Naruto : Minato back to the past

The relationship between Minato and the Nine-Tails was complicated—an entanglement of hatred, dependence, and unspoken understanding. They had crossed time and space together, bound by fate for over a decade. Now, despite the history of enmity between them, Minato found himself genuinely grateful to the Nine-Tails.

Deep within his soul, the great beast heard his silent gratitude. Its massive, vertical pupils flickered with a strange light, unreadable yet contemplative.

Minato turned his attention back to the battlefield's aftermath. "Since the Three-Tails has perished along with its Jinchūriki, how long will it take for it to be resurrected?" he asked.

The beast had fallen within the Land of Fire's borders. If there was an opportunity, he would not hesitate to capture it. Whether it was to ensure the safety of the civilians or to weaken Kirigakure's military strength, securing the Three-Tails was a move worth considering.

However, Minato lacked knowledge about the specific conditions and time frame required for a tailed beast's resurrection. He cast a glance inward, awaiting a response from the Kyuubi.

At first, there was only silence.

Minato wasn't surprised. He didn't expect the Nine-Tails to be cooperative—especially when it concerned the capture of another tailed beast. The creatures shared a certain kinship, and betrayal was not in their nature.

Yet, to his surprise, the Nine-Tails scoffed almost immediately.

"Hmph. You think I don't know what you're scheming?" Its deep, rumbling voice echoed through Minato's consciousness. "Whether those other fools are dead or alive has nothing to do with me."

Minato remained silent, letting the fox continue.

"The resurrection of a tailed beast isn't as simple as you imagine," the Nine-Tails explained. "Even if the Three-Tails perished here, its chakra will scatter to avoid being easily captured by humans. It may drift through the world, floating in the ether, searching for a safe place before it reforms."

Minato's brows furrowed slightly. "So you're saying the Three-Tails itself determines where and when it will be reborn?"

"Precisely," the beast snorted. "If you think you can predict its resurrection and lay a trap, you should abandon that naive idea."

Minato absorbed this new information. It was unexpected, yet it made sense. The tailed beasts had always been shrouded in mystery, and much of their true nature remained unknown to humans. Even as the Fourth Hokage, there were things he was only beginning to understand.

For now, the idea of capturing the Three-Tails was no longer viable. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, the creature's power, while significant, was not irreplaceable. The real threat lay elsewhere.

His thoughts shifted back to the recent events—Rin's death, Kakashi's injuries, and the hidden hand manipulating everything from the shadows. The Wood Release user, the mysterious force behind Kirigakure's movements… all of these pointed to one unsettling conclusion.

Kirigakure was being controlled.

Minato's sharp blue eyes narrowed. "It looks like I'll need to visit Kirigakure myself."

But now was not the right time.

The Third Shinobi World War had just ended, and the fragile peace between the five great nations was hanging by a thread. Any rash moves could tip the balance and reignite hostilities. Moreover, whoever was behind this had anticipated that Minato would take notice. This was a calculated act. If he made a move too soon, he could be walking into a trap.

A faint memory surfaced—a night Minato knew all too well. The masked figure, the crimson Sharingan, the chaos that had yet to unfold.

Would he appear in Konoha again?

Minato clenched his fists. Whoever this enemy was, he had already placed them on his list of threats that needed to be eliminated. This battle was inevitable.

Suppressing his thoughts for now, Minato turned away, his gaze falling on the door behind him. He could sense her presence—Kushina. She had been standing there all along, waiting for him.

He wiped the dampness from his cheeks before pushing the door open.

Kushina stood there, her face creased with worry. The tension in her brow softened as their eyes met.

"I'm sorry for making you worry," Minato whispered, his voice carrying both exhaustion and affection.

Kushina shook her head. "No, Minato… it's your responsibility. I know that." Her voice was gentle but firm. "I know everything."

Minato felt his breath hitch. She always knew. She always understood him better than anyone else.

Nothing had changed between them—neither in the past nor now.

His blue eyes flickered with emotion as he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her. Kushina responded instantly, holding him tightly.

"You're not alone in this," she murmured against his shoulder. "Whatever happened with Obito and Rin… it's not your fault. You did everything you could."

Minato opened his mouth to speak, but Kushina cut him off.

"I know what you're thinking," she whispered. "You blame yourself, don't you? You feel guilty."

Minato remained silent.

"But I want you to know that no matter what happens, you're not alone. Let me bear this with you. Okay?"

Her voice wavered slightly, emotions threatening to spill over. Minato felt her grip tighten around him.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting the warmth of her presence ground him.

Finally, he let out a slow breath and whispered, "I understand. Thank you."

The news of the Third Raikage's death spread quickly, sending ripples throughout the ninja world.

Kumo's forces, who had been engaged with Konoha on various battlefields, withdrew as soon as the confirmation reached them. They knew that continuing the war any further was a lost cause.

The Third Shinobi World War, which had raged for over half a year, had finally come to an end.

It was Konoha's absolute victory.

But there was no celebration.

The returning Konoha forces were met with solemnity rather than joy. Too many had perished. Too many names had been carved into stone.

A few days after the war ended, Konoha's memorial monument was updated, bearing the names of those who had sacrificed their lives for their village.

On this day, the Third Hokage led a silent procession. Dozens of shinobi stood before the black stone tablet, heads bowed in mourning.

Among them stood Minato, Kushina, Might Guy, Shisui, and the Hyuga brothers, Hiashi and Hizashi. Each of them gazed upon different names—names that carried personal meaning, names of comrades lost to war.

Kakashi, having just been discharged from the hospital, arrived with his father, Sakumo, and his mother, Suzuka.

His silver-haired head tilted upward as his sharp gaze settled on two familiar names.

Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin.

His fingers curled into tight fists at his sides.

Sensing his distress, Minato placed a reassuring hand on his student's shoulder. Kakashi lifted his head, meeting his teacher's gaze. Within those blue eyes was an emotion Kakashi couldn't quite decipher.

Kushina, standing beside them, quietly reached for Minato's hand.

Minato looked around him—at the people who meant the world to him.

A silent promise formed in his heart.

No matter who you are… I won't let you hurt them again.

The war had ended, but for Minato, the real battle had only just begun.

Unbeknownst to the grieving village, a lone figure stood atop a stone pillar, silently observing Konoha from above.

Clad in a black cloak, his presence went unnoticed. From this vantage point, his scarlet eyes peered through a mask, watching the village below.

A slow, mocking chuckle echoed in his mind.

"What a pitiful sight. All they can do now is cling to their dead and mourn."

"What's the point in preserving a village like this… a world like this?"

His fingers twitched slightly, and before long, the space around him twisted and distorted. A spiraling vortex formed, swallowing him whole.

In the next instant, he was gone.

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