This is an idea I've tossed around for a while. Hope you like it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Kakashi entered the Hokage's office in his full Anbu gear minus his mask. Standing at the window looking out onto the broken village was the Sandaime Hokage. He seemed to be holding something in his arms but Kakashi was unable to tell what it was.
"You called for me Hokage-sama?"
"Indeed, I wished to speak to you on an important matter, one I believe that you will have a vested interest in," Hiruzen said.
When Kakashi said nothing Hiruzen continued. "This night has taken a heavy toll on this village. And here at the end I find myself wondering: What could I have done differently? How could I have prevented all this needless loss of life? I have replayed the night in my mind over and over and I have come up with nothing."
Kakashi wanted to say that maybe he shouldn't have given the order to erect the barrier that blocked him, Gai and the other young ninja from participating in the fight. If he had been able to fight, then maybe he could have done something to save his sensei. For the third time one of his teammates was killed and he was helpless to stop it. He would be lying if he said he didn't resent Hiruzen for giving that order. Of course, he did not say that but when he looked up Hiruzen was now facing him and he could tell that his emotions were not unknown to the old Hokage.
Kakashi eyes drifted to the bundle in the Hokage's arms. He was confused as to what it was but then it shifted ever so slightly, and a patch of blonde hair revealed itself. Kakashi's eyes widened when he finally realized what and who he was looking at.
"Is that-?" Kakashi asked desperate for confirmation.
"Yes, young Naruto survived thanks to the sacrifice of both Minato and Kushina but even that is not without consequence. Killing a bijuu is impossible. Minato knew this."
"You don't mean-" Kakashi trailed off.
"Yes, Naruto has taken on the role of being the Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi from his mother," Hiruzen said solemnly.
Kakashi was stunned. He had heard that sensei had killed the Kyuubi. He had been skeptical, but he had figured that if anyone could find a way to fell a bijuu it would be his sensei. But it seemed that even that was beyond his ability.
Hiruzen extended his arms. Kakashi quickly crossed the room and accepted Naruto into his arms. Undoubtedly this was the son of Kushina and Minato. He noticed the seal on Naruto's belly. He'd seen Minato's seals often to recognize his craft. Kakashi's heart sank at the thought of the awful situation Naruto had been born into: orphaned and forced to carry a terrible burden.
"When I arrived at the site of the sealing, a barrier had been put up by Kushina. I watched as Minato and Kushina sealed the Kyuubi away. With Minato's dying breath he told me that he wanted Naruto to be viewed as a hero by the village," the old man said.
Kakashi looked up from the child in his arms. He didn't even bother to hide his surprise. "With all due respect I do not think that will go over well."
Hiruzen sighed. He wanted to believe that Kakashi was wrong. But he had lived a long time and he had known Mito and Kushina well. They had both been good people but despite that their reputation in the public eye was tainted by their Jinchuuriki status. And that wasn't just the case in Konoha. Every where he had gone, he had seen the poor treatment of Jinchuuriki with the only exception being the Raikage's brother and even that was to a certain extent.
"Unfortunately, I think you're right. And yet I do not see how to remedy this situation. Perhaps if it was known that he was Minato's son, then that could cover up the negative feelings created by the Kyuubi. But if Naruto's heritage is revealed then we invite Minato's enemies to attack especially in our weakened state," Hiruzen said.
A silence settled over the two. It was a difficult conundrum to solve. How could they honor the late Hokage's wishes and still protect Naruto from the inevitable hatred that was fostered this night. Kushina had faced a lot of hatred from the villagers when she was the Jinchuuriki but for those that had known her personally that had been an issue. But Naruto was too young for anyone to get to know him, if he was older then he could convince people to let go of their hatred. Wait, that was it!
"What if we wait?" Kakashi asked.
"What do you mean?"
"What if we don't reveal his Jinchuuriki status just yet? We wait until he's older, after he's established himself. Once he's created a reputation for himself and is strong enough to protect himself then we can tell him and then the village thereafter," Kakashi explained.
"I see. So, we just do nothing. I had intended to keep Naruto's heritage a secret, so doing this as well would be a simple thing. Yes, it's a fine idea. For now, Naruto Namikaze, Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, will be known from this day forward merely as another unfortunate orphan resulting from the terrible Kyuubi attack of tonight," Hiruzen declared.
"From here you will take Naruto to the orphanage. And I imagine I don't need to make this an order, but I'd like you to keep an eye on Naruto as often as you are able and to keep all that was said tonight a secret," the reinstated Hokage continued.
Kakashi nodded and turned to leave when Hiruzen interjected one more time. "When you arrive at the orphanage please tell the head matron that I will be increasing their funding effective tomorrow. I imagine they will be in need of it after tonight," he said sadly. Kakashi again nodded and vanished from the room.
"I hope that you can forgive me Minato. I can not honor your final wish, not today. Maybe one day when the wounds opened tonight are nothing more than faded scars," Hiruzen thought somberly
Six years later
Kakashi was seated on a rooftop reading his beloved Icha Icha. Or at least it seemed that was the case. To a more trained eye it was clear that his lone eye was not on his book but on the building across the street. The building in question was a medium sized apartment building. On the third floor the cyclops could see a young Naruto in the company of a man and woman, his adoptive parents.
It was three years ago that Naruto was adopted by a civilian couple. Kakashi wanting to keep an eye on Naruto and make sure he was well taken care of would often check on him during his off time. He had even done a background check on the couple who had adopted him. The man, Fukai, was plain looking with no outstanding physical features. He worked as an author who had experienced a fair amount of success. The woman, Kinako was more interesting. She was originally from Kumo and as such possessed their trademark dark skin and white hair. She had studied marine biology and environmental science. All in all, they seemed like good intelligent people, but they were civilians. Which meant they could not protect Naruto from the worst the world had to offer. So Kakashi took it upon himself to watch over Naruto when he could.
A weight dropped besides the Copy ninja. Kakashi tensed but did not move from his spot or turn to face the intruder.
"I had heard you were being creepy, but I didn't expect you to be to staking out the building so blatantly," the newcomer said.
Kakashi finally faced his guest. The jonin was surprised to see Jiraiya standing before him. Kakashi recovered quickly and answered: "I'm not being creepy. I'm just watching over Naruto, to make sure nothing happens to him."
"While Fukai appreciates it, he has asked that you be a bit subtler about it since it's unnerving his wife," Jiraiya said.
"Wait, they saw me?" Kakashi asked in surprise.
"Fukai has. Kinako hasn't but she noticed that Fukai has been on edge more because of your presence. She thinks they angered a spirit and that it's invaded their home," Jiraiya explained.
"Do you know them?" Kakashi asked.
"Yeah, I've known Fukai for about five years. He's apart of spy network. I only met Kinako a few years ago. They're good people. I'd vouch for them," Jiraiya responded. "But anyways I have to get back on the road. Try to be less creepy about this yeah?"
Kakashi made a noncommittal noise in response. Jiraiya shook his head at the young jonin before handing something to him.
"What's this?" Kakashi asked.
"It's Fukai's first book. It's good; give it a read sometime."
Without another word the Sannin vanished from the rooftop. Kakashi looked over the book in his hands. It was titled "The Line Between". Opening the cover Kakashi found a message. It read: You're welcome to come inside. Surprised at this Kakashi turned towards the apartment building as if looking for confirmation. Fukai was still playing with Naruto while Kinako watched. But for a second Fukai paused and looked towards Kakashi. Before they could make eye contact Naruto captured Fukai's attention once more. Kakashi looked at the book in his hand once more and then left the rooftop.
Next chapter Kakashi will meet Naruto's new parents. I'll be updating this monthly alongside my other story.
