Third person pov

Naruto decides that he's dreaming. He must be. There's no other explanation for this that makes sense. Minato speaks to Naruto's shadow-- Kakashi, he guesses-- in a low tone, as though not wanting to disturb him, rubbing his hand up and down his back in the most comforting way possible. Naruto thinks it's the nicest anyone's ever been to him.

Naruto can't stop sniffling and hiccupping, finally able to stop crying after who knows how long. He keeps waiting for the ball to drop. For this man to throw him to the ground and laugh in his face for daring to hope, or having the audacity to think he was actually worthy of something like this. Naruto can almost hear the taunts drifting past his ears. He grips the man tightly, waiting. 

It still hasn't happened. More and more time passes and the man is still holding him, loving him. Naruto has never felt loved before. It feels nice and warm, and he never wants it to end. The seconds keep crawling by and he's still being held. Still being murmured too and told how happy his dad is to have him. His dad. 

Naruto can't believe it. He refuses to pull back, afraid it'll all end if he dares. He stays with his face planted in his father's shoulder, soaking it all in and trying to remember how to breathe. He can't fully wrap his head around it. He doesn't know if this is real, but it's the best day of his life either way. Even if it's a trick. Just to experience this-- it's everything.

Minato eyes Naruto's small apartment with barely-masked distaste and horror. He can hardly process the fact that his son lives here. This is not the place for a child! 

The wooden floors were cracked and scuffed, peeling up at the edges and warped from water damage. There's visible mold growing and plaster flaking off in chunks. He doesn't even want to know what the stains on the ceiling are from. It smells of stale ramen and mildew, and the window has a hole in it covered by tape and a chunk of cardboard. 

The place is about as far from healthy as you can get. Minato can hardly stand it, his heart clenching uncomfortably. He tightens his grip on his son minimally. Naruto isn't going to step into this place ever again if he has anything to say about it. No more sleeping on a dingy mattress that looks no more than an inch thick. He's going to have a real home.

"Help me get what he needs. I don't want to stay here any longer than we have to." Minato requested, eyes roaming the place. A few drawings Minato will most definitely framing are tacked up on the wall, and a calendar hangs by his fridge, which is ancient even by Minato's slightly-outdated standards. Kakashi gave a nod, producing a sealing scroll from one of the pouches on his leg.

"You got it, Sensei." Kakashi glanced around. Naruto's apartment had always made his nose scrunch up, but it was even worse without his ANBU mask on. He'd be glad to never see it again. "I've got to warn you; he doesn't own much." 

"For now." Why did Minato's smile look so threatening? Kakashi was too happy to have him back to care.

Gathering Naruto's things up didn't take long. He had a few plush toys that Kakashi had gotten him, as well as a nightcap. The pile of clothes he owns is too small to even be considered a complete load of laundry. Minato gave it a disdainful look, vowing to get the boy more of everything. More toys, and clothes, and academy supplies. 

The scrappy notebook Kakashi drags out and the stubby pencils are cheap and have been sharpened to half their length, with erasers used down to nubs. Minato mentally took stock of everything, watching Kakashi toss a small frog wallet onto the pile. He couldn't help but smile at the sight. Maybe his son was partial to toads, or perhaps that had been solely his student's doing.

Naruto risked peeking up as Minato bent down to pick up the worn out blanket Jiji had gifted him. He didn't pull back, simply eyeing the pile over his dad's shoulder when the man turned around. He was startled to see all his meager belongings piled up that way. He immediately felt himself tense, his chest squeezing uncomfortably. 

What were they going to do to it? People had destroyed his things before. His old neighbor had broken in once and shattered the only dishes he had. Naruto had been using an old tupperware lid as a plate ever since. A plastic instant ramen cup had been washed out and was reserved for drinking too, but he didn't see either of those things on the pile. Maybe they hadn't realized...

Minato seemed to notice Naruto's sudden change in posture, placing a reassuring hand on his stiff back and taking a deep breath. Naruto steeled himself for the worst.

"Don't worry, Naruto. We're just packing up your things so you can come with us. We're not going to let you live here anymore, alright?" Minato kept his voice as cheerful as possible. 

The reaction he got was immediate and a lot more violent than he'd have expected. Naruto ripped himself back from the man, going against his previous worries, his blue eyes impossibly wide. Minato smiled, taking in his son's face. He really was the cutest kid he'd ever seen in his life. Kakashi was a close second, but he wasn't going to risk telling the young man that.

Naruto couldn't believe what he'd just heard. Had he imagined that? Surely not. Naruto could safely say that he hated it here, yeah. He hated the drunk neighbors and the homeless folk that would try to grab him by the arm on his way up, and he hated the couple downstairs that would scream at each other all night. It smelt bad and was drafty, and the roof leaked when it rained. 

The mere thought of getting to stay anywhere else sounded like heaven on Earth, but this... was this really his dad? Was this not a dream? Was Naruto really going to live somewhere else-- with a family? Sounded... kind of fake. Actually. 

"C-Come with you? Where?" Naruto sputtered out, hands clenching into Minato's shirt. Minato gave a small laugh that made his son's cheeks flush with mild embarrassment. He glanced away, pouting in a way that made Minato want to coo.

"To our house!" Minato grinned at him. Naruto's heart fluttered at the use of 'our'. It made it sound like it was his too, even though he knew that couldn't possibly be what this guy meant. "You'll have your own room and everything. How's that sound?"

Naruto looked flummoxed by the notion. It was adorable. Kakashi gave a small chuckle, ruffling the blonde boy's hair as he passed by to seal everything up. Naruto's head whipped towards him, and he seemed even further perplexed as Kakashi smiled at him. 

If that really was his shadow like Naruto was so sure it was, then... then was this actually real? His shadow didn't usually speak, but that also meant he didn't lie either. If that were the case then... no, no, it was impossible. It had to be impossible.

He turned back towards his proclaimed father, pressing his lips together tight and willing himself not to cry. Minato smiled at him, welcoming and urging Naruto to believe in him. Naruto observed him critically, trying to get the cogs in his brain to turn faster than a snail's pace.

They did look a lot alike. Like, a lot, a lot alike. Naruto had never seen someone who looked so similar to himself before, though he had sometimes imagined some of his other classmates were his siblings, and that he'd get to go home with them when the day was done. Of course he never did, but the fantasy was enough to get him through the day with a smile on his face. 

This man was familiar. Naruto felt like he'd seen him before, or like he knew him. Actually, no... no, he had seen him before, and it wasn't just because of the hair and eyes! Naruto had undoubtedly run across this face before. But he was so sure he'd never met Minato in the past. He would've remembered something like...

Wait a second. 

"Whoa!" Naruto gasped out, eyes practically popping out of his skull. He leaned as far away from his father as he could, taking him all in. That was it! Without a doubt! Wow, Naruto was a genius for cracking this one. "My dad is the Fourth Hokage?! No way! I thought you were dead, believe it!" 

Minato let out an unrestrained laugh at the outburst. Naruto couldn't help but grin too, the sudden onslaught of excitement that rushed through his veins too much to hold back. Minato felt himself sober slightly at the sight of his son's smile, but he did his best not to let it show. 

Not because he wasn't impossibly happy. He was! It was just... undoubtedly Kushina's smile. It matched it to a T. Big and crooked and a little goofy, but unquestionably genuine. It was like he was watching Naruto unfold and come to life before his very eyes, exuding all the best parts of his mother out for the world to see. 

Kakashi just chuckled, tucking the sealing scroll back into the pouch it had come from. Minato tried not to be too blown away, pushing his grief off. Right now it was crucial he not scare his son off.

If there was anyone you could trust, Naruto clearly assumed it was a Hokage. He opened up like a blooming flower, petals unfurling. He asked a million questions that Minato was more than happy to answer, riveted by his son's enthusiasm.

What was it like facing the Kyuubi? Was he a ghost? How did he survive? Was he still hurt? The small blonde seemed to deem it okay that he'd been gone so long, but only because he'd gotten hurt fighting a giant nine-tailed demon. Which was pretty cool, apparently. 

He had stated as such in a very matter-of-fact tone that left little to no room for argument. Naruto had then very happily jabbered on about how he couldn't believe this was actually for real, and that now he could have a real family and no one could bully him. Minato's smile had gone a little stiff at that, but he'd agreed. Naruto certainly wouldn't be discriminated against anymore. 

"You may have some competition for your title, Minato-sensei. If Naruto wants to be Hokage, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before he gets the hat." Kakashi joked in a good-natured sort of way, feeling lighter than he had in years. Watching Naruto beam so blindingly was all the therapy he'd needed. The boy looked like he was on cloud nine, clinging to his father like he never wanted to let go. And really, he didn't.

"Is that so? Who's to say I'm not going to train him to be my successor in the first place, huh?" Minato laughed, bumping elbows with Kakashi as they idly walked. They kept to the empty back streets of Konoha, waiting for the summon that would inevitably be coming. When that time came, Minato would regretfully have to leave Naruto in Kakashi's care. Hopefully not for too long. 

Naruto gasped aloud at their words. This was the best day of his life. Honestly, if it was a dream, he wasn't going to be all that surprised. His father, the Fourth Hokage? It was so insane even he never would've thought of it! Now for sure they'd stop making fun of him at the academy! 

If this was somehow legit, then his dad could teach him how to actually throw a kunai, and help him study so he'd stop failing tests! Maybe Iruka-sensei would finally treat him like he treated all the other kids in their class! Maybe he could... Maybe he could even have friends. Friends, and a family. It seemed surreal. He felt greedy and selfish yearning for it all, but he couldn't very well stop himself. 

He wondered what the house was like, and if he'd really have a room there. The idea of sitting down and eating dinner with his dad and Kashi seemed amazing. He couldn't think of anything else in the whole world he wanted more! He could just imagine it now. 

He would actually have a real home to come back to, with actual people in it! And, and, a dad to walk him to the academy, and pick up him, and put him on his shoulders. Naruto's head was spinning with the possibilities. Was any of that okay? How would Naruto know? 

It all seemed rather sudden. He'd been an orphan like, five minutes ago. He's definitely skeptical. Who wouldn't be in a situation like this? Naruto's not exactly the most liked person in the whole wide world, you know. Maybe someone had finally brained him with a rock and he was in a blissful coma. 

"Believe it, Kashi! We're gonna team up and take you down." Naruto replied heatedly, keeping his worries and wants to himself for the time being in case he scared his new dad off. Minato almost melted, his cheeks turning pink from the sheer cuteness of his son. He wished Kushina were here to see this. 

"Why me? It's not like I want to be Hokage." Kakashi waved the boy off. Naruto narrowed his eyes at him in a suspicious manner.

"That's exactly what someone who wants to be Hokage would say. Believe it." Naruto huffed. He squeezed Minato as best he could. "My... My Dad is gonna train me to be the coolest ninja. Even cooler than you!" 

Dad. Minato was going to turn into a puddle. An actual puddle, right here in the middle of the road. Kakashi would have to scrape him up with a giant spatula. 

"So you think I'm cool, then." Kakashi said flippantly. Naruto let out a squawk of denial. The sound was shortly followed by a noise very much similar to the one the boy had just made; though, this one came from overhead. 

They all looked up to see an eagle circling above. It brandished the Hokage's seal around its leg. The sight was enough to make Minato's smile dim. He looked to Kakashi with a nod. 

He knew it was only a matter of time and that it couldn't be avoided, but he couldn't help but feel nervous. How much had changed? He hoped the council remained the same. Well-- maybe he wouldn't be too upset if Danzo weren't there. He hadn't thought to ask if any of the clan heads had changed. 

He genuinely hoped not. He'd been great friends with most all of them, and gaining their support was something Minato had worked hard for during his time at war. They were all strong-willed and just... good. It was rare to have so many clan heads be genuinely good.

Naruto's eyes widened when Minato moved to hand him to Kakashi. He liked Kakashi a lot. His dad had joked and said that he was sort of like Naruto's big brother, and Naruto had always wanted one of those. Not that he was going to admit that to Kashi. The guy was too cocky for his own good, Naruto had decided. 

Still, no matter how much he kinda sorta liked the man, that didn't mean he wanted to be held by anyone aside from his dad. Being picked up in general didn't host great memories from him, so it was only okay if it was his dad! His dad, who was leaving far, far too soon.

He didn't want to let go. Naruto tightened his hold, feeling himself become slightly panicked. What if this was all fake and his dad actually didn't come back, and didn't want Naruto? His throat felt tight thinking about it. Naruto knew crying was for babies and he had already done it far too much today, but he couldn't stop his eyes from watering. 

He had just gotten a dad and now he already had to leave? Naruto still had so many things he had to hurry and do with him, just in case! Like go to the park and play with him, and, and, give him hugs and draw him pictures. 

"Hey, hey, it's okay!" Minato assured, seeing Naruto's scared look. The boy loosened his grip on his dad's shirt a little, taking a deep breath as Minato soothed him. "I'll be right back. Kakashi is going to take you clothes shopping while I'm visiting with the Hokage! I have to talk to some people and let them know I'm still alive. That way I can be Hokage again and get the rights to our house back, so we can live together. Is that alright?" 

"Wait, I'm doing what?" Kakashi asked. He was ignored. 

"You... You'll be back?" Naruto asked in a skeptical tone. Minato gave a brilliant smile.

"Always, Naruto." He planted a kiss on his son's forehead. The boy's eyes went wide and teary, and he drew back in slight awe. "Be good for Kakashi! And pick out some really cool clothes, alright?" 

He was gone after that, not giving his son the chance to get worked up again. Naruto blinked rapidly a few times, whipping around in Kakashi's arms so he could look at the masked man. The Hatake deflated visibly. He could almost feel his wallet getting flatter. That being said, he had been waiting six years to spoil the kid...

"Alright, kid." He adjusted his grip and him, giving a closed-eye smile. "Looks like it's just me and you. Let's roll." 

Naruto's eyes brightened, and he grinned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It isn't possible." Danzo said in a sure sort of way. An emergency meeting had called all the clan heads and council members in. The air in the room was tense, and Minato could already feel himself starting to sweat. 

Hiruzen remained calm and level-headed, and Minato did his best to follow in suite. He'd already given all the necessary evidence. He shared information only he and some others in the room would know, and allowed his chakra to expand out so they could get a better feel for it. He let them try to dispel genjutsu, and disrupt transformations, and ask over the top questions. Most everyone was convinced, if not astonished. 

Save for Shimura. Naturally.

"Uh huh. Clearly." Shikaku spoke with dry sarcasm. Seeing Minato Namikaze again had been like  a breath of fresh air. Though they'd been warned prior to the blonde arriving what had happened and that he was back, it was something else entirely to see it with his own eyes. "I vote we reinstate him right away. I think Lord Third's luxurious retirement is long overdue." 

The Third Hokage gave a chuckle. Indeed, he'd been wishing he could relax for some time now. He wasn't as young as he used to be, after all. Minato gave a nervous smile. 

He'd been hugged by several individuals upon he re-entry. Before his death, all the clan heads had been fully on his side. Even the Hyuga and Uchiha clans had wanted him at the helm of the village. It seemed that hadn't changed. There was palpable relief displayed in Fugaku Uchiha's worn expression, and Hiashi Hyuga looked notably more relaxed. Minato could practically smell his work being cut out for him.

"I am all for Minato returning as our Hokage." Koharu smiled, sounding old and a little weary, but relieved to see him. "It is a true miracle that he should find himself unharmed and back after so long. Though we may not know how this is possible, I believe we should count our blessings. He is just what our village needs."

Danzo turned to look at the woman in complete disbelief, like he couldn't believe he'd been betrayed so blatantly. Tsume Inuzuka turned to the side and tried her best to mask her laughter with a cough. It wasn't done very well based on the look Danzo levelled her with. 

That only seemed to crack her up more. Even Choza looked like he was maybe going to let loose a chuckle or two. Hiruzen massaged his temples. He knew Danzo would cause a fuss, but that didn't mean he couldn't be annoyed by it.

"I agree as well." Homura smiled. Danzo turned to him slowly. Shikaku swallowed a snort, looking away very pointedly. Hiruzen shot him a mildly scolding look.

"Same." Tsume blew out a breath of air. "Maybe he can finally bring some order to his place. No disrespect, Lord Third."

"None taken, Inuzuka-san. It seems we're all in favor of Minato taking the hat back." Hiruzen deflated a little. He was glad. He had very little left in him at this point. "We'll begin preparations for the ceremony right away. I think the most crucial part of all this is finding a way to announce to the village that Minato is indeed still alive." 

It was a good point. They couldn't just spring it out at the ceremony. There had to be some sort of build up-- a warning, if you would, so people wouldn't be shocked or stuck in a state of denial over it. 

The Fourth remained one of the few Hokages almost everyone had sided with and loved. Excluding Danzo and his supporters, however many few he had. Minato was a war hero who had brought them peace and safety, risking himself daily to go out onto the battlefield for the sake of the village. They'd be delighted he'd returned! But... how did they tell them?

"Ah," Shikaku Nara snapped his fingers all of a sudden, grinning in a lazy manner. "I know exactly how to trickle the word out."