Chapitre 20: Chapter 19 - It's an Adventure, Naruto
The following week the leaf was holding a celebration for a treaty. It would end hostilities between the Hidden Leaf and the Hidden Cloud. The Cloud sent their ambassador to sign the final document and join in on the celebrations. Minato was willing to have the ninja within his village. If that meant that there was one more barrier against going to war. Minato was committed to preventing his son from knowing war. He would pay almost any price to prevent it. Even if that meant scheduling the celebration during the Hyuga clan's festivities.
Lady Hinata of the Hyuga clan was turning four today. It was an important day for the Hyuga. A day that they couldn't ignore. For today she would be officially proclaimed heir to clan. It was a private affair - not usually attended even by the Hokage - but still it was an important event. It meant that no one from the Hyuga could attend the official signing of the treaty. Which was not ideal.
Minato had tried to convince them to sign on another day but that had failed. He was suspicious of their insistence to stick to a specific date but he went ahead anyway. He needed this alliance too much to allow his suspicions and personal feelings to affect it. This didn't mean that he didn't take precautions. It just meant went ahead with the signing.
His ANBU were on high alert. They were assigned to watch the ambassador's every move. However, due to the needs of the alliance, they were not permitted to interfere in his activities or tail at too close of a distance. It left a window for the ambassador to do what he came to do. Minato knew that but it was the best he could do.
Minato had suspicions of the Ambassador's true goal. Even so he could not prove his intentions. So, he moved on with the celebrations but prepared for the worst. He warned the Hiashi of the possibility of an attack within the compound. He asked Hiashi to stay his hand. He couldn't afford the man's death. Minato promised that he could take care of it if anything should happen. He asked Hiashi to place his trust in him. He would not fail. He would protect the Hyuga. Fortunately, Hiashi agreed to assist the young Hokage prevent war.
Both Minato and Kushina would be busy during the event. That meant that Naruto would need to be cared for. So Minato left his son in Kakashi's care. Kakashi had really grown into his role as "big brother." He always kept an eye out for the little rascal. Occasionally he would even watch the boy. It wasn't his strong suit but he was useful in a pinch. Kakashi should be able to keep that little rascal out of harm's way.
At least that's what Minato hoped. Naruto was a slippery one who tended to run off whenever something caught his eye. More than one babysitter had lost that little troublemaker. Even Minato had lost him briefly once. Which is why Naruto is now had one of dad's markers. That way he can find the guy if he ran off. There were a lot of dangers out there. Especially for the son of Fourth Hokage. Minato couldn't afford to play around when it came to the life of his son. He was far too precious to him.
That morning the family got up early. The ambassador was due to arrive shortly after sunup. They needed time to get to ready. Minato took the longest to get ready. Kushina had already gotten dressed, made breakfast and woken up Naruto by the time Minato was ready.
Minato marveled at how beautiful was. She wore a simple but elegant dress. Her hair was tied up the way it used to be on missions. She even wore her headband! It was a strange but beautiful sight. So, very different from her usual attire. Minato couldn't help but wrap his arms around her. He wanted to keep her all to himself. He definitely didn't want to share her with the world.
He murmured to her, "Tell you what: let's lose the kid; forget the ambassador and the world then spend the day in bed. "
Kushina smiled at her husband's obvious attempt at seduction. Minato, you're an idiot, y'know. She could feel him up against her. It excited her. Part of her wanted to give in; to let him take her. However, they were not alone. She would not have do this in front of her son. Besides, today was not a day that they could indulge in such things. There were far too many important things left to do.
Kushina worked her way around to face him. Even though she intended to break the embrace her fingers found their way to his mane. Heat flushed to her face as she thought of the things she could do with that mane. It's really silky today. Kushina truly loved his hair. It was always smoother and silkier than hers. It was his trademark but it was so much more than that. It drove her wild every time her fingers moved through it. Not that he seemed to mind. In fact, he always blushed whenever she was this close. Heat passed through them as she drew herself in for a kiss. Then right before their lips touched she stopped.
Kushina knew that they needed to get going soon. Which meant that playtime had to come to an end. But, she could torture him a little longer. She whispered, "I'd love to, but what would my husband say?"
Minato became wrapped up in her game. He responded, "He doesn't have to know." He tried to make contact but before he could do that Kushina pushed him away.
"Lord Hokage!" She said in a very dramatic voice. "I am a married woman!"
Naruto giggled. Minato was soundly defeated by his wife. Now he was humiliated in front of their boy. It was hard to recover from that. So, he gave up. He went over to the boy then ruffled his hair. "Well, I had to try." He added as Naruto snorted.
He wacked the boy on the back of his head. "Don't you start." That didn't seem to stop the boy. He kept laughing at him. Finally, he looked to his wife for help.
Kushina threw up her hands. "It was kinda funny, y'know."
"Kushina!"
Minato shook his head. He was outnumbered in his own house. It wasn't very dignified. He couldn't win. The only thing he could do now was change the subject. He had to get it away from this conversation. Otherwise, he's never hear the end of it. So, he shifted the conversation to today's festivities. They talked about the planned parade and festival.
Minato mentioned some of the fun things that Naruto could do today. Even though Minato couldn't spend the day with his son he wanted to make sure that Naruto had fun. There were plenty of things for a four year old to do during the event. Part of Minato felt guilty for leaving him alone today. Another part was jealous of him. Naruto got to play all day while his father had to deal with the Ambassador and the subsequent paperwork. Something Minato never enjoyed.
After he discussed the fun things, he ran over the ground rules for next couple of days. Naruto was to stay with Kakashi at all times. He was not to run off. He was to behave and stay clear of the men from the Hidden Cloud. Minato reiterated that. That was the most important rule Naruto had to follow. Under no circumstances was he to break it. If he did, he would be in big trouble.
Afterwards, Minato went over again what to do if he was attacked. Which mostly entailed running away, but it did include alerting the ANBU. All of them had been instructed to keep an eye out for the boy. Along with their other duties. If they noticed Naruto alone for any reason, they were to intervene immediately. Particularly, if the shinobi from the Hidden Cloud were nearby.
Naruto was forbidden to talk to the Ambassador. In fact, Minato made it clear that he was to stay away from him. Far away from him. It was very important that the ninja not see his face. Otherwise, his face would be in Bingo Book. He was already listed in here as his heir, but no photo or exact description was provided. Minato intended to keep it that way. That was why he instructed Kakashi to keep Naruto far away from them. Minato couldn't take any chances.
Which was also why Naruto was going to stay with Kakashi for the entire visit. They had made arrangements for him to stay with with former student. Minato had bought a special futon for Naruto to sleep on while he was at Kakashi's. He provided Kakashi with enough money to feed Naruto for a few days along with a little extra to entertain the boy. Minato wanted Naruto to view the entire escapade as an adventure not for what it really was: an attempt to hide Naruto. It was better if he didn't know.
Once breakfast was over, Kushina took Naruto upstairs to finish getting him ready. Kakashi would be here soon. Minato made it painfully clear to Kakashi that he was NOT to be late. Minato may have threatened to kill the fool if he was. Kushina may suggested a fate worse than death to boy as well. It was so hard to tell. They were not going to leave without Naruto being taken care of. Which meant that they would be late to meet the Ambassador. Otherwise they would embarrass the Leaf. So, Kakashi had to be on time.
Luckily, Minato didn't have to worry. For the first time in years Kakashi was early. He even used the door. A feat in itself. He even looked excited for today. At least as much as Kakashi could show. Kakashi had taken to the boy. Especially since the incident three years ago. He had taken it upon himself to act his "big brother." Meaning that Naruto often had the help of a silver-haired guardian. Something Minato was grateful for. It meant that Minato could entrust his most valuable possession to him. For he knew that Kakashi would return him unharmed.
Minato and Kakashi only had to wait a few minutes before his family came downstairs. Naruto was excited for his first sleepover ever. He wore his little bag with pride and kept chanting something that Minato couldn't make out. Naruto was such happy little boy. He was so adorable that Minato's heart melted - again. I am the luckiest father in the world! He was going to miss the little guy, but his safety was far more important than any minor discomfort. Besides, how could he turn down Naruto's little adventure?
As soon as Naruto saw Kakashi his eyes lit up. He screamed, "Kakashi!" Then flew into the teen at full force. Kakashi grunted a little as he absorbed the impact. "You're here, you're here!" Naruto released the teen then started to dance in place.
Minato hadn't seen Naruto this excited for a while. He chuckled to himself as watched the scene. Naruto had no idea as to the true nature of his stay. Good. Keep it that way, Kakashi. Minato got down on the floor. It was almost sunrise and they needed to get going. He hugged his son then ruffled his hair. "Be a good boy, okay?"
Naruto nodded, " 'Kay!"
Minato looked into his son's eyes and reminded one last time, "Remember what I told you and follow Kakashi's instructions." He tried to sound stern and fatherly, but it was very unnatural coming from him. It just wasn't Minato. At least when it pertained to Naruto. It was Kushina that laid down the law, not Minato. It was enough to make the boy take notice.
He hugged his daddy again. "I promise, daddy!" Eventually, Minato broke the hug. He nodded to Kakashi then they were gone.
It was time that they got going as well. Kushina smiled at him. She promised, "He'll be fine, y'know." Then she took out his hat. Minato hated wearing the thing, but it was a necessary for events such as this. "He has the Hokage watching out for him." She said as she placed the hat on his head. She reached up and kissed him. "Now, I believe we have an appointment to keep."
Minato took her hand into his. He gave her one of his best smiles then teleported them to the front gate. It was time to start the celebrations!
Well that's it. No action but we will get there soon enough. See you next week!
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