Chapter 20 - The day the Leaf and the Cloud shook hands

They arrived at the front gate mere minutes before the Ambassador was due to arrive. A crowd had gathered and waiting to see what the ambassador. It was the first time in years that someone from the Hidden Cloud had visited the village. It was both terrifying and exciting to the on-lookers. Everyone wanted to witness the historical moment! Which meant that the crowd was growing by the minute, packing the streets with countless villagers.

The anticipation was palpable. There was a quiet hush that hung over the spectators. Few wanted to speak in fear of missing the moment. Despite that a quiet mummer spread through the crowd. Minato couldn't make out what they were saying, but he had an idea. Everyone wanted to see who was going to happen. No one wanted to miss it.

Just as the sun rose Minato saw the Ambassador and his two aides approach. Dao Kazami, the head ninja of the Hidden Cloud, was a man worthy of the title. In the previous war he had earned his name through blood. He was not nearly as feared as Minato, but he was certainly worthy of his place in the Bingo Book. Minato knew that he had to keep an eye on this man. He was a dangerous element in his village.

Of his companions though, Minato only recognized one. That was Saku Toujin. He was a large man with cold blue eyes. His hair was like steel and his skin bore the scars of a life of war. As he walked, Saku scanned the crowd as he would a battlefield. Saku couldn't hide his distain for the Leaf and all those who dwell within it. He was powerful and was just as much of a threat as Kazami. Perhaps, even more of one. Something that didn't sit well with Minato.

The third one was the most threatening of them all. This man was a complete and total unknown. Minato had never seen him before nor heard of his exploits. His jutsu, his battle-style, his personality, and his goals were a complete unknown. He could be the weakest of the bunch or the strongest. There was no way to know. Guessing from appearances one would think the former. However, in this world you never took appearances at face value. He made a note to watch him closely.

There so much unknown about this group that it disturbed Minato. It was a risk allowing such powerful and dangerous men within this village. However, it was a risk he was willing to take for peace. For the costs of not trying were far higher than the risk these men posed. He just hoped that he was right.

Ambassador Kazami stopped at the gate. He respectfully bowed to the Hokage and the gathered Elders. Minato caught the look in his eye and didn't like it. It was almost sinister. It was almost as if he knew something they didn't. It put Minato further on edge. But it was far too late to back out now. He had to play his hand and see where it took them. For now he would play stupid. In time, Kazami's true intensions would be made clear. Minato just had to wait and see.

Minato welcomed the man. As soon as he finished his greeting the crowd roared! They seemed obvious to the threat. Minato wished that he was as at ease as they were. It would be far easier not to see the threat awaiting them. Not that could allow himself such as liberty. He was the Hokage and he was responsible for their safety. Ignorance was luxury he could not have.

Minato lead the party towards the tower. Along the way, the crowds lining the streets cheered as they passed. Not long after they started their march he noticed a familiar presence. He couldn't see him, but he could sense him nearby. Naruto was out there somewhere cheering them on. Minato could almost hear him over the crowd. He smiled as he passed him. He didn't dare look at him though. He couldn't afford the Cloud Ninja to connect Naruto to him. I'll apologize to Naruto later. He thought as they moved on.

The crowd thinned out as they approached the Tower. The ANBU kept the immediate area clear of any non-essential personnel. Classes were called off for the near future so that students would be protected. Only Minato, the Elders, Danzo, Kushina, and the Cloud Ninja would be permitted in the building today. Even Naruto would be turned away. The last thing he wanted was his son interrupting an important meeting. It expose Naruto to danger. Minato couldn't have that. Naruto wasn't ready to defend himself, so his father had to do it for him.

The final negotiations lasted a lot longer than Minato wanted. There were surprisingly a lot of points undiscussed. Even though Minato thought they had already ironed out an agreement. It was slow going and a bit annoying. Minato was not one who enjoyed verbal sparing. That's what they did for hours. It was tiring and a tad frustrating. He wanted to hammer out an agreement and get out of there. Something Kazami was uninterested in.

After what seemed like days they came to a final agreement. It was something that Minato could live with. It would avoid more war. In just a few minutes it was over. The agreement was signed and they were free to enjoy the festival below. Minato showed his guests to their rooms then invited them to the festival. It was in their honor, after all.

They were the guests of the Hokage and they would be well treated. He would treat them to a wonderful stay. Every whim would be catered to. Every question answered. That is so long as it posed no threat. They would be treated nicer than the Hokage himself. They just had to behave.

After arriving at their rooms, they asked for some privacy. Which Minato graciously gave. He and his wife left them alone. Before they left, Minato said, "You are free to join us at anytime."

They never did. Instead, Minato and Kushina attended the festival on their own. They visited the countless stalls and shows. Many of which were geared towards children. Each one of those reminded Minato who was missing from their group. There were so many things that Naruto would have loved that it hurt a little. Minato wanted to be there with his son instead of what they were doing right now. It hurt even though he knew it was for the best.

After a few hours of running around the festival and avoiding Naruto, Which was surprisingly hard, they went home for the night. The house was so quiet without the four year old running around. It was too quiet. Neither of them were used to the place sounding like this anymore. It didn't help Minato's nerves one bit. Before turning in for the night, he reached out and found his son's marker. He was fine. Everything was fine. They could say goodbye to their visitors tomorrow and be done with the whole affair.

Minato took off his official clothes and took a shower. It felt so good to sit there for a while. It was relaxing. As he showered his naked wife entered the room. As always she showed him sides of herself that showed no one else. Kushina was so beautiful in her natural state. It excited drove him mad with desire.

If his wife wanted to join him then so be it. Minato wasn't going to stop her. The house was empty after all. No son could accidentally walk in on them. It was a prime opportunity that couldn't be passed up. It had been far too long since their last time.

It was going to be a very good shower . . .

Please note that this chapter originally had answers to your reviews. That has since been removed. It worked at the time, but now seems redundant. This story is complete and there is no need for this anymore. I thank you for reading and reviewing. Please go on to the next chapter!