Namikaze Minato: Life and Love in the New World

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Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me, it belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

The winds seemed to flutter as the leaves breezed past with a graceful loop; the sun's rays eventually pinning them to the green grassy patch of earth; the sweet scent of the forest mingling with the homey smell of the dirt.

This was home. The home he had grown up all his life. With the grand, carved faces of the Hokages engraved onto the stone mountain watching over them, and the bustle of the streets filled with merchants and shops, food, and the laughter of children, this was home. Konohagakure no sato, The village hidden in the leaves. Befitting his name, his home was surrounded by thousands of trees of all types, spruce, pine, evergreen, tropical, some even sporting vines. To Namikaze Minato, the genius of Konoha, the boy who made Jounin at age 13, this was home. Nothing would ever compare with this undeniably familiar scent.

Standing in the grassy field of training ground 19, Minato took in a deep breath.

It was barely 7 in the morning, and yet he was fully dressed and awake. His hair in the mess that it was always in, his piercingly blue eyes was closed. The winds tousled his hair and caressed his cheeks. Even the air seemed to take delight in Minato's handsome features. His smooth, lightly tanned skin stretched over a well-shaped jawline, and his nose was positioned in just the right spot, and his eyes not too far apart nor too close together. That and his glinting hair that fell almost carelessly over the sides of his face, and the deep, soul-searching blue eyes of his blew all the women off their feet. Despite the fact that he was only 14, all sorts of women seemed to come after him, which in most cases, it was quite disturbing, as Minato did not take kindly to women over eighty blushing at him in the streets of Konoha, nor did he enjoy women's attention any of the time.

He felt uncomfortable under all those heated gazes, and frankly, all of them looked alike to him. He only remembered their names out of courtesy, but in truth, he didn't really care to differentiate. In truth, he was just naturally shy around the opposite sex. The only exceptions were Tsunade, his sensei's teammate, his student Rin, and a few others who were close to him. Groaning internally, he remembered that he was supposed to meet with his team today, and right now he just did not feel like putting up with Obito and Kakashi's bickering.

'Ugh, do I really have to do this today? I have a freakin migraine..' thought Minato, his palm pressing against his forehead. His head tilted back until he was facing the sun head on, and he squinted into the bright light. Even if he was a Jounin, and a sensei at that, he was still a teenager, and sometimes he just wanted a break. His two students, Uchiha Obito and Hatake Kakashi, were far from ever being a break. Hell, they never took a BREAK in their stupid little fights about nothing! But then again, what can you expect when your students are from two GENIUS clans of Konoha? It didn't help that both boys were exceedingly arrogant at the same time. Well, Obito isn't that arrogant, but if you think about it, he has a tendency to think very highly of himself. In addition, he writes checks that his body can't cash.

Similarly, Kakashi puts himself very highly, although his style is much more obvious and flagrant than Obito's...and unlike his loudmouthed teammate, Kakashi can actually back up what he says, being a killer genius that became a chuunin at 6 years old. However, neither of them are very fond of each other, and only Rin can try and buff up their edges. Groaning, Minato rubbed the back of his neck and let out a breath that he hadn't know he was holding. Suddenly he heard a chuckle behind him.

"Minato, you seem quite tired," said Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Sandaime Hokage of the village. Known as the "Professor," this man was very respected in all corners of the ninja world. Turning around, Minato saw the great leader smiling kindly at him a few feet back. With his pipe in his mouth, and wrinkles adorning his face, the middle aged ninja let out a few streams of smoke. "You look as if you have a headache...is something the matter?" he asked.

"H-hokage-sama!" Minato stuttered. "n-no, nothing is wrong." running a hand sheepishly through his hair, he gave a unsure smile to Sarutobi.

Silently, Sarutobi contemplated the look on Minato's face.

"It's like he's ashamed of what he was thinking," he noted, his keen ninja senses coming into effect. "but no matter, I have more important things to discuss with him right now." he concluded, and walked over next to Minato. Close up, he saw how tall the boy had gotten. It seemed just like yesterday when Minato had first opted to become a ninja—that was when they had first met. Minato had been an orphan, not having anyone to care for him all his life. Truthfully, Sarutobi pitied him; in this peaceful village, there were still some sad lives occupying its homes. However, instead of brooding, or moping, at least, this boy turned out to be like the sun, always smiling brightly and striving to be the best in all that he did.

He bested his peers in the ninja arts, became Chuunin at age 12, and became Jounin barely a year after. Even when he had come to situations where he had to kill, the boy never lost his shine, and was always honest, devoted, and kind. He was also modest, always putting down his skills like they still had a long way to go. Well actually, he did have a long way to go, as it turned out his skills were still far from crashing into that wall of limit.

Slowly approaching the blonde boy, Sarutobi gave him a deep, thoughtful look. "Minato," he finally stated,

"Hai, Hokage-sama?" Minato answered, wondering what Sarutobi wanted to say.

"Do you ever miss your parents?" Sarutobi asked, eying Minato's reaction.

Minato paused. The aged leader's question was quite unexpected. Did he miss his parents? He didn't know. They had passed away when he was only two, which was hardly enough time for anyone to get to know their family. Hey, he doesn't even really recall their faces. But as he speculated, he knew, that deep within his heart, there was a hole that could never be covered up by his comrades or friends. He sadly smiled, "In a way, I do." he said. "but..I didn't know them much, so it's not so bad." he stared down at his feet.

Looking at Minato droop his head in silent thought, the Hokage internally sighed. At the same time, he felt affirmation for what he was about to do. Sarutobi's only hesitation was that Minato might not take well to this sudden notice. As such, he approached the blonde Jounin in a calm, reassuring manner.

"Minato, what do you know...about the Uzumaki?" he tentatively asked.

Minato's head popped up. "The Uzumaki? I've never heard of them. Are they a ninja clan?" he asked, tilting his head a few degrees in a puzzled expression. Wondering why the Hokage brought this up, Minato scratched his head in deep pondering. "Why do you ask Hokage-sama?"

Staring calmly into the bottomless eyes of the young man, Sarutobi took a deep breath.

"Minato, I have an order for you. It is for you only and it will be ranked an A rank. It will take over a long period of time and it will be difficult. Will you do it?"

"Hokage-sama, if it's an order from you, of course I will do it. I am obligated as a ninja of this village to serve you and the requests that clients put in," Minato replied, a bit confused to why the respectable leader was asking him such an obvious question.

"No Minato. I want you to look at me in the eye and answer me this. This mission is for you only and it will take a very long time to complete. Perhaps even more than 10 years," the elder stated, carefully looking for any signs of response in the young Jounin's eyes.

'Only I can do it? What does this mean?' Minato thought. The young Jounin warily glanced over at the aging man. Out of all the missions he had done in his life, this was far the strangest. And it was only an A rank; he had done S rank missions before with his sensei, infiltrating enemy villages and acting as spies. "I'm not sure what you mean Hokage-sama," Minato finally said, looking up into Sarutobi's gray eyes. "I can tell that this mission is of great importance, yet you are not telling me the details," Minato looked down again. "I have already told you that whatever mission it is, I will do it," Taking in a deep breath, then letting it out, he turned his well toned, muscular body to fully face the leader. "Please trust me on this Hokage-sama. I believe that whatever mission it is, I am able to do it. And like you said, if it's only something I can do, then, I am all the more for this mission."

Sarutobi saw how Minato spoke with certainty and little hesitation. He inwardly chuckled, the boy was just like Jiraiya in some parts. This recklessness and youthful determination was exactly the same.

'if only Jiraiya would act with more "mature determination," then Tsunade wouldn't have to beat him up so much,' the leader thought humorously. He decided to continue, "Minato, as you've probably already guessed, this mission has to do with the Uzumaki clan."

"Is it an infiltration mission?" narrowing his cold blue eyes, Minato leaned in closer to Sarutobi.

"Sharp as ever, but no, this is not an infiltration mission, nor will you be acting as a spy," puffing on his pipe, the leader grinned at the young Jounin. "your duties will be similar though, you will be learning all that you can from this clan," Sarutobi let out a stream of smoke.

Confused, Minato asked, "If I am to glean whatever I can from this clan, then how is it not an infiltration mission, Hokage-sama?"

Watching the boy's expression, Sarutobi couldn't help but chuckle out loud, quite startling the Jounin.

"Why don't I explain more about the Uzumaki first, eh Minato?" Sarutobi said, eyes gleaming, and sparkling with mischievous anticipation. Minato tilted his head in curiosity. "The Uzumaki are, so to speak, one of the most noble clans that I know." Minato's eyes widened. To speak of a foreign clan with such reverence was unheard of. This clan that has the great Professor's respect, must truly be great.

"They are not a ninja clan, yet, they are a ninja clan," the Professor continued his ambiguous explanation. "You see, the Uzumaki are the great connoisseurs of the arts, of music, dancing, acting, singing, speaking, and lastly, fighting." Minato became more and more enraptured as he listened to Sarutobi's voice. Whoever these "Uzumaki" were, they certainly sounded interesting. "I am sure that all kenjutsu masters of this village has heard their name at least once. They are known for their amazing skill with the sword—note that I said sword, not a katana. You see, the Uzumaki aren't -well, they aren't Japanese, like all ninja are—like you and I both are."

"What?!" But I thought that all inhabitants of the elemental countries were from the same descent—don't we all come from the ancient Japanese that used to inhabit the continents? They gave us our culture and tradition as well as language, style, food--" hearing Minato rant on and on and on, Sarutobi decided to interrupt.

"Yes, but remember Minato, I said that they were ninja, but at the same time, not quite ninja, correct?"

Minato nodded, not quite grasping it all—honestly, people who weren't Japanese? He'd never heard of such a thing! Although the elemental nations were separated by their own greed for power and their geographical/political conflicts, in the end, everyone was one and the same. That was why even in Tea country, you still speak and wear the same kind of clothing you might wear in Fire country.

Not taking notice of the blonde boy's ponderings, Sarutobi continued. "You see, they are not Japanese, rather, they are Korean. For that reason, they have different cultures, different traditions, and a different language, though they all speak perfect Japanese,"Sarutobi paused to see how Minato was taking in all this. The said boy still looked quite shocked, but he looked well enough to keep on listening. "Other than that, they are all very bright, each with a quick thinking, fast-paced mind. Much like you, Minato."

"L-like me?" Minato asked, still quite unable to comprehend it all. Sarutobi smiled for the thousandth time that morning. His eyes danced and the barely forming crows feet under them seemed to twitch in enjoyment.

"Yes, Minato, you are just like the Uzumaki. Witty. Capable. Brilliant. Not to mention your bright soul and kind nature reflects that of the their clan. This is one of the main reasons you are the one suited for this task. Your overall similarity with them." Sarutobi made a mental note to tell Minato later of their physical differences though.

"Then what is the other reason Hokage-sama?" Minato inquired, his curious nature taking over. His blue eyes held that sort of inquiry in them that penetrated a person's heart. Nonetheless, the great Hokage wasn't affected, rather, Sarutobi paused out of confusion to what he would say to the boy. He wanted Minato to know the true reason why he picked him, but at the same time, he didn't want to get personal. Also, if spoken in the wrong words and tone, his reason may end up sounding like an accusation..and that was something he definitely wanted to avoid.

Carefully, he chose his words. "The other reason is.....because you are an orphan Minato," after a long while, Sarutobi said gravely, "you are an orphan, one who didn't ever have a chance to get to know his family, know the love and bonds that come with parents, with siblings, and with relatives."

"I considered you the most suited for this mission because of your.. special position. This mission will allow you to have that experience of being surrounded by family, to be loved by those around you, to actually feel that bond between siblings."

"Minato, your mission is to live with the Uzumaki, and to learn all that they have to offer you, and become part of their family as one of their sons." Sarutobi stated, unsure of Minato's reaction. After all, this was quite abrupt, and he didn't know how this information would affect the young teenager.

"You want me to...to live with the Uzumaki?" Minato asked, even more stunned than before. Did Hokage-sama really want that? To send him away, when he had a team to lead? When he was one of their most prominent Jounin? When he was the apprentice of Sannin Jiraiya himself? To learn..Music?

"Yes, Minato, that is correct. Like I've said, this mission will take years, perhaps even more than 10 years. Are you still up for this?" the Hokage asked, sounding hopeful. On the other hand, Minato was still unsure, he didn't know what to do. Attempting to maintain a calm facade, he struggled with his emotions, finally pulling them into rein.

"Hokage-sama, I—"

"Let me say this Minato, if you go, then it will no doubt assist you greatly in your quest to become Hokage," the leader threw in, watching the Jounin's eye's widen slightly. 'hmm, how about this?' he thought, "Also, if you go, I promise that you will not regret it—you will have the time of your life there; and of course, you will be receiving the A rank's pay every month, as it is that this is a prolonged mission," Sarutobi hurriedly concluded.

Looking at the older man, Minato couldn't help but smirk slightly. So the Hokage was worried that he might refuse eh? Well, that was one factor he never did have to worry about, so why start now?

"Hokage-sama, you needn't worry. I have already told you that I will be accepting this mission, and my answer has not changed. I will be taking up your request to live with the Uzumaki." Minato assured the man, and his smirk grew as he saw the Hokage's shoulders visibly relax with his reply.

"Excellent! Minato, you do not know how pleased I am with your answer! Trust me on this that you will most definitely not regret this!" the Hokage literally whooped with joy. "Now then, let's continue with some more background information about the Uzumaki. You see, they are-"

"Umm, please excuse me but, I have a question." Minato said, cutting the man off.

"Yes, what is it? Asked Sarutobi, not minding at all that the boy interrupted him (he was still very happy Minato accepted)

"The Uzumaki..are they fine with sharing their secrets with me? I mean, aren't most clans very secretive about their power and abilities? Do they really want me to be with them?" Minato asked, uncertainty coloring his voice. His claim was indeed logical. Most clans refused to let anyone outside their family to gain knowledge about their abilities and techniques. So who said that the Uzumaki are any different?

Sarutobi grinned, very much unlike his elderly, wise demeanor. Instead, he was now more like a younger boy, relieving the old days of fun and excitement and rose-colored innocence. As if he wasn't the most powerful ninja of all time, but instead a tricky little boy wanting to play.

"Now, that was something I was just about to talk about. You see, Minato, the head of the clan, Uzumaki Naoki, is a dear friend of mine," Sarutobi juggled his eyebrow in happiness. "the two of us have been through much, both going through many ordeals and life-threatening situations. However, that only served to thicken our bonds and strengthen our ties as friends," looking up at the now high sun, he went on, "We first met when I was still leading the legendary Sannin as Genin, which was a very long time ago." Hearing Minato gasp, he laughed out loud lightheartedly. "He had been on a training expedition around the Ninja World, and only stayed for a few months before he left, back to his home. But then few months later, he came back, and the process repeated itself for a few times. We both helped each other grow, and continued to improve ourselves. He was the one who helped me eventually win the title of the 'Professor.' those days were during the prime of my life."

"Wait, if he 'visited' the ninja world, then 'left,' does that mean..?"

"Yes, you are correct in you assumption. The Uzumaki do not live in the same world as we do. They live in a separate world that is neighboring ours. A world that does not have ninjas." Minato's eyes began to bug out. He didn't even know that was possible.

"How—how is that---Possible?!" he spat out in utter indignation. He suddenly began to suspect that the man was playing with him.
"Minato, listen to me when I say that there are some occurrences in the world that cannot be explained. You simply have to believe," stated the Hokage. "Will you please allow me to continue?" he asked.

Nodding, Minato shut his mouth and tried to clear his head. The original migraine that he had was not helping. All this information that he received this morning was bombarding his head like a nuclear explosion. Unknown to Sarutobi, he kept on talking.

"The Uzumaki holds a very special contract. It is very much like a summons contract, only this one only allows Uzumakis to sign it. The only exception is when an outsider is given a special dagger that can penetrate the realm between the two worlds through a separate contract that has an Uzumaki and the wielder's blood mixed together. This allows only that person to be able to use it to open the gate to the next world, and that person only. This way, it prevents mishaps to occur concerning evil men crossing over to the other side and creating havoc. I have been given such a dagger due to my friendship with Naoki, and believe me Minato, I will never do such a thing as open the gate and lead the shinobi to the other side on road for conquest. Although Danzo and the other council member might think differently, the size of the country the Uzumaki live in is greater than all the 5 great nations put together." Once again, Minato's eyes bugged out.

"doing so would not only betray the trust Naoki has for me, but also be very foolish and leading all shinobi to an early death."

"What is that country called?" Minato asked, brimming with questions and queries about this strange, exotic land. Sarutobi's eyes sparkled.

"It is called America, or more accurately, the United States of America." the Hokage announced grandly, "The Uzumaki live in the western side of that country, in a state called California. You will learn more about them once you get there. I have visited their home several times, and I am on good terms with Naoki's children. They are surely one of the most unique, and kind people you'll ever come across Minato. The bond you will form with them will last an eternity." Sarutobi was almost gleeful. "I have not, however, been to their house very recently. This arrangement between me and Naoki was made when he came to my office to say hello a few days ago. I'm sure all of his children are all grown up now. They will be in your age group, so do not worry about being the youngest of the family."

Sarutobi was actually extremely happy with this outcome. He knew, that with the Uzumaki's contagious laughter and warmth, Minato would be able to have that family he never had...and just the thought of the boy laughing with the crowd, being hugged, being cherished, warmed his heart to the fullest. He'd always thought of Minato as one of his sons anyway, although his perverted student hated it when he ever brought something like that up—Jiraiya was surprisingly jealous when it came to his prize student.

After all, Jiraiya thought of Minato as HIS son, not Sarutobi or any others. Sarutobi wondered how his student would react when told of Minato's mission..and how long it will take. He sighed mentally. He knew Jiraiya wouldn't take this easily. But nevertheless, it had to be done. Not only will this be a valuable chance to improve upon Minato's skills, but also a chance to have some of the Uzumaki's skill applied to the entire village in general.

Minato, on the other hand, was thinking deep about his soon approaching future. In a strange peculiar way, his heart tingled whenever he thought of having a real family. One that he would live with. One he would share secrets with. One that he would eat together, laugh together, have fun, arrange parties, play tricks....his mind drifted off to his sensei. Jiraiya, what would he think? No doubt, Jiraiya was closest he ever had to a father. Of course, this mission wouldn't replace his sensei, ever. No matter what sort of relationship he ended up with, nothing would ever replace him.

The talk he had today with the Hokage gave him a general gist of the Uzumaki, but he'd have to see it for himself when he actually meets them....come to think of it, how is he going to explain all this to Jiraiya and his students? And the time...."OH SHOOT!" Minato screamed, looking at his watch. Sarutobi jumped, his ninja senses kicking in.

"What's wrong?! What's going on!?" reflexively, he pulled out a kunai, searching for the source of the danger.

"Oh, --its nothing. Eh, sorry Hokage-sama, I sorta, uh, just remembered that I'm supposed to meet with

my team in about 5 minutes, and I haven't got a clue to how I'm going to explain all this to them. And to sensei too! How am I going to explain this to him?" clearly agitated, Minato wrung his hands.

"Don't worry about Jiraiya—I'll talk to him." Sarutobi said the last part grudgingly. To be honest, he too had no idea whatsoever how to explain this to his hyperactive, if not slightly insane student. Hopefully, things would go well. "oh yes, I forgot to mention this, but, Minato, you will be leaving in 2 days. Notify your team of this fact and be sure to pack everything you have. You will be gone for a long time, and I know you wouldn't want to leave any of your precious things behind."

"Hai, Hokage-sama," Minato replied. "I promise to work to the best of my ability, and return with much more to me than now."

"Exactly what I expect of you my boy. But then of course, you won't be gone forever, I will arrange it so that you can visit once in a while, and I will talk to Naoki about sending your team there sometimes. Oh, and Jiraiya too. He will most likely be very put out with me if I do not send him."

Laughing, Minato agreed. His former tension about the mission was nearly gone. He still had a bunch a nervousness and anxiety in him though. He wondered how the Uzumaki would treat him, or how he should treat them.

As of now, he would focus on trying to come up with an explanation for his psychotic team...speak of the devil, they will be here in 5......

4......

3......

2......

1......

SENSEI!!!!

Hello all, this is Hulkishpower. This is my first time trying to write a fanfic, and I hope it's at least satisfactory. Please feel free to critique and advise/ review.

I know that there are a lot of gaps in this first chapter that could've been more rounded out. Also, if you see any grammatical mistakes, please correct me. Thank you and stay tuned till the next chapter!

-Hulkishpower