AN: I know...it's been long time since I've updated. So sorry for major delay, but I'm back on track, I'm rusty, but I hope you guys don't hold that against me. Luckily Ld was still around, with his help and guidance we gave the story the jump start it needed. Be expecting more to come. Read and Review.
Son of the Sannin
By: drag-eart and Ld 1449
Chapter 4: A winner in politics
Entering the chamber, two silhouetted figures made their way around an outstretched table that had seats organized on each side, sitting parallel from one another. The chairs of course sat unoccupied. Except for one seat, it was already taken by a beautiful feral woman seating cross-legged talking discreetly to her canine companion next to her. The massive canine stood by her side closely, while her subordinates stood behind them surveying the new comers cautiously.
Tsume looked from her familiar and stared at the two figures standing a few feet away from where she was sitting. Inuzuka Tsume bowed her head to the elder man, who nodded back in response seating himself comfortably. She saw the man gesture for the woman beside him to bring a chair next to him. Reina obliged seating herself close behind her leader, the child still snuggled safely in her arms. They both locked gazes for an instant quiet words passing between the two before Reina was interrupted by Sarutobi's call to her.
Tsume resumed her discussion with her companion.
Minutes came and went; muted discussions were shared between dog and clan head in fierce whispers. When the door opened once again, three men came through it. The loud and boisterous one came in first while the other two looked on with amusement and if one cared to look, troubled expressions just beneath their smiles.
"Sarutobi-sama and Reina-san," the bigger man called, his red blazing hair cascading past his massive shoulders. Walking towards him with arms outstretched the big burly man covered his larger hand over the Sandaime's own and shook it firmly, doing the same with Reina, though much more gently.
"Chouza how are you fairing," the Sandaime asked with slight bemusement.
"Mah, doing well, a few bruises, here and there but all is well," Chouza leaned closer to the elder whispering, "Though what concerns me more is the supply of food in my home that is running low as we speak, that boy can sure eat," Chouza replied with a joyous sense of pride. "When he gets older he will have a bigger appetite than me! Chouji will be the end of the Akimichi clan as we know it."
The red haired shinobi laughed loudly at his joke, Sarutobi could feel the happiness and pride Chouza had for his boy. Sarutobi knew the feeling. He had sons of his own after all. Sarutobi nodded and smiled to Chouza who began walking taking a seat next to Tsume.
The next man came and shook the Sandaime's hand briefly and acknowledged Reina's presence with a wave; the Sandaime. He was also a large man, not as a big as Chouza but tall sturdy in his appearance. His long blond hair tied back to keep it from his face where a few whiskers grew from his chin, his battle gear still being worn. His left arm wrapped tightly from his torn shirt, bits of crimson blood seeped into the cloth. He bowed to the Sandaime making his way to his companion Chouza seating himself next to him. Chouza beckoned him closer patting him on the back, hearing his loud voice exclaim. "Come Inoichi I was just telling Tsume about your daughter Ino."
"Well isn't he in an awfully happy mood," the Sandaime looked up seeing the third member of the party. Drapes of fur covered the man in front of him, with scars adorning his arms that were left uncovered. One distinguishing feature stood out from his body was the long gash that came across his face marring his features. It was dabbed with an ointment as far as he could tell. "They seem to never change."
"Perhaps that is a good thing Shikaku," the younger man shrugged his shoulders in reply.
"I'll get back to you when I've decided," he answered and bowed to his leader who smiled thinly, before making his way to his friends and seating himself next to Inoichi.
The Sandaime took one last look at the three men that entered the chamber. He didn't forget who these men were or what they created when they combined to make a team. Their team wasn't meant to be forgotten so easily. coming through completely by accident. They were widely known for their prowess in mastering a certain aspect. Mind controlling, tactical, and destructive power, once put together their teamwork unstoppable. They were well known asset to Konoha. Throughout the nations they became to be known as the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. And their heirs would take that name as their own when the time came.
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Sarutobi sat back in his seat, turning to Reina, to have a glimpse at the baby being held in her arms. He caught the glint that shined in an instant, but vanished as fast as it appeared in the far corner of the room. The object was covered in the darkness, not being able to discern the silhouetted figure. The shadow of a man moved uncomfortably he had an inkling of a thought that the Sandaime had spotted him. But instead of calling to him the Sandaime smiled and nodded his head towards him. The figure stepped out of the shadows.
"Greetings," the man said quietly his eyes hidden behind the confines of his overcoat and the shades that rested on the ridge of his nose. He was built shorter than Inoichi and Chouza, but all the same still strong and stout in appearance. A thick black beard would have been seen appearing out of the hidden part of Shibi's chin, growing to his sideburns. Shibi bowed to the Sandaime respectfully, who in turn smiled knowingly. He also greeted the young woman beside him with the same acknowledgment. He seated himself across from them.
"Nice of you to drop in Shibi," Shikaku said, leaning back on his chair with his feet laid a top the table. Reclining back in forth to the point of losing balance, but to the trained eye they could easily see a piece of man's shadow remained attached under the table.
"Shibi why do you always have to make a dramatic entrance at such times," the red-haired shinobi inquired.
"It is in my nature," the bug shinobi answered his arms crossed in front of him, his face still hidden behind his overcoat.
"Well you're late," Tsume growled in response.
"I've been here before any of you, I've just been waiting," the silent man responded, uncrossing his hands, all the while lifting it in front him twisting his hand in the air. A black dot moved around attentively across Shibi's hand. "You just never noticed...I believe you are growing old my friends."
"Che…like hell I am," Tsume snarled turning away from Shibi. The bug shinobi chuckled quietly. Chouza put a hand on Tsume's shoulders, while the others laughed.
Their banter was quieted when the door opened once again and in walked in a tall lean man. His long black hair reaching pass his shoulders, his pearl white eyes stared intently across the room. A second man came closely alongside his leader and brother. The second individual looked identical to the first man. But the difference that set them apart was the mark that glowed brightly on the second man's forehead.
"Hiashi and Hizashi," the Sandaime called to the Hyuuga leader and his brother. The monarch walked bowing to Sandaime and gesturing a nod to Reina. He seated himself next to Shibi. While the follower seated himself a little behind his leader.
"Well, it seems a few members have yet to arrive," Hiashi said, looking across the people around him, his pale white eyes peering at the empty seats beside Sarutobi.
"Ah," the Sandaime replied interlacing his hands in front of him, resting his elbows a top the wooden table separating him from Hiashi. He rested his head on his hands. "They'll be here soon."
As soon as the words escaped him the door opened once more a tall figure walked in. He was the same frame as Inoichi with black hair reaching his shoulders. His face hardened, with a few scars adorning his face. The monarch of Uchiha clan walked briskly to his seat looking at the small group gathered bowing his head slightly acknowledging the members. They caught a glimpse of Uchiha emblems embroider on his right breast and a larger version on his back. He seated himself close to the Third Hokage. "Good of you to join us Fugaku."
"Forgive me Hokage-sama, but my clan needed some issues to be addressed before I arrived here." The raven haired shinobi replied.
"No worries," Sandaime said. "How did the meeting go?"
"Well, we lost many influential Clan members to this attack and we were just establishing suitors if my time came to take up the position. My son Itachi instantly became one of those inheritors if I die."
"Ah, well he will surely lead your clan well; he already is making a name for himself as we speak a wise decision."
The Uchiha Monarch bowed his head in thanks and looked on with an emotionless face. He was quiet throughout the wait.
Sarutobi sighed as he decided to finally skip the pleasantries and get down to what they all knew was coming.
"We have gathered here today to discuss the state of the village and the preventative measures that must be taken in order to begin recovery operations; everyone, report."
Hiashi was the first to speak as he stood. "As you know Sarutobi-sama, hundreds of refugees from several villages in the land of fire that were destroyed by the fox have taken refuge with us. However their great numbers present us with a problem. Our resources are stretched thin as it is with the recent attack on our village, the increasing number of refugees; take up medical supplies, living accommodations, and food supplies we desperately need. We will barely have enough to sustain our own population let alone that of several thousand more."
"You seem to forget Hyuuga...our population has taken a rather sudden decline." Fugaku cut in, causing Hiashi's pale eyes to find his obsidian ones.
"I took that into account, Uchiha. Even so, we will have a detrimental crisis trying to sustain the population we have." The Hyuuga head leaned a bit on the table. "I suggest we remove the refugees from the village at once. We defended them from the fox now they must defend themselves."
"No!" Sarutobi's voice was hard, firm and utterly unyielding. "I refuse that plan of action. If we cannot grow our food we will hunt it."
Hiashi swallowed for a moment obviously holding back from arguing with the senior Shinobi before he continued. "Sarutobi-sama we do not have the numbers for such a diversion and even if we did. All of the animals in this area have fled because of the fox we have no creatures to hunt, all we have is the crops and those alone are not enough to sustain us we must-"
"Then you will buy food from some of the surrounding villages, and this is all we will speak on the matter Hiashi." And with those words Sarutobi closed the conversation.
It was Shikaku that spoke up next with a hesitant clearing of his throat. "Sarutobi-sama that presents us also with another problem, our financial situation."
The shadow user stood up from his chair as Hiashi took his seat. "You see, obviously the strength of our military has taken a heavy blow because of the fox, we estimate it may have dropped our next year's income by up to 42 percent and that's only with an estimate of our casualties, not the set number of casualties sustained. Normally, when such a drastic loss would occur during war time we would be able to turn to the civilian portion of our trade of Cotton, Silks, and agriculture. But as you have already heard from Hiashi the agricultural portion is in dire straits, this could also be said for our Cotton fields which received considerable damage, losing as much as seventy percent because of the Kitsune. That includes the Silkworm nests near the Aburame compound, which, because of the fox's incredible chakra the worms were...for lack of a better term, incinerated completely destroying whatever silks we may have harvested, of which it will take us at least a year to recover. That's if the silk worms did not all flee like the rest of the animals because of the fox's approach. As it stands right now both sectors of our economy, military and civilian are thoroughly crippled."
Sarutobi rubbed the bridge of his nose as he took a deep breath. This situation was nothing short of a catastrophe, the money in Konoha's coffers were reserved for campaigns' of war and though there were several hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of currency in them, withdrawing from them what would be an undoubtedly high amount may leave them vulnerable should Iwa or another nation choose to attack. "How much would you need to withdraw from the coffers Shikaku?"
Shikaku took a deep breath, shaking his head from side to side in thought. "I can't really say, not without a rough estimate to the rest of the damages done in the village."
Sarutobi nodded before turning to Tsume who immediately cleared her throat and stood, "Sir, though the fox never reached our wall, the earthquakes and tremors it caused alone has caused vast damages to several homes, key offices and other buildings in the village, pushing their structural integrity to dangerous limits. Several of the homes near the wall have already collapsed and a section of the wall itself has moved from its foundation, engineers are already working on the problem but it is only a temporary fix. We would need raw materials and other goods in order to fully repair the village, mainly concrete, plaster and Iron, raw materials that are mined and manufactured more in Suna and Iwa. Luckily our lumber mills have been spared from the destruction so we can gather wood safely and effectively on our own."
Sarutobi once again nodded. "Very well, Shibi where do we stand on medical terms."
"As expected," The Aburame monarch said blandly. "The Hospitals are overwhelmed, the medic nins are currently running on soldier pills, they're exhausted, there is not enough medicine for everyone, several clinics have patients laying out in tents in the street. The dead are being piled together for a mass cremation and there's no end to the injured in sight with dozens more coming in every hour."
The bland tone in which he spoke would lead many to believe the Aburame head couldn't give a rats ass about what he was reporting, Sarutobi could tell how badly he was affected however. He had no doubt seen very clearly just how bad the hospitals were in the village, it would have shaken even the most battle hardened of men to see so many injured and dying.
Shibi again adjusted his glasses. "We have approximately 250 medic ninja per hospital with over 400 support staff. Many are beginning to fall to exhaustion, and we're losing an estimated 12 medics per hour to exhaustion, with that number only increasing as the hours go on. The head medic of the hospital has requested not only more aid for support staff trained in at least some medicinal field, but also medicine, morphine, antibiotics, disinfectants, epinephrine and anesthesia being the most prominent. At the rate we're going we will run out of those in less than another day. The hospital staff is also in desperate need of another large building to accommodate the patients adequately."
"Is there an estimated "recovery" period?" Sarutobi asked slowly.
Shibi seemed to take pause at that. "Seven to eight months...at minimum."
Sarutobi refrained from laying his head in his hands as he released a deep shuddering breath. "Fugaku...I trust you have the military report."
The Uchiha clan head nodded, already exhausted from the day's events as well as this meeting, he wasted little time in speaking as he took out a small folder.
"Sir...before this...this disaster..." He paused as if taking another moment to swallow what he was about to say. "We had a total of 37 registered gennin level ninja, as it stands we have 32." The Uchiha clan head saw a brief glimpse of pain pass through Sarutobi's features, it must have saddened him more than anything that young ones such as those had been killed but there was nothing more that could be done for those deceased. They had been kept as far out of the fighting as was possible. "Out of those 32" Fugaku continued. "19 of them are injured and will not be physically prepared for active duty in another month at best."
He passed the sheet onto the next one. "Once again before this attack we held a total of 468 Active, registered Chuunin, 93 on paid leave and 22 in suspended services. Out of the 468 active Chuunin, there are now 334 that still live. Out of those 334, 298 are injured." Again Fugaku paused in order to allow his statements to settle in.
"Out of the 93 on paid leave 69 are still alive, and out of those 58 are injured. From the 22 that are suspended 10 are still alive, and 9 of those are injured." He paused passing onto another page.
"We had a total of 245 active jounin, 68 jounin on paid temporary leave and 9 on suspended service. Out of the 245 active Jounin 118 of them are still alive, with 88 of those injured. Out of the 68 on temporary leave 42 are injured. And out of the 9 on suspended service, all of them are dead." The Uchiha took a shuddering breath as he passed to the last page. "We had a total of 139 Anbu in service before this day...but...as it stands out of those 139 Anbu...41 are still alive..."
"Wha-" Sarutobi was visibly staggered by this news as he gripped his chest swallowing the lump in his throat, feeling as if the wind had been knocked out of him.
Fugaku sighed as he threw his folder on the table. "10 are severely injured..." He paused taking a sudden pittance on the old Kage. "They're not expected to last the night...any of them."
Sarutobi this time did not resist the urge as he cradled his head in his hand... "My god..." He visibly collected himself, as he took a deep breath. He straightened in his seat, closing his weary eyes he felt the cold chill of what this beast brought to their village wash over him. Opening them, they were cold, hard and completely steadfast, it was as if a wall had been erected behind his lids for that split second he closed them. "Shikaku...with what's been said, how much do you estimate you will need to withdraw from the village coffers?
The Shadow user ran a hair through his hair as he processed the information at extremely fast speeds through his mind, running through his mental math before finally coming up with a number. "Medical supplies, lack of income, great quantity of raw materials fertilizers, repairs...I'd say you're looking at a minimum of 700 million. As a start
Murmurs spread throughout the clan heads, Konoha's reserves had that money. But, not much more than that money. If anyone attacked Konoha within the next decade they would most likely not be able to endure a protracted campaign against them and so they would have to quickly capitulate, or become indebted to the Daimyo or worse yet, another village.
Sarutobi narrowed his eyes, the gears turning behind that calculating gaze as he thought up the pros and cons of his next decision.
Finally, he gestured, and an Anbu bled out from the shadows at his back. No matter how strained their resources, the Hokage would never be without a guard as long as one remained fit for duty.
The Anbu leaned down, and Sarutobi leaned back to whisper something in his ear. The man nodded, a murmured response lost behind the mask.
Sarutobi thought for a moment longer before giving a nod and the Anbu vanished as quickly and quietly as he had come.
"If you were to deduct...say thirty percent of your purchases for raw materials Shikaku, how much would you need then?"
Shikaku raised an eyebrow but said nothing, running the calculations again, raw materials would be the most expensive to procure next to medicines.
"Five fifty." He shrugged. "Maybe a little less…"
Sarutobi nodded, "Then withdraw that amount and put it to use."
Sarutobi turned his eyes to the assembled crowd. "Despite our losses today, I want every available man, woman, and child to triple their training, Chuunin will have to take missions as high as A rank. Even you yourselves as Clan heads will be asked to take missions from here on, until further notice. Fugaku, the Police force is to be temporarily disbanded and all Uchiha are to return to the active duty listings. All ninja on long term missions are to return immediately. All Shinobi that have retired as recently as the last year are to return to active duty as well. Civilians are to be drafted and outfitted for service, even if it's merely support staff. Any Shinobi currently behind a desk I want them ready to take on missions in one month. I refuse to let this be the end of us, am I understood?"
"Yes sir."
Sarutobi leaned forward, lacing his hands in front of his face. "Good. Now...for the second matter of business." He glanced to the woman behind him. "Reina...if you would?"
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The young Inuzuka woman stood up from her seat, gently bowed and gave every clan head a glimpse of the child being carried in her arms. Naruto gurgled in response sleepily, drool dribbling down his cheek. She looked across with her own eyes, the myriad of stares pointed towards the blond jinchuuriki. Many distasteful, some curious, others weary but one with a large wide grin.
"Hah, what's the boy's name?" The large red headed man blurted out, not giving a damn about the tension in the room. The cold chill that passed through the room suddenly disappeared in an instant by the quick interruption of the Akimichi clan head.
"His name's Naruto"
Chouza laughed louder at that, "Like...the food. Brilliant!"
Shikaku placed his hand on his forehead rubbing the splitting headache ebbing closer as the meeting dragged on. Inoichi just gave a long exaggerated sigh in response. The red haired man clapped his large hands on his comrades back. "He's gonna be the same age as our children. Isn't that great? You can never have too little friends to have by your side through the thick and thin."
Chouza meant well, the trio knew what he was getting at with that statement. The hardships they endured through their years as active shinobi. Honestly, the black haired man and the blond shinobi couldn't agree more with their loud friend. Friends got you through the toughest situation…and honestly speaking. They were the perfect embodiment of the perfect team, who watched each other, took care of one another, and strove through all the years to return home to their wives, and now their children.
Sandaime smiled, "Yes, you could never have enough of those." Inwardly the Sandaime hoped the outburst Chouza made would help ease the tension in the room…and probably save Naruto's life. His life as it stands was in the hands of all these people seated before him. With such a proclamation, he hoped it would thaw the coldness each individual had against the kitsune.
"That's the kyuubi no yoko?" the Sandaime's heart felt like it instantly plummeted at the sound of the individual in question. He turned in the direction of the person in question and there he stood with his small guard at his beck and call. Danzo and Root…the one military asset that didn't lift a single finger to help with the catastrophe that struck the village like a tsunami. "Having this little coup without my knowing Sarutobi…or the council…poor choice of action."
"Far from it, Danzo…" Sarutobi said, giving the wrapped individual a pointed look.
Following Danzo close behind were the council committee, Koharu and Homura, with grim expression on their faces, they looked worse for wear. Having to defend the village from the fox in the front lines along with Sarutobi, The committee had a look of individuals that saw way too much for a person to go through in one life time. Sarutobi acknowledged his old teammates with a simple nod and they returned it without any hesitation. They weren't grieved over the matter, they knew what he was doing, he asked for their help in keeping Danzo…out of the meeting at all cost.
"Now then," Danzo said, seating himself farthest away from the table but making sure to stay in the line of sight of Sarutobi. "You may begin."
Sarutobi quelled the growing emotion of irritation from his tone as he started, "We have a dire decision to make my friends. Concerning the life of this child. He's son of the late Fourth Hokage, Minato, and jailer of the ninetail fox." Sarutobi decided then and there not to sugarcoat anything and give the clan heads the facts, a straight forward response. "Does the child live or die?"
The room grew eerily silent once again. The magnitude of his words hitting home in every single individual, silence was met, cold eyes, bitterness could be felt within the room. The child in question gave an uncomfortable gurgle once again, feeling the heavy tension in the room. Reina gripped the child tighter to herself, trying to give the child some kind of warmth, at such proximity of the cold leers. She wouldn't admit but she was shaking. Does the child live or die…is that the only option he's given, his life hanging in the balance by all these people who'd never even seen him before now.
Sarutobi sighed, "You may each take a look at the child and pass your vote. Tsume"
The Inuzuka clan head stood up abruptly with her companion in tow, the dog hybrid walked around Reina sniffing the air, "Reina would you please kneel." The beast said. Reina knelt without any hesitation; the one eyed dog looked curiously at lithe form within Naruto turned deeper into Reina's embrace when he can feel the foreign heat and smell of the canine.
"Is the boy tainted, Kuromaru," Tsume responded, her posture aggravated having to stand close at such a proximity to the thing that took…her… her husband.
Kuromaru licked the cheek of the boy, he shied away from the contact but impulsively as if trying to push it away, the boy's small fingers rested on the large nose of the massive hybrid wolf. The companion just gave his partner a sideways glance. "No, he's perfectly normal. But the child does exude an aura…a very strong aura. Yet, there's a faint smell of something…that isn't suppose to be there."
Tsume took a step closer her teeth clenching. Kuromaru replied instantly, "But it isn't the fox, the fox has no hold on this boy."
Kuromaru turned away and stood beside Tsume she looked at the child one more time, before deciding to go back to her seat, talking privately to her companion.
The meeting continued in a sort of haze, different reactions from each clan head, some afraid to touch the child, some not even giving the child a second thought. Shibi allowed one of his familiars roam the skin of the child before returning, leaving Naruto in silence. Saying nothing throughout the exchange.
Others…more like Chouza just plucked the child out of Reina's hand and lifted him up in the air. Scaring the poor girl when the large man would repeatedly lift the child up laughing joyously, while the tot in question gurgled nonsense kicking its legs happily.
Shikaku and Inoichi just stared at the child together talking in hush silence, before seating themselves back in their chairs.
Sarutobi unknowingly clenched his hands when the Danzo the last person in the meeting actually stood before Reina and lifted the child into his arms. Sarutobi grabbed the armrests tightly, watching the exchange. Danzo held the baby close at a certain degree just watching him and looking at the seal before the bandaged man returned the child back to Reina seating himself in his seat…without a single word.
The Third Hokage righted his posture before addressing the council before him. "The time has come. We will put it to a vote. And decide here and now what to do with the life of Naruto Uzumaki." The haggard man took an uneasy breath before continuing. "I want everyone to take to account the events that have transpired these past few days, the events that lead us here. But to also think of the sacrifices that were made to give us this second chance. Now…the first to cast their vote. Hiashi Hyuuga."
The voting passed along each member, Hyuuga and Uchiha voting for life. But their eyes spoke of another matter entirely. It made Sarutobi narrow his eyes in suspicious disquiet. What are you thinking I wonder.
The Ino-Shika-Cho without any hesitation chose life without batting an eye, Chouza's huge smile lighting up the room his arms clapping the backs of both his companions who looked on with a neutral expressions. But the votes seemed to gain faster speed receiving answers from unexpected individuals no less. Tsume stood quiet for just a moment looking at her companion, then at Reina, she looked grim and despondent but the word came simply, "Live"
Sarutobi looked across to Reina to see her reaction, no expression or word could show what that woman felt when her older sister said just one word. He smiled and breathed a sigh of relief; this was all going as planned. Everything was going their way, but something stopped him when it came to Danzo. The bandaged man looked up lazily from his seat; leaning over to table, he finally spoke. "The child may live."
The Third Hokage had to suppress the sudden retort. Of all the people in this meeting he didn't expect that from him. The mystery surrounding this meeting seemed to grow in believability. The plan went on without a hitch the child would live by unanimous decision. Sarutobi swiftly went to next matter of business making sure there wasn't a change of mind.
"Now would anyone like to propose what to do with the child," Sarutobi said wearily, looking across the room watching a myriad of emotions display on each individual in question. The small council space once again went completely silent with the exception of the burping Naruto.
"Our military has taken a dire wound." Shibi answered quietly "We now have something that can potentially make up for such." Looking across the shocked expression on each individual he continued. "Think of it, Suna has a jinchuuriki who've…from the Intel we've received are building him into a strong shinobi. Kiri and Kumo have two respectively in their arsenal; even Taki, ame and Kusa have one each. But we on the other hand have nothing of such power, it is only by good grace that Iwa shares our fate and our reputation was more than enough to deter any would be attacker. Now we have no such luxury. People will hear of this attack and will know that we are vulnerable."
Sarutobi felt sort of aghast at the proclamation, but it didn't completely faze him. "So you want to turn Naruto into a killing machine is what you're asking Shibi."
"Yes, it would be beneficial in the long run and it would protect our borders once the word got out that we hold the most powerful Jinchuuriki."
Honestly speaking, he'd be lying if he didn't say, he thought about this situation. The benefits on making Naruto an unstoppable force was an intriguing one. But instantly he thought about the hardships that came with it. The sad life that individual had to endure. It wasn't an idea he'd nurtured for long.
Nevertheless. "Thank you Shibi, I'll deliberate and decide a course of action. Would anyone else like to make a proposal?" The room grew silent before being interrupted by the raven haired Uchiha.
Fugaku rose from his seat, "I believe Naruto would be better suited to live with an established clan who could keep an eye on him. Train him. Care for him, and give him all the necessities he needs to strive and be a respectful citizen, and shinobi. I put forth my family name as his caretaker." Sarutobi almost smiled. 'Ahh so that is your game.'
The Hyuuga monarch bristled in response, and Sarutobi knew that he'd been thinking the same. He was only aggrieved that Fugaku had beaten him to the punch. A second later he was proven right. "Forgive me, for the intrusion, but I believe that is an ill-suited decision if I ever heard one. The Uchiha's clan techniques require the use of their eyes, which Naruto does not hold. With enough diligent training however, he could potentially learn the use of our Taijutsu, as well as be well versed in psychology, facial sub expression reading and many jutsu that we hold at our disposal. None of which he would find in the Uchiha's archives.
He leaned back in his chair, throwing a venom filled look that was duly returned at Fugaku. "Naruto would excel greatly from the training offered in our estate. He will be properly cared for, by my maids and servants working 24/7. He will be protected and watched at all times. So I put forth the Hyuuga to be his caretakers." The room could feel the tension brewing between both clan heads. Fungaku's smoldering coal colored eyes piercing the white irises of his compatriot.
Chouza stood up abruptly, "I propose none of these clan heads to take Naruto." He replied firmly, his large hand crushing into a fist and smashing down on the table, loudly. He looked across the two men; both men in question gave hateful glances towards the red headed individual he only smirked in response. "I'll take the boy. The boy doesn't need training to be turned into a weapon; he just needs a home, a home where he can call his family, people he can care about. Not watching him every second of the day. I pass my name in the bout and call both of you unfit for the role."
Inoichi just shook his head and smiled, while Shikaku just groaned a muted 'troublesome'
Sarutobi looked at each individual and nodded, not missing Danzo's disquieting smile. "I will take this all in account and come back to you with my response. For now, this meeting adjourned." Sarutobi stood up and gestured to Reina who followed close behind her leader.
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The two stepped into his office, Sarutobi in deep thought as he sighed, falling into his chair as he rubbed his head, deliberating everything that transpired in such a short amount of time.
The Third Hokage couldn't believe how luck was on his side. Everything went better than expected, and the word better seemed to put it mildly. Naruto would live by unanimous decision.
But just as good as that was. Three clan heads wanting to take him in...
He sighed aggravated.
Reina watched the man quietly who contemplated the decisions he was presented with. At his aggravated sigh she spoke up. "Hokage-sama, are you alright?"
"One never wins in politics Reina." She heard him say as he leaned back in his chair. He spoke as much for himself as for her it seemed. "The Uchiha would present discipline, strict code, no love, and honor. Reina watched with fascination Sarutobi counted the aspects, rocking in his chair. She listened quietly trying not to disturb him.
"The Hyuuga would undoubtedly present discipline, honor, and a training regimen worthy of consideration. No love there either I'd wager. Eyes would honestly be on the boy 24/7 as Hiashi said." Sarutobi continued on, trying to deliberate further for both esteemed clans. When he finally got to that dreaded word.
"But...do you have any idea; the tension it would create if I considered one over the other? I would only manage to just fuel the fire of resentment between the two of them. The Akimichi would truly be my first choice. But Chouza has no chance of taking Naruto." He admitted, somewhat ashamed. "If I did that I would merely end up pissing off both of Konoha's most influential and powerful clans. Chouza's would practically buy himself the resentment of both clans as well, which could make life very difficult for him and his family. Sarutobi's features instantly began to darken in response. "Again, I reiterate, no one wins in politics. I'll have to choose either Hyuuga or Uchiha and soon, otherwise-
"I'll take him!"
Her outburst came out of nowhere, leaving the Third Hokage gawking at the younger woman. She blushed furiously, in response, did she just say what she thought she said. Sarutobi shook his head looking straight in her eye. "Come again dear, I didn't quite hear you."
Her cheeks were blood crimson and she knew it. "I'll take him Hokage-sama. I'll care for the boy."
Sarutobi looked on, his analytical mind processing her vote and weighing every pros that would develop from this. She shifted nervously, the man was quiet but she could see the gears turning in the older man's mind. "How soon can you take him?"
The simple question floored, was he being serious. But she shook herself from the shock. "I can take him home with me today, it's no problem."
His face was dark for a time, then he smiled, slow, but sad. "Well...I will be so occupied in the coming days, if someone filled out the correct paper work, I certainly couldn't be blamed for not noticing. Once Naruto has a legal guardian, the decision would be out of my hands truth be told. I'd have no power over his custodianship."
She blinked, understanding what he was getting at but still confused. Just like that a crisis was averted before it even began. None of the clans had any qualms against the Inuzuka. And if the worst case scenario would arise the Inuzuka clan would more than welcome a fight and had the numbers, unlike the Akimichi, to finish it. His face grew serious again, "You will have to talk to Tsume about this Reina."
Reina nodded her head, holding the child closer. "Is it ok if I take my leave then Hokage-sama?"
Sarutobi looked over at the bundle in her arms, he laid a palm gently on the boy's forehead, "Yes you may go. Take care of him Reina."
She agreed fiercely, "I will Hokage-sama."
"Good. Go down the hall. Speak with my secretary. She will give you some supplies that will last you the first few days. She nodded and turned away from the third Hokage, going towards the other end of the hall.
Sarutobi watched with a worried expression praying to anything that was listening, that everything would go right for a change.
Quietly, the Anbu appeared at his side, bleeding out of thin air almost.
"Are the arrangements in place?"
The man nodded. Behind his mask.
"Good."
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Reina opened the door to her house, exhausted, the small bag of supplies in her hand feeling as though it carried lead weights. Her house eerily quiet than usual, but she didn't pay it any mind, she expected as much. Her boys were off at the main house being looked after Hana for the night. Reina gaze rests on a toy for a moment, feeling her heart clench with their excited demeanor when the toddlers heard they were spending the night with their favorite cousin…She gave a small smile, before walking in and closed the door.
It wasn't until she heard the snap/click of the closing door that she sucked in a relieved breath.
The day was finally over.
She looked at Naruto, cradled in the crook of her arm, asleep, she smiled, though it turned into the smallest of grimaces when she noticed that he was drooling on her shoulder where his head rested, turning the white fabric of her clothes into a mottled gray.
She made her way over to her room, dropping the bag at the door, sighing as she simply fell onto the bed. Her legs practically singing with the relief, when they drop out from under her.
She realizes then that she doesn't have a cradle.
I'll have to get one. She thinks.
But where? People were injured, mourning, or dead. Even now she can still see the glow of the mass cremations seeping through the night and bathing her room in a ruddy orange glow. No one would be selling wares tomorrow. Most likely no one would be selling wares for another week, if at all.
She reaches over, arranges her two pillows and places Naruto between them. She stands after that, her legs protesting against it but she ignores that. Marching out of her room, she grabs all the cushions she can from her couch, stumbling in the dark as she walks back through the familiar hallways to her room.
She arranges the cushions above and below Naruto, her two pillows to his left and his right. Looking at her bed, in the center of the room she shakes her head.
She almost sobbed, why couldn't the day just end?
She walks over to the side of her room furthest from the door, reaches to her night table and pulls it out and away, shoving it onto some random corner of the room before getting to her bed and shoving it with her hips until one side was pressed firmly against the wall.
Then she takes ahold of Naruto, who groans and fusses at the disturbance but remains mercifully asleep before she arranges the pillows and cushions again and sets him down between all of them, next to the wall.
Finally. Finally she lies down, her head against the mattress because she has no pillow. She lies on her side, one hand reaching out and resting on Naruto's belly.
'Please don't move.' She thinks before closing her eyes and almost instantly succumbing to sleep.
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She wakes up to a stiff neck and dry, itchy clothes, to the barest hints of dawn's pale grey light filtering in through her window.
And a loud banging on her front door.
She doesn't recognize it immediately. Half caught in that waking dream between sleep and consciousness. But when she does she stirs, becoming aware of Naruto's warm little body beneath her fingers before she pulls herself up to sit on the bed.
When her feet touch the floor she realizes she didn't even take her shoes off last night...
The banging is becoming insistent, and Reina can only think it's her sister. No one else would bang like they're about to kick down her door. She bites her lip, worried. Did Tsume find out that she's taking care of Naruto? Would she try to force her not to?
She hoped not. On both counts.
She stands, another ache blossoming on her back when she does.
She reaches the door, half hesitating for a few seconds before the banging starts again. Wishing she could tell her sister to go away but she knows that when Tsume's quite like this that's when the worst of her tempers been hit. She would kick down that door if Reina didn't answer. She was now the Inuzuka clan head. She could afford to replace it.
She reaches for the handle, turning the knob and pulling back the door ready to meet her sister's wrathful eyes when she gasps. Surprised.
It's not Tsume. The man is unmistakable. A full head taller than almost anyone else in the village, broad shoulders framed by a shock of wild white hair.
"Ji-Jiraiya-sama."
"Can I see him?" The man's voice is rough, choked and only then does she really look at him. He's pale, his hands grip the doorframe, and they accentuate his shaking shoulders, his eyes are bloodshot, and the telltale sign of tear streaks are running down his face.
That's right...' She thinks. 'Yondaime-Sama called him when we first got word of the Kyuubi's approach. He must have just arrived and found out...oh...'
She steps aside, and Jiraiya only offer's the barest nod of thanks before he steps into her home, looking around, looking for the baby. Reina closes her door, marches past him and towards the room. He follows without a word.
She sits on the bed when she arrives, sitting close to Naruto, she finds Jiraiya barely past the door, standing there, frozen, staring at the baby. Reina waits for a moment longer before reaching down and picking up Naruto. This time, he wakes up, fussing against her, his little face scrunched up at being woken before she stands up and makes her way over to the Toad Sannin.
He stands there, staring at the baby in her arms with the most pinched expression she'd ever seen on someone's face. His eyes water and his chin trembles before he manages to compose himself.
He reaches down, and Reina cradles Naruto just a little bit tighter before she sees that the only thing in his hand is money.
"Saru-sensei said you're going to be taking care of him. This is all I have on me right now." He says. "I'll get more. If he ever needs money, I'll get it I just-"
"Jiraiya-sama." She interrupts him, worried. The man is breathing much too fast. He almost looks like he's about to start hyperventilating. "Maybe you should sit down."
Then Naruto starts to cry, and her attention is drawn to him. So she doesn't become aware of the fact that her door opened again until she hears another voice down the hallway.
"I'm afraid Naruto will need more than just money, Jiraiya."
The Toad sannin turns, facing his teacher and Reina flushes at the fact that the Sandaime and the Toad Sannin are now in her home.
She rocks Naruto in her arms; trying to calm him down when Sarutobi enters her sight, moving past Jiraiya he plucks Naruto from her grasp. "Reina, could you prepare Naruto's food." He commands, marching over and sitting down on her bed. The scene would have been absurdly comical if she wasn't so nervous.
She nods, disappointed in herself for having not thought of that on her own. The boy hadn't eaten since yesterday. She reaches into the bag beside the door, pulling out a bottle and the formula powder before making her way to the kitchen to get some water.
She hears Sarutobi speak as she works, listening to his calm words overreach Naruto's cries. "Your responsibilities must extend further than simple financial support I'm afraid."
"Minato is dead." Jiraiya answers, his voice despondent. "You can't just ask me to take on another apprentice right after something like this Saru."
"I am asking far more than that. I need you here; with Naruto. On as much a permanent basis as can be."
She finishes, her hands remembering these old motions easily from the days she'd been left with little Hana, her twin boys, and at times Kiba.
Before she realizes it she's making her way back to them, she hands Sarutobi the bottle almost in a daze, barely even managing a polite nod when he says his thanks.
She stands at the wall and continues to listen, feeling almost like an ant staring up at giants in comparison.
"Why would you need me here?" Jiraiya asks, the beginning traces of anger seeping into his tone. "He's just a boy. Do you want me to have him throw kunai at his milk bottles before he can even walk? I'm useless here."
"He needs you here to protect him." The Sandaime replies calmly in the face of his students mounting frustration.
"His father needed me here to protect him. You just want to keep me here so that Iwa doesn't get any ideas."
"...Iwa's threat will be dealt with shortly don't you worry."
"Kumo then. Kiri. Who the hell cares! Don't flaunt this kid and guilt me into staying here on false pretenses Saru. It isn't right!" Now, Jiraiya was angry, not all of it was real she was sure. Anger was always easier than grief.
Sarutobi stared at his student and sighed. Then he channeled chakra, a scarce amount, before he turned Naruto carefully in his arms. "Contrary to what you believe, I am not seeking to manipulate you. I am being truthful. Naruto needs you here." He fully turned Naruto around now revealing the seal of the ninetails on his stomach, along with one that shouldn't be there.
She could tell Jiraiya recognized the abnormality when he inched his head forward, squinting at the seal.
"That's-"
"Orochimaru's work." Sarutobi finished. "He did this to Naruto. Last night."
Jiraiya stepped forward, kneeling down; he immediately began to examine the seal.
"How was he even here!" He asked, even angrier now. "How did he know-did he have something to do with the Fox's attack?"
She gasped. It hadn't occurred to her. How did Orochimaru know to come here? Naruto was born yesterday. The Kyuubi's attack culminated and ended yesterday. That was beyond simple coincidence wasn't it?"
Sarutobi shrugged. "Perhaps. The thought occurred to me as well. But just as easily perhaps he had some other purpose, and the Fox's attack was merely timing. I cannot think of any force in all the nations capable of bending Bijuu to do any one man's bidding.
Jiraiya seemed to calm a little at that, she found herself breathing easier too.
After several moments Jiraiya finally allowed his hands to lower themselves as he stood up. "Can you tell what it does?" Sarutobi asked.
He shook his head. "No. It's a two part seal I can tell that much. But without the other half it's like a cypher without a code, or a code without the cypher page. One's useless without the other.
The Sandaime sighed. "I thought as much. Orochimaru would know that I would have called you eventually.
There was silence for a time, and Reina was almost afraid of breathing to hard.
Then Jiraiya broke it. "Fine...I'll stay."
"It's not enough." Saru shot back, looking up at his student as Naruto finished off the bottle. "You cannot keep an eye on Naruto day in and day out."
He let his sentence hang, and immediately Jiraiya grimaced when he caught his old teacher's meaning. "You really think she'll come back?"
"Would you be willing to try for Minato's son?"
"Now you are manipulating me."
Sarutobi shrugged. "Whatever works."
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Her throat's dry, she sucks on some piece of candy or other to relieve it. It's been bothering her all week. She blames the lack of sleep really.
That first night, nearly two weeks ago where Naruto stayed mercifully asleep was the only night he stayed mercifully asleep. He woke up every night like clockwork. Eleven PM, three AM and six AM. It never failed. He was a very punctual baby.
Her boys were staying with their cousin Hana and little Kiba, she saw them every day, promising that they'd be able to get back home soon. But she first had to fix up the place to include the baby, which would be nearly impossible, alone, with the baby and two tots to boot.
Thank the gods the boys didn't seem to mind the idea of a new baby in the house. Quite the opposite really. They and Hana had taken to Naruto as easily as they had Kiba. Cooing and playing with him for the entire time she'd been in the main compound.
Tsume was gone, still repairing and helping other villagers in the rescue efforts still going on throughout the village so she didn't kick up too much of a fuss.
Reina would cross that bridge when the village calmed down again.
Toshie, her eldest by half a minute was so careful with him. It brought a smile to her face thinking about it. He would always play with Naruto lightly, poking a cheek or darting his finger out of the baby's reach.
Maeda, was a bit more...enthusiastic. She'd almost had a heart attack when her little five year old picked Naruto up from the hand basket she'd been using to carry him with, his little arms straining with the weight as Naruto giggled and garbled with glee.
She plucked him back and put him in the safety of her older, experienced, not five year old arms.
Still, her boys' enthusiasm about the baby aside didn't change the fact that her throat was bothering her, and had been doing so for the better part of two days now.
She looks down at Naruto, sucking on his pacifier and staring up at her with a suspiciously innocent expression.
"Because you're a punctual baby aren't you?"
He smiled a big, toothless, drooling smile behind that pacifier.
She finished grabbing her groceries, putting them all in the hand basket. She made her way to the register, paying the store clerk and marching out, she popped in another candy to sooth her still aching throat as she started to make her way home.
She marches down the street, the rains from yesterday have made the earth muddy where there's dirt, and slick where there's stone. She's careful when she walks; even going the extra mile of channeling chakra to her feet to make certain she doesn't trip or get stuck.
People walk down the road as well, but they're all dressed in black, their heads ducked, their moves sluggish and there are so few of them. So few that she wonders if half the village didn't leave with the animals. She wonders, not for the first time if the village will ever truly recover from this.
So many dead. Every road every time of day just empty she hadn't even heard the merchants hawking their wares this morning. It was an eerie thing.
Finally, she entered the district, making her way to her home she immediately noticed someone laying right across her front porch.
She came closer curious at the green clothing she could see. "I'm sorry, can I err."
The person sat up, and Reina immediately noticed the pale blond hair framing young, beautiful features. Though, they'd be a lot more pleasant if they weren't pinched in what appeared to be permanent irritation. The diamond mark seal on her forehead gave her away easily enough.
"Reina, right?" Tsunade asked and even though she could tell it was rhetorical the Inuzuka found herself nodding.
"Yes ma'am."
Tsunade looked at her hands, one holding a grocery bag, the other a baby basket. She beckoned her closer, and Reina found herself, quietly irritated that she was essentially being invited closer to her own house.
Still, she kept it inward, and stepped closer.
Tsunade looked down at the baby basket, her eyes staring at Naruto while Naruto stared droopingly up at her, falling asleep but steadfastly sucking at that pacifier.
The woman brought her hand down, glowing green with Chakra doing a quick scan. She shrugged after five seconds or so as Naruto blinked with wide eyes, his newborn mind interested in this entirely new thing. "Brat seems healthy."
Reina bristled, biting down a retort. Tsunade's manicured hand reached down, plucking Naruto's blanket loose and then lifting his little shirt to look at the seal.
Her lips curled in an angry sneer. "Yup, that's definitely the snake's work."
"So will you be staying then?" Reina found herself blurting before she could stop herself. "You know..." She paused suddenly, scratching at a still too dry throat as she put the bag down and reached into her pocket for another candy. "-to protect him?"
She didn't look pleased but soon enough shrugged. "I'll stay for a little bit. At least until the brat-" again Reina bristled at the derogatory name."-can call for help. Or until we kill Orochimaru. After that, like I told Sensei, I'm gone."
Reina sighed in relief. She didn't know why the Sandaime, one of the nicest wisest people she'd ever met was burdened with three students who would sooner be out of Konoha than in it, with one actively working against it, but she was grateful that two of them had decided to return even if it was for a short time to help Naruto.
"Sore throat?"Tsunade asked and it took a moment for Reina to realize she was still holding the small candy bag.
She nodded. "Yeah."
Tsunade shrugged."Not the first. Bug going round I hear. Make sure the kid doesn't catch it." She turned around and marched away, leaving the Inuzuka at her door.
Reina, tucked Naruto's shirt back down, folding the baby blanket over him again. She raised the basket, bringing him near eye level. "You won't get sick on me will you Naru-chan."
The baby giggled, and Reina smiled grabbing her grocery bag before making her way inside their home.
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Review please.