Fiori: Okay then another new chapter, though it's mostly a filler and info dump. No Naruto action yet, but I promise, next chapter for sure, we get to see Naruto interact with the world around him. Though it will be in the capacity of a small toddler, and things wont quite be from his point of view yet. Because honesty how deep can a eighteen month old be?
Anyways I noticed that I didn't receive as many reviews as I did for the initial chapter, so guess what that means old man.
BangHiruzen: Goddamn it why the leg!
Fiori: Cause if I shot you in the arm you'd get out of paper work, so suffer! Now before you start trying to kill me, I would like to take the time to inform my audience that I in no way own Naruto, cause then shit would make a bit more sense. Like how the hell did Madara manage to get out of dying again? Come on Kishi at least make sense when you do shit like that!
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Chapter Two
It was a nervous Senju Hiroshi that found himself outside the office of the Sandaime Hokage. It wasn't that he was worried about meeting the Hokage; in fact he'd already met the man, as well as his successor turned predecessor. So it was not the nervousness of a man about to meet authority for the first time. It was part of being the acting head of the Senju; he often spoke for his clan when important matters needed discussion. No what Hiroshi was worried about was the topic that this meeting would revolve around.
Six weeks ago he and his clan had confirmed that the young Jinchuriki was indeed one of their own. However the test had revealed more than just that. The revelation that the babe that was even now being carefully cared for by his clan was a direct descendant of the first Hokage was a shock. But had that been the end of the revelations, he wouldn't be near as nervous as he was now.
The test had revealed the presence of a Kekkei Genkai in Naruto's blood.
It was common knowledge in shinobi villages that there were three different categories that Kekkei Genkai could be classified in. (Though many often branched into one another) those three were the Doujutsu, Release Types, and the Body Types. Doujutsu were easy to describe, the Sharingan or the Byakugan were at the forefront of thought in regards to the eye techniques, though there were other lesser-known eyes out in the world. Release Types were a little more difficult to classify mostly because they could present in so many different ways. They could present as either a mixed element or an advanced version of a singular element, or even as an element that seemed to be unique, with no trace of the original five. Finally there were the Body Types, and they could be both the hardest and the easiest to identify. It could be something simple, yet unable to be seen by the naked eye, like extra tenketsu for higher Chakra control. Or it could be something extreme and easily able to see, like extra limbs or sensory organs. One of the few famous bloodlines from Kumo was a Body Type, that granted those fortunate enough to be born with it, six arms and a third eye, along with other abilities Hiroshi wasn't quite familiar with.
With this in mind, Konoha had come up with a method to identify bloodlines based on similarities. While it was true that on the surface a bloodline like the Hyõton (Ice Release) was different entirely than the Yõton (Lava Release), both were Release Type bloodlines. Within whatever strand of DNA that determined that the users had the ability to wield the mixed element, there was a minute similarity. Just as there were similarities between the Byakugan and the Sharingan. Sometimes the difference was so minute that one could often guess what the bloodline did, based on what was on record about another (Such as being able to determine which elements were involved). Other times all one could find was the category the bloodline fell into.
It was through this similarity that the DNA test was able to detect Naruto's Bloodline. Currently all the test could figure out about said Kekkei Genkai, was that it definitely fell into the category of a Release Type, with a few similar characteristics to a Body Type. Outside of that however, the test had failed to even produce a name for it. Which meant that whatever the bloodline was, it was currently not on record within Konoha.
That could mean any number of things. It could mean that whomever the father was, that they held a bloodline native to another country, thus it wouldn't appear in Konoha records. It could mean that it was a new bloodline that had just developed due to either an odd quirk that turned out to be useful, or a possible sign of Kyubi influence (Though the latter was unlikely if the Hokage was to be believed). Finally it could be a bloodline that was native to Konoha that just had never managed to be recorded, because when it was present, the system didn't exist.
It was this last option that filled Hiroshi with the most trepidation. For while he knew very little in regards to the shinobi world, he knew of one Kekkei Genkai that had once existed, but was never recorded within the system. The Mokuton of the Shodiame Hokage, Naruto's great-grandfather. If he had truly inherited the abilities of the first Hokage, then it would spell great upheaval in the future. Upheaval that he was unsure of how to deal with, thus this meeting had been called, in the hopes that the Sandaime could shed some light on the enigma that was the Senju clan heir. There was also the fact that Hiroshi wished to learn just why the Hokage had lied about Naruto's parentage.
"Enter." Sarutobi's tired voice sounded from behind the doorway, drawing Hiroshi from his thoughts.
Entering the office of the village leader, Hiroshi had been prepared to accuse the Sandaime of out right lies and potential trickery. And yet those words that he had carefully prepared found themselves dying in his throat. For behind the desk said to have been made by the Shodai's Mokuton, was not the veteran of three world wars. Nor was it the grandfatherly Professor, it wasn't even the cold and calculating Kami no Shinobi. No, behind the desk sat a tired old man surrounded by paperwork and grief.
Hiroshi was suddenly struck by the realization that the Hokage looked to be a man who had lived through far too much, and was finally feeling the weight of all his trials. That he was a man who should have been enjoying his retirement with his family. Yet due to tragedy and conflict, had been forced back into the role of military leader of his village, even if it was the last thing the old veteran wished to do.
But with the Kyubi's attack devastating Konoha as it had, Sarutobi Hiruzen once more found himself in the position of a leader. Once more he would be called on to make the hard choices, to send men and women towards conflict and death. Especially now more than ever, with such damage done during the attack, it now fell to the Hokage to project an image of absolute strength to all. If he failed, and the world at large suspected that Konoha was no longer the pillar of indomitable power their reputation painted them to be. And then it was likely that Konoha would once more find itself at war. Whether it was a war for territory, revenge, or wealth, it wasn't something that Sarutobi could allow to happen. For it could spell Konoha's doom.
"Hiroshi, it is good to see you. Tell me, why have you requested this meeting?" Hiruzen greeted kindly, if not bluntly.
"Ah, Hokage-sama thank you for your kind words." Hiroshi bowed respectfully, drawn from his grim realizations.
"Please Hiroshi, don't grovel." The Hokage sighed.
"I apologize Hokage-sama." Hiroshi replied as he hastily rose from his bow, doing his best to appear calm.
"You are forgiven. Now, as to why you called this meeting. While I can guess at its nature, I would still like to hear it from yourself." Hiruzen nodded as he prompted Hiroshi to begin the meeting.
"It is about Naruto-sama." Hiroshi began, only to be interrupted by the older Hokage.
"Sama eh. So I take it then that the blood work you had Yurirama do told you about his 'mother' then." Hiroshi raised his eyes at the strange inflection Sarutobi used when referring to Tsunade, but in the end he ignored it in favor of more pressing matter.
"You knew we would do blood work?" Hiroshi asked, his eyebrows rose in minor surprise.
"Hiroshi, I had counted on it. It was partially why I chose to give him to Yurirama instead of you. She had easier access to the necessary equipment. And with the shoddy story I fed her it guaranteed that one of you would seek to fill in the holes in the story." Hiruzen explained.
"Why not simply tell us the truth?" Hiroshi countered.
"You know as well as I do how unbelievable the truth would have sounded. Tell me, in the months Tsunade spent in the village did you notice anything about her that would have clued you into her being pregnant?" Hiroshi could only shake his head at the truth. He had dealt with pregnant women before. His late wife had been a particularly glaring example on how they acted. Yet in all the time he had spent with Tsunade she had acted no different than any other time in her life. Maybe a bit more reserved, but that alone wouldn't have indicated anything. Had she been reserved one moment then throwing a tantrum the next, all before collapsing in tears and craving the oddest food combinations imaginable (He didn't care what his wife thought, chutney, curry powder, and fried eggs should not go together) then Hiroshi could see her being pregnant.
"No, Tsunade-sama acted as she always has."
"Exactly, if I had told you or Yurirama that young Naruto was her son you wouldn't have believed me. At best you might have still done the blood work and found out the truth, but at worst you might have refused to even consider the possibilities. So I decided to hedge my bets. This way you don't have a way to deny the truth." Hiruzen smiled.
"It is as you say Hokage-sama." Hiroshi sighed as he finally understood the extend of the Hokage's machinations in regards to lying about Naruto's origins, at least as far as his mother went.
"Good, now was there anything else?" The wizen shinobi asked calmly as he gazed at the younger man.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. There is one more thing in regards to young Naruto-sama." Hiroshi answered.
"I assume it is about why Tsunade abandoned her child?" Hiruzen guessed.
"While I am curious about that Hokage-sama, it is not the most pressing of concerns." Hiroshi replied as he reached into one of his pockets. Pulling out the folded papers that revealed Naruto's heritage. Slowly he handed the papers to the older man, and watched as he read the results.
On Hiruzen's part, when he had been handed the papers he had feared that the Senju's had discovered the identity of Naruto's father. While it was true that it was something easily nipped in the bud, it would still lead to problems. After all, secrets were easier to keep when fewer people knew them. And easier still to keep when they weren't revealed on paper. Yet as he read through the results, he couldn't stop his eyes from widening as he saw the true reason why Hiroshi still looked nervous.
"This changes things." He said softly as he read the results, yet it was not soft enough to prevent Hiroshi from hearing his words.
"What do you mean Hokage-sama?" Hiroshi asked in concern.
"Originally I would have asked that you raise Naruto as if he was any other child of your clan rather than the heir. This would have been for the benefit of both your clan and Naruto himself." Hiroshi could only look at the older man in confusion as his words failed to make any realization. "Think about it this way, how do you think everyone would react to a Jinchuriki being clan heir? Let alone a Jinchuriki containing the demon who just butchered so many of our fellow citizens?" Hiruzen continued, even as the implication sunk in.
"There would be uproar." He whispered.
"Yes, many would have become paranoid of some perceived plot. Even if the truth of his parentage became known, many would have dismissed it out of hand simply because of his status of Jinchuriki. Others would have begun calling for his death due to some pointless bit of paranoia based around some sort of brain washing ability. In the end it would have made things worse for him rather than better. Without Tsunade here to confirm anything it's best if his parentage remained secret." Hiruzen nodded, "but the presence of a bloodline changes everything."
"How?"
"Bloodlines are the symbols of status here as you well know, and as a Senju with a Release Type bloodline, there is only one possible bloodline he could have. It would be impossible to disguise his parentage. And to be both the Jinchuriki of the strongest Bijuu, along with the first natural holder of the Mokuton since the Shodai spells for hard times ahead." Hiruzen said frankly.
"Are you certain it's the Mokuton? Isn't it possible that it's something from his father?" Hiroshi asked in concern.
"No, his father had no such abilities. This could only come from Tsunade." Hiruzen answered softly.
"So you knew his father?" Hiroshi asked, curious of what sort of man could have drawn Tsunade to bed.
"Yes, I knew him. Though I'm afraid his identity will have to remain with me. He was quite powerful, and if word got out that he bred, with Tsunade of all people, young Naruto would be in grave danger. More than he already is, just by being a Jinchuriki and Tsunade's son." Hiruzen offered with a small smile.
"Was it Jiraiya?"
"Ha, the boy wishes." The Hokage laughed lightly, surprising Hiroshi with just how amused the older man was at the very thought of two of the Sannin breeding. "No, sufficed to say, the identity of Naruto's father shall remain with me until such a time when Naruto is capable of handling the enemies that would doubtlessly come his was when the knowledge becomes released to the public. So I ask that neither you or anyone else in your clan seek to determine his identity," Sarutobi continued.
"As you will Hokage-sama." Hiroshi conceded to the order, his life was already proving to become increasingly complex. Best to not drawn the Hokage's ire on top of everything else.
"Very well, now if there is nothing else?" Sarutobi asked.
"There is nothing that I can think of." Hiroshi replied honestly.
"Then it is time for me to get back to the paperwork. I thank you for coming to me with this knowledge, and I ask that you heed my words from earlier. Raise him as any ordinary child, love him but do not spoil him." The wizen leader of the village spoke softly, yet sternly enough that Hiroshi knew that it was an order. Yet it was did remind him of something crucial enough that speaking to the Hokage about it could only prove beneficial in the long run.
"I assume that you mean raise him as a shinobi child?" Hiroshi asked carefully, drawing a sad smile from the Hokage.
"Yes, unfortunately. It is a sad truth that all Jinchuriki are to be treated as weapons of one sort or another." Hiruzen sighed softly.
"Then I ask for the scrolls left by Hashirama-sama. If Naruto-sama is to eventually develop the Mokuton, it is only right that he has access to the records of its techniques." Hiroshi proposed. It was a reasonable request, and the Hokage would likely agree to such a thing. The only reason Hiroshi even had to ask the question was because a Kage made the techniques. Add to that that Naruto was literally the first Senju in three generations to show potential to use such abilities, and it made sense that the scroll containing Hashirama's Mokuton teachings was to be kept in the tower.
"I shall see to it that they are given to him when his bloodline becomes active." Hiruzen nodded in agreement.
"Then by your leave Hokage-sama."
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It was as Hiroshi left his office that Hiruzen allowed himself to relax. With a sigh he could only contemplate how a bloodline would complicate things. While he had expected things to play out in much this manner, the Kekkei Genkai was a wildcard. Many things could go wrong if such knowledge became public. Yet it also had the potential to up young Naruto's standing, helping to ease him out of the stigma that would doubtlessly be heaped upon him in the years to come. The question though was how to unveil such a thing.
As of this moment Naruto was a target simply because he was a Jinchuriki, and while it was true that other villages would actively target him for that alone, it would be at best a token effort. However Naruto had other factors that made him a much larger target. Hiruzen doubted it would take much longer for the villagers to finally pinpoint Naruto's location and the family caring for him. Once that happened it was only a matter of time before someone complained to him about placing the Jinchuriki with the Senju. Once that happened he would have to let the council know who his mother was. And then there was the bloodline.
There was always the idea of simply passing the bloodline off as a Bijuu gifted talent. It wasn't unheard of for Jinchuriki to have some kind of ability granted to them by their prisoner, or for the Bijuu to enhance something that was already there in the host to ensure their own survival. An added fact was that many a times what ever was added or enhanced became a natural bloodline that whatever children the Jinchuriki was lucky enough to have, managed to inherit. Sunagakure boasted several shinobi who had the ability to wield sand, and it was said that the ability started with their first Jinchuriki of Shukaku. Yet even trying that option was doomed to fail. Why would the Kyubi grant its host with the ability to tame and subdue it of all things? Added to that he had assured the council that the Kyubi was incapable of effecting Naruto to that extent. No the only option he had when Naruto started to exhibit Mokuton was to tell the truth, or at least half the truth. After all if he told the whole truth about Naruto's parentage he would be in far more danger.
He could handle the problems that could come with Naruto simply being known as Tsunade's child. Hiruzen had already assigned an ANBU squad willing to look out for the Senju clan, and Naruto by extension. But the problem was Naruto wasn't just the child of one of the Sannin. He was the direct descendant of the Shodia Hokage, heir to one of Konoha's oldest clans, and so many other things besides. Any one of those things made him a target on a good day. But the grudges born against the Shodai were old, too old to even be a danger. Many who wished to seek vengeance against clan Senju had already either achieved it, or had died of old age. Even Tsunade's enemies wouldn't come looking for him, since it would be much easier to seek out the grief filled wanderer. Sure she wasn't stationary, but Tsunade was alone save one apprentice and a pig. Sturdy walls surrounding a village teaming with Shinobi didn't protect her, making her a safer target for any grudge born against clan Senju or her personally.
Namikaze Minato's enemies however didn't have that luxury of seeking him out directly. All that he had left to the world was his son, a squalling infant that many would like to kill. For the wounds wrought by Minato's actions were still fresh in comparison to those left by Hashirama. Added was the fact that the wounds were also more wide spread and deeper still than any left by Tsunade, and one would begin to see why keeping the identity of Naruto's father a secret.
Thus all of the things Naruto had been lucky enough to be born as combined made things so very complex that he couldn't even tell anyone the absolute truth. The technical son of a Sannin, a Kage, and a powerful Jinchuriki, as well as the descendant of another Kage, host to the most powerful Demon in the land, and wielder of a lost and powerful Kekkei Genkai that they weren't entirely sure of its true capabilities. For even Tenzo, who bore a mere replica of the Mokuton couldn't use it to its full potential. No the absolute truth was so very precious that it would have to be protected by an intricate web of lies.
While the Sandaime had faith in the heads of the shinobi clans to keep the matter confidential (see 'use for their own ends), it was the civilians on the council that would pose the biggest risk. While they may be necessary when it came to the day to day running of the village, they needed to be constantly reminded that they had no say in shinobi matters. And matters involving a Jinchuriki defiantly fell into such a category. However they had in the past overstepped their bounds in regards to shinobi matters.
The suicide of the Hatake Sakumo, Konoha's Shiroi kiba (White Fang) could be laid at the feet of councilors who simply didn't understand what was more valuable during war. While successful missions were good, a dead soldier couldn't be sent on more missions. Thus it became a carefully weighed scale between the difference of the number soldiers lives that could be lost, and the mission's importance. Thus when Hatake Sakumo thought his team more important than the mission, everything had gone to hell. If he hadn't killed himself there were numerous ways he could have contributed more to the welfare of the village. Instead the Shiroi Kiba was made to believe that suicide was the only way he could earn redemption.
In the end Sarutobi felt it was very likely that if the civilians were to learn too much about things in regards to Naruto's heritage, problems that could have easily been avoided would crop up as they tried to exert power in matters not there concern. No they would have to be left out of things until the Mokuton became public knowledge, otherwise the best-case scenario would be if the council kept the knowledge a secret, plotting and scheming to use Naruto for their own ends. Perhaps a few would forget the Kyubi for a moment and try to press their daughters upon him, seeking to raise their own standing. The worst case however, was if the foolish councilors blabbed the knowledge to anyone who would listen. Spreading the knowledge such to the point that it reached other nations. And then the assassins would come.
Jinchuriki had in the past been regular targets for assassination, especially those who housed one of the Bijuu. It was why the villages that homed such a person tried their best to keep their identities secret until the demon host had some measure of control and training. After that other villages could attack at their own peril. However Naruto would be a target even without his Jinchuriki status simply because of the bloodline he'd been lucky enough to be born with.
The Mokuton had become the stuff of legends. An ability to bring life to even the most desolate of places. Added to that was its ability to tame demons, and it had made Hashirama the arguably most powerful man since the Rikudo Sennin. The only other person able to make such a claim had been Uchiha Madara, and since they had aligned to form Konoha, it had made them a force none had dared to cross. Many had coveted the abilities of the Mokuton, and it had led to some of the most grisly acts imaginable, Orochimaru had been merely the tip of the iceberg when it came to those who had sought to recreate the power of the Mokuton. While his experiments had been twisted and evil, it had produced results. Had the cost not been so high, and had he not experimented on children Orochimaru would have likely been forgiven his actions. But others had tried before him to recreate the Mokuton, and the primary people they had targeted in their quest for power were those who bore the Shodai's blood. It was for that reason, why so very few Senju were left.
And now Naruto had emerged. An already confirmed wielder of the Mokuton due to an intricate plot to ensure his good health, fate obviously had it out for the little guy.
"I'm getting too old for this shit." Sarutobi groused as he stood. He knew what he had to do; the council would needed to be informed about the latest development. It was better to do it now, now when he was still the one who had all the information. Even his teammates and Danzo didn't know how Naruto had been conceived; they had suspicions obviously, but not the whole picture. This way he could keep some of the knowledge to himself. It was doubtless they would confront him later, but for now he was still in control. All he had to do was tell the majority of the council who his mother was. His teammates and Danzo would probably back him up in this matter, for if Naruto was known as Tsunade's child it would likely curb some of the internal matters that had happened in other villages. And they wanted Naruto alive just as much as he did, for their own reasons of course.
For while it was true that assassins were usually an external threat, Jinchuriki were often targeted by internal attempts. Sometimes due to those who had lost a loved one during the initial capture of the demon. Other times because the previous host had lost control and killed someone. Or even in this case, the demon had gotten free and went on a rampage.
It would be a risky gamble to reveal the exact location of Naruto, but it was also likely that it could pay off. Appeasing several of those who were grumbling about his location. Not only that but many people admired and owed favors to Tsunade, killing her child would be a bad idea.
As for his knowledge about the Mokuton, well he'd keep that secret for as long as he could. It would come out eventually true, but by then it would be too late to implement any plans to gain control over Naruto. He'd already be in the academy, a public figure that couldn't be touched. His disappearance would draw attention, and thus he'd be safe. Or at least he'd be safe from internal politics.
It would be a long night, but by the end of it, Naruto would still be safe in the Senju compound. He would be able to grow up surrounded by family, loved and nurtured. And he would be loyal; The Will of Fire would grow within him as Konoha's founding clan cared him for. Naruto had so much untapped potential that regardless of who trained him, he would likely end up in Konoha's legends.
Now if only he could ensure that the messages he sent to his two wayward students actually reached them before they got too far. Things would be so much easier if one of the Sannin regularly checked in with him to ensure Naruto's good health.
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Fiori: And done, hope you guys like the chapter, even though it was mostly politics. Sad thing is though that that stuff is kind of important. And I hope you all understood Sarutobi's motivations, he's not just hoping for the best in this. He's actually planning things out, while hoping for the best. He's a leader and a tactician, and sadly that means he'll have to play chess with his people. At least in this case his machinations were harmless.
So now that that's done, review or I shoot somebody.