Minato felt like his life was gradually getting busier. A few weeks ago, he was still trapped within the bounds of the Sarutobi compound, doing nothing but reading about this new world and continuing his research on seals. Ever since he showed up in the Konoha council meeting, not only could he visit Naruto constantly, there were also more people who interacted with him outside of Kakashi, Hiruzen, Asuma and the servants of the Sarutobi compound.

Of course, the most notable one was Shisui, who made it his full time job to be around Minato almost whenever he was outside to see Naruto. He only left sometimes when they bump into Itachi and he just runs off. Others included Shikaku and old colleagues of Minato, but today, someone new showed up at his door.

"Minato-san, you have a guest."

Minato lifted his head from his book. It was a weekend and the academy was closed, so Minato hadn't left the compound. He didn't have a reason to- It was better than increasing chances of raising suspicion. He stood up with a smile, putting his book down as he walked over to open the door. Would it be Shikaku? The man had visited quite a few times. "Yes, coming!"

He slid the door open, eyes slightly widening in surprise at the unexpected guest. He recognised the face to be Mikoto Uchiha's, the woman greeting him with a smile. "Hello, Minato-san. Nice to meet you, I am Mikoto of the Uchiha clan. Sorry for coming without any notice. Are you busy?"

"No, not at all!" Minato shook his head as he stepped aside, making way for Mikoto to come in. She slipped her sandals off, entering into the room with a bow and a thanks to Minato. He guided her towards his table, setting the scrolls and books aside on the floor. "Sorry, it's a bit messy here. Do sit, I'll get you something to drink."

"I can do that, Minato-san," The servant smiled, and Minato gave a nod and thanks before sitting down in front of Mikoto. He wanted to leave for a while to calm himself and think properly of what he could say- what Mikoto could possibly be here for. Did they know each other personally too? Or was she just a work colleague? But one thing for sure- she definitely looked younger than the Mikoto he knew in his world. Not as an insult- He knew taking care of a slightly rebellious 16-year-old Sasuke is tough. Besides, he was pretty sure she was older than him back in Japan.

"What brings you here, Uchiha-san?" Minato asked with a smile, trying to hide his nervousness. He wasn't sure if it works in a world where there's people who could look at you and immediately see your emotions, but it'd be polite to at least try.

"Ah, no. I just heard of you from my son and husband- Itachi and Fugaku. You're from another world, correct?" Mikoto asked, to which Minato nodded. "I knew Lord Fourth and Kushina- his wife, personally before. It was shocking to know you're alive... Well, I understand you're not Lord Fourth, but.."

"Yes, no worries. I understand," Minato gave her an assuring smile. It's only natural to want to see someone dead whom you once knew, even if they're not who you really know. Maybe that was the case for Shisui as well? He never really got to know why Shisui suddenly started sticking to him, but maybe it was because of Naruto. "You knew Kushina?"

"Oh, yes. She was about 9 months pregnant when my son, Sasuke was born. It's truly a shame," Mikoto muttered quietly with a smile. It didn't look particularly distressed, but Minato could see some level of sadness in it. "What about you? Since you're from a different world, it might be different in your case."

"Oh, Kushina was my wife as well. We have a son, but she passed away a few weeks after giving birth to him," Minato spoke, thinking back to the times when his wife was still alive. The first few years of her death were more painful than anything he'd experienced before, but he eventually got used to it. "But it seems that even through universes, we're still connected."

"Of course. You were so loving with her. Kushina looked her happiest with you- I mean, Lord Fourth. But the two of you don't seem so different either," Mikoto chuckled. The servant returned with tea on a tray, carefully setting them on the table before bowing and leaving. "Either way, how are you doing? It must be tough being in a whole other world."

"Oh, no. I've gotten used to it. Everyone here is very kind," Minato shook his head. Though he did wish no one would pull another Kakashi on him again. That wouldn't be fun. Still, he had a feeling that wouldn't be the last time. "It's very different from my world, but it's unique in a great way. We share the same traditions, but the culture seems different." 'Well, no one killed so casually back in my world. And we certainly didn't have as much creepy magic voodoo shit.'

"I heard from my son that you've been getting back in contact with Naruto. How is that going?" Mikoto asked. Itachi had told her about Minato's interactions with Naruto, and it was relieving to see support by the boy's side at last- especially from a trustable person.

"It's great, actually. My son was named Naruto as well. The two of them look the same, but act completely differently. That smile stays the same through all universes, though," Minato smiled softly at the thought of the blonde boy. Geez, one morning of not seeing him and he missed Naruto already. What was he going to do once he got permission to adopt Naruto? "He's the sweetest ever. As sweet as my own son. I love the two of them."

"I'm glad you're there for Naruto. Both of them. To have you there for him now is reassuring." Mikoto lifted the cup, taking a small sip of the tea quietly. "It was heartbreaking to see the boy having to be around, alone after Lord Fourth and Kushina passed. But I'm sure they loved the boy with all their heart. I really wanted to take him in and let him grow alongside Sasuke as well, but..."

This village. It was all this village's fault that Naruto had to suffer. Till this day, Mikoto is still unable to understand how they could treat the village's own saviour like that. While Lord Fourth was the one who sealed the Kyuubi, Naruto was the one who contained it. It was absolutely absurd to toss him aside.

When she proposed to let Naruto grow in their family, the council objected. The reasons were clear enough to them: The Kyuubi was seen to be under an Uchiha's control. The village was doubtful of them- coming up with reasons that they would use Naruto's status as a jinchuuriki to their advantage. While that was somewhat valid, they chose to neglect the boy and push the Uchiha to the sides of the village.

"..Nevermind," Mikoto shook her head, clearing her throat. Minato was slightly concerned for the woman, but didn't voice out anything. Private matters are private matters. But seeing Fugaku's attitude in the council meeting, Minato could somewhat deduce the Uchiha clan probably didn't have much of a good relationship with the Konoha council either. As someone living in the Sarutobi compound, it was a little worrying, but it wasn't like he could do much either. Mikoto took another sip of her tea as she went onto a new conversation. "What about your world? You mentioned it was pretty different, but I heard you're pretty good with seals as well..."

Minato talked about the similar faces he sees from his old world, as well as his job and his family. Mikoto simply nodded along, listening with slight interest. With Minato's curiosity, she told him about stories of the Fourth Hokage and Kushina as well- mentioning his pink apron in particular. "He made amazing ramen. It was no wonder Kushina married him- they were perfect for each other."

Minato chuckled. He wasn't as good a cook and didn't have a pink apron, but he did have a brown one with a bear that Naruto gave to him during Father's Day. It was a shame he wasn't able to bring it to this world. "Well, maybe I'll steal that recipe someday. Naruto still needs it, after all."

The two laughed, and as their conversation went on, time quickly passed. Their conversation lasted about two hours before Mikoto had to leave. "Well, I've got to go home and make lunch for the kids. It was great to see you, and here's a small gift!"

Mikoto pulled out a box out of nowhere, and Minato had absolutely no idea where it came from, but accepted it with smiles and thanks either way. "Oh, you didn't have to."

"It's actually given to me by our Fourth Hokage a long while ago, so I thought you should have it. Just take it as a welcome gift," Mikoto smiled warmly. "I hope you do well here. If you face any problems, I'm sure you'll be able to find help all around you."

"I'll be in your care. Thanks a lot for visiting," Minato bowed as he walked Mikoto to the door. They said their final goodbyes and gave bows to each other before Mikoto walked off, leaving the Sarutobi compound.

When Mikoto reached the Uchiha compound, she was immediately greeted by a hug from Sasuke, jumping right into her arms with a grin. "Mom!"

"Well, hello there, Sasuke. Where's Itachi? I thought he was training you?" Mikoto asked, ruffling her son's hair as she lifted him up to plant a kiss on his forehead. She may have been a housewife for a couple of years, but she was still a feared jonin at some point. Those muscles were still as strong as ever.

"He's cooking!" Sasuke responded cheerfully. Mikoto gave his cheeks a pinch. Her son was adorable- and she'd give anything to keep him safe. She had to give him a better life.

That's why they have no choice.

"Welcome home, mom," Itachi greeted with a smile as he slid the door open. "I've made lunch. Is omurice okay?"

"Of course, Itachi," Mikoto responded, putting Sasuke down. "Thank you for making lunch. Itachi, take care of Sasuke. I'll talk to dad for a while, okay?"

Itachi watched in silence as Mikoto walked away, frowning slightly as Sasuke ran towards the dining table.

"What do you think?"

Fugaku stood by the lake, listening to the clashing sounds of kunai coming from their clan's training grounds. Mikoto stood by his side, gazing at the reflection of the forests on the still water.

"...It won't work. He knows nothing. I don't think he has the ability or position to change anything as of now," Mikoto answered, thinking back to his conversation with Minato. Mikoto was a jounin put off duty for years and a housewife, but she was also the clan head's wife who played a major role in the Uchiha clan. She didn't visit him just for mentioning old memories and verifying his existence. Not when the Uchiha clan was in a dangerous situation between a coup d'etat and complete annihilation. "We should continue."

"...We will make a change," Fugaku spoke with firmness in his tone. The Uchiha clan will not be stepped all over like this. If the existing Minato cannot help with much, they will take matters into their own hands to regain their status. "For the sake of the Uchiha."

"For the sake of Minato and Naruto as well," Mikoto muttered, clenching her fists. The Uchiha will take their rightful position as the ruler of the village. Ever since Tobirama Senju passed, it should have been that way. If the village was founded by Senju and Uchiha, it made no sense that there were two Senju Hokages but not a single Uchiha Hokage.

And to push them to another part of the village is simply unacceptable. Although Fugaku wasn't happy that he wasn't named Fourth Hokage at first, he knew that Minato would've done something about this situation if he were still alive. But they will make things right. To bring justice for the Uchiha, and both Minato and Kushina's most prized legacy- their son, Naruto Uzumaki.