Lest you fade here all alone

Chapter 5: Meeting Rei Uzumaki

The Sandaime and Jiraiya were prepared to face Minato's brother. They had read all the information about his appearance and character in Shisui's reports and they had enough time to brace themselves of what was to come. Still, the moment the man in question appeared out of thin air before their very eyes, they felt like someone sucker-punched them.

This man was definitely related to Minato Namikaze, no doubts about that. No one could deny the sheer resemblance between the two: the same vibrant golden hair, even styled into a similar hairstyle, the same cerulean eyes, bright and sharp, the same slender body, built more for speed rather than brute force, the same approachable, easy-going feeling about him.

The form of his face and most of his features were different though. Honestly, the first time Hiruzen had laid his eyes on the blond stranger, the image of the little Naruto popped in his mind. It seemed that the boy took after his uncle even more than his father.

"Oh my, it seems I'm in a bit of a pickle."

The man sounded utterly delighted and positively untroubled, his mouth stretched into an easy grin and blue eyes watching them all with noticeable hilarity. His genuinely cheerful attitude in such an unfavorable situation startled both the Sandaime and Jiraiya, while Shisui let out a sigh of exasperation, already kind of used to Rei's eccentric behavior.

"So, Shisui," the blond called cheerfully. "Do I need to kick the asses of these guys for you? Is that why you called me?"

The Uchiha's eyes grew as big as plates, having no doubt that this crazy person might just really do what he promised. "No! Nonono, don't do that!" he blurted out before he could gather his bearing. Realizing his mouth running away from him, he shot a terrified glance at the two older men next to him.

Rei smothered a fit of laughter. "Relax, kiddo, I'm just kidding."

A strong urge to punch him tickled Shisui's nerves. Instead of giving in, he took a deep breath and composed himself. Motioning towards his superiors, he introduced, "This is the Sandaime Hokage and Jiraiya the Sannin."

"I know who they are," the man replied coolly.

'And you still threatened to kick their asses?!' the young Jonin screamed in his head. Rei was insane, he decided there and then. This person was absolutely out of his mind.

"You're quite a cheeky fellow, aren't you?" Jiraiya commented lightly.

The blond chuckled. "Guilty as charged," he agreed readily.

The Sandaime coughed to get their guest's attention. When the latter's eyes in that achingly familiar shade of blue swung to look at him, Hiruzen suppressed a shudder. Despite the obvious air of frivolity, there was something lurking in the depths of his aura, hidden from prying gazes and cautiously kept in check. Something dangerous and deadly that sent every instinct of the experienced ninja like him on high alert.

This man was definitely not that simple. They needed to be careful; the Hokage had seen ninjas change their demeanor in less than the blink of an eye.

"I apologize for such a crude method to contain you," the elderly Sarutobi spoke in kind. "But you and your intentions are unknown to us and therefore such approach was a necessity to ensure the safety of both parties involved. I do hope you understand our worries on the matter."

Rei's grin widened, the prolonged canines only emphasizing his naturally wild and unruly disposition. "Crude method indeed. Even Jinchuuriki would be hard-pressed to withstand all these seals," he said and yet he didn't seem to be hard-pressed himself. Or even bothered by them in a slightest. "But I understand. Though I dislike being caged in any way, shape, or form, I'll try to bear with it until we're done."