Tender Sea

Chapter 19

"Thank kami-sama you're both safe." Minato brought Kakashi and Miyu into a tight hug. One that was returned by both, though more tentatively from the boy.

"I think we're the ones who should be saying that," Kakashi responded dryly, "After all, us children were locked into a safety area while the adults went to fight." It was easy to see he was a bit bitter, though Miyu could understand. It was frustrating, being held back because of his outer appearance when most people knew he was as capable and in some cases, more competent than some of the older ninja.

"Looks like someone's sulking." The blond jounin fondly ruffled the boy's hair much like a father would, and Miyu wondered how close the two had truly become.

"Miyu." A tired voice called her over and she left Minato in favour of his wife. The red haired woman had been through a lot recently, and it had taken its toll on her. Her hair was a bit duller than usual, and slightly matted while her complexion was an unhealthy pale, but her violet eyes still sparked with life and joy. "Come a bit closer, there's someone I'd like you to meet." Kurama sat back on his haunches, watching his partner with knowing eyes, though he wasn't the only one that noticed her trembling hands when Kushina gently placed her child in Miyu's unsure arms. "His name is Naruto." Kushina told her in a soft voice.

"His?" Miyu caught her breath in surprise.

"Yep," Minato confirmed, "Naruto Namikaze Uzumaki, our son."

"Son?" Miyu couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up inside her. She finally understood what Kurama had been talking about. "I guess I was expecting a girl." Her laughter was soft and, for reasons those gathered could not understand, melancholic. Eyelids fluttered before cornflower blue eyes revealed themselves, staring right at her. She would have to wait and see what colour they would turn out in the end. Now that the baby was awake she handed him over to his father who held him for a moment before passing the baby to his student. Kakashi was awkward at best, and the fact little Naruto looked like he was going to cry didn't seem to help. She took in the scene, burning it into her memory, knowing all the while that things from here would only get harder.

When Miyu arrived back at the compound her body felt lighter than it had in years, despite the resistance seals and despite the weight of the fox. She had finally saved someone.

She had saved them.

"Nee-chan." She looked down at the small body that had attached himself to her. Though he was half her age he was a bit taller than average meaning he already reached her shoulder. She realised he had grown quite a bit in the past year.

"What's wrong Tachi?" the blue-eyed kunoichi asked, ruffling his hair softly in a way that soothed his anxiety. His face was pressed against her currently, non-existent chest, and she had to prod him quite a few times before he met her gaze. Honestly, what Miyu saw didn't surprise her. In the young prodigy's eyes was the startling red which had come about most likely from the pressure of the Kyuubi's demon chakra, the built up traumatic stress from the recent war and the almost destruction of his village combined. "Ah, you activated the Sharingan." She stated knowingly.

"Yes." He stared at her for a long while before glancing at the fox, "Your chakra looks different."

"Of course it does." She responded as if it cleared up his confusion, "Kurama and I share." She continued. "It's getting a bit cold outside so why don't we head inside?" The autumn chill had crept up on them both and she decided she'd rather not celebrate her victory with a cold.

1 year after the Kyuubi's attack - Amegakure Chuunin Exams

Miyu idly twirled the umbrella in her hands but managed to keep it covering the fox the whole time, the rain was coming down hard and regardless of his water-resistant fur, Kurama hated the wet. Therefore he greatly disliked his current situation due to the downpour of rain, which was heavy enough to obscure one's sight.