AN: Don't want to waffle on for too long, but as a head's up this story is very AU. The general details for most characters are the same, but changes abound in their motivations and to a lesser extent their characterization.

I've also done a lot of worldbuilding to expand the villages and their cultures, so if you have questions feel free to ask, but be aware that a lot of things are different and you can learn it as the story goes along.

MoNJ - Prologue

"This is perhaps the worst decision you have ever made in your tenure as Hokage."

"I've never known you to be so melodramatic. I see Moeko is finally beginning to bestow you with her more unique traits after all these years. How is she? It's been so long since I last visited."

Danzo clenched his staff and stayed the course. Hiruzen would have his jokes as always.

"I reserve my outbursts for when they are most deserved, such as now. Anko is the worst possible candidate for this responsibility."

"And why is that?" asked the Hokage, the first hint of defensiveness creeping into his voice. "She's proven herself time and again to be a capable shinobi of the leaf. She's effectively led the Kanto Outpost since the age of 18, suffered the enmity of those she should have been able to call comrades for far too long, trained more genin than any other Jounin not exclusively assigned to training genin. What makes her a poor candidate?"

Danzo observed his oldest friend and tried to comprehend just how he could be so blind to the risks. Hiruzen had survived the test of time, but for all his strength in combat and knowledge he possessed a glaring weakness. Love, for those he commanded. In some ways it made him stronger. In so many more it made him weak.

"Orochimaru chose her, Hiruzen." The mention of his former student immediately soured Hiruzen's expression, but Danzo forged on. "In a village with tens of thousands of people, thousands of shinobi. He chose her. She has talent, but she was hardly the most talented of her generation. She's clever, but there are others who could think circles around her. We do not know why he chose her, but until we do she will always be a liability."

Hiruzen shook his head in disappointment. There was never any convincing Anko's disparagers. All he could do was hoist more responsibility on her shoulders and watch her succeed despite the odds. One day they would see good in her. And perhaps one day he would see what his student had seen in her as well.

"She will lead the team."

Danzo bowed his head. After a moment of thought he spoke. "She'll never accept. Not when you tell her what he is."

"I hardly think she'll judge him so harshly. Not after how she herself has been treated."

"He's more than just the jinchuuriki. He is his father's son, and his mother's blood flows in his veins. He could be the last of her line, and he certainly is the last of his father's. His potential is unrivaled. There's never been a child with such pedigree. The pressure on her would be immense."

Hiruzen smiled and drew out some papers from beneath his desk. He began to read them out. "Naruto Ichiraku. Barely achieved a passing overall grade in the academy. Low scores for tactical theory, subterfuge, ninjutsu and genjutsu. Achieved high marks in Local History, low achievement in International History, and was ranked 4th in the overall taijutsu ladder for the academy."

He put the paper down and shook his head. "Forgive me if I'm wrong, but that hardly sounds to me like a prodigy. I don't see why you should be so concerned."

Danzo had already begun to leave. Any chance at serious conversation had been lost. Besides, he had lost this battle. It was a good thing he had never expected to win it.

"This will come back to haunt you. All your well laid plans will crumble eventually. When they do, I'll be there to pick up the pieces."

Hiruzen smiled knowingly. "Some things never change then. The roots sustain the leaves."

The Hokage's tone recovered its kind warmth and that was message enough. This conversation was done for now. Danzo took his leave and found himself in Konoha's silent night streets soon after. His private security detail emerged from the darkness, but he waved them away. He was safe enough this deep in the village.

He followed the streetlights that lit his path home. Somewhere along the road he found he was not alone. A shade walked beside him. Unseen in the shadow just beyond the light.

"He has made his decision." He said to the follower. "Hiruzen will not be swayed from his path, dangerous though it is. So, we must clear the way for him. Lessen the danger, best we can. Give Anko the tools she needs to ensure the boy's protection. I'll plant our eyes in their midst."

He received no reply, but he did not need one. He glanced aside and saw that he was once again alone. ROOT never outstayed its welcome.

Plans had to be made now. Konohagakure's greatest weapon had been firmly placed in the hands of a wild card. A recipe for disaster if he had ever seen one. All he could do now was lend his helping hand to ROOT and plan for the impending failure.

AN: Thanks for reading. Please leave some comments letting me know what you like/dislike and any constructive criticism you have.