Interlude: Une

Naruto sat rigidly in front of his father. A million thoughts running through his head, uncharacteristically pessimistic in nature. How could he even attempt to think of better things when he was failing his senior year, rumoredly impregnated some whore in his school, no college in plans in hindsight? What father will have the patience to stay calm with his son with a life like that?

As if knowing what was running through his head, Minato sighed heavily. "I understand if you think there is nothing good that will come out of our… talk today."

No shit, Pops.

Minato almost pitied his son. Adolesence, more often than not, clouds the minds of people, opting to have fun rather than think of the consequences. The weight of the present heavier than the future. He had no qualms with how his son thinks. He himself used to think the same way. However, what he and his son differed was that Minato was a born natural talent. Naruto,unfortunately, had to exert an effort to realize what he's capable of. A lot like her mother, Kushina.

And speaking of Kushina.

"Okay." He spoke with finality as if every bad thing—which is what everything is, actually—will turn right. Somehow, coming from his father, Naruto believes it could possibly happen. His father, delinquent at 18, reformed heir at 19, successful business man at 20, self-made billionaire by 21.

Naruto fought the dejected sigh. His father, the over-achiever. Half of the burdens he carries with him stems from the fact that his father lived his life larger than life. And he could only hope he could be half of what his father became.

"What's done is done. We need to focus on damage control here, son." His father continued, the endearment warming his heart, promising him that everything would be fine. Or not fine. A hell lot better.

Naruto visibly relaxed. "I'm thinking more about how Mom would react when she hears half the things I just told you." The frown still marring his brows.

"The half about you and no college for next term?" He knew his father said this in jest, but he can't help wincing at the blunt truth, however good his father meant.

Minato chuckled. "C'mon, Naruto. Chill."

"CHILL? HOW THE HELL COULD I DO THAT? THIS IS MOM WE'RE TALKING ABOUT! SHE'S GOING TO MAIM ME! YOU FREAKING KNOW THAT FIRST-HAND!"

"And why would I do that?" An eeringly calm voice resonated through the spacious living room of the Namikazes. Both grown men shuddered.

"Is there anything you want to tell me." Looking over his shoulder, Naruto visibly gulped at the sight of his mother, hands on her hips with her trademark flaming red hair.

"Hmmm, Naruto?"