A burning ember starkly fell into a waiting ashtray from a long skinny pipe. Elderly fingers ritualistically wiped away specks of ash and the hand that held the pipe gave it a second knock against the tray for good measure. The kiseru was a fine but simple piece of bamboo, highly polished, its tip and bowl also finely crafted metal. It was a very nice gift Asuma had given him, another reason he never felt inclined to tell his child not to smoke. The exaggerated tone of someone clearing his throat alerted the old man that he was not alone in the world and the pipe might have to wait. In any event, he took a pouch from his robes and refilled the kiseru with tobacco and placed the thin metal edge to his cracked lips.
"Sarutobi," a village elder coughed, "while we don't mind you admiring your pipe, it would be nice if we could get this meeting under way."
"Of course," Hiruzen smiled quickly in the direction of the nondescript old man who'd addressed him. He did have a glaringly large liver spot on his temple though, and the hokage made a mental note of it. "I just find it easier to think with a full pipe. Evening tea has already been spent. I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering what is so important as to deprive us gentlemen of well-earned rest."
"Indeed, though we are not all men, and we shall begin when our Hokage is ready." Koharu stated sternly as a schoolmarm.
'We are not wondering everything you old bat. I've a pretty good idea just what you're up to.' Sarutobi thought inwardly while he projected his most reserved gaze. "Would anybody care for a light?" he inquired lightly and with one hand, made a few seals, a flame flickering above his thumb on the last seal. It was unnecessary, he knew, though it always entertained the children. "No? Pity." Of course, he used the fire to light his pipe, but held up a hopeful hand to any takers. Uchiha Kenta then accepted, though the Hokage worried as he lit the cigarette for him as contrary to his name, he was in ill health. "Well then... Homura, if you please?"
Mitokado Homura nodded and stood up within the council chamber. It was packed with both the ninja and civilian faction of the council as well as representatives from almost all of the clans. While this would ideally be the clan heads, most of the important clans had sent thick-headed old men or know-nothing prodigies who thought themselves better than everyone else because they could flip ten times in the air before landing instead of two... whoop-dee-fu-- whoop-dee-doo. Sarutobi had noted that the lesser clan heads had all been in attendance, though not all of them had taken the time to improve their appearances. He smiled a bit at one of the more creative representatives, who had created a genjutsu that made him appear neat and tidy and alert, while he was really slumped in his seat with a bubble of snot gurgling noiselessly from his nose. He could tell they were all looking forward to this.
"The council has convened tonight to decide on the matter concerning the Kyuubi-no-Kitsune's host body." Homura's voice resonated.
"A matter already settled the night of the attack." Sarutobi sounded quickly. A murmuring set up in the crowd, he had braced himself for this. "It was the wish of the Yondaime Hokage, Namikaze Minato, to have the boy seen as a hero. He is to be called Uzumaki Naruto, son of Uzumaki Kushina. He is to be given all opportunities afforded any other villager whom we protect as he has protected us from the demon. I can see no reason these conditions should not be met aside fear, which should not rule any man be they shinobi or otherwise."
"Despite the Yondaime's best intentions, I'm afraid a name like Uzumaki holds little sway with the people," A prune of a woman from the civilian council retorted tartly. "What proof do we have that he really isn't going to break the seal and kill us all?"
Another voice echoed the sentiment, "Yes, it's better that we deal with this while we can!"
More voices were calling for blood. There had been enough shed in the war, there had been enough in the attack. They didn't need any more... it was for the children, for the future, for their selfish future. The Hokage almost snapped his pipe in two while he avoided a visual outburst. They were arguing, they were shouting, they were now acting like the demon they so feared.
"Silence!" The Sandaime Hokage shouted as he stood, looking upon the gathered. His eyes bore no malice, though a scowl etched his face and his eyes were set as black diamonds piercing the hearts of those who watched him. "Do you not think that these things were all considered in advance? Do you not have any faith in Minato? Minato, the Yellow Flash? Minato the Hokage? Minato? Sensei of the sannin? Minato who sacrificed his life to save us all from the Kyuubi-no-kisune?" His voice rose in strength with each accentuated query. The mob started to shrink as their brains were hammered with thought patterns resembling human once more. "You must all be very proud of yourselves, thinking to harm or kill a child. A child! And not just any child... no..." Sarutobi almost growled, but let the sentence died. All eyes were on him, and he remembered quite regretfully that Minato had kept his relationship a secret. "A child who should be a celebrated hero."
"Perhaps you should tell them?" Koharu suggested quietly in his ear. "As one already said... Uzumaki is not a respected name... while Namikaze..."
A frown sank into the Hokage's face as he seated himself once more. Minato had wanted it private. 'I have too many enemies' he had said. 'I do not want him to be favored because of me or targeted likewise. It is best for the both that I do not exist. I wish it were otherwise, but while I am Hokage, my life is too public. So I will be two men. I will be the leader as is your wish, Sarutobi-sama. I will talk to the councils and the military, will sign papers and delegate responsibilities. I will continue to train so that I keep my people safe. But I will also be Namikaze Minato, the one who fights to protect his heart. Kushina is my heart. We Shinobi need to protect each other, to remember why we fight, because if it is not for others, then it is for the sake of violence alone. Without a heart, a human element, what are we but tools of war? I... We will be more.
Sandaime thought reflectively on Minato's words and actions. Of course, he had been one of the few people who knew that a Shadow clone was in the Hokage tower as often as not, posing as Minato. Perhaps he and Kushina had been alone in that knowledge when a disguised Minato bought daisies from the Yamanaka flower shop and given them to a red headed beauty who sneezed at them because she was allergic. Who knew when wind chakra cut the clouds just so a heart appeared in them on Kushina's birthday. Who knew when Minato was seen in Sunagakure eating curry ramen with Kushina when the two of them were supposed to be in Konohagakure and were back before dinner. He knew. Sometimes it was because he saw through the layers, and sometimes it was because Minato wanted it to be seen. Maybe that was why he had been reluctant to become Hokage in the first place, but it made him a good man... probably a better one than he was at the moment.
"No. I will honor Minato's wishes even when no others will follow me." the third replied to Koharu finally.
While he had been in his thoughts, the others had been discussing Naruto. Most of them agreed, he was an unknown factor, others argued that they should trust Minato. It was a turbulent stance that drifted from one extreme to another, but always there was the unknown. Fear had ruled much in recent history, and the old man grew weary of it.
"Danzou?" He called finally, the ANBU leader appearing immediately, though he'd been in earshot the whole time. This was troubling as it was comforting to the old man.
"Yes, Hokage-Sama?" He asked from a most respectful kneeling position before him.
"What is your take on the boy? Do you believe that Naruto possesses a threat? Be honest and detailed if you will."
While normally unshakable, this was obviously a sensitive topic. He was a man who wished to crush every opposition to the village and yet... "For now, he is just a child, no different from any other in terms of power or potential. However, as he grows older, he could be a problem. If he can use the Kyuubi's chakara, there is no telling what he is capable of, let alone the potential for the beast taking control of his host."
"And what do you propose?" Sarutobi continued calmly. He had put very succinctly, the reasons the villagers feared him, the very arguments that had already been leveled at him, but at least he had confirmed the boy was no threat... for now.
Danzo's expression wilted ever so slightly. If he could get the boy in Root, then he would have no loyalty questions or issues. Konoha would undoubtedly possess the world's greatest weapon, a fully controlled Jinchuriiki. If. He knew that was a tall order with Sarutobi in control, as much as the idea of the boy growing up in a normal way or environment. He carefully selected his words, "Hokage-sama... It... is a difficult thing to say. While the boy's passing would most likely insure the Kyuubi would no longer be a threat, it could also potentially release the beast and we would be no better off. I do feel that the boy's upbringing should be carefully monitored however that happens... I know it is not my place, but I would like him placed with an ANBU guardian for his upbringing. They are your loyal servants and will see to it he is raised with the interests of the village firmly ingrained on his mind. I already know several families who would facilitate such positive growth." 'Though not in the way you would like, I am sure, not that it will matter when I am the one sitting in Hokage Tower.'
"Thank you for your input and generous offer, Danzo." A few puffs of smoke were blown in his face, looking like an accident. Sarutobi was no fool. He stroked his beard thoughtfully before continuing. "I see that the issue now is clearly not one of the threat generated by the boy, but the potential of another incident. It is true that, as of now, Naruto does not have a proper home. I will be looking into his well-fare more actively from now on. I will be accepting submissions for any couples willing to adopt our young hero and review them thoroughly. Keep in mind that Namikaze Minato did not want him to be given any more favor but the respect he deserves for what he is and has done for us all. I propose that Naruto's situation be evaluated periodically and any more talk of him as a threat will be done so at such a time as he gives reasonable suspition of being so. All in favor?"
One thing to be said for the Hokage, he moved the people. Most of them lent their voices in support of the idea. Those who were neutral or opposed were miffed at how swiftly the tables had turned. Sarutobi brought a quick end to the meeting, proposing that everyone would also feel better if they could catch a few more hours of sleep, and many returned to their clans and apartments as swiftly as they could. Danzo stood where he was however, thinking about this turn of events. Root. If he couldn't have the boy placed where he wanted in the way of family, maybe he could shift the influence in his favor to get him into Root as soon as possible.
-----------------------------------
A girl with blank hazel eyes sat on a log used for training in the middle of a field. She was acutely aware she was not alone, but the one she wanted was not there. Her frazzled stumpy ponytail spiked out and blew some in the late-afternoon breeze. All shadows cast seemed to be double their normal length and Mitarashi Anko seemed to be noticing them more and more lately.
"Shouldn't you be heading back?" a boy called to her from a few yards away.
"No point is there? It's just an orphanage." The girl replied disheartened.
"It's not so bad." the silver-haired boy replied with a misplaced smile.
"Easy enough for you to say Hoshino Mizuki." She stood and flexed very well, maintaining her balance on the log. She seemed to glare a bit at the horizon.
"You don't have to be mad." Mizuki replied.
"I'm NOT!" She snapped back at him, glaring.
"Is it abandonment issues?" he asked calmly while Anko's hair seemed to bristle further. 'Ahh.' "We're shinobi now you know? We're supposed to expect losses like that Anko-chan."
"What do you know? You still have parents..." she hissed.
"It's not like they care really..." Mizuki made a show of a concerned and slightly remorseful look. "Besides, when Orochimaru-sama gets back, I bet he'll take care of us."
Anko seemed to brighten at the prospect, after all, he was their sensei. They'd received word that he'd be returning from a long distance mission soon and he'd been intrigued by the Hokage's plan to have teachers try to help their students. No case seemed so hopeless as team Orochimaru anyhow. It was silly, but she had something of a crush on the pale skinned shinobi and was almost hypnotized by his golden eyes and silky voice. Anko-chan was a brat, and she roughed things up like all the boys, but where it came to her sensei, she turned to jello inside like any stricken little fangirl would.
"You really think so?"
"Hai." Mizuki smiled, "It'll work out, you'll see. Besides, nobody's going to let you starve Anko-chan."
"Mizuki-kun?"
"Yes Anko-chan?"
Her fist collided with the top of his skull in an imperceptible motion and the boy was face down in the dirt. Over him stood an insanely grinning Anko with a slightly fanged expression "Don't call me -chan again baka!"
"Y-yes....!" Mizuki gripped the back of his head and groaned. 'Well, she seems back to normal. Now to check on Iruka...'
----------------
The reports Sarutobi had heard so far concerning Naruto's "upbringing" were less than stellar. Sasoru's niece Kiyoko now had a restraining order against her touching the child on a tip from young Iruka. One of Fugaku's men had confirmed the... domestic disturbance. Tsunade had to make a call on the orphanage now and then to evaluate the physical condition of the children, but she's also apparently had to mend a few bones for Naruto, Iruka having explained that Kiyoko 'didn't like his crying all the time' and had 'punished him'... That certainly explained the crying, which Kiyoko had somehow coerced Iruka from speaking against until the Leaf village's police force started a crackdown. It was disturbing enough that the boy would have been manhandled enough to break a bone, but this was several, and Tsunade said he should rightly be dead for the number of injuries. Just the concussive blows should probably have been fatal... As well, the medical ninja had claimed that he was 'already healing' though Iruka had been very specific on the timetable of the injuries. He could only hope a different caretaker would work out in the meantime.
For the moment, the Hokage was sifting through adoption applications for Naruto. As expected, the Uchihas and Hyuuga clans had made a bid for the child. Fugaku was already neglecting his second son, Sasuke, so what right did he have to another? It was a bid for power, something the Uchihas were becoming famous for. Of course, Fugaku wasn't the current clan head, but he probably put him up to it. Hizashi had requested Naruto instead of Hiashi, which the man had to seriously consider for a moment. Hizashi was known to have a gentle nature over his brother, but he was a branch member, and the idea of Naruto possibly being set with the Caged Bird Seal... It seemed like everyone wanted Naruto, but for all the wrong reasons.
He sighed. Most of the applicants wanted to control him, of this he had no doubt. Even the apparently noble intentions of shinobi he trusted could be perverted by the will of their clan elders. Sometimes he wished the clan mentality could just be snuffed out... Little by little, the lesser clans and a few of the greater clans had started merging into the general populace of Konoha, but for the most part they kept to themselves. Clan interests, Sarutobi knew, could override Konoha's interests when put to the test.
But what were Konoha's interests? Certainly not the boy for himself, that much was becoming abundantly clear. If Naruto wanted to become a ninja, training in a good clan would make sense, and there would certainly be no lack of family. But that's if he wanted. He wasn't even old enough to do more than fling mashed peas back at his caretakers if he didn't like them. And everyone was assuming he would want to be a ninja. What if he didn't? For a moment, he thought of the assassins that would try to take him out because of the demon whether he wanted it or not. There seemed to be no choice.
Naruto would have a hard life ahead of him, assuming he even lived to puberty. "Minato... why did it have to be this boy? I understand so well what you did... I understand why it had to be a newborn, why you used your child... why the secrets, and yet... for the life I am seeing ahead of him... I just don't understand how any sort of balance can be achieved. You haven't given me anything to work with." Sarutobi sighed and rubbed his now aching forehead. There was a knock at the door. "Come in."
"Feeling your age, hokage-sama?" The med-nin Tsunade inquired, entering with a stack of papers in her hand.
He smiled back at her slightly, "Yes yes, just a bit."
"Don't let the village know." she returned.
"Hnn.... Look at this Tsunade-san... Every clan has applied for ownership of Naruto. How am I supposed to make a decision on this? If I give him over to a prominent clan, then I will be giving the a power piece, but if I give him to a lesser clan, then how can I be assured of his protection? Tell me, is there some middle ground where people are not so concerned about power and care about another's well-being? I'm at a loss..."
Tsunade arched a brow, this was more information than she needed, but she laid the folder on the desk. "I don't know. Either way, you'd best make up your mind soon. This is the report on Naruto... I'm... sorry I couldn't be more help... I'm just glad he wasn't bleeding..." she shuddered.
The elderly man's expression sank, "History has a way of demonizing the heroes, you know? It's not just the enemies that do it." He flipped through the pages. "You win a war, and then they say there is no threat or never was. They forget all too soon that they sleep soundly because of another's sacrifice." he sighed, "I'm sorry to trouble you Tsunade-san... I just need someone to talk to that I can trust."
She gave a weak smile, "I know you'll do what's best... You always do," she said generically. She couldn't think of any comforts or snippets of wisdom that would truly help.
"You don't want a baby do you by any chance?" Sarutobi half-joked.
Tsunade's face turned crimson. "Hokage-sama!" In a way, she wanted to raise the kid herself, but she knew better. He wouldn't be worth a damn with her, she'd waste all the money meant for him on her gambling habit. Not to mention how weird it would be raising the hokage's child... Of course she'd known that, she'd been there at the birth... before Kushina...
"I thought not. Well, just keep me informed. I need all the eyes I can, and if you know of anybody-"
"Of course Sarutobi-sama." Tsunade bowed slightly and used shunshin to get out of there as fast as ninjaly possible.
Sarutobi re-lit his pipe and leaned back in his chair. This was going to be a long night. 'I think I'll take up drinking coffee for a while... I have a feeling I'll need it.'