16. Spy games

The next night, Hokage's office.

"Here we are," was the only phrase Minato would be happy to hear. After all, there had been plenty of unpleasant noises before it. The whining of genin on D rank assignments, of which there were many due to the realignment. A request for signatures from the clan heads, and a monotonous report from the jonin.

When Kushina came in, followed by Miroku leisurely approached. Upon seeing them, Minato immediately rushed over to hug them.

"Daddy, Daddy needle, needle, needle."

Miroku immediately started pulling on Minato's side braids. And Kushina, laughing, said.

"Minato, consider this punishment for not seeing her for over a week!"

Minato just smiled at that and kissed her on the cheek.

"Mom, Dad, where's Aunt Kaname? You said I was going to have a blatziki."

The couple looked at each other and decided not to disturb the child's psyche, so they lied. Kushina did it.

"Miroku, honey! Your aunt and brother have left the village on urgent business and won't be back for a while."

"Yes!? I wanted to play with Blatik, but Auntie didn't even say goodbye."

She puffed up her cheeks and turned away.

It was a surprise to Minato and Kushina that she began to speak coherently. And they cherished the dream that she would grow up to be a genius. And they would do their best to make sure that turned out to be true. Afterward, they hugged each other and went home.

***

Konoha Hospital

Naruto began his life in the world. Maya, who had been assigned to the babies, kept a watchful eye on the children. Feeding and changing diapers. But she had one blond baby who could sense everything her nanny wanted from him.

If she wanted him to go to sleep, he'd go to sleep. But then three men came into her room. One was dressed in a robe and the others were regular civilians. The first to speak up was the man in the robe, his name was Satoshi and he was the head of the pediatric ward.

"Maya-chan, this couple is here to pick up one of the babies."

"Yes, of course, you can go ahead and choose."

Of course, it was wild how babies were picked out like cattle. But believe me, it's better than giving them to an orphanage. While Satoshi-san looked over the reports on the babies' condition, the couple began to choose. A young woman approached Naruto and said.

"Oh, darling, come look at this cute little boy. Blond like me and that cute little whiskers."

"Yes, honey, I think he's gonna grow up to be a big boy. -Yes. What's his name, Maya-san?"

"Ah, you mean this little cutie? His name is Naruto."

And the woman said.

"Oh, take it, take it, take it, take it."

Maya was sad that the most obedient baby was going to a family, but this little one would be happier with them than waiting a couple years and going to an orphanage. Maya is by nature very fond of children and she was from an orphanage herself. She wouldn't wish anyone to be there.

But suddenly Satoshi intervened.

"I'm sorry, young people. But this is a child I wouldn't advise you to adopt!"

"But why?"

The newlyweds were surprised.

"You see, this child has heart failure and until we cure it. We can't let him go. Would you be interested in this little boy?"

Pointing to a brunet with green eyes. All this time he held Maya's hand so she wouldn't blabber too much.

"It's a pity he has such a disease. Okay, we'll take the brunette!"

When the couple left after taking the baby, Satoshi ordered her to come to his office. Maya, perplexed, followed him.

When they entered his office, Maya began to ask him questions.

"Satoshi-san what does this mean? Naruto doesn't have any disease, I'd say he's healthier than anyone else. Why did you tell them he couldn't be adopted?"

"Maya, are you sure you've read Naruto's document?"

"Yes, I have!"

"Yes, I did!"

"Look at the third page down on the right side!"

When Maya turned the page, she was shocked.

"Can't be adopted? But why?"

"Maya, this is an order from the Fourth. It can't be challenged!"

"But that's cruel, he won't stay with us until he's four years old, will he?"

"Maya!"

"Till two years!"

"What? -Two years? Are you going to throw him out after two years?"

"No! -He'll be taken to an orphanage!"

"That's crazy, Satoshi-san!"

"Maya! I know you love children, but orders are orders. The orphanage will take care of him, don't worry!"

"Satoshi-san, what if all the children are taken away? -Maya! What will happen to Naruto?"

"He'll be in your care until he's 2 years old. You'll look after him, wipe his noses and change his diapers."

"Okay, Satoshi-san, can you at least tell me which orphanage he'll be placed in?"

"Okay.''

"Orphanage number six!"

"Orphanage number six? Wait, isn't that the shinobi orphanage that recruits anbu?"

"I've told you so much already!"

"But that orphanage only accepts shinobi four years old and up, and then only if they have chakra."