Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. If I did, then this is what the story would have looked like...

Author's Note: This is the beginning of an epic length AU fic for Naruto. The premise of this story is that rather than resembling his mother in personality and jutsu, he takes after his father instead. The result is that Naruto is far thoughtful, intelligent, and serious.
You won't see anything particularly original or new in this particular chapter, just a touch of foreshadowing.

13 Before Series
Outskirts of Konoha

A searing burst of pain tore through the Yondaime's body, as he was released from his rigidly held posture. He felt Gamabuta disappear in a burst of smoke, for what little that remained of his chakra was insufficient to sustain the massive summons. With Gamabuta gone, he found both himself and the baby who had been lying at his feet, falling downwards towards the ground. As the two of them fell, he reached out to grab the infant, cradling him protectively against his chest against the impact. He staggered heavily as he landed, demonstrating none of his characteristic grace or elegance of movement. He attempted to stand up straight, but swayed heavily for a moment before he collapsed onto the ground, turning as he fell to cushion the infant with his body.

Some small part of his mind expressed amazement at how quickly the strength had faded from his body. Even as his vision began to steadily darken, he gently reached out and caressed one of the whisker marks that had appeared on the newborn's face, before pulling him close and kissing his forehead.

"I hope that you find it in your heart to forgive me, Naruto." He whispered, "Grow strong and live well, my son."

With those final words, Namikaze Minato, the Yondaime Hokage of Konoha died.

*****

2 Hours Later
Hokage's Office

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched over at the infant who was sleeping peacefully on the top of his desk. He pulled out his pipe, and began to tamp and pack its bowl with tobacco. The time and focus required to perform this task helped to calm him, and was a welcome distraction from the rage that filled him. After he completed the almost ritualistic actions, he leaned back in his chair, taking a long drag from the pipe before blowing the smoke out to hang in the room. His emotions now firmly under control, he looked over at the young Jounin who stood across from him patiently.

"Kakashi, I am promoting you to ANBU Captain effective immediately. I want you in charge of a team of ANBU who are to guard Naruto around the clock." Hiruzen spoke firmly and decisively, "After the reaction of the crowd today, I fear that I no longer completely trust the Will of Fire as it applies to the civilian inhabitants of Konoha, or even some of our shinobi."

"By your command, Hokage-sama." Kakashi replied without hesitation, his voice crisp and impersonal. He saluted briefly, before he turned to leave.

Hiruzen heard the emotionless response, and felt a single tear leak down his check as he watched the back of the 14-year-old boy walk away from him. I am really am too old for this, Hiruzen thought. All that I wanted to do was relax in my retirement. Why didn't you let me perform the sealing Minato? You knew that you were leaving everyone behind, why couldn't you have simply waited.

He exhaled another cloud of smoke into the room, as he looked down at the sleeping baby once more. The anger that he felt at the council and the rest of Konoha began to smolder again as he watched the sleeping infant. As he took another long drag off the pipe, he managed to suppress it once more.

Am I really so committed to protecting a place so filled with shortsighted bigots? Hiruzen asked himself again. Naruto, I can only trust in you to prove them wrong. Show them that you really are Minato's legacy.