Chapter 1
Naruto would be born into a new life. The world was startlingly similar to his own. The difference was in severity and eventually the individual choices of certain influential people. Shinobi had always been warriors, and in this world they were even less flexible than in the previous one. For two people this fact caused their conflict to escalate past the point of no return. From the moment of their deaths peace would forever remain an unobtainable dream. In short the Senju and all their allies would forever be in conflict with the Uchiha and their allies, till one was forced to submit.
Where in his own world a great valley once stood, in this world there was only a desolate waste land where wind and rain raged, and great streaks of lightning struck from the heavens.
Uchiha Madara and Hashirama Senju's battle tore the very life from the ground with its intensity and in the end that had both died. No ninja at this point in time had ever come close to achieving the immense levels of power and skill that those two had.
After this the two clans gathered their allies and bolstered their defenses, thus creating the first 2 of the 6 Great Ninja nations. The Uchiha in the Village Hidden in the Whirlpools Uzushiogakure, located on an island. The island was originally the home of the Uzumaki clan who after the death of Madara and Hashirama allied themselves with the Uchiha. The Senju took to the Village Hidden in the Leaves, a base created by their deceased leader in the heart of a great forest. With them were their close allies the Hyuuga, staunch allies throughout the years they were quick to support their cause when the call to arms was made. Others also answered the call of these two great clans others banded together to form their own villages for protection or a shared desire for power.
Thus the Great 6 Villages were created not in hope for peace but in response to a perpetual war whose rage ebbed and flowed like the ocean. Sometimes the waves crashed angrily against the shore and others it receded to a low tide washing gently up the sand.
The villages made a mad grab for power, first recruiting renowned clans or individuals and techniques. Then they created the first of their elite forces to protect their villages. Finally waring for control of the only superpower left in the world, the Biju.
Uzushio having close ties to the Uzumaki combined the power of seals and Sharingan to capture the Kyuubi. The great Fox was sealed into a member of the Uzumaki clan with a particular type of chakra that made them compatible. Then they captured the Sanbi using its natural ability to create coral and its affinity for water to bolster the defenses of the island.
Konoha captured the Yonbi, sealing it into the one of the members of the newly renowned Sarutobi clan, which was quickly proving its worth as one of the great families of Konoha. The Sarutobi starting most notably with Sarutobi Sasuke and his son the aptly dubbed "Professor" and "God of Shinobi" Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Suna claimed the both the Ichibi and the Rokubi. The Ichibi being held by the family of the one who ruled the village and the Rokubi being sealed into the first child of the village's strongest warrior. This way the two positions carried great honor, gaining the respect of the villagers, and sometimes their fear.
Kumo claimed the Hachibi, and claimed their strength was great enough that they needed no other advantage. Here as well the tailed beast was closely tied to the family of the ruling Kage.
Iwa gained the Nibi, and upheld a boast similar to that of Kumo. Iwa and Kumo where often allies against the other 4 Nations.
Last was Kiri taking the last 2 beasts, the Gobi and the Nanabi. The two beasts increased Kiri's stealth based way of fighting. The leader of their two special forces.
This was how the powers on and around the continent were divided. The Ninja nations ruled the land instead of a Daimyo, and the leaders of the smaller villages and cities pledged loyalty to whatever nation currently ruled the territory they resided in. In some areas the rulers were constantly changing causing the occupants of the territory to resent any outside influence.
However not every ninja was a part of a Great Nation or one of its subservient territories. Tribes of nomadic warriors traveled across the land, most avoided involvement in the never ending war of the nations. Some however, like the Kaguya clan acted as mercenaries loaning their power to the highest bidder. Ninja who grew disillusioned with their homes often joined the nomadic tribes looking for sanctuary from the horrors of war. Eventually some would join a mercenary group, not knowing how to cope with or where to fit into a "civilian life".
A mercenary group offered the ninja who abandoned their village peacefully protection, however if you committed an act of treason the village would order its shinobi to execute you on site. The only way you could avoid this was by proving your worth to the ruthless Kaguya.
On their own they did not pose a significant threat to any of the 6 Nations, however the benefit of having their clan on your side outweighed the loss of a single rouge ninja. There was a single added benefit to letting the Kaguya operate on their own. Not just any rouge was admitted into their band. To join took a love of war coupled with great skill. If you could not prove yourself worthy the Band would capture you and sell you back to your village. The villages therefore made sure to keep the warmongers current on their missing ninja.
Time had moved on with the world caught in constant battle. The title of Hokage which should have passed to Hashirama's son, was instead passed to his younger brother Tobirama. His son, it was generally believed held the blood of an Uzumaki in his veins and so would never be accepted as a leader. Tobirama passed on the title to his pupil Hiruzen whom he knew would strengthen the Nation with his knowledge and leadership, and he had. His strategy and knowledge took the nation to the height of its power and influence. He expanded the borders, and increased resources and wealth by winning decisive battles and seizing key pieces of territory. He created a War council supported by some of the best mind of Konoha to advise him on all his decisions. The other nations once they discovered this, imitated his methods. Finally he coined the term "Will of Flame" to describe the fierce destructive spirit of the village as a whole. This would foster emotional ties to the village which he could use to create compliance in the lesser houses of the Nation.
The role of those lesser houses was to protect the 3 major clans of Konoha, the Senju, the Hyuuga, and the Sarutobi. Every shinobi in the village served to strengthen the "Will of Flame".
Finally he had trained 3 of the greatest ninja the village had known, their reputation only being eclipsed by Hashirama and Hiruzen himself. Together their power was so great the Mizukage of Kiri, a great warrior in his own right had named them the San-nin. Each of them individually where revered as sages in their specialty.
When the time came to pick a successor he looked first to his students. Jiraiya who was powerful, charismatic, and in his own way influential was his first pick, however the young Toad Sage as he was widely known had no interest in the job. He didn't even want to train a team, but was ordered to do so anyway. Hiruzen knew his knowledge would be invaluable to the next generation. Orochimaru also held no interest as he preoccupied himself with creating his own special unit, sanctioned by the Hokage himself, to research and develop new jutsu. His findings could one day mean true victory for the Nation over all the others. Last was Tsunade, she had a deep connection to the village and its people which would serve the village well however she was too focused on caring for them instead of increasing their reach and power. Not only that but the villagers still whispered about her Uzumaki blood, and the years of war had not softened their opinion of their enemies.
So he was forced to look elsewhere. Many potential candidates existed, such as Shimura Danzo. Hiruzen appreciated his devotion to the village and willingness to do what it took to gain victory. One of Jiraiya's pupils, Minato Namikaze, his genius could potentially propel his family to become the next great clan of Konoha but he was young and untested. The heads of some of the lesser houses came to mind as well. The Nara clan had consistently produced brilliant strategists, the Aburame and Yamanaka who had excelled at Intel gathering and counter intelligence, or the Akamich who had the greatest battle strength of the lesser houses. Perhaps if they had the backing of their ruling houses they may be accepted. However Hiruzen knew they would not have the backing of the War Counsel. So there was only one place left to turn. The only Great clan of the Nation he had not yet considered, the Hyuuga.
Hiruzen decided to meet with the twin Heirs, and the head of the clan to discuss his proposal. He was welcomed openly into the Hyuuga compound.
"Lord Hokage it is a great honor to have you, please make yourself comfortable" the head of the Hyuuga clan, Toru Hyuuga said leading him to a room reserved for receiving honored guests. "Would you like something to drink or eat?" he asked as Hiruzen sat down at the low table.
"Yes some tea please. Do you mind?" Hiruzen asked holding up his pipe. The question itself was only a formality, the Hyuuga would refuse him no reasonable request he knew. In fact if it were for the good of the Nation they may even entertain some unreasonable ones.
"Of course Lord Hokage. Satoshi" he spoke calmly to the screen entrance to the room.
"Yes Hyuuga-sama" Satoshi Namikaze said as he entered the room and kneeled before Toru. He was a relative of Minato he was sure, but exactly how they were related Hiruzen could not recall.
"Bring the Hokage some tea and an ashtray." Toru ordered
"Right away" and with that he stood and bowed to them both before leaving the room.
Hiruzen took in his surroundings during the exchange. On the far wall stood the Nations flag, hanging from the ceiling down to just above the floor. Flanking it were two smaller flags bearing the Hyuuga crest. The walls were an off white color nearly matching the shade of the famous Byakugan. The table he sat at was made of a rich red wood. The floor was tatami mats with dark red pillows for guests to use to sit at the low table. The room though somewhat plain spoke of pride in the Nation its only decorations being two of the symbols of its strength.
"To what do we owe the honor of your visit today?" Toru asked politely once Satoshi had left the room
"I have come to talk about your sons, Toru" Hiruzen paused not for a reply but to gather his thought, and Toru to his credit had noted his intent. "As you may know I am currently looking for a successor to fill the position of Hokage, and after careful consideration I have decided to choose one from your clan"
The screen slid open and in walked Satoshi carrying a tray. From the tray he placed a cup first in front of the Hokage, then in front of Toru. He then set down an ash tray and some matches. Finally he lit one of the matches towards witch the Hokage leaned, his pipe firmly held in the corner of his mouth. He puffed lighting his pipe and nodded to Satoshi, who extinguished the match and kneeling once again asked "is there anything else you need?"
Toru and Hiruzen responded in the negative
"I shall remain close by" and with that he once again exited.
"You have a wonderfully loyal house in them Toru, perhaps one day given the right achievements you could raise them up." Hiruzen said
"It would be a great honor to have a lesser house of the Hyuuga raised, and I see promise in them" Toru replied.
Hiruzen grunted in appreciation of this statement before continuing "However I am not here today to discuss your lesser houses. I am here to discuss my successor." Hiruzen paused to take a drag from his pipe "I am here to see which of your two sons will be the next Hokage." Hiruzen paused here subtly inviting a response as he sipped his tea.
"You do us a great honor Lord Hokage" Toru bowed his head.
"I would like to see your two boys so that I may make my final decision"
"Of course, they are in the garden sparing, when you are ready I will lead you to them."
Hiruzen did not respond but instead took another drag from his pipe, as he considered the Hyuuga in front of him. They were a powerful and loyal clan everyone being an expert in the clans deadly style of taijutsu. With it they could destroy organs, stop bodily functions or even the flow of chakra through a shinobi's body. Their eyes were also useful and members of their clan were trained from a young age to use them so effectively that in some villages it was rumored they could read mind. Of course to be honest the second of the Hyuuga's lesser houses, the Yamanaka, possessed some members who were born with this amazing ability.
He was growing surer of his decision the more he thought of it. He drank more of his tea, now there was one final consideration. He would meet the brothers and make his final decision. With this final thought he took a long drag and exhaled slowly, before rising. "Show me to your two sons so that I may choose.
"Right away Lord Hokage" Toru rose and lead him out towards the garden training ground behind the mansion. As they walked he talked with the Hokage "How is your brother doing, has he chosen a successor to receive the power of the Yonbi
"He is doing well, but has not made a decision concerning the next container"
"How unfortunate, I am sure he will choose a strong candidate, how is your family?"
"They are well, my youngest just turned 8, Asuma will make a strong ninja" Hiruzen replied.
Their conversation passed in this manner over the future generation of Konoha Shinobi as they strolled leisurely to the garden. When they finally exited the mansion, they were treated to the site of the Hyuuga Heirs sparing match.
Sweat dripped from their brow as they engaged in their martial dance. Each strike expertly and precisely executed. Its target blocking or deflecting in equally skilled response, and then delivering one of their own. Toru readied himself to halt their training but was interrupted by Hiruzen, he wanted to see this.
The bout continued at an unwavering pace, neither side giving ground and never missing a chance to strike. Until one combatant back stepped instead of deflecting, the other side at first seeing an opportunity. That is, until chakra poured from his opponents body and he began to spin creating a barrier around himself. His brother jumped just far enough back to take him outside the barriers full range. Sinking into a low tensed stance, waiting for his chance to strike. His brother gracefully recovered from his spin adopting the same stance, and in that instant there fight became a storm of movement and strikes. Each strike being cancelled out by its mirrored counterpart. When the exchange ended and the two parted Hiruzen spoke.
"Impressive display, it pleases me to see that Konoha has such talented young men defending it." Hiruzen stepped further into the garden approaching the twin Hyuuga. Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuuga. "Talented indeed this will not be an easy decision." Hiruzen thought.
"Lord Hokage, It is an honor" stated one of the young men. Hiruzen frankly could not tell the difference between the two. Both bowed before the second brother asked "To what do we owe this honor my Lord?"
He had heard that Hiashi was inquisitive and subtle, seeking the hidden truth in others actions. Internally he deduced that this young man who seemed to be observing him so careful must be Hiashi. Hizashi was rumored to be patient, often waiting till he had enough information to make an informed decision. There were down sides to both personalities, if his information was to be believed. Hiashi was prone to rash decisions and Hizashi's patience sometimes led to inaction. However Hiruzen needed to make a decision, and both twins despite their short comings had excellent leadership qualities.
"I am here to day to choose the successor to the position of Hokage, and before I leave here one of you will be the next in line to become the Fourth Hokage of Konoha" Hiruzen said.
Both of the young men held stoic expressions and Hiashi spoke for the pair "we are honored that you would consider us my Lord, how will you determine your successor?"
"I will pick the candidate with the qualities I find most suitable for the office" the twins listened silently and he continued "For the position Strength is necessary, but with the right tools and material any master piece is possible, there is also intelligence and I can see from your actions and measured words that in this trait neither of you are lacking. You also require aptitude as a leader, competence, and presence. My own investigations have lead me to the conclusion that you both possess these characteristics."
"There are more less defined qualities that are required." Hizashi stated. Hiruzen nodded he was glad to see that he had come to this conclusion himself.
"Who do you think should take my place as Hokage between the two of you?" Hiruzen asked. Hiashi was the first to answer.
"Either of us would be greatly honored if we were chosen, however I believe my brother Hizashi is most suited for the position. His wisdom will lead to decisions that will benefit the future of the nation."
"Hmmm" Hiruzen nodded in consideration before turning to Hizashi, silently urging him to speak.
"Hiashi is the better man for the position and for the good of the Nation. I have been prone to inaction because I am often unsatisfied with a decision until I have all the information. Hiashi, though he can be rash, is able to make decisive choices and see them through to the end. He is also a keen observer, able to determine others motives through the study of their body language and pointed questioning."
The bond these two shared was clear as each strove in their own way to endorse the other. Their testimonies had worked and Hiruzen saw clearly who was most suited to lead Konoha.
"Thank you both, you have helped me make a difficult decision. Hizashi your argument was compelling and has assured me in my choice." Hiruzen, thanks to his years of experience, saw the twins' masks slip. Though brief he saw just how deeply their loyalty to each other ran. Hiashi's disappointment was clearly contrasted by Hizashi's pleasure that his endorsement was accepted.
"Therefore Hyuuga Hizashi, you shall meet me tomorrow morning to start your training to become the Fourth Hokage."
At this their masks fell away completely. Hiashi smiled wide at his brother whose mouth hung agape in shock.
"Congratulations brother, I look forward to your term as Hokage." Stated Hiashi.
"Hiashi, Hizashi! Control yourselves, show respect to the Lord Hokage." Toru commanded. The celebration was halted and the masks were donned.
"Thank you Lord Hokage, we are honored by your decision" they both stated as one.
"That will be all, thank you Toru for your hospitality. However I have a meeting and work still left to do." Hiruzen said
"Yes Lord Hokage, I shall lead you out" Toru said as the two men turned to leave.
Later that day Hiruzen met with the War Counsel to inform them of his decision to appoint Hyuuga Hizashi as the next Hokage. His appointment to the position would take place in 6 years. He still needed to grow in strength and experience, not to mention the ins and outs of the interworking of the village itself. Perhaps 6 years was too short, only time would tell.