When facing Minato, Naruto was mostly stubborn, refusing to back down. After all, his father was good-natured, and his punishments rarely went beyond a gentle lecture. The two didn't spend much time together, so Naruto's defiance was his way of getting attention.

Kushina, however, was another matter entirely. It wasn't defiance; it was pure, unadulterated fear. Naruto wouldn't dare talk back. When his mother was angry, he barely dared to breathe. His mother did not spoil him; she would deliver a beating without a second thought, and Naruto had experienced her wrath many times in his young life.

"Dad, you have to save me," Naruto begged, all of his previous arrogance completely gone.

Minato's own legs were shaking. He smiled awkwardly. "Don't look at me, son. I can't even protect myself."

As he spoke, Kushina descended upon them, her aura crackling with rage. "Naruto! You've really done it this time, haven't you? You actually dared to steal the Scroll of Seals! Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? If you had lost it, our family would be finished!"

WHAM!

Her anger growing with every word, she brought her fist down on Naruto's head.

"Ow! It hurts! I was wrong, Mom! I'll never do it again!" Naruto wailed.

"What? A next time? What did you just say?!"

"Ah! Mom, that's not what I meant—"

WHAM!

The Red-Hot Habanero had made her appearance once more.

In the Village Hidden in the Sound, deep within Orochimaru's base, Kabuto Yakushi navigated a labyrinth of corridors, finally stopping before a heavy, closed door.

"My lord," he announced, "I have returned."

"It's Kabuto. Come in."

Kabuto pushed the door open. Inside, Orochimaru stood before a bank of humming equipment, analyzing the data displayed on the screens. On a bed lay a pale, white-haired boy, his breathing shallow.

"Lord Orochimaru, how is Kimimaro?"

"Not bad," Orochimaru hissed, not taking his eyes off the monitors. "He should be able to accompany us on this operation. By the way, have you completed the investigation I assigned you?"

"It is done." Kabuto pulled a scroll from his robes. "This records the detailed route of the Kazekage's journey to Konoha. We will set off the day after tomorrow."

"Well done," Orochimaru said, taking the scroll with satisfaction. Kabuto's efficiency never ceased to please him. "This time, I will set the stage for Konoha's destruction myself. Hehehehe…"

After a long, sinister laugh, Orochimaru put the scroll away and leaned over Kimimaro. "Child, you should rest. The day after tomorrow, I will need you to accompany me to kill someone. Although I could likely handle it myself, our target is a Kage. It is always safer to have you with me."

"I understand," Kimimaro said, his eyes slowly fluttering open. "Cough… cough." His voice was weak, but his resolve was clear. "Lord Orochimaru, serving you is the greatest joy of my life. Please, increase the potency of the medicine. I cannot allow myself to be a burden for such an important task."

Kabuto warned, "You must think carefully, Kimimaro. A higher dosage will shorten your life."

"Haha… it is fine," Kimimaro said, forcing a faint, serene smile. "I have long been prepared to dedicate my life to Lord Orochimaru. I will die in any case. I would rather my death have value."

"Since you have made up your mind, so be it." Orochimaru raised a hand, pressing several buttons on the device. "The assassination is of the utmost importance. The success of the Crush Konoha Plan depends on it. You must not fail me, Kimimaro."