"Well, it'd seem completely impossible in my world, but it does make more sense now."

Minato held two seals in his hands. While they looked somewhat similar, they were clearly different in Minato's eyes. The one from this world was somewhat creative in its method of usage to Minato, but the ones he made were more complex. It was safe to say Hiruzen was impressed with his work by the man's eyes that lit up in wonder and amazement. "To think that it's possible to draw the spiritual energy out from within yourself instead of from the world.. It's quite a fascinating realisation."

"Well, I'm not surprised that it's not common knowledge in where you're from. Your chakra levels were dangerously low compared to ours, we thought you were on the verge of death," Hiruzen chuckled as he thought back to the physical examination Minato underwent. "But that complexity of your seal is very useful. Being able to draw chakra from your surroundings will prove itself very useful in this world."

"Ah, right. It's called chakra here," Minato scratched his head in embarrassment. "It might take me a few more books to get that in my head."

Taking note of the small gesture, Hiruzen chuckled. "I was starting to think that you're quite different from our world's Minato yesterday, but now that we've been talking for a while, I can see the similarities. You don't really change at all even in different worlds, do you? And you're talented as ever."

"Please, I don't think I should be held in such a high regard compared to the Minato of your world. I'm sure he was much stronger than me, it's almost scary to think about..." Minato spoke as he recalled Hiruzen's words about 'Minato'. According to Hiruzen, 'Minato' could've easily made his way into the top 5 strongest figures in the world while he was still alive, and he was said to be stronger than Hiruzen was.

"It would be interesting to observe how you manipulate the chakra you draw someday," Hiruzen spoke with a smile. He doesn't expect this Minato to match up to the fourth's physically abilities at all, of course, but he has a knack for fuuinjutsu. More than just a knack, in fact, looking at him right now, Hiruzen was convinced that this man had the capabilities to be the best fuuinjutsu user ever.

The common seals are generally simple to use, even a civilian could learn how to activate a barrier seal within a week. Making seals was difficult, with the amount of precision needed. But the more complicated the seals get, the easier it is to mess up. One stroke wrong could prove itself fatal, and worse- the chakra control needed to be absolutely perfect. That's why sealmasters were incredibly rare, and medics had the best shot at being good at it.

However, the humans of this world had considerably large amounts of chakra compared to those in Japan. It's common sense that less chakra means better chakra control. So as long as Minato could draw his seals well, he was practically unbeatable in terms of fuuinjutsu. And from the complicated seals he made for the most basic tasks, Hiruzen knew it was already true.

Minato couldn't unleash his true potential because of the environment he lived in. There was barely any chakra that could be used; There was no need for combat, all they did was use seals to keep what they already had. Now that he was in the cruel world of shinobi, there was so much more Minato could explore. So much more he'd eventually need to explore, for the sake of surviving in this world. After all, the fourth had many eyes on him when he was alive.

Hiruzen chuckles at that thought. My, Minato. You're really a genius in every realm you exist. He wondered what else they had in common. And also.. "Minato, you said you were familiar with me back in your world, correct?"

"Oh! Yes, we were pretty close," Minato nodded. Looking at him, they were spitting images of each other in terms of personality and wisdom as well. The kind old man always gave him the best advice in life when he needed it most.

"Tell me about it."

Despite the kind smile on his face, there was a sense of wariness in Hiruzen's voice when he spoke. It's fair enough, Minato thought. He'd practically dropped into their world like an alien as one of the most respected figures around. Someone that they're quite curious about, but should also be approached with caution.

"Back in Japan, you were my neighbour. Same name, same face. As kind as you are to me right now," Minato recalled the old man who was probably the healthiest man he's seen at that age. Going on jogs every morning and watering every plant in his huge garden. Sometimes he grew cherry tomatoes, and he'd give Minato part of his harvest. On several rare ocassions, Minato has seen him feeding the monkeys that visited his backyard. "Your wife was kind to us as well, me and my wife. I remember her reprimanding me and teaching me how to be a better husband. She was a wonderful woman...."

Was, Hiruzen noted. She must've passed away as well then, he could tell from the slightly distant look in Minato's eyes. But at the mention of his wife, Hiruzen's interest was piqued. Most likely, it was Kushina. Could she have..?

"Your wife? What is she like?"

"She....was the most beautiful woman I've seen. Kushina Uzumaki. Quite the fiery one, but..she was always so bright." Minato's eyes softened. Oh, Kushina. Her red hair and big violet eyes. He thinks about her every time he sees Naruto's sleeping figure when he turns off the lights in his bedroom. He thinks back to the times where she's still cuddling with him in the kitchen when he cooks her favourite ramen. He remembers her when Naruto picks up the pink apron. It was such a sweet, yet painful reminder. He also remembers the night she went into labour. Her screams haunted him for nights, but it should've been fine after Naruto was in her arms. It should've. Their happiness only lasted for a matter of weeks before Minato attended her funeral with their infant son.

Naruto was his promise to her- He promised he'd take good care of him. He said if he could find a better job, he'd quit the rituals and live a normal life. But he didn't, because Japan was facing the beginning of its demise. But now as Minato sat here, in a complete different world- universes away from his son, he wonders if letting Japan burn was the right choice. How was he to live without his son now?

Minato was no shinobi trained to disguise his feelings, so Hiruzen could see right through him. The grief was almost evident on his face despite his bitter smile. Hiruzen breathed in through his nose deeply, feeling a sense of familiarity in his heart. Oh, how the universes truly connect.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Please don't be. It's been more than a decade since then," Minato assured. What slowly tore away at his soul now was the absence of his son. Or rather, his absence in his son's world. If he can't find a way out... What was there to live for, in a foreign world like this? Which then sparked something within him.

The Minato of this world died. What was his life like, before that? He knew general things about the Fourth Hokage- How he saved the village, his great accomplishments and so on. But he knows nothing about his personal life, they didn't write about those in books. He knows that he once mentored Kakashi, just like he did to the Kakashi in his world. Could that mean that he was also with Kushina in this universe? Could Kushina be alive? Could Naruto exist somewhere, living in this very village with her?

Is it okay...to fill that spot? (He was a stranger. Yet, not exactly, in a sense.)

Seeing Minato's eyes slightly widen, Hiruzen knew what was going on. He supposed the shock of being sent to another universe could cause delay in his thought process, especially when he's been fixated with getting back to his son in another world for the past week. He was just waiting, observing. To see if it was alright to answer Minato's incoming questions.

"I..have a question, if that's okay. You don't have to answer," Minato spoke hesitantly, taking a deep breath in. Hiruzen nodded, waiting expectantly.

"Does...Naruto Namikaze, my son, exist in this world?"

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