AN: I do not own the rights to Naruto.

Hey all. I know it's been awhile and the chapter isn't as long as it should be, but the changes I've made and are still being made are making it hard to continue without feeling like I'm giving out to much.

Now, the big question, or more like the most asked question, is why did I rewrite The Second's Son when it was already so good? The answer is simple. I just lost all drive for it. I had written what was supposed to be the next chapter ten different times and every single time I was left unsatisfied. So, believe it or not, this story is the last hope for it. If I can no longer continue writing for this story, that will be the end of it.

Thankfully, that hasn't happened and I hope it won't. We'll just have to wait and see.

Now to answer some reviews.

.969: The problem isn't that there are too many, it is that there are too many who cannot handle making a character god-like near the beginning and then making a good story from it. As for the ice jutsu, I'll think about it.

haremlover24: Please tell me of at least two other Senju, and I do not mean Mito as she is an Uzumaki, who are constantly referenced throughout canon and remembered for how powerful they were. Just two. As for Naruto being god-like, that will come later. Mind you, he isn't fully grown and has yet to reach his prime.

somethingreallystupid: I am not totally sure. Each side has it's advantages and disadvantages, so I'm currently weighing my options.

Cerulean Knight: Sorry, no.

Caelleh: None taken. And that was the exact reason I decided to rewrite this. The story had started to lose sense so much that I forgot where I was going. And instead of agonizing over where I messed up, I decided to start from the beginning.

Allhailthesith: There's just one problem I have with that. Although Naruto is powerful, and will continue to grow in power, he is still just a teenager. Can you honestly say that you'd gladly allow someone so young into such a position?

ero-sennin56: There is a reason for this. I just ask that you trust me for now.

Nightlance44: He would be able to take on the Rookie 9 sensei's and at the very least tie. Mind you, a lot has changed since his original time. There are new rules and tons of new players in the game while the ones he is used to are mostly gone.

sasha0904: Sorry you feel that way, but I never wanted a short story. And all god-like stories are usually frightfully short.

Yami-Guy: Did you honestly think I would just lay all the cards on the table at the first chapter? It only appears that way.

Omni-Creator Kami of Anime: 1) It's a coin toss. 2) This will not be a mass harem and though they are hot, they are not what I am going for.

redlox2: He's more powerful than that, but for the time being no one will be able to push him to go all out.

Now, if you didn't see your name up there, it's because of one of three reasons. 1) You're name just said guest. I will not answer you if you're name is just guess. You can change it. 2) It wasn't a question. Or 3) I will have either answered someone else who had asked the same question or I feel as I will not need to explain it.

"Normallyand generally men are judged on their ability to produce-except in war, when they are ranked according to their ability to destroy"-Will Durant

Chapter 2

There was silence in the clearing as the two more experienced shinobi were examining each other. Naruto could tell that the man in front of him wasn't a frontline fighter. The brown haired man with the scar across his nose didn'

t carry himself as one who fought often and the way he acted when the man he defeated, rather easily, had injured him, it was plain as day to Naruto that either the man was some lucky weak guy who somehow managed to rise up in rank (unlikely), or he was a 'pencil pusher'. Perhaps a secretary or accountant. But with the way he stood protectively before the blonde haired girl, who looked nothing like him (scratching out familial relationship [although adoption was possible]), he was leaning more towards a teacher. He was only able to do this, thanks to his father teaching him how to read his (potential) opponents.

Iruka was examining the white haired boy just as closely. He could tell the boy was someone he wouldn't want to fight based on a number of things. First, how the boy carried himself bespoke confidence in his abilities and a confidence that he could take anything that he could throw at him. Second, how effortlessly the boy beat Mizuki into submission. While Mizuki was a bastard for what he did, he wasn't kidding when he said he trained himself for the jonin exams. So, in hand-to-hand and speed, the boy was easily jonin in strength, maybe higher because he believed the boy had restrained himself from outright killing Mizuki. Probably to get information from him later. The boy also had a regal air about him, it was subtle, but it was there. So that meant the boy came a higher social status, maybe one of the clans? But he had never heard of the boy before.

Before the two could continue, the Anbu appeared, surrounding the area. A female Anbu, the apparent leader, with a Cat mask landed near Iruka. She looked over towards the boy, but he remained as he was, which was a bit worrying. Like Iruka, she too had studied the boy, and the fact he didn't react to their presence meant a few things. He was very arrogant, possible but unlikely, or he knew they were there the entire time and wasn't worried. A worrying thought indeed.

"Chunin Iruka Umino," she said. "Report."

Iruka straightened himself as best as he could before retelling the events as he witnessed them. The Anbu didn't show anything outwardly, but the fact a young boy came out of nowhere, at least to Iruka, and defeated a chunin so easily, was a major red flag. As a Captain of the Anbu, she knew every ninja that worked for Konoha. She did not recognize this boy. A spy, perhaps? No, a spy wouldn't have interfered. There were to many unknowns at this time and she didn't have even half the answers.

At the end of Iruka's report, she addressed her subordinates. "Snake, take the scroll and return it to Lord Hokage. Tiger escort Iruka Umino to the hospital. Lemur, Monkey, take the boy to T&I. I will-" she was cut off by Natsumi who was tired of being ignored by everyone.

"Wait!" she said.

"Natsumi," Iruka tried to grab her but she was already out of reach.

"He didn't do anything wrong," Natsumi said to the Anbu Captain who let out an exasperated sigh. She should have known this would happen.

"Listen," she said calmly, "He may have saved you but we don't know anything about him. We don't know his name, who he's affiliated with, or where he came from."

"He came from the scroll!" That got everyone's attention. In recorded history, no one, and I mean no one, has ever been able to seal a living person. It just couldn't be done. So, for Natsumi to say he came from the scroll was beyond ludicrous, but she was also known for being a terrible liar. "I should know, I released him." This, unfortunately, changed everything. If the boy really came from the scroll, then only the Hokage would be able to provide the answers.

"Lemur, Monkey, grab the boy. We'll take him to the Hokage. Frog, take Mizuki to T&I." Everyone nodded and proceeded with their assigned tasks. Snake grabbed the scroll and was gone, off the the Hokage. Tiger did the same with Iruka, but he headed towards the hospital. Frog hefted Mizuki, nodded towards his captain and was off. Lemur and Monkey were cautious when they approached the boy, but he made no move to resist them. As they grabbed him, Cat placed her hands on Natsumi's shoulder and they were gone.

Hokage Tower, Hokage's Office

They had arrived to see the Hokage take the scroll from Snake with a nod. He placed the scroll next to him and puffed on his favorite pipe, regarding the two children now in front of him. He waved his hand, dismissing Lemur and Monkey, but kept Cat wanting to hear her report. As she retold the events, Naruto was observing the Hokage. The robes were certainly knew. Must have happened after his father stepped down since he knew his father would never wear such billowy robes, though they did a fantastic job of hiding the body. There was also his age, made apparent by his physical appearance. Lots of wrinkles, gray hair, and a liver spot showed the man was of advanced age. Which bought him some respect from Naruto as the boy knew that age helped in degrading skills. There was a reason why most shinobi lay down their arms around age 30 to as old as age 50. And for him to be Hokage…that alone showed how powerful this used to be and still is. Still, something about him seemed familiar.

After Cat finished her report, Naruto waited for either the Hokage or the girl standing near him to start things off. From the girls face, he could tell she was upset at what had happened. From the few things he was able to discern from the confrontation between the traitor and the teacher with the girl, she did not know that she was a jinchuriki. Which he didn't understand as jinchuriki were told, at least they're supposed to be, of their status at a young age and given some of the finest teachers to help give them the skills and power to be a juggernaut on the battlefield. It was tactical suicide to keep that knowledge from someone. Not only towards the village but towards the individual as being a jinchuriki painted a target on your back almost as big as being a Kage.

There was also the threat of them accidentally finding out and growing to resent everyone. They may prefer death over living and could very well free the bijuu they carry as one last 'Fuck You' to the world. That's why his Aunt Mito always said that a jinchuriki must be treated with love as it is the only thing that could keep someone sane when they face so much hate.

But this also revealed something else. His Aunt Mito, while not as strong as Hashirama and Madara, was powerful. She could easily contain the Kyuubi up to her death. And from what that traitorous teacher said earlier, the Kyuubi went on a rampage and was sealed inside the girl next to him. So, his Aunt Mito was dead. He took a slight breath to keep himself calm. He'll grieve later. And, adding the fact that the Hokage was so old, meant that he's been gone likely decades. But how many? And all the while he was thinking this, he was still paying attention to the argument/talk between the Hokage and the girl.

It was short, but it went pretty well all things considered. And now, the Hokage's attention was on him. "Now, who are you my boy?" the Hokage asked with a grandfatherly smile. If he was anyone else, that most likely would have fooled him or at least throw him off. But Naruto was taught by his father how to always keep a cool head…most of the time.

"I am Naruto Senju," he said bluntly. Unfortunately, he was never taught how to not be so blunt. But apparently it was a big shocker as made clear by the Hokage choking on his pipe, the Anbu Captain stiffening up, and the girl looking at him weird. Not the reactions he was going for. Except for the Anbu's. He was pretty much going for that.

It took a couple of minutes for the Hokage to gain his breath back, but the entire time he seemed as if he saw a ghost. He now sat there with his hands clasped together staring intently at Naruto as if he was trying to see everything about him, like a Hyuuga with their Byakugan. Which wouldn't work because his armor had special seals that would prevent that. Paranoid father for the win. "Tell me boy," the Hokage's voice was now far less friendly, "Do you have any inkling about who Naruto Senju was?"

'Was?' Naruto thought. 'So they think I'm dead.' This was not an entirely unexpected turn of events. After all, everything that has happened has pointed to him being gone for decades, so it is logical that even if he was originally written off as missing, eventually he would have been declared dead. Still, the Hokage was waiting for his answer. "Unless there was another member of the Senju named Naruto, then I believe I'm him."

The Hokage leaned back and seemed as if he was contemplating this, or…he could be figuring out what was the best way to dispose of him. Sometimes it was hard to tell. "If you are really The Naruto Senju, the same Naruto Senju who was said to have the same potential as Madara Uchiha and the Shodai Hokage, Hashirama Senju, the same Naruto Senju who was the son of my sensei, the Nidaime Hokage, Tobirama Senju-"

"Saru-chan?" Naruto interrupted him. That response stopped the Hokage dead in his tracks, caused Natsumi to place her hands over her mouth as she tried to keep from laughing, and the Anbu Captain to stiffen up once again. Only this time, her body was shaking somewhat.

"I am indeed Hiruzen Sarutobi," the Hokage said, before releasing an exasperated sigh. "And it is good to see you again, Naruto." Only four people ever called him that and all of them were in the Senju clan. And of those four, only two of them would interrupt him in mid-sentence by calling him that. And from those two, only one was male. And that was Naruto Senju.

"Wait!" said Natsumi. "You're saying he," here she points at Naruto, "is the son of the Second Hokage? How?"

"How indeed," Hiruzen said. "Naruto, you were supposed to have died when your experiment blew up. How is it that you are here?"

"It worked," Naruto said.

Hiruzen's eyes widened. "You mean this entire time you were merely sealed away?"

Naruto gave a proud smile at his accomplishment. "Yep. Though you said it 'blew up'. How did you come to believe that?"

Hiruzen was about to reply when he spotted the two women still standing there. "Perhaps at a later time, when we can sort things out. For now, I have to deal with Natsumi and her actions tonight."

"Why?" Naruto asked. "By all accounts, she is the victim. If it wasn't for her actions, the traitor may have gotten away with whatever he was planning and I'd still be in that scroll."

"I know. But being able to sneak into here and steal the Forbidden Scroll has lead many on the Council to question the effectiveness of our security."

"Wait, wait, wait," Naruto said. "Council?"

Hiruzen sighed tiredly. Yep, this was going to drag on all night. "The Council is something that was created early on when I first stepped into office. At the time, we were at war and I simply could not devote any significant time to 'civilian' matters. At first, things went well, but after the war had ended, the various clan heads had felt that the civilians were getting out of control. But I could not disband them because the Daimyo had 'seen the effectiveness' of it and made it permanent. I always suspected that they bribed him, but could never get any proof. So, I expanded it and included the Clan Heads."

"So, how much do they influence things?" Naruto asked, hesitantly. The prospect of a council with civilians went against a lot of what his father taught him.

"The civilians are not let in on anything militarily, though their influence over trade and prices have given them considerable sway. Now, first I'll need to deal with Natsumi, then go and deal with the Council."

"Wait," Naruto said once again. "You said the Clan Heads were there as well, correct?" Hiruzen nodded to confirm yes. "Then who is the current head of the Senju?"

"There is no head," Hiruzen said with a tired sigh. Before Naruto could ask what he meant, he continued. "After the First Shinobi War, the Senju were forced onto the decline. The fear of the Mokuton was enough for bounty's to be placed on a Senju as soon as they were born. Now, all that remains is Tsunade, Hashirama's granddaughter."

"If she is all that remains, then why isn't she the clan head?"

"Because she has fled Konoha."

"What?!" Naruto exclaimed shocked. It was inconceivable to him that a member of the Senju would go rogue.

"I'm sorry, Naruto," Hiruzen said. All this must be hard on the boy. Going from his time, to a time where the Senju have been reduced to one, non-loyal member would be hard on anyone. Glancing at the clock, he cursed silently to himself. The emergency meeting had already started. "Natsumi, we will be having a talk later about your actions tonight. Naruto, why don't you go home and get some rest?"

Naruto shook his head negatively. "No. I can rest later. I'd like to get everything out of the way now." Hiruzen nodded, silently puffing on his pipe. 'Just like his father,' he thought.

"Come then. Natsumi, you stay here. Cat, guard her." Hiruzen knew that someone would most likely try to hurt Natsumi for what happened tonight. That's why he wasn't going to take her with him when he went to the Council meeting. The civilians were never fond of her and some Clan Heads held a pseudo-grudge against her for some of her pranks in the past. Naruto cast her one last look before following.

Hokage Tower, Council Chambers

Hiruzen entered the meeting room by himself having told Naruto to wait just on the other side of the doors till he summoned him. He was met with the various cacophony of noise from his council. There was a lot of complaining for people who were supposed to be ready and willing to be summoned anytime of the day, no matter how late it is. As he made his way to his seat, he masked the smirk he wanted to show at how they all quieted themselves at his appearance. 'I still got it,' he thought.

He didn't have to wait long after seating himself for someone to start asking questions or throwing accusations. Of course, most of it was from the civilians, but soon some of the Clan Heads joined in. He waited a bit, knowing from experience that they were easier to handle after they've exhausted themselves a bit. It was only when they started blaming Natsumi for all of this, did he step in. "Enough," he said, steel in his voice. The clan heads and his advisors unconsciously straightened themselves at his tone.

"Now," he began, "I'm sure all of you are concerned over tonight's events. I just wanted you to know that everything's under control. While the events that have transpired were brought out from unfortunate circumstances, what they have revealed has, in the end, been for the benefit for us. A traitor has been ousted and is now being interrogated on his actions. We have been shown that our security has become lax, and I am thankful that it was revealed by one of our own instead of an enemy. Shikaku, I will need you to come with me after the meeting." The Nara head nodded to show that he understood.

"Now, there is one last thing that was revealed. Because of tonight's actions, someone that has long been hid away has been brought back to us. You may come in," he finished, calling for Naruto.

With Naruto, Moments Earlier

Naruto watched as the doors closed in front of him. He knew this was all for show. At this point, they needed to hit hard and fast before they can properly recover themselves. This will allow them to dictate how things go from here. But, his mind wasn't focusing on that at the moment. He was still reeling from all that has happened. To him, it was as if he blinked, and suddenly everything he knew was gone. His family is now dead, the only other member a runaway. The war he had spent years to prepare to fight in is done and over with.

He also knew that he can't just come out as his father's son. It would seem like he was mad or delusional. He needed to prove himself in the eyes of most everyone in that room so that he may take the title of Clan Head. Then, he'll need to check on the state of affairs with the finances and all assets. There was now so much to do that he felt the urge to grab at his hair.

"You may come in," Hiruzen said. Naruto calmed himself and straightened himself out. All that will come after this. He pushed on the doors and stepped purposefully into the room.

"Who are you?" asked one of the clan heads. Facial tattoos, wild appearance, must be an Inuzuka.

"I am Naruto Senju," he said. The reactions weren't what he expected. Some stared at him in disbelief that he would claim to be a Senju. Others, leaned towards each other and were whispering, mainly the civilians. The advisors/elders were scrutinizing him before sending looks towards Hiruzen.

"That's enough," said the Hokage. "Despite what you may believe, Naruto here is a legitimate Senju. His parents hid themselves a long time ago, back when the Senju were being targeted, and had Naruto in secret."

"And where are the parents?" asked one of the civilian members.

"Unfortunately, they have both since past from this world," Hiruzen said sadly. He didn't even need to falsify his emotions on this as he always had a great respect for Naruto's parents.

"So what're we going to do with him?" asked a rotund clan head. Large in body, kanji for eat on his armor, must be an Akimichi. Ah, the Akimichi. Naruto had fond memories before he turned 12 when he would call one of them fat, blame it on someone else, and watch the ensuing smack down. He was always forced to apologize, but it was worth it, at least to him.

"He wishes to join our forces, to become a genin," Naruto had to fight the urge to twitch at that. He knew this entire thing was a ruse so no one will raise any questions about him just appearing and being made a shinobi. That still didn't help the sting his pride felt. "Tomorrow I will test him." That got a new round of murmurs from the councilors. Hiruzen hadn't tested anyone since his own genin. "That is all for now. Koharu, Homura, Danzo…stay. I need to talk to you. Shikaku, wait outside. Naruto, please go back to my office."

The three mentioned walked to him and together they waited as the others left, some casting them inquiring looks. They all remained silent until the doors were closed and a silencing seal was put up. Koharu was first to begin. "Hiruzen, he looks just like-"

"I know," Hiruzen said. "That's because they're one and the same."

"You don't mean…" Homura trailed off.

"Yes. Naruto never died. He was merely sealed away."

"You realize what this means?" Koharu exclaimed. "If his seal worked then it will give us a definitive edge. We can cut losses by a staggering amount!"

"It's not only that," Hiruzen said. "He has remained as he was when he was sealed away."

"Then why genin?" asked Homura. "We all know how powerful sensei's son was and how powerful he promised to become. That potential would be going to waste as a mere genin."

"You forget yourself Homura. You do not think I haven't thought of that? We need to face reality. Naruto is powerful and extremely skilled. More so than Itachi or Kakashi was when they were his age, but Naruto doesn't know what has happened since he's been gone. He doesn't know who our allies are now, nor the truces-thin though they may be-we have with our enemy's. Remember, when he left us, we were at war, his father was still alive, and the threats we have now weren't even dreamed of." Hiruzen took a calming breath. Friends they may be, but their actions border on overzealous most of the time. "Also, it was his idea. He wanted the time to brush up on the things he missed and get used to everything. I am confident when he is ready, he will climb through the ranks faster than we could believe."

"Danzo," said Koharu, "You've been awfully quiet."

"What are you planning?" questioned Hiruzen.

"I'm not planning anything," Danzo replied calmly. "I'm just overjoyed at having Tobirama's legacy back." The blank faces he received were expected. "Things are going to be changing faster than we could predict from now on. Naruto was never one to sit idly by when he could accomplish something. And hopefully, with him around, our own forces can start training in earnest." While he was saying this, his mind was somewhere else entirely. With Naruto back, many of his plans would now have to be scrapped. However, Naruto also presented a unique opportunity. If he can somehow get Naruto to befriend the Kyuubi jinchuriki, then he would be able to instill a sense of loyalty in the naïve girl. He would also train her and she will be able to become the sword and shield that Konoha needed. That means he would need to somehow convince Hiruzen to place the two on the same team. And that is only after he can somehow make the girl a genin within the next few days.

Hiruzen continued eyeing his former friend, before he continued where he left off. "For now, I'll have to make several changes to the team rosters."

"But with Naruto, the teams will be uneven," said Homura.

"I know," sighed Hiruzen. "That is why I have two candidates ready."

"You mean the jinchuriki," stated Danzo.

"But she wasn't able to pass her test," said Koharu.

Danzo scoffed at the remark. "We all know that it is her poor chakra control that guaranteed her failure. Jinchuriki have always been known to be chakra powerhouses. In Hiruzen's foolish attempt to let her lead a normal life apparently made you forget that."

Hiruzen glared at Danzo for the slight against him, but knew that Natsumi had lead anything but a normal life. "You are correct that she will be one of the two."

"Then what about the other one?" asked Homura.

"You all seem to forget that there is a clan heir who has been kept cooped up."

"No!" shouted Koharu. "You agreed that she was to dangerous, and you know she still is. Her power runs rampant. She will be more of a danger to anyone that's placed on a team with her."

"And that is our fault," Hiruzen said angrily. "We all know we took the easy way out and look what happened. The Kurama clan now have no love or care for Konoha. And you know the other clans have started to push away. You know they suspect we had some involvement with what happened to the Uchiha, then we-I order the sealing of a young girls power and potential and then leave her and her clan to rot. We need to bring the Kurama back to Konoha, and we will start with their heiress that we have wronged."

"You do realize that you only have a week to accomplish this, correct?" asked Danzo.

"No. The team placements will be pushed back another week. It will give me more than enough time to get in touch with my student and for him to haul his ass back here, with just a few days to spare."

"Will it be enough?" asked Homura.

"It will have to be."

AN: So as you can see, I'm at least trying to take a more serious approach this time and I will be tring to keep things from flying off the handle when it comes to logic or making sense. Now, next chapter is when things will start to pick up and you will notice even more changes in the future. As for the Council, that's how I felt it really would've been like instead of the biased Naruto hating, Uchiha cock sucking council a lot of people seem to prefer.

So, how did you like it? Give me your honest thoughts and feelings by reviewing, and remember, I am open to constructive criticism, not some just rambling on why my story(s) sucks so badly and yet am not given a single reason for it.

If you have an idea, please feel free to share it. I might not agree to it, but I am open to idea's. If you don't everyone to see it in the reviews, PM me, I make it an effort to at least reply.

So, yeah, that's all I got for now. I hope to see you all next time.