Bab 24: Chapter 23 - Just a little more
Chapter 23 - Just a little more
Minato worked all night long. The more he learned about his son's attackers the more his anger grew. The part of Minato that wanted their heads was slowly getting louder. They almost took Naruto away from him. That was unforgivable. If he was just a father then he might have acted upon those feelings. As Hokage he couldn't act on a desire for personal revenge. Minato Namikaze had to think about the village's needs first. More than just Naruto would be hurt if he acted rashly.
It was extremely late and the night's stress was starting to catch up with him. His body called out for rest, but he had to keep going. Soon, the Elders would want to discuss the matter with him. They had already been informed the situation and were due to arrive at any moment. Minato was not looking forward to discussing his failures with them again. He was certain to receive a good dress down for this. Not that he didn't already know what he did wrong. The last thing he wanted to do was meet with them, but he had little choice. The consequences for ignoring them would be far worse.
There was so much to do. Minato's eyelid felt heavy and he drifted off to sleep. He was wrenched from it by his door being thrown open. His head snapped up to find who was there. He found Kushina and his little monster looking for him. He smiled despite the exhaustion and stress. It was a relief to see the both of them. At least the Elders wouldn't see him sleeping on the job!
Naruto ran over to his father. Minato couldn't resist the little devil's arms. They begged to be picked up. He whisked him up his then placed him on his lap. Minato ruffled his hair as he asked, "Feeling better?"
Naruto nodded. He was quieter than normal. Naruto was definitely less energetic this morning. He clung to his father but didn't really say anything at all. It was completely out of character for his young son. Minato didn't like it one bit. He didn't want Naruto to be like this. He wanted that happy, go-lickey kid back.
Kushina walked over to the pair. She looked almost as exhausted as Minato felt. She sighed as she said, "It's been a rough night. For all of us. But little Naruto here wanted to see you. He wouldn't settle down unless we did that."
Minato looked down at his young son. So, he's that traumatized, huh? Minato gently pulled Naruto away from his chest. He brought his son to his eye level then said, "Naruto, listen to me: We'll never, ever let someone take you away. And if someone tries - we'll stop them. Just like last night. We'll protect you no matter what."
Naruto brightened, "Really?"
Minato gave his son one of his best smiles. He didn't feel like smiling, but he smiled anyway. "Yup."
Kushina pumped the air, "Of course, y'know!"
Naruto suddenly came alive. He hugged his daddy again. Minato felt his son's love wash over him. He would go to hell and back for that boy. There was no question. He cried out, "I love you!"
Kushina kissed his head, "And we love you." She gently took the boy from his father. "Now, it's time to go. Daddy has a lot of work to do." Kushina took Naruto then headed towards the door. Before they left she stopped. She turned around to face her husband. "But he will be home soon. He needs to rest."
She allowed those words to hang in the air. She made her point. She expected him home as soon as possible. It was not wise to disobey her. Minato knew that all too well. Nothing would not be solved by a exhausted leader. It was best that he was well rested. He would do no one any good like this. He just had a little more to do.
It was never fun meeting with the Elders. It was even less fun meeting with them exhausted. They were like vultures circling their prey. They waited for Minato to make any mistake. They demanded to know why he allowed such a breach of security. They pointed out how foolish peace was with the Cloud. Finally, they demanded to know the status of the interrogation.
Minato was glad to provide the information he had. The reports were available to them at anytime. Minato was done with them anyway. Everything was filed in it's proper place. He had been watching the progress all night long. Nothing new was contained within it's pages. Even Inoichi had filed the report on what he saw inside Dao Kazami's mind. Which was now available for the vultures to dissect. There was plenty for them to bite into.
Minato knew that this would only keep them at bay for a short time. Soon, they would want more. They would want answers. They already want answers! Minato didn't have any. He was still digesting the events himself. This incident had shaken Minato's family personally and he needed time to deal with it. The last thing Minato wanted was to act on his emotions. If he did: The Leaf would be looking at another war. As Hokage, he couldn't afford that. Even if his heart cried out for blood.
After the difficult meeting, Minato headed home. All missions for today were suspended. The paperwork could wait. He needed rest. Let the vulture pour over their reports. I need to see my family. I need to sleep. Minato thought as approached his house. Inside, he could sense the two most important people in his life; his wife and son. They were safe and well. That was all that mattered. The rest could wait.
Just as Minato was reached the door it flew open. There was Kushina in all her glory. She smiled as she pulled him into the house. His son ran over to him and they hugged for all an eternity. Minato wasn't willing to let him go. Tears started to flow. He was so happy that his son was safe and in his arms. This nightmare was over. Naruto was safe. He murmured to him, "Naruto, Naruto, my son."
He would punish the men who did this and their master but not today. Today, he would be with his son. He would help his family heal. It was his duty as his father.
Well that's it. So is relaxing before the next crisis comes up. What will it be? Why you got to keep reading to find out!
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone