Many thanks to: sademerkki, Juliedoo, Blinded in a bolthole (for the awesome advice), Crystal M. Key, dhh, SLTora, devil M, PrettyQueen, Izaranna, sayuri'suzanna'inuzuka4ever, Tamisin, LordSesshoumaue, kitty132383, ANarrativeCloud, kage88, Dorcyy, Mel72000, piccolaNaruto18, LazyJordan, Idsandctr, Crystalzap, demonbookworm101, Orihime-San, skdc8595, Bunnibutch, Mugetsulchigo, and everybody who are following or favorite this story. You all make my week ^_^

A HUGE thanks to my beta, Laurel, for looking over this chapter for me. I don't own Naruto, my student loans would be paid already if I did.

"Sorry, Naruto-kun," Minato said as he knelt down closer to Naruto's level. His expression was so sincere Naruto almost believed him. "I do have responsibilities to take care of, as much as I'd like to stay and spend more time with you." Minato's voice brightened, "I'll be back for dinner, though, and maybe lunch if I can get through enough work in time. We can do something together then."

Naruto shrugged putting a smile on his face to hide his disappointment. "Alright."

Minato stood up and moved to the closet where he grabbed his white and red Hokage jacket. "Look after him, Rin-chan," he said to the kunoichi who had followed them from the kitchen. Rin nodded with a smile and Minato disappeared out the door.

Chapter 10

Minato huffed out a breath as he looked at the tall stack of paperwork he had just finished. It would have been satisfying seeing how much he had accomplished if not for the even larger stack of unfinished work that still needed reviewing. He very carefully avoided looking at those. He couldn't avoid looking at the clock, though, and had to bite back a groan as he realized that he was going to miss lunch, again.

This would be the second day he missed having lunch with Naruto. His second day back in the office and he still hadn't worked through all of the back log of work left from the impromptu vacation that he'd taken. Last night he'd gotten home late, deluding himself into thinking he could finish it all in one long run. He'd come home to find Naruto halfway put to bed under Kakashi's somewhat distracted eye. Minato could only be thankful that his student had wrapped the book cover in day old newspaper.

Today Minato had been sure to arrive at the office at his normal time, only stopping to see Naruto briefly before heading out the door. He was determined to catch up on his work, hoping that if he could get to his normal level of papers and forms needing attention he would have more time to focus on his son. He also wanted to establish some of his normal schedule considering the rumors that had sprung up during his short absence. It seemed even a small break in the routine he had kept for over six years was enough to encourage the most ridiculous rumors, everything from him having a secret lover and child to him being an imposter. Minato even heard of one saying he had de-aged himself and it was a double standing in for the hokage until the situation was remedied.

Perhaps things have been a bit too peaceful if all my shinobi have to do is gossip about the Hokage's free time, Minato grumbled to himself as he lifted another stack of forms off of the pile next to his desk. Then he remembered the situation that Naruto had come from, the half destroyed room he'd seen through the mirror, and the enemy shinobi standing in the very heart of the Hokage tower in the other world and blanched at the thought of the alternative. He'd much rather handle a few rumors than deal with a village wide invasion.

Still, it didn't change the fact that Minato needed to figure out what he was going to tell people. Rumors left to themselves would only grow and could become dangerous. Minato blinked, realizing he had read half a page of the document before him and hadn't taken in any of it. With another exasperated huff, he threw down his pen and leaned back in his chair, granting himself a few minutes to think before resuming the paper war.

Despite all of his more cunning instincts, Minato wanted to tell everyone that Naruto was his son… there was no way around it. He wanted to be open about his boy, not hide Naruto away like an embarrassing secret. He had a feeling that was how Naruto had been treated most of his life and Minato wanted this village, this Konoha, to be different.

However, Minato couldn't think of a way to do it without causing more problems. Coming out and saying it would lead to questions and threats. It was a well known fact that his son had been still born. They'd buried Naruto and his mother along with the other dead from Kyuubi's rampage years before in the presence of the entire village. Then, there was also the danger Naruto would face from assassination attempts made by other villages when word eventually got out about the "newly revived" Hokage's son.

Minato ran his hands over his face and scowled down at the paper before him. He knew that there was a way to approach the situation. If anything, dealing with the rumors and explaining Naruto's presence was the easiest obstacle in his path, considering that the others consisted of a war in another version of reality, a potential enemy in his own reality that wielded the legendary Rinnegan, and any number of personal problems that Naruto had stemming from the seal on the boy's stomach to the seal apparently buried in the boy's subconscious. That wasn't even taking into account any complications that could arise from the previously mentioned problems.

Groaning, Minato dropped his head into his hands, resting his arms on the desk. Thinking about this was only ruining his mood and giving him a headache. He was too close to the problem to analyze it in a completely rational manner. His emotions were too wrapped up, too invested, in Naruto, and that was just as frustrating as anything else. He was used to being the level headed leader that could make difficult decisions, even when no one else wanted to, but now, after so many years alone and finally having a chance of a family again, Minato couldn't remove himself enough from the problem to find an answer.

"If paperwork is that painful, I hope I never have to become Hokage," Kakashi's relaxed voice broke into Minato's inner debate.

"Just wait 'till I give you a genin team to train, you'll have your fair share of forms to fill out," Minato grumbled lifting his head from his hands to look at his former student.

Kakashi was perched in the open window, dressed in his black ninja uniform and green jounin vest. "I'll fail them all, then I won't have to worry about it," Kakashi replied, dropping to the floor and settling into a chair. His one eye glanced over the several stacks of pending forms still waiting by the desk. "Is all that really from skipping just a few days of work?" he asked, a little incredulous.

"Backlog of work, then everything from yesterday and today added in, as well. The next chunin exam is coming up and things are always more busy," Minato reminded his subordinate.

"That time of year already? I'd forgotten about it," Kakashi muttered, folding his arms over his chest. "At least it should be in another village this year, right?"

"Thankfully yes," Minato agreed, picking up the form that he had failed to read before. "That's the last thing I need is welcoming foreign shinobi into the village when we have a potential enemy out there who's already proved themselves willing to attack the village."

Kakashi grunted in agreement. Minato had explained about the man and woman he'd seen through the mirror later on that same night. "When should we hear back from Jiraiya-sensei?"

"Who knows? Hopefully soon," Minato sighed, starting at the top of the paper for the third time.

Hesitating a moment, Kakashi spoke up in a leading tone, "If you don't mind me saying so, sensei, you look like it's more than just the paperwork on your mind at the moment."

Minato looked up at the student who he considered to be a very close friend. He breathed out a chuckle, letting the paper drop to the desk again. "How could I not? Between everything's that happened…though right now my main source of concern is what to do about Naruto's presence. Chiyoko undoubtedly noticed something, and rumors are already starting to spread…we've managed to keep Naruto out of the public eye, but the few times he was out were enough to get people talking. It probably wouldn't be a problem except he looks so much like me!" Minato couldn't help but smile at the thought, even if a part of him wished that Naruto looked a little more like his mother.

"We can't exactly deny he's related to you, the resemblance is a little too strong," Kakashi agreed, eye narrowed as he contemplated the problem. "Perhaps we could tell everyone he's your cousin, or nephew more like."

"That's a possibility," Minato agreed before shrugging his shoulders in a jerking movement, "but I want to be able to call him my son."

Kakashi was quiet a moment, contemplating the Hokage's dilemma. He knew how much the man's family had meant to him, how much Minato had looked forward to being a father. "Why don't we tell the truth then? Or at least a part of it," he said, struck by a moment of inspiration.

"We can't tell them about the mirror," Minato said, knowing this would be at least one thing they would have to change in the story they told everyone.

"No, we can't say anything about that," Kakashi agreed with a nod, "But we could tell them that Naruto didn't actually die, that you only reported that he died then placed him into hiding for his own protection."

Minato didn't answer right away, thinking over the idea. It could work, and it would explain Naruto's sudden appearance in the village. However, a part of him felt like he was betraying the memory of his own son and simply replacing him with this new Naruto.

Kakashi, ever observant despite the disinterested look in his eye, seemed to read Minato's thoughts. "Our Naruto is dead, sensei. You're not betraying him or his memory by taking in this Naruto."

Minato didn't answer for a long moment. He knew Kakashi was right. Lingering over the dead was like a death in and of itself and more harmful than helpful, especially when the living went ignored because of it. He'd been mourning for eight years, it had been long enough. Besides, Kushina would kick his ass when he saw her next if he passed up this chance just because he felt a little uncomfortable over what he had to tell the village.

"We'll have to tell Naruto first," Minato sighed. He couldn't help but be nervous at the thought of that conversation. He didn't know how Naruto would react; he'd had so little time with his son that Minato still didn't really know him. "And if we do that then I won't be able to just give him back to his original village if the Sandaime asks."

"Were you really planning to anyway?" Kakashi asked, his tone one of mild surprise mixed with doubt.

"No," Minato admitted, "But a ninja should always keep their options open…It's probably a good thing Jiraiya-sensei is away. He might not agree with rushing into this."

Kakashi crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at his feet. Minato could see the frown showing through his student's mask. "As you say, if the other village demands Naruto back and we refuse it could mean inviting open conflict with them. They have the advantage since they can send troops over and we can't do the same."

"Well, there's an easy solution to that," Minato muttered eyes narrowing for an instant. "If things look like they're turning that way I'll destroy the mirror, but until then…Some enemy has already destroyed their village. If there's even the possibility that the same threat exists here I want to know about it and right now the best way to gain information is through the mirror." Minato paused, once again weighing the dangers and benefits of keeping the device intact. It was a delicate balancing act, one that was becoming even trickier after discovering that an enemy had access to the other side.

Shaking his head, Minato pushed the matter from his mind. He had made his decision for the time being. If it still bothered him when he went home he would take some time then to reevaluate. He wasn't going to be able to act much on it until the paperwork got done anyway. Looking up again, he frowned at Kakashi. "What are you doing here, anyway?" Minato asked, "You're supposed to be guarding Naruto and the house."

"Ah," Kakashi said, the ghost of a sheepish grin stretching his mask. "I thought it would be wise to get out of the house for a little bit. Naruto's been laying traps everywhere."

"Traps?" Minato repeated in a confused voice. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, he's got almost the entire house booby trapped. I think he's bored. He's already tried to lead me into a few of them. Now he's working on Rin-san…In all honesty, I don't want to be around when he finally catches her off guard." Kakashi pulled out his book and settled into a more comfortable position before flicking it open to a well worn page.

"Maybe it wouldn't be a bad thing to work late tonight," Minato muttered, turning to the form in front of him. He flinched at the thought of coming to a trap laden house and an angry Rin before determinedly focusing on the words before him. Maybe the fourth time reading it through would go better.

XXXXX

"Naruto-kun, are you in here?" Rin called. From her voice it sounded like she was near the door.

Naruto clamped his hands over his mouth, trying to stifle the snickers that attempting to issue forth. He couldn't afford to make any noise, it would ruin everything. He curled up into a tight ball, pulling in his legs with his elbows. He desperately wanted to look, but knew that if he tried he'd get caught. So with a patience which he lacked in everything else he did, Naruto sat still and waited.

Rin only had to come a few more feet into the room… just a few more feet…

"Naruto-kun," Rin's voice was getting a little exasperated, "This is ge-AH!" the sentence ended with a shriek of surprise as cans clattered down raining paint and glitter over everything.

Pushing himself further under the desk to avoid the worst of the splatter, Naruto couldn't help the burst of uncontrollable laughter that slipped out between his hands. The cans stopped rolling, bumping into furniture as they dripped trails of paint across the wood floor.

There were a few moments of shocked silence. Then, "NARUTO!"

Naruto flinched, even as a wide smile spread over his face. He thought no one would ever trip one of his pranks. Kakashi had disappeared and Rin had managed to pick most of them out, but she apparently missed the one in the spare room where Naruto had hidden.

Unable to take it anymore, Naruto slowly poked his head out from under the desk. Rin was covered in a rainbow of paint and glitter Naruto had found stored in an old bedroom, arms held out from her sides, a look of shock and quickly growing anger on her face. As soon as he poked his head out, her eyes focused on him.

"Ha! Rin-chan you're cov-" Naruto stopped as he saw the angry look in her eyes, only then remembering his earlier decision to avoid making her mad.

"Naruto," Rin growled, low and threatening.

"Um," Naruto said, the smile falling from his face. Then, he shot out from under the desk, dodging past Rin's knees and grasping fingers and out into the hall, his painted foot prints tracking over the wooden floor.

"You're dead!" Rin yelled, chasing after him.

Naruto grinned to himself. He was going to pay for this when Rin caught him, but until then it certainly livened up the boring afternoon. Naruto briefly wondered if he could lead her into any of the other traps before he was cornered. With another laugh, he turned toward the nearest one. He was already in trouble, might as well make the most of it.

XXXXX

Pein bent over the charred and destroyed remains of the Hokage's personal files. The vast majority of them were destroyed beyond recovery and the few that were readable only contained gibberish which looked like it belonged to personnel files. As useful as information on specific ninja could be, they had a spy for that. The more important goal was finding anything relating to the mirror in the lower levels.

The mirror had not activated since the first incident and though Pein had thoroughly examined both it and the room where it was stored, he could find no more indications regarding activating or manipulating the device. All he had were those few seconds of observing of the chakra flow. He had sketched out the chakra paths and their possible implications on a scroll but it wasn't much to go by if he wanted to know the specifics on the mirror.

Konan had taken over most of the tactical direction, bothering him with only the most important issues as he tirelessly searched. He'd also ordered their spy to find anything relating to the objects stored in the lowest levels of the tower, hoping the spy would produce more information than ruined documents. Konoha's ninjas tasked with getting rid of their most sensitive information had done a good job, and Pein started to wonder if he was wasting his time. Perhaps it would have been better to assign some subordinates to this job, but on reconsideration he couldn't entrust this task to anyone else. No one else would know what to look for regarding the mirror.

Then, finally, late in the night he discovered something.

It was a half-remnant of a half-thought, a scribbled idea on the edge of a burnt scroll. It was only through sheer luck that the small fragment had not been completely obliterated like the other destroyed documents and sensitive information, but sometimes sheer luck turned the tides of battle and changed the fates of nations. Pein knew this quite well and was more than willing to exploit any advantage he uncovered to gain his goal.

It was difficult to say for certain, but Pein had a feeling the partial seal in the scroll had something to do with the crystal glass that they had discovered deep below the Hokage tower. He wouldn't be able to learn much more from the fragment. It didn't contain enough information to shed any more light on how the mirror worked, but it gave him hope that there were other pieces of salvageable information within the pile of ashes.

Energy renewed despite the late hour, Pein redoubled his efforts. Losing the Kyuubi was not an option and he would not let himself fail.

XXXXX

"I'm sorry, I'm not authorized to give out that information," the harried desk nin said, simultaneously shifting through a pile of folders on an old table set up as her work space.

"It could be vital to our counter-strategy," Kyou bit out through clenched teeth, "How can we know what to plan for if we don't know what they acquired in the areas they over took?"

The Kunoichi pinched her nose and closed her eyes for a moment, leaning an elbow on the splintered and charred surface. The sudden weight made the make-shift desk tilt on uneven legs. Kakashi could hear her sigh even from his place hidden in the shadows.

"I've already told you," she said, as though she were explaining to a particularly dense toddler, "only ANBU and those with special clearance are allowed to know what was in the lower levels of the Tower-"

"But-"

"IF you want to know," She continued through the interruption, one finger raised to stop the man mid-sentence, "you'll have to submit a written request detailing the specific information you need to know."

"We're at war!" Kyou exclaimed, slamming a hand down on the table, making it wobble and spill documents down onto the dirty floor. "We can't sit around waiting for written requests and red tape to get the things we need!"

The kunoichi slammed her own hands down on the table and leveled a withering glare at the man harassing her. She pushed herself up to her full height, which unfortunately was still half a head shorter than Kyou, but managed to look threatening nonetheless. "Exactly! We're at war with an invasion force inside our own walls. Right now, maintaining proper security is more important than ever considering the massive amount of intelligence compromises we already know about and not to mention the many leaks we probably DON'T know about. If you want to see sensitive information of that classification, you have to get me PROOF you can see it. Now get out before I call someone in to escort you out."

Kakashi silently applauded the girl as Kyou cursed under his breath and whirled around toward the door. Kakashi knew that she was only a newly promoted chunin. She pass in the previous exam several months ago and now she was standing up to someone technically her senior since Kyou was slated to test for jounin very soon. Looking at the girl's blood shot eyes and haggard face, Kakashi supposed that she was too tired to deal with pushy and unauthorized requests, no matter from whom they came.

Slipping out the door after Kyou, Kakashi followed his suspect until the man returned to his own office. After seeing Kyou enter the cramped and disorganized room, the copy-nin turned for the Hokage's office to report. He'd been following Kyou for almost two days, tailing the man's every move, listening to his conversations, and sneaking peaks at what he was working on in his department. He'd checked what areas Kyou had been involved with and many of them had been compromised in one form or the other. Adding it all together, Kakashi was reasonably certain he had pinpointed their spy.

Kyou's latest attempt to glean information on the contents of the Tower's lower levels only backed up the other evidence he had, however circumstantial. They needed to be sure, though, if they were going to move. They could not afford to follow a false trail and tip the real spy off, sending them back to their employers, or worse, deeper underground in the Konoha forces. Kakashi had an idea for confirming his suspicions, but there would be risks involved. He needed the Hokage's permission and help if he was going to set up his trap.

The Sandaime was still in his office, as he always seemed to be since the invasion's start. Kakashi didn't know how the older man found the energy. Though, looking at the haggard face in front of him, he knew this would be the Hokage's last war and one way or another they would need to find a new leader at the end of it. The Hokage looked twice the age he had only a week ago, which wasn't saying much considering how old the man was in the first place.

The Sandaime looked up and saw Kakashi standing in the doorway. He nodded his head, granting entry. "Kakashi-san, have you found any new information on your suspect?"

"Hokage-sama," Kakashi said, bowing in greeting as he fully entered the room. "I have, sir." He glanced around at the other occupants, members of Intel with charts and papers before them.

Sandaime, noticing his glance, nodded to the others in the room. "If you would excuse us, we can continue the briefing in a few moments."

The intel-nin nodded and gathered their papers and scrolls, bowing themselves out of the room. Kakashi waited until the last one had left and shut the door behind him, his eye following the straggler's every last move out the door.

"What news do you have of our spy?" the Sandaime asked, not waiting for Kakashi and getting straight to the point. They didn't have the time prevaricate.

Kakashi nodded, appreciating the direct opening. "The majority of the evidence I have points to the one man I mentioned earlier. Though there are several others who could also fit, but I believe this man Kyou is most likely the spy."

"But you don't have definitive proof," the Hokage stated, not bothering making it a question. He held his pipe, curling with smoke, clenched between his teeth. It was one of the few comforts that the aging leader had in the days since the invasion.

Kakashi paused a moment, a little embarrassed to admit it. "No, sir, there's no proof one way or another for any of them. I do, however, have a plan to draw out the right one."

The Sandaime set aside several maps and lists in a pile on the corner of the desk and fixed Kakashi with all of his attention. "What is your plan? I don't need to remind you we're limited on what we can do at the moment, being stretched as thin as we are. We can't really afford to keep diverting intel away from that office you recommended. The others are becoming overly taxed, though that can't be helped."

"I understand, Hokage-sama," Kakashi said with a nod. "The plan is simple enough. We'll use information as bait to draw the traitor out and then capture them. I will need several shinobi skilled in capturing targets alive, but other than that only the information to set the trap."

"Good," the Sandaime approved, "The sooner we take care of this traitor the better, hopefully they haven't managed to slip any more into our forces undetected. What information will you need?"

Kakashi didn't let himself hesitate, though he knew the importance of the particular intel for which he was going to ask. "I need information on the objects stored in the lower level of the tower."

The Hokage stopped, pulling the pipe from his mouth as he stared at Kakashi. "That is extremely sensitive information. I'm not sure we can take the risk of losing it should the spy escape. Is there anything else you can use to bait your trap?"

Thinking about it, Kakashi shook his head. "The one common denominator between all of the suspects is they have all tried to obtain information on the lower levels of the Hokage Tower, though it is classified far about their clearance level. My main suspect especially, has been attempting to get a hold of this information even when he gave up on other pieces of more practical intel…Whoever it is has also gotten more careful over the last couple of days, except for the repeated attempts on the information I specified. They may be suspicious that we know there's a spy in our ranks. If we truly want to draw this person in, I believe we need to use something they can't refuse and considering how much they seem to be trying to get the information on the Hokage Tower…"

"This may be the only thing sweet enough to draw the fly into the trap," The Hokage sighed, clamping down so hard on his pipe that Kakashi thought he might break his teeth. The old man growled in frustration, rising from his chair and pacing down the length of the room. "You do not know how dangerous that information can be," he said visibly fighting with himself.

Kakashi thought that he knew very well how dangerous it could be. There were many dangerous items kept in the lowest part of the Hokage Tower, weapons, research projects, forbidden jutsu, all of which could be used against Konoha now that they were in enemy hands. "Perhaps if we knew precisely what part of the information he wants, of if he's just looking for general information on what they now have in their possession."

The Hokage growled again, looking directly at Kakashi with a glare the younger man knew wasn't meant for him. "I know exactly what they want, and I'm afraid nothing less will satisfy the spy and draw him completely out."

Hesitating, Kakashi asked anyway, "What exactly is it they're after?"

The Sandaime didn't answer right away. Instead his gaze swung past Kakashi to the far wall. He stood, pipe clenched in his teeth, hands clasped behind his back for a long moment, lost in thought. "The information…concerns where Naruto was sent and how to retrieve him."

Kakashi felt an added weight settle in his chest. If the spy did manage to evade their trap with the information they would be putting Naruto in danger. The last thing Kakashi wanted to do was allow any more harm to befall his sensei's son. There was speculation that one of the reasons why Amegakure had invaded with Iwa in the first place was to obtain the Kyuubi. With the demon fox, their small country would have added to their military and political strength. No definitive evidence had been found to support the theory, but knowing that this spy was looking for information related to Naruto's location certainly lent weight to it. "I see," was all he could say after a moment.

Still, Kakashi braced himself. They were at war with the entire village, all its citizens, and even the security of the Land of Fire as a whole was at stake. They couldn't afford to back down or lose this battle. From the way the Hokage's shoulders slumped then straightened, he knew that his leader had come to the same conclusion.

"I will give you some of the information to use in your trap, I'll edit what I can without compromising its apparent authenticity," the Hokage said, sounding more laden than moments before, "Take whatever people you need for it…within reason, but don't keep them too long. They're needed on the front lines, as well."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Kakashi nodded, mentally reviewing the names of those still alive and well enough to help in the capture.

"Kakashi," the Sandaime's voice was grave and serious, all the more so without the honorific, "I expect you to capture this spy. If you can't capture him, kill him, and if you can't kill him under no circumstances allow him to obtain that information."

"Hai, Hokage-sama," Kakashi bowed low, understanding exactly what the Hokage was entrusting him with and knowing he would rather be dead than return without the spy captured and alive or the man's head. For this mission more than any other, he had to succeed.

The Hokage let out a deep sigh, sorrow and weariness filling the sound as he dropped himself into his chair. "It will be a large gamble, Kakashi-kun."

Kakashi nodded again, speaking quietly. "Hai, Hokage-sama, but sometimes in war you need to wager a large gamble if you wish to win. The spy will not come out for any paltry bait. We need to make the temptation worth the risk of them losing their place in our ranks."

"I know, it can't be helped," the old man said, slumped in his chair, chin resting on his hands. In a moment he recovered himself, seeming to remember Kakashi was in the room. "Very well, you know what you need to do. Send in the others, we need to get this briefing finished." Straightening his back, the Hokage pulled the papers back in front of him and gestured for Kakashi to leave.

Kakashi bowed low once more, a part of him glad he wasn't in the old man's position. Then, he turned and left, motioning to the waiting intel-nin so that they could reenter the room. He knew that they were making the right choice. They simply couldn't afford to have a spy in their midst when the situation was already so dire. Still, as Kakashi left the makeshift head quarters, he couldn't help but wonder if they had just made the first step in giving the enemy the key to Naruto.

TBC…

A/N: I hope you liked it! Thanks for patiently waiting for this. If you have any thoughts, ideas, comments, suggestions, guesses, encouragement, etc. please leave me a review!