CHAPTER 4: Déjà vu
23 YEAR TIME SKIP
In a forest outside of a partially destroyed Konoha, Jiraiya stood over two bodies. One is a man with blond hair and a white trench coat, the other a women with red hair in a white dress. While in Jiraiya's arm is a blonde hair blue eyed baby sleeping. He looks down at the corpse of the man with tears in his eyes than says.
"Minato…. Kushina."
As tears ran down Jiraiya's face he began to remember, all the memories he had of Minato.
The first time Minato called him dad, and how for a whole week Jiraiya couldn't stop smiling.
The first few steps Minato had taken, Jiraiya remembers running though Mount Myoboku telling anybody that would listen how, just by seeing how Minato walked he was going to be the greatest Shinobi ever.
Oh the irony of those words, Minato did turn out to be one of the greatest Shinobi ever. But now that meant nothing, what did greatest Shinobi mean when he was lying in front of Jiraiya dead, his soul sacrificed to seal the Kyubi into his son.
Though Jiraiya never told anybody about this, but the proudest moment of his life was not when Minato first became Hokage, but one that took place much earlier in his life around the age of 8 when he first met his wife Kushina.
FLASH BACK
14 Years Ago
Jiraiya was sitting in the dining room in one of the apartments he owned, it was small and quaint. He rarely ever used it much up until when he and Minato needed a place to stay so he could go to the academy every day, no point in reverse summoning him to Mount Myoboku every time he wanted to sleep.
At the moment he was finishing up one of us newer works "Icha Icha Paradise." His first book "The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi" wasn't selling very well, apparently not many people believed in the ideals of promoting peace.
I guess that's what war does to you, Jiraiya thought to himself with a sigh.
But this book Icha Icha paradise, it was already a hit within the publishing company. Apparently the director couldn't get enough of the draft Jiraiya sent him. And to be honest Jiraiya loved going out into the field to research for his books.
Suddenly Jiraiya felt a tingling in his spine, his perimeter seals had gone off! Immediately he sealed up the book's draft and notes and grabbed a cup of tea, a second later the door burst open and a yellow blob rolled in…. yes literally rolling inside the house, after the momentum from the roll was gone the blob proceeded to stop, face planting on the carpet in front of Jiraiya.
Lifting his head off the carpet revealed an 8 year old Minato, who jumped up to his feet ran over to Jiraiya gave him a hug and jumped onto a seat across from him.
"HEY DAD GUESE WHAT," Minato exclaimed!
"Hmm," Jiraiya replied?
"So this new girl got transfer to the academy today, and when I looked at her I got this really funny feeling in my stomach." Minato said really fast.
Before Jiraiya could say anything Minato added on, "Do you think I like her?"
Jiraiya snickered than replied, "Oh haha my boy, her first day in the academy and you already putting the moves on her. You are a genuine ladies' man just like your old man." Giving him a cheeky grin and an thumbs up. "So why don't you tell me a little about her."
Minato placed his hands on his chin in a thoughtful pose than said, "Well she's kind of short tempered, yells at whoever pisses her off, and she is really strong I watched her beat up a bunch of boys that were making fun of her hair."
Jiraiya flinches' and thinks to himself, what in Kami's name this girl sounds like Tsunade. He then asks Minato, "What do you see in her son?"
Minato answered with a grin, "Well on the outside she might be angry and mean but, on the inside I can tell she can be kind and caring and gentle. And she told the class that she's going to be the first female Hokage, she inspired me with her dream and determination."
"Oh does she now you know that's quite a high mountain for her to climb, and if you play your cards right, maybe I'm sure she won't mind your help in achieving her goals." Jiraiya said with a wink. "Say when are you going to bring her back home to meet me, I would love to meet the girl who captivated my son's heart."
Minato blushes a little bit before replying to Jiraiya with his biggest grin yet, "I haven't even really talked to her yet dad, so I don't know."
Jiraiya looks at him with one eye quirked up, "what are you waiting for then" Jiraiya asks him.
With a shocked look on his face Minato jumps off his chair and is already halfway toward the door before turning around, and saying to Jiraiya. "Your right dad I'm going to go look for her right now, talk to her a bit and ask if she wants to visit you."
Jiraiya just stared with one of his eyes twitching, as Minato ran out the door than he says to no one in particular, "what is with this boy? He's eight years old and he's already thinking about this girl like he's going to marry her. But then again I could follow him and see how this turns out, and get some good research for a sequel." Giggling at his ingenious idea he uses Henge to transform into a random Chunin, and exits out the window, jumping up to a roof he follows Minato discreetly.
From the roof tops he watches as Minato walks through town trying to find his girlfriend-to-be, thinking to himself Jiraiya notes. This could be a good opening to my next book taking out his note pad he scribbles something down.
"A young promising Shinobi lost on the road of life, walks through another village in his path searching for meaning to his travels"
Jiraiya looks up from writing and notices Minato approach a boy with long hair dressed in a formal kimono, whom is hiding behind a stores wall.
WITH MINATO
Minato notices a boy with long hair suspiciously hiding behind a wall staring a girl who was doing some shopping a few stores over, she had with bluish hair and pale lavender eyes.
Minato walks up to the boy and stands next to him while also looking in the girl's direction, than asks him. "Excuse me what are you doing?"
The boy jumps up a couple feet surprised that somebody noticed him and immediately falls into a fighting stance, than sputters out. "Wha Wha What the? Who's there?" Looking down the boy notices a short blonde hair boy staring at him with a confused look on his face, seeing no evil intent coming from him he drops his fighting stance. What surprised him was what the blond hair boy did next.
Minato raised his hand out and stated, "Hi my name is Minato Namikaze what's yours? And why were you spying on that girl over there?
Suddenly the boy with long hair starts blushing and fidgets with the sleeves of his robe, than slowly raises his hand to shake Minato's. "My name is Hiashi.. Hiashi Hyuga"
Minato still shaking his hand says to him, "Please to meet you Hiashi, but you still haven't told me why you were spying on that girl."
Hiashi pulls his hand from Minato's and begins scratching the back of his head than replies, "Well you see I wanted to talk to her… but I don't know how to start" he blushes than looks down at the ground.
Minato with a look of realization on his face announces to Hiashi,"OH! why didn't you just say so, here let me help you."
Hiashi's head jerks up and tries to stop Minato but it was already too late the boy had ran…. No somehow teleported over to her and was already engaged in a conversation with her, suddenly Hiashi becomes angry with himself. Thinking to himself why can't I talk to her like how Minato is?
Hiashi is broken out of his stupor when he notices Minato and the girl staring at him, while Minato is pointing at him. Upon seeing the girl giggle Hiashi turns a shade of red that could make a tomato envy, than once again he diverts his sight back toward the floor. Until he hears a feminine voice calls his name "Hiashi-kun?"
Hiashi looks up to see the girl standing in front of him smiling than somehow stutters out, "Hii..tom...ii-chan wha.. wha..hat are yo..uu doing her..e."
Hitomi still smiling answers him, "oh Minato-kun told me you wanted to talk to me, so I came over. Shame he had to leave so quickly, he said he said he was looking for somebody, so Hiashi-kun what did you want to talk to me about?"
Hiashi at that point had been reduced to a stuttering mass of goop, the only thing he could think coherently was whether next time he saw that blond boy, would he strangle him or would he hug him. Trying his best to talk to Hitomi Hiashi stutters out to her,"Well you see Hitomi, I wanted to ask if you wanted to …."
WITH JIRAIYA
He was trying so hard to not laugh as the scene unfolded before him. Maybe Minato took after him more than he thought, the kid just meets somebody randomly in the middle of the street and goes on to play match maker, quite successfully if I say so myself. As Jiraiya strokes his chin he than once again takes out his notepad and begins writing again.
"As our promising young Shinobi continues his way through another town deep in thought, he bumps into a young man, whom clearly is depressed, when consulted on why he is so depressed the young man explains that he doesn't know how to proclaim his love to a women he admires greatly. And at that moment our promising young Shinobi realizes what is the goal of his travels, and that is too aid in the blossoming of love in young couples and to fan the flames of their youth!"
For some reason Jiraiya had a feeling of dread wash over him when he wrote down that last part, shrugging his shoulders he ignores it. For the sake of following Minato, putting his notepad away he proceeded to search for Minato to further his research.
It took him the whole afternoon to find him, and Jiraiya was already beginning getting too get worried for Minato's safety. Luckily it was then Jiraiya spotted Minato walking toward one of the side gates, with a fist full of what looked like red hair in his hand.
Intrigued Jiraiya watched as Minato stealthy snuck past the guards and ran into the forest, occasionally picking up a strand of red hair from the floor.
Jiraiya thought to himself, what is that boy up too now? I thought he was out looking for his little girlfriend not walking around picking up red hair.
After a good hour of repeating the process of running and picking up hair, Jiraiya realized why Minato was doing it. When he spotted a girl with red hair, who was being dragged along by some Kumo-nin
"Dam," Jiraiya said to himself. Just as we was about to jump in to save the girl, Minato beat him too it. What Jiraiya saw amazed him was the speed of Minato as he dashed through the trees stealthy taking out one ninja after another, until there were none left. Minato catching the stumbling girl in his arms bridal style leaped up and landed on the top of one of the trees,
Jiraiya watched the two as he witnessed what would be the most serene moment he had ever seen, his notepad had dropped to the floor forgotten as he watched the two talk, all the while staring into each other's eyes.
Her long red hair was flowing as was his blonde ones, while they were both hugged by the green leaves in the howling wind.
Jiraiya reaching down to pick up his notepad began to scribble down this moment
"Our young Shinobi in helping others find love, never would have imagined that he too would find love. Love in the arms of a young traveling maiden much like himself. Their paths crossed under a grove of cherry blossoms, staring into each other's eyes, they could see into one another's souls. Understanding the yearning and lust they had for the other, they slowly walked toward each other and embraced as the cherry blossom petals fell around them."
Jiraiya hoping to gain some more inspiration looked up too realized they had left, swearing inwardly he leapt off after them hoping to find them before their night had concluded in order to finish his research.
FLASH BACK END
Jiraiya continues to stare at the bodies of Kushina and Minato, than thought to himself is this how Tsunade felt when Dan died? Wondering out loud he says.
Why did you have to sacrifice yourself Minato, why couldn't you just let me do it in your place. You ignorant idiot!
FLASH BACK
3 hours ago
At Mount Myoboku, both Jiraiya and Minato were standing on top of Gamabunta's head. Minato is holding his new born son in his arms as he tells Jiraiya.
"Jiraiya, during Kushina's birth a man whom I believe to be Madara Uchiha forcefully ripped the Kyubi out of her when her seal was weakened, Now the Kyubi is rampaging toward Konoha seeking to destroy it."
Jiraiya looks at him with concern, "how do you plan on stopping the Kyubi?"
Minato looks down and strokes the cheek of his son and replies. "I've been thinking about it for the past hour, and in the end there is only one plan that can ensure the Kyubi is not going to be a threat to Konoha anymore."
Jiraiya gives him a confused look at asks, "What do you have in mind, that could stop the Kyubi?"
Upon hearing Jiraiya asks this, Minato's face immediately changes to a dejected look than softly says. "I plan on using the Shiki Fujin to seal away part of the Kyubi inside Naruto.
Jiraiya's eyes expand to unheard of proportions, as he stares at Minato like he grew an extra head than he roars out. "YOU WANT TO DO WHAT!" clenching his fists in rage Jiraiya continues to yell at Minato, "Do you realize what type of scorn and ridicule they have to live with, You for one should know what it is like growing up with Kushina. Even I noticed some of the nasty looks she got."
Minato sighs than looks up at Jiraiya, "You really think I don't know how Jinchuriki's are treated? But I believe in the citizens of Konoha, I hope they can see my son as a hero and not as the Kyubi reincarnated."
Jiraiya shakes his head than says, "Regardless in your belief in the citizens of Konoha, there still will be those who will make your son's life hell."
Minato stares back at his son than says to Jiraiya, "What would you want me to do then? Would I really ask somebody else to do something I wouldn't myself? Would I ever be so cruel as to ask another family to give up their child to this fate?
Jiraiya sighs and shakes his head, "No… you wouldn't"
Minato smiles at Jiraiya, "Exactly and also, don't you know only Uzumaki's and their extremely huge reserves of chakra and life force can hold back the Kyubi? I have no choice Jiraiya!
Suddenly Jiraiya's hand shoots up and reaches out and grabs Minato's collar lifting him off the ground, reaching up with his other hand Jiraiya grabs Naruto and takes him from Minato.
Minato in shock says, "What are you doing Jiraiya?"
Jiraiya looks at him in the eyes than says, "You know son, when you became Hokage I never tested you. But tonight you have passed my test, you proved to me that you are willing to sacrifice everything including your life even your families. For the sake of the village, so as my gift to you I'm going to take your place in doing the ritual." Jiraiya finishes with a smile.
Minato still in shock tears now starting to pool sputters out, "Dad please no."
Jiraiya still smiling remarks, "You know a father should never have to bury his son. And you know what….. Konoha does not deserve somebody like you as a Hokage but instead, they "need" somebody like you as Hokage. So son let me do this ….. like you would say, For the sake of the village"
Than Jiraiya looks down at Naruto in his arms, "So what you say little guy, you ready for your grandpa to stuff a giant fox into your tummy. Jiraiya lets out a loud laugh, turning his gaze back to Minato he says.
"I don't say this often but you have made me proud son."
Minato reaches his arms out to hug Jiraiya and says, "Dad?" hearing this Jiraiya allows himself to bring Minato toward him until Minato has his head resting on his chest. But the moment one of Minato's arms wrapped around his back Jiraiya felt his knees give way and his entire body go limp.
WHAT, Jiraiya thought to himself a seal?
In a flash Minato had taken Naruto back out of Jiraiya's hands and kicks him off Gamabunta's head onto one of the giant leaves, he then stares down at a dumbstruck Jiraiya and yells down to him.
"I know you are my father, and how its bad luck to bury your own son. But right now in this situation... I'm not your son."
Jiraiya lying on the leaf unable to move his body stares up at Minato, tears clearly flowing down his face he asks. "What are you talking about? You will always be my son!"
Minato looking slightly dejected replies, "Dad I know the truth about my mom… please tell Tsunade "I forgive her" next time you see her."
A boastful smiling returning back to Minato's face he states, "You taught me this yourself dad, remember you said not to allow my personal life mix with my work." Bringing one of his fists to his chest in a salute he bellows out, "at this moment I am not your son but, I am Minato Namikaze Yondamie Hokage of Konohagakure no sato and it is my duty to protect Konoha and all its citizen's."
Turning his head toward the Distant Body water portal to Konoha, Minato yells out. "Ma please summon us to Konoha, now!"
Watching Ma jump into the portal Minato tells his attention back toward Jiraiya than says, "Dad… you have been the best father anybody could ever ask for, and I will always love you for taking care of me even though I'm not legitimately yours… but I always believed you were. So please after I'm gone take care of Kushina and Naruto like you would me. Thank you so much Dad….
Than a giant poof of white smoke covered him and Gamabunta, when the smoke cleared Gamabunta and Minato were gone, with only Jiraiya left crying to himself unable to move he yelled out in anger.
"DAM YOU MINATO, WHY ARE YOU SO THICKHEADED"
FLASH BACK END
Hearing rustling in the forest Jiraiya turns his head, as he watches the third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and 2 other Shinobi flanking him land near him. Sarutobi immediately approaches the two bodies, when close enough recognize them he gasps in shock softly whispering.
"Minato…. Kushina."
Jiraiya emotionlessly replied, "They sacrificed their lives so they could complete the ritual, that sealed the Kyubi inside their son." Jiraiya then turns slightly to allow Sarutobi to see Naruto inside the blankets, than shifts the blankets slightly so Sarutobi can see the seal on Naruto's stomach.
Sarutobi without taking his eyes off Naruto asks Jiraiya, "What is going to happen to him now both of parents are dead."
Jiraiya reaches down and caresses Naruto's cheek much like how Minato was doing before. "I thought about it long and hard, I could just leave him in Konoha to grow up with a normal life as an orphan. But now I realize I have too not only take care of him for Minato and Kushina sake, but also for Naruto's. Sensei you might not know about it but a life Jinchuriki is quite hard unless you have somebody to care for you.
Sarutobi takes out his pipe and lights it before putting it to his lips, taking a deep breath he nods and says to Jiraiya. "Yes I believe you are correct, but I can promise you he can have all of this inside the village. They will look to him as the hero who holds back the Kyubi every day."
Jiraiya shakes his head and chuckles lightly and says, "No Sensei they won't see him as a hero. I have traveled around for numerous years and I have seen how villagers treat the other Jinchuriki's, they demean them and place all the blame off their losses on them. I will not let my grandson become a punching bag for these people, this is the very least I could do for Minato."
Sarutobi ponders for a moment than nods in approval and asks, "So what are you going to do with him?"
Jiraiya looks to Sarutobi and answer him, "Most likely take him to Mount Myoboku. Don't worry about it too much Sensei, I know you have a lot on your plate with being reinstated as Hokage. All I ask you to do is too take all the money from his parent's account and place it in a savings account, where only you and I can access it. I fear some on your council might attempt to use it for their own gains. As for the Namikaze estate you will not need to worry about it, I'm pretty sure it is safely sealed against all intruders and only one of Namikaze blood can open it. Also if you could, please don't tell anybody he is Minato's son, if they find out Minato's son is alive they will throw a fit and try to wrench him from me and mold him how they see fit, I cannot allow that to happen."
Sarutobi nods his head before letting out a long sigh, "I understand Jiraiya, and I owe it to them to make sure nobody tarnishes or missuses the property of the Namikaze or Uzumaki clans. I wish I could see the boy grow up though. Sarutobi continues in a sad tone, I'm sure he would have made a great ninja like his father."
Jiraiya sees the sadness in his Sensei's eyes and quickly says, "Don't worry Sensei, Like Minato I will bring him to Konoha once in a while to visit, and when he's old enough to attend the academy, I will have him live with me in one of my apartments."
Hearing this Sarutobi instantly perks up a little bit than states clearly in a happier tone, "Yes that idea could work Jiraiya, than maybe in time when he grows up; he like his father can take my seat and the dammed paper work that comes along with it."
Jiraiya chuckles at what Sarutobi said than says, "Yes I imagine he will be a great Shinobi one day, for he is the one who must carry on his father's dream and his legacy." He moves his hand to give Naruto a light tap on the nose, "Say Sensei don't you have some where to go? I'm pretty sure your council is assembled in the chambers, waiting for news from their Hokage about the events that transpired tonight. Like I said don't worry about us aside from the requests I have asked of you, I will deal with everything else."
Sarutobi taking one last glance at Naruto before he looks up at Jiraiya and nods, "Yes they will be waiting for me, all I ask is that you two stay safe and come visit this old man once in a while."
Chuckling slightly Sarutobi vanishes, while his 2 guards take away the bodies of Minato and Kushina in a swirl of leaves.
Another rustle comes from the trees as a toad jumps off one of the branches and lands on Jiraiya's shoulders.
Ma says, "So this is Minato-kun's tadpole"
Jiraiya without looking over at Ma answers, "Yeah this is his son Naruto." Jiraiya lets out a sigh than turns to Ma. "Kind of like Déjà vu isn't it Ma? 23 years ago I asked you to help me look after a different blond hair blue eyed baby, and now 23 years later I have that same request for you. I hope that you will give me the same answer as last time."
Ma lets out a huge grin before saying, "Why of course we will look after Minato-kun's tadpole it would be our pleasure, and also another person to savor in my cooking. What more could I want." Ma lets out a giggle before poofing away in a cloud of smoke.
Jiraiya smiles and shakes his head at Ma's antics and says to Naruto, "Don't worry I won't leave you, like Tsunade left Minato, … Grandson."