Chapter 7 - Naruto's Birth, part two

Chapter 7 - Naruto's Birth, part two

His clone arrived at home moments later. He tucked Naruto into their bed. The clone apologized to his son, "I am sorry Naruto. The real me can't stay with you right now. I have to save your mother. But I promise that I will stay by your side. So, just wait a little while, okay?" His clone patted his son. He would stay by his son's side and guard him. That way he would be safe.

Meanwhile, the real Minato kept on the intruder's heels. He wasn't able to see where they were, but he could feel it. Minato could sense his wife's seal. He could find her no matter what. He had to get to her! It was so difficult to keep up though. The man moved so fast that it was frightening. Before he knew it they were so far away.

Minato refused to give up. It was Kushina's life on the line. He had to protect her. Eventually, he stopped moving. He must have thought that he lost Minato somewhere. Minato didn't have much time. In her current state, it wouldn't take much to extract the Ninetails from her. He couldn't let that happen. He couldn't afford to lose her!

Minato appeared a short distance from his wife. He remained hidden as he observed the enemy. Luckily, he didn't notice Minato. He had the advantage. Minato created three new shadow clones. They attacked the man while Minato went for his wife. He got hold of her then teleported away.

His clones were easily defeated. Their attacks passed right on through the Masked Man. It was almost as if nothing was there. The Man was on his heels the moment they disappeared, reappearing next to them a mere moment after they arrived.

Minato didn't have time to reseal the Ninetails. Damm! Clones didn't buy me enough time! He looked at his wife. Kushina was suffering. The Ninetails is trying to get out! He'll get out soon if I don't do something!

The Masked Man attacked again. They were barely able to escape before his attack hit. Protecting Kushina was slowing him down. He needed backup. He needed time. He just didn't have either. He couldn't teleport to the village to either. It would create chaos. Still, he needed help.

Minato remembered that he still had one clone left. He was far away so the Masked Man would know what he was up to. It was his opportunity. He needed help. He couldn't reseal the Ninetails and protect Kushina at the same time. He needed his mentor's help. He needed Lord Third.

Minato knew that his skills didn't match well against an attacker but Lord Third was skilled at sealing jutsu. If Minato could get him here, he could reseal the Ninetails while Minato fought off the attacker. He was also more than capable of defending Kushina if he needed to. Lord Hiruzen was her best chance . . .

Minato relayed the situation to his clone. Before the clone left him, he whispered, "I'm sorry, Naruto, but I need to go now. Don't worry you'll be safe here. Everything will be fine soon." He disappeared moments after he said goodbye.

A minute later that his clone returned to his side with Lord Third. Minato relaxed slightly. He had the help he so badly needed. The moment the clone disappeared Minato remembered their conversation. Good. Lord Hiruzen knows the plan. I just hope that he can re-seal the Ninetails in time. Minato pulled out his Kunai. He would drive the man away from Kushina if it was the last thing he did.

He was not going to let him recapture her. He had to buy Hiruzen time. Minato wanted to kill that man, but his family's safety was far more important. He would be the distraction as Hiruzen worked. The rest could wait.

Minato threw his Kunai at the man as he ran straight at him. A move that he knew wouldn't work. The man had already demonstrated his ability to pass through objects. Still, he was in a hurry to end this battle. Time was not on either of their sides. The man had to make himself solid to attack. So, if he timed his strike correctly he could get the upper hand.

Minato waited until the Man was about to attack before using the Rasengan. Then he waited until he felt the slight brush of the man's fingers. Then he teleported to his Kunai in motion. He grabbed the kunai then slammed the Rasengan straight onto the man's back. As it hit, he marked the man with one of his seals.

Immediately after, Minato teleported back to his wife's side. He guarded his wife as the Man recovered from his last attack. He was ready for the next attack, but it never came. Lord Hiruzen had successfully re-sealed the Ninetails. It was safely locked inside his wife again. It would not be so easy to pull it from her now. Especially with two Hokages guarding her.

The battle was over. Minato had won. There was no point in continuing. The man understood that. As he started to disappear he said, "I will rule this world. There are plenty of ways to do it."

Judging from his tone, he's serious about this. Minato thought about his family and village. How can I protect them from him? I just barely made it. He was exhausted. He had wasted too much chakra. Next time, it could be very different.

Minato kneeled down to check on his wife. He saw her exhaustion. Minato noted the effects of the birth and subsequent events were taking their toll on her. She needed medical attention. He had to make sure that she got it.

Minato stood up and thanked Hiruzen for coming to his aid. The old man just smiled at him. He placed his hand on Minato shoulder. Words were not necessary. He understood what he meant. Thank you. He looked at his wife once more. I'd better get her to the hospital.

Minato teleported everyone to the hospital. He watched helplessly as the medics carried Kushina away. Leaving the two men alone. It was going to be a long night a head of him. He could use the company. He had to think of Naruto too. He needed someone to care for him. He couldn't leave him unattended for too long. Sadly, Minato was too exhausted to care for him tonight. Besides, he had to stay here for his wife. He needed more help.

So, he asked for a favor . . .

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!