sliding down into the grass. Her fingers dig crescents into damp earth, pulls up blades of grass and wildflowers. She flops backwards onto her back taking in the darkening sky, the scent of oak and pine blowing in from the north woods.

"You...You can't blame me for being worried y'know. Naruto still won't tell Minato and I much. He won't fully pull that mask down around us..."

Jiraiya shrugs, drops down cross-legged beside her leaning his head against his palm. "Can you blame him? He's been here suddenly stuck in the past for what, 3 to 4 days or so at the most, right? He grew up learning to put on a show or face you could say around strangers and he only seems to drop it around Hinata and those kids. His smiles become more genuine then, his shoulders drop."

Kushina blinks back a wave of tears, rubs at her stomach absently.

'How much has he already inferred from just mere observations?'

---

Kushina slowly sits up, finds her voice once more.

"He comes from a bad future Jiraiya, the two of them. I know he said he's okay now and things must eventually be fine by Boruto and Himawari's time period, but all those formative years Naruto spent growing up alone is bothering me so much. He was younger than even Himawari is now."

She draws in a breath, continues on at his silence.

"Without Minato and I, Naruto's just...ignored. Given the bare minimum of acknowledgment and treated as invisible by both civilians and shinobi. Lord Third doesn't have time for him taking up the mantle of Hokage again, Kakashi is too young and facing his own darkness to deal with an infant of all things, even you don't do anything to give him some form of love once the news of our passing must reach your ears."

Jiraiya winces at her sharp tone, picks at a set of weeds letting the wind carry them into the night. He scratches a hand behind his head, wonders what he would've said if Sarutobi-sensei asked him to take a temporary break from his spy duties to raise Naruto.

Would he have just ignored said letter? The sacrifices his former student and wife make?

He doesn't yet know when he officially met Naruto. Though going by how he's behaved around him, he knew him for probably a good few years before his apparent untimely passing.

'Kakashi would become too traumatized if Minato dies during the Nine Tails attack. The loss of his entire team and his Father in such a short period of time could send even a veteran shinobi over the edge.'

He draws circles in the dirt, crosses them out as new thoughts come.

'It's interesting he went on to become Naruto's sensei in the future though despite not telling him of his prior connection to his Old Man. That would annoy any one even knowing the circumstances of why it was kept from them. Hinata is more of a mystery, the Hyūga are tight-lipped on their clan secrets if they even know of a way to get them back to their right time period.' Jiraiya rubs at his chin.

His gaze falls to Himawari and Boruto blowing at dandelions now.

"Wind Release: Twister!"

'Huh, Kid knows a bit of jutsu. I'm sure wind isn't the only nature release he knows, but he's probably more guarded now since Kakashi's attack of showing off any skills.' Jiraiya muses.

Boruto draws up a mini tornado to give them a push, sighs as his own starts to drops lower than his sister's.

"Mine's going higher than yours Big Brother!" Himawari cheers as their seeds drift off past the roof.

Boruto grabs another set by the bushes. "Nuh uh! Let's go again!"

Naruto stops Himawari from grabbing at a thorny plant. "No, not that one Hima, go for the ones on your left!"

Boruto frowns, stomps his foot. "Stop helping her cheat, Papa! Or at least help me too y'know!"

He abruptly freezes, that title still strange to his ears, grabs at his hand guiding him to his opposite side. "I'm not! I spy another patch of dandelions nearby; I can give you a clue if you want."

A smile crosses his face. "Yeah, I'll take a hint! Everything's all green there y'know!"

Hinata crouches to match Boruto's height before Naruto can answer. "It's fine! You go for that one growing near the end of the base of that tree to your right."

Naruto arches a brow as Boruto eagerly follows her directions while she deactivates her byakugan, pokes at her ticklish sides. "How are Hima and I gonna win if you use your clan's skills y'know?!"

Hinata giggles, lightly taps him right back that this is now a competition to find the most dandelions. "Himawari can use the byakugan too, don't forget!"

Jiraiya chuckles to himself. 'Well, the Hyūga must lighten up in the future if Hinata marries Naruto and they have those two kiddos. However, the Hiashi Hyūga I've seen in passing via clan meetings isn't one to let an opportunity pass that shows off the clan's power to others. The only other clan that can currently challenge them is the Uchiha with their sharingan. So, besides just accepting that his eldest daughter loves Naruto and vice versa, Naruto himself must become a powerful ally, an asset to Konoha who he wouldn't want to challenge for multiple reasons...'

Kushina studies him thoughtfully and he puts his musings on the back burner of his mind for a later date.

"Oh, I wouldn't be a good parent I don't think. Think about it, I operate from the shadows collecting intelligence for Konoha and I never like to stay in one place for too long. I enjoy the thrill of traveling, brothels, and exploring untouched lands. None of that would be a good environment to raise a child in."

Kushina snorts. "The 'Naruto' in your first book I'm sure would've found a way y'know! He knew hundreds of different ways to talk an enemy shinobi down after subduing them in a fight and negotiate peace options with foreign nations. Sure, none of those situations were exactly 'perfect' areas for a kid to be involved in, but he did monthly drop-ins to his home village with gifts and lessons for the school-age children of the Academy."

Jiraiya pauses, obsidian glancing to her. "Oh, so you do read my books! Have you checked out my Make-Out Paradise Series too?!"

"...That's beside the point; those books are far raunchier! And only because Minato said he likes them, so I got curious one day to see what the big deal was!" Kushina huffs, rolls away from him.

Her nose bumps into a shoe, blinks and looks up.

Kakashi.

He rubs at his arm, gazes everywhere but at her as Minato clears his throat behind him.

"Kakashi here has a few things he would like to say!" Minato announces.

He nudges him forward as he slowly ambles over to Boruto, bows in apology.

"Sorry for attacking you out of the blue like that."

He bows next to Naruto and Hinata before Boruto can even answer.

"Sorry for attacking your future son like that."

They fluster in return, though Kakashi has already moved his attention on to Minato and Kushina. He helps Kushina back to her feet, bows the lowest for them alone.

"My apologies Minato-sensei. I won't let my past feelings get in the way of this new assignment. Kushina, I promise that I'll watch over you throughout the rest of your pregnancy as a guard from the shadows." Kakashi states earnestly.

Kushina sends Minato a questioning look, laughs gently when she hears his stomach faintly rumble, ruffles up his hair. How will she explain this once it reaches Biwako's ears? Kakashi has been assigned to watch over the baby developing in her...

And meanwhile a teenage version of him is also around to make sure nothing awry happens for the time being.

Her eyes briefly flicker about the garden, she has plenty of protection for this pregnancy with this growing knowledge she and Minato have.

"Of course! You and Minato never got to finish eating dinner; did you? Come on, let me go warm up a bowl of leftovers!"

---

Boruto, Himawari, & Minato- Boruto's Room

"Can't sleep again Hima?"

Boruto scoots over in his bed to give her space, but Himawari remains at the edge, wipes at her eyes.

He sits up, pats to the spot beside him.

'Oh, a nightmare.'

"We don't belong in this time period. Or here." She murmurs as she finally flops down next to him.

Boruto smooths out her violet locks.

"Well...yeah. Though it won't be forever cuz we'll eventually find a way back to our correct time period y'know."

His assurance sits in the air between them, Himawari balling her fists against his blanket.

"...You don't know that. That's why you've been staying up late every night trying to read those scrolls. None of the books Grandma and Grandpa have though cover time travel. Plus, I heard Mama and Papa say they came from the war. Aren't some of those bad people alive now?"

She squirms knowing she shouldn't have eavesdropped, had wanted one of them to read her something, eat a snack with her, or play a game.

Anything to stop her racing thoughts.

"-I guess on the bright side, at least Kabuto is only a child right now. Heh, maybe we can get to him before Orochimaru?" Naruto suggests.

Hinata nods along, grin rising along her lips. "We should make a list of everyone in the bingo books we can think of. Especially those that join the Akatsuki. Perhaps if I tell Father as well about certain assignments Branch members can take, he'll be more willing to hear my suggestions regarding abolishing the curse seal."

Himawari steps back, readjusts her hold on the glass before it slips.

'This is the past. So all the people Papa, Mama, and Auntie Sakura fought in the war are alive again.'

Her heart hammers in her ears, sweat building back in her palms.

Naruto beams in agreement, sighs as his smile crumples a moment later.

"The not knowing is the hardest part y'know. What if they're dying? Have all those undead shinobi pushed through into all the nations?"

CRASH!

Naruto and Hinata immediately turn her way, are by her side in an instant.

"Are you okay Hima? What happened?!" Naruto checks her hands for any bleeding.

Hinata gestures for them to move back from the glass, reaches for the broom and dustpan to sweep the shards up.

"I'm fine! Sorry, I err, just wanted some help falling asleep." She admits, pulls her hands back.

She curls her toes feeling the tips of her ears start to burn. Papa sometimes doesn't even come home until after midnight, it should be easy for her to fall asleep, no matter the environment.

Naruto relaxes, peers to Hinata who nods.

He clasps their hands back together. "Oh, don't be embarrassed by that Hima! What book do you want me to read?"

Boruto ruffles with his hair, Himawari burrowing into his sheets now.

'Great, how am I going to sleep now that she put these thoughts in my head?"

"Hey, we don't know about which bad guys are alive right now and there's plenty of strong people around to take care of them! Anyways, try not to worry about it!"

She pouts in return. "That doesn't make me feel better Big Brother!"

Boruto scowls. "I'm trying my best here y'know!"

Himawari grumbles something he doesn't fully hear, jolts seeing a shadow slink up to his door before calming.

Grandpa.

Minato studies the two, groans under his breath at how wide awake they are. Twin azure eyes peer back at him before grinning.

"Welcome back Grandpa!" They greet him in unison.

Minato simply nods as he steps further into the room. All day he's been studying notes regarding various diplomats he'll be meeting with next week, notes he still needs to finish reviewing.

Sleepiness is abated however seeing them up, parenthood more important.

"I figured I would be the only one up right now and here you two are chatting away at 11:37 pm."

Boruto points to Himawari. "I was sleeping, Hima woke me up!"

Himawari doesn't even argue, leans against Minato's arm as he sits between them.

"I'm just having trouble sleeping sometimes. I don't want to bother Mama and Papa every night cuz they're tired too." She admits.

'All of you have some type of insomnia since coming here. I'll have to ask Lady Biwako if she knows of any herbs that I can brew for everyone.' Minato considers, rubs at her and Boruto's shoulders.

"Don't ever feel nervous to come to us you two." Minato remarks, studies the barren walls of the room.

"Hmm, perhaps if we decorate each if your rooms like how they look in your proper times, you'll feel more at home? I know we don't have all the advanced technology, though we can replicate it as close as we can." He offers.

Himawari brightens at the suggestion, Boruto leaning forward eagerly.

"Do you guys have Konoha's big central mall where we can go buy the stuff?!"

Minato blinks.

"Umm, no! Though I'm sure we can improvise based on what's at the marketplaces!"

---

Naruto & Kakashi-Konoha Well Woman's Clinic

"So...you're really Minato-sensei's son?" Kakashi looks him up and down.

Naruto arches a brow at his tone, peers up at him from his position shrouded within the leaves. Minato asked him to go on a pharmacy run to help with Kushina's growing bouts of nausea, passing the clinic on his way back.

"If you do run into Kakashi, err well please be patient with him! He truly is nice, but he has his moments where he can be a bit...difficult." Minato advises.

Well, easier said than done.

His distrust practically digs arrows into him.

"Yes? Figured that was obvious from how I look y'know?" Naruto supplies back.

Kakashi shrugs, gaze turning back towards the clinic.

"Rogue shinobi disguise themselves as a comrade all the time."

Naruto hums at that, climbs up into the tree beside him with a speed quick enough to startle Kakashi to sit up.

'How did he get up here so fast before I could even move?' Kakashi studies him warily.

Naruto beams at his surprised expression. "Oh, good! I was beginning to think the only features you could show is boredom or say some witty dry sarcasm y'know."

Kakashi scoots back from him and he can tell he's frowning without even seeing his mouth.

"What do you want anyways? I'm supposed to be focused on protecting Kushina and you're getting in the way of that."

Naruto rolls his eyes, bites his tongue not to volley back equal vitriol.

"To talk. Did Dad tell you of our connection in the future? Ah, there's a lot Hinata and I need to tell you guys! Maybe this should wait until Dad gets off work. No, what if delaying it causes further problems in the future. I should find Pervy-Sage, hopefully he's out doing real research at the library..."

Kakashi shakes his head, considers his antsy look as Naruto rubs his chin of all these things weighing on his mind.

'Sensei's looks, Kushina's brain.'

Naruto snaps his fingers.

"I'll start with something easy! Was Boruto telling the truth about your face?! Sakura, Sasuke, and I always were curious about that y'know!"

"...No." Kakashi answers flatly, studies the clinic door for a redhead.

No luck.

"You're lying! Pervy-Sage said your right thumb briefly twitches when you do."

Kakashi grits his teeth, wills his heartbeat to relax.

"Look, I don't feel like talking about my past or to you. I'm not going to play 20 questions." Kakashi interrupts before Naruto can prattle on.

He studies sunlight breaking through the canopy above, thin wisps of yellow that cross over them both in jagged lines.

When he glances back to Naruto he's completely still, but a storm has gathered in the blue of his eyes.

"Alright, what about Obito and Rin?"

Kakashi fullt straightens, twists out a kunai before he can help it.

"What about them?"

The tip of the blade hits a ray of sunlight, Naruto unfazed.

"...When you became our sensei for Team 7, you'd always run an hour, sometimes two hours late. Make of that what you will. However, I realize now you were just visiting the Memorial Rock at Konoha's cemetery or doing odd jobs like helping old ladies with their groceries. Heh, I guess little things to avoid what Old Man Third assigned you to do."

'Where is he going with this?' Kakashi watches him carefully only to see a second Naruto watching them from higher up, a third one down below at the base of the tree.

Surrounded.

He steadies his blade, poises it for his chest.

"What are you doing?" He hisses, imbues lightning into his opposite hand.

Naruto holds up his hands freely.

"Making sure you don't run. I don't think you will be knowing you take Dad's assignments seriously, but just in case with what I have to say next."

Kakashi doesn't move, places his hand against the bark of the tree.

"Lightning Release: Current!"

Electricity forms a barrier between them, nods for him to go on.

"Like you said, just in case."

Naruto blows out a breath. "Obito. Did...Did any Konoha shinobi check that his body is still in that cave?"

His left eye spins crimson.

"What?"

Naruto pushes on anyways, looks down to avoid his gaze. "Listen! Hinata and I came from when the Fourth Shinobi World War was just beginning! The name 'Madara' has popped up more than once in one of the Akatsuki's members, but that guy is some old dude from the Warring States Period, he'd long be dead by now! So there's an Akatsuki member going around using his name with a sharingan!"

Kakashi scoffs, breathes in and out slowly as his patience cracks. "So? The Uchiha clan has plenty of members that know the sharingan."

Naruto blinks, clicks his tongue.

'Right. The massacre hasn't happened yet.'

Hopefully won't happen with the knowledge he and Hinata have.

Kakashi regards him like he's an idiot, eyes hazing over done with this conversation.

"In the future, the Uchiha clan is...gone save one or two members." Naruto murmurs.

Kakashi's gaze shifts back to him at his somber look and his stomach plunges recalling his earlier statement.

'Did anybody check if his body is still in that cave?'

"How?" Kakashi mumbles.

Naruto doesn't answer, peers towards the entrance seeing Kushina bowing goodbye to Biwako.

"Ginger, chamomile, or peppermint tea for that morning sickness Kushina. And no sweets, save that to once a week, if even less. We don't want anything effecting your blood sugar or blood pressure as time goes on!" She instructs.

"Yes, I promise! I'll tell Minato to hide away any snacks if necessary y'know!" Kushina assures her.

Biwako sighs at the chocolate bar she peeks inside her purse.

'This is going to be a long pregnancy.' She rubs at her head, waves her off.

Naruto glances back to Kakashi as Kushina heads for home.

"Next time. With everybody around to here it."

---

Jiraiya & Hiruzen-The Treehouse Lounge & Bar

"Long day? I've heard you've been...busy." Hiruzen relates as Jiraiya steps forward out of a haze of smoke.

According to Kushina, he's a deviant in disguise and it's all his fault. Minato more politely saying he needs more time to talk with each child one on one.

Particularly Naruto.

Jiraiya snickers. "You could say that! I've learned I'm a very important individual and influence these past few days to the next generation of shinobi in this village!"

Hiruzen smirks. "Interesting. Is that why you chose this location in particular for us to catch up? So they wouldn't be flocking to you in a popular area of the village?"

He's sure no past Kage or retired Konoha official has ever stepped foot in a place like this.

Jiraiya smiles as a pair of twin busty brunettes pass their table, wiggles his brows.

"Oh, I have connections here! Plus.. I know your type Sensei."

Hiruzen coughs into his sake. "I'm happily married as you're well aware."

Jiraiya simply grins and part of him wishes Biwako or Tsunade were here just to see what his former student's reaction would be.

He waves up a hand to their waitress at Hiruzen's flat look for them to get to business already, orders karaage and edamame for them to share.

"Alright, so that scroll Boruto and Himawari used is a mix of codes that's giving even me some trouble. It appears to be composed of random numbers and symbols I've only seen a handful of times during my travels." Jiraiya begins once he's sure nobody is listening.

Hiruzen stirs at his glass. "Well, that's a start. Where have you seen these symbols?"

Jiraiya blows out a breath and he knows then he won't like his answer.

"That's the thing. I've seen them in nations both small and large. However, I know for sure I've seen it at least in Ame, Kiri, Suna, and Kumo."

-x-

---

I'll eventually get to Naruto and Jiraiya interacting more, but I didn't want to feel like this chapter was dragging. I'll next update for Mistaken Identity as the next chapter for that is about halfway done.

Eventually, we'll do some traveling outside Konoha!

Appreciate any thoughts!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!

Chapter 5: Let's All Get To Know Each Other!

Chapter 5: Let's All Get To Know Each Other!

"I don't care about whose DNA has recombined with whose. When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching-they are your family."

― Jim Butcher, Proven Guilty

---

Naruto & Hinata/Kushina & Jiraiya-Uzumaki Compound

"Go! Before they come here! You have to-" Yamato's voice drills in his ears.

The smoke chokes out the rest of what he's trying to say, forest becoming shrouded with gray. The ground thunders beneath them with footsteps as the animals recede deeper into the Island Turtle or take to the air to escape.

"The island is already surrounded." Hinata notes beside him, Naruto grabbing at her hand to get down.

A thick stench of fire, ash, and pine sap engulf his nose and mouth all at once, coughing and spitting the scents away to little avail. Hinata keeps her byakugan active, struggles not to close her eyes as the growing haze burns at them.

She presses her fingers to the ground, lightning crisscrossing against the terrain to temporarily keep any enemies from getting too close.

"Let us help you guys' Captain Yamato!" Naruto manages to shout out before shutting his eyes as they start to water and burn. Too much of his voice is drowned out by the screech of wind, bombs raining down from above, mini explosions of yellows and whites following.

"No! My mission is protecting you two from the Akatsuki and I'll see it through to the end! Your goal is to survive and not be captured!" Yamato yells back.

He shoves him back and he loses his footing and hold on Hinata, tumbles downward into darkness.

Naruto jolts up in a pant.

His bedroom clock ticks absently to his left, drum of his heartbeat calming taking in moonlight filtering through the blinds.

12:21 AM.

Silver light runs across the wood floor, violet-black sky littered with stars.

It's still early in the night and he's still stuck in the past.

Sweat coats his skin, tossing off his blankets. The remnants of his nightmare follow him to the bathroom like a shadow, splashing his face with cool water. Every night he keeps replaying that scene, searching for any clues as to how he and Hinata can return back to that moment.

He rubs at his eyes, blue rimmed with red before heading for the patio.

'Another humid night.' Naruto muses, low buzz of cicadas filling the quiet.

He hears a shuffling behind him and instantly draws out a kunai from his pajama pants.

Hinata stares back at him, byakugan active, her own kunai glinting off passing moonlight.

She blows out a breath and Naruto chuckles weakly as she settles beside him on the steps.

"And here I thought you were a cat or some nosy prowler from the village trying to look into where the Fourth Hokage and his wife supposedly live." Hinata admits gently.

Naruto feigns hurt. "Oi, I'm not like Pervy-sage who just waltzed up to this compound and deactivated all of Dad's traps like they were toys y'know!"

Hinata sighs, draws her legs to her chest. They both haven't been sleeping well at all since coming to this time period even with all the recommendations and herbal remedies Minato and Kushina have been giving them.

Neither want to use anything stronger than teas or herbs knowing the high-risk of a drug affecting them mentally.

Naruto taps hesitantly at her back, offers his shoulder.

Hinata leans against him, thankful the moon is briefly hidden beneath a veil of clouds to hide her flushed cheeks. The scent of rain builds in the air and her eyes shift to the western sky where a bundle of clouds are rolling in.

The first hints of the storm come as raindrops hit her skin a moment later, but neither move from their positions.

"Isn't tomorrow morning when Master Jiraiya is supposed to be interviewing all of us? We should really try and get some sleep. And maybe get out of this rain before it becomes a full-on downpour." She muses aloud, drum of a steadily rising drizzle hitting the patio's rooftop.

Naruto snorts, brushes away raindrops from his hair as if they were flies. "What else is there for him to know?"

Pervy-Sage has probably already guessed most of what he needs to know about them just from their short interactions. He may just have some lingering suspicions over their identities he'll just need to doublecheck via the blood tests and background checks Old Man Third already conducted.

Hinata shifts herself so she can look at Naruto properly, lilac to blue.

"There's one more thing, we should...shroud our facial expressions more around Boruto and Himawari. They come from a time of peace and seeing us panic only seems to make them stress too. I don't want them to do anything risky in an attempt to remedy this situation or try to say insert themselves into the Hyūga clan knowing how badly things went when I went over there myself. Boruto especially with how he worries about you."

Naruto raises a brow at that. "Boruto? The boy who keeps pouting at me off and on and calls me 'Old Man' or 'Geezer'?"

Hinata giggles, nods back towards inside. "He's your shadow; he puts on a brave front for Hima, but he's worried."

Naruto follows her gaze, patter of footsteps echoing out hurriedly disappearing back upstairs.

'Am I really that annoying in the future for him to give me those nicknames? He still hasn't even told me or Hinata what I did to frustrate him in the first place to use that scroll.'

And how is Pervy-Sage, Old Man Third, and Dad really going to figure out how to read all those symbols on that scroll they used?

It will take outside help, in a time when all the Great Shinobi Nations are hostile with each other. The longer they sit here, the more drastically the future could be changing for better or worse.

He moves them to a standing position, Hinata grabbing at his hand to steady him.

His head pounds with the lack of sleep, scratches a hand through his locks.

'Tomorrow. Or really later, I'll think on it more then.'

He falls back into a thankfully dreamless sleep.

Boruto studies the two of them curiously over breakfast hours later, notes the dark bags under their eyes that they must've stayed up far later after he noticed them. He pipes as soon as gets an opening between slurps of his miso soup a question that's been burning at him since arriving in this time period.

If these teenage versions of his parents are actually telling the truth about where they came from.

"So, did you two really come from the Fourth Shinobi World War?"

Kushina bristles, jabs him with a chopstick making him wince. "Boruto, now isn't the time to ask such questions y'know! And finish your natto and tamagoyaki! The ryo Minato and I spent on getting groceries for the week isn't going to waste!"

Boruto coils away from her glare. "I was just wondering y'know! I thought all the shinobi who participated in the war had matching headbands and shinobi vests on from the pictures in our textbook."

Naruto blinks, stirs absently at his own bowl. "It's alright Mom. And to answer your question Boruto, yes. Hinata and I weren't in the middle of the battlefield when Captain Yamato activated that scroll."

Boruto hums skeptically, goes back to eating at his breakfast silently.

Naruto switches his attention to Kushina, lips stuck in a grimace forcing down bites of veggies, fruits, and fish. She tacks on a light smile catching his staring, shrugs.

"Lady Biwako's orders. I gotta cut back on having too many salts, sugars, or fats in my diet except for my main meals of the day! So ramen is restricted to maybe once a day if I can keep it down and very little sugars unless they come naturally like from the apples and grapes here." Kushina sighs.

'It's alright, I can deal with this for 9 months!' She cheers herself on.

Minato slinks by her with a cup of coffee and the smell makes her stomach plummet all over again.

'Okay, maybe not.'

He grabs at her arm as she stands, notes her pale expression. "I'm sorry, I forgot how certain smells trigger you now! Do you have the ginger snaps on you?"

Kushina nods as she fishes one out from her pocket, gives a weak smile that probably looks more warbly than anything.

"I just need...some fresh air. I'm alright." She breathes out, heads for the front door. It rained some earlier this morning, the scent of dew may just keep her from being stuck in the bathroom until the lunch hour.

A shadow looms by the door and her nausea temporarily recedes that one of Minato's attendants have come to fetch him, glances into the peephole to see familiar white hair.

Jiraiya.

He's halfway to ringing the doorbell as she pulls the door open, arches a brow.

"What are you doing here so early?" Kushina questions the Sannin, violet eyes falling to the notepads and recorders sticking out from his bag.

And it clicks then.

She supposes Jiraiya isn't the type of person to wait on this when it involves all of their lives.

"It can't wait until breakfast is done? I'm trying to give them some type of...normalcy."

Jiraiya shakes his head. "Nope!"

Kushina crosses her arms then, manages up some vitriol despite her stomach's unpleasant churning.

"Argh, you're lucky you've caught me in a sick spell right now y'know!" She grunts.

Jiraiya pulls out a peppermint tonic from his bag. "Sip at that tea, old wives' tale that can get rid of morning sickness fast, or so I've heard. Anyways, good morning to you too; I'm using the front door properly this time instead of disarming those traps again like you and Minato wanted me too!"

Kushina rolls her eyes as she steps out to take in damp pathway, hides her grin into the thermos' cup that he has little idea on how to converse with her without Minato's presence too. "Why are you really here Mr. Sleeps in until Noon unless need be? Do you really want to start your interviewing right now?"

Jiraiya scratches a hand through his hair, sighs before nodding.

"Geez, what's that saying, the early bird gets the worm? Can't drag this out, I need to start on my interviews and research of the time travelers! The sooner, the better!"

She can't say she doesn't disagree.

There's much they need to plan.

Kushina twists a hand through her crimson locks.

"Fine, however, take it easy with your questions. I'm gonna know if you ask them anything perverted too y'know!"

Jiraiya bows and gives his honor, Kushina studying him flatly at his theatrics.

'It's a wonder Minato didn't pick up any of these habits.'

She watches as he steps in and announces himself, eyes trained on Naruto.

That shouldn't surprise her, her future son is carrying the most burdens he needs to dig out of him.

Still her gut knots, maybe he'll be more candid with Jiraiya than her...

---

Jiraiya & Naruto-Uzumaki Backyard

He starts with the person keeping the most secrets from him.

Naruto yawns, gaze wandering between the recording he's set up to the toads watching him from the nearby trees. The morning has given way to a colder afternoon, breeze picking up leaves, gray clouds obscuring the sun increasing the chill of the backyard.

"Why all these devices and watchers y'know?" He questions, azure eyes narrowing when Jiraiya doesn't immediately answer, flips through his notebook casually.

"Gotta make sure I can keep track of what you tell me and replay it back for later for my final analysis Kid!" He eventually answers.

Naruto leans his head against his palm. "...You think I'm gonna lie to you?"

Jiraiya shakes his head, grin widening. "Oh on the contrary Kid! I think you and your little Hyūga girl know a lot about the future dangers that will plague the village and the other nations. It's just how much you two have shared so far that I need to know more about. You might've told Sarutobi-sensei and your Old Man some things, though not everything I gather. I've already reviewed your bloodwork and Inoichi's mind report, but that doesn't mean you two aren't liars in other ways. How do we know those memories weren't false or potentially implanted in you guys for example?"

Naruto scoffs, twists his head to study the garden.

'This is such a stupid idea.'

He doesn't need more interrogations, he and Hinata need to just get back to their correct time period.

"The technology Hinata and I have in our timeline is nothing like Boruto and Himawari's y'know. Those advancements come in after the war is over I suppose."

Jiraiya hums, nods along. "True, so give me a basic rundown of major historical events that happen in and outside of Konoha."

Naruto stays silent, Jiraiya rambling on.

"Or...I can go to Hinata first! I'm curious what else she's used her byakugan for outside the battlefield!"

Naruto fixes him with a glare then and Jiraiya effectively shuts himself up.

He looks at him flatly. It feels like he's back at the Academy with Iruka-sensei asking him to name a major battle from the Second or Third Shinobi World Wars. Answers and details flooding his mind he can't be sure will be enough to satisfy the Toad Sannin.

However, Jiraiya isn't going to let him leave or trust him any better without some answers.

"In my timeline as you already know, Mom and Dad died the night I was born. A masked man attacked them in the middle of it all that I suspect is Kakashi-sensei's or err Kakashi's former teammate Obito. I'm not privy to everything that happened with the Uchiha clan, but the massacre that will happen around 5-7 years from now is what causes Sasuke to eventually defect to Orochimaru for power."

Jiraiya raises a hand to stop him, pauses his recording. "Whoa, hold on! Who's Sasuke? The only one I know is the one from the Warring States period-

Naruto shakes his head. "This Sasuke is Itachi's younger brother; we're the same age. We'll he's a bit older since he was born in the summer."

Jiraiya scribbles out something, nods for him to go on.

He blows out a breath. "Well, there's that whole mess and then just a lot of the nation's losing their Kage, including us. Old Man Third dies in an Invasion Suna does in conjunction with Oto nin. The biggest issue right now is Obito is collecting the Tailed Beasts for some type of plan that will supposedly bring peace to all the nations."

Jiraiya rubs at his chin, it's more than he imagined he would spill, far worse than what he expected.

'Kid really does come from a dark future.' He pats at his shoulder.

"Do I...die trying to face this Obito guy?" Jiraiya tentatively asks, grits his teeth knowing how awkward this question is.

Cerulean hazes over like he expected to happen, glances down to the grass.

"No...it was against the previous leader of the Akatsuki. A student you trained named Nagato who went by the alias Pain. He was your primary killer, Konan helping probably to block the area from you getting any additional help."

Jiraiya stiffens and Naruto laughs sourly at his shocked look. He shouldn't be so surprised knowing how much darkness he's seen himself too in the world. If he has to deal with dredging up these memories, picking at old wounds, then they need to bleed together.

"Yes, the Ame Orphans." He clarifies less bitterly seeing his features morph between less shock to disappointment.

Jiraiya moves to pat at his hand, but Naruto slinks back this time, red bleeding into azure for a fraction of a second.

"It's okay Kid-"

"No, it isn't! You died knowing that mission was suicidal to take on alone! We...We could've used your help in this war. I could've used your advice on how to go about achieving the peace you kept traveling the world for y'know."

Naruto blows out a breath, rubs at his eyes before toppling back into the grass.

Jiraiya clears his throat, stops his recordings completely.

He studies him for a moment before copying him.

"Alright, that's enough questions for now. The way things are now and how I see it, we need to cut off a major source of how some of these problems came to be in the first place. Up for some action?"

'I want to see how strong you really are.' Jiraiya considers.

Naruto nods readily, already has a hunch as he gazes back to him.

This will take planning, knowing his exact schedule.

"You mean Danzo, right?"

Jiraiya grins. "Looks like I really have been teaching you a thing or two."

---

Kushina & Kakashi-Konoha Marketplace/Bookshop

"Would you get down from there already? Geez, for someone supposed to be hiding from my sight, you're doing a terrible job at it y'know!" Kushina huffs with a cross of her arms.

Kakashi frowns, though does as she wants hopping down from the trees.

She beams, violet eyes softening before clapping her hands in delight.

"Great! Now let's go get some lunch my treat and then we're heading to the bookstore and library!" Kushina cheers.

Kakashi's brows furrow. That's not what Minato-sensei said would be on Kushina's schedule for today.

Kushina catches his stare, smirks.

"What? You thought I was going to follow that list Biwako and Minato created for me? I have to take some detours in light of new information I've gotten!"

Kakashi withers, unsure if he should disobey his sensei or her.

"Wait, I don't want you to-"

Kushina stops in place, stares him down.

"Trip and hurt myself? Eat candy? Walk too much? I don't wanna be treated like I'm made of glass y'know!" She scowls, throws her hands up in the air in defeat at Kakashi's uncertain look on how to placate her.

She's not even showing, nobody knows she's pregnant except a select few.

She relaxes her shoulders recalling Minato's words from this morning, rubs at her head.

"Don't think of Kakashi as a bodyguard, think of him more as an...assistant! A second set of hands especially as your pregnancy goes along."

"Sorry. Sorry. I just have a lot in my mind what with Naruto, Hinata, and their own kids..."

Kakashi nods. "Naruto. He, err looks like sensei but acts like you."

Kushina chuckles as they start walking again. "Ah, you see it too huh?! I want to ask him so many questions on the future, but I'm afraid of overwhelming him. More importantly, I want to be of help as his Mom and to do that I must see if the bookstore still has those scrolls stored away."

'Scrolls?' Kakashi repeats to himself.

He figured they had everything they needed back at their new home.

Apparently not.

Kushina ignores his stare as they stop in front of Daikoku Ramen.

"...Don't look at me like that and just order! Oh, but don't tell Minato about this either please! I've been craving spicy ramen for ages now and trying to just limit myself to one bowl a day isn't working." She waves away his stare.

Kakashi observes various patrons, twirls his chopsticks through his curry ramen absently.

Sunlight warms his back breaking through the clouds, but he still feels cold from head to toe.

"What scrolls?" He murmurs when he's sure nobody is looking their way.

Kushina peers up from her bowl, slurps down her noodles before speaking.

"Fuinjutsu. There's an Old Man...well I guess he's not super old, but he was a friend of Lady Mito we often visited together when she wanted to give me lessons on Konoha's history, world studies, and just general geography quizzing. Heh, that all feels a bit pointless now that I can't even leave the village since I took over as the bijuu holder. Lady Mito trusted him though, perhaps because of their shared love of books that he could safekeep these scrolls in particular for her even after her passing."

"Fuinjutsu from the Uzumaki clan?" Kakashi guesses, bites into his gyoza while she isn't looking.

Kushina waves up her free hand.

"Yes and no. I think the scrolls and books Lady Mito gave to Mr. Okamote for safekeeping are more related to intelligence gathering than for use on the battlefield. They could have useful decoding materials that can better reveal the origins of the scroll Boruto and Himawari used."

Kakashi hums, knows the fallacies that can be involved trusting someone be they shinobi or civilian.

"Does he...know what you are to the village now? Can you still trust he has these scrolls or that they weren't destroyed during some incident or another?"

Kushina laughs bitterly.

"Ah, now I know why Minato said you were the pessimist of his team."

It doesn't answer his question, and his broth turns to stone in his stomach that this is a bad idea at the flicker of worry in her eyes. They both know the last remaining Uzumaki members have scattered about the various nations, that the skills they exhibited eventually caused many to fear or find them to be a threat.

Still, he leads with Kushina giving him directions through the markets, scrutinizes every potential sneer or cold look sent Kushina's way at the swish of her scarlet locks.

Even if it isn't open knowledge of her status as a jinchuriki, the secrets and assumptions about her have spread like wildfire especially now that sensei has become Lord Fourth.

But a smile plays at her lips, ignoring it all.

Mr. Okamote's store is thankfully empty as the door's bell chimes out, smell of ink and old papers filling his nose.

"I'll be out in just a moment! Welcome!" He calls from the back.

Kushina steps forward in front of Kakashi.

"Let me talk to him. Don't do anything to jeopardize this."

He digs out a kunai from his side anyways, watches as a brewing look of upset swirls into his hazel eyes when he approaches.

"Oh! Ah, little Kushina! Err, well not so little anymore I should say! How can I help you?"

Kushina smiles pleasantly. "You don't look any older to me Mr. Okamoto except for the new bits of silver dusting your hair now y'know!"

He fidgets from foot to foot, gaze dropping to his oakwood flooring.

Kushina steps forward and he steps back.

"Umm, the scrolls Lady Mito left with you. Do you happen to still have them in your lockbox? It's urgent I get them back y'know!"

Okamote looks between them both, shutter falling over his features leaving only a cold stare, skin taking on a sheen of gray.

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid not. Even if I did have them, I-I can't trust you with them knowing what you've become. What Lady Mito was; I wish she told me as I never would've taken them from her in the first place." He mutters, voice falling to a whisper.

Kushina stiffens, Kakashi moving to step in only to see chains binding Okamote's feet.

Adamantine chains.

Frustration darkens Kushina's expression.

'Why did Lady Mito trust this foolish man?'

Maybe once upon a time he and his family were sympathetic to the Uzumaki, but those feelings of warmth died years ago it seems.

Either from an outside influence or a painful loss.

'I need to know why.' She tightens the bindings making him yelp.

Did he sell them to someone? Burn them? Misplace them? Lose them in a bet?

Okamote trembles, trips over himself tumbling to the ground, frozen in place.

Kushina's scowl deepens, anger pouring into the shop.

"Well, out with it! Tell me what you've done with them!"

---

Boruto, Himawari, & Jiraiya-Uzumaki Living Room

"Do you think they'll let us go with them?" Boruto whispers, looks up again from his book as Naruto and Hinata head out. He's sure they're either going back to the Hyūga compound or on some assignment Toad Gramps gave them.

Himawari shakes her head as the click of the door rings out into the empty room. "Of course not, we have to be careful about being seen out and about the village."

Wherever they're going, they won't fully say to either of them.

Himawari barely spares him another glance, eyes returning instead back on her latest art piece she wants to use to decorate her room. She's missing her favored colors of yellows, pinks, and purples, but there's little she can do about that except to mix the markers Grandma and Grandpa managed to snag for her from the market on the way home.

Boruto waves a hand in front of her face.

"Come on, I'm being serious y'know! I want to help Papa and Mama!"

Himawari pushes his arm back, upper lip twisting.

"Big Brotttheerr haven't you 'helped' enough? I'm not as skilled as you either." She draws out, props her head up with her hands.

Without his VR set or the internet, his mind has started wandering. His gaze bounces from his books to back outside, watches as sunlight dances across the garden over to the back patio in streaks of honey yellow to dark amber.

Boruto sighs. If it weren't for Grandpa's various tags around the house, he'd already have followed Naruto and Hinata out.

He gently tugs on Himawari's arm again a moment later.

"Let's spar then, y'know! The way Mama and Grandpa Hiashi have shown us!" He voices.

He points to her discarded drawings as Himawari reluctantly gets to a standing position.

"One match and then I'll help you fill in all the pictures." He promises.

The incentive makes her brighten, palms rising into position.

Boruto's grin widens, draws up a hand.

"Wind release: Cyclone Burst!"

He clears the living room floor of any debris or objects they could trip over, nods.

Himawari switches to an offensive stance, blue dissolving into white.

'Good, the byakugan. We need to challenge each other at our best to get stronger!'

A flash of white comes between them as their palms clash.

Jiraiya.

He holds them back from each other, nose wrinkled in puzzlement.

"Whoa now, what's going on here?" I knock at the front door and get no answer and then go to the side window to see you two fighting!"

"No! We're just sparring!" Himawari corrects him.

Jiraiya simply hums, plops down onto the sofa taking in the myriad of toys, drawings, books, and weapons scattered about the room. Minato and Kushina must've gone out to get them these things since he last came by the house earlier in the week, duo playing with each gift to the point of wear and tear already.

Guess that comes with the territory of being Uzumaki siblings.

'Hmm, they should be interested then in what I have to ask them.'

He draws out an envelope from his vest instantly drawing Boruto's attention, azure widening a fraction.

"Whatcha doing here Toad Gramps? Did Grandpa Minato send you to watch us?"

Jiraiya grins at his curiosity, Himawari peering over curiously as well as he pulls out a stack of photos.

"...No! Anyways, are you two up for a different type of game? I want you to tell me if you recognize any of these faces."

They nod eagerly as he slides down to the floor opposite them, pulls out a stack of photos.

'I'll start with someone easy that they should know.' Jiraiya decides.

He sets down a photo of Tsunade that a tax collector gave him during his travels last month, both raising their hands in unison.

"That's Granny Tsunade!"

Jiraiya chuckles, well at least he isn't the only one thought of as old.

He sets down Orochimaru's photo beside her, both recognizing him as well.

'So Orochimaru really is going to return back to Konoha one day, not for the Invasion, but just as regular civilian? I don't know if that's a good or bad thing. I'll need to dig a bit deeper on how well they know him.' Jiraiya decides.

One thing at a time.

"Okay, let me try giving you someone or something that's a bit trickier." He suggests.

It's not technically a photo, but it's the most accurate drawing given of the Nine Tails of night it attacked by one of the village's most well-known artists that lived to paint it: Souichirou Tatsuya.

Himawari leans in to the ink drawing before beaming. "That's an easy one too! It's Kurama!"

Jiraiya blinks. "Kurama?"

Boruto nods, explains further at his puzzled look. "Kurama is the Nine Tails name. Papa says he's likes sleeping a lot, though he can always talk to him or use his powers if there's danger around."

Jiraiya makes a mental note of that, a confirmation that Naruto really does have the bijuu in him. Not only that, but his future children aren't fazed by this knowledge either or frightened to be around him.

'So the night that Kushina gives birth weakens the seal enough for it to escape? But then how did it end up in Naruto?'

He clicks his tongue, shuffles to the last picture he wants to review with them.

"Alright, final one for now!" He chuckles at their groans, having worked in tandem throughout this than against each other.

"Tell me if you recognize this guy."

He puts down a photo of Danzo, both studying the picture for a long minute.

Himawari shakes her head, glances to Boruto who reviews the image a bit longer. His features move between a mix of his Mother and Father's examining the photo hard before sighing.

"No, sorry. Was he an important Old Guy like Old Man Third?"

Jiraiya shrugs, Danzo certainly would say he is. "He's the current leader of the Root Foundation: Danzo Shimura."

Boruto glances over him again, points at his right eye and arm.

"I...I think his eye and arm got injured at some point cuz there always in bandages from the pictures I recall in our history textbooks."

Jiraiya flips the photo to look at it himself with Boruto's added detail in mind. A picture that was taken last year at a Gala event to celebrate Konoha's founding. Danzo stands front and center in the brightly lit room beside Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu as the oldest generation there to remember and been on assignments with the First and Second Hokages.

The picture of health, it would take a formidable shinobi to best him in battle to gain such severe injuries that he'd willingly walk around like a feeble old fart...

And Danzo rarely goes anywhere near the battlefield or any dangerous missions these days.

Jiraiya's eyes narrow the more he mulls on it.

He and Naruto have yet to interact with him, he'll need to pick a day and time when he's the least heavily guarded.

'An injury? No, knowing what my spies have told me about how he's been with his subordinates as of late, he's probably hiding a technique or ability.'

One he's just yet to gain.

---

Minato-Hokage's Office

'This symbol originated in Kumo, something about lightning needed. The symbol below it is the one for rain, so Amegakure maybe or just rainfall in general? Ah, I can't make heads or tails of these other codes though. I hope sensei and Lord Third are having better progress than me in studying this.' Minato sighs.

During every break he gets between meetings, he reviews the pictures of the scroll Boruto and Himawari used to get to this time period, has hardly made a dent in figuring out its origins and what each motif and letters are supposed to represent or mean.

Not to mention, he still needs to properly sit Naruto and Hinata down to find out what other major events he and Kushina need to prevent.

He rubs at his head feeling a dull thrum building, shuts his eyes to concentrate. It's highly likely that some of these designs mean they're dealing with technology not even created it. How long would it take them to get both his child and grandchildren to their correct time periods if that's the case?

A tap near the entrance breaks him out of his thoughts, one of his aides at door.

"Lord Fourth, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but there's a man at the lobby requesting your presence." Atsuro bows.

Minato puts away the photos, locks the drawers with a nod.

He glances to the overhead clock. 12:06 pm.

Kushina's bento sits next to him, he should get started on it while he has the time.

His next meeting isn't until 2:00 pm.

"Okay, send him up. I luckily have some free time right now. Is it another engineer or food vendor requesting the latest construction regulations?" Minato questions.

Atsuro shakes his head, lips flattening as his hands fidget at his side, auburn eyes avoiding his gaze.

"No, it's err, a clan leader I believe. I'll tell Kojima it's okay to bring him in."

He steps away before he can prod him with more questions, chuckles dryly to himself.

'Well, that doesn't sound too good.'

But he got along well enough with every clan leader in attendance to his coronation. The only ones who gave him rather frosty looks were Hiashi knowing how they're tied now via their future grandchildren and...

Fugaku.

Minato blinks seeing the Uchiha patriarch standing at the door, pulls on a warm smile despite his flat look in return.

One of Naruto's intel flashes to mind, unbidden.

'The Uchiha clan planned a coup, they were massacred though before it could be put into action.'

He can turn this around, gestures a hand forward for him to take a seat, ignores his stomach's growl.

Lunch will have to wait.

"Fugaku, right? Please, come in."

-x-

---

Clinic and life have kept me busy; I may just do what one reader suggested and pause one of my ongoing stories to just focus on two. Problem is, well I don't feel like I'm close to finishing any of my ongoing stories at the moment and I like all of them lol. The closest one would technically be The Sacrifice, but I consider that my grand epic story as it will probably be the longest story I've written. Plus, I'm just getting into the Pain arc for it. Anyways, just wanted to share my thoughts!

Let me know your thoughts as always.

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!

Chapter 6: All Options Are Messy!

Chapter 6: All Options Are Messy!

"The truth is messy. It's raw and uncomfortable. You can't blame people for preferring lies."

― Holly Black, Red Glove

---

Minato & Fugaku-Hokage's Office

Fugaku's tea goes untouched, arms crossed in his lap.

A man not here for pleasantries.

All his walls are up, and Minato holds in a sigh that this is going to be far from a fun conversation. His gaze darts between him and the assigned guards and aides at the door, obsidian narrowing a fraction.

"Would it be possible for this to conversation to be...off the record and without so many eyewitnesses/eavesdroppers?" Fugaku begins.

Takashiro to his left instantly raises his blade in alert, teeth clenching. "Funny hearing that come from you. Isn't it the Uchiha who as of late have been-"

Minato raises a hand to stop him from saying anything more, only needs to give him a single look for him to stand down.

He peers back to Fugaku, nods. "10 minutes max."

No one moves and Minato clears his throat.

"That means all of you; now."

Silence fills the room before the slow shuffle of feet arises, Takashiro and Nakamura lingering behind the other guards.

"Give us the signal Lord Fourth if he tries anything." Nakamura grunts before closing the door behind him.

Fugaku chuckles. "They're quite loyal to you; in such a short amount of time too since you took up the mantle. I guess that's not surprising when not one person here trusts me since I stepped foot in here. I'm actually a bit shocked too that you've even agreed to indulge me and have this meeting, as short as it is."

Minato leans back in his seat. "I'm not like my predecessors Fugaku."

Fugaku simply hums at that, straightens.

"That I've yet to see you prove. I suspect then you have a hunch as to why I'm here?"

Minato nods. "As leader of your clan, I believe you want to bring to my attention concerns you have regarding how many of your clansmen are looked at with suspicion in the markets and out on missions."

Fugaku chuckles. "Well, well. So Lord Third did pass along my frustrations. However, he probably gave you a watered down version of the truth. Shinobi in my clan both young and old have reported to me unfair wages received from the same level of difficulty assignments compared to other clans and teammates to inflated prices given only to them when out shopping. No matter how many good reviews our police force receives, these discrepancies aren't going unnoticed."

Minato writes this all down, bullet points each issue.

"Lord Second, from what I recall of our school days created the Police Force as a sign of trust and to leave the warring days between Senju and Uchiha to the past."

Fugaku arches brow, dark eyes clouding.

"Oh? Or was it just Tobirama's way of ensuring no Uchiha got into a high position of authority like the seat you're in now?"

Minato purses his lips, there had been rumors Lord Third was going to maybe pick Fugaku instead for the Fourth Hokage position, only stopped by apparent whispers from his closest confidantes.

'There's no way to please him in just this single setting alone.' Minato reviews.

He peers up at him, gaze still just as assessing and cold as when he first walked in.

3 minutes left to provide him with something that doesn't sound farfetched and disrespectful of what's surely running through his mind.

He could play into them both being Fathers, the balance of work and parenthood.

'No, this has to be strictly business. Otherwise, he'll assume I'm not taking him seriously.' Minato considers.

Naruto's words replay. 'They attempted a coup...'

A bloodbath follows.

His stomach swishes, lack of food and grisly images swimming together.

"I can't promise you Fugaku today that changes will come overnight, but I will send out an alert to my treasurer before today's end regarding each shinobi that was affected by the wage loss and discipline the appropriate vendors and shinobi who participated in this." Minato reviews.

And for the first time since he stepped in, Fugaku uncrosses his arms.

'Hey, maybe I'm making progress!' Minato internally cheers.

Wait until Kushina hears about this during dinner!

Because a thoughtful look passes in his features before he shutters it, not fast enough though for him not to see that his words have a given him some thought to take back to his clan.

Fugaku moves from his seat, bows before stepping away.

"Fine. I'll hold you to that Namikaze. However, your words mean little without action as we both know from on and off the battlefield. If I don't see change and you're just all talk in the coming months, I know what to do next."

Cerulean swirls dark matching his own simmering anger beneath the surface.

"Come by again next week at the same time, I'll pencil in on my schedule with my secretary for an hour meeting weekly with you or any Uchiha that wishes to speak with me." Minato asserts.

Fugaku studies him then as if he just promised him riches or the Hokage title.

He chuckles as he readies himself to leave, guards already pounding at the door.

"I see. A word of advice as leader of the Uchiha clan, be careful who you let whisper in your ear around here." Fugaku begins.

Minato nods, very aware that two among his security team specifically assigned to him used to be in Root.

Fugaku hums before truly leaving. "Not everyone here trusts or ever wanted you to wear that hat."

---

Kushina & Kakashi-Bookstore

"Who? When? Out with it!" Kushina growls, patience teetering into the edge of viciousness.

Glass shatters beside her, books tossed about in a rising tornado.

She distantly hears Kakashi telling her to stay calm, but it quickly turns to static as the fox calls to her.

"He's wronged you; kill him." He goads.

Kakashi pulls at her arm, and she brushes him off like a speck of dust. Anger seeps into her bone deep, time and again the village has shown her that she should just forget her Uzumaki ancestry, sweep it under the rug now that Uzushiogakure is no more...

Mito curls her fingers through her locks, wipes at her tears.

"It's okay Kushina, Konoha and Uzushio have an alliance. You'll make plenty of friends and meet new people, isn't that what you've always told me that you wanted? To explore new lands outside of Whirlpool like you've read about in all your textbooks?"

Kushina burrows into her not listening, tears soaking her dress.

"I don't want to leave my home Lady Mito! Please, can't it be some other girl? Wouldn't this be better assigned for Sayako or Tomoka? They both make better grades than me and are far better at sealing weapons."

Mito's hands gently tilt her chin up.

"Dearest, we've been over this. It isn't about who's top of your class or has the best skills in sealing."

Kushina's ears prickle, sinks her head back down not wanting to hear what she's already heard dozens of times now. Being chosen should feel like a honor, shouldn't be leaving her this restless and acting out in class day after day.

She picks up on Mito's voice anyways, the soft declaration of her upcoming duty.

"-It's a matter of who's body is best compatible with the Nine Tails to be the next holder of it."

No, as long as she has memories of spending summers watching the whirlpools in the rivers shine blues to greens, hiding herself in the woods amid pine and oak leaves to skip out on training, she won't forget Uzushiogakure and all she learned before departing.

It as her first home, where she learned all she can do now.

"Do it; he can't escape." The fox pressures.

"Where are they?!" Kushina snaps.

Her chains tighten as she steps closer, Okamote's skin changing from crimson to indigo.

"T-To a Root clan operative; okay! They promised me a whole year's salary of ryo I couldn't turn down when I was in so much debt at the time! This was years ago, shortly after Lady Mito's death!" He chokes out.

The anger zaps out of Kushina, teeth clenching.

'Of course. The Root Foundation.'

Lady Mito and even Minato told her to be wary of anything and anyone associated with that group. Danzo has most of them operate in the shadows, gives them assignments to villages far away to spy and take out any person deemed an enemy of Konoha.

'He may or may not be using the Uzumaki scrolls but that organization just having them in the first place doesn't sit right with me.'

Kushina blows out a breath.

"Those scrolls and books hold Uzushiogakure history, techniques passed along from generation to generation. Why would you turn it over to the Root Foundation of all people?"

Okamote swallows, fidgets to no avail.

"Umm, well like I said, I needed the ryo. I'm sure they just placed them somewhere in one of their vaults! Err, though I don't know if they'll part with them now. However, I'm sure being the wife of our Hokage that they'll make an exception."

Kushina snorts. 'I have my doubts on that.'

She undoes his chains, and he instantly scampers for the backrooms. Her gaze falls to broken glass and strewn papers at her feet, clears her mind on how to go about what she must do next.

The scrolls still exist so all is not lost, she can still teach her child and future grandchildren techniques.

But more importantly, she needs to know if the seals Lady Mito once discussed with her regarding Time & Space jutsu are still intact. She's sure Danzo and his assigned guards won't just let her waltz in even with her association to Minato...

Kushina turns her gaze to Kakashi, assesses him quickly for any major injuries before beaming.

'Good, he's okay!'

Kakashi gets his bearings, withers at that look in her eye as Kushina fully helps him back to his feet. She wants, no needs those scrolls back and he knows any excuses regarding her being pregnant will fall on deaf ears.

"Alright, care to help me with some breaking and entering?!"

---

Hitomi & Hiashi-Hyūga Private Gardens

"I don't see why she needs to be invited to the tea ceremony." Hiashi rubs at his head.

They hold this tea function at the beginning of every new season to discuss matters coming up within the clan for all women of the Main and Branch families to know, socialize, and gain advice on.

Matters an outsider shouldn't know about.

Their lunch grows sour in his gut. He'd hoped to enjoy a warm meal with his wife casually watching sunlight slip along on the greenery of the koi pond to the gardens, Hitomi murmuring to him that she's finally carrying the future heir to the Hyūga.

Hitomi thinly smiles in return, eyes softening.

-"Dear, you assume she's a bastard child. Isn't this a way to prove everything she's told us? You and I both know you were never going to fully accept the DNA evidence given."

Hiashi clicks his tongue, absently studies the wisteria creeping into the woods side of the estate.

Into the dark.

The unknown.

"You don't even want her here really." He finally mutters.

Hitomi lightly huffs. "That's not true! Besides, one of us needs to test her decorum and I'll gladly do it. We've seen she knows our clan's techniques, even about your brother Hizashi. I already had a courier deliver her invitation this morning before breakfast."

She watches his knuckles turn a furious scarlet, pearl eyes burning on her for her brazenness.

Her fingers curl around his arm anyways as she leans her head against shoulder, amused at his stubbornness.

"Would you like another proper spar with her this time? That can also help prove her identity." Hitomi adds.

Hiashi shakes his head, lightly squeezes her close.

"...Ah, sometimes I think you just enjoy confusing me. Why didn't you just tell me? The tea ceremony is set for Friday."

Hitomi laughs breezily. "Because I know how you are Dear. You would've said no. The tea ceremony is my function to lead."

Hiashi says nothing, goes back to staring at the garden.

Hitomi's fingers tickle at his neck, gaze wandering between him and the coming cherry blossoms to the trees in the back. Pink to white buds dot the branches, curling towards sunlight.

Spring is slowly approaching even if the days still feel a bit chilly.

'I'm sure when they're in full bloom I'll have my answer.' Hitomi determines.

Lady Hadzuki told her of the early pregnancy signs to watch for: the seemingly endless bouts of nausea, hunger spells, body cramps, to fatigue.

None of which she's experienced.

Not yet that is.

"Alright, I know you're wondering if I'm pregnant. However, I can't say for certain until if my next cycle is late." Hitomi muses with a half smile, curls her fingers into her lap before they can start to tremble.

Pink burns at her face recalling the latest jabs at her from Haruka and Hideki.

If they've been openly whispering about her, who knows what they've been directly telling Hiashi?

"When are you going to produce a heir for this clan Lady Hitomi? Are you sure you're performing your bedroom duties properly? The other noble clan's wives are already in the first trimesters of their pregnancies or even further along and yet you remain barren." Hideki scowls.

Haruka nods beside him. "Perhaps you should get a physical done. To ensure nothing is wrong with your body. We'd hate for Master Hiashi to resort to bedding another to make up for any...deficiencies you might have."

Hitomi bites her lip until she draws blood, raises up a hand.

The pair freeze, Haruka rushing forward. "Wait! We're just voicing our concerns-"

Their heads pulse before she can finish speaking as Hitomi activates their seals, crumpling to the ground. Hitomi hovers over them for a moment before purposefully stepping on their hands as she moves on ahead back to her quarters.

When she speaks again her voice is venomous.

"I want to hear no more talk of this from anyone else within the compound. You both insult me as the Hyūga matriarch; lay there and remember who you two are; branch members."

It isn't like she and Hiashi haven't been trying, even consulting with Madam Seiko on the best herbs to increase fertility, positions they should use...

Things will work out considering Hinata's existence along with a possible sibling, the presence of potential grandchildren too.

Hiashi eyes her again, warm smile finally cracking at his lips.

"Ignore any comments from my Father, family members, and the other Elders. I want you to be comfortable, it isn't them that will be carrying the child for 9 months."

Hitomi faintly smiles at how easy he can read her, blows out a breath.

"One more thing. Please don't try to interrupt the tea ceremony by interrogating her."

Hiashi wrinkles his nose. "...Fine."

Hinata is their daughter despite the odd circumstances of her presence in this era.

And soon she will learn for certain just how bad things are in the Konoha of the future for her to look so guarded in their last encounter, what tragedies may soon come to the Hyūga.

---

Naruto & Hinata-Uzumaki Household/Hyūga Manor

"I don't know, seems like you could be walking right into a minefield." Naruto murmurs, rereading the invite.

Hinata hums her agreement.

"True, but it's a formal summons with our clan emblem's seal at the bottom proving its authenticity."

Kushina bounds back into the room, grabs Hinata by the hand. "I'm borrowing her for a moment! I have some old summer dresses that I think can fit you for the occasion y'know!"

Naruto leans back against the couch while he waits, looks over himself. 'I guess I'll just stay in my classic orange-black attire if I go too!'

He doubts if he even dressed in a classic yukata that would change any Hyūga member's opinion of him.

'If Pervy-Sage would just let us come on his trip to Ame, she would have an excuse not to go!' Naruto sighs. Granted, he can't blame the Toad Sannin for wanting to avoid bringing too many people with him to be around Konoha's enemies. There's too much risk that any one of them could connect the dots that they're not from this time period.

Footsteps reapproach and he glances up to see Hinata now adorned in blue floral dress, pink and yellow petals flowing along the sides.

His breath hitches and Hinata stiffens, hands wound at her sides. She can't recall any Hyūga women wearing attire that exposes so much...skin. No matter how warm the day would get.

'It's fine, I can just bring along my jacket if I get cold or get too many strange looks.' Hinata decides.

Kushina clears her throat when neither speaks. "Ah, you look great Hinata! I haven't worn that dress since before Minato took me out! It fits for a special occasion I would say, even if it isn't the typical Hyūga style."

She nudges Naruto to say something too, breaking him from his staring.

"Right! What Mom said y'know! You look pretty!" Naruto scrambles out.

Kushina sighs at the pair, leaves them be to check on Boruto and Himawari.

Naruto crosses his arms as soon as she's out of earshot. "The Hyūga were hostile the last time you went over, a dumb tea party thing won't change that y'know."

Hinata's features cloud over, lips dropping into a frown and Naruto internally curses his choice of words, changes tactics.

"I just mean...it's possible they have some secondary tactics in mind to do! This could just be a ruse to try and get your guard down."

Hinata considers him, fidgets with the end of her jacket wondering.

She eyes Naruto's frustrated look, brows knotted in thought and murmurs the first thing that comes to her mind.

"Are you worried about me?"

Naruto blinks, then nods vigorously.

"Of course I am! I've seen what your Old Man is like y'know! And Neji too, wait-has Neji even been born yet? Well, if not him, there's those Old Farts stuck in the Warring States Era of thinking. Or your old bodyguard Ko and teacher Natsu. I mean, what if they're all just trying to get you close to keep you hidden away?!"

A smile breaks across Hinata's face again, reddening as he fumbles over his words.

She tugs on his arm stopping him from listing anyone else.

"Come with me then. As my guest." Hinata gently offers.

Naruto quiets, gaze dropping to the mahogany flooring.

"They're not gonna want me there either."

Hinata shrugs, maintains her grip on him. "You're my guest, simple as that."

Boruto somehow catches wind of their conversation and follows them out Friday morning only for Kushina to pull him back via a bear hug.

"No, we can't freak out the Hyūga bringing one too many guests! Just Naruto and Hinata for now!" She orders.

"Why not?! Don't Grandpa and Grandma on Mom's side want to see us too y'know? Let us come too! Hima and I are getting bored staying cooped up indoors and only around these areas of the yard." Boruto questions right back.

He wiggles hard to try and escape her grip only for Kushina's adamantine chains to keep him close.

Kushina snickers at his struggling, waves up a finger. "Now now, you know very well that the Hyūga clan have taken you and Hima's arrival to this time period with begrudging acceptance the same way they have with your Mom. That doesn't mean they like it or want to necessarily acknowledge it; it's going to take baby steps for lack of a better word. If Hiashi wanted to see you two, he knows where we are. Minato gave him our address."

Boruto deflates, azure growing hazy.

"Does he...not want to see us?"

Kushina claps her hands to cheer him up, plays with the ends of her hair to find a suitable answer. "That's not it! He's just, err very busy as their clans' patriarch and leader!"

Boruto huffs, pouts out his cheeks. "You probably just scared him Grandma!"

Kushina smile morphs into a glare and Boruto clamps up as she twists at his ear, bows apologetically.

Violet eyes soften, undoes her chains pulling him into a hug before he can scamper away.

Boruto sighs, accepts her hug as Kushina rubs at his back.

"Like I said, the Hyūga clan isn't the same as what you and Himawari are used to. Besides, I have an adventure of my own I wouldn't mind bringing you and Hima along for! It will be way more exciting than some boring tea party, it involves some spying and being stealthy!"

Naruto lingers to look between them, Boruto instantly lighting up with glee.

"...What exactly are you guys talking about? Where are you planning to take Boruto and Himawari? I thought Dad said you're supposed to be taking it easy-"

Kushina just shoos them to get a move on before he can pepper her with a thousand questions. He's spent enough time around Minato now to start interviewing her too on her comings and goings about the house.

"Sweetie, you're going to make Hinata late, get going already! Unless you want me to start asking why you and Hinata keep staying up late at night on the patio? What are you two talking about out there so late?"

Boruto raises his hand. "Yeah, I asked them that too and they wouldn't tell me!"

Kushina giggles under her breath as Naruto turns around instead, gets his shoes on and out the door with Hinata a minute later.

'I'm going to need tips from Biwako on how to deal with teenagers when they talk back to you!'

She peers back to Boruto, beams.

"Alright, you wake your sister and get your shoes on too! We're meeting Kakashi back at the center square's clock tower in 1 hour!"

---

Hitomi greets them warmly at the gate instead of any guards, light grin adorning her features seeing their approach.

She's dressed in a dark indigo-blue kimono, pink to gold lotus petals adorning the edges and Hinata fights with the urge to check for any spots of dirt or dust to her jacket or dress, is coming to this event relatively looking the same as she did the first time she saw her.

Hitomi gently clasps at her hands, takes her in.

"Ah, we could pass as twins if I were a few years younger." She teases and Hinata feels a weight ease from her shoulders just slightly.

Neither she or Naruto have given the idea of shopping much thought, Minato and Kushina buying them the essentials for hygiene care. This dress is borrowed, perhaps shows its age from certain wrinkles to it or faded colors.

Hitomi's gaze flits to Naruto, white sharpening for a passing second before relaxing.

"Oh, you've brought along a friend."

'The same one that had been watching her from the shadows the other day. I never did get a good look at him.' Hitomi recalls.

Hinata nods. "I hope you don't mind. This is Naruto Uzumaki; he's the boy who came to this time period with me."

Hitomi repeats his name curiously. "Uzumaki like Kushina? Ah, forgive me, but you look so much like her husband Lord Fourth. You could pass as his younger brother or child."

Naruto scratches at his cheek awkwardly. "Yes, well, I'm Kushina and Minato's son. From the future."

Hitomi gapes before remembering herself, covers her mouth before bowing.

"It's nice to meet you Lord Fourth's son...soon to be son. Welcome to the Hyūga compound; follow me."

Hinata tries to read Hitomi's expression, but her features have gone back to being reserved, hidden the deeper they go into the compound's walls. Dozens of sets of eyes turn towards them as they pass the main corridor that connects to the kitchen and dining halls, leading them out back.

A cool breeze hits them, scent of chrysanthemums and lilies filling the air. Tables have been finely decorated with lavender cloths, vases adorned with a mix of fuchsia to honey yellow-colored flowers from the garden.

Lady Hirika jolts seeing Naruto appear beside her, gaze snapping to Hitomi.

"What's a random outsider boy doing here? Didn't we already make an exception for the girl?"

Hitomi cocks her head just slightly. "Hmm, well nobody says you have to stay Madam Hirika? If I don't have an issue with Hinata bringing a guest, then why do you?"

Hirika turns her gaze towards the other ladies to back her up, Hamako raising her hand slowly.

"Well, this is...unprecedented you must understand Lady Hitomi. This meeting is to discuss Hyūga business we don't want being slipped out to just any civilian or shinobi within the village; right?"

Hitomi takes her seat at the front of the table, nods to Madam Hawara to start pouring their teas.

"Yes, this tea ceremony is indeed to discuss Hyūga matters, but it's also for Hinata to bring to attention future predicaments that will face our clan. Both her and Naruto come from a time period where Konoha is at war. Naruto is the future son of Lord Fourth and his wife Kushina Uzumaki. Though we don't typically have men here, I want to make an exception this time for my daughter."

Hirika studies Hinata as if she's a puzzle, clicks her tongue when whatever she's seen isn't enough to sway her. "Surely you can't fully trust anything these two say Lady Hitomi. This boy may be the son of our current Hokage, though I wish the daimyo had chosen someone with more experience in the field of politics over the battlefield."

Hinata keeps her back straight, but the nods that surround Hirika bolster her, smirk turning into a full-on sneer.

"What is this boy to you anyways girl? A friend? Teammate? Lover?"

Heat prickles at her for her boldness, blush staining her face as they all scrutinize her.

Wait for an answer.

Naruto squeezes her hand beneath the table, pipes up.

"What if I said I'm all three?!"

Hinata digs her nails into his hand in return, Naruto accepting as she forms crescents in his skin deep enough to tear.

Hitomi sits forward while everyone is momentarily stunned quiet. "That's enough Lady Hirika-"

"No, let your daughter speak for herself Lady Hitomi. I'm sure you and Hiashi taught her proper etiquette, the rules of the clan. If she even really is your child and not from a Branch member or-

SLAP!

Hitomi is out from her seat like lightning, points to the door.

"This discussion is now over. You will not talk that way of me or my daughter in front of me ever again. Guards, please escort Lady Hirika back to her chambers for quiet study for the remainder of the afternoon. I will come back in the evening to determine if it needs to run into nightfall as well." She orders.

Hirika finds herself frozen at her mention of quiet study as two guards step forward to grab at her arms. Hinata's toes curl, she's heard only from attendants' whispers that 'quiet study' is just another name for solitary confinement of Branch members who disobey a Main member or whenever a clan member speaks out of turn to someone of higher rank. It's said to be a single room tucked away in a dark corner of the compound where sunlight doesn't reach, hands bound and blindfolded to the world.

Hinata swallows. 'How long has this practice been going on?'

She eyes her Mother, the frostiness in her eyes when all her memories of her are of warmth and kindness to all clan members.

"No! Please, forgive me for speaking out of turn Lady Hitomi!" Hirika attempts apologies.

Hitomi doesn't even look her way as she's lead away, pearl eyes focused on the rest of the table.

"Would anyone else like to join her?"

Silence greets her back and Hitomi nods, smiles once again.

"Good, let us officially begin then our annual tea ceremony."

Her gaze falls back on Hinata, pearl to pearl. She pats at her hand, smiles again in that same way from her recollections.

The pit in her stomach unfurls just slightly.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that. I've...needed to show and prove to the older generations amid the clan that I can't be pushed around. There are particularly some cousins of your Grandfather that believe there were other suitors Hiashi could've chosen besides me." Hitomi murmurs.

Hinata shakes her head, she's never heard such stories regarding her parents.

Hitomi winks that they'll catch up more in private, returns her attention to the other attendants.

"Let us have no further interruptions. I look forward to catching up with you all."

Naruto grins, squeezes at Hinata's hand beneath the table as plates of pastries and shortcakes get passes around.

Lilac to blue meet and Hinata bites back an amused smile as he mouths to her quickly.

"Don't worry, they can't get rid of me that easily!"

---

Minato & Jiraiya-Komigawa Park

"Apologies on being late Master!" Minato greets Jiraiya.

Jiraiya shakes his head, nods in the direction of giggles filling the air as children come back from fishing at the Naka River, skirt around the main fountain and stone paths of the park.

"Nah, no worries, Lord Fourth! Just been people watching while I wait!" Jiraiya teases as Minato plops down beside him. He observes as he waves to a pair of female joggers, idly wonders just how long he's been sitting out here.

Minato chuckles, follows his gaze studying the trees, notes the papers strewn around the bench. "Are you already planning your next work?"

Jiraiya shakes his head, grin softening. "No, but I assume that's what people are thinking I've been up to out here! Taking inspiration from nature as winter starts to turn to spring. And while I am doing that a bit, I'm mainly mapping out where I should go to study the symbols upon the scroll Boruto and Himawari used. The closest place to start would be Amegakure. Already told Naruto of my plans."

Minato nods his agreement, sighs as he brushes a hand through his hair. "I wish I could go with you Master. Amegakure is such a tense region to visit and is landlocked between so many major nations. It's risky to head there as none of that area has recovered much since the last Shinobi World War."

Jiraiya nods, rubs at his chin. "True, very true. That's why I'm going to try and see first if I can bring along some help!"

Minato brightens, sits forward as he drops his voice. "Oh, have you reconnected with Orochimaru?"

Jiraiya settles back as if he tossed water at him, features darkening. "No, I haven't heard from that man...if he even still is a man or human with his experimenting in years. I meant my other former teammate Tsunade."

Minato takes his annoyance in stride, grins. "Even better! She could possibly provide advice to Lady Biwako as Kushina's pregnancy goes along."

Jiraiya waves away that idea. "She's not getting anywhere near things involving blood, you know that. I know she's retired from being a shinobi, though I would like to get her medical advice on how to deal with that situation and more so if she's ever heard anything about these scrolls. If...Dan's Spirit technique could maybe provide any insight into how these scrolls were created maybe."

Minato blinks, smile slipping. "You mean Dan Kato? Are you sure you want to dredge up the past?"

Jiraiya shrugs, but Minato notes the cracks in his grin. "It's just, for a time travel technique like this, it'd require advanced study over a period of years, perhaps decades and I recall his spirit technique allowed him to take over other's bodies. One could in theory travel one's soul into a younger body and use that to continue studying how to travel backwards or forwards in time. It's what Orochimaru I'm certain is trying to look into."

Minato turns his gaze towards the sunset, moon rising through the coming dark of pinks and reds. "...I'm not certain that's a good idea Master."

Jiraiya slaps his knee, pleased with his honesty out of all his former students.

"Rude! Have some faith in your former sensei! Well anyways even though it's spit-balling and not high likely to lead me anywhere, it's worth a shot; don't cha think?!"

"No."

Minato shakes his head at his antics, doesn't want to see him end up in the hospital or worse recalling Tsunade's temper.

But they have limited options, limited time before someone truly starts to look into where exactly Naruto, Hinata, Boruto, and Himawari came from.

He nods eventually giving him his go ahead.

"Be safe Master, however you go about this."

Jiraiya scoffs, crosses his legs as he stacks his papers. He signals a code as a toad comes up from the river, hops 3 times over the rocks before diving back in.

He'll leave at daybreak, will report back in 3 weeks.

Jiraiya stretches his arms, mentally prepares himself.

"Don't worry about me! Aren't I always careful?"

-x-

---

Felt like I was in a bit of a writing slump for a while, it's going to take some polishing on gathering my thoughts regarding deciphering the scroll and who the Uzumaki Family can trust will help get all the kids back to their correct time periods!

I like exploring Minato and Kushina's interactions with others, canon doesn't have much to go on outside of flashbacks, so I'm just going with my own ideas/thoughts!

Look forward to Tsunade's eventual entrance and Danzo's presence in the coming chapters!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!

Chapter 7: Don't Fool Around!

Chapter 7: Don't Fool Around!

"In order to share one's true brilliance, one initially has to risk looking like a fool: genius is like a wheel that spins so fast, it at first glance appears to be sitting still."

― Criss Jami, Venus in Arms

---

Jiraiya & Tsunade-Land of Fire Outskirts, Club Rhapsody

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Thanks for waiting for me!"

The dark-haired beauty flat out ignores him, though he doesn't miss the way her azure eyes instantly turn icy, stormy and sharp peering him up and down as he plops into the open seat in the booth across from her.

She spins at her sake glass just a bit faster.

"Do I know you?" Her gaze stays on the growing crowd around the bar, wrinkles her nose at the scent of smoke and rum growing around the tables closest to them.

"Of course ya do Ayoko! Granted, I know you by Tsunade."

Her grip on her glass tightens enough to form cracks.

The casino connected to this lounge bar is supposed to open in one hour, the main reason she bothered with waiting around here...

A mistake on her part.

Jiraiya scratches at his beard, used to covers that don't usually require so much effort.

He grins, leans his head back against the plush leather as he calls for a nearby waitress to bring them a round of peach sake and karaage.

Jiraiya winks as she gives a little shake and twirl of her outfit before she heads for the kitchen.

"You must have me mistaken for someone else, I don't know anyone like you." She persists, edge of warning in her voice. The music slows to a piano/jazz combination up above and she distinctly hears a chime that the Lucky Strike or Burn Casino will open in approximately 30 minutes.

Jiraiya shakes his head, blows back tuffs of brown locks from his face.

'Yeah, I'm getting tired of this disguise.'

"Are you upset at my flirting? I only have eyes for you Tsunade. That girl was just one in a network of communications." He remarks.

Tsunade crosses her arms, eventually leans forward once the appetizers come.

"...How did you find me?"

Jiraiya bites into his karaage, sighs happily as he dips it into the soy sauce paired with it. This wouldn't be so bad of a date if Tsunade didn't look ready to murder him, hazel smoldering on him probably wishing he would melt into the ground.

He sips at his cup before nodding to her.

"Oh you know, just followed the clues of where you've left a few debts to some pachinko halls and had your beautiful face lining the walls as a warning not to be served."

Tsunade grits her teeth, snaps her fingers undoing her disguise, Jiraiya doing the same.

She gestures for him to follow her outside away from the noise and other eyes.

It's just as dark outside, moon just a sliver of white up above approaching a waning phase.

'Ugh, even colder here than back in Konoha.' Jiraiya burrows his hands into his pockets, breath forming light puffs of gray.

He holds up his hands seeing Tsunade's fists wound at her sides as they head for the forests, dirt path giving way to frost laden grass. Fireflies to cicadas buzz and flicker around them, move for the bushes in bursts of neon greens as Tsunade's footsteps quake the ground creating mini fissures.

"I wouldn't have gone looking for you Tsunade if it wasn't serious." Jiraiya remarks gently.

Amber eyes harden back on him before continuing on.

"Minato and Kushina. They need our help."

Her gaze softens a fraction hearing that, lips dropping into a frown.

"What's wrong? Are they okay?"

Jiraiya chuckles, pleased Tsunade hasn't fully lost her warmth for others if there's a medical concern.

"They're fine. Actually, Kushina's pregnant."

Tsunade grins lightly. "Ah, well knowing Minato, he must be fretting over her driving her up a wall."

Jiraiya smiles in agreement, though it quickly flattens.

He sits at a fallen tree branch, pats the spot beside him. Tsunade rolls her eyes, reluctantly settles down beside him. Neither speak again listening to the breeze rustle across the terrain, remnants of snow and ice clinging to the air and woods this far from Konoha's relative heat in comparison.

Jiraiya clears his throat.

"There's a...problem. That's the best way I can explain it. Minato and Kushina's son from the future is here along with their future grandchildren."

Tsunade blinks, considers if he's drunk.

"...What?"

Jiraiya prattles on, waves up a hand he'll explain at the end.

"Their son Naruto who came with his girlfriend Hinata Hyūga or maybe she's just a teammate, they won't say! Well anyways, their scroll was destroyed when they came here. The two grandkids, Boruto and Himawari activated a scroll I'm having trouble deciphering. I wanted a second set of eyes to review it too. Additionally, if you could return to Konoha to help aid in Kushina's birth when she goes into labor, that would be a great help."

Tsunade's brows furrow. "That didn't explain anything."

Jiraiya brushes a hand through his hair. "Somehow, Minato and Kushina's future son and grandchildren ended up in their past. I'm requesting your help to get them back to their correct timelines and prevent future disasters to the village-"

Tsunade holds up a hand to stop him, features turning murky.

"Aha, so there it is. You want me to come out of retirement? Be a shinobi again?"

She draws out her flask from her haori, peers back towards Rhapsody's doors.

Surely 30 minutes have passed by now.

Jiraiya grabs at her shoulders before she can turn back to the club's pulsing noise.

"Tsunade, like I said, I'm asking not only because I know you have the best medical talents of anyone amid the great nations, but because of what Naruto told me."

She brushes away his hands, snorts.

"Oh? It sounds like he was sniffing his nose around a scroll that was clearly dangerous and should've been better locked up. Minato and Kushina must spoil him-"

"No, they're both dead. Naruto is an orphan in his time period." Jiraiya curtly interrupts.

Tsunade bristles as if doused in ice, shoulders falling as her stomach clenches up.

"When?" She murmurs.

Jiraiya studies the sky. "The Nine Tails breaks from its seal when Kushina gives birth."

Tsunade clicks her tongue, takes a swig from her flask to ignore her rising heartbeat. That's less than a year away unless things change, less than year before someone else she's gotten close to may possibly die...

"And Naruto was on the brink of the 4th Shinobi World War it sounded like. Heh, Kid's been through a lot for only 16. Grew up without his parents and is the next holder of the Nine Tails. Loses both mentors and friends in the process too." Jiraiya sighs.

Tsunade jumps to stand again, paces.

She can feel a headache coming, pain throbbing at the back of her head all because she didn't slip out the emergency exits as soon as she noticed Jiraiya's arrival.

"I-I'll look at the scroll, but I can't help with Kushina's pregnancy; I'm sorry. Biwako will be there, I'll be if no use as soon as I see blood."

Jiraiya's features turn dark.

"Biwako's going to die when an intruder enters that chamber, her along with her assistants. Now, we're working to confirm the man's identity so we can prevent said scenario, but you'd be a great asset to at least be in the background."

Tsunade shakes her head, amber to onyx turning into a stare down.

"You wouldn't understand when you've never lost a loved one or had to watch them die in front of you!" She growls.

Her chest tightens instantly with regret at the weight of her words, Jiraiya's gaze turning steely; blank.

"...Right." He answers softly, turns to walk back to the lounge.

Tsunade bites her tongue until she tastes blood, tries and fails not to freeze up.

If she can't handle even her own blood, what good will she be to him or Kushina?

She moves to match up with his pace.

"I didn't mean it like that. Look, I'll help you with the scroll and think about the Kushina subject. But no promises!"

Shizune needs to know where she is, she let her sleep all afternoon on the pretense she would just be doing a quick grocery run.

Jiraiya is all smiles again as Tsunade glances his way and briefly, she wonders if a minute ago was just an act.

"Alright! Glad you're on board! Now, take a look at these symbols. That one to the left looks like Ame, don't ya think! Let's check out if they have any clues!" He reveals the scroll from his pocket.

Tsunade withers as her eyes briefly review over the scroll. 'What did I just agree to?'

"Ame is a hellscape." She grunts.

Jiraiya shrugs. "Maybe. Maybe not! I've heard through my spy network there's been some changes around those parts since we were last there."

---

Kushina & Kakashi/Boruto & Himawari-Root Foundation, Northeast Entrance

"Does everyone remember the plan?!" Kushina announces proudly.

"Yup!" Boruto chimes with matching giddiness.

"...I think so?" Himawari answers, a bit uncertain. She'll just follow Boruto and Grandma at whatever they tell her to do.

Kakashi blows out a breath. "We don't even know where to start looking first."

Kushina's eyes flash to him at his dry tone, hands going to her hips. "That's why you'll be leading! You're the only one who's ever gotten a layout of this place y'know! Otherwise, the plan is for Boruto and Himawari to distract the guards while we find a path to where the archives of books and scrolls are kept."

He rolls his visible eye. "They're gonna be suspicious of us immediately as soon as they see these two toddlers running about with us."

Boruto twists a glare on him. "You're barely older than me y'know!"

Kakashi shrugs. "I bet you're not even a genin. I doubt that you know anything beyond just the basics taught at the Academy or field exercises, if even that."

Kushina whirls a glare on both boys effectively quieting the duo for now. She holds in a sigh; considers how exactly she'll tolerate future arguments between them the further along in her pregnancy she goes.

Footsteps round the corner before she can speak, Kakashi charging to the front.

A man approaches only lit by the golden glow of a lantern, verdant eyes narrowing.

Kakashi mutters what Kushina thinks is a curse as the man's stare instantly darkens in alert.

"Hayate? What are doing here? Weren't you dismissed from the Foundation by Lord Danzo and Lord Third?"

Kakashi slowly nods. "Sonoyama, we're just here to pick up a collection of scrolls."

Sonoyama frown deepens, steps closer. His gaze runs over Boruto and Himawari in particular.

"Alright, but does Lord Danzo know about this? Why have you brought children and a woman here too?"

Kushina shakes her head before Kakashi can create some lie.

"No, we're going to get the Uzumaki scrolls y'know! They don't belong here collecting dust." She pipes up.

Sonoyama clicks his tongue, shakes his head. Danzo would've mentioned visitors. There's notoriously always been less security around this wing of the foundation if only because the main intel collected regarding Konoha and other nations is kept in Danzo's private offices at home and vaults in the south sections.

Kakashi still remembers that.

Sonoyama's eyes go blank, Kushina readying her chains.

"You're all trespassing."

And then he draws up his hands.

"Water Release: Typhoon Wave!"

Kakashi draws up lighting, ducks under the current rushing forward for his chest.

"Lightning Release: Flash Strike!"

Boruto draws up a burst of wind, wail and screech of metal ringing out further pushing Sonoyama back a degree.

Kushina pins him down just as water hits her knees, adamantine chains binding around his hands and torso. Kakashi holds his hand up for her to not get too close with lightning crackling throughout him, Kushina moving slightly behind him.

"You just tried to attack the Hokage's wife." She huffs.

Auburn eyes stay clouded. "I don't take orders from you or him."

Kushina grits her teeth impatiently. Himawari pointing in the directions west of them, byakugan activated.

"More...More of them are coming Grandma." She purses her lips.

Kushina hugs her to her side, tacks on a smile for her despite her stomach's churn.

A bite if nausea singes the back of her throat that she's been far too reckless today.

'You have kids now with you Kushina. You're going to be a Mother before years' end.'

The reminders poke and needle, pushing them aside.

Only Kakashi knows the fastest way to Danzo's storage rooms. She doubts the Uzumaki scrolls ever fully interested him with how often Mikoto says she sees him trying to look into Uchiha clan affairs. Always poking around at the police station and for any assigned missions one of their shinobi gets, but she needs to find out for herself.

"Try to never be alone with him. He's always trying to look for the right opportunity to gain more power."

Kushina blows out a breath to steel her nerves, he's most likely on the other side of the village in a meeting with Minato right now and those other Elders.

She peers to Kakashi, grins lightly.

"So...where to next?!"

He shakes his head at her faux cheeriness, waves them to head to the opposite wall.

"Everyone stay behind me; no rushing ahead." Kakashi commands, looks at Boruto and Kushina as he speaks.

As he unfortunately expects, only Himawari nods her agreement.

---

Naruto & Hinata-Hyūga Compound/Backwoods

"I know this isn't very fun; I probably shouldn't have invited you if everyone was going to be so cruel." Hinata sighs.

A knot slides into her chest that saying that aloud includes her Mother.

Giggles and light snickers echo behind them making her coil her fists, picking up the pace to move deeper into the forests.

She watches as white and pink petals along the trees soon get replaced with deep shades of green, vines and roots tangling at their feet the color of damp earth.

Naruto moves to catch up to her and Hinata grins, taps at her cheek where he's smeared a bit of frosting from the desserts.

He swipes at his cheek and Hinata's smile widens, thumbs the rest away before carrying on.

"It's okay really! I don't mind-" Naruto starts.

Hinata stops in place, pearl twisting back to blue, ocean blue eyes turning as dark as the deeper parts of the forest seeing her worry.

"No. It's not okay to say my guest is unbecoming, that you lack table manners just because you don't know a salad spoon from a soup spoon for serving! Even I don't remember every lesson of calligraphy or table etiquette from my youth. And..."

Naruto watches as Hinata purses her lips.

"And Mother just stood by watching as they insulted you. I had to say something on your behalf; I-I thought she would, but she didn't."

Naruto rubs at his neck, whispers of conversation ringing back up in his mind.

"So, she somehow ended up in the past with this boy? Looks like Lord Fourth's secret love child or a long-lost sibling?" Haruka murmurs.

"We've seen how Kushina gets when she's...err excited. Perhaps this boy is from her side of the family." Hikari shrugs, bites into her macaroon, opalescent observing as Naruto swirls at his broth.

"Well, he certainly lacks Lord Fourth's manners, he's clearly never had a fine dining meal in his life before from the way he holds his utensils."

Hinata sends them both a glare, clears her throat getting both Elder's attention.

"I'm sorry there's no time for such lessons when war is about to start in Naruto and I's correct time period. While you two hide away in the manor, it's our fellow Hyūga and Konoha shinobi out on the frontlines bleeding out, dying."

Pink floods Haruka's cheeks looking away as Hikari's gaze nervously drops to her bowl.

Hitomi pats at her hand, Hinata turning to see her lips set in a soft smile reminiscent of the one she gave her upon her first arrival to the manor, rest of her features a mask.

"Let me deal with them."

She hadn't waited around to see what her Mother would actually do besides just more verbal admonishing, needing a walk.

"You sure are familiar with these parts. You and Hanabi must've played in this area a lot growing up, huh?" Naruto remarks, letting Hinata lead them around trails of fallen branches and moss.

Hinata shakes her head. "Just me really. These woods can loop around to the training grounds and near the Naka river. I used these pathways to get away from Father. From Neji and the Elders too when I wouldn't spar to the level they thought fitting of a Main clan member, as the next heiress..."

Her voice falls away and Naruto blinks in surprise as they reach a clearing, sunlight falling openly along the grass and nearby elm trees.

"Ah, reminds me of practicing in the evenings after our lessons at the Academy with Iruka-sensei." Naruto smiles nostalgically.

Are these woods even still here in their correct time period?

Hinata nods, reddening at a sudden thought.

"Yes, I remember. I wish...I wish I had joined you here at least once. I've watched you practice the transformation jutsu and substitution jutsu here over and over and couldn't think of a way to speak up and give you some tips."

The admittance turns Naruto's attention back to her, Hinata still studying the spots where she once saw him toss kunai at paper targets, make scratch marks against the trees to see how tall he's gotten compared to their classmates.

'I really did think all the girls in the class liked Sasuke. Guess not!'

Now that he thinks about it, all those times he assumed Hinata was being weird and supposedly looking down on him by averting her eyes whenever they met was just her nervousness.

And if her clan has always been like this, especially with the way those two old hags casually insulted them, he can see why she'd hesitate to speak beyond just in whispers.

'Ah, but now I can't get her attention!' He notes at her gaze everywhere but him.

His hand moves for her flushed cheek, raindrop landing on his index finger midway.

Hinata shifts backward as a raindrop hits her head.

A batch of clouds rolls in blotting out the sun, Naruto grabbing at Hinata's hand leading them back into the forest.

Raindrops chill her skin with goosebumps, Naruto draping his jacket onto her before she can protest.

"I'll be fine, this should just be one of those quick spring storms we always get around this time year y'know!" Naruto assures her.

Still, Hinata scoots to his side, shoulders bumping together as the drizzle turns into a downpour.

The elm and sycamore trees catch most of it, pair huddling under the trunk of the largest tree in the area.

Hinata's gaze stays locked in the opposite direction of the Hyūga compound.

Her voice comes out muffled against his arm, Naruto leaning his head down just enough to hear her.

"That's fine no matter how long it is. I'd rather stay out here as long as it's falling."

---

Minato & Kushina- Hokage Office/Uzumaki Household

"There was a security breach at the Root Foundation this afternoon." Danzo mentions, last to leave the meeting hall.

Minato looks up from his tea, realizes he'll need something stronger from his icy expression.

"What was stolen?" He asks straight to the point.

Danzo dryly chuckles. "Stolen isn't the right word I suppose. More like your wife 'retrieved' some Uzumaki scrolls and books that had been given as a gift to me from Lady Mito before her passing. She may give you a different story or version of events once you return home based on the report one of the Root members told me.'

'Kushina has had an adventurous afternoon.' Minato covers his smile too late.

Danzo barely hides his scowl. "See to it that in the future Kushina goes through the appropriate channels if she ever wishes to review collections from any archive in the village."

Minato's expression sharpens. "I would appreciate you not talking as if Kushina is an obstinate child. The Foundation shouldn't have had them in the first place. I'm sure you have other materials that I can assemble a team to audit and review into as well."

The veiled threat sits in the air, Danzo scoffing waving away the idea.

"That isn't necessary Lord Fourth. I'm sure the shopkeepers of Konoha along with Fugaku and the Uchiha clan in general are keeping you busy enough."

His cane clacks against the hardwood as he steps away with a bow, finally taking his leave.

Minato sighs, slides down in his seat.

'Great.'

Kushina is all smiles at least once he returns back home, Boruto and Himawari dozing on the sofa.

He brushes away drool from their cheeks, blue meeting violet.

"This is my first time seeing them so deep asleep, what type of adventure did you take them on?"

Kushina waves up a spoon, grinning ear to ear.

"Oh, nothing exciting compared to your day I'm sure Dear!"

Minato approaches up behind her, hands brushing at her stomach before pulling her flush against him, breath warm in her ear.

"Is that right? I'm sure I can find a way to get you to talk. But I already have a hunch."

Kushina hums playfully, wiggles out of his hold.

"Somebody squealed, didn't they?! I bet it was Kakashi, he never hides secrets from you y'know."

Minato shakes his head. "Actually, it was Danzo. Not that Kakashi wouldn't have told me eventually of your outing."

Kushina snorts at that, rubs at her head as Minato switches positions with her to finish the miso soup and check on the roast.

"Everything okay? No nausea or headaches?"

Kushina shakes her head, lightly smiles as she grabs a water from the fridge.

"Well, I can't say either is completely gone, but it's better than what it was. As for Danzo, I'm sure you'll be interested to know he was holding Uzumaki scrolls in Root Foundation's storage area. It's a lot to go through, but I got them back!"

Minato's brows furrow, Kushina brushing her hands with his as he notes her half-smile.

"Don't worry, I'll take my time going over them! There's just so much I want to teach Naruto and the grandchildren y'know! Hmm, still feels weird saying that out loud!"

Minato stirs in a mix of soy sauce and chive, peers back up at her. "Speaking of, I haven't seen Naruto or Hinata around."

Kushina waves it off, points to outdoors where gray clouds sit on the horizon.

"Probably got held up by the rain. They must still be at the Hyūga compound."

Minato nods at that, considers something.

"Everything we teach Naruto and even Hinata they can use in the war effort."

Kushina frowns, squeezes his arm until he meets her gaze again.

"Hopefully there's no war for them to go back to Minato."

---

Jiraiya & Tsunade-Amegakure Outskirts, Abandoned Mine

"These symbols are connected to multiple lands. What makes you so sure of checking Ame first?" Tsunade prods.

The rain does little to settle her mood since she agreed to this, considers what Jiraiya will do if she turns around right now.

Jiraiya waves away her concern, gestures for her to follow him up a muddy hill.

The rain thankfully calms to a light drizzle revealing sunshine and blue skies in patches.

Below to the north is a network of steel towers, where the rain clouds are heading.

"It's a bit risky to head directly into Ame not knowing if Hanzo is still running things or someone else behind the scenes right now. This is a mine I came across when we were last here. The workers would drill for gemstones they could trade for ryo in the Land of Silence or Keys." Jiraiya explains.

Tsunade arches a brow, looks into the looming dark. The smell of coal and sulfur persist even years later. "You saw the symbol? In there?"

Jiraiya smiles. "If you're scared, just say so! You can hold on to me!"

Tsunade jabs him in his side as she walks on ahead of him.

"You really did cover every nook and cranny of this place to ensure there was no leftover bomb tags or weapons." She muses.

Jiraiya shrugs. "What can I say, Konoha will always be home, no matter how far away! Gotta be sure none of the other villages are hiding things they could use against us in the future!"

Tsunade snorts.

This is the same village that's taken so much from them, will continue to take from them if Jiraiya is to be believed.

"All villages keep some form of secrets; Ame just didn't scrub this one away completely. I have a feeling these mines were being operated also as a cover for transporting goods and in this case, weapons/scrolls the other nations would be interested in." Jiraiya further reasons.

He flashes his lantern against the left wall opposite them, where the trickle of rainwater stops.

Jiraiya points up and Tsunade follows the cracks in the walls until she sees it too.

Amber eyes take in the symbol of rainfall, code etched in stone.

A match to the scroll.

She can't help the smile that edges at her lips, it truly has been years since she's done an assignment of this caliber.

'Huh, we actually may be on to something here.'

-x-

---

Does anyone here also like watching Severance? And Solo Leveling? Invincible? And Sakamoto Days?! I think I've been gushing over all these shows to the point my coworkers to my brother are prepared to hear me talk about it on weekends lol. Ugh, though most of their seasons just ended!

A lot of the codes and spy themed ideas coming up in this story and the other ongoing ones are influenced by these shows which is why its on my mind right now.

Appreciate any thoughts!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!

Chapter 8: Celebratory Milestones!

Chapter 8: Celebratory Milestones!

"The best way to treat obstacles is to use them as stepping-stones. Laugh at them, tread on them, and let them lead you to something better."

―Enid Blyton, Mr. Galliano's Circus

---

Hitomi & Hiashi- Hyūga Compound, Main Hall

"Congratulations on your pregnancy Lady Hitomi." Horuka chimes out gently.

Hitomi forces a polite smile as claps abound across the room, nods accepting her gift basket of fruits, chamomile, and peppermint teas to help curb her growing nausea and fatigue.

Beside her, a bouquet of lilies wrinkles her at nose, head dully thrumming from the scent.

She wishes this news could've waited until the end of the week, that she could've had at least a little bit of time to share in this joy with Hiashi alone in the privacy of their quarters.

But of course, Hiashi's Father and the Elders insisted they needed to announce it as soon as she had returned from the clinic with her blood test results and gotten a 2nd confirmation with the Hyūga clan's private doctor Dr. Hozutori.

'I haven't felt myself really since the tea party now that I think about it.'

Not since her apparent future daughter visited.

She's sent letters in secret via messenger butterflies requesting to meet Hinata in private to better explain how she acted, each one ignored or sent back in the evenings with no response.

'She's still upset; I can't even blame her knowing I never wanted to use the curse seal in front of any of my children. Or perhaps she's just too busy trying to figure out how to get back to her proper time. Still, I don't want to leave things like this. Maybe I can find her at the markets? I want to make things right between us, no matter how strange these circumstances are and will continue to be.' Hitomi sighs.

It won't be easy with the personal guards assigned to her now though.

Hazu and Hiro take their new assignment with honor, Hiro taking the day shift to help her in getting to and from doctor's appointments, delegating laundry, cooking, and other chores to the various available attendants. Hazu being the night owl, will step in as soon as sunset approaches, will assist her during the sure to come restless nights she'll have the further along in her pregnancy she goes.

"Yes, it's quite befitting that with the coming of the cherry blossoms brings the news of a heir or heiress for the clan." Hikari adds to her left forcing her attention off her scattered thoughts.

Hikari and Horuka's grins don't fully reach their eyes, white clouded with s mix of distaste and envy. So many of her fellow clansmen both from the Main and Branch families believed she'd never become pregnant, new whispers had started that she was infertile.

Barren.

She'd almost wanted to point at all the calendars around the manor that her cycle was late just to show how wrong they all were.

Hitomi curls her fingers against her stomach, looks over them all.

"Thank you all again for coming. My son or daughter should be arriving by winter going by what Dr. Hozutori and Lady Natsume at Konoha Well Woman's clinic have told me. I will be utilizing the both of them for my care throughout my pregnancy."

Everyone bows back in return to her and Hiashi.

"A thousand blessings to the future heir or heiress. We wish you a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery!" They call in unison.

Hiashi nods they're dismissed, Hitomi breathing a sigh of relief as soon as she's sure they're alone.

He chuckles as her shoulders drop. "See, now that wasn't so hard, was it? Now at least you won't have to tiptoe around the kitchen or hide your morning sickness from the cook attendants."

Hitomi shrugs, curls her fingers against his hand as his own smile falters.

"You're thinking about that odd girl again; aren't you?"

Hitomi prickles at his tone, pinches at his arm. "She's our daughter Hiashi, just not yet."

Hiashi's frown only deepens. "I know what the blood test results said despite how absurd it still seems to me; I don't need the hundredth reminder Dear. But her reaction at the tea party to common traditions among the Main family-"

"Scared her. Angered her." Hitomi finishes, eyes gathering mist at the memory.

Hiashi wipes at her cheeks as the tears gather and slide down, flush rising in embarrassment at herself.

Matriarchs don't cry over relative strangers, over long-standing rules they've held for generations since shortly after the end of the Warring States period.

"Hizashi. Think about it Dear, you would be pained to have to activate the seal on him. I triggered the curse seal on my very own attendants simply because I got too annoyed with their comments. I shouldn't have let my temper, or their comments get under my skin so easily." Hitomi muses.

Hiashi shakes his head, his brother his soft spot. "Those remarks were unnecessary, and you know it. Now that your pregnancy is known to all the clan, you must show strength so that they don't try to cause any harm to you or our growing child."

'Does the Branch family or certain Elders dislike me so much to try something?' Hitomi considers.

She shakes her head of such thoughts, turns her gaze skyward to the clear day, sunshine warming their skin.

Springtime is her favorite season, Konoha finally losing the last of its winter frost as sweeping greens roll across the forests and mountains.

The gardeners last year planted hyacinths, tulips, and primroses in her favorite shades of reds, yellows, and oranges.

This year though they'll probably plant more subdued colors of pastel blues, pinks, and purples to signify a calm, safe birth.

Hitomi pauses thoughtfully, she'll need to think of bright names for her child.

'Ah, I really do like the name Hinata if it's a girl. But I'll wait on telling Hiashi that.'

Hitomi laughs gently as she glances back to him, new idea in mind. "We should visit Hizashi in his study. Neji is already toddling all about the place from what I've heard from Hasumi."

Hiashi shrugs at the suggestion, but she covers a giggle as the corner of his mouth quirks up.

It's been all Hizashi and his wife can talk about at how quickly Neji is breezing through his 1-year milestones.

'I'm telling you, even his babbling is starting to become coherent Hiashi! Hasumi and I have been having him practice making the kanji for his name!"

"He has it in his head that Neji's a prodigy when he's barely just started not clinging to furniture or him to walk properly."

Hitomi's smile thins, considering.

As Neji grows, he will soon realize he's a Branch member, that certain things within the clan will forever be locked out of his reach...

No matter how much he excels.

Her stomach knots, bites her lip until the wave of nausea passes.

Hiashi squeezes at her arms, nods to an attendant just out of sight by the door to prepare tea for her.

Hitomi tacks on a smile as the wave dissipates, peers up at him.

"You never know Dear, Hizashi could be right about Neji's fast development."

Hiashi leans her back into his chest.

"I'll believe it when I see it for myself."

---

Kushina & Naruto-Uzumaki Backyard

"I already practiced this with the kids this morning, so you gotta learn too now y'know!" Kushina declares.

She let Naruto get away with sleeping in because he and Hinata got back late after the rainstorm yesterday, but no way will she let him not get some training in before today is over!

Naruto nods readily. "Boruto said it's something about Uzumaki clan techniques, right? I never learned any in the future, so I'm excited y'know!"

Kushina dampens just slightly hearing that, it's like her and Minato just didn't...exist to Naruto until only recently.

Everything about her and Minato, hidden or scrubbed away...

She swallows down the buzz of annoyance and heartache, gestures for him to match her position.

"Alright, we're going to practice with water and wind techniques. Then slowly move into fuinjutsu like how I taught your Dad!"

Naruto rubs his chin thoughtfully.

"Can I bring out some clones to help with the training too?"

Kushina beams. "Sure, why not?! I wanna see any cool techniques you could teach even me and Minato!"

Naruto holds up a hand then.

"Shadow clone jutsu!"

3 Naruto's surrounding her, the original standing in front.

"Okay, what do you want us to do?"

Kushina considers the trio. If Naruto and Hinata are from a future where war is on the precipice, they're probably quite skilled and know a variety of abilities.

"Any type of water or wind technique I suppose." She decides.

Naruto nods, 1st clone gathering a swirl of wind and chakra while the 2nd sucks in a breath.

"Rasengan!"

"Water Release: Twisting Storm!"

Kushina jolts back in alarm as he creates a mini typhoon, final clone feeding it more wind.

Naruto launches it into the depths of the backwoods, boom echoing out shaking the ground beneath them.

Kushina claps her hands giddily.

"Whoa! It shouldn't surprise me, but you know that same swirly, whirly spin thing that Minato created!"

Naruto poofs the clones away. "The what?"

Kushina spins a finger around in the air. "Oh, it's such a ridiculous name that I'm forgetting how he put it. You probably changed it and I don't blame you or that Old Pervert for doing so."

A voice clears her throat behind them.

"That hurts my feelings Dear."

Minato.

Kushina reddens, tries and fails to leap away as he pulls her into a hug from behind.

"You're supposed to be working!" She declares.

Minato chuckles warmly lighting up the tips of her ears in pink.

"It's my lunch break." He answers smoothly in return.

Naruto watches them with half amusement and half embarrassment, Kushina waving up a hand.

"So, let's move in to fuinjutsu!"

Naruto's gaze shifts to Minato. "Are you sure?"

Kushina hurriedly nods, escapes her husband's hold as he loosens it some.

"Of course! And don't you think Hinata is going to think you're so cool once she sees what new skills you've gotten?!"

Naruto blinks, looks behind him wondering if she's been watching them train all this time, feels his face warm at his parents' light snickers.

'Ugh, she's inside sparring with Boruto and Himawari. I would've heard her come out here!'

"Be careful!" Minato hesitates, recognizes Kushina's change in stance.

Using the Adamantine chains always exhausted her during their sessions, especially will now that she's pregnant.

Kushina pouts out her cheeks. "Lady Biwako said it's good to still do light exercises y'know! I won't create too many, I promise!"

Minato gives them the space as she wants, pops into the kitchen to warm up his lunch.

From the window he studies as two chains shoot out from her stomach, Naruto in awe watching as they sweep across the backyard's terrain along the grass and the tree's shadows.

He must've only seen this briefly in his mindscape, when he was having to keep the Nine Tails under control and not as a training exercise.

A cloud falls over them, but he can still make out the silver chains, how precariously close they are to Kushina's seal.

How close they'll be to Naruto's soon too.

He blows out a breath, it's a good idea to learn this. He's the reason the Nine Tails was sealed in him in the first place and despite Naruto forgiving him considering the circumstances that were going on, his stomach always tightens every time he thinks about it.

"Has...Has it talked to you since you found out you're pregnant?" Minato questions.

He wipes away sweat and bile from Kushina's cheeks, moonlight shining on bags beneath her eyes.

Kushina shakes away the nightmare, purses her lips not to throw up again.

"No, and I hope it stays that way at least while I'm properly awake." She spits out tartly into the toilet.

Because in her dreams, the beast taunts her. Sneers out growls he will soon break free from his prison and run across the lands.

"-And once I'm free, I will kill you, your lover, and anyone else that tries to get in my way."

They have no way of knowing how the Nine Tails is behaving to all these changes happening in their lives.

His back stiffens at the patter of footsteps approaching behind him, soft hum.

'Oh, just Hinata.' Minato relaxes his posture.

He's placed tags all around the house and woods, on a personal object he's seen them all hold close.

For Naruto and Hinata, it's their headbands.

And for Boruto and Himawari, it's their jackets.

"Naruto, do you want some extra water for you and your Mother-" Hinata starts.

Pink burns at her face to see Minato instead, nails biting into her palms not to fidget. Minato holds in a laugh as her blush crawls its way down her neck, he'll have to mention this to Kushina later.

"Sorry to disappoint you that I'm not Naruto, but yes, I'm sure they'd like some!"

Hinata smiles in return. "Ah, you're done with work early for the day?"

He shakes his head as he takes a bite of his pork katsu. "No, just returning home for a lunch break is all."

Hinata joins him at the table, gets to preparing katsudon and gyudon bowls, Minato joining in between bites helping get the rice cooker ready and seasonings out. Naruto comes at the smell of sizzling pork, Hinata giggling as he practically scoots her over to join in.

"Oh, let me prepare that slice Hinata! I'm never gonna learn unless you show me step by step y'know!"

Kushina smiles at the two, drops her voice an octave as she peers back to Minato.

"I heard you have another meeting with Fugaku and some of his clansmen this afternoon?"

Minato nods sourly, meal curdling in his gut at the reminder.

Kushina's grin widens at his expression, leans up to peck at his cheek.

"Good luck, you're gonna need it!"

---

Minato & Fugaku-Hokage's Office

Like he promised, Fugaku returns with two of his right-hand men.

They're layered in sweat and blades of grass, might just be coming back from a mission from the scent of oak and pine needles clinging to their attire.

And instead of opting to go home and change, they came along instead to ensure Fugaku had back-up.

Yashiro and Inabi Uchiha regard him coldly, eye the changes in decor he's done to the office in putting up whirlpool drawings various shades of greens and blues. Symbols of Uzushiogakure Kushina noted would represent calm and luck.

Two things he'll need for this meeting to hopefully go well enough.

Minato gestures to the open seats and cups of tea his attendant Kengo set out for them at the table.

As he expected, they all go untouched for now.

'We're going to be talking quite a bit. I'll at least show they aren't poisoned.' Minato decides, pouring and taking a sip from his cup.

"To start, I'd like to thank all 3 of you for coming. The goal of this meeting and future meetings is to help improve the Uchiha clan's relations among the other noble clans, civilians, and fellow shinobi." Minato begins.

Yashiro crosses his arms. "And how do you plan to do that? Honeyed words and promises mean little to us as you already know."

Minato nods, opens a folder and hands out copies of the major bullet points he thought of.

"Of course. Changes aren't going to happen overnight. From my initial meeting with Fugaku, some of the biggest concerns you all have is the restrictions of the Uchiha clan to one section of the village and rumors both shinobi and civilian perpetuate regarding your clan's use of the sharingan. I know people's misgivings won't be as easy to change, but as of today, the displacement of the Uchiha clan to the northeast sections of the village is abolished. Members of your clan will be free to move or set up shops in any part of Konoha that they wish and is available."

Inabi's brows rise in surprise, clearing his throat. "And what of the assignments and equal payment of ryo?"

Minato taps to his 5th bullet point. "Yes, I'm holding a general meeting with all shinobi in active duty of expectations regarding that and fair allotment of missions. It will take some time to see progress, though I'm working to create those fixes."

Each of their stances remain guarded, obsidian giving nothing away.

The pair glance to Fugaku who's been silent all the while reading through each point.

"There's one point I don't see mentioned on here that I'd like to bring up: Danzo. He along with his primary associates Homura and Koharu continue to be for lack of better term, thorns in our side. Danzo especially, he often makes surprise 'inspections' or 'visits' to the Police Academy or simply to the estates of my clansmen on the pretense of making sure none of us are abusing the sharingan to manipulate others into doing our bidding. It reminds many of the older generation of how the Senju and Uchiha butted heads."

Minato stays silent, waits for him to continue.

Dark eyes bore into blue.

"Can I trust Danzo won't be an issue I'll have to deal with on my own? How much power will you allow him to continue to have about the village? Will it be the same as things were under Lord Third?" Fugaku inquires.

'Ah curveball questions.' Minato muses.

He sits forward in his seat, locks his gaze upon each of the men.

"Danzo isn't someone who will just go away quietly even if I fired him today and called an end to the Root Foundation's operations. He would simply move his work underground and further into the shadows attempting to keep it from under my nose. If you were in my place, what would you want to do to deal with him?"

Yashiro snorts, actually takes a gulp at his tea before speaking.

"Oh come now Lord Fourth, don't be so modest. There's a reason you have a 'flee on sight' order upon your name in various parts of the other nations. I'm sure with your renowned speed, you could just make him 'disappear' or-"

Fugaku holds up a hand to stop him. "Careful. You forget where we are and who you're talking to Yashiro."

Yashiro leans back in his seat, Inabi clicking his tongue.

"I don't believe Danzo even wants to talk negotiations or compromises either. He's a sneaky fellow; those bandages he wears hides something sinister, I just know it. So many of the children in our clan run for the alleyways when they see him out and about the village. My son Sakato calls him 'Eyeballs' for the way he always seems to be looking around for something."

Yashiro waves away that notion. "He's just wrinkles, bones, and scars from the previous wars. Though that doesn't mean he couldn't still be a formidable opponent if push came to shove."

Fugaku reviews the final points upon his list, nods. "These are all very good starting objectives Minato I must admit. Though I'm afraid it will all be for naught unless you cut away the sore that exists within these halls."

Minato sighs, fingers crossing together.

Fugaku studies his silence, everything in the undercurrent of this conversation that he wants him to do.

"Murder is off the table." Minato states flatly to the trio.

No matter how they all truly feel towards the man.

Yashiro snickers icily. "So you say for now. It's obvious that we can't progress in these peace talks unless Danzo's authority is handled in some way; are you just going to be his puppet or let him do as he pleases too? He's unwilling to change or see other perspectives outside his own from what I saw under Lord Third's tenure, continuing policies the 2nd Hokage put in place that restricts our clan."

Fugaku stands from the table, Yashiro and Inabi giving follow.

Fugaku politely bows.

"You need to decide soon how you'll deal with him Minato. Otherwise, I and my fellow clansmen will figure out a way."

---

Boruto, Naruto, & Himawari-Uzumaki Living Room/Kitchen

Every muscle they can think of throbs.

Meditation switched to sparring, Hinata closing and reopening all their chakra points again and again.

"The gentle fist is best utilized with the byakugan, but you can find ways to mix in ninjutsu and even medical ninjutsu." Hinata advises.

"Are we done now?" Himawari announces, rubs at specks of rising bruises to her arms, frown edging her lips.

The smell of herbs and spices floats in from the kitchen.

"Yeah, I'd say so." Boruto mutters.

He isn't sure what to make of the way her eyes flashed red in a way too eerily similar to Dad when gets angry enough, how for the faintest second, he sensed something malicious coming from inside her...

Then gone.

'I pushed her too hard with that wind and lightning blast. I just need to be more careful during future sparring sessions.' He decides.

Himawari instantly jumps in delight, upset gone. Good! You owe me a coloring session later before bed!"

Boruto lingers back, observes as the younger versions of their parents move about the kitchen.

'Same Mom and Dad, but not the same in other ways too.' He frowns.

Dad in particular, he's never seen him behave so stubbornly, grouchily complain over the little nuances that exist in this time period.

His favorite flavors of ramen for example aren't in any instant to-go cups like he can get at any convenience store in his time. And that he has on ready order via online or on his phone by adulthood.

'It's my fault Hima and I are stuck here and I didn't even prove anything to Papa at how strong I've gotten.'

A hand pats at his head breaking him from his thoughts.

He peers up into concerned blue, Naruto gesturing with his thumb to the table.

"Come on, I've been calling your name for over a minute now. Food's gonna get cold y'know." He declares.

Boruto reluctantly follows after him at his stomach's loud rumble.

His mind switches gears between slurps of miso and bites of rice.

If Toad Gramps and Granny can't find a way to decode that scroll, he needs to find other options.

'It's been over a month now since we came here. What if Mama and Papa in the future don't even have the right technology to get us back? Will we be stuck here forever?!'

Naruto nudges him back to reality, the only two still left at the table.

He reddens at his smirk, taps at his cheek.

"What are you thinking about so hard that you're hardly eating?"

Boruto pushes away his fingers with a chopstick.

"Nothing! Geez, stop worrying about me! You don't even fret over me like this in the future y'know!"

Naruto pauses then and Boruto feels his stomach tilt as his features cross between annoyance, uncertainty, to sadness.

But then he lands on a blank look, mask in place.

"Oh. I'm just trying to not turn into this version of your Dad you seem to hate so much. I'll go finish training with Mom-"

He slides from his chair and Boruto clamps a hand down on his jacket before he can get too far away.

"Wait, no! I-I don't hate you Old Man...Dad. I hate your job. I wish you didn't become Hokage." Boruto mutters.

His shoulders lock at the admittance, embarrassment stinging his cheeks pink.

Naruto blinks, plops back into his chair.

"Huh, I never thought my dream job would cause such an issue for my future family..."

Boruto straightens, nods. "Well, yeah! You're busy all the time now y'know! I hate it and Hima and Mama don't like it either, they're just nicer about it!"

Naruto deflates. Old Man Third always put the village over his family, Konohamaru complained about it dozens of times to him over ramen that he rarely made it to dinner nights with everyone in the Sarutobi clan. Even Granny stopped having time to gamble or hang around Shizune as much since taking up the hat.

He scratches at his head. "I'll err work on it?"

Boruto snorts, returns to his bowl. "Yeah, whatever."

Naruto shakes his head, pats at his shoulder regaining his attention.

"I mean it Boruto. I'll try to find a way to balance things. However, I came from when the 4th Shinobi World War just got started. Heh, I'm sure you learned about it at school now as a history lesson."

Boruto nods along, though he notes a new resolute look in his eyes.

Assurance.

"I'll work on it. For you, Hima, and Hinata." Naruto promises.

Boruto stares into his bowl, takes in his murky reflection in his lingering broth.

"...You'll probably forget." He eventually grunts out.

He looks up at Naruto's lack of answer, follows his gaze to see him staring outside taking in Hinata and his grandparents.

Naruto clears his throat, voice carrying on the breeze that comes in through the window.

"I wanted a family, to be acknowledged more than I wanted to be Hokage."

Boruto studies him in surprise, stiffens as his gaze locks back on him, fixes him with a serious look.

"So don't think about trying to solve this problem on your own. Stealing that time scroll was bad yes, but I can't talk as I've stolen a scroll too from the Hokage's personal study. Stop carrying the guilt around because Hinata and I will forgive you after we ground you or however we punish you normally when you've been bad."

"Huh, so you did break some rules here and there." Boruto muses dryly, though his chest already feels lighter.

Naruto huffs. "That doesn't mean you should do same things too! Finish eating already, I don't think Mom is going to cut us any slack in training."

Boruto goes back to his meal, considers something at the grin Naruto hides behind his palm watching him take his last bites.

'He already knew what was on my mind.'

---

Jiraiya & Tsunade-Amegakure Abandoned Mine

"Well, I'll be. It's a cryptogram! Mixed with anagrams and other types of codebreaker puzzles." Jiraiya notes.

He hasn't seen codes like these since his early days of spying!

Tsunade laughs gently under her breath at his excitement.

It smells like rain and coal in here surrounded by moss and mud laden stones. Outside it's still as gloomy and gray as when they first arrived.

And yet Jiraiya here is acting like it's the first day of the Rinne Festival, like their kids again about to go on an assignment Sarutobi-sensei has given them.

"This isn't some adventure-thriller like in your erotic stories. How fast do you think we can go about decoding this? It's best we leave here before sundown knowing Ame's citizens aren't friendly and wary to outsiders."

Jiraiya chuckles, glow of the lantern's light etching his smile. "I knew you were a secret fan of my work! And come on, don't you feel your heart racing just a bit at what might be next for us to face?!"

Tsunade rolls her eyes in response, studies the indents and scratches in stone once more, a mix of symbols, letters, and numbers.

W?5R5 T85 RA9N S?15PP54, W5 H94 O21? T?51S21185.

Jiraiya reads and counts them off, nods to himself.

"The rain. Something about rain..." Jiraiya mumbles to himself at the storm clouds pictured in the center of the code.

Tsunade takes in the symbols used commonly for ryo, food, wine, and jewelry.

"They're talking about items associated with luxury and gifts commonly given during the beginnings and ends of harvest seasons. Items you'd keep out of the public's eye for the most part."

It clicks a moment later for them both taking in the symbol of a metal tower towards the heavens, a gathering of people.

"Where the rain stopped, we hid our treasure!" Jiraiya beams with a snap of his fingers. Tsunade motions in the direction of the tower they saw when they first entered into this territory.

Not a second later though does a chill race against her skin, amber eyes narrowing back towards the mine's entrance.

"We're being watched." She hisses, gathers lightning to her fingertips.

So this place isn't unguarded after all.

Jiraiya nods, twists his lantern in the direction of the approaching figure.

'I've seen those orange locks before.' He recalls from years back.

His brief time with the Ame Orphans.

"Yahiko?" Jiraiya asks.

Tsunade jabs against his side before he can even think of hesitating.

Something's off about this person, not just from their stance, flat features.

Their skin is a waxy grayish white, a lighter shade of the clouds outside.

A color she's seen too many times before...

'That skin has lost all its color and vigor, a walking corpse.' Tsunade grimaces.

"You don't know if this is a transformation jutsu or something else entirely going by this guy's skin. The Ame Orphans we met here all those years back are probably long gone. Stay alert." She warns.

Jiraiya straightens, says nothing in return as he swishes up a glob of oil to be at ready.

"Who are you?" Tsunade barks out.

The man doesn't immediately answer either of their questions, shakes his head.

"...You don't belong here Jiraiya-sensei; not anymore."

-x-

---

I don't exactly know when Yahiko died leading to Nagato's full on descent into darkness, but I assume it happened before the Nine Tails attack. This obviously isn't fully following canon, though I want to keep some timelines straight.

Hope you're enjoying all the family and business interactions!

Let me know your thoughts.

Chapter 9: Late Night Studying!

Chapter 9: Late Night Studying!

"Let us study things that are no more. It is necessary to understand them, if only to avoid them."

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

---

Minato & Naruto-Uzumaki Household

Lightning streaks across the night sky, another bout of thunderstorms coming. Spring rains come nearly every day or night now, though it never seemed that way to him back in the future.

Maybe he was just too distracted by everything else going on in his life.

'3 months.' He sighs.

Naruto studies the first torrents of rain against the back patio, considers what other books or scrolls are in the house he hasn't yet reviewed.

A cup gets pressed against his cheek and he jolts away.

"Ugh, that's hot!" Naruto yelps.

Minato chuckles, sets the mug of tea down on the table beside him. "Looks like we both can't sleep again, and I'm sure that's not just because of the rain and thunder. You know, I think this is my 2nd time catching you down here past midnight just this week."

Naruto stiffens, Minato grinning when he peers up at him properly.

He plops down into the space to the right of him, takes in the spread of notes Naruto's laid out across the wood floor.

"I take it you're getting uneasy since we haven't received any news from one of Master Jiraiya's toads in the last two weeks or so?"

Naruto shrugs, eventually nods slowly.

"Hinata reviews notes in the daytime while I cover the night shift. Every 3 days, we switch off and compare what we've gathered."

When Minato doesn't say anything on this system they've created, he goes on.

"No offense to Pervy-Sage, but Hinata and I are getting a bit restless with each passing day not knowing how the war is going! And...And at least in our timeline, going to Ame turned into a suicide mission for Jiraiya."

Minato nods patiently. "Things in Ame are probably even more tense now than they were in your timeline what with the territory constantly being used in the prior wars. But Master is strong, so I wouldn't worry-"

"Dad, like I've said before, Hinata and I were at the beginnings of a new war coming. And how can I not worry when Jiraiya is dead and unable to help in said war?! You wouldn't understand considering you're dead too y'know!"

His features falter as soon as the words leave his mouth.

Naruto drops his gaze, looks back outside.

"Sorry. That...err, didn't come out right."

Minato shakes his head, takes a sip of his tea.

Thunder crackles filling the silence, tapping at his chin.

"Oh no, don't be sorry! You have every right to be mad! I did many things in haste that fateful night it sounds like. Did...Did you really know nothing about me or your Mom until your fight with Pain/Nagato?"

Naruto rubs at his face, nods. "We briefly spoke before I could fully break the Nine Tails seal. Heh, I gut punched you for putting him in me in the first place y'know."

Minato nods quietly. 'Understandable.'

Naruto glances to him then. "For Konoha, huh? I'm starting to see why Boruto dislikes the Hokage title so much."

Minato winces, pulls out his own notebook, sets it beside Naruto's notes.

"Well, that's what your Mother and I are working to change! I think I'm making progress with Fugaku for example!"

Naruto cocks his head. "Fugaku?"

Minato smiles. "Oh, Sasuke's Father! I suppose you only really know Sasuke's brother Itachi when it comes to the Uchiha clan."

Naruto shakes his head, gestures to a photo in his office.

He knows exactly where he's looking without having to turn his head.

His team photo.

"No, there's Obito too."

'Obito? But during the Kannabi Bridge Incident wasn't he killed in action?'

Minato purses his lips.

"Kakashi mentioned that. That we needed to look back into the cave near Kusagakure where Obito died?"

Naruto sighs. "There's reason to believe he isn't dead Dad. His body won't be there I bet. We need to deal with him here and now before he possibly...does what he might do in the future."

Minato studies him, azure eyes clouding over.

'Has Obito become an enemy of the Leaf? And if so, why?'

His former student...

He straightens himself.

"Alright then. I want you, Hinata, and Kakashi to go check out the Kannabi Bridge then. The area where his body should be is layered with stones though, it will take you guys a couple of days to get there, if not a week or two to accurately check. Still, are you up for the task?"

Naruto blinks in surprise at the sudden assignment.

"Uhh, well I don't think Hinata will mind, but won't Kakashi-sensei?"

Minato rubs at his chin. He's been overall quiet and awkward since that disastrous dinner, but this will be a chance for them all to truly connect.

Hopefully.

"I'll talk to him again one-on-one. We need to plan for all major events in the future. If Obito's alive like you say, then we need to know why he didn't return to Konoha. And more importantly, learn what's he up to and who he's with."

---

Minato & Kakashi/Naruto & Hinata-Kakashi's Apartment

A whole entourage greets him at his door.

Minato-sensei isn't that strange of a morning visitor usually going to him first on the way to the training grounds before assignments, but his future son and his companion definitely are.

Minato grins, hair in disarray, sunrise highlighting dark bags beneath his eyes.

"Sorry for this early visit Kakashi, but it's urgent! Can we come in?"

Kakashi blinks, gaze hovering to Naruto and Hinata who don't even seem to want to be here, take in the grass and rooftop tiles respectively.

"...Sure I guess?"

'Been awhile since I've had proper guests over.' He absently notes as he leaves the door open, blows away silvery webs from the upper cabinets.

Does he even have enough tea leaves or snacks around?

He hasn't had to think about such things since Rin and Obito were alive...

At least whenever Gai is at the door, he can ignore him despite his yells for youthful runs annoying his neighbors. Lord Third has told him time and again it isn't healthy to stay so cooped up indoors too, but he never said or did anything more beyond that advice.

'I guess Minato-sensei is going to change that.'

Minato pats at his shoulder before he can get too far, nods in the direction of what was Father's study.

"I need a quick word with you, in private."

He peers back to Naruto and Hinata before they go.

"You two just get comfy here in the living room!"

Kakashi looks over his shoulder as the pair awkwardly bump shoulders, redden before Naruto moves to grab an album beneath the table.

A slow grin rises to Naruto's lips and it clicks right then that must be one of the ones from his Academy days.

"Come on Kakashi, we're gonna one day once we're all jonin with squads of our own look back at these photos and laugh!" Rin goads him to relax his posture. There are so few photos of Kakashi smiling, let alone wanting to be a part of a picture in the first place.

The cherry blossoms won't be in bloom for much longer and it's rare to catch Kakashi not being swarmed by one of their sensei or other fangirls.

'I'm not letting this chance go to waste!' Rin beams as she watches him brush white and pink petals from his hair as if they're flies.

Kakashi shoves his hands into his pockets. "You know I hate photos Rin."

Obito crosses his arms, chuckles dryly. "Why? Cuz, you know how ugly you're gonna look? Don't want that ugliness immortalized forever or-"

Rin sharply nudges him in his side.

"You said you would be nice today! This is supposed to be a celebration of Kakashi's promotion!"

Obito looks away, Kakashi noting the red hue to his cheeks. Rin oblivious as usual to his feelings as his cheeks darken when she pokes at them for him to join in beside him next.

"Whatever." Obito grunts, kicks hard at a pebble barely knocking it a foot away.

Their eyes lock and Kakashi falters, laughs before he can stop himself, flash of white enveloping his vision.

Minato turns him from the pair's view.

"I'll be quick; promise."

Kakashi nods, leads the way into the small alcove within the opposite room. It smells of dust and worn leather bound scrolls and books in here. The shelves are lined with various knickknacks and souvenirs from other nations, things his Dad couldn't bear to part with. He often liked to write scribbles in the margins the names of various merchants with wares he might want to use on an assignment in the future.

Sunlight crosses against one wrapped in red parchment, sighing and looking away when he glimpses the title.

Fundamentals of Team Building Exercises & Practice Operations.

His stomach lurches with the bit of onigiri and egg he ate earlier. 'He probably regretted buying that one.'

"Have you been eating well? You look paler than normal; you know you're always welcome to eat lunch or dinner with us if you're not on a formal assignment." Minato mentions regaining his attention.

Kakashi withers. "I don't want to create a scene like I did before."

Minato waves up a hand, all of that water under the bridge now for both him and Kushina. "I have a new task for you that will temporarily take you away from the village."

Kakashi leans forward curiously as his grin fades. "It's to Kusagakure, by the Kannabi Bridge. I need you, Naruto, and Hinata to investigate the area again."

A cold wave washes over him despite the sunshine unfurling across the room, goosebumps prickling his skin from head to toe. Minato-sensei wouldn't joke about such an assignment, hands tightening at his sides.

"Why?"

Cerulean eyes cloud with a mix of memories. "Based on what Naruto's told me; there's reason to believe that...Obito may have survived that incident."

His chest squeezes tighter, chill giving way to heat.

"Wait, what proof does he have of that? I'm not challenging your son's word, but I saw Obito's body disappear beneath the rocks."

He pauses, gripping at his mask. "Half his body was already crushed in when he gifted me this eye."

Minato shuts his eyes, swallows.

"I know it sounds bad, and it pains me to ask this of you. However, I don't believe Naruto is lying to me and he has no reason to do so that I can see. If Obito's body is truly crushed in, then...his remains will still be there."

Kakashi says nothing, gaze dropping to the ground.

He blows out a shaky breath, finds his voice again.

"What will you do if I say no?"

Minato smiles gently.

"Then I'll ask Naruto and Hinata to investigate the area alone. I would never force this order if it's too uncomfortable for you Kakashi."

Kakashi stiffens, furls and unfurls his hands at his side.

The terrain around that area still isn't safe even years later, they both know this. Previous monsoon seasons and dry summers will likely have turned it into a mix of grasslands and marshes.

He's seen some photos here that there's an overgrowth of moss, bush, and grass. Water sometimes knee high in parts shades of browns to reds crisscrossing through stone.

However, with Hinata's byakugan, she'd probably be able to detect any undetonated bombs or traps.

'Even so, that area isn't exactly the same as what they might've seen in the future. Plus, things would go faster if I went along.' Kakashi reasons.

And if it's to protect his sensei's son and partner...

"No, I'll be their guide sensei. But who will attend to monitoring Kushina's checkups in the interim?"

Minato grins lightly again.

"I think a clone is a good idea or Boruto! What do you think?! It would just be for a week or so and I don't want the kids cooped up in the house too much. Kushina can teach them more things about the Uzumaki clan between appointments and in the waiting area."

Kakashi's brows furrow. His grandchild is skilled yes, but he isn't sure how'd he fare against a true enemy shinobi.

Minato chuckles.

"I know that look of yours even with half your face covered! Boruto isn't going to grow as a person or shinobi being stuck at home. To be honest, I'm not sure if he even wants to be a shinobi or if it's only to just follow family traditions. Either way, this is a good opportunity for him and Himawari to learn what they want to do in the future."

He waits for Kakashi to counter any of his points, gets a shrug in return.

"Is your son actually going to listen to me?"

Minato blinks, smile faltering just briefly upon his face, same grin he always uses when he doesn't have an answer for him.

Or an answer he'll like.

He nods back in the direction of the living room.

"Why don't we ask him and find out?"

---

'That looks nothing like Obito.' Kakashi regards Naruto's crude drawing.

He stifles a snort at Minato's stare.

But then again, it's how Obito may look as an adult disguising himself.

"Don't laugh! I already know it doesn't look like a Sai-level drawing y'know! Anyways, the biggest thing is that he always has a mask on, but I've seen part of his skin, and it's scarred on the right side. He gave you his left eye for his sharingan, correct?" Naruto reviews.

Kakashi nods slowly. "And you're sure he's capable of using the sharingan in his right eye?"

Hinata points to the shadowed eye and messy scrawl of hair.

"Yes. While we don't have a 100% confirmation, the abilities he activated with his sharingan match to what your own will eventually gain too. Not to mention, in our timeline, there are maybe 3 or less living Uchiha left."

Kakashi clicks his tongue.

"That doesn't prove its Obito."

'He would've come back to the village to help out with the War. Somebody had to take care of those wounds.'

Hinata purses her lips, pearl eyes switching to Naruto instead and his heartrate rises.

'There's something else.' Kakashi notes.

"Rin. Obito might've witnessed her final moments alive..." Naruto mutters when he looks back his way.

And any argument inside him fizzles out, shoulders slumping, deflating.

The memory drills itself straight to the forefront of his mind once more, sinks him back into darkness and ache. Rin's assured smile at him despite blood dripping from her lips, eyes going blank.

His chidori tearing right through her heart.

'It's my fault he went rogue.'

Tears burn at the back of his eyes, throat seizing up looking away.

Nobody speaks, Minato clearing his throat while patting Kakashi's head.

The fog lifts from his thoughts, abated again for now.

Minato peers at each of them one by one. "I would like you all to leave about 24 hours from now before daybreak. You'll all head for Kusagakure on the pretense of collecting special herbs that only grow in that region from an old associate of mine."

---

Kushina & Hitomi/Boruto & Himawari-Konoha Well Woman's Clinic

"We'll get hamburgers after this y'know! Luckily they said the wait is less than 30 minutes." Kushina chimes out. Boruto hums he's heard her; idly flips through the magazines they have available in the waiting area.

'Home decorating. Fashion tips. The who's who that attended Lord Fourth's Coronation, more on page 19!' Boruto reads, rolls his eyes.

Surely even Grandma isn't interested in any of these articles, moving on to a magazine that covers shinobi essentials for travels to Iwa and Kumo.

Kushina nods to herself that he's finally found something to keep his attention, Himawari taking to reviewing the word searches and crossword puzzles in the home interior magazine.

'Biwako is a lot busier than usual. Probably a lot of newborns born this month.' She assumes, glancing around the lobby seeing other new mothers around. Most others avoid her gaze, slip her quick polite grins before returning back to reading or knitting. It's been decorated to match a Spring theme; pink flyers set about promoting parenting and breastfeeding classes to plastic leaves showing a timeline from conception to birth.

Mebuki just had a daughter from what Mikoto told her over tea. Pink hair just like Kizashi's but brighter. Hopefully though she won't inherit any of his lame jokes as she comes of age.

And a woman from a chunin family that specializes in a variety of weapons.

Kushina pats at her growing bump, barely noticeable really unless one gets close enough.

'It will be my turn too before I know it!'

Biwako's assistant Ayaki pokes her head out the main entrance, prattles off the next name on her clipboard.

"Hyūga, Hitomi!"

Kushina peers up from her cooking magazine in surprise.

'Hyūga? I figured they had their own group of private doctors.'

A curtain of violet hair jumps up from a chair from the corner of her eye, an attendant standing as well. Hitomi glances back to her, shakes her head.

"Please just wait for me out here Madam Hanake; I would rather not have too many eyes on me for today's check-up." Hitomi quietly orders, cheeks stained red at how many eyes are on them. Besides just a general head to toe assessment, she needs to give a urine sample, bloodwork, and get another ultrasound done.

Things she'd rather not have Hanake witness and surely pass along to the other attendants and Elders.

Hanake purses her lips, opalescent eyes clouding with concern. "Lady Hitomi, you know Master Hiashi along with the Elders specifically requested I listen in for every appointment you have here at this clinic to ensure nothing is missed. Please don't be embarrassed, your body is growing nicely and-

Hitomi holds up a hand. "I'm aware of what my husband ordered and I'm telling you I want to have this appointment alone."

'It's bad enough Hiashi couldn't reschedule that meeting with the Taketori clan for today.' She sighs. They sent so many gifts for the baby and her that it's only right to meet with them, outvoted when the Elders pushed for Hiashi not to delay showing his thanks for the presents.

Her gaze shifts from Hanake to Kushina studying the two, Kushina instantly twisting back in her seat when their eyes catch.

Hitomi gestures to Ayaki one moment, walks around over to Kushina. She takes in Boruto and Himawari watching her curiously now too, stomach fluttering. Before she can help herself, her eyes roam them over again for any signs of Hyūga, only sees from their physical features the Uzumaki clan.

A knot of concern lodges in her chest.

'That can't be right.'

"Big Brother, that's my pen. Yours is the one on the left." Himawari mentions startling Hitomi from her staring.

Boruto shakes at said pen, huffs. "It's out of ink. Come on, just share for a minute and then I'll give it back y'know."

White flashes through Himawari's eyes in warning and Hitomi blinks in awe at her sudden show of the byakugan.

'Nevermind. This is information I already know; I'm being silly. I almost let my worries get the best of me.'

Hitomi steps forward, taps at Kushina's back. "Umm, Lady Namikaze? Or err Uzumaki perhaps? I don't know know if you use your husband's name or title."

'Who's she talking to now?' Kushina leans her head back to try and listen in once more, Boruto poking at her leg.

"Grandma, other Grandma wants you!" He whisper-hisses before gesturing with his head behind her.

'Oh yeah, that's me!' Kushina pats down her crimson locks to hide her darkening cheeks, grins cheerily making a light smile break across Hitomi's face too.

"Sorry, I've never been one for all those formal titles! You can just call me Kushina! Did you need something?"

Hitomi nods, fidgets with her hands. "If you're not too busy after this, can we maybe get some lunch or tea together?"

Hanake looks at her behind Hitomi with a pinched expression Kushina's ignored dozens of times before, lips turned downward before she can fully hide her disdain for the idea.

Kushina's grin widens, clasps her hands with Hitomi.

"Sure thing y'know! It's such nice weather out, so let's meet in the main lobby after our appointments are done!"

Hitomi instantly brightens, nods.

Kushina watches her go, smile flattening. She's never talked with any member of the Hyūga clan outside basic pleasantries and mundane topics. Minato's stories of working with them led her to believe they deemed most of Konoha's denizens unworthy of their attention unless necessary for mission purposes.

Perhaps not.

A pat to her head breaks her out of her pondering, Biwako huffing.

"I've been calling your name for the past minute! Come on, I need to draw blood again to make sure your glucose level in particular is in normal range compared to your last visit along with a complete metabolic panel."

Kushina nods along, half-listening.

Across the hall she sees Hitomi now slipped into a white gown, hands clasped together in front of her as she gets her vitals taken. Without her attendant hovering beside her, her shoulders are relaxed, stretching out her legs not caring how much skin she exposes.

But her mask is back in place by the time both their appointments are done, lilac eyes shifting to Hanake as if she's a fly.

"You're relieved of your duties for the rest of this afternoon Madam Hanake. Please return back to the manor without me."

Hanake turns a shade paler. "Lady Hitomi, it's not recommended that you spend time alone around-"

"Do I need to replace you Madam Hanake? I'm sure my husband can find another attendant that will actually listen to orders if you're unwilling to do so." Her tone sharpens, Hanake falling into a deep bow.

"M-My apologies Lady Hitomi. I'll see to it though that you have a guard on standby in case of any emergencies and to escort you home."

Kushina awkwardly shifts from foot to foot, takes in the passing clouds amid the sky, petals swirling along the pavements.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that. Ever...Ever since the announcement of my pregnancy, Hiashi has insisted I practically have 24-7 helpers about. I don't think I'll soon be able to even breath or cough without that needing to be reported back to the clan's doctors." Hitomi twirls with a lock of hair.

Kushina snickers. "Ah, I didn't take Hiashi as such the protective type! So, which teahouse would you like to visit? I heard Manami's Teas has nice green tea and oolong tea."

Boruto raises up a hand between them. "Wait, aren't we going to get burgers?"

Hitomi smiles. "Manami's sells a variety of foods, not just teas. You all can order anything you want off the menu; my treat."

Himawari grabs at her hand. "It won't be too expensive?"

Hitomi shakes her head as they walk up to the restaurant, gestures for Kushina to order anything she wants off the menu too. Her eyes light up giddily, ordering the lunch special of katsudon and side of miso soup.

"I didn't exactly invite you out here on the best of pretenses." Hitomi admits after ordering herself a small bowl of yakisoba.

Boruto and Himawari luckily are distracted by the variety of colorful meal options.

Well maybe not Boruto fully, gaze falling back to them every few minutes. From Lord Third's report, their only living grandparent in their time period is Hiashi...

'All the more reason to gather as much information as I can without my clan trying to interfere.' Hitomi steels herself.

Kushina sips at her chamomile tea, shrugs. "I figured, what did you really want to ask me about back in the clinic?"

Hitomi keeps a steady gaze on her, swirls a spoon absently through her tea.

"Hinata. How has she been acting as of late?"

---

Kakashi, Naruto, & Hinata-Outskirts of Kusagakure

"Why do you have to be the leader? You don't even have any proper A or S-rank missions under your belt and suddenly you're heading our team like a bigshot." Obito snorts.

Kakashi shoots him a look. "Really? You're choosing now of all times to pick a fight when you barely passed making it out of the Academy?"

Obito's glare darkens. "So? Does that matter on the battlefield? Should I prove to you right here and now I'm not as weak as you think? So beneath you in skill like you and everyone else assumes?"

Rin's giggles cuts through the charged air. "Oh, don't be in such a rush Obito! You're going to one day be leading a squad too! Come on, give Kakashi your gift to celebrate him becoming a jonin."

Obito looks away from her smile, burrows his hands in pockets.

"Don't have one."

"Which way to next Hatake?!" Naruto's cheery voice cracks through the memory.

Kakashi glances at him over his shoulder, greeted with Naruto's bright grin in return.

Minato-sensei trusted him with this assignment and he promised him this won't reopen old wounds.

Grass changes in color from deep green to golden yellows, patches of rice paddies brushing at his ankles. He takes in a breath, scent of oak and sycamore blowing in from the forests.

They've all traveled with relative ease these past few days, no complaining, just curious on past missions he's gone on.

'I really don't talk about my past at all with him or his team.' Kakashi realizes.

Maybe that's because of rules put in place or simply because that version of himself buried all his pain away.

The remnants of the bridge is just a few meters up ahead.

"You don't need to be so formal with me." Kakashi mentions.

Naruto scratches at his cheek, shrugs. "It sounds too weird to keep calling you Kakashi-sensei though when we're like the same age currently y'know!"

He snaps his fingers at a sudden idea.

"I could come up with a nickname for you! Like Pervy-Sage with Jiraiya, Granny for Tsunade, and Old Man Third for Sarutobi! Hmm, has to be something I always associate with you."

Kakashi studies him flatly. "...Actually, you can keep calling me Hatake, Sensei, or whatever. Just none of those weird nicknames."

Naruto grins, peers to Hinata taking in the twisting grasslands and rivers quietly.

'I have no idea where Hinata's thoughts have been since we headed out.' He considers.

Time to change that!

He taps at Hinata's shoulder, bends his head towards her to whisper something Kakashi can't hear.

But whatever it is, the tips of her ears go pink. She swats gently at Naruto's arm, giggles matching his energy.

"No, don't call him that! We don't even know if he's really into those books like he is in the future." Hinata shakes her head.

Kakashi slows his pace watching them, eye crinkling.

'No, they aren't like Rin or Obito.'

Naruto might have shades of Obito's same boisterous attitude, though he's been rather reserved these past 4 days.

And Hinata, unlike Rin, hasn't pushed for him to speak up more.

In fact, their focus has been mainly on the surrounding nature...and each other.

It's him that's the 3rd wheel for once, considers if this is how Raido or even Gai feels when having to hang out with Kurenai and Asuma.

Hinata points ahead, activates her byakugan. "We're coming upon the bridge, right?"

Kakashi nods slowly as cracked pieces of brick and stone come into view.

Coils grip at his chest taking in jagged rocks still in the river, warped steel that once helped held the bridge together rusting under the sun.

He hops down to the ground level, Naruto and Hinata following.

Naruto steps forward, swirl of chakra and wind in his hands.

"I'll clear a path, you guys stay back!"

"Rasengan!"

The blast cuts through rock and vine with ease, small opening forming.

He waves over Hinata, fire igniting the tips of her hands.

"Fire Release: Scorch Palm!"

She melts at remaining steel rods and stones, Kakashi passing them each a lantern.

"Obito's body should be crushed under a boulder in the northeast part of the cave. We need to be careful considering the path will be tight, let's move slowly one by one in." Kakashi instructs.

Hinata studies every stone formation they cross, careful none of them inadvertently create another rockslide.

She halts as they come upon the largest boulder in the area.

"This must be it." Naruto walks around the rock.

Hinata scours it over, crouches low to the ground to search for any bones.

'We've come across a few animal bones here and there. Perhaps fragments too of those Iwa shinobi Kakashi and his team originally faced, but nothing definitively human.' She reviews.

Kakashi lingers back, grips at his mask.

"Heh, sorry I didn't get you a proper gift. So take my left eye instead Kakashi."

There's probably nothing left of Obito's presence here, head thrumming.

He shuts both eyes, nausea swirling at the back of his throat, chest sinking in.

'Maybe I can't handle this. I thought I could do this to at least honor you and Rin's memory...'

He sets down his lantern, amber light spilling against rock, dried blood.

"Obito's body isn't here." Naruto announces up ahead.

Kakashi forces his feet forward despite his head's pulsing.

'This is the spot; I know it. If his body's not here, did some animal drag it away?'

No, no animal around Kusagakure's parts could get through all these rocks.

Another person moved him, helped him where he, Rin, and Minato gave up.

Cracked metal shines against Hinata's lantern as she turns it over, Kakashi staring down at the object.

A Konoha headband.

Naruto gets his attention even more though at a scrap of orange and blue cloth, flecks of black hair in his hands.

"We did find these though."

-x-

---

I thought about including Jiraiya and Tsunade's section too, but didn't want to drag out this chapter with information overlod. So that will be for next time!

Now to figure out where Obito is!

Let me know your thoughts as always!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!

Chapter 10: Everything In Between!

Chapter 10: Everything In Between!

"Even when you'd lost everything you thought there was to lose, somebody came along and gave you something for free."

― Jenny Valentine, Broken Soup

---

Naruto, Hinata, & Kakashi-Kusagakure

'Alive. Obito is alive.'

Kakashi does another loop around the boulder twice more.

No bones, just dried blood and tattered pieces of Obito's jacket.

His headband feels like it's burning a hole in his vest pocket, metal clinking against his side every time he moves. His stomach roils, what clues did he miss leading up to that fateful mission that caused Obito to betray Minato-sensei and Kushina, betray Konoha?

'No, it's more likely what he saw and did afterwards that triggered him not returning back.'

Kakashi stays quiet as he leads the way back out of the cave, rolls the piece of cloth they found of Obito between his fingers.

They settle under the shade of an oakwood tree as humid air rolls in from the mountains to the north, thin mist coating the greenery. Despite only a few civilians lingering about the rice paddies from earlier rains in the week, it's best they get going after a quick meal.

Too many people remember the last time Konoha shinobi were around these parts.

Neither Hinata or Naruto push Kakashi for questions, surprised when he is the first to break their silence over lunch.

"So where is Obito now? Is he...really just operating as a rogue shinobi since everyone thinks he's dead?"

Naruto clears his throat. "Keep in mind we don't have full intel on him, but yes. He's currently been working in the shadows with an organization called the Akatsuki. This organization's main assignment has been capturing Tailed Beasts. Right now, I think or he was working with a guy called Madara."

Kakashi raises a brow. "Madara like the Madara from the Warring States Period? Isn't he dead?"

He bites his tongue before his tone can grow any sourer.

'This morning, I thought Obito was still dead and now this.'

Either someone took his body for whatever reason or he's actually really alive somewhere.

Kakashi sighs, stirs his sticky rice around his bento box absently.

"I'm sure from what you guys might've heard about Team Minato is that Obito and I never really got along most of the time. However, as much as we argued, Obito did teach me a thing or two about how to open up to others. He was always behind on assignments in the Academy that it's a wonder he graduated, always was tardy to get to the Training Grounds with one excuse after another."

Naruto snickers lightly. "Yeah, you do all those things now."

Kakashi looks up at him then, shoulders dropping. "Huh, the version of me you know is one that's just trying to emulate how I figure Obito would act as an adult. After...After my Dad's suicide, I operated strictly by the book when it came to shinobi protocol. Obito was the one to snap me out of that mindset and yet even after all that, he was the one to slip into darkness."

Naruto's features dampen before straightening. "Well, who says it's too late?! We still have a few months left before the night when the Nine Tails attack is supposed to happen."

But Kakashi, no matter his age, retains a dry, cynical aspect on topics like this. His features shutter, visible eye clouding.

This topic is done for now.

He claps his hands, stands up first.

"Alright, we'll need to update Minato-sensei once we're back in Konoha and then plan on how to rendezvous with Obito. Do you guys have a rough idea of where he could be hiding?"

Naruto leans his head against his hand while Hinata purses her lips in thought.

"Maybe Kirigakure?" She whispers after a moment.

Naruto blinks, glances to her. "Why there?"

Hinata fidgets. "Hmm, I could be wrong as I wasn't there. Do you remember the stories you told me of Team 7's mission to Wave? Zabuza was one of the Seven Swordsmen from the Hidden Mist."

Clarity brightens Naruto's features then.

"Oh yeah! It's been so long, and I never really considered Zabuza's background or what made him decide to work with Gato of all people back then."

Kakashi looks between them, pair momentarily forgetting he's here.

He raises up a hand, clears his throat.

"What about Kirigakure?"

Hinata gazes back over to him and Kakashi steels himself for more bad news as her eyes turn murky.

"If what I'm recalling from our history lessons is correct, then Kirigakure is currently known as Bloody Mist."

---

Hitomi & Hinata-Konoha Marketplace

"You've been avoiding me, right?" Hitomi catches Hinata by the arm before she can lose her in the growing crowds of vendors.

It's still dark enough that barely a few onlookers glance their way at the commotion, sun only just starting to slide along on the horizon in a sea of golds and reds.

She'd guessed correctly that might see Hinata come by in the morning to check out the stalls. Typically, Hinata or her companion venture out maybe an hour or two before Lord Fourth leaves for the Hokage Tower and Kushina heads off to the clinic for a weekly check in with Biwako.

From what she's gathered, she and Lord Fourth's son take turns watching those other two kids back at their manor.

And it's Hinata's turn once more to get groceries.

It's been nearly three weeks since she's seen her around, this could be her only time in the next coming months to speak with her privately.

Alone from both the Main and Branch families eavesdropping.

But her throat knots as Hinata's gaze turns to her, words drying on her tongue.

Nausea curls at her stomach and mentally, she regrets that she ignored Lady Haruka's offer to bring along a thermos of hot tea.

Hinata pulls her hand back just enough to loosen her hold.

But doesn't completely let go.

"I'm not...avoiding you. There's just been other things going on."

Hitomi clicks her tongue, weaves them towards the edge of the markets where the gossip mongers rarely flock to.

She takes in frizz to Hinata's locks, bags beneath her eyes, resists the urge to straighten her hair taking in her slight frown.

"I know the tea party was a bit disastrous and that there's sides me I'm sure you've never bore witness to until then. I'm so sorry too that I didn't do enough to defend you or your lover. All you've seen so far is the cold sides of Hyūga traditions when I want you to experience only warmth, the sunshine we name many of our clansmen after." Hitomi begins softly.

Hinata smiles faintly. "It's okay, that's all I've ever known."

Hitomi shakes her head. "No, this isn't okay. I don't want you, your siblings, or even Himawari down the line to grow up with these traditions of the Main family ruling the Branch family persisting generation after generation. The cage bird seal is being used to cruelly punish any Branch member who speaks back, wants more than to be looked down upon and I can't blame them."

Hinata blinks in surprise as Hitomi bows to her, waves away her politeness as her cheeks flush pink.

"Please Mother or err Hitomi, there's no need to apologize! I'm very much aware of Hyūga Main family's decisions. As matriarch, showing weakness would risk Branch members and even outsiders considering you a pushover, one unfit to lead by Father's side."

Hitomi blows out a breath. "I know my words mean little right now, but I will speak with Hiashi regarding making changes to the policies we do. I would like to start with stopping the New Moon training at least until anyone who wishes to be a shinobi joins the Academy first."

Hinata's hands curl at her sides. New Moon training, like its name, is sparring done under the complete darkness of the night every month from shortly before midnight to dawn.

"You won't be going to bed until the first light or until you manage to land a proper hit." Hiashi explains on the first night she is to start.

Though it's the first New Moon of the year right after her 7th birthday. Frost and snow line the ground, teeth threatening to chatter from the cold. All she can think about is the missed warmth of her bedroom, Mother's cough all throughout dinner earlier.

"Are you listening? Focus not on the cold, but the enemy in front of you! When out on a mission, it can happen at any time of year!" Hiashi snaps.

Hinata feels her hands warble, forces then to straighten.

The guard in front of her moves to strike, air cutting as she moves too late to her right, fingers scraping at her shoulder. She listens for any change in his breathing, the crunch of snow, for the scent of grass or sweat to permeate between them.

"Do you understand? You can't be on the defensive forever!" Hiashi barks out.

Hinata readjusts.

"Y-Yes Father."

The training is supposed to be a way to perfect one's byakugan without being able to see your opponent normally, relying only on visualizing their chakra pathway to attack.

Father and the Elders implemented it as way to build upon the senses of hearing and smell Hinata recalls from their lectures on the clan's weak spots. Though they usually only used noxious smells, incessant buzzing akin to flies or bees that rung in her ears even hours after going to bed once a session ended.

Stronger. She still needs to get stronger, in any way possible before she and Naruto go back to war...

Hitomi squeezes at her hands pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Mother is fine. I don't care what Hiashi or the others think or have to say when it comes to that. And you and Lord Fourth's son are always welcome at the compound. I will deal with anyone who tries to say otherwise."

Hinata shifts from foot to foot, heat crawling down her neck to her arms at Hitomi's comforting grin.

"Naruto isn't my lover." She finally murmurs.

Hitomi startles, head tilting in puzzlement.

"What do you mean? I know you love him sweetie, don't try to lie about that. And actions speak louder than words when it comes to that boy's feelings towards you."

Hinata's heart swishes loud in her ears, unsure what to make of her bluntness when her feelings for Naruto aren't critical to them returning back to their correct time period.

Hitomi loops their arms together, guides them to walk towards the fruit and vegetable stands just starting to set up shop, smooths out her voice.

"I may have only gotten a few glimpses at them, but aren't those two little ones yours and his? Or do you mean you call him by some other affectionate title? I guess you probably call each other boyfriend/girlfriend versus lover?"

Hinata nods slowly recalling Boruto and Himawari's shared features with herself and Naruto, toes curling. "They are, but t-that's in the future!"

How can she explain her current relationship with Naruto when saying they're merely friends or teammates sounds wrong too?

Hitomi's smile returns, pats at her warm face. "Oh, of course! Enjoy your time as a couple, there's no need to rush to parenthood! Especially with how confusing this time debacle has been."

'Ah, she still doesn't seem to fully understand.' Hinata sighs, lets her take charge as she walks up to a stand boasting a variety of fruits in colorful assortments of yellows, greens, reds, and blues.

"Etsuko, the prices of your strawberries, grapes, daikon, and blueberries have all been going up every month now since February! You and Jiro must be having a bad spring/summer season. I think you're going to have to give me a discount now that I'm expecting! Say 15% off?!" Hitomi chortles in greeting, Hinata watching in awe her Mother transform into a haggler.

Etsuko coos at Hitomi's growing bump before huffing. "Too much rain flooded out some of our crops and you know how stubborn that husband of mine can get about where and when we should plant our seeds. I heard you've been quite sick lately, so I set aside some ginger and peppermint leaves for you. It's good Hiashi finally let you out of that manor."

Her eyes wander to Hinata, brow rising. "Guess not without an attendant too?

Hitomi claps at Hinata's shoulders before she can answer. "Don't pretend you haven't heard the rumors, Etsuko! This is my eldest daughter from the not too far future: Hinata Hyūga."

Etsuko snickers, nudges Hinata gently. "Is that right? Well, she does have your same violet locks now that I'm looking a bit closer. Your Mother and I go way back to the Academy, before we had all these responsibilities."

Hinata nods along, steps back to let Hitomi properly catch up with this woman she may have seen in an old photo or two.

'Is this the same woman Father said used to visit Mom every Sunday when she got sick?'

A voice hisses in her ear to her right jolting her.

"Psst, Hinata! Everything okay? It was taking longer than usual for you to come back, so I came over!"

Goosebumps ignite against her skin.

Naruto.

He pops out of the shadows, glances around for any apparent danger.

Hinata shakes her head. "Sorry, I ran into my Mom, and she's catching up now with an old friend. Where are Boruto and Himawari?"

Naruto gestures with his thumb back in the direction of the forests. "Don't worry, I left a dozen clones back at the manor watching them!"

He follows her line of sight back over to Hitomi and Etsuko, both women already having longed clocked Naruto's arrival.

"-Oh, you were right Hitomi. He really is Lord Fourth's spitting image! Quite the gentleman coming to check in on your daughter's safety. I think you're going to be very busy in the next coming months having various meetings with Lord Fourth and Kushina." Etsuko nods her approval at Naruto.

Naruto happily waves at her return, Hinata grabbing his hand to twist them away from the pair before they can pepper him with questions.

'We need to get back home.'

Hitomi's light giggle follows before they can get too far.

"Yes, it's like I said to her earlier."

'Actions speak louder than words.'

Hinata risks a glance up at Naruto as those words bounce around in her head, surprised to see teasing blue eyes already studying her.

"Thank you for coming to get me." She breathes out.

Naruto swings up their joined hands, points to the left.

"No problem, but we're gonna have to loop around since you didn't actually buy any groceries yet y'know!"

Hinata withers, let's escape a soft groan at her forgetfulness. Already the best fish, meats, and veggies have probably all been sold off while she was stuck listening to her Mom and old friend's teasing.

Naruto reaffirms his hold, settles into an even pace with her.

"Don't worry, we'll take a path that avoids them on the way out!"

---

Jiraiya & Tsunade-Amegakure Abandoned Mine

'He's changed so much since I last saw him.' Jiraiya frowns.

Yahiko was always seen as the de facto leader of the trio, mischievous and cold at times, though headstrong and confident in his beliefs.

Tsunade snorts gently beside him. "You're talking to a corpse."

Jiraiya crosses his arms. "Well, it's a corpse that's talking and moving. How do you explain that outside a forbidden jutsu? His body is being remotely controlled from somewhere. I'd like to know how and when he died."

Tsunade shakes her head, gathers lightning along her fingertips. "Aren't some answers you're better off not knowing like you've told me once before? It's been years since you saw those orphans and we've seen war and plenty of hell since then."

'What if Nagito and Konan suffered a similar fate?' He grits his teeth.

This could easily become an issue Konoha could have to deal with in the future if they don't take care of it here and now.

Yahiko doesn't outright attack, but he steps closer, ringed purple irises different from the chestnut brown he had when Jiraiya last encountered him. Ame's territory has been used for battles and skirmishes even long after the Second Shinobi World War, though he heard rumors of factions moving to rise up against Hanzo's control.

"What's happened here Yahiko since I've been gone? And where are Konan and Nagito?" Jiraiya questions.

"Amegakure is no longer your concern; it seems you've already looked around here too much Sensei. Get out of here, there's nothing in these parts for you or your companion." He warns.

Jiraiya clicks his tongue. To come all this way for nothing besides a clue that there could be something in the tallest tower here would be a waste.

He takes one step closer despite Tsunade's protest, relaxes his posture just slightly. "At least tell me how the hideout is doing, if you still use a variation of the hop-in, hop-out system we created."

Yahiko says nothing for a moment. "We grew in numbers and for a time, things were okay. However, with growth, there's always those that become envious, feared how strong we became in such a short amount of time."

Jiraiya studies him closely then, the way he doesn't actually blink or breath.

A human puppet.

"...So Yahiko must be dead? Which one of you is controlling his body like this? Nagato?"

Yahiko knocks over a box of powder in response and Jiraiya instantly wraps his hair around Tsunade, leaps them back as the mine ignites in an explosion of white.

They land back outside in the rain, Yahiko trailing after them. He draws in rocks, wood, and ash from the debris field towards himself before shooting them back out all across the terrain in a torrent of blacks and browns.

Jiraiya draws in a breath. "Flame Oil Bullet!"

It only slows down a few of the objects melting them into clumps, Tsunade slamming a fist down.

"Earth Release: Mud Wall!"

Her eyes shoot to Jiraiya, amber dark and assessing. "So what's your next move? We didn't come here to pick a fight with another country! Should we retreat back for Konoha and just update Minato with what we've gathered?"

Jiraiya rubs at his chin. Naruto hadn't even wanted him to come here in the first place from his wary look at his mention of Ame, he'll be relieved at least to see him come back.

If he attempts to leave a toad here, it could be killed before it gathers anything new outside what they've learned today.

'Though now is a good time to gather more intel, at least since Yahiko/Nagato hasn't collected more corpses yet. He'll eventually operate using what sounded like half a dozen or more bodies, each with a specific task.'

Jiraiya looks past him to the steel towers of Ame, notes ribbons of white in the air seeming to head their way.

'Konan.' He guesses.

"The next time we come, he may have his army of human remains. And he'll probably be less willing to talk than he was today." He sighs.

Tsunade follows his line of sight through the maze of gray and black metals. Not only could that highest building be where a scroll related to time and space is kept, but where Nagato truly is.

"Well, next time we can talk to his real body, not the cadaver in front of us now."

Despite their situation, Jiraiya beams in excitement.

"'We'?! You gonna join be back again on this adventure and more?! I knew you wouldn't be able to resist spending more time with me once we teamed up again!"

Tsunade rolls her eyes, cracks her knuckles in preparation to clear a path out of here for them.

"Idiot. Don't get too excited, I just rather you not walk to your death when there's still time to change the future."

---

Kushina, Boruto, & Himawari-Uzumaki Compound, Backyard

"There's no need to rush it Hima! A lot of water jutsu is hard to do, especially when there's no isn't a nearby lake or stream to gather it from." She smiles encouragingly.

Her eyes wander to Naruto and Hinata sparring on the opposite side of the garden, trying and not doing a very good job of keeping Boruto from wandering over to join in.

Himawari plops back into the grass out of breath, peers back over to Boruto. She takes in the waterlogged trees and branches he's scattered along the patio and back gate, greenery all around them soaked to some degree. The tiny droplets of liquid she managed to gather from the leftover rains can't compare to the torpedoes of water Boruto can seem to do without breaking a sweat.

"But Big Brother makes it look so easy!" She whines under her breath.

Kushina laughs lightly, admittedly nods in agreement.

'He picks up things so easily just like Minato did during our Academy days.'

Not like her, or Naruto too for that matter.

She claps her hands in delight, gestures Boruto back over.

"Well, he may be great at ninjutsu, but it seems like you're picking up fuinjutsu faster than him y'know!"

Himawari brightens some at that as she gets back into a standing position, Boruto grudgingly doing the same.

"Why do we need to learn sealing techniques anyways Grandma? We already have the scientific ninja tools in our timeline that makes it easy to store any jutsu or object we need y'know!"

Kushina flicks at the back of his head before he can complain further. "No griping! What happens if those scientific tools of yours malfunction or a shinobi comes in a melts them?! Then what? You need to know the basics too just in case you're ever in a pinch!"

'Ugh, she sounds like Dad now.' He huffs, does as she ask to concentrate building his chakra towards his torso.

Kushina looks around, gathers a bundle of sticks towards the middle of the area. Her back stings at the effort, barely 4 months pregnant now and already getting winded from a simple task.

"Remember, we're not trying to burn through our chakra. Forming one or two chains is a good starting point. Use one chain to go underground and the other to wrap around one of these branches."

The pair nod their agreement, Himawari the first to have a silver chain slowly move out, slide along the grass.

A shadow approaches the back gate from the corner of Kushina's eye, gathering up a swirl of wind as she fully turns. Whoever it is can't get past Minato's barriers and traps, figure stopping right at the gate's end.

Danzo.

He gazes up at the swirling leaves, crackle in the air of fire and lightning precariously close. "Quite windy around these parts, I hope it isn't too uncomfortable for you or your coming child?"

Kushina crosses her arms, blocks his line of sight of Boruto and Himawari.

"What are you doing here? Minato is still at the Hokage tower."

Danzo shakes his head, reveals a wrapped package decorated with colorful red wrapping and white ribbons.

'A gift?' Kushina falters.

Knowing Danzo this could still just be a pretty wrapped paper bomb or poison.

"Oh, I'm not here to visit your husband/Lord Fourth. I'm here to see you Lady Kushina. To catch up as well with those children and teenagers you've been caring for; good practice for the real thing come Fall. I'd like to know if the rumors are true regarding some intel they have on Konoha's noble clans."

The wind whistles around them, Kushina holding up her arms. "And if none of us feel like talking to you?"

Danzo grins, air blade cutting through the screech of wind and leaves creating a brief hush of quiet, shrugs.

"Well, here at your home is better than out at the marketplace or at the clinic; don't you think?"

-x-

---

I've delayed this story due to some writer's block on it admittedly; I'm sorry! I know what I want to do with the story, it's just writing it to get to that point that's been a bit of a slog for me. I can't promise it won't be a month or two again before the next chapter update. I really want to try and finish The Sacrifice, but I'm also just having fun writing Only You as well because writing a Yandere Hinata and discussing it with my brother/our cousins make me laugh.

Anyways, Danzo will be a major thorn in the side as he tries to pull some tricks behind the scenes to influence the Uchiha clan and the other clans! So, stay tuned!

Let me know your thoughts!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow.

Chapter 11: What Hides In The Dark!

Chapter 11: What Hides In The Dark!

"People often believed they were safer in the light, thinking monsters only came out at night."

― C.J. Roberts, Captive in the Dark

---

Kushina & Danzo-Uzumaki Manor

Danzo's eyes remind her of rain clouds, the darkness he seems to bring wherever he goes.

She can't very well turn him away without it getting back to Minato that she's being rude to his advisors, but he has only one reason for coming here: to learn more about her son and future grandchildren.

Lady Mito's words come to mind, and she clenches her teeth before she can curse him out on his nosiness, the hundreds of ways she wants to tell him to go away.

"Konoha is going to be your home now Kushina, you will be the next holder of the Nine Tails. So you must learn to get along with the residents and shinobi here no matter what they may say about you or Uzushiogakure. Bite your tongue if you need to."

Kushina forces her lips to move from grimace to smile.

"How can I help you Danzo?"

He gestures again to his wrapped package. "Consider this my early baby shower gift to you."

Kushina huffs, absently rubs at her stomach protectively. "Oh, no thank you! I received plenty of toys, clothes, bottles, and other necessities from Lady Mito and Mikoto."

'What would Danzo know about kids anyways? He's never once so much as looked at woman! I don't think he's never been married or been on a date I bet! Unless he has some secret illegitimate children running around?!'

That would make for some great gossip, Danzo clearing his throat at seeing her eyes haze over deep in thought. He never understood what Minato saw in this woman, so easily distracted by nature and foods to uphold to the standards of a Hokage's wife.

"Oh, I'm sure you would like to have these presents." He relates, peels off some of the wrappings just enough to reveal rich silk cloths and spices from home.

It smells of sea salt and grass when she takes a step closer, fabric the warm aqua blue of the whirlpools that always sprang up in Uzushiogakure's rivers in the late spring and summer months.

Kushina clicks her tongue. "What are you trying to do? Bribe with gifts to get me to talk?! Well, I have nothing to say to you and neither do the kids y'know!"

Danzo shakes his head. "If you truly care about Konoha and call it home, don't you think it's important that all of Minato's board members are aware of future events to prevent any dangers befalling the village?"

Kushina sighs, crosses her arms. "Perhaps my husband didn't tell you because you're not a part of his board members Danzo. Lord Third's tenure has ended. Therefore, he has no reason to share confidential matters with you unless absolutely necessary."

His eye skirts behind her, onyx narrowing. "Even if it involves your precious grandson and granddaughter?"

Without having to look back, she senses Boruto and Himawari looming close, pair moving into offensive stances. Her gaze half peers back to them, shakes her head just slightly.

'Please don't try to get closer; I can handle this.'

The silent order doesn't land, crackle of grass and tree branches running through her ears as they shorten the distance between themselves and Danzo.

Her impatience is only hanging on by a thread now, Danzo threatening to rip it apart with his continued badgering. He isn't going to take no for an answer it seems, settling to give him some half-truths.

"Rather than waste time talking to me, you should be looking into one of Lord Third's previous students: Orochimaru. In the future, there's reason to be believe he's partly behind an injury that leads to Sarutobi's death."

And just like she hoped, mentioning his old rival/friend perks Danzo up, straightening on his cane.

It doesn't matter that this only came from overhearing Naruto and Boruto talking late at night more than once, concerned about lives they can save and lives that will still be lost no matter what changes they make.

"They made a statue of Old Man Third in front of the Academy?! Hah, I bet its gets so much graffiti y'know!" Naruto chuckles.

Boruto nods along giddily. "It does! Oh, but you'll get like a week's worth of detention if you get caught! You or at least your adult self always said you looked up to him, though I don't really see why."

Naruto's grin falters some. "Well, I caused him a bunch of headaches as a kid. He never treated me as invisible like a lot of civilians and shinobi did back then and sometimes treated me to ramen."

Boruto scoffs, cerulean eyes tinged darker.

"Really? Then why didn't he stop people from making you feel bad or being mean about having Kurama in you?"

Naruto's stare matches his own.

"...The point is, I don't want Old Man Third to die facing his former student if he doesn't have to."

Kushina clears his throat jolting both boys.

She smiles, steps over their fortress of blankets and pillows.

"While its nice to hear you two not arguing for a change, can I cut in two?"

Boruto slowly nods, withers at her intense stare.

"It's Orochimaru!" He blurts out.

Naruto flicks the back of his head, Boruto fixing him with a renewed scowl.

"What? She was gonna ask us anyways!"

"Yeah, but the point Dad made earlier was not to stress Mom out on these subjects y'know!"

Boruto's frown deepens. "Ugh, you act like such an Old Man even for 16!"

"No, I don't! Stop calling me that-"

Kushina puts a hand out between them, ignores that it looks like two versions of Minato pouting at her.

'Now I know why Yoshino and Mikoto say boys can be such headaches!'

"Naruto. Boruto. Go back to bed; now."

"Sarutobi wouldn't even be out of his 60s yet if that's true." Danzo mutters in shock.

Kushina nods tightly. "Orochimaru will eventually come back to the village with a plan to obtain more and more dojutsu."

She tries not to notice the way he scratches at his arms drawing thin ribbons of scarlet, blood leaking down his arms where his nails have dug too deep. He and Orochimaru aren't so different after all, both seeking power and knowledge respectively.

His gaze bores into her.

"...And you're not lying to me; are you?"

Her stomach knots as Danzo considers her, breeze picking up again to a growing gale.

"Grandma, DUCK!"

Boruto's shout startles her to crouch, Danzo knocking away the twister with his hand. His stare snaps to him, hands coiling into fists. Himawari squirms behind him, fingers fisting at his jacket.

Danzo's studies her for only a flash of a second, hums curiously before his gaze returns to her sibling.

"Foolish child. You think that pathetic burst of wind would push me away?"

Kushina gets between them.

"Water Release: Aquatic Burst!"

She stomps down a foot, water shooting up like a geyser encircling him.

"Enough. Any further business you need to take up with my husband." She growls, nails elongating, front teeth sharpening to fangs.

Danzo steps back, draws in a breath.

'Interesting. There's research I need to conduct regarding this update.'

He chuckles; glad he came by after all despite the cold welcoming.

"Fine. I've seen and learned more than enough today. Make sure that you continue to attend to your clinic visits with Biwako. I'm sure you wouldn't want any genetic issues to be passed on to your children."

Kushina's shoulders drop as he fully departs the area, peers back to the kids and sees why then he left so easily.

"Hima...you okay?" She whispers crouching down, wipes at tears sliding down her ruddy cheeks.

She nods, crimson still lingering amid the blue of her eyes.

Crimson eyes Danzo saw as well.

Himawari nods. "I'm fine! But what about you Grandma?"

Kushina manages a weary smile.

Ever since she was made the new holder of the jinchuriki, she's been confined to the village.

And it sinks in that the Nine Tails, its volatile chakra is something she could inadvertently pass down even if it isn't extracted from her in the way Naruto described. It will move from her son to granddaughter along the generations if she and Minato don't change things, if she perhaps doesn't learn how to harness and foster some type of connection with the Beast. Her stomach knots, collecting herself.

"I'll be okay Hima, Boruto. Don't worry, Grandma is always going to protect you as long as you're in this time period y'know!"

Even if it must be from Konoha's very own shinobi and citizens.

---

Kakashi & Minato/Naruto & Hinata-Hokage's Office-Haru no Michi Park (Spring Path Park)

"Welcome back! I assume you have plenty of updates for me?" Minato chimes out.

Absently, he hears the office clock slowly move by to fill the silence.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

He pushes aside bullet points for his next meeting with Fugaku, that can wait.

Kakashi nods, though the truth regarding Obito still hurts, has shattered into sharp pieces that bruise and burn the inside of his throat. Naruto gives him an encouraging nod from the corner of his eye, too reminiscent of his Father's across from them to truly put him at ease.

"Obito's body...wasn't there." He finally mutters.

Minato sits forward; the bad news he suspected was coming once he took in their expressions upon entering has become reality.

"Any clues on where his body could've been taken? Signs of a struggle?"

Hinata shakes her head. "There were pieces of cloth and dried blood near the rocks, but no bones. Using my byakugan, I saw traces of what could've been footsteps leading back out of the cave, but the trail has faded too much with the passage of time."

Minato accepts Obito's old headband and bits of his jacket they've packed up, sighs.

"Am I...a failure?" Obito murmurs too quiet for Rin and Kakashi to hear.

Not that they're paying them any attention.

Rin had initially asked if he wanted to join them on their picnic blanket despite the lack of space, but her eyes had rested on Kakashi as she offered. That painful spark in her auburn eyes partially hoping he'd say no.

He scowls as Rin offers Kakashi a piece of mochi he politely refuses, focus more on some book related to long range weapons used in the Warring States period than her. From a distance, they look like the perfect couple, cherry blossoms falling around them in a mix of pinks and whites.

And meanwhile, here he is sitting under the shade of trees opposite them with their sensei.

The 3rd wheel.

Minato pats at his shoulder. "What brought that comment on? Are you and Kakashi picking fights with each other again or-?"

Obito shakes his head vehemently. "No, no! I mean, not this time! It just feels like everyone is moving on ahead without me. I can't even get the basic fire jutsus down for my clan. Meanwhile, you and Kakashi are taking down enemies left and right in the blink of an eye."

Minato laughs warmly. "That's not true! You know there's a lot of things Kakashi and I aren't that good at."

Obito snorts, hugs his knees close under his chin.

If this is how Minato-sensei is trying to cheer him up, he supposes he can say he's terrible at giving words of comfort. How can he compare when both he and Kakashi are always hailed as prodigies by just about everybody they come across?

"Yeah? Like what?"

They both peer back over at Kakashi and Rin hearing the sharp clatter of utensils, Rin's lips now twisted in a frown. Tears prick her eyes she quickly blinks away, tacks on a weak smile.

"Never mind!" Rin's voice comes out in a rasp.

The rest of her mochi and tea crumple and go cold respectively, Kakashi's flat expression unchanged.

Obito grits his teeth, envy and anger simmering back up. If only he was a bit closer, he could hear exactly what Kakashi said to break Rin's heart all over again. Absently, his nails dig into the grass, dirt forming in clumps along his fingers.

'He can at least pretend to care about her feelings!'

Rin gets to a standing position while hurriedly announcing she's going to dip her feet in the Naka River for a bit.

Minato chuckles as she scurries away.

"Well, talking to the opposite sex for one." He muses to answer his earlier question.

Obito shakes his head, groans softly under his breath.

"Sensei, you have Kushina. Don't let her hear you talking like that! Unlike me with Rin..."

"So, we must assume then Obito is somewhere in and around Kirigakure?" Minato focuses back on the here and now.

That version of Obito has died, trapped forever in Kusagakure.

And in his place is a monster he'll have to put down. No matter his reasons, Obito decided not to return back to the village after the War ended, is most likely cooperating with someone who is an enemy of Konoha and possibly the other Great Nations.

Naruto nods. "Yes, though it's always possible he's moved on to a new location or has changed up his plans based on intel he might've received. Better to go to him wherever he is than have him come here and potentially destroy the village!"

Minato pulls a map from his drawer, studies the best way to go about this.

"He can't know we're coming. I'll reach out to an Aburame clan member to first confirm his location, then I'll deal with Obito. Master Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade can be my backup if necessary."

He stomps down the ache of having to murder his former student.

'The safety of the village comes first.' Hiruzen's words ring in his head, though he is thinking more about Kushina and Naruto.

His wife and son are Obito's main targets.

Kakashi jolts in realization. "Sensei, you need as much help as you can get! I'll come with you too-"

Minato raises a hand, stare enough to drop him from pushing the matter.

"While I appreciate the sentiment Kakashi, I need to kill Obito myself."

---

'Minato is quite scary when he needs to be.' Hinata admires.

Her toes curl, it reminds her a bit of her own Mom.

"Please come visit me back at the compound when you get a chance, bring the children along too if you can."

"What about Father?" Hinata questions.

Hitomi shakes her head. "What about him? My husband does not get to control who I can or can't bring over the manor. The Hyūga household is your home too Hinata, even if you're staying with your future in-laws."

Hinata flusters. "If you're certain it won't be a problem, I'll look into it."

That had been enough to placate Hitomi for now, but truly she isn't so sure if she wants Boruto and Himawari to be around Father when he is much...colder than what they're used to.

Even now she hesitates to take paths that will take her near the Compound, right now wanting to soak in this warm spring day before the heat of summer hits.

Various shades of green line the trails, kids and families skirting around them to play at the swings or lay back in the grass.

'Still, it's not fair for Mother and Father not to properly meet their own grandchildren despite the odd over lunch, we can all just go together?' Hinata further considers.

Naruto taps at her shoulder jolting her.

He grins as her cheeks flush red.

"Sorry, were you saying something?"

"You okay? You're spacing out again."

Hinata laughs gently. "A lot on my mind is all. Not just about Obito. My Mom would like to meet Boruto and Himawari, though Father..."

"Yeah, your Old Man is a big old asshole right now! The tea party and even before then established that" Naruto finishes for her.

Hinata's snickering grows louder and Naruto beams that she doesn't try to cover it this time like she's done before in public.

He grabs at her hand renewing her blush.

"I don't think its a bad idea for Boruto and Himawari to meet them properly. Maybe with your Mom there, Hiashi may be willing to teach then a few Hyuga clan techniques they haven't learned yet in the future, may thaw his iciness too y'know."

Hinata smiles at the thought, considers a new one that pops into mind.

One that stings some.

Because Obito's early death will change Naruto's life dramatically and even her own potentially. The lonely future they came from has already started to fade, but thinking deeply about it now truly makes it sink in.

Maybe Naruto will become as popular as Sasuke with hordes of fangirls. And with two loving parents he might no longer be as loud and energetic as the boy before her now.

Her eyes fall to their joined hands.

'Will this still exist too?'

Naruto clears his throat.

"I would still want to try...or err be with you no matter what happens next y'know. Whatever new future we go to. Does that sound right or weird?"

Relief and surprise flood her, leans into Naruto's chest before he can ramble.

Her palms runs softly against where his heartbeat rises in tempo, glances up to see tinges of red to his own face.

"Me too."

---

Fugaku, Tekka, & Inabi- Konoha Police Station

He follows the sound of cursing.

'I should've gotten extra rice cakes from Teyaki and Uruchito prepare for a long day today.' Fugaku sighs.

"Ugh, fucking let me go! You Uchiha are always so damn rough!" Renjiro slurs, tries and fails to shove Inabi away.

His clothes are damp from the rains last night into the morning, breath stained with the familiar scent of gin and sake. He must've been out late again doing a night of gambling and hopping between clubs within the Red-Light District.

"Get in the cell already to sleep it off! We got at least 3 calls in the marketplace this morning of your public intoxication and belligerent behavior."

Tekka snorts as Renjiro eventually gets pushed in, spits at them.

"Can you shut him up already with some sedative?"

Inabi rolls his neck, eyes spinning vermilion too late for Renjiro to look away.

"Damn it, I can't wait for the day Lord Fourth puts you all in your place!"

His head slumps back against the wall before he can further curse them, drifting off.

Tekka turns to Fugaku who's been silent all the while.

"Speaking of Lord Fourth, when's your next meeting with him?"

Fugaku shrugs, not missing the way Inabi sends him an impatient stare.

If it was up to him, he and Yashiro probably would've stormed back into the Hokage's office demanding answers or trying to force his hand via attacking a few advisors by now.

"From what I've heard around the village, something's come up involving one of our old clansmen." He mutters, gestures for the two to leave Renjiro be as his snores fill the area.

Tekka perks up at that, runs a hand through his dark locks.

'Which one of us is stirring up trouble enough to be on the Hokage's radar?'

He wouldn't put it past Yashiro and Inabi perhaps. Maybe even Itachi has finally done something to lose Fugaku's trust.

But the name he says once they're enclosed in the privacy of his office makes him completely lose interest.

Obito Uchiha.

Inabi crosses his arms. "He used to be Minato's student and a crappy one at that. Did he even master the Fireball Jutsu before dying?"

Fugaku waves the question away.

"I heard via more than one vendor Minato sent Kakashi and those other two bigger kids staying at his house to Kusagakure to investigate something. The only reason they would have to go there that I can think of would be to check his body."

"For what? He gave his good eye that wasn't crushed in to Kakashi. He had nothing else of value on him before being buried down by all those rocks. No different how many of our clansmen met their ends in previous wars or skirmishes."

Fugaku clicks his tongue. "Not for his sharingan. It's because he might not be dead."

Tekka quietly rubs at his chin, considers what Fugaku is saying without being direct with them.

Obito might've become an enemy of Konoha it sounds like, one that could even be in the Bingo books. If so, then hailing from the Uchiha clan will raise suspicions back on everyone of them even more than how things currently are.

"It's just rumors though, right? Nothing confirmed?" He voices.

Fugaku nods. "For now, yes. However, we need to stay vigilant that Obito doesn't become an issue for the proposals I already gave to Minato. He was never someone known exactly for his skills in our clan's techniques, but that could've changed depending on outside help he got."

Inabi scowls, cracks his knuckles at hearing another inmate groan and screech down the hall.

"Don't forget who's side you're on either. Remember everything our clan has been through since the Second Hokage's reign." He grunts before going to check on the prisoner.

Tekka lingers back, Fugaku silently staring outside.

"Nobody is going to Minato without including me in said discussion." He says aloud knowing where Tekka's thoughts have gone. Inabi has just been one of many clansmen who have grown more vocal with their frustrations.

Because nothing has really happened yet in terms of improving the Uchiha Clan's status in the village outside of proper ryo compensation for assignments and simply talks of finding proper housing for members who want to move outside of the district they've been restricted to.

Minato knows all of this.

And especially knows his patience is eventually going to run out.

---

Jiraiya & Tsunade-Southwest Forests, Land of Fire

"The most important thing is that you're alive." Tsunade reiterates, shakes away droplets from her hair. She'd allowed him essentially 5 minutes to do a final sweeping check around all of Amegakure's buildings before they left the territory, found nothing but moss-covered buildings, broken glass, and water-logged floors in the old apartments and stores still standing.

All of Ame's citizens disappeared into the shadows to avoid getting caught up in the potential fight.

Her words offer little comfort, Jiraiya staring blankly ahead.

Gray clouds clear away back to blue skies, though the smell of steel and rain lingers on them.

"I suppose. Though we hardly learned anything new and we're returning back to the village with nothing. It will be difficult moving forward if we'll ever be able to get some type of time and space scroll book, scroll, or device at this rate. All the big nations are going to be on high alert now even with transformation jutsus in place."

He'd only glanced back once towards Amegakure once they'd gotten out of the coming downpour, double checked both his and Tsunade's attires to ensure no paper cranes or forms of origami have been stuck to them.

Tsunade rolls her eyes, despondent mood so unusual for the Toad Sannin.

She points through the woods towards Konoha's gates.

"On a brighter note, at least I get to finally meet these kids you've been talking so much about. Minato and Kushina's son along with their grandchildren, right? If they've met you before, then they' know who I am too."

Jiraiya nods, rubs his chin thoughtfully considering the messages Minato has been sending him via toad.

"Not everybody is going to be happy to see us once we're back in the village: particularly Danzo, Koharu, and Homura. Possibly Fugaku and his fellow clansmen too."

Tsunade shrugs. "So?"

Jiraiya grins cheekily. "So...I propose a bet!"

Tsunade stops in place, amber eyes flickering between curiosity and suspicion. "What type of bet?"

"A simple one involving intel we can give back to Minato and Kushina! I bet my next commission payment for my books that I can get rid of Danzo and Fugaku being such a thorn in Minato's side before you. I know he would never ask me in person. However, since he's about to be a new Father and all plus juggling all these future kiddos, I think he would appreciate his perfect old Sensei taking some problems off his plate!"

Tsunade purses her lips, the ryo he makes selling those smut books would be enough to gamble with for a year or more.

"They know of your ties to Minato and are going to be suspicious. And what happens if you win?"

She suspects he'll want a kiss, a real date, feelings and opportunities she's never truly given him.

Jiraiya chuckles. "If I win you stay in the village, at least until Kushina safely gives birth; help with any enemies trying to go after her."

Tsunade blinks, a relatively minor request knowing his usual perversions. "That's it?"

Jiraiya chuckles. "Why? You want more?! Well, we can up the stakes and book a private hotel room too plus-"

Tsunade punches hard at his arm enough to leave a bruise and have him howl and curse, snorts under her breath jumping to the next tree. The air is charged again between them that there's something else Jiraiya is keeping from her once again, a strange heaviness she can't determine if it's bad news or hopefully something more neutral.

But the only way to learn more is to play at his game.

'I just want to be sure Kushina is truly okay. I don't have to exactly hold up my end of the deal.' She decides.

"Fine. You're on."

They shake on it before continuing forward.

It's only once they're under enough sunlight does she note a tiny spot of blood Jiraiya missed on the end of his sleeve.

One he only could've gotten back in Ame during his final sweep of the area.

-x-

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More of the Uchiha Clan in the next chapters on top of Tsunade being properly introduced to everybody!

Appreciate any thoughts!

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