Author's Note: Here is the fourth chapter of my fic. Sorry things took so long between getting sick and school work this took a lot longer than I intended. Please R&R, Enjoy!! Oh, and the glorious reputation of owning Naruto does not belong to me. =(

Chapter 4

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Naruto's Mindscape

Naruto listened in complete awe as Miya told him a story about her childhood. "… then, just before we were about to catch it, the chicken jumped through a hole in this huge fence and got away" Miya explained with a pouty face.

Naruto giggled upon seeing her expression. "What happened next Miya nee-chan?"

"Well by the time we finally caught the chicken it had eaten our entire stick of dango. It was obviously very proud of itself because it strutted around us clucking with satisfaction" she said imitating a chicken by flapping her arms.

That was all that was need to send Naruto into another frenzy of giggles as he rolled across the floor.

Miya smiled as she watched the young child. She was so happy that he could finally act like a normal kid instead of having to constantly worry about the stupid villagers. 'I just wish he could do this in the real world instead of just inside his mind. Fortunately he is almost ready to wakeup.'

"Nee-chan?" Naruto called with a happy voice. "Could you tell me another story."

"Ok Naruto, have I told you about the time a convinced a big bully to eat a cockroach?"

Naruto scrunched up his face as he shook it quickly to indicate that she had not told him that story yet.

"Well it all started when I came across these five other kids in a park…"

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Hokage Tower

Sarutobi and Tsunade arrived at the Hokage's office just in time see Jiraiya receive a slap from one of Sarutobi's Chunin secretaries. Anxious to recover from his embarrassment, Jiraiya turned to his old sensei and teammate. "Took the two of you long enough; I am a busy man and have other things to do besides waiting."

"Our apologies Jiraiya, shall we discuss your news in my office?" replied Sarutobi as he directed his two students through his office door. The old man remained silent until he had lit his pipe. "Now, what is this news you have Jiraiya?"

"Ok, right to the point then. Everything is going quite well at the front sensei. But I came to inform you that Kumo's commander has called for a cease-fire. He claims that Kumogakure wishes to end hostilities and would like to stop fighting to discuss terms."

"Hmm, this could very well be a trap to lull us into a sense of security" the Hokage mused.

"Yes sir I thought so too. At this very moment my smaller summons are patrolling the border and tracking Kumo's withdrawal from Fire Country. It appears as though they truly wish to pursue peace."

"That is wonderful news. Has there been any word when they would like to discuss terms of surrender?"

"Assuming that you agree to host the delegation within these walls, the Raikage's nephew along with a small delegation would arrive on December 27th. The Raikage wishes to wait until then to ensure that his nephew is home for Christmas."

The Hokage inhaled deeply from his pipe. "Fine, as long as their Shinobi show no hostilities between now and then the delegation is welcome to enter the village. With any luck this war will not drag into the new year."

Without further contemplation Jiraiya rose from his seat. "Well that's it for me. I'm off to do some research" he stated with a perverted grin.

"Not just yet, we still have some things to discuss before I can dismiss you Jiraiya."

"Ahh sensei your killing me here" whined the aging man. "You know it's been forever since I have seen a decent pair because of fighting your war right?"

Jiraiya received a fist to the back of the head. "Shut it Jiraiya this is serious" claimed Tsunade.

Sarutobi nodded slightly. "Tell me Jiraiya, what do you know of young Naruto?"

Jiraiya's eyes widened just a touch at the mention of the young boy's name. "Well not too much, he was my student's greatest masterpiece; an unknown orphan that helped to save the village. That boy is the reason Konoha still stands. Without his sacrifice, the village would have fallen with Minato. Though it pains me to look at him, I am not foolish enough to hold the fourth's death against the boy."

Upon hearing Jiraiya's response a small smile crept across the wizened Hokage's face. "Good because we have much to discuss" he replied.

"Sensei what is this about?"

"Patience Jiraiya, you will know soon enough. What I am about to tell you I should have revealed to you when I told both of you that Minato had died. However, I was not sure how the two of you would react."

"Damn it sensei just tell us already" demanded Tsunade.

"Fine, however, before I do I must stress to you both that this is a SS class village secret that must not, under any circumstances, leave this room." Although the statement resulted in two pairs of raised eyebrows, both Tsunade and Jiraiya simply nodded in understanding. "Ok then, Naruto is not simply an abandoned orphan. He is the son of Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze" stated Sarutobi.

It had been a long time, not since their genin days had the Hokage seen his two students both quiet at the same time. The silence that captured the office sent a chill down the old man's back.

"Sensei how could you not tell me?" Jiraiya asked with a betrayed look. "He is my greatest student's son. I am supposed to be his Godfather for Kami's sake." As he continued increasing amounts of killer intent began permeating throughout the office at an alarming rate. "You better have a damn good reason for this" warned the white-haired Sannin.

Throughout this rant both Sarutobi and Tsunade stayed completely silent, the Hokage because he had expected Jiraiya to be furious and Tsunade because she actually, for once, sided with the pervert. Just as Jiraiya finished offering his old sensei the warning, two full squads of ANBU swarmed the room and began assaulting the Toad-Sannin under the assumption that he was an imposter.

Sarutobi simply sighed. Before he could sort out the mess Jiraiya had already disabled all twelve of his opponents.

Calming himself down with great effort Jiraiya returned his gaze to Sarutobi. "Sir, why did you not tell us?" he asked with respect as the old man deserved.

"Minato asked me to hide his heritage. I believed that the two of you taking an interest in the child might give away the secret that Minato was trying to protect with his dying wish. Until Naruto is strong enough to face his father's enemies his heritage must remain a secret" Sarutobi explained.

"Well does anyone else know?"

"Only Hiashi. I told him because I needed his support within the council and I knew that regardless of what resided within the boy Hiashi would have enough faith in the boy's father to protect him." The Hokage paused to puff on his pipe. "I hope that the two of you understand my reasoning and that you Jiraiya will forgive me for my actions."

"I understand sensei. If word had spread we would be fighting both Kumogakure and Tsuchigakure, and I am afraid we would not fair so well against those odds."

After Sarutobi and Jiraiya came to their understanding both of them became lost in thought. Jiraiya began to think about his former student and the promise he made to help with young Naruto's upbringing. Sarutobi on the other hand was considering the disasters that the Leaf would be facing if they had gone to war with two of the strongest Hidden Villages instead of just Kumogakure.

The two men were returned to reality by Tsunade who wished to continue the discussion. "Sensei there are still things to discuss such as how to deal with "him" she stated solemnly.

The statement made Jiraiya raise an eyebrow but he stayed silent to listen.

"Ah yes" replied the Hokage, "what to do what Tsuchi."

"Umm… Sensei if you don't mind me asking, what are the two of you talking about and who is this Tsuchi person?"

"Tsunade was reminding me that we need to deal with a man named Tsuchi. He is the man that runs Naruto's orphanage and he recently attempted to kill Naruto."

"NANI!!!!!!!!!! Tell me everything."

As Sarutobi told Jiraiya about the most recent attempt on Naruto's life the Toad-Sannin steadily became more and more enraged.

"… and that is about it" said Sarutobi. "He has been in a coma ever since, I only hope he is able to recover soon."

"Clearly he deserves death but I want him to suffer" said Tsunade speaking for the first time since her teacher began his recount of the attack. "Even though I am a mednin, what that man did to Naruto is absolutely unforgivable."

The three inhabitants of the room looked at each other. Both Sarutobi and Tsunade stared at Jiraiya as a malicious spark filled his eyes.

"What is it Jiraiya?" asked Tsunade curiously.

"I don't think we should kill the bastard just yet."

With a confused look the Hokage could not help but to ask, "why?"

"It is simple really," Jiraiya said with a smirk, "I believe we should wait until Naruto has awoken, so that with his dying breathe Tsuchi can learn that he was unsuccessful at killing Naruto."

Although the wizened Hokage had always been a peace-loving individual, he refused to forgive anyone that attacked the young boy that he had grown to view as a grandson. With a nod he accepted Jiraiya's suggestion.

Jiraiya stood up. "Sensei if you don't mind I would like to see the gaki."

"Sure Jiraiya, Tsunade and I will take you to see him."

Jiraiya reached for the office door to begin the short walk to the hospital. However, just before he reached it, the door flew open and hit Jiraiya square in the face. As a result the aging Sannin flew across the office to land on the floor with swirls in his eyes. Shizune rushed into the office to find Tsunade and the Hokage kneeling over Jiraiya checking his injuries. Upon making certain that Jiraiya was ok the three older Shinobi directed their attention towards their guest.

"Shizune, what are you doing here?" Tsunade asked.

"Tsunade-sama! It's Naruto, the scanners are picking up increased brain function which indicates that he is finally awakening form his coma!!" Shizune declared with a relieved smile. Though she did not know the child personally he had to be a good kid for the Sandaime to care for him so deeply.

As the four Shinobi hurried to the hospital Shizune continued, "Also, Hokage-sama you asked me to inform you if anyone tried to visit Naruto."

Sarutobi immediately stiffened, which his students instantly noticed. "Yes so I did. Has anyone attempted to see him?"

"Only one person sir. Just before I came to notify you of his changes Hiashi-sama arrived with his daughter and asked to see him."

The old man smiled. "Ahh, I was wondering if he would be visiting Naruto at some point. Did you allow him in?"

"No sir, I informed Hyuuga-sama that I must ask permission before I could allow him to enter the room. He is currently waiting with the ANBU guards outside Naruto's room" Shizune replied pointing towards the end of the hallway.

"Thank you Shizune. As always you have done a fantastic job. Now unless Tsunade needs your assistance with Naruto you are free to return to your normal duties."

"Hai, thank you sir. Umm. Hokage-sama?" After receiving a questioning glance see continued, "Would it be ok if I stayed to see Naruto wake up I have grown kind of fond of him during the course of watching over him?"

"Of course Shizune. I am sure that the more smiling faces Naruto sees upon waking the better he will feel."

By this time the group had arrived at a door with a special seal placed on it to keep unwanted people out. After applying chakra to the seal the party continued a short way down the new hallway until they stood before three men.

"Dog, Bear, thank you both for keeping Hiashi company." The two ANBU agents simply nodded in reply. Then Sarutobi turned to the Hyuuga clan head. "Hiashi I am sorry you were forced to wait but it was necessary."

"I understand Hokage-sama" was Hiashi's only reply.

Finally the old man opened the room door and everyone shuffled inside to join Yuugao who was guarding the boy from within the room. Tsunade and Shizune immediately began inspecting Naruto. Shizune checked the equipment he was hooked to while Tsunade focused on performing a diagnosis jutsu. With her hands glowing a soft green Tsunade gently placed them on Naruto's head.

"Well there is definitely increased brain function but he isn't waking up yet; it is almost as if he is preoccupied with something" Tsunade declared with a confused look etching its way across her face.

"Curious" Sarutobi whispered, more to himself than those surrounding him.

"What is Hokage-sama?" asked Shizune.

"I wonder if he is not waking up because he is currently talking with his 'tenant'" answered the old man.

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Naruto's Mindscape

A wide smile graced Miya's form. "Naruto-kun" she called to get the young boy's attention as he darted around his mindscape to burn off extra energy. The boy looked up.

"Yes nee-chan?"

"It is time for you to wake up. The Hokage is waiting to talk to you."

"But I don't want to go. I like it here with you nee-chan!" Naruto declared firmly.

"Naruto, they are very worried about you, and you can't just stay here forever. There is no reason to fear waking up, I will still be right here for you ok? All you have to do is think about me and we will be able to talk" Miya said.

Naruto's eyes went wide. "NANI!!! How is that possible?"

"Well since I am sealed within you we share a mental link."

"If we can talk like that then why did you never talk to me before?" Naruto asked with a frown.

Miya realized that she had hurt Naruto's feelings so she quickly hugged him and began to explain. "Naruto it doesn't work like that. I do not control the link, you do. So in order for us to talk you have to say something to me before I can talk to you." Upon hearing the details the young boy instantly felt better.

"Ok, I guess I will talk to you later then nee-chan. Umm… how exactly do I wake up?" he asked sheepishly.

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Hospital Room

The inhabitants of the room all watched with abated breath as two cerulean blue eyes slowly opened to take in their surroundings.

"Well good morning sleepyhead" Tsunade called with a teasing tone.

Upon seeing the crowd of people gathered around his bed Naruto instinctively began to curl himself into a ball so as to make himself a smaller target. The seasoned ninja all realized what was happening and gave Naruto a little more space. Finally Naruto noticed the familiar faces of the Sandaime Hokage and Hiashi and relaxed. "Hey old man who are these people?" looking from the Hokage around the room at the three ANBU members, two women, one with blonde hair and one with black, and some old guy with white hair.

"These Naruto, are friends" stated Sarutobi. He was about to introduce everyone when he noticed that the ANBU seemed to make Naruto very uneasy. Understanding that an ANBU agent must have attacked Naruto at some point in time the Hokage frowned. "Dog, Bear, Cat, please remove your masks." Without question the three ninja obeyed the order.

"Alright Naruto I would like to introduce you to a few people ok?" Receiving a nod as his answer Sarutobi continued "This is Kakashi, Tenzou, and Yuugao. They are members of ANBU Black Ops and you can trust each of them to do everything they can to protect you." This made Naruto's eyes widen. He stared at each of them wondering if they really would help him. "Next we have Tsunade and Jiraiya motioning to each in turn. These two were my students when I was a Sensei. They are two of the three legendary Sannin. Tsunade is widely considered to be the best medic ninja in the elemental nations and …"

The Hokage was interrupted by Naruto at this point. "So you're the one that was helping me at the orphanage?" Naruto asked. Several of the room's occupants were surprised by this statement.

'How could he know that?' thought Tsunade.

One thought went through the minds of each of the ANBU. 'I thought he was already in a coma by the time she had arrived.'

"Naruto how did you know that Tsunade was looking after you at the orphanage? I thought that you were asleep?"

"Well, I was asleep I guess. I just remember Miya nee-chan telling me that the best medic in the world was helping me after all those bullies hurt me."

A mild sense of alarm passed over the collected ninja as they heard his explanation. Before long however Sarutobi squashed any doubts people were having with a single question. "Ahh… and how is Miya-chan doing?"

"She is good. She told me all kinds of stories and even sang me a lullaby while I was with her" Naruto responded.

"Did she now? Do you mind if I ask what all she told you?" the old man asked.

However Naruto did not answer him. Something had caught his eye that he had not noticed until that very moment. He had only had the briefest of glances but he was positive that he had seen a young girl with short black hair with a hint of purple to it; however, the thing that had really caught Naruto's attention was her eyes. Before Naruto could really inspect her though she had disappeared behind Hiashi's leg.

After a few moments of waiting for Naruto to answer him, Sarutobi followed his gaze. Suddenly, realization hit him. Hmm… well Naruto it seems that I forgot to introduce one of your visitors. Hiashi would you like to introduce her?"

"Of course Hokage-sama." Moving the young girl around his leg so that she was visible, Hiashi began again. "Naruto, I would like to introduce my daughter, Hinata Hyuuga."

For a moment Naruto just stared at the young girl as she nervously poked her index fingers together. "Hello Hinata, it is an honor to meet you." With an "eep" the young girl blushed furiously and quickly hid behind her father once again.

"Well Naruto, Hinata and I must be leaving. We just wanted to make sure that you are ok" said Hiashi as he began to make his way to the door.

As he reached the door, Naruto called out "Thank you for coming Hiashi-sama. I am fine. Bye hinata!" His last words brought the girl to peek around her father's leg and wave shyly at the blonde boy sitting on the bed before her father led her out the door.

"Now Naruto would you please tell us what Miya-chan told you."

So, Naruto began his tell all the way from the beginning. He explained about the mean orphanage owner, then about the bullies that hit him so much, and finally he told the assembled Shinobi about his time in his mindscape. He told them about all the stories the Miya told him to pass the time. As he finished up his tale an intense look of relief passed across the old Hokage's face.

'Thank Kami, she didn't tell him the complete truth about her or about his parents. I am glad she understands.' With several things to think about, Sarutobi fixed Naruto with another gaze. "Ok Naruto, it is getting late and you should try and get some more sleep. I will come by in the morning to check you out of the hospital." Hearing that he would soon be allowed to leave the hospital brought a smile to Naruto's face.

The Hokage then turned to Yuugao and quietly asked, "Would you please stay with him until I arrive in the morning? I would feel much better knowing he has someone here."

"Hai Hokage-sama, I will watch over him" replied the young ANBU agent.

The Hokage smiled and then glanced over to Kakashi and Tenzou who were standing together next to the back wall. They both nodded in silent agreement to help protect him from the shadows. 'I'm glad they understand. Women are naturally more soothing than men.'

Yuugao then walked up to Naruto's bed. "Hello Naruto" she said, "I am going to stay here tonight to watch over you, ok?"

"Ok ANBU-san, nee-chan says that I can trust you cuz you have been looking after me since I got here. I trust you."

"Well I am glad that you and Miya-chan trust me, and please Naruto, just call me Yuugao." When he nodded Yuugao smiled. "Ok Naruto, time for bed."

With that, the Hokage and the two Sannin left as Yuugao was tucking Naruto in. "Ok Naruto, I'll be right here if you need anything."

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Hokage Tower

"Hmm… interesting kid" stated Jiraiya. "Now that you told me, it's impossible to ignore the resemblance he shares with his father."

"Shall we visit our friend now?" asked Tsunade.

"Before we deal with Tsuchi I would like to discuss several things. First of all, I no longer trust Naruto staying at an orphanage so I need suggestions on ways to deal with that.

"Well" Jiraiya contemplated, "we could try and find a Shinobi that will take him in. I would but my lifestyle is much too spontaneous for a child his age."

"That won't work" Sarutobi stated. "There are very few Shinobi that are strong enough to protect Naruto and even fewer that are willing to; furthermore, of the ones that are willing they are much to busy to effectively look after him.

"Well I was planning on returning to the border tomorrow but if it is necessary I can look after the boy for a few days until you have had a chance to figure out a plan."

"That could work. Kakashi has been asking to be returned to the fighting so I could send him to command our forces during the ceasefire. I will just have to stress that he stay alert at all times for any treachery."

"Ok now, I also believe it is time that Naruto learn the basics of being a Shinobi so that he can defend himself in the future. What do you think?"

"I think training the gaki makes perfect sense" Tsunade stated.

Jiraiya also nodded his approval. "I will even train him while I look after him for the next few days."

"I don't think so Jiraiya. Not yet at least, I have a very specific training regime I want Naruto to follow" said the aging Hokage.

"Knowing Jiraiya he would try to teach the boy how to make the Rasengan" Tsunade snorted.

Jiraiya looked at his teammate and sensei with a hurt look. "I'm not that irresponsible. Sensei, how about I camp-out with the gaki. I will teach him the basics of outdoor survival. That's all, you can train him in being a ninja and I'll teach him how to set up camp and the like."

Sarutobi adopted a contemplative look. "I believe that would be acceptable, however, I don't know how long it will take me to find him a place to stay." At this he put down his pipe. "Now I believe it is time to inform Tsuchi as to the wonderful news."

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Author's Note: Ok, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I am not sure if I will be able to update for the next two weeks because I have several research papers to crank out by December 5th. Anyways, please review and help me improve! Thanks and happy reading.