Sarutobi sat silently, observing as the various instructors and department heads filled his office. A summons had gone out earlier and once the room was filled Sarutobi had it sealed.
"I'm sure you are all well aware of what is coming." A general murmur went round and several heads nodded.
"Chuunin exam, it's that time already" Sarutobi Asuma said, nostalgia in his voice. Others around murmured in agreement.
"It's true, Konoha hasn't hosted one in a few years" Another jonin, Maito Guy stated beside Kakashi.
Kakashi nodded in agreement "So far I've noted increase traffic in the village, several teams have turned up. It should be interesting" the murmurs seemed to agree with him and Sarutobi nodded.
"Our borders are open for the exam, we cannot afford to lose face yet I want our forces to be on alert. The chuunin exam is no excuse for us to be sloppy."
"Now, we need to focus on the teams being entered for the exam" Sarutobi turned to the rookie team Jonins "first of all, are there any nominations for the rookie teams?" on cue the three Jonins stepped forwards.
"I Hatake Kakashi, squad commander of team seven nominate Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura for the upcoming chuunin exam."
"I Yuuhi Kurenai, squad commander of team eight nominate Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino and Hyuuga Hinata for the upcoming chuunin exam."
"I Sarutobi Asuma, squad commander of team ten nominate Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji and Yamanaka Ino for the upcoming chuunin exam."
Immediately the room buzzed with in shock and interest.
"All three of them?", "it's a bit much don't you think", "they can't be that strong yet, they're rookies…."
Sarutobi raised his hand and the noise quietened.
"It is not often we get a rookie nomination, much less three. Hmm" Sarutobi sat back in contemplation. A voice drew his attention.
"A moment if you please Hokage-Sama"
All eyes turned to the speaker, a chuunin, average build with a scar over his nose. Sarutobi indicated for him to step forward "By all means Iruka-kun"
"Thank you. I know all nine students, they were part of my academy class and while they are gifted it's too soon for them to be in the chuunin exam" Iruka said earnestly.
"There is such a thing as being too soft" Kakashi said casually, his focus on his book. With Iruka's attention on him he continued "I was already a Jonin by their age. This will be good for them."
"They are not you" Iruka retorted "the conditions are not the same. They have barely been ninja and now you want to push them into death matches? Hokage-Sama?" Iruka turned his plea towards the sitting Kage.
Kakashi stepped lightly moving to face the chuunin, his single eye like a glacier. Sensing the change in his friend Guy quickly intercepted and attempted to calm him down.
"Rival, he does have a point. Your precious students have not been long into their roles and these exams are dangerous. I myself made the decision to hold my team back a year, giving them more time to prepare. Maybe you should consider it"
"Gai, we both know the last two exams were not favourable for anyone from Konoha" he turned his gaze to his fellow Jonin "one was held in Iwa, a near death sentence for anyone from Konoha and the other was in Kumo, again not worth risking. That you chose to forgo the exams shows foresight and diligence worthy of a Konoha Jonin."
"As for the brats not being ready-"Kakashi turned towards Iruka, his eye still cold "-Team seven recently completed an A-ranked mission, against nuke-nin Momochi Zabuza from Mizugakurei."
Immediately the room buzzed in surprise, Iruka's eyes widened in shock and everyone began reassessing their views on the rookies, especially team seven.
"Considering both Sasuke and Naruto managed to hold off Zabuza, and later Naruto completed the mission by assassinating Gato and then destroying his power base, I'd say they have earned their spot."
No one could speak, some details had filtered regarding team sevens mission to Wave, but having Sharingan no Kakashi confirm the facts sent a different message. The other two rookie Jonin commanders sent deep considering glances at Kakashi mentally going over their team's chances.
"Whatever you think you know about my team is out of date and irrelevant. They are no longer your students, they are my soldiers" Kakashi concluded, dismissing Iruka completely. All eyes turned to Sarutobi who continued to puff on his pipe.
"There is no minimum requirement for genins to take the exams. That is left at the discretion of their senseis; at this point I see no reason for them to be denied entry. That said I sincerely hope you impress on them the seriousness of these exams. Our reputation and their lives are at stake here"
The following day Kakashi came to a grim faced team.
"Well, I was going to offer a surprise to my cute genins" He said while appraising each one "but seeing the looks on your faces…..care to enlighten the ignorant?"
The three genin shared a glance and reached a decision; Sasuke shifted and began as spokesman with Naruto and Sakura flanking him.
"There was an altercation yesterday, between us and some foreign ninja" Sasuke began carefully.
"What village?"
"They were from Suna, they claimed to be representatives but the youngest had to be about our age. The older two were fifteen at least, for them to be some form of representative…" Sasuke trailed off, an indiscernible expression on his face.
"Ahh, about that Sasuke-" Naruto cut in before Kakashi could speak "-I did some poking around yesterday when we split, turns out they are representatives from Suna…they're here for the bi-annual chuunin exam."
Sasuke immediately looked towards Kakashi and received a confirming nod.
"What was the result of the conflict" Kakashi queried before anyone could speak further, Sasuke shook his head slightly and continued.
"The youngest one, Gaara I think, he took control of his siblings and the matter was resolved. Naruto was the only one to actually have any physical altercation but it was ruled self-defence. I also dissuaded the girl, Temari from getting involved"
Naruto and Sakura merely nodded at the explanation while Kakashi kept silent. Moments later he blinked and sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly.
"Maa, you guys are not doing my health any good" he moaned. Before they could protest he waved them off and continued "Yes, as far as I can tell they is no wrong on you part, however you had an altercation with our allies, who just happen to be the children of the Kazekage" Kakashi stressed the last part.
Team seven stood as if jolted by lighting. Naruto and Sasuke immediately began mentally reviewing everything about the altercation. Right or wrong, it won't do to be caught out especially when dealing with Kages, directly or otherwise.
"Speaking of the Suna nins sensei, something strange happened, with Gaara" Naruto began softly, as if unsure. Kakashi's focus sharpened at the change in his student's voice.
"There is something in Gaara, something about his chakra. It's not normal, Zabuza's doesn't even come close to it now that I've had time to think on it" Sasuke and Sakura started memories still fresh on their A-rank mission and encounter with the former Mist Nin.
"Naruto, start from the beginning, tell me what you can of the chakra" Kakashi's voice was soft, calming with a hint of command.
Naruto nodded and slowly began explaining the sensations and effects he got from Gaara.
"His chakra levels are high and its strong, but this, what I felt was completely different, alien in fact. It was buried in his chakra and would spill out and wrap around it, twisting and writhing. I've never felt anything like it before"
Naruto's voice was carefully balanced but Kakashi caught the briefest of flickers in it and the slight twitch in the eye.
"Hmm, it could be nothing, but I'll see if we have anything on him, could be a unique feature or ability. Without more to go on it's the best." Naruto shook his head and continued his tone more urgent.
"Sensei, when I was mapping his chakra, whatever that thing was, it knew. I swear it knew and it reacted and it wasn't Gaara" Naruto stated forcefully. Kakashi's eye widened briefly then narrowed as he appraised Naruto.
"Your sensing got caught?" Naruto nodded firmly and Kakashi began thinking of the implications.
"Sensing, especially how I do it has great risks and rewards, I can pretty much map a person's chakra ability, levels and skill as well as tell his base personality and emotional range. The downside is if I'm not careful, I could get swept by the chakra. When you experience them the way I do they could influence and take over your mind." Naruto said gravely to his teammates.
"Whatever was in Gaara's chakra almost drove me mad, until I managed to break out of it." Naruto turned back to Kakashi "It's aware, the chakra was aware on a frightening level. It could reason, it understood concepts and emotions and could act on knowledge not just instinct."
"Whatever it was, it scares me and it knows it"
The grounds were silent as they processed Naruto's declaration.
"Alright" Kakashi started "no one speaks of this to anyone, I'll inform Hokage-Sama and see if we have anything. Meanwhile quietly observe but do not come in contact with them understand?"
Three nods answered him.
"Remember Suna is still our ally, so be very careful. Here" he brought out three slips and held them out to his team, entry slips to the chuunin exam.
"Think of this as a learning experience, if you feel you are ready sign them and meet up at the academy in one week. In the meantime I'll look into Gaara, dismissed"
At that the group dispersed, Naruto immediately went back to his apartment. He let himself in and bolted the door shut.
"Figured you'd stop by sensei, didn't think you'd beat me to my own apartment though" Naruto turned to face his sensei.
"You left a few things out." It wasn't a question and Naruto nodded, squaring his shoulders.
"Yes, I trust Sasuke and Sakura but this…this feels sensitive." Kakashi remained silent so he took it as his que to continue.
"The feeling I described, the one I felt from Gaara, I have felt it before, not long before in fact."
"When and where?"
"Couple of weeks ago at most, and here in the village, in my room." Naruto stared intently at Kakashi, hoping to see a reaction to his statement.
Kakashi gave away nothing.
"The feeling I described came from me."
...
"Sensei?" Naruto couldn't help the worry building the longer Kakashi remained silent.
"Naruto, tomorrow you'll report to Hokage Sama, 0700 hours, at present I'm not at liberty to say. Unsubstantiated statements and opinions are deadly and do more damage than all jutsus known"
Naruto nodded the curiosity and worry warring within him. Kakashi let a small smile and patted his shoulders, the atmosphere shifting with the mood.
"Whatever comes, you have my support Naruto. I'll head to the tower and report your suspicions, at the same time I'll set your meeting with the Sandaime."
The following day found Naruto outside the Hokage's office awaiting his summons. He had already signed his entry into the chuunin exam, but his mind had been occupied with his conversation with Kakashi and this meeting with the Sandaime.
A familiar chakra pulsed and he looked up sharply.
"Hokage-Sama" he greeted cautiously once noticed he wasn't alone, beside him were the elder Council, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
Both legends, teammates to the Sandaime in their genin days, it was rare for all members to see old age.
"Mitokado-Sama, Utatane-Sama" Naruto nodded to each in greeting. A hint of approval flashed quickly over Sarutobi's eyes at his demeanour.
"Walk with me Naruto-kun" Nodding again he fell into step behind the village leaders. Other than the occasional puff from Sarutobi's pipe they uttered no sound as they moved through the hallway. Naruto reigned in his nervousness and tactfully observed the older generation; the longer they walked the more Naruto could see that they truly had been ninja.
'There is no noise, no footfalls. Even their stride, instinctive actions and gestures, those may have dulled but they are still there'
Naruto was brought out of his musings by light chuckles from Sarutobi and he glanced over to see an amused Homura while Koharu sniffed at him.
"Hmm, young ones thinking they are special. They forget it was the older ones who did such with regularity"
"Come now Koharu, he is still learning, it was an impressive attempt" Homura gently soothe, she sniffed again and Naruto dropped his head embarrassed at being caught.
I hope you learned something from that Naruto-kun" Sarutobi teased slightly, glancing at him from the corner of his eye.
Naruto nodded and replied "Hai, my information gathering skills needs to be refined"
That sent Homura and Sarutobi into hysterics; Koharu attempted to hide her amusement but couldn't stop the grin building.
"The joys and follies of youth" Homura called out, with a hint of nostalgia. Sarutobi paused at a set of doors, his mood slowly changing
"Such are not restricted to the young, even the old have their fair share of both" the levity disappeared at the solemn statement and Naruto struggled briefly at the change of mood.
Without preamble Sarutobi unsealed the doors and they stepped into a lightly furnished room. On the table was a fresh pot of tea and little else.
"Seal the room" Sarutobi called out once they were settled. There was no reply but seconds later Naruto started, he could no longer sense anything beyond the four walls. He actively engaged is sensor skills but couldn't find anything.
"This is one of several secure rooms Naruto-Kun" Homura stated as Naruto gave up "Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, as of this moment we are isolated from the rest of the world."
Naruto slowly processed the information given.
"As you are no doubt aware, this involves your communication with Kakashi-kun yesterday. He was quite adamant I had a secure briefing with you." Sarutobi said as he doused his pipe "Given your description of events with the Suna envoy and your more recent…discoveries, it is best this handled delicately, in this manner."
"Understand Uzumaki-kun, the information you are about to receive is known to a privileged few. The safety and prosperity of Konoha demanded such and for the record I am still loathe to impart sensitive material to a genin" Utatane intoned, her voice carefully neutral.
"Still, Hokage-sama has argued the situation and we have agreed to some disclosure, regardless of our doubts"
Again Naruto was taken back to the Sandaime's words when he unveiled Byakuya for the first time, he was been watched and the only thing sheltering him was the Hokage's will. With that he could read between the lines somewhat.
'We don't want to tell you, but you will find out anyway. Therefore we will monitor what you do get'
He would have to be very careful from this point on, whatever the situation was involved Konoha's rulership.
"I thank you for your trust in me Hokage-Sama" Naruto gave a deep bow to Sarutobi, "elder council" he gave a shallower bow to the councillors, again to Sarutobi's silent approval "I would do my best to live to the expectations."
Sarutobi nodded and clasped his hands together, rested under his chin and elbows on his knees.
"First, describe what you felt from Gaara and yourself"
Naruto nodded and began explaining, it was easier the third time round. All through the village leaders remain silent, unreadable to his genin trained skills. When he got to the bit regarding the glowing seal he glanced on his stomach, their posture barely shifted yet the mood changed significantly. Naruto wasn't actively sensing them, something about the room dampened his ability somewhat but even a child instinctively knew when an adult wasn't to be messed with.
The three older ninjas glanced at each other and an exchange passed between them. They turned back toward Naruto, Sarutobi again taking the lead.
"Naruto" He began carefully "before we begin I must impress upon you the seriousness of what I am about to give you. You cannot pass this information on without the express approval of this council"
Naruto remained silent as Sarutobi continued.
"This story began many years ago, but for the sake of time and focus we will begin with 12 years, the day you were born." Naruto's eyes shined with curiosity and he quickly glanced at the other two elders, they made no move to intervene.
"The story the village knows, the Kyuubi destroyed by our Yondaime Hokage is just that, a story. That night our greatest forces could barely even stall the bijuu, in the end the Yondaime intervened on our behalf, at the cost of his life….and the sacrifice of innocence" Naruto furrowed his brow as he tried to understand Sandaime's words.
"The bijuu are massed of chakra, powerful beyond measure and near impossible to control." Homura stated. "Few there are that can stand before such power and fewer still survive the encounter. In the face of our destruction the Yondaime chose the only option available."
"He sealed it"
Naruto froze, the implications slowly dawning on him and his face mirrored his realisations.
"I was there that night" Sarutobi picked up, his mind afar. "I was there when the strength of our village was measured by the will of one man. He fought the battle we could not and in the end did what he could to save the lives of thousands."
"All it took was his life and a small child"
"Me, he sealed it into me" Naruto whispered, struggling to come to terms with the revelation. It was all starting to make sense, the way he was treated, the attitudes, snares whispers. People knew, they all knew and kept it from him, hating him for no fault of his own.
Naruto didn't know whether to laugh or rage at the statement. His hands shook as he willed himself to remain steady.
"You were the sacrifice necessary, to ensure the safety of the village" Utatane cut in abruptly. "A Jinchuriki, power of human sacrifice."
Naruto very nearly lashed out at her words, but a subtly shifted in chakra registered and grounded him. From the looks of things no one else noted or even suspected. Naruto took a deep breath and exhaled, tension slowly bleeding away from him. As he did he only just realised the aroma of the tea, unbidden a small smile came to his face as he realised the levels of games being played.
"I understand" He said simply once he got himself under control, Sarutobi merely raised an eyebrow while the other elders blinked at the statement.
"Ohh?"
"It's funny, despite everything; to now know why people treated me like they did…it's a relief. I can understand their anger now." Naruto shrugged slightly. Sarutobi nodded thoughtfully.
"Yes…I can see why that would be so, despite everything." Homura nodded much more slowly while Utatane remained sceptical at his acceptance.
"You are taking this much better than expected boy." Despite the words, her tone held little confrontation and Naruto nodded in her direction.
"I will admit the news is a shock, but it doesn't change much. My loyalty has not wavered, Yondaime trusted me to help protect his village…and Sandaime and his Council have trusted me with the knowledge." At that Naruto dropped to his knees before the leaders and bowed low.
"I swear, on my way of the ninja I will continue to serve as best I am able, I won't give you cause to doubt my loyalty to the will of fire."
They were all taken aback at the oath; however Sarutobi could fill his pride growing.
'You truly are his son, we are becoming a fine young man Naruto' he thought as he moved to the still bowing genin. He knelt before Naruto and placed his hands on the boy's shoulders.
"You have always made me proud to consider you one of my own, as a student, a ninja in my troops, even as my grandson. I believe you will serve with distinction" Sarutobi ignored Homura and Koharu as they dithered behind him, Koharu especially seemed put out at him.
"It's true young Uzumaki-Kun" Homura said, eager to move things along "your loyalty to the village does you credit."
Sarutobi patted Naruto's shoulders and with deceptive strength pulled the boy to his feet. Once they were all seated comfortably Sarutobi continued to the second part of the agenda.
"Kakashi-Kun may have mentioned it to you, but now I am making it an unofficial official request from my office and this council: observe our Suna delegates and the one called Sabaku no Gaara.
"Gaara?" Naruto started his eyes curious. The elder council remained calm as the nodded.
"I am sure you realise by now Naruto-Kun, you and he share similarities after all. It was he that alerted you to your uniqueness was it not?" Homura asked rhetorically.
Koharu picked up from there, "the boys presence here is a cause of some…concern. Konoha is now playing host to two jinchuriki and should something happen-"
"Not that we expect it to result to that" Sarutobi cut in with a warning in his eyes, Koharu met his gaze and fell silent. Sarutobi turned back to Naruto and continued "Still, it is the prudent ninja who survive to see tomorrow."
"Sending…jinchuriki out like this is not the norm?" Naruto queried hesitantly, trying to paint a picture of the situation.
"Jinchuriki are considered the might and pinnacle of a village's ability. It sends out a distinct message and many will be wondering what message Suna is sending" Homura provided.
"At this point it is mere speculation, and Suna is an ally. Having my ninja dig to deeply into this could have negative implications and destabilise our already shaky alliance".
"But a genin observing another, alliance or not is fair game" Naruto finished; his eyes alight at the challenge "especially since it's the chuunin exam, it's practically expected of us, and my team has already had altercation with them."
"Tread carefully" Sarutobi warned "They are the children of the current Kazekage, not that it should really matter considering the nature of these exams it is no excuse for careless actions."
"I understand Hokage-Sama."
"Good. As far as this mission regarding the Suna jinchuriki we will leave the finer details at your discretion, I trust we need not impress upon you the value of discretion." Homura rounded up. Naruto nodded again and blinked sharply as 'noise' returned to the room, his senses were no longer dampened and he took a moment to adjust to the suddenness of it.
Naruto bade the village leader a bow and left the room.
"I trust you are both now satisfied?" Sarutobi bit out, a hint of mocking in his tone.
"What would you have us say Hiruzen?" Homura defended, he and Koharu had the hackles up and this looked to become another quarrel. Frankly, all they seemed to do these days was quarrel.
"What would you have us do? Wait until it becomes an issue, do nothing?" he demanded.
Sarutobi whirled round, his eyes glaciers "I would expect you both to trust me, trust my judgements as you did long ago."
"And we expect the same from you Hiruzen" Koharu snapped back, her eyes open with fury. "I make no apologies for my role in this, clearly neither of you are capable of taking the hard stance, someone needed to push, to see what is really lies within"
Sarutobi scoffed and turned away. Koharu snarled and continued.
"Yet again you refuse to even consider it that is why he should have been present for thi-"before she could finish Sarutobi spun furiously to her direction, once cold eyes now burning with restrained fury.
"Tread very carefully Koharu, he is no longer a member of this body, and I will not have talk of him involved in my rule. Have I made this perfectly clear?" The warning was hissed out with such venom both advisers were taken aback.
Homura centred himself and came down hard "we are not the enemy here Hiruzen, do not burn bridges needlessly."
"Needlessly you say" Sarutobi laughed harshly "is that how you choose to describe it, needlessly?" The offered no reply and he scoffed again. "Then yes, it was needless, it should not even have happened and for my advisers to be party to such…" Sarutobi cut himself off before things completely derailed
"Now is not the time for such conversations Hiruzen" Homura voice was stern, almost rebuking. "I do understand wat you are saying, but Koharu had a point. It seemed your mind was already made up regarding Uzumaki, really we shouldn't have had to force you to turn this into an official meeting"
Sarutobi barely conceded with a nod.
"And again she is right, neither of us were willing to take a harder stance on him, While you are always the hero in his eyes, Koharu has now set herself as the villain, the one who is against him, all because we couldn't be bother to agree" Koharu remained silent as Homura spoke.
"Someone needed to be the antagonist in this Hiruzen, and deep down you must see it. That is why Danzo should have been present, if for nothing else at least that."
"I have known that boy since he was a babe; he was in my home before I was forced to move him. I have been to his every birthday. I have made time to guide him, discipline him, care form him. He is as my own" Sarutobi said firmly after a moment of silence.
"The same was said of Orochimaru and look how that turned out" Sarutobi reacted as if hit, his whole body went rigid.
"Homura!" Koharu yelped out in an undignified manner. Even she was not expecting that, from Homura of all people and from the look on his face he himself couldn't believe his loss of control. Orochimaru was and still is a sensitive topic, and to throw it in Sarutobi's face….
"This meeting is over, as long as I am still Hokage of Konoha, as long I still draw breath Danzo will have nothing to do with Uzumaki Naruto, am I making myself clear?" each word was carefully enunciated and Sarutobi kept firm gaze on both his teammates.
"Hiruzen-"Koharu began but he cut her off
"Let me be rightly understood, this is an order from your superior and commander, Danzo will have nothing to do with the boy, team seven is off limits to him" His previously burning eyes were now completely cold and emotionless, the elders had finally pushed too far and they realised it.
"Do not go against me on this, it will not go well for you"
Naruto couldn't remember how he got to his team's training ground, he couldn't even remember sitting by the lake. He couldn't even remember when he stopped shaking.
Sorry, he was still shaking, just not as badly as before.
"I am a jinchuriki" he said calmly, he got silence in response. "I am the jinchuriki of Kyuubi no yoko"
"The fourth Hokage couldn't beat it; he sealed it…in me"
Naruto sighed and left the training grounds, there would be time to face all he had learned, but frankly he didn't have the energy or the will to do it just then.
Naruto moved through the village like a ghost, flowing with the crowed until he arrived at his destination.
"Ichiraku ramen, irrasshai" Naruto smiled at the warm greeting and made himself comfortable. The curtains parted as the owners stepped to the counter.
"Hey Ichiraku-san, Ayame" Naruto greeted warmly, before he could say more Ayame grabbed his hand suddenly
Naruto looked surprised but his drained at the serious expressions before him.
"Naruto! We've been asking for you everywhere. You need to head to the hospital, quickly!" Ayame babbled worriedly, she tugged at his hand urging him to get moving but Naruto remained confused.
"Naruto" he turned towards Ichiraku, and noted the grim face on the normally cheerful chef.
"Naruto, Kazuki is in the hospital…he is really sick"
Time stopped around Naruto.
"Umeko is there, the doctors are doing what they can, but it isn't good."
….
Kazuki is dying.