The doctor had told them he was growing just fine inside of his mother. All tiny parts, hands, feet, toes no bigger than his mother's fingertip, all were perfect and in order. And soon, the child that they had so fondly named Naruto was going to be born into the world.
They had been given the date October 10th to expect the child's arrival into the world, not knowing the horror that would befall his beloved Konoha, the one he had sworn to protect with his life. He had promised the same to his fiancee and his unborn son, as well.
Minato had run the ANBU through drills that would ensure his son's safety. Even his thirteen year old charge was run through them, and often slept at his sensei's home to personally protect the soon-to-be parents. Nothing ever happened, though, which Minato and Kushina were thankful for every day.
The best part of being a father to be, in Minato's opinion, was setting up the nursery. He, Kakashi, and even his teacher had taken the day off to work on the child's room, painted a pale orange with small blue swirls and designs. Jiraiya-sensei wasn't as skilled with a paintbrush as he was with an ink brush, but it worked out all the same.
The hardwood floors were soon covered with furniture, and finally a crib in the corner, with a handmade blanket draped over the side. Kakashi had made it himself, with hands more used to a kunai than a needle. The child's name was embroidered into the blanket that was identical to his sensei's coat.
Dresser drawers were filled with neat clothes, all meant for the tiny child, none ever to be worn. The last few things were added before Kushina went into labor. Minato couldn't wait.
While the red-headed woman went into labor, the great Fox attacked the village. Minato couldn't leave his beloved's side, though when she finally fell asleep, he took his son into his arms, his tiny Naruto, and went out to seal the creature into his stomach.
"My precious treasure," he hugged onto the child, feeling himself go, "You will be a hero to all... may it be now... may it be later... you will be a hero."
