Chapter 2- Genius

Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't stop tapping his pen, bored out of his mind. Chewing his pipe thoughtfully, the Hokage once again tried to tackle the paperwork. It wasn't working. It was just too -dare he say it- boring. The Sandaime sighed; perhaps Naruto was rubbing off on him. Peeking at his closed drawer, Hiruzen wondered again if it would really be wrong to read one of his student's books. It was for… academic reasons after all, and no one would see…

Just then, the sound of knocking reverberated around the room, causing Hiruzen to almost jump out of his chair. Breathing a sigh of relief that he hadn't actually taken a book out, the Sandaime Hokage cleared his throat and straightened his hat. Well, perhaps whatever this report brought would relieve his boredom. "Please, come in."

A second later the door swung open to reveal a bloodied and bruised Itachi in his regular civilian clothes.

The mirth drained out Hiruzen, his every nerve switching to his village protection mode. If anyone could injure Itachi Uchiha so easily, and cause the prodigy to report to the Hokage directly instead of first tending to his wounds, then it was serious indeed. Motioning for the young genius to sit, the Sandaime leaned forwards with an expectant expression on his face.

"I was outside training," Itachi reported in, not exactly a monotone, but not exactly a voice filled with inflections either. "When I felt an strange chakra disturbance in the northern woods-"

Hiruzen waved a hand, cutting Itachi off. He too, had felt the disturbance, "I've sent Rooster and Hare to investigate already. They should be back soon… so you may go visit the hospital."

Hiruzen didn't even give any attention to the thought that they might be dead. It was after all, very unlikely that two seasoned ANBU would be killed whereas one newbie 11 year old would survive, no matter how talented Itachi was. The Hokage had noticed the Uchiha's strain when he was reporting, and smelt the excess amount of blood. Itachi needed to go to a hospital, and the Hokage did not want to lose one of his most gifted ninjas to something that could very easily be avoided.

"Hokage-sama," Itachi ploughed on determinedly, causing Hiruzen to raise a brow at the defiance, "I think it would be best if I reported this matter. Rooster and Hare have already given me their acquiescence, and are currently guarding the one who caused the odd chakra release. If I may continue?"

Hiruzen nodded, now feeling curious. Well he supposed that whoever was willing to defy the Hokage, had a good reason to. Besides, the more time they spent arguing the more time Itachi would have to stay here instead of a hospital.

Itachi took a shallow breath, "I went to investigate the disturbance, turning on my Sharingan so that I did not miss anything. I know that I was not on duty, but I also knew the time it took to mobilize the ANBU, and was afraid that anything that could cause such a large reaction would be gone by the time the ANBU arrived."

The Sandaime nodded, not in the least bit offended. It was in his opinion after all, that a good ninja also knew when to take the imitative as well as follow orders. What Itachi did in the Hokage's opinion, was the best solution.

Itachi seemed to smile slightly at the Hokage's approval, his tension easing slightly. "When I arrived at the scene, I saw nothing unusual except a civilian boy no older than 12 years sitting in the middle of the woods. He was wearing clothes too big for him, and a red cloak with a symbol of a cross with a snake twined around it. He was blond, pale, had golden eyes, and was not mentioned in any of the bingo books as far as I could tell. Since I sensed no chakra signature from him, I considered him to be no threat. It was my mistake."

Now Hiruzen felt his curiosity double. A civilian who could be considered a threat? And a child prodigy to boot too, if such a kid could make Itachi Uchiha wary. While kid geniuses were not an oddity to the ninja society, one that was up to Itachi's calibre was exceedingly rare.

"We exchanged a short conversation," Itachi continued, his face blank, "Where he seemed to take offense at being called a 'civilian' and 'short'. When I was just about to leave, he performed some strange jutsu to create a miniature figurine from the ground. That is when I realized that he was the most likely suspect for the strange chakra signature, even though I felt nothing from him when he performed the jutsu. I went behind him with a kunai at his throat, and he did not even seem to notice until a second later. I was sure that he did not have the instincts or speed of a ninja. Again, my mistake."

Well that was just confusing. It made no sense at all, none. Someone who didn't even notice Itachi, but was offended by being called a civilian? And short…? Well, if Hiruzen were to admit, that part was just funny. And why in the world would the golden eyed boy give himself away by performing a jutsu, and to create a toy no less? This unknown boy was intriguing Hiruzen, and the Hokage suddenly felt a desire to meet the mysterious boy. He wanted to see what type of person this walking contradiction was.

"I asked him to come back to Konoha with me, but he seemed against it. Suddenly, a blade erupted from his belt, startling me. I am ashamed to admit this, but I dropped my kunai, and moving faster than I thought possible, he escaped my grip. I shot a wind jutsu after him, but he brought up a wall of earth to block it. Then, molten rock exploded from his creation, which created my burn marks. I chased him afterwards. At first, he seemed to be moving oddly, as if he were drunk or poisoned, despite his speed. Then, he seemed to get accustomed to his own movements, and his coordination levels rose greatly. Also, his handseals were done so fast even I could not see them."

Hiruzen was growing more and more worried by this description. Someone who could make jutsus with handseals faster than Itachi himself, could not be sensed, and was a great adaptor… if such a person were against Konoha they would be in trouble. But Itachi had said Rooster and Hare were guarding the boy hadn't he? So they weren't in trouble yet at least.

"It was then that I figured out he couldn't use his speed and attack with jutsus at the same time, and I used that to my advantage. It was like his abnormal speed was a jutsu of his. However, it seemed that was also part of his plan, for soon he activated a seal he had been painstakingly drawing as he ran around. It turned my clothes to lead, and made it hard to move but not impossible. I sent a water technique mixed with lightning at him, but he avoided by creating a crevice in the ground. However the purpose was done and it destroyed the seal… but the seal did not lift. Then, he looked at me and I had a chance to catch him in genjutsu. However, I wanted to find out how he could still keep the function of the seal active though it was clearly destroyed. He came over to me, and informed me that he would not harm me, but instead heal me. Eventually, I used a genjutsu on him so I could bring him back, and that's when Rooster and Hare arrived. They took the boy to the lowest level of the Konoha prisons. I decided to give you the report myself, since I was actually at the scene and could actually answer any questions you have."

Many questions he did have indeed, but he could always wait, especially now that the prisoner was secure. He noted that Itachi was careful not to put any of his own opinions within his report, which although was Itachi-like, was still very interesting. Did the young genius feel unsure about this stranger? Obviously, Itachi wanted the Hoakge to form his own opinions before diverging his, and therefore influencing Hiruzen. Very well, Hiruzen would oblige the boy. But first…"First Itachi, go to the hospital, and at least get temporary treatment for your wounds. Come meet me here in two hours time, I will ask you the appropriate questions then."

Itachi hesitated, but bowed politely. Most probably, he felt that he defied the Hokage enough today. "Yes, Hokage-sama."

In a moment, he was gone. The Sandaime sighed, leaning back on his chair. What a day it was. When he had first felt the chakra disturbance, he had thought nothing much of it -a jounin creating a new jutsu perhaps- but had sent two ANBU guards to investigate just in case. Now… now Hiruzen didn't know what to think. Was the blond boy a threat? He certainly seemed to be, but all the same, if he were trying to do something to Konoha, why get captured so easily?

The Hokage suddenly sat up, alarmed. What if the boy had meant to be captured? It certainly seemed unlikely, with the way he had acted, but it was more reasonable than any other conclusion the Hokage could make. If that was the case, then… then… Hiruzen needed to talk to the boy himself, to discern whether or not he was a threat. Briefly, Hiruzen considered allowing Ibiki to interrogate the boy, but quickly discarded that thought. No, the boy was less than 12 if Itachi's estimate was correct, there was no way Hiruzen could throw Ibiki at the child if there was even the slightest chance he was innocent. No, the only way to determine if the boy was a threat was for Hiruzen to go visit the blond himself.

Hiruzen shot up from his seat, grabbing his outdoors cloak. Then, he let out a deep breath, allowing his whole posture to relax. After all, the Hokage couldn't be seen as even slightly panicked. Opening the door to the Hokage office, the Sandaime left his mountain of papers and slowly made his way to the Konoha prison.

"Hokage-sama," The prison guards greeted as Hiruzen walked past the double doors, their red eyes blazing. Inwardly, Hiruzen sighed at the thinly veiled contempt, wondering what he should do. Lately, his relations with the Uchihas had been turning very sour, and his peaceful negotiations didn't seem to be affecting them at all. Hiruzen's teammates had been very adamant about what exactly they should do to the Uchiha, but the Sandaime did not want to take such measures.

Not only were the Uchiha's part of Konoha and supposed to be under the Hokage's protection, but their Sharingan eyes made them invaluable. Such as now, as prison guards they would be able to see through any illusion that might cause an escape. Konoha wouldn't be able to function without them. Hiruzen wished that his old teammates would at least see the political side of it, if they did not see the moral side. But still, that was another problem, Hiruzen needed to focus on the golden eyed stranger today.

"Hokage-sama," Rooster and Hare greeted, when Hiruzen finally made it down all the stairs. The Sandaime glanced around, frowning slightly at the prison's interior. It was necessary he knew, but that didn't mean he liked it. Various torture instruments littered the lowest level, the level meant to be for those considered the most dangerous. It was appalling for a child to see this, if the blond haired boy ever woke up.

Rooster gestured to a cell to his right, various seals for suppressing chakra all over the door. "The stranger is in there, and I believe he is finally gaining consciousness. We have not healed his wounds as a precaution in case he would try to escape. Would you like me to knock him out again?"

The Hokage frowned fully this time, looking at the hard steel cell with a disapproving eye. "No, it is not necessary, I wish to question him."

Nodding, the two ANBU assented and moved aside, but still stuck closely to the Hokage just in case. Hiruzen strolled up to the cell, peering inside. Indeed, the blond was there, though his hair was matted with blood. His clothes were very odd, and he sported no forehead protector anywhere. His tiny hands, which were separated by a wooden board so he couldn't perform any jutsus, were smooth, indicating that the blond had never trained in weaponry. If he was a ninja, he was a very odd one indeed.

Just then, the blond seemed to turn over, muttering something in his forced slumber. "Father… so stupid… immortality…"

Hiruzen's eyes widened at those words, as everything seemed to click into place. Gold eyes, child prodigy, the snake symbol, no apparent allegiance, immortality… why hadn't he made the connection before? That was why this stranger seemed so familiar, because… because… "Hare, please wake him up."

Nodding, the ANBU guard squatted down, flashing through a series of handseals. Then, Hare stuck one hand through the metal bars, and gently touched the blond's shoulders. Hiruzen smiled softly, thankful for a woman's intuition. He had learned never to even think about the ANBU's real names while they were on duty, because it gave more chance of him slipping out their identities, but this time his mind couldn't help but flash to the strong young woman who became Hare. Even she obviously, could not ignore her mother's instinct to help a little boy.

The blond groaned softly, eased awake by the peaceful jutsu. He blearily opened his eyes, blinking, and Hiruzen couldn't help the gasp that escaped him. The eyes of molten gold… Hiruzen's theory was confirmed.

Hiruzen plopped to the ground, crossing his legs as if he were simply getting prepared to tell a fairy tale, and not in the most dangerous level of the Konoha prison. He leaned forward slightly in an open gesture, keeping his voice gentle. "How are you feeling?"

The response was quick, automatic, made almost before the boy registered where exactly he was. "Like I've been burned by Mustang's flames. Ten times over. Don't tell him that though."

Hiruzen chuckled, amused. So far, the boy didn't act like a regular spy at all. "So, what is your name?"

"Edward Elric," The boy grumbled, awkwardly sitting up. Wincing, he hissed under his breath, his hand automatically going to his chest. His hand didn't make it very far. Looking disgruntled, Edward held out his shackled hands, "Ah great, what did I do this time? Don't tell me the guy I attacked was the son of the leader of this place or something like that. I swear, he started it!"

The Hokage was outright laughing by now. Yes, this boy was very amusing. But he kept in mind that Edward's first questions weren't about his injuries, or even where he was. Clearing his throat and forcing his expression back into a more serious face, Hiruzen shook his head at the young boy. "No, he was not my son, and while I do believe that he initiated the attack, he did have a right to. You were on our land after all, and it was part of his orders to bring in any suspicious personnel."

"You're the leader?" Edward asked blinking, seeming to only catch onto the first part of Hiruzen's speech, "Then please let me go. I didn't come to cause trouble, I just want to get home."

"And where is your home?" Hiruzen questioned, deciding wisely to skip over Edward's request. After all, he really could make no promises with the situation as it was.

For a split second, Edward hesitated, making Hiruzen's insides flare with suspicion. But then again, he told himself, the boy could simply be wary of telling strangers of his location. "I'm from Germany. Where exactly are we?"

Ah, here was a question Hiruzen had been expecting. "We are currently in the deepest level of prison. I apologise for such measures, but even we know not to underestimate children."

"I figured." The blond let his arms drop, seeming to understand he wouldn't be let out any time soon. Twirling his index finger, Edward started doodling on the floor with the dungeon dirt, looking like he was holding back exasperation. "I mean, what country are we in?"

Hiruzen's eyebrows shot up straight to his hairline. What? How in the world, could the boy not know that they were in Konoha, considering he was sitting right in front of the Hokage right now. Even if Edward didn't know about Konoha, he should have at least known that he was in Fire Country. Konoha was located near the center of the country, and to get here Edward would have had to traverse half the land. There was no way no one had told him the name of the country he was in. Was he faking it? But then, why fake something so ridiculous? Unless… Edward hoped that it was so ridiculous that the Hokage couldn't do anything but believe him? Hiruzen sighed, going down that particular thought path would get him nowhere.

"We are currently in Fire Country, Konoha" Hiruzen replied finally, feeling that it couldn't possibly hurt to allow that piece of information. "If I may ask Edward, what was your father's name?"

The blond stiffened, his golden eyes narrowing, "Why do you want to know?"

The ANBU were far too trained to interfere when the Hokage was interrogating someone, but they nonetheless tensed. Probably, they felt had never heard someone speak disrespectfully to Hiruzen, and were fighting an obligation to slap the boy. Hiruzen sighed, motioning that it was okay, and that at least, seemed to calm the ANBU down slightly.

Once again, Hiruzen focused his attention on the boy, grey eyes filled with sorrow. "I think I may have known him."

The boy looked down, silently fuming. "That bastard seemed to have known everyone except his own kids, eh?"

Hiruzen was slightly taken aback by the hostility. From what he had known, Orochimaru was extremely partial towards family. But then again, he hadn't known his favourite pupil very well, had he? Perhaps Orochimaru's personality had changed. After all, hadn't he destroyed his three pupils? But perhaps it was better for Edward to have no love for his father, since Orochimaru was so against Konoha. Ugh, what was he thinking? Even if the allegiance were different, Hiruzen shouldn't have been hoping that a child hated his father! The Hokage sighed, feeling unbelievably weary. "You don't like your father?"

"Dislike is a mild way of putting it," Edward snorted, "But hey, can we get this interrogation over with so I can just leave? I have things to do and- Ah man, don't tell me that old Daddi-oes committed some atrocity here and you're pinning the blame on me."

It was uncanny how accurate that statement was, no matter how sarcastically it was said. However, that was not the case this time. "No Edward, your father has nothing to do with this case. We simply felt some odd chakra disturbances, and found you to be the source of it. So close to Konoha, and the fact that you managed to injure one of the best of us ninja… well you can see why we might be wary."

Edward blinked, then sighed. "Oh no, it's one of those. Great, just great. Alright, what do I have to do to prove that I'm not a spy, threat, assassin, etc, etc?"

"Really?" The Hokage asked, throwing a kunai and imbedding it where Edward's fingers had been lingering just seconds before. Edward quickly pulled his hands back, looking alarmed. "Then what are you doing drawing a seal? Surely not trying to escape? That's hardly a way to earn trust."

Edward looked grimly at the ruined array, then looked back at the Hokage. "I just don't like depending on others, you could say. And I wasn't planning on escaping unless you decided not to let me out. Anyways, please just get the questions over with. Ask them bluntly, I promise I won't get offended. I hate it when everything's veiled threats and questions; leads to too much misunderstandings and takes way too much time."

Hiruzen's lips twitched at the logic, "Very well than Edward, I'll be frank. Are you a ninja?"

"No."

"How did you perform ninjutsus then, if you are not?" The Hokage asked, truly curious. Well, if Edward wasn't a ninja, it would account for his lack of chakra signature, but… what about the advanced jutsus he performed, and his parentage? Was it possible perhaps, that Edward simply did not know he was a ninja, and thought the techniques were something all normal civilians knew?

"Jutsus…" Edward looked to be in thought for a moment. "Hm… must be another name. Well, a… friend of mine taught it to me."

Hiruzen couldn't stop his brow from rising. A friend? Ninjas did not simply teach civilians jutsus, they weren't allowed. Even missing nins, would never consider such blasphemy. People had to be trained to handle the ninja arts, and that was why there were teachers and instructors out there, to make sure nobody killed themselves trying to channel chakra. But, but if this was indeed Orochimaru's child, then… it was very possible that an acquaintance of the Snake Sannin had taught Edward.

"Who was this friend of yours?" Hiruzen asked gently. This could be important, could help determine if there were any other missing nins Hiruzen should be aware of. However, he kept in mind that Edward could very well lie, just to make Hiruzen suspect someone he shouldn't.

"Ah, well," Edward hesitated slightly, "She's not exactly my friend, more like my brother's. Mei Chan. Anyway, that's why I'm here. My brother is missing, and I thought he might be in this country, since he wasn't in ours. I came to look for him. He thinks the world is his friend, so you see why I think it's urgent. He might go around making friends with serial killers or something! He could get into serious trouble! I need to find him!"

Brother…? Was that another tactic to take Hiruzen off guard, and make him let the boy go? But no, even Itachi couldn't hide his fondness for little Sasuke in front of the wizen Hokage's eyes, and Edward was definitely being truthful in his anxiety at least. But Edward was definitely keeping something from him, that much was obvious. Hiruzen's mind worked overtime. Did that mean that Edward was a bad spy, or a brilliant one? Finally, Hiruzen sighed, "I'm afraid I cannot do that, at least not now. We don't know what information you may have learned from Konoha, or if that odd chakra you contacted was…"

Edward gave a snarl of frustration, nearly causing the old man to jump in surprise. "If I were a spy, I'd have been less obvious wouldn't I?"

"Well yes, but you could have been trying out a technique you found from one of our scrolls." Hiruzen reprimanded gently, feeling a surge of surrealism. Why in the world was he correcting a possible enemy on the methods of spying and detecting spying? Using completely hypothetical situations that Hiruzen sure hadn't happened. This was just like his visits to the academy, except in a darker, colder, smaller, place.

"Agh!" Edward screamed, throwing back his head, "This is unbelievable! You're JUST like those scientists who can't admit that they're wrong. You completely twist logic! You're the bane of the common folk!"

Hiruzen felt his lips twitch. He had no idea what 'scientists' were, but he got a fair idea of what Edward was implying. Then, his smirk turned into a full blown chuckle. Ah, this boy was amusing.

Edward stared at him as if he had henged on a dress. Possibly yellow poka-dotted ones.

Ah where his mind was leading him… Hiruzen let his chuckle die down, a brilliant idea striking him. There was actually, one situation that would solve everything, and Hiruzen couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it sooner! If Hiruzen played his cards right, then no matter what Edward was, Hiruzen would gain Konoha something truly valuable.

Feeling a grin that may have been a bit more than benevolent, Hiruzen turned twinkling eyes on Edward. "You know, there is a perfect solution for both you and I."

Golden eyes looked back at him suspiciously, "Let's hear it then."

Hiruzen cleared his throat, "Edward, I'd like to offer you a place as a ninja in the Hidden Village of the Leaf."

Again, the ANBU tensed, and Edward seemed to notice this time. He narrowed his eyes, suspicion shining clearly within them. "Why are you being so generous? I take it that it isn't a regular occurrence to be offering random strangers positions in your village is it?"

Hiruzen nearly smiled at Edward's hostility. Again, the boy showed that he was not one for cunning and trickery. It nearly made Hiruzen feel guilty about what he was going to do next. "Well, when you had clearly defeated one of my top ninja, you decided to help him instead of kill him didn't you? Added to that, your brotherly devotion is admirable, thus proving your loyalty. You have considerable intellect, and a good level of determination. You'd be a valuable addition to our village."

Edward snorted, looking away, "Sounds nice for you, but I don't feel like being anyone's dog anymore."

Anyone's… dog? No matter, it was probably an odd figure of speech teenagers were fond of these days. Hiruzen made a not to ask Naruto about it later. Not knowing these things made him feel old. But that was off topic… "You will be a special jounin, one for research. You won't have to take any missions unless you want to, and all you have to do is research what I ask you to. At the same time, you would have access to many classified files and restricted areas. You'd be able to find your brother easier."

There, that was the best Hiruzen could offer, but if Edward was anything like Hiruzen imagined, it would be more than enough. Yes, the deal was a win-win situation for the old man, and even he had to applaud himself for it. There'd be one more talented ninja for Konoha, and not an overly brutal one too. Also, if Edward was a spy (which by this point Hiruzen seriously doubted), then they would be able to keep an eye on him. Plus, Hiruzen could help guide the poor child and make sure that Edwrad didn't follow in Orochimaru's path. Hiruzen's suggestion killed three birds with one stone, and he had just thought it up in a moment. Ah well, he wasn't considered a genius for nothing.

Edward bit his lip, looking unsure. "I… I don't approve of ninja methods. These dungeons… they're not just a resting place are they?"

Ah…? Edward didn't approve? Hiruzen felt his eyebrows rise at that; he had not been expecting it. Though, he supposed he should have, considering what Itachi told him about Edward 'sparing' the Uchiha when he had the chance. Hiruzen felt a true smile make its way up his lips. A pacifist… this couldn't have gone better.

Hiruzen cleared his throat, looking at Edward earnestly. "No, I don't agree with these ninja methods either, but that's how we were brought up-"

"That doesn't make it right," Edward interrupted bitterly, "I thought I had peace once, but then I realized it was just ignorance. We all have the ability to change ourselves, and not act like barbarians who only care for greed and revenge."

"Please, let me finish." Hiruzen gently admonished, feeling secretly pleased. Ah, he and the boy had so much in common…!

"Sorry," Edward muttered, a tinge of pink appearing on his cheeks.

Hiruzen coughed, beginning again, "I don't agree with those methods, but most people don't know anything else. Thus, I have been trying all my life, to change the way people think. As you can see, it is going slowly, but trust me when I tell you Konoha is gradually becoming more and more peace seeking. I'd also like you to help me, change the minds of the ninja of Konoha."

"Change their minds…?" Edward murmured, looking away. "But I'm- I'm…"

"And I'm just an old man," Hiruzen said wearily, following Edward's train of thought. "What can we do, right?"

"No! That's not it!" Edward shook his head frantically, looking at Hiruzen with the same ferocity he had when he was talking about his brother, "You can do a lot! We can do a lot…"

Hiruzen blinked, and smiled, feeling bubble of fondness welled up for the young boy. That had been surprising, but not an unwelcome surprise. It did look like Edward had quite a bit of spirit, and enough intellect to match it. If only the boy had been born a few years earlier, then Hiruzen might not have to be Sandaime anymore…

But Edward could simply be deceiving him. The boy was after all, Orochimaru's son. Orochimaru's son… Orochimaru, whom Hiruzen had failed. Orochimaru, the Sandaime's favourite student. Orochimaru, whom Hiruzen sometimes thought about when he was lying in bed, and sleep would not come to him. Orochimaru, whom would smirk at his teammates' antics, and make the most insightful comments to his sensei. Hiruzen often wondered, that if he had done anything differently, would Orochimaru have never left the village in disgrace? If Hiruzen had paid more attention, more kindness, would it be his favourite student sitting in the Hokage Tower right now?

"You-" Edward's voice brought him back to reality, and Hiruzen silently chided himself for falling into depressive memories. "You tricked me didn't you? Into agreeing? Damn old manipulative bastards…"

"Language," Hiruzen corrected automatically, then paused, considering Edward's words. "No, it was never my intention to trick you into agreeing. I will not consider that consent if you do not wish it to be."

Edward lifted his eyes to the ceiling, looking slightly annoyed, "A man never goes back on his words. I said I'd help you, even with your twisted logic, so I will. Now do I get to get out of this cell?"

A soft smile made its way to Hiruzen's face. No, no, he couldn't think about the past, he had to focus on the future. Now Hiruzen finally had a chance to rectify his past mistakes, or at least, make them more bearable. He would not let it go to waste.

"Now," Hiruxen said gently, getting up. He turned to the ANBU gaurds, brushing off the dust from his robes. "Hare, please escort Edward-san to the hotel and keep him company until his living arrangements are adjusted. Place the tab on the Hokage, and see to it that the child is healed properly."

Hare nodded, and spun to open the cell. Hiruzen gave one last nod to Edward, "Edward, I'll give you a guide to show you around Konoha, and where your main research facility is. When your living arrangements have been decided upon, Hare will escort you to the Hokage tower, where you will be getting your assignments and doing weekly reports. Is this acceptable?"

Edward nodded, seeming to understand that this was the leader talking, not the kind old man. Hiruzen smiled, and turned to leave, starting his long trek back to the Hokage Tower. When he got there, he was surprised to see Itachi already standing at the doorway, sporting quite a number of bandages. Hoping that the boy wasn't mad at him for being late, Hiruzen swung open his door, and invited the child in.

"Itachi," The Hokage wondered aloud as the door swayed closed again, "Do I need to take you off active duty for a while?"

"No need, Hokage-sama," Itachi replied, not able to completely hide the resentful glint in his eyes, "They look worse than they are. These burns will heal in a few days, and will not even leave scarring. They are no hindrance in a battle, simply bad to look at."

Hiruzen winced slightly, not knowing for whom Itachi's resentment was for. The worst case scenario, it would be for Itachi's new assignment… "Itachi, now that I have met Edward-san, please tell me your opinion on him."

Itachi's answer came immediately, which surprised the Hokage. Usually, it was best to think hard on someone before reaching a conclusion, and Hiruzen had expected Itachi to take some time. Then again, Itachi was nothing if not thorough, and had probably started formulating an opinion on the blond the moment Itachi set eyes on him

"He is very talented and focused in battle," The Uchiha commented as if he were submitting a report, "His quick adaptability and formidable jutsus prove that. However, physically he is weak though I don't doubt he feels he is strong. My guess is that he has been through a lot in his life, since he hardly reacted when I stuck a kunai in his arm. Personality-wise, I think he is kind but naïve. Trying to heal me could have got him killed in a real battle. He is also short-tempered in a way that will get him into trouble, and doesn't think to look beneath the obvious. Despite whatever hardships he might have faced, he is still very much a child."

"In other words, you like him," Hiruzen mused, sticking a brand new pipe between his lips.

"I would not say I like him, exactly," Itachi said guardedly, "Simply that he is not a cruel person."

"Yes, yes," The Hokage nodded, his mind already flying ahead, "But you don't mind him, right? Yes, this will work… Itachi, Edward Elric will be your new assignment."

There was a long pause and then… "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Hiruzen said sternly, inwardly laughing at the slightly stunned tone in Itachi's voice. "Edward Elric cannot be fully trusted yet, even though I do not believe he is a spy. He has that 'innocent' quality about him, that can't be faked. However, the council will have a fit if I just accepted a stranger into Konoha and showered them with privileges, no matter how useful they might be. Therefore, you will have to accompany him everywhere, to ensure that he does not contact any of Konoha's enemies. Oh and, feed him the occasional false information about Konoha's military situation, of course."

Itachi looked odd, trying to comprehend everything. Ooh, Hiruzen was having fun with this. But, Hiruzen really shouldn't make fun of one of his best ninja like this…

"I appointed him a special jounin," Hiruzen explained gently, "For research. Edward Elric is talented, and I saw no need to waste that talent in a prison cell. Your father will not object to you being guard, even though you possess the Sharingan which the other villages desire. After all, Fugaku-" will not acknowledge that there can be a genius outside of the Uchiha clan "-believes in your abilities. I also trust in your abilities, and I think that you will catch what others will miss."

There was more to it of course. Hiruzen wanted to nurture Edward's kind spirit, so he would not go down the same path Orochimaru had. Also, Itachi needed someone his age, someone who could understand him. Although ninja were supposed to be tools, Hiruzen secretly felt very sad Itachi had shattered his childhood with battles. Perhaps with Edward, Itachi could finally relax like he deserved, perhaps even have some fun. Hiruzen could see so many similarities between the two, and could feel his hopes rise as he looked ahead at the possibilities…

"And what of Elric? He will hate his guard, because I have betrayed his trust."

"Nonsense. Edward is a smart boy; he'll figure out that what you did for him was your own brand of honour. You didn't let him heal you right? You easily could have, but you didn't, knocking him out right before he could. It could have saved you a lot of pain, and possible infections, but it was against your moral code to pay somebody back with malice. I wouldn't be surprised if Edward has figured that out already, and never held it against you in the first place."

"…very well Hokage-sama, it looks like you have already prepared all your answers. I shall take my leave now."

Hiruzen sighed as he watched Itachi walk away, feeling melancholy. Brilliant ideas after all, were not often understood, and led to a great deal of isolation. It was not easy, being a genius.

A/n: Hun. Fun chapter, but it ended on kind of a sad note. It's true though, geniuses do have it pretty tough. Taking a look at history, they never did seem to have friends (or a faithful spouse, it seems). The world of Naruto is nice though, since there are soooo many geniuses…

Nothing really happened in this chapter, but it was needed to explain Sarutobi's actions. However… I promise the next chapter will be more exciting! (I can't wait for it!) Edward gets sent on a… espionage mission with Itachi! LOL.