Disclaimer: I do no to own Naruto, any characters or affiliations.

Summary: When the Kyuubi attacked the village there was one more person present that changed the world for one little boy. Asuma had never left to go to the 12 Guardians, and on the wish of his Father took in Naruto to protect and raise. (I apologize for any OOC but Asuma will be a bit different in this as I need to adapt him to the new situation)

Prologue:

Minato stood on the head of Gamabunta holding his newborn child. Tears marred his face as he stroked his hair one last time. "It's time, Gamabunta, move us closer."

The next few minutes were a blur to all who witnessed the events that day. One second there Hokage stood in front of them on his Toad summon the nine tailed demon ravaging the village. The very next both the nine tails and giant toad were gone, and the lifeless body of their leader laid on the ground cradling a small blonde haired child.

Whispers of, "What happened?" and, "He did it, he saved us all," could be heard. One Shinobi walked forward hesitantly at first, but realizing the danger was truly gone he rushed forward. Picking up the small boy he noticed the seal on his navel. He was no fuuinjustu expert but he knew what had occurred. Quickly taking off his Jounin vest he wrapped the boy in it before noticing the note sticking out of Minato's robes. Gathering it and the child close he shunshined off the battlefield set on finding his father.

When Asuma appeared in front of him, Hiruzen Sarutobi was meeting with the elders and those of the Council who had not gone to fight or evacuate the village. One look into his child's eyes and he knew what had happened. Quickly dismissing himself he led Asuma out and into the Hokage's office.

Forming the sign of the Ram Hiruzen spoke quickly, "Chinmoku no shīru no Jutsu." A glow emitted from every surface in the room briefly before going back to its regular state. "No one can hear us now, tell me, what happened exactly."

"Hokage-sama is gone from us. He left this behind," Asuma held up the letter, "Along with his unnamed new born son."

Once Asuma handed over the letter, Hiruzen began to read it silently.

Sarutobi-san,

If you are reading this then it means I was successful in sealing the Kyuubi into Naruto, my son. I did this so he could be viewed a hero. Take care of him.
In case the seal ever slips, tell Jiraya-sensei this. I used the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to take the kyuubi's Yin chakra with me into the death god. Before I was taken I used the Eight Trigrams Seal to take the rest of his chakra and imprison him within Naruto. Over time the seal will cause their two chakra's to merge. Naruto will NOT become the Kyuubi with this; he in fact will be the cause of the Kyuubi's ultimate demise this way.

All I ask of you is protect my son. Raise him like I would, teach him the truth, and don't let him make the mistakes that I have made.
Minato Namikaze

Asuma gazed down at the blond that was asleep in his arms, "So, your names Naruto, huh little fella. Yet he didn't specify your last name."

"Uzumaki, it will be Naruto Uzumaki." Hiruzen walked around the desk to look out over the village. Destruction was everywhere, shinobi and civilians alike were running around doing everything they could in rescue and firefighting efforts. "Even that may not be safe enough."

"What do you mean, not safe?" Unconsciously Asuma held Naruto just a little tighter to his chest, trying to think of who would want to harm the child of their beloved Hokage. That's when it hit him, Naruto was an orphan. As far as he knew, Minato had no family, and Kushina's had been wiped out years before when the girl had been young. As Hokage he'd made plenty of enemies who would love to take Naruto out as revenge. If he was Uzumaki though he possibly faced the same dangers his mother had growing up.

"He will have to go to the orphanage, the secret of what happened tonight to Kyuubi and to Minato will only be known to the council and us. I will make it a SS class secret, anyone heard leaking the information or talking of it will be executed. No exceptions. Once Naruto is of age to be a Shinobi I will let him choose if he wishes to tell his story."

"No. "Asuma brought up the arm not holding Naruto in order to stroke the whisker marks on his small face, much in the same way his father had less than an hour before. The child leaned his face closer to the warmth of his hand. "I will not let him go to an orphanage. I petition for custody. I want to raise him."

Sarutobi was shocked to say the least. "Asuma are you certain, he is a baby, and you will be unable to take missions until he is old enough for daycare or a sitter. The village cannot afford to pay you or help in any way. You are also single and young."

"But experienced. I'm tired of war father, now that the battles are over; I had planned on looking for a woman to settle down with. Start a family. Now, I can skip step one and go straight to two. It works for me. It will be one less mouth the village must pay for. I can support him and myself, my savings are more than adequate to sustain me for at least a year. "

His father smiled at him, they had their disagreements in the past. Asuma had almost left recently to join the Guardians. Hiruzen wasn't stupid, he knew the only reason the boy, no, he was not a boy no more. The reason the man had stayed was his family. With an ailing mother, and a brother who was forever gone on missions someone had to watch out for the family. It appeared the younger of his two sons was the first to realize this.

"Until the village is back in order, as the acting Hokage I grant you custody. At that time you will need to file the proper forms and receive proper approval from the counsel. Oh, and move your stuff back to the Sarutobi estate for now. A one room Jounin apartment is no place to raise a child."

Asuma smiled wide looking at his father; he executed a quick bow and shunshined out of the room. Making a note to later ask his father if he'd be able to access the house of Minato and Kushina. He'd like to be able to get some of the things the two had bought for the arrival of their son, and in the future he was sure that Naruto would appreciate the gesture.

AN: Ok, this is a plot I've had in my head for a while, I should be updating at least a chapter a week, possibly more. If you have any suggestions/recommendations for the story line please feel free to send them. I will not guarantee using them but I will look at them.

Also this is currently Un Beta'ed, I would like a beta if someone is willing to volunteer. If not I will just do my best on my own.