It was a rainy day in Konohagakure, also known as the Hidden Leaf Village. And for some unknown reason it had been raining non-stop for 3 days.
Naruto Uzumaki is only 5 years old, and has been an orphan since the day he was born.
He has sunny blonde spiky hair, violet purple eyes, and 3 whisker marks on each cheek.
He is now sitting all alone in his small single bedroom, at the orphanage he has been staying at. Watching outside from his window to see another child being adopted this week, besides him.
As a fellow orphan, he should be happy for the child that was being adopted into a happy looking family. But instead, his young heart is filled with sadness, as the child that is being adopted only came to the orphanage a few years after him.
He did not know why, but for some reason, he was always overlooked by every single parent that came. Those who spared him a glance, just gave him a look of fear and hate.
He never felt so lonely and so unwanted in his entire life.
"I just don't understand. What am I doing wrong?" Naruto asked himself, with tears threatening to fall from his eyes.
Then a gentle knock came from his door, and enter the Caretaker of the Orphanage.
"Naruto-kun? Are you alright?" the caretaker asked with concern in her voice, as Naruto wipe his tears away.
"I'm fine, Mother Nonō. How are you?" he ask politely back with a fake smile to cover up his immense sadness.
The Caretaker now identified as Nonō Yakushi, is able to see right through his fake smile and her heart immediately breaks for him.
Nonō was a former ROOT ANBU who became a Jōnin in the regular forces, and a captain of the Medic Corps, and eventually the caretaker at the village's orphanage. She is probably the only person in the orphanage that showed genuine kindness to the young Uzumaki.
"Naruto-kun, you don't have do that. I have seen too many fake smiles to last me a lifetime." She told him sweetly and gently.
"You know you can always tell me anything. You don't always have to be strong." She said with a sad smile.
Naruto looked into her kind caring eyes, and could not hide his sadness any longer. He finally let go of his tears and ran up to her, engulfing her with a tight hug, as she gladly returns it. She knelt down to his size, as he continues to cry on her shoulder. She whispers sweet and reassuring words to his ear, and gently stroking his back.
"Why doesn't anyone want me Mother Nonō? Why do they always look at me like I'm dangerous? Why am I not good enough?" his words were filled with pain and sadness as he says them between his sobs.
Nonō's heart continues to break for the small boy. As a former shinobi of Konoha, she knows full well why he is being treated so badly. She knew of his burden, but could not tell him. As it is considered forbidden by the Third Hokage.
She just could not understand the harsh unjustified treatment of the sweet boy who is crying in her arms, is constantly receiving from other adults. She absolutely adores Naruto and wanted nothing more but the best for him. But she still has to play the ignorant role, not just for the sake of the law, but for his.
"You are a wonderful boy Naruto-kun, and you should NEVER think that you aren't good enough. I know you are destined for great things. And I know that you will one day find those who are precious to you. And when you find them, they will fill your heart with love, and that love will only make you stronger than you already are, my sweet little boy". She said this with a motherly tone as she looked straight into his beautiful violet eyes and wiping away his tears.
Naruto could feel the motherly love he is receiving from Nonō, and could not help but smile at her. His smile was so bright and infectious that she could not help but return the smile.
"Thank you, Mother Nonō. I hope you know, that you are one of my precious people too." Naruto says with another bright smile.
Nonō was so happy to hear that she is important to Naruto, as she feels the same way for him.
As she was about to leave, she finally remembered the main reason why she came to Naruto's room in the first place.
She searches in the pocket of her robe, until she finally found what she was looking for. A present!
Naruto was now full of joy when Nono handed him the beautifully wrapped present. As he unwraps it, Naruto was completely speechless when he saw what it was.
A framed picture of Nonō holding him lovingly when he was 3 years old.
Naruto felt tears coming out of eyes once more, but these weren't like the last. These were tears of pure joy. He once again engulfs Nonō with another big hug.
"Thank you, Mother Nonō" he whispered happily into her ear.
"You're welcome.....and Happy Birthday, Naruto-kun" she whispered sweetly into his ear.
All of the sudden, the long rain has finally stop pouring down.
When everyone thought the cloudy days are finally over, and the sun will soon shine the tree filled village once again, something 'unexpected' happened instead.
BACK IN KONOHA - HOKAGE'S OFFICE
Hiruzen Sarutobi is a War Veteran who participated in not One, not Two, but all Three Great Shinobi World War. He is known as 'The Professor' for his unrivalled wisdom and knowledge, and 'The God of Shinobi' for his unmatched power and skills.
Aside from the well-earned titles, he is a man of peace. He loves his village and the people within.
He was the apprentice of the First and Second Hokage. While the Second, Tobirama Senju, was his true master, he holds the First's, Hashirama Senju's philosophy of the "Will of Fire" true to his heart.
It is the belief that love is the key to peace, and states that the entire village is like a large family unit and every Konoha shinobi with the Will of Fire loves, believes, cherishes, and fights to protect the village, as previous generations had done before them.
But no matter how strong he is, like everyone else, he is a slave to time. Old age has finally set on him, but he will be damned if he would let that interfere with his duties. While the villagers love and respect him, there are those who now see him as frail and soft. Especially his Advisors, particularly one Danzo Shimura.
Danzo is a War-hawk, who would occasionally undermine Hiruzen's peaceful way of ruling the village. He does not share Hiruzen's or Hashirama's beliefs, instead believing that Konohagakure should be Superior to the other Hidden Villages, and that shinobi should not have emotions, as they are nothing but tools for the greater good.
While Hiruzen has half-a-mind to strip Danzo of his position and power, Danzo still brings results, as his Anbu Division known as ROOT, were able to do the 'dirty assignments' that many of his regular Leaf Shinobi could not stomach for.
While Hiruzen had ordered Danzo to disband ROOT, which in paper he did, but the Old Hokage is not so naïve to believe that his 'old friend' would simply do as he says, and suspects that the rogue division is still running behind his back. But he needed evidence.
Hiruzen is sighing, as he is now completely exhausted from every Kage's greatest enemy; Paperwork.
Most of the paperwork are requests from the villagers regarding leases for opening up new stores, mission reports, and money loans etc.
But some of the paperwork came from Danzo, requesting to "draft" certain children into his ANBU division. Particularly Clan children. But the one he is most interested in, is the latest Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tail Fox, Naruto Uzumaki.
Hiruzen immediately rejects the request and made a mental note to check on Naruto soon, and warn the Clan Heads of his advisor's intentions.
If Danzo attempts to forcefully "draft" any children, it will give him enough reason to finally imprison or execute his 'old friend'.
Thinking of Naruto made him feel sad and regretful, as he has not seen the kind little boy all year due to his busy schedule. Hiruzen acknowledged it is a pitiful excuse, as he sees the boy as a precious grandson-figure and could have at least visit him now and then.
But after finally remembering that today is Naruto's birthday, it made the old Hokage even more sadder and disappointed in himself.
As he looked outside the window and noticing the long rain has finally stopped, he gives a questioning look for the sudden change of weather, until it happened.
His eyes were widened, when the Rain has now been replaced by Snow. Not stormy snow, but the calming feeling when the first snow fell. He was in disbelief as it is only the middle of Autumn. But he then removes all thoughts of the suspicious weather.
"Maybe winter just came early this year." Hiruzen tried to rationalize.
But then he remembered something similar happened a long time ago.
"When Lord Hashirama passed away, Master Tobirama was depressed for days, until he finally pulled himself together, for the sake of the village needing its new Hokage. But between those times, I remembered it rain for days, just like earlier this week." He remembered, and another important thought came to mind.
"Also, when Master Tobirama was declared Missing for a several months during the First Great Shinobi World War, Snow started to fall in the middle of summer during the time he was missing, and the days after his death. He was last seen near the borders of the Land of Water, but he was never found, until he miraculously returns all by himself, safely and unharmed."
Hiruzen then finally remembers a certain 'personal information' that is never reported in the books, due to him being the only one knowing said info, and promised Tobirama that he would NEVER tell anyone.
"Master Tobirama told me, that he was gravely injured during his last battle against the Gold and Silver Brothers. He honestly thought that he was going to die that day, until he was founded by someone...unexpected". Hiruzen tried recall every bit of detail that Tobirama had explain to him.
FLASHBACK: THE MIDDLE OF THE FIRST GREAT SHINOBI WORLD WAR
Tobirama was awoken on a soft bed with his body covered in bandages. He looked around to see the house he is currently in. It was a small civilian hut, he assumed.
He is then greeted by a beautiful young woman, who looks at him with worry on her face.
Tobirama was obviously on guard, as he fears that he has been captured by enemy ninja.
But the first words that came out of the woman's mouth was something he did not expect.
"I.....am such an idiot." the woman said with a disappointed sigh.
Tobirama was caught off guard by her sudden declaration of herself, and asked her what she meant.
"Well let's see; I was walking back home, minding my own business, and suddenly I walked into the sight of a post-battleground. I can't tell if my luck is just getting worst, or God is just playing another bad joke on me. I told myself a hundred times, that I would not get involve with shinobi matters. I never really understood WHY this war is happening in the first place anyway. I was tempted to just ignore everything and walk away.....but.....when I saw you still breathing, and beaten half to hell, I guess I couldn't just let you die, when I could help."
The strange woman explained her honest reason, but Tobirama was still on guard with her, as he has every right to be so.
This girl could be playing him for a fool as far as he is concerned.
"Who are you?" he asked with squinted eyes as he is determined to know who the mysterious girl is.
"Isn't it rude to ask a lady her name before the gentlemen could give his. I wonder if this is how you treat all your lady-friends handsome." She asked crossing her arms under her busty chest, with a sarcastic tone and a smirk on her face.
Tobirama pouted a little to be out-witted so easily, and answers her.
"My name is Tobirama Senju, The Second Hokage of Konohagakure, Konoha's Water Dragon and Grand Commander of the Leaf Shinobi Battalion" he said with pride and a victorious smirk.
"Wow...must be difficult for you to write down that long-ass name huh" she said before giggling when she saw Tobirama turning his head away to hide his embarrass blush for being be out-witted once more by the strange girl.
"Tee-hee...nice to meet you, Tobirama-kun. My name is Akira Yuki. Owner of this little hut, self-proclaimed Ice Princess and Enemy off all Fishes." She said, mimicking his prideful boast of his titles with a bright smile.
This causes Tobirama to blush even more, especially to the 'kun' she added to his name.
Akira had long Sunny Blonde hair that reached down her waist, bright ocean blue eyes, fair skin and a fairly athletic yet feminine body that shows most of her amazing curves. Probably from all the manual labour she had to do alone around her house.
"Where am I exactly, Akira-chan, and DON'T say in your hut OR on this bed." He said quickly to prevent her from making any more smart-ass remarks.
She smiles as she realizes that her handsome patient already gets her, and blushes a bit for the 'chan' he added to her name.
She answers him honestly, as she could sense the urgency and worry in his voice.
"My hut is near the borders of the Land of Water. It took me at least 6 days to bring you hear from where I found you." She answered with a serious tone.
Tobirama then tries to get himself up from his bed, but he was still suffering from his injuries, then his efforts was stopped by Akira.
"Stop! Your wounds are still fresh and your body needs time to heal." She says with a concerned voice.
"I can't stay here, my shinobi...they need me, and I am their commander. The longer I stay, the more they are in danger" His tone was filled with worry, as he continues to try to get himself up.
"Tobirama-kun, if you continue like this you won't make it to them in one piece. Do you want to die before you can even help them?" She asked, as she looked straight into his vermillion eyes.
"No but..." Tobirama continues to try to justify his efforts, but Akira interrupted him.
"Do you trust your shinobi?" she asked simply.
"Y-Yes?" was all he could say.
"Do you trust them with the future of your village?" she asked.
"....Yes" was all he could say again.
"Then trust, that they will either find you, or carry on the war without you, at least for a while. There are times you have to realize, Tobirama-kun, that you cannot do everything all by yourself, and try to put your trust in others. Like a certain blonde for example." she said with gentle smile as she looked into his eyes again.
Tobirama was moved by her words, as they hold nothing but truth and wisdom. He could not help but feel his worries were slowly washing away as he looked at her gentle smile and bright ocean blue eyes.
He conceded and laid back down on his bed.
"How long do you think I will be able to travel again?" he asked with hope in his words.
"I'm no medical ninja or a doctor, but I can confidently say that you need at least 5 to 6 months minimum, to have around 80 percent of your strength back. You were practically near death's door when I found you." She said with a confident and assuring tone.
Tobirama wanted to argue that it would take too long, but he had to admit that what she said earlier was true.
He has to start relying on others, as his last battle showed him, that he wasn't invincible and couldn't protect everyone forever.
He has full confidence with his second in command and apprentice; Hiruzen Sarutobi, to temporary take his place. He wanted Hiruzen to be the next Hokage after all, so maybe he will use this as an opportunity to test Hiruzen's leadership skills.
As weeks turn to months, Tobirama is feeling slightly better, as he is able walk properly, and train his body to regain his strength back.
But he is still unable to travel long distance yet. Most of his time, he wanted to get to know the mysterious Akira Yuki better.
She eventually told him about her Clan and Kekkei Genkai known as the Hyoton, or Ice Style.
A very rare Nature Transformation that combines both Water and Wind affinity. She even demonstrate one of her jutsus, Ice Style: Winter Wonder Jutsu, by making Snow fall.
Tobirama was impressed, as Ice Style is known to be the second strongest Nature Transformation Kekkei Genkai.
Wood Style being the first, while Lava Style being third.
Akira also told him that she and her parents left the clan and Kirigakure, the Hidden Mist Village, years ago to get away from all the wars and endless violence against those with bloodlines.
Her parents eventually passed away when she was a teenager, and they are now buried just outside her hut. This obviously broke the blonde girl's heart, but her cheerful and positive attitude never wavered, and it was very infectious to the rugged White Haired Senju.
Akira reminded Tobirama so much of his late brother Hashirama. Except she is more of a smart-ass than Hashirama's goofy attitude. But the one thing they have the most in common, was their desire for peace and strong sense of love.
Tobirama always felt so calm and warm every time he was with her. And he just couldn't stop starring into her ocean blue eyes that he found so captivating. As if he would stare into them forever if he could. Maybe it is because blue is his favorite colour.
Or maybe it was something else.
Even Akira could not deny to herself that she found Tobirama very attractive. But she thinks his attitude is far too serious, a little challenging, and very blunt.
Which leads the pair to have constant innocent debates, regarding political and trivial matters. She finds their debates to be fun and enjoyable, and whenever she was able to make him laugh or smile, her heart literally skips a beat every time she sees it. And the same goes for Tobirama when it came to her.
Eventually they could not deny their attraction for each other any longer, and finally gave-in to their feelings of strong desire. Years of lost, hardship and loneliness that they both had to endure, was instantly washed away with one beautiful fateful night they shared, filled with passion and love. A love that was built from a short period of time and grew into something that would last forever.
It is now the EIGHTH MONTH of Tobirama's recovery and it is time for him to finally return to the war. He was fully recovered on the sixth month, but decided to stay for an extra two months just to be with Akira a little longer.
But eventually he had to re-fulfil his duties as the Hokage.
"Please....don't go, Tobirama-kun. It feels like our time together was too short, and where you'll be going, you might...." She begged him to stay with her, and was unable to finish her last sentence, as the thought terrifies her.
"I have to go, Akira-chan. I have been gone for far too long. And while I trust Hiruzen, I cannot let him carry this heavy burden all by himself, not while I still live." He said with sadness with his voice.
"But I can't lose you...WE can't lose you." She finished saying, while rubbing her one-month pregnant belly.
Tobirama was truly conflicted. He wanted nothing more but to be a father, and marry the beautiful woman standing before him. But he is also the Hokage, and as the Hokage he has many other people relying on him as well.
"You won't lose me. I am coming home to you and we will raise this child together. I will love you and this child for the rest of my life. We will always be together. I Promise." He said as he kissed her passionately, like it was the last one they will ever have.
As they finished their heated kiss, his forehead met hers, as he looked straight into her sad ocean blue eyes.
"Go to Konoha, and wait for me there. And if I....and if I can't be there....know that I love you and little Minato so much. I love you so damn much Akira-chan. And I hope you could forgive me" he says with tears threatening to fall from his eyes, as if he knows he couldn't keep his promise to her.
Tears started to fall down from Akira's eyes, as she could clearly see the pain and conflict within the man before her, the man she loves.
She would be completely devastated if Tobirama was killed. But....she understands that his people needed him too. She placed her soft hand on his cheek and gave him a reassuring smile so that he would not be conflicted any longer.
"You are Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage of Konohagakure, Konoha's Water Dragon and the Grand Commander of the Leaf Shinobi Battalion." She uses the same mock boasting tone he gave her when they first met, which put a smile on his face and made him laugh softly.
"I will always love you, Tobirama-kun, and of course I'll forgive you, dummy. B-But if you die a stupid death, I swear I will haunt your grave." This made them both laugh a little, before they look into each other's eyes lovingly again.
They shared one last sweet kiss and said their final goodbyes before Tobirama left in a hurry, fearing that if he didn't go now, he will never leave, and God knows he wanted to stay.
Little that they know, THAT was the last time they saw each other.
Akira arrived in Konohagakure after a month of travel. She was able to avoid all the battle-sites and arrived safely thanks to Tobirama's directions.
Since it was still war-time, she had to go through several procedures to verify that she is not an enemy spy or a threat. Once she was cleared they asked for her name.
Tobirama actually proposed to her during their seventh month together which of course she accepted.
But she still could not use the Senju name yet. She was tempted to use her Yuki clan name, but fear it could cause suspicion since her clan is from Kirigakure, which she would like to avoid any sort of unneeded attention.
She then remembers a bedtime story of a certain hero that her father once told her.
'A hero that could walk on the raging WAVES (Nami) of the ocean, and fly straight through the unforgiving WIND (Kaze) in the sky, using nothing but his will and body. A hero that was strong and brave'.
The hero always reminded her so much of Tobirama the more she thinks about it. She then remembers the hero's name and decided to adopt it.
"My name is Akira...Namikaze" she told the guard with a smile on her face, accepting her new identity.
After Four and a half months in Konoha, Akira is now living in a small house that she was able to afford and make a decent home out of it. Akira is still hopeful that Tobirama would still come home to her.
But 'Hope' can be a very dangerous thing to a person, as hers was completely shattered, when she heard the news, that her one true love Tobirama Senju...was killed in action.
For weeks, she could not stop the tears from escaping her eyes. As her feelings darken, snow started to fall and would not stop falling. She missed her Tobirama-kun every day.
She was proud that Tobirama died a Hero's death, risking his life so that his team could escape certain death from many enemies.
A part of her wanted to be angry at him, for willingly giving up his life so easily, and leaving her and their unborn son all alone. But then she remembers what kind of man Tobirama was. Behind the cold, calculative and tough facade, was a kind and gentle man who cares more for others than himself.
She will continue to love Tobirama till the end of her days, and honour his memory by raising their child; little Minato Namikaze, to be the best person he can be. If he shares his father's dream of being a ninja and eventually Hokage, then she will support him none the less. She will make sure that he will be strong enough to protect all those he will care about, just like his father.
Akira taught Minato everything he needed to know about his heritage. He is proud that his father was a good man and a great shinobi.
He even considered using his father's name, but decided otherwise, as he wanted to make a name for himself. So he decided to keep using his Namikaze surname.
Minato is practically a smaller male version of Akira. He has blonde hair like hers, but was spiky just like his father's. He has blue eyes, but was a little darker compare to hers. But the one detail that she loves most about her adorable blonde son, is his strong heart.
He is a kind and courages boy. Fierce yet gentle. Intelligent yet humble.
Minato eventually discovered that he has his mother's Hyoton Kekkei Genkai, but somehow he lacks control over them. He could only use low level Hyoton jutsus that he learned from his mother, but none of the highly advance ones.
It turns out that his Wind Affinity is too weak, thus not balancing out his very strong Water Affinity that he had inherited from his father.
But regardless, he still wanted to honour his father in some way. It took him years, but he eventually learned the Flying Raijin Jutsu but was able to use and mastered it in a way that his late-father could never dreamed of when he created that jutsu.
Years later, Akira eventually passed away from old age.
She was glad that she was able to meet her son's wonderful new girlfriend, Kushina Uzumaki, before she passed on. Kushina is a beautiful red-haired girl, and a strong talented kunoichi, especially with Kenjutsu and the art of Sealing Jutsus.
When she heard the story of how Minato saved her from being kidnapped by Kumogakure, the Hidden Cloud Village, the same village that took her beloved Tobirama away from her, Akira couldn't help but be amazed of how romantic and inspiring their fateful encounter was. She had no doubt that Kushina will make her son very happy.
The last thought the came to her old fragile mind, before the once bright light leaves her fading blue eyes forever....were all the fond memories of the man that had given her so much love and a wonderful son.
"I'll see you soon....T-Tobirama-ku..n.." was the last and final words of Akira Namikaze.
END OF FLASHBACK
BACK IN KONOHA - HOKAGE'S OFFICE
Hiruzen finally realize what was happening, and could only come up with one theory.
"I don't know much about this Akira Yuki except that she had blonde hair. I tried to look for her when the war ended, but there was no record of any Akira Yuki in the village. But if Master Tobirama asked her to come to Konoha, and she was pregnant, that could only mean..." his eyes widen as he realize that Akira had indeed arrived to the village, and the rain and snow is caused by either the child or grandchild of Tobirama Senju.
"But if it rains or snow whenever Master Tobirama and Akira are sad, there is only one person I know who would be sad on this particular day." he says, but instantly felt guilty when he realize it was partly his fault as well.
Hiruzen then took out his Glass Ball to perform his Telescope Jutsu. He focuses it on one particular blonde boy, and saw that he was crying on a young woman's shoulder.
This starts to worry Hiruzen.
"If Naruto-kun truly is the grandson of Master Tobirama which means that..." Hiruzen's train of thought trailed off, to an obvious yet not so obvious truth.
He practically went "Research Mode" as she searches for the Fourth Hokage's records. He searches and searches until he finally found it.
Minato's father is unknown, but his mother's name put all the pieces together.
"Akira Namikaze" the old man says to himself.
Hiruzen wanted to beat himself up so badly for not realizing this sooner.
"I mean, Minato practically made one of Master Tobirama's, a.k.a his father's Jutsu as one of his own signature; the Flying Raijin Jutsu."
Now Hiruzen's self-loathing grew even more, as he realized he had failed not only his successor, but his predecessor as well.
"Naruto-kun is not just a Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails anymore, he is the legacy of two great Hokages and the future of the Senju Clan. This changes everything. Especially if he has the Hyoton Kekkei Genkai. I wasn't there for you when you needed me my boy. But I will not make the same mistake again."
Hiruzen vowed to be there for Naruto more often and train him to be stronger. He will not fail the boy who he sees as a precious grandson.
"I promise you Minato, Kushina, Master Tobirama, Lady Akira; That Naruto-kun will make you all proud."