Hey guys and gals. Jaykid1 here with chapter 2 of Sages of Konoha.

I gotta say, my opinion of Naruto has taken some hits with the Gaiden arc. But I'm not even gonna get into that. Anyway, I'm gonna answer some review questions.

Terror Demon: Yes Naruto will sign the Toad contract, I want Naruto to be a reflection of Minato and Kushina while Xiba is a reflection of Jin.

angel11xpr: While normally you'd be right, there is actually a reason that you'll read that I needed Hiruzen to continue to be Hokage.

edwer . araya: Killing Jin off would have completely defeated the point of creating him in the first place. Naruto would have ended up exactly the same way as Canon. Xiba would have been adopted into the Sarutobi Clan and more than likely would treat Naruto the same way everyone else does.

I already spoke to Ninazu via PM so I can move on.

So I can't remember if I said this last chapter and I'm too lazy to go back and check. Naruto won't be such a weakling like in Canon. The way I see it, if Naruto was properly raised by someone, I think he'd be a lot better off physically, mentally and emotionally.

I think that's it so... on with the story.

-000-

Jin hated the rain, it was so fucking depressing. He was glad that the 2nd Shinobi War ended before he had to participate in it as most of the fighting was in Ame. Minato use to make jokes that the rain was trying to cool his hot blooded temper. Kami how he hated the rain. Though if he were honest, the rain was appropriate for today. 'Even the heavens are mourning.' Jin thought.

The entire village, or rather what was left of it, was in attendance at the burial ground as they mourned for their fathers and brothers, mothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and lovers. Jin himself had lost his mother along with his brother and sister in all but blood. Jin looked up at the picture of his mother, Minato and Kushina among the others and felt his heart break again. How could everything have gone so wrong.

He had to admit though, the damage done to the village could have been much worse, and more people could have lost their lives than the ones that did. Many were saying it was Jin pushing the Kyuubi out of the village that saved everyone but he ignored them, he shouldn't have had to push it out in the first place. The Kyuubi should have still been sealed inside Kushina and she and Minato should still be here with their son while his mother should right now be home cooing about how cute Xiba was. But instead, because of some asshole in a mask, they were dead, and Jin was stuck raising not one but two infants virtually on his own. He hadn't heard word from Pakura and that worried him.

Naruto and Xiba were back at Jin's apartment, which was luckily one of the buildings spared the Kyuubi's rampage, with a couple Shadow Clones watching over them. Jin didn't think it was a good idea to have those two out of the house for a while, especially Naruto. With his red hair and whisker marks, he didn't need some idiot thinking that Naruto was the Kyuubi and try to attack him, Jin didn't need to add more people to his body count so soon after fighting the Kyuubi.

After the Funeral ended, almost immediately a meeting was called for all Elite Jonin level ninja and the Clan Heads were all in attendance. Everyone took their seats as the Elders, Koharu and Homura, the former Third Hokage and Danzo started the meeting.

Jin mostly tuned them out until the subject of a new Hokage came up. He perked up slightly, wondering who would take Minato's place. As long as it wasn't Danzo, he was fine with whoever became the 5th Hokage. He was however taken back when Shikaku Nara, the Jonin Commander spoke up. "As far as the 5th Hokage goes, the perfect choice would be the man who was Minato's equal. Not to mention, he was Minato's assistant and advisor. In short, I nominate Jin Sarutobi as 5th Hokage."

Shikaku's suggestion was met with many sounds of approval from the other Jonin and most of the Clan heads. The ones that didn't were Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga, though Jin suspected both men had sticks shoved up there respective asses.

"Jin did work closely with Minato and probably would handle the village in a similar way." Koharu commented.

"It would indeed be wise to have Jin be the Hokage, he was in the running for 4th before he dropped out." Homura added.

Jin looked around the room and gauged everyone's reactions. Jin saw approval on the faces of many. He saw Danzo didn't look pleased but that wasn't too surprising. He however noticed his 'father's' expression remained blank. His attention was taken from his father when Danzo stood to speak. "Are we certain that Jin would make the best choice to lead the village." He started. Several people frowned at his tone. "After all, even though you pushed the Kyuubi out of the village and helped seal the beast, you failed to save the 4th Hokage."

That remark was immediately met with outrage from several Jonin and a few Clan heads, that was a low blow. The chatter was brought to an immediate halt when a massive amount a Killer intent flooded the room along with the temperature increasing dramatically. The Jonin were gasping for breath, the Clan heads were sweating, Koharu and Homura looked greatly disturbed, Danzo however was having the worst reaction as Killer Intent was focused on him. Hiruzen was the only one who didn't look bothered by the increased heat or the Killer Intent as he stared at the source.

Jin was sitting with his head lowered. "The way you speak, you sound as if your insinuating that Minato needed saving." He said as he stood up, the people near him gave him a wide berth. "If that's what your saying, then you obviously had no respect for your Kage." Jin continued as he slowly walked forward, his head still lowered so his eyes were hidden. "It's strange, during the attack, I could sense just about every shinobi in the village was front and center doing what they could to protect the village. Hell even our esteemed elders Koharu and Homura and our former 3rd Hokage were front and center, ready to die to defend their home." He said as he stopped in front of the Danzo. "Which of course brings up a very good question." He paused as he got right in Danzo's face, revealing his eye that were no longer a vibrant green but blazing amber as he glared into Danzo's eye. "Where the fuck were you old man? Cowering away in your little underground shithole while the rest of us risked our lives to protect our home. You're always the first to speak of the betterment of the village yet when shit hits the fan you're mysteriously nowhere to be found. And now you have the audacity to accuse me of letting my best friend die? I strongly suggest you watch yourself old man. Just because you survived this long doesn't mean your life can't come to a swift end." Jin said as stood up straight again.

The Killer Intent subsided and the heat returned to normal causing everyone to sigh in relief minus Hiruzen, who had an unnoticeable smirk on his face. Jin turned to the others in the room. His eyes back to being green, as if he didn't just threaten one of the village elders. "Something you all should know, Minato willing gave his life, doing what any good Kage does, protecting his village. I want everyone in this room to remember that." He said as he saw everyone slightly bow their heads, giving their late Kage another prayer. "As for the subject of me taking the title of 5th Hokage, I'm sorry to say but I must decline." He said. This was met with sounds of disapproval. Jin raised his hands to silence them. "I know, I know, but I can't. When I dropped out of the running for 4th, it was because I knew Minato would make a better Kage than I. And had this situation been different I would gladly take the hat in his place."

"Then why won't you take over now?" Asked the Inuzuka Clan Head Tsume.

Jin smiled a small smile. "As it stands, I have two infant children at home that I am essentially raising on my own. I cannot and will not split my time between them and the office." He said.

Another Clan head, Inoichi Yamanaka spoke up. "I was under the impression that you only had one child." He said confused.

"Until yesterday I only had my son, Xiba to look after. However, I'm sure many of you knew that Minato and Kushina were expecting. That child was born yesterday and survived the attack. And as I am his Godfather, I now have two sons to raise." Jin said simply.

The Clan heads and Jonin were going to let the issue drop there, however, Danzo brought up another issue. "Are you sure it's wise to be raising that child yourself?"

"Excuse me?" Jin said turning his head back to the old fossil. His tone had everyone nervous that the Killing Intent would return.

Danzo apparently didn't get the hint. "For one thing, that child is now carrying the very beast that nearly destroyed our village. The very same beast that caused the death of your beloved teammates." Danzo said.

Jin turned toward Danzo fully, ignoring the looks on some of the Jonin's faces. "What exactly are you trying to say?" He asked, his eyes flashing between green and amber.

Danzo opened his one good eye and stared back at Jin. "I am merely worried for the safety of the child..."

"Naruto."

Danzo raised a brow. "Pardon?"

Jin's eyes narrowed. "He has a name, Naruto. Use it."

Danzo resisted a snort. "I am merely worried for the safety of Naruto. You just lost both your teammates, I'd hate for you to take out any anger you have on the fox on the boy."

The whole room went quiet. Homura, who was sitting next to Danzo, got up, grabbed his chair, and walked to the far end of the table and sat next to Koharu. If Jin decided to pounce, he wanted to be as far from Danzo as he could be.

Jin himself blinked once, twice, thrice. "Are you fucking senile? Did you forget what team I was on? I was on a team with three, count 'em, three seal masters. One of which was a Uzumaki, a clan renown for their Fuinjutsu. I myself, am a seal master. Do you think I am so stupid that I could possible see my son as that fox?"

Danzo raised a brow. "Your son?"

"Yes, my son. That is exactly what Naruto is. Both Minato and Kushina wanted me to look after him, damn near begged me as they lay dying. He is mine in all but blood and I will protect him as fiercely as if he were my own. So if you even think about mentioning your root program, that I know your just itching to do... your little piss poor trained agents will not protect you and there will be no place on this planet where you will be spared from my wrath." He said as he flared his Killer Intent to get his point across to the whole room. Naruto Uzumaki was off limits.

"Now, if there's nothing else, I'm sure you can all decide a Hokage without me here. If you'll all excuse me, my sons need me." With that, Jin left the room. Not caring who became Hokage and confident that after that exchange, it wouldn't be Danzo.

-000-

A week had passed since that day. As it happened, Hiruzen retook his title as third until a candidate for fifth presented themself. Jin couldn't be more thankful about being a ninja since he had only gotten about a total of an hour and a half of sleep in the past 7 days. Dealing with Xiba on his own was hard enough, but now he had Naruto too. If one wasn't crying, the other one was, if he changed one, almost immediately after, he had to change the other. But feeding time was the worst. Both infants seemed to always be hungry. He had to make periodic trips to one of the Markets for formula.

Thankfully, he had help from Genma and Guy as well as Asuma when they weren't helping repair the village. Hitomi came over everyday after her shift at the Hospital, she had taken on more duties to help with those injured in the attack. Jin figured she did it to take her mind off their mother. He was so glad she didn't treat Naruto any different than she treated Xiba.

Speaking of Naruto, a couple days after the meeting, someone, that Jin was convinced it was Danzo, let slip that Naruto had the fox inside of him. So far no one had had the balls to try anything, but that didn't stop them from glaring. After word got out about Naruto, the third made a law that prohibited the adults from telling the children about Naruto's connection to the fox in the hopes that Naruto would be able to make friends. Jin seriously doubted it would be that easy, just because people couldn't talk about the fox didn't mean they could keep their kids from Naruto.

Jin was currently walking toward the graveyard to bring flowers to his mother's grave. He'd left the children with his sister since she had the day off. As he was arriving, he sensed two familiar chakra signatures. Finding it suspicious that these two would be anywhere near each other, Jin suppressed his chakra and hid to get a closer look. Sure enough, there was Danzo talking with Kakashi.

Listening in, Jin learned that Danzo was trying to recruit Kakashi for his root division. Jin narrowed his eyes as Danzo used Kakashi's love and respect for Minato to convince the boy and even blamed Jin himself for not helping Minato. What pissed Jin off is that Kakashi seemed to agree with Danzo. If Jin could just get some hard evidence on Danzo, he'd personally put the old bastard down. When Danzo finally left Jin casually left his hiding place.

"You know..." Jin started, taking Kakashi by surprise. "I've known Minato virtually our entire lives. We were practically inseparable since we met in the academy." He said fondly.

"What's your point?" Kakashi said rather crossly.

Jin looked at the younger shinobi. "My point is I knew Minato a lot better than you did. I know for whatever reason, you were his favorite student." Jin said getting Kakashi's attention. "I also know he trusted Danzo as much as he trusted Iwa Shinobi during the war. The point I'm trying to make here kid is that Minato recognized Danzo as the threat he was. Hell half the time we spent during his reign was dedicated to getting some evidence to expose him as the monster everyone knows he is." Jin said as he turned fully to the young Shinobi and gave him a harsh glare, causing Kakashi to back pedal a little. "Let me make this, perfectly clear. If I think for a second that you've become a threat to the village by joining Danzo, I may just forget that you were Minato's student. Hell, I may forget that your a Leaf Shinobi, and deal with you the same way I'd deal with a threat from another village." He said.

Kakashi looked disturbed now. It was no secret among the other Shinobi how Jin handled threats to the village. Of all the ways Kakashi visualized he would die, smothered by molten lava wasn't one of them. "Glad we could have this conversation." Jin said as he walked away as if didn't just threaten Kakashi, walked to his mother's grave, laid down the flowers and made to go pick up his kids... at least that was his plan. Jin walked two feet before he suddenly vanished in a cloud of smoke.

-000-

Mt. Paozu...

Jin suddenly stopped in his tracks as he took in his current location. Realizing where he was, he figured Gohan must've reverse summoned him to Mt. Paozu. Which meant one of two things, either something good happened or something terrible happened.

Jin turned around and sure enough saw Gohan close by. While Gohan didn't have many facial expressions, one could tell by his eyes that there was indeed a problem. That's when Jin looked down and saw a tiny messenger monkey. His heart sank when he recognized it as the monkey that he sent with Pakura. He looked back up at Gohan. "No..." He breathed out.

Gohan said nothing merely motioning his head over to the left. When Jin looked, he saw a hut. Figuring what Gohan was implying, Jin made a mad dash for the hut. As soon as he arrived, he swung open the flap and there lying on the floor with a blanket over her was Jin's wife Pakura. Rushing to her side, Jin kneeled by her side and took her in his arms. "Pakura, Pakura! Open your eyes love." He called out. This was not the woman he knew and loved, her skin was paler than normal and clammy. He had never seen her so weak. His horror increased when the blanket covering her fell off, revealing multiple stab wounds to her person.

Pakura just barely managed to open her eyes. "J-Jin?"

"Pakura, what happened? Who did this to you?" He asked frantic.

Pakura's breathing was raspy but regardless, she managed to speak. "I... was double crossed. The Fourth... Kazekage used me... as a bargaining chip... to make... peace with Mizu." She gasped out.

Jin couldn't begin to put his anger into words. That son of a bitch dared to use one of his own shinobi for his own agenda, he didn't deserve the title of Kage. What made Jin angrier was that he realized why Pakura was used. Mizu was often referred to as the Village of the Bloody Mist due in no small part to the bloody graduation exam and the blood purges. There weren't many bloodline users in Suna, hell Pakura was the only one Jin knew of. Add in the fact Pakura's reputation, Jin realized that the Mist must have demanded Pakura's death for there to be peace between the two villages.

Now Jin wasn't sure there was anything that could save her. She had so many wounds on her body, the only person that would have a chance would be Tsunade but she was off somewhere wallowing in her own self pity. What made it worse was that there was nothing he could do to help her or avenge her. There was no evidence to connect the Kazekage to this.

Jin couldn't believe it. In less than a month a loved one was dying before him and once again he couldn't do anything. He hadn't even realized he was crying until he felt a hand wipe his cheeks. Looking down, he saw Pakura giving him a weak smile. "I'm sorry." She said.

"What are you sorry for?" He asked as more tears fell.

Pakura smiled sadly as tears fell from her eyes. "I promised you that I would be there to help raise our son. Now I never will." She trailed off before she gave him a pointed look. "Promise me, promise me no matter what, you'll keep Xiba safe for as long as you can."

"Of course. You never have to ask." He said.

Pakura smiled contently and caressed his face. "You've made me, so happy these last few years, I couldn't ask for a better man to be my husband, or the father of my child." She said as Jin gripped her hand. "Don't close your heart off when I'm gone, if you meet someone else, don't hesitate, love her like you loved me." She said as she felt her life ending. Jin nodded hesitantly. Pakura smiled before her eyes closed and she breathed her last breath.

When he felt her go limp in his arms, Jin felt rage and sorrow consume him as he let out a sorrow filled roar that echoed throughout Mt. Paozu. All the Oozaru lowered their heads when they heard their summoners cry of anguish. Unbeknownst to Jin, back in Konoha, Hitomi was having a difficult time as Xiba was inconsolable, somehow knowing that his mother had just died. Xiba's cries had Naruto crying as well, followed by Hitomi as she didn't know what happened or what to do. It was only after Jin returned hours later did she know why.

-000-

I'm gonna stop here; this was hard to write. Not because I didn't know what to write, but because it tore at my heartstrings to write it. I'm pretty sure all the tragedy is done with so next chapter should be a much happier one.

If anyone has questions, PM me and I'll do my best to answer them.

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