Chapter Six - Planning

Dinner with Naruto and the Hokage was of course at Ichiraku's. It was a pleasant affair with Naruto managing to eat more than both myself and the Hokage together, even at the age of three.

Afterward, we head back to the Hokage tower. Naruto was returned to his caretakers as the Hokage and I returned to his office to continue our discussion.

"Before we start any further discussion. Are you confident that your office is secure, not even Danzo would be able to overhear?" I ask the Hokage as we take our seats.

He blinks before responding. "Yes… I take it that Danzo is an issue in the future?"

"Danzo is an issue now. He didn't disband Root, and is still kidnapping children and indoctrinating them to its values." I take a deep breath before continuing. "I'm sure he's already got his eyes on me after the events of yesterday."

Hiruzen sighs. "Yes, I'll have to keep an eye on him. It seems my softness will once again hurt the village. I'll make sure your ANBU detail is handled carefully and ensure that he doesn't get anywhere near you."

He pulls out his pipe and lights it before continuing. "On to the first point we need to discuss… Your knowledge of future events. Any action you take could cause changes to the events that you know. To either a good or bad degree.

Before we go any further I want to express that I'm going to trust you with the decision on what actions to take, because you've already shown that you'll take action for the betterment of the village and its citizens.

I know this is asking a lot of you, and I'll be here to help you in any way that you need. If there are actions you believe that I need to take, I will do so without asking any questions.

Please do not be discouraged if you fail in what you're attempting. Or even if you make events worse. All that matters is that you do your best.

I believe that you were brought here for a reason. Even if there was no reason for you being born here, I know that you'll do great things for the village… No, for the world as a whole."

A long time passes before I'm able to respond. "I. I don't understand how you're able to place so much trust. So much faith in a random kid that came to you with such a bullshit story. Or how you can trust me to watch over and live with the village's future strongest ninja."

He smiles. A smile that was full of warmth impossible to fake. "I can see the Will of Fire burning strongly within you. I have nothing to worry about."

We sit in silence for several minutes before I speak. Him seemingly content to just let me process and think.

"I don't think there's anything I can do to stop the next big tragedy the village will suffer. I've thought about it over and over, but can't find a single thing that any of us can do. Well, anything that would make it better. Every idea that I've had would either result in the same outcome, or a much, much worse result."

His smile falters. "Sometimes the best option is not the option that we desire. I know from experience. Both success and failure. The choices you will have to make will not be easy. You only need to do your best, even if your best is to do nothing. I'm confident that whatever choices you make will be the correct choice, even if you don't see it that way at first."

"T-thank you…" I mumble, breaking eye contact.

After a moment of hesitation, I ask, "How are the Uchiha? Are they acting strangely?"

For the first time, I see a genuine frown on his face as he ponders my question.

"They're showing more anger than usual. There are also rumors of a plan to overthrow the leadership of the village. All this is being worsened by the council's stupid decision to accuse the Uchiha of instigating the Nine-Tails attack. The youngest son of the clan head died during the attack, if they had caused it, they would have ensured his protection."

Sighing, I respond. "The result of this is what-" I come to a complete stop as I finally understand the last part of his words. "What do you mean the clan head's son died? Sasuke?"

My mind is running a mile a minute as I ask my question. 'Sasuke died during the attack? What? He's supposed to be one of the main characters in the anime. Hell, he's the enemy for a good portion of it… Did my being born into this world somehow cause his death? Someone had to die for me to be born?'

The Hokage seems to notice my growing distress and comes around in front of me again. "No matter what has happened, it's not your fault. No matter what changes have been made, I still believe in you."

Several deep breaths later I'm finally able to continue. "Sasuke was one of the most important members of the timeline that I know. His rivalry and friendship with Naruto were what propelled them both to a strength high enough to save the world…"

I've started to shake by this point. "Not to mention if Sasuke's dead as a result of an attack that the Uchiha are being blamed for, then their anger is likely much greater than it should have been. The events I know of will likely happen regardless of what I do. They'll likely be much worse. Much, much worse. Oh God…"

The Hokage places his hands on my shoulders and gently shakes me. "What's happened, has already happened. We must move forward and do the best that we can with what we have."

I look up and see him looking back at me with his trademark grandfatherly smile.

"T-thanks." I say before I close my eyes and begin to think out loud.

"We need to keep an eye on the Uchiha, the timetable might be moved up because of Sasuke's death. I don't think it will be necessary, but make sure you always keep enough strong ninja present in the village...

I need to find a way to make sure Naruto still has his desire to train and reach his potential. Hopefully, without him having to be subjected to all the hate the villagers are going to give him.

I need to start dramatically increasing my training, learn more about my bloodline, find as many other advantages as I can, all while taking care of a young Naruto.

I can do this. I can do this.

The first step is funding. Naruto is poor as dirt, living in an old apartment in the series..."

I pause as I look up at the Hokage. "What happened to the Uzumaki compound and funds?"

"The funds are locked to Naruto until he is of age. I'm only able to withdraw a small amount monthly for living expenses that I planned on providing him.

The compound, however, is covered in defensive seals. Even if the majority of the Uzumaki didn't live in Konoha, they still spared no effort in protecting their property.

With Kushina's death, it has been locked and somehow hidden. I know the general location, but can no longer find it."

I nod. "Okay, that makes sense. The first order of business is to find the compound. I'm sure they didn't have even half their money in the banks, rather their own vaults. I already have a few ideas on how it's all been hidden."