Father?"
When Naruto called out that word, Minato Namikaze was clearly stunned.
His expression went through multiple changes.
At first, he thought the boy in front of him might be the child of a missing relative. Then he thought maybe it was just a coincidence—they simply looked alike. Even with all his experience and a mind sharpened by war, Minato never expected that this teenage boy would call him father.
Naruto didn't rush. No matter how composed someone was, having a son nearly as old as yourself show up from nowhere would be shocking.
But Naruto believed that Minato, as a genius and a closet chunibyo, would be able to work it out.
Just as expected, Minato soon composed himself, closed the door behind them, and sat across from Naruto.
"The first question," Minato said seriously, "do you know how to use the Rasengan?"
It was a good test. The Rasengan didn't require a specific chakra nature, so if the boy really was his son, he would have likely taught it to him.
Naruto turned his hand over and formed a light-blue Rasengan in his palm.
"This is the Rasengan created by my father," he said casually.
Then he poured more chakra into it, expanding the orb until it was over ten times larger and darker in color.
"This is the Big Ball Rasengan I developed by improving the original."
Minato's eyes lit up. "Oh~!"
As the chakra faded, Naruto waved his hand dismissively. "There's also a more powerful version with wind nature chakra. I call it the Rasenshuriken. But it's too destructive—I won't show it here."
Minato looked a little disappointed but nodded in understanding.
After all, they were in Fugaku's house. Accidentally destroying his place would be quite rude.
"One last question," Minato said, his expression turning grave. "Why are you here?"
Naruto understood. Talking to someone like Minato, who had a tendency for dramatic flair, was straightforward.
Clearly, Minato had already accepted the idea that this boy in front of him was his son from the future.
But he was still wary—and Naruto noticed his eyes drifting toward Naruto's forehead, likely due to the lack of a Konoha headband.
So, in front of Minato, Naruto pulled out a clean Konoha forehead protector from his pouch, tied it onto his head, and spoke calmly:
"I was experimenting with a time-space ninjutsu. At first, I thought it was something like Flying Thunder God."
"But I didn't expect it to actually transport me through time."
Naruto sighed after finishing. Even now, he still felt Mabui was an unreliable teacher. She hadn't fully understood the ninjutsu herself and passed it on recklessly.
Minato's expression relaxed a bit. "That really was careless. Is there a way to return?"
Naruto nodded. "I've found a method. I should be able to return soon."
"Then stay in Konoha for now," Minato offered. "I'll guide you and help keep your identity hidden."
"Thanks," Naruto said with a faint smile.
"What are you thanking me for? If you really are my son, then as your father, it's my responsibility to help you."
Minato patted his chest confidently, then added, "By the way, I still don't know your name. Can you tell me?"
"...Naruto."
Minato paused. Naruto had deliberately left out his surname to avoid affecting the future.
After a short silence, Minato muttered, "That doesn't sound like a name I would choose. Too... ordinary."
"It wasn't your idea," Naruto smiled. "The name comes from a character in one of Jiraiya-sama's novels."
"Oh, I see." Minato rubbed his chin thoughtfully. That made sense.
Minato then started chatting casually, asking about Naruto's favorite fruits and vegetables, if he was happy growing up, and other mundane things.
Eventually, Naruto couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to ask something more useful?"
Minato just smiled. "Wouldn't that be putting pressure on you?"
Naruto blinked, then stopped pushing the topic.
After some time, Minato looked at him and asked gently, "Naruto-kun... is there anything you need help with?"
Naruto had been waiting for this.
"There is," he said seriously. "I need you to help me take care of Yoshino and Mikoto while I'm away."
"...What?"
Minato's mind went blank. His face turned pale and blue all at once.
He had heard rumors that Yoshino wanted to divorce Shikaku—and now, from his own son's mouth, it was clear even Mikoto had betrayed Fugaku.
Minato's expression twisted. Rage built inside him. He wanted to explode.
This wasn't something he could accept—even if Naruto was his son.
Fugaku was his friend. Shikaku was his most trusted comrade.
Minato Namikaze could never agree to covering up something so disgraceful.
"No way," he said coldly.
"They're both pregnant with your grandchildren," Naruto responded calmly.
Minato staggered back.
The legendary genius, the man chosen to become the Fourth Hokage, couldn't sit still anymore.
"How could you—? Don't you realize what kind of consequences this could have on the future?!"
Naruto looked composed. "I didn't do this intentionally. Let me explain. You'll understand."
He then explained everything from the beginning, polishing the story to make himself sound better.
He told Minato how he was seriously injured when he arrived, how Mikoto and Yoshino rescued him, and how Yoshino fell in love with him first while he was still bedridden.
She took advantage of him.
Later, on the way to the front lines, they ran into Mikoto being kidnapped, and the Uchiha being ambushed by Mist ninja. That's when Mikoto also fell for him.
In the dead of night, Mikoto sneaked into Naruto's tent.
One thing led to another, and now both were pregnant.
Naruto summarized it simply: "I'm innocent. This world forced this on me."
Minato was speechless.
It was unbelievable—but not impossible.
The past wasn't to be messed with. Any small ripple could change the future.
Minato knew: If Naruto could travel through time, then he himself could very well choose to never have a son—and Naruto would cease to exist.
Yet Naruto was here. The damage had already been done.
Minato clenched his fists. He couldn't even yell anymore. He was a father and a man betrayed all at once.
"What do you want me to do?" he asked bitterly.
"I want you to help cover for me."
Minato's face twitched. His body trembled.
"Isn't this a bit too cruel to Fugaku and Shikaku?"
"You can make it up to them in other ways, Father. Think of your two unborn grandchildren. Can you really bear to abandon them?"
Naruto was gambling on Minato's future grandkids being more important than his conscience.
If Minato didn't agree, Naruto was prepared to use a "Forgiveness Talisman"—a jutsu that would force someone to forgive him.
But Naruto didn't want to use it unless absolutely necessary. Not on Minato. And definitely not on Fugaku or Shikaku.
Just as Minato was lost in his thoughts, the door opened.
It was Mikoto, Uchiha Mikoto. She was several years older than Minato, with long hair and a refined beauty. She wore a black dress and stockings under her apron.
She carried a tray of washed grapes and tea.
"Have some fruit," she said sweetly.
As she turned to leave, Naruto grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms.
"What are you doing?!" Mikoto was shocked.
Minato was right there!
Oh no. What if he tells Fugaku?
But this... was thrilling.
Her heart pounded. She stood and tried to push Naruto away, but he held her close.
"Don't worry," Naruto whispered. "He'll keep our secret."
"..." Mikoto blinked, then looked at Minato.
Her expression asked, "Really?"
Minato read everything in her face.
He glanced at her stomach and felt his chest tighten.
That woman—was pregnant with his grandson.
He closed his eyes and sighed. "I'll help you. But please... don't go too far."
Minato had made his decision.
He chose his grandson over his honor.
Seeing this, Mikoto's cheeks turned crimson with excitement. She no longer held back, melting into Naruto's embrace, pressing her leg—stockings and all—against his.
Minato quietly turned and left.
"You two... sigh."
Naruto and Mikoto exchanged a knowing smile. That sigh only made their passion burn brighter.
"Oof, Menma-kun, be gentle," Mikoto gasped as she stumbled onto Naruto's lap, accidentally tugging his belt.
She bit her lip and looked up. "I skipped breakfast. Can you... feed me?"
Naruto grinned. "Of course."
After all, it was just breakfast.
Meanwhile, Minato wandered the village in a daze.
He hadn't even greeted Fugaku before leaving the Uchiha compound.
He was too ashamed.
His son had caused the mess, but he bore the guilt.
"Should I tell Kushina about this?" he wondered.
"…Forget it. If she finds out her daughter-in-law is older than her, she'll flip the table."
That night.
In the Uchiha household.
Fugaku returned home with Itachi, proud that his son had shown better control of his shuriken today.
The only strange thing was Minato's behavior. He didn't even stay for dinner.
Was he disappointed in him?
If so, then perhaps the Uchiha still had a shot at improving their position in the village.
"Honey, Itachi, welcome back," Mikoto called, stepping out of the kitchen with a spoon in hand.
Itachi ran to her. "Mom, I'm hungry."
"Sit at the table. Dinner's almost ready."
Fugaku watched his wife and son with warmth. His worries vanished in the comfort of home.
After dinner, Itachi said he was sleepy. Mikoto took him out of the living room.
Fugaku leaned back.
"Mikoto is just like this home—peaceful, warm. I'm so lucky."
"Once the surgery is done, we can finally resume normal life."
"It's time we had a second child."
His heart warmed at the thought.
Feeling sleepy, he went to bed early, not waiting for Mikoto to return.
What he didn't know was that right then—inside Itachi's room—his wife was passionately kissing a certain blond-haired young man.
"Menma-kun," Mikoto whispered, flushed, her eyes full of desire. "I gave Fugaku and Itachi enough sleeping pills. They won't wake up before noon."
Naruto smiled. "Then I can't waste your kindness."
Itachi's calm, even breathing became the rhythm that accompanied their secret tryst.
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