It took me some time, but I finally got this chapter finished. Enjoy!

XXX

Chapter 2

The day was bright and sunny, a perfect day for such a joyous celebration. Villagers all around Konoha were shouting and cheering in honor of the peace delegation from Kumogakure. Whole streets were decorated in garlands, people threw flowers before the marching shinobi, who in return smiled and waved to the crowds, thankful for being guests in the village. Or so they appeared to be.

While this was happening in the middle of the main street, at the main gate of Konoha another event took place. The three Chuunin that were stationed in the booth beside the humongous entrance noticed a pair of travelers coming towards them; an old man dressed like a monk, and a small blond boy, no older than six, maybe seven. A grandson, maybe?

"Hello, Shinobi-san," the old man said, bowing and smiling at the gatekeepers. "You seem to have quite a celebration today. A festival of some sorts?"

One of the Chuunin, with a scar across his nose also smiled. "Yes, this a joyous day. I don't know the details, but I heard that the current Raikage of Kumogakure sent a message to our Sandaime Hokage, proposing a truce. Our villages have had tense relations for years, ever since the last Great War. Hokage-sama took this chance and agreed for the Kumo's delegation to come here and discuss the treaty."

"It's very noble that both leaders seek peace. One can say that the lands of this world have seen too much bloodshed and death." There was something ominous in the man's words, something that none of the three ninja could put a finger on. "I'd like to speak with your Hokage. There are some things that may require his attention." A loud grumbling sound was heard, which caused several reactions: it brought the attention to the child that until now was silent, made a slight blush appear on his whiskered cheeks, and caused the adults to chuckle. "And if you could point me to some place where me and my grandson can eat, I'll be truly grateful."

"Well, I don't know if Hokage-sama will be available with the whole Kumo business going on, but if you first sign yourself and this boy into this book, then you may heed down that street." The scarred Chuunin pointed the path going south from them. "There is a small ramen stall, where you can buy some cheap but very good ramen. It's called Ichiraku, a man named Teuchi runs it with the help of his daughter."

After taking care of the administrative work, the old monk looked at the boy beside him, who was grinning wildly ever since he heard the word 'ramen'. He chuckled a little when the six year old started to impatiently pull at the sleeve of his lose robes.

"Alright Naruto, first we'll go eat some ramen."

XXX

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't have an easy day. The delegation from Kumo brought in the demands of their Raikage for this truce. Some were ridiculous, some quite reasonable, and others could be negotiated. The amount of paperwork involved with such an event seemed endless. It didn't help that the delegate shinobi had to be granted political immunity at the demand of their leader, and had refused to enter the village until after this was done.

Even though Hiruzen wholeheartedly agreed with the idea of lasting peace between two of the Great Hidden Villages, he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. The first hint was that this was the second time that the Raikage wanted to talk about a truce. The first proposition appeared just three years after the Kyuubi attack, however Kumo withdrew it before any true preparations could be made, with the excuse of not being ready for such talks at the moment. Why did they send it in the first place? Of course, A was known for his stubbornness and being a hot-head, so it's not surprising there wasn't any letter with explanation.

There was also an issue of the still missing, presumed dead, Namikaze-Uzumaki Naruto, the third Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi no Youko. For the first five years Sarutobi sent his best ANBU and tracking teams to search for the boy, however as the years went by, the quest had to be halted. The main reason was Konoha's very low man-power, and another was that after those years the boy was most likely dead, either from starvation or eaten by wild animals. Only a miracle could help him, and the Sandaime prayed each night that the son of his successor was safe and happy somewhere in this vast world.

Sighing deeply, the old Hokage worked on another paper, when there was a knock on the door.

"Hokage-sama? There is a man with a small boy who'd like to speak with you. He says that it's important," a Tokubetsu Jounin announced.

Sarutobi mused for a minute, seeing this as a reason to take a break from the accursed paperwork. After tidying his desk a little, he nodded to the man.

"Let them in," Hiruzen said to the Tokubetsu Jounin. 'Anything to take my mind off these accursed papers!' he added in his mind.

"Hai," The man went to collect the guests.

Into the office came a quite tall and elderly man, dressed like a monk or hermit in loose robes, similar to those that the Hokage saw the monks of the Fire Temple wearing. His face was covered in wrinkles, and looked like someone who saw many conflicts, but the sure step and aura of vitality and inner strength told the Professor that there was something more to this person than what appeared at first glance.

Then Hiruzen looked at the boy. He was six, maybe seven years old, with a body a little smaller than those of his peers but not underdeveloped, just a late bloomer, blond spiky hair, clear blue eyes, and three whisk-

The realization hit the God of Shinobi like a ton of bricks.

"Na-Naruto...?"

"As I predicted, you recognize my grandson, Hokage-dono," the monk said in a serious voice. Before Sarutobi could utter a single word, the hermit stopped him. "I'll explain everything that happened and what I know, but it must stay between just the three of us. If you could please relieve your bodyguards that are hidden in the room, I'd appreciate it."

"Why should I listen?" Hiruzen asked carefully. "For all I know, you may be the one that took Naruto from the village, and might try to assassinate me under the pretext of peaceful talking."

"Oi, Jiji! My Jii-chan isn't some criminal-ttebayo!" A loud proclamation from Naruto brought the attention of two men, one disapproving and one nostalgic.

'Dear Kami, he's just like Kushina when she was a child. He even talks in a similar fashion,' the Sandaime thought, remembering a redhead girl with a short temper, who wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

"I'm deeply sorry, Hokage-dono, but this boy tends to open his mouth without thinking about what he's going to say, or to whom." Casting a disapproving glance at his grandson, who muttered a quiet 'Sorry', the old monk sighed. "I'd like to make this a rather quick conversation, but I must insist on privacy."

Hearing the seriousness in the voice of his guest, the Sandaime gave a signal for his ANBU bodyguards to leave the room, which they did immediately. Just to be sure that no one will eavesdrop on them, Sarutobi activated a few privacy seals, creations of the late Yondaime and his wife, when the pair wanted some time alone in the office. Taking care of the safety measures, Hiruzen turned his full attention to the man and boy before him.

"I'm listening."

"Thank you for your trust, Hokage-dono. First, I think that I should introduce myself. I'm Kurotori Hayato. And this boy here, as you already know, is Naruto, my adopted grandson." The mentioned boy grinned and waved to the old Hokage. "Now there's something I have to show you, Hokage-dono. Naruto, take it off," Hayato said to his grandson kindly.

Sarutobi wanted to ask his guest what he meant by that, but the answer came when the blond boy was suddenly enveloped in a white smoke. When the smoke cleared, the elderly ninja couldn't help but stare at how Naruto looked now; the main change were three blond-colored fox tails, which were moving around lazily, then the Hokage saw that the boy's hair was even more messy, and from the top of his head stood two triangular-shaped animal ears.

"How does a child his age know the Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique)? Why did he choose this form?" the Sandaime asked, shocked at what he saw before him.

"What do you mean, old man?" Naruto looked at the Hokage innocently, confused. "It's my true form-ttebayo."

"Wha-What?!"

"I am very sorry to stall again, Hokage-dono, but can you please call someone who could look after Naruto while we discuss things? He gets bored very easily, which often causes him to engage activities that get him in a lot of trouble." The blond fox boy pouted at the comment, but the slight blush on his whiskered cheeks only confirmed the claim. "Also, there are things that children don't need to hear in conversations between adults." Hayato's request wasn't unreasonable, so Sarutobi didn't have any problem granting it.

After deactivating the seals and getting Naruto to hide his fox features, the Hokage called his assistant to find someone for the task. Not even a five minutes later, Umino Iruka came in.

"You sent for me Hokage-sama?"

"Ah, Iruka-kun! The perfect man for the job!" Hiruzen smiled at the young Chuunin. "I have a little mission for you. Hayato-san here and I have to discuss some very important topics, however we can't do it with Naruto-kun in the room. Would you be so kind as to take this boy to the village's park? I think it's a better solution than letting him fall asleep from boredom while waiting for two old men to finish talking, don't you think?"

"Not to mention that someone must keep an eye him. This boy can find trouble faster than he consumes his ramen," Hayato added, much to the embarrassment of his grandson.

"Jii-chan!"

"I'll send someone for you after we finish here," Sarutobi assured his subordinate.

"Hai, Hokage-sama. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him," Iruka said and walked up to the boy, who looked warily at him. Sensing mistrust, the young man knelt to Naruto's eye level and extended his hand. "I'm Umino Iruka. What's your name?"

"N-Naruto..." the blond mumbled.

"Nice to meet you, Naruto. If you want, you can call me by my first name, or you can call me Iruka-sensei," the scarred shinobi said with a bright smile.

"Why?" Naruto looked a little confused.

"I'm a teacher at the Academy, and all my students call me that. What do you say we go to the park so you can play with some other kids? And since I hear you like ramen, maybe afterwards we can stop at Ichiraku for a quick snack! They are the best in the village."

Right after he said those words, Iruka found himself being dragged by an overexcited six year old, much to the amusement of the two old men. When both chuunin and his young charge disappeared, the atmosphere inside the office became very thick with tension. Neither the village leader nor the wandering monk removed their gazes from one another, seeking any answers or weaknesses in the person before them. It was Sarutobi who first broke the silence.

"I advise you, Hayato-san, to be truthful with me for the next few questions I have." The Sandaime Hokage's voice was hard as steel. "Otherwise I may be forced to let my interrogators ask you them, but in a less 'pleasant' way."

"There is much to discuss, Hokage-sama." Hayato didn't let the threat scare him. He was calm despite the dangerous aura that was currently emanating from Sarutobi. "I ask you to let me explain why I came to your village together with my grandson, and then I'll answer any questions you may have."

Taking the proposition into consideration, Hiruzen thought that it would be for the best if he let his guest explain himself first. And if there was any lack of sincerity in Hayato's answers, then there was always the Interrogation Squad and a few Yamanaka with their mind-reading techniques. To ensure that their conversation is fully private, he activated the seals that prevented anyone from hearing or even entering the room. With this done, Sarutobi looked into Hayato's eyes.

"You have my undivided attention."

XXX

Naruto was having time of his young life. Never before had he been able to play with other children, because his grandfather never stayed in the same place for long. This time, however, the young hanyou could act like a normal kid his age should, meaning he was running around the playground with several other children, while the nice chuunin, Iruka, watched him from where the other parents were supervising their kids. Several of the parents were obviously shinobi.

Currently, Naruto was trying to swing higher and higher on one of the swings, when something caught his sensitive ears. Despite looking like a normal human right now, his fox-like senses were still as keen as ever. What the small blond heard was the boisterous laugher of several boys, three as far as he could tell but wasn't too sure, as well as a softer voice muffled by...sobbing?

Quickly jumping down from the swing with agility greater than that of a normal six year old, Naruto rushed towards the source of the voices. Going through some thick bushes, he finally found out what all this noise was about. Three boys, bigger and probably older by two or three years at least, were standing over a much smaller girl, who was on her hands and knees with her head dropped, while her small shoulders shuddered and fresh tears dropped on the green grass. What Naruto found a little weird were her clothes, a pink kimono, tied with dark blue obi, all of which was more than a little stained from grass and dirt.

Not revealing himself yet, Naruto slowly and sneakily went closer to the group. Finally, he could clearly hear what they were saying.

"Oi! You still didn't say how sorry you were for running into us!" one of the boys, probably the leader of the group, said to the kneeling girl.

"She's just another stuck up Hyuuga, like that prick Neji!" another commented.

"No way, look at her! What's the matter, crybaby? Wittle Hyuuga pwincess wants us to stahp?" the final one mocked her, only making the girl's sobs get louder, even if only a little.

"Say you're sorry like you mean it!" The leader commanded with a little edge in his voice. It was clear that he wouldn't restrain himself if he wanted to hit the girl.

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry..." Each apology was interrupted with a loud sob, the girl's normally soft voice now hoarse from crying and repeating her apologies over and over again to the three unsatisfied bullies.

Naruto had enough of this.

"Leave her alone, jerks."

The three boys turned from their victim, only to see a small blond boy with whisker marks on his cheeks, trying to be tough. The little girl also looked up, relieved that her torment was interrupted, but now fearful that her oppressors would turn on the new boy and hurt him. It didn't surprise anyone there when the bullies started laughing loudly.

"And what are you going to do, squirt?" the leader asked, his tone mocking. "You'd be better off if you just turn around and go before we beat you up!"

"Yeah! Scram loser!" the second and third bully added, but Naruto only grinned at them.

"Get lost you outsider!"

"You are the ones that will be running away!" Naruto shouted, then used a little of his natural Kitsune Magic to make the three boys think they saw a terrifying monster. Though only six, the young blond had enough control over this particular trick to keep the girl from seeing the same as her oppressors. Not so surprising, the leader and his two lackeys ran away from the pair of kids, but Naruto wasn't finished with them. Taking careful aim, he pointed his finger at the retreating boys. "Kitsune Bi!" Three small sparks of blue fire shot from his finger, and soon enough the three bullies were not only scared out of their wits, but also sporting little painful burn marks on their rear ends, making them scream even louder.

The little girl looked at the blond boy, who was busy laughing on the ground. While those three had been tormenting her, she didn't think what her savior did was very nice. However, she couldn't help but feel her cheeks get a little warmer when she thought about her mother's tales of princesses that were rescued by their knights in shining armor. Right now, she felt like such a princess.

"Man, what cowards!" Naruto said between his laughs before turning to the still kneeling girl. "Hey, you alright?"

"Huh?" Brought back to earth from her daydreaming, the girl quickly sat up and looked at the boy. "H-Hai, I'm fine. Th-thank you f-for your h-help."

"No worries. If there's one thing I hate, it's bullies. By the way, I'm Naruto! What's your name?" The girl fidgeted a bit from his loud voice, but he sounded friendly, and her family taught her that it was rude not to introduce yourself to someone who helped you.

"My n-name is H-Hyuuga H-Hinata," she said shyly, then thought about something. "A-are you new here?"

"Yep!" Naruto admitted loudly. "My Jii-chan brought me here today. He had some important business with that other Jiji who lives in that tall building."

"Y-you mean Hokage-sama?" Hinata was a little surprised that someone would not know who the Hokage was, or refer to him as 'Jiji', but that only confirmed Naruto's status as an outsider.

"Yeah, that one!" Naruto grinned. "Hey, wanna play together? I had a lot of fun in the park by myself, but it started to get boring. So, you coming?"

Hinata thought the idea over. While her training was canceled for today, hence her chance to go to the park, she wondered if she could trust this boy. Since he already rescued her from bullies, was really nice and introduced himself, Hinata decided to give him benefit of the doubt. She smiled brightly at him, a gesture that Naruto found really cute, for some reason.

"S-sure."

XXX

"If I understood you correctly, those demons and beasts from another world are slowly infiltrating this dimension to destroy all humanity...That is a truly...original story, Hayato-san. One that I'm finding very hard to believe in all aspects, besides the part where you met Naruto, and even that is very suspicious." Sarutobi was sitting very stiffly, trying to comprehend what he just heard.

"I assure you Hokage-dono, that everything I've told you is genuine truth. While I'm aware that it all sounds implausible, the signs are hard to ignore," Hayato replied. "Our world is changing, and my visions show that it is not a change for the better. We are all facing an unspeakable evil that will threaten everything we hold dear. I've made it my mission to warn all those who want to protect the world from this terrible disaster."

There was a heavy silence lingering inside the office, both older men were trying to read one another, all to find and then exploit any weaknesses. A very basic tactic when it comes to politics and negotiations, and while the Sandaime Hokage could be considered a pro at this game because of his lifelong experiences, Hiruzen couldn't deny that his opponent was also skilled in hiding any kind of openings. Well, as the old shinobi saying goes: if there are no openings then create one.

"Putting aside you ominous prediction, there is another very important matter to discuss Hayato-san, namely young Naruto's future."

The old monk was more than a little surprised, however his face didn't betray any emotion. "Ignoring my warning is a grave mistake Hokage-dono," he said carefully, keeping his guard up. "Pray tell, what is there to debate about my grandson's future?" he asked carefully, already seeing where this conversation is going.

"Despite it being an S-rank secret, you, Hayato-san, are already aware that Naruto-kun is Jinchuuriki of Kyuubi, therefore he's a valuable asset to the village, both militarily and politically. More importantly, though, both his parents were two of Konoha's finest shinobi, and their son should get a chance to follow their footsteps, if he so desires." Sarutobi leaned closer towards his interlocutor, gaining a more threatening visage. "Furthermore, I'm not keen in seeing the son of two of our village's heroes being raised and educated by the Butcher of Sea Country."

Hayato was silent for a few moments at that revelation. "How long did you know?"

"From the moment you introduced yourself," Hiruzen answered honestly. "I am one of the oldest shinobi in this village. I know many things, one of which is tracking the most potential threats to Konoha and the Land of Fire." There was a short pause after this sentence. "Naruto should stay here. This village is his birthplace and home."

"That is not possible Hokage-dono." There was coldness of a glacier behind Hayato's words. "The boy cannot stay in Konoha."

A sudden burst of killing intent from both men was all that indicated their emotions at that very moment. If one immune to the aura that emanated from them, walked inside the office, he would see two faces that were taking the phrase 'set in stone' quite literally. The atmosphere was so thick that one could probably cut it with a kunai, while the expressionless masks stared at one another, measuring their opponents' strengths and trying to find any weaknesses.

"I could just get rid of you and keep Naruto here, where's he belongs. My ANBU are more than enough to ensure this," Sarutobi said seriously. "However, before I decide on any rash actions, care to explain your reasoning as to why Naruto can't stay?"

The old monk's gaze was hard and sharp, like a freshly cut gem. "The answer isn't complicated. I am aware of how the ninja villages see their Jinchuuriki as nothing more than weapons of mass destruction. They are treated with disdain, distrust, and even hate, no matter what their achievements would be. And don't tell me that he'll have a choice whether he becomes a shinobi or not, because as the potential weapon of Konoha, Naruto won't be given any choice in the matter. Not to mention that his safety would be at constant risk, as proven by how he was taken from under your attention."

Hiruzen's features hardened. "Hayato-san, you're wearing my patience and your welcome."

"Let's not forget that Naruto isn't just a Jinchuuriki, he's a Hanyou," the old monk continued, despite the Hokage's scathing gaze. "His life will be forever bound with the very demon that almost destroyed this village. He's still very young, and his ability to hide the fox features isn't perfect. Tell me, Hokage-dono, how long would it take for someone to finally discover the truth? How long until someone, driven by rage and grief over their loved ones, attacks him? Five years? Two? Six months? Or maybe somebody already knows, and is currently planning to use the boy for their own gain." When the Hokage didn't answer this hypothetical question Hayato knew that his words were having the desired effect. "I will not risk Naruto's life by leaving him in Konoha. If my visions are even half as true as I see them, my grandson's role in the upcoming storm will either save humanity or destroy it. With me, he'll at least be safe from the hatred that shinobi are operating around." Without a word from Hiruzen, the monk just got up from his chair and made his way towards door. He stopped for a moment before reaching for the knob. "If any of your shinobi tries to take my grandson by force, I'll protect him with all my might."

"Is that a threat?"

"No, it's a promise that I intend to keep."

After that short statement, Sarutobi was once again alone in his office, his mind occupied with the recent conversation. Other worlds...Creatures that could overpower even Bijuu...Savage beasts that seek new prey...All this only made the aged shinobi really tired and confused, something that didn't happen often nowadays. Not seeing any clear solution, the aged Hokage sighed deeply and started signing the neglected papers again.

"You would be wise to heed his words, sensei," a voice from behind the Hokage commented. Turning around, Sarutobi saw a man with long, wild white hair, a horned forehead protector with kanji for 'Oil' on the metal plate, who was wearing a combination of hermit and shinobi clothes.

"Jiraiya," Hiruzen greeted his old student, however there was a bit of tiredness in his words. "If you were here long enough to know what was spoken about, then you're also aware of who that man was, and that Naruto is with him. You have more right to the boy as his father's teacher and Naruto's godfather."

"Come on, sensei, get real! Me raising the brat? No way! I'm no good with kids, and besides, it would create more problems for him to stay in the village, because I wouldn't be able to take him with me." The normally jovial Gama Sennin (Toad Sage) suddenly changed into a more serious person than he normally is. "Besides, I may leave tonight again. Something big is going on in the north."

"Up north? Are you suggesting that Iwa is going to try something?"

"Not Iwa per say, anywhere north of here. All my contacts from around the nations alerted me about very strange events taking place. For instance, just a week ago, a few small villages in Lighting Country were completely wiped out, and from what the witnesses say, it happened in a single night."

"What?! How is that possible?!" Sarutobi asked, shocked upon hearing such news.

"I have no idea. My associate couldn't get any more information, because the Raikage made a great effort in sweeping this one case under the rug," Jiraiya said regretfully. "One thing I'm sure of, whoever or whatever did that, was out of this world. Even the most savage beasts wouldn't be so cruel and vicious." The white haired Sannin's expression said that he wasn't kidding. "If what my contacts say covers anything this Hayato informed you about, even just a little, we may be in very serious trouble in the future."

XXX

A/N: Okay, this was supposed to be a longer chapter, but after some re-reading I had to cut it here. Before anyone starts yelling at me, please understand that if I kept going, this chapter would go at a snail's pace. But thanks to this little trick, not only have I finished this one, but I have a very good start on the next chapter.

So all I ask is that you be patient a little longer. You won't regret your decision.