章 19: Meeting Minato
Mirai turned the Avatar's head to look at the figure standing on the knight's shoulder, tall with blond hair and wearing a white haori decorated with red flame-like motifs on the edges and 'Fourth Hokage' inscribed vertically on it.
Minato Namikaze stood with a calm yet firm expression.
Mirai, regaining his composure, looked up at his older brother and muttered softly. "Minato, you always have impeccable timing."
Minato smiled. "I sensed a disturbance in the seal. I didn't expect to find you battling the Nine-Tails." He glanced at Naruto, who was watching in awe and confusion. "I see you brought Naruto here as well."
He continued. "Mirai, it's so good to see you back. You still had that reckless streak—or should I say, that battle maniac spirit."
Mirai could only stare at Minato with a complex mix of emotions, his thoughts churning. The massive mercury avatar he had summoned began to dissolve into its primary liquid metal state, flowing around him in a shimmering pool.
Minato glanced at the silver fluid, his eyes brightening. "So, you succeeded in developing your 'Halo Metallic Silver of Mirai by Molten Desert Vein'." He said with amazement.
Mirai coughed, interrupting him. "Just call it 'Mercury'. That's enough."
Minato's shoulders slumped slightly, the elaborate name he had coined dismissed. But he quickly perked up, his expression becoming more serious yet still warm, as Mirai finally gathered his courage to speak.
"I'm sorry for not being there for you and Kushina in your most needed and grueling time." Mirai finally pulling himself together, vocalized his emotions with his head lowered. The weight of his guilt palpable in the air.
Minato's smile softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on Mirai's shoulder. "Mirai, there's no need for apologies. You had your own battles to fight, your own path to walk."
Mirai raised his head, his eyes meeting Minato's, and spoke resolutely. "I decided to become Hokage and protect what you sacrificed yourself to protect that night."
Minato's eyes widened in surprise for a moment, recalling a conversation he once had with Mirai right before his ceremony on the Hokage building's roof.
In the memory, a stressed Minato, waiting for Kushina to deliver him his cloak, asked Mirai, who was looking unconcerned. "Why did you refuse the Hokage position? Why would you give it up to me?"
Mirai had looked at him questioningly, retorting. "It was always your dream, not mine. Being Hokage is troublesome. I would be quite satisfied just being in your shadow, aiding you in protecting Konoha and its inhabitants." He added grumbly. "The geezers at the top don't like me anyway, and I can't tolerate meeting them often."
Minato's only answer then had been a quiet chuckle.
Now, standing before him, Minato's expression softened. "You've grown stronger, not just in power, but in heart." Minato continued. "You've always had a unique way of showing your care, Mirai. The village will be in strong hands with you."
Getting serious, Minato prompted him. "Achieving your goal will not be smooth sailing, Mirai. The council will oppose you."
Mirai only smiled mysteriously in response.
Seeing this, Minato had a bad premonition and could only remind him in naught. "Just don't overdo it."
Mirai's smile widened even more. "No promises."
Minato sighed, shaking his head, already familiar with his brother's personality. "You're still the same, Mirai. Just… be careful."
Noticing that Minato in front of him is just an emprunt, a projection or spiritual memory, Mirai commented. "So you and Kushina left some of your chakra mingled into the seal? But I don't see Kushina here."
Minato smiled and answered. "Yes, when I was sealing the Nine-Tails in Naruto, even though it was a hasty decision, we decided to leave some countermeasures just in case. As you guessed, Kushina also left some of her chakra. As long as the seal isn't completely lifted, she won't appear. But now it seems that one of the two countermeasures won't be able to play their role."
Mirai smiled. "As expected of you, you always exceeded me in Fūinjutsu when we were learning from Kushina."
Minato reciprocated with a similar smile. "You just didn't need them as much as I did in my techniques."
Mirai chuckled. "True. You always had a knack for the intricate details. I was more focused on the practical applications, I suppose."
Minato's smile widened. "And look at you now, creating techniques that even I couldn't have imagined. Your [Mercury] is incredible."
Mirai shrugged modestly. "And your [Rasengan] is still the most remarkable technique, I've ever seen. The pinnacle of shape transformation, needing no hand seals. It's a masterpiece."
Their talk was suddenly interrupted by a panting Naruto, who had run to them after seeing the situation calming down.
Minato remarked. "I didn't expect to meet him this early." Nonetheless, he approached Naruto, lowered himself, and smiled brightly, "You've grown, Naruto."
Naruto glanced hesitantly at Mirai standing behind. Mirai, with a small smile on his face, said. "Didn't you always want to meet your father, Naruto?"
Mirai gently nudged Naruto forward, advising. "Go on, Naruto. He's been waiting to meet you too."
Naruto, still in a state of disbelief, took a step closer to Minato. "Are you really… my dad? The Fourth Hokage?"
Minato nodded, his smile warm and reassuring. "Yes, Naruto. I'm your father."
Tears welled up in Naruto's eyes. "I've always wanted to meet you. I've always wanted to know you."
Minato pulled him in a gentle warm embrace. "And I've always wanted to be here for you, Naruto. I'm sorry for all the lonely years you had to bear because of me."
Naruto wiped his tears and, with a determined voice, replied. "It's okay. I have Uncle Mirai now, and I'm not lonely anymore." His reply earning a smile from both the brothers.
Minato spoke while still hugging Naruto. "You're really a strong boy. I'm so proud of you, Naruto. Your mother and I love you very much."
Naruto in response hugged Minato tightly, muttered shyly. "I want to be a hero like you and get recognized by everyone. I want to become Hokage."
Minato's eyes glimmered. "I believe that you will achieve your dream undoubtedly, as you carry both my will and your mom's will."
Turning his head, Minato's expression turned serious as he warned Mirai about the masked man. "Mirai, be wary of Uchiha Madara." He began, his voice tinged with concern. "He's a dangerous opponent with ambitions that threaten everything we hold dear."
Mirai nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll be vigilant."
Minato continued, his voice filled with regret. "It saddens me deeply that I couldn't be here to protect Naruto and fight by your side, Mirai."
Minato turned to Naruto. "I believe in both of you." He said firmly. "Mirai, I'm leaving the rest to you."
With a determined expression, Mirai replied, "Naruto is family to me. I'll take care of him as if he were my own."
Minato's shoulders relaxed slightly, reassured by Mirai's commitment. "Thank you, Mirai."
As Minato's body began to shine golden and fade, Naruto stood there, stunned and hesitant. "D-dad?" He asked, his voice trembling with disbelief.
Mirai had anticipated this moment, but it still weighed heavily on his heart.
Minato glanced down at his fading form, a gentle smile on his face. "I guess it's about time. My chakra has run out." He explained calmly.
Turning to Naruto, Minato gently ruffled his hair. "I'll always be with you, son." He reassured Naruto, his voice filled with warmth. "Always supporting you. Remember what I said? You have my will and your mother's inside you."
Naruto could only nod, tears streaming down his cheeks as he muttered in agreement. "Hmm…"
Minato, his form fading more with each passing moment, looked at both Naruto and Mirai for a final time. In his heart, he silently expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, for both being my son and brother… Naruto, Mirai."
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