The Child Of Prophecy (A Naruto Fanfiction)

Chapter 12

Minato didn't know what to think when he got the news from Kakashi about the attack. While he wanted to panic and get angry he knew that doing so wouldn't get him anywhere, and he had to act as Hokage instead of as a parent, so he had to keep a level head as much as possible.

He decided that it would be best if no one else knew about what had happened, so as he endured meeting after meeting, whether it was divvying out new missions or getting harassed passive aggressively by Danzo and his elder lackeys, he kept his mind grounded and let the situation fall to the back of his mind.

When it was finally getting late he was ready to call it a day and head back home until he was interrupted once more by a knock on his office door. "Come in." His voice was tired, but as he realized who's chakra it was behind the door he let himself relax and slump further into his chair instead of sitting straighter.

"Now, what has you so down, Minato?" The voice was cheery and louder than necessary and the eccentric man pranced his way into the room. "Surely you're not overthinking that little incident with Naruto are you?"

"Why am I not surprised that you already know about that, Jiraiya-sensei?" Minato just shook his head, completely exhausted and unalarmed by the fact that Jiraiya was so well informed.

"Well that's just how I am. But I have something serious I need to talk to you about, Minato."

The seriousness in his tone immediately had Minato sitting straighter, ready and waiting to listen. He knew that when Jiraiya got serious, it meant it was worth listening to no matter what. "What is it, sensei?

"It's about the attack on Naruto. I'm sure that Kakashi already briefed you, and how you must know that it was a planned attack, but I have a little more information on who it was that did the attacking."

"I'm listening." Minato was now at full attention, every ounce of fatigue gone.

"They are a group that I have been tracking for some time. They're called the Akatsuki. I don't know where they're based out of, or who the leader is, and I only know who a few of the members are, but they are dangerous. I can confidently say that they are after Naruto for his power as the nine-tails Jinchuriki, though as to why they are after it, I have no idea."

Listening carefully as Jiraiya explained everything, Minato had to think carefully on what he would do next with all of this information. It could be disastrous if he decides to do the wrong thing. "This group sounds like it's going to become a problem then. We are going to need to do something about them, while also keeping Naruto away from them. What are your thoughts about this, Jiraiya?"

"I'll continue to hunt for information on the Akatsuki as I travel, while also sending this info to the other villages. In regards to Naruto, it's going to be best if we keep him away from the village for the time being. I can take him with me now like I said I would and keep him on the move while I train him. I'll make sure he is ready for the inevitable fight."

Minato could easily tell that there was no question in Jiraiya's voice. He also knew that this was going to be the best option, even if, as a parent, he didn't want Naruto to leave for that long. He had to let out a sigh before he spoke up again, this time in resignation, "I think that's the best option as well. I trust you'll keep Naruto safe as well."

They spent the rest of the time coming up with the finer details until everything was ready. By the time they were done Minato was exhausted. He said a quick goodbye to Jiraiya before he just teleported home, not even bothering to take his normal stroll through the village.

He wasn't even sure when he had even fallen asleep, but by the time he opened his eyes again the sky was already beginning to lighten, the tell-tale sign of dawn. He felt exhausted as he stood up to change. It wasn't until he was walking through the village on his way to his office that he finally felt mostly awake.