(Finding out for the 3rd time that the workers at the orphanage are neglecting Naruto by not feeding him properly or kicking him out of the building to fend for himself)

Listening to the report from one of his ANBU with a grave expression he withheld a sigh. Sarutobi Hiruzen, The Professor, The Third Hokage, The technically Fifth Hokage but no one really acknowledges that and continues calling him the Third...was feeling a bit...irritated. It seems that his attempts to ensure Naruto was well cared for had been in vain. First, as he recalled, it had been Naruto missing every other meal and always receiving smaller than normal helpings. The guards he kept on 'Naruto-watch' as he'd lovingly dubbed it had checked to see if others weren't eating every meal and some weren't. It wasn't too surprising, their funds could only stretch so far and there had been a sudden influx of orphans thanks to the Kyuubi incident. So he increased their budget and figured the matter settled, feeling relieved that it hadn't been done on purpose to single out little Naruto. That was until the second time it happened. It had apparently taken his ANBU some time to notice a pattern where Naruto was punished with lack of food, and the day they realized it was the same day the matron's assistant kicked him out during breakfast for 'causing a ruckus and stealing another's food'. Shameful. Simply shameful. His ANBU should have realized something was wrong sooner. It was against the law to withhold food from a person, least of all a child unless they were a prisoner located in T&I after all. He'd summoned all of the staff to his office for that one. Making it clear that such 'discipline' tactics were criminal offenses they claimed to be unaware of...he let them go with a stern warning. And now...now was the third offense. The matron had found Naruto in the middle of a nightmare as she was making rounds to check beds and doors and had somehow decided that it was a smart idea to remove the four year old from his bed and kick him out into the night so that he 'didn't disturb the other good children with his deplorable attention seeking antics'. This has to stop and it was stopping now.

"How many of the staff were awake when you came to report?", Sarutobi inquired as he glanced at Naruto who was sound asleep on one of the guest chairs like a cat with a belly full of snacks. "Roughly half, Lord Hokage. There were a handful doing rounds around the building while the rest were getting ready for bed if not already asleep", the masked ANBU reported. "Hmmm, I see. Looks like a prime opportunity for me to visit then".

"Sir?"

"You stay and keep an eye on Naruto", Sarutobi instructed as he stood from behind his desk, "Bear, I want you to relay a message to T&I to expect the company of possible traitors. Rabbit and Ox, come with me", he commanded two of his hidden bodyguards as he left the room.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Arriving at the orphanage were the Hokage with two of his bodyguards in tow. The ANBU that was still there was unsure of the cause of her leader appearing and so presented herself promptly in case she was needed for something. But only after flaring her chakra in code to confirm they were who they appeared to be. "Good to see you so vigilant Cat. I need to have a little chat with the adults here so go make sure the children remain in bed", getting a nod from her before she left to do as ordered, Sarutobi addressed his bodyguards, "Collect all the staff members and bring them here for our...impromptu meeting".

"Right away Lord Hokage", the two intoned in sync before disappearing into the building to begin the round up. Sarutobi sighed as he looked up at the stars contemplating if he should go ahead and smoke now since he was outside...no, it'd be more intimidating if he waited till they were in front of him.

The two ANBU had assembled all of the adults whether or not they were asleep with a deft hand and ushered them quietly and efficiently out the door. Most were confused, some in a sleepy daze, while a few seemed overly nervous with one looking to be on the verge of panicking. This was a highly unusual occurrence after all. The Third Hokage stood still and proud, leveling the orphanage staff with a stern gaze. "It was brought to my attention that once again the staff at this fine establishment has seen fit to not only disregard their duty but to deliberately disobey a direct order from me. Which is why I have scheduled an appointment for you all", Lord Hokage informed them with a slight tilt of his head signaling his ANBU to apprehend and deliver the group of adults for questioning. The Third Lord Hokage watched as he prepared to smoke with a disinterested face hiding the deep sadness that such an action was necessary even as he turned a deaf ear to the cries and pleads made as they were taken away. If they were innocent, then they had little to fear. But if they were traitors...