Chapter 2: Hard Truths
Hokage tower.
The meeting was presided by the Yondaime Hokage and his council. Sitting at his right were the former Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura; at his left were Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado. All the clan's heads were present.
"I know the last hours have been too stressful for everyone. Many brave shinobis gave their lives to protect our village and its people. I can only thank you all for your efforts. I want to have a moment of silence to mourn and honor them." – The entire room remained completely silent until the Yondaime spoke again.
"Patrol troops have been dispatched throughout our borders to ensure no foreign shinobis enter the land of fire, and we have sent word to the capital to inform the daimyo as well. I know you're all eager to know what happened, but before I get to that, we need to…" – Minato was interrupted by Choza Akimichi.
"Answers are what we need, Yondaime! Answers!" – yelled the new head of the Akimichi clan – "I want the head of whoever was responsible for my father's death!" – Choza growled while staring at Fugaku Uchiha.
Just hours before, Choza had seen how his father, Torifu Akimichi, was cruelly killed by the Kyubi. Torifu used his expansion jutsu to contain the Kyubi long enough to allow the Sandaime Hokage to gather enough chakra to use a massive jutsu that allowed him to injure the Kyubi and divert the Bijudama the tailed-beast was about to throw at the village. However, Torifu was not strong enough to contain the beast for long. The Kyubi cut his stomach with its claws and bit his neck. Torifu died slowly of excessive bleeding.
"Choza-san, sit down! I will not tolerate this! I'm deeply sorry for Torifu's-san death, but I will not consent to your insinuations. Fugaku-san and his clan have all my trust. I expected to deal with this later, but given the circumstances, I'll do it now." – Minato's chakra was so intense that Choza could feel the air compressing around him. He sat down slowly but kept staring at Fugaku with contempt.
"I've heard the whispering around the villagers and the shinobis about the Uchihas and the attack. I know some of you saw the Sharingan reflected in the Kyubi's eyes. However, I can confidently tell you that neither Fugaku-san nor other Uchiha from Konoha is responsible for this. Although I can confirm that it was no natural disaster, it was a deliberate attack on Konoha." – Minato started explaining when he was interrupted by Hiashi Hyuga.
"Yondaime-sama, you said no Uchiha from Konoha was responsible for this. Are you saying that an Uchiha indeed perpetrated the attack?" – Hiashi seemed curious. Just like the Byakugan, the Sharingan didn't exist outside Konoha, except for a stolen Byakugan in the last war by a Kiri shinobi.
"I fought the man behind the attack and managed to defeat him. However, he escaped. He did have a sharingan, but I need you to understand this. He had ONE sharingan. Had he been a real Uchiha, he would have had both sharingans. We assume he is a shinobi from another village who got the Sharingan in the last war and wanted revenge on Konoha. And I do not need to remind you that I'm a sensor shinobi. I didn't recognize this shinobi's chakra signature. If he were a member of Konoha, I would have been able to identify him." – Minato was lying, not only regarding the culprit's identity but also his sensor abilities. He was a sensor shinobi, but unlike Hiashi or Inoichi, he couldn't have identified the shinobi by his chakra signature. This should be enough to calm people down.
"Do we know from which village this shinobi was?" – Questioned Shibi Aburame – "He must have been an elite shinobi to dare to pursue such an impossible task alone. He attacked the village, knowing we had the Yondaime and Sandaime here. He was even able to infiltrate without the Barrier team noticing him. Not to mention that he found the jinchuriki and extracted the kyubi. The jinchuriki's identity has always been kept secret since Konoha's foundation. This man is indeed a fearsome opponent." – all the clan's heads stayed silent. Shibi Aburame rarely spoke in the council meetings. Everyone in the room was meditating on his words. He was right. What kind of shinobi could've done this?
"Sandaime-sama. I don't want to be rude, but do you think this could have been Orochimaru's doing?" – Inoichi asked – "He is an S-rank shinobi, strong enough to be a kage. He could have found a way to elude the barrier and figure out the jinchuriki's identity. He used to kidnap and experiment on shinobis. I'm sure some of the bodies we found in his labs were members of the Uchiha clan. And surely, he resents the village, and you, for not choosing him as your successor."
Everyone seems to agree with Inoichi's observations. Fugaku was relieved that the suspicions about his clan were being erased. However, Inoichi's theory only caused panic among the Hokage and the council members who knew the truth. They had never stopped to consider Orochimaru may ally with Madara. Those two working together could not end in anything good. Hiruzen regretted, now more than ever, not having killed his student three years ago when he had the chance.
"I know for sure Orochimaru's-san wasn't the man I fought. However, I cannot disregard the possibility that he provided the man with Konoha's intel. I can tell you that Orochimaru-san is one of the few people in the village who knew the jinchuriki's identity. So, Orochimaru could be part of it. Anyway, I need you all to understand that the Uchiha clan should not be blamed for the attack. I'm going to be as clear as possible now. ANY INSINUATION OF RESPONSIBILITY OF THE UCHIHAS REGARDING THE ATTACK WILL BE SEVERELY PUNISHED. IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?" – Minato's voice was full of authority. Everyone in the room nodded in acceptance.
The meeting continued for three more hours. Discussions regarding the reconstruction, the funeral for the deceased, and preparations for battle in case any other nation wanted to invade Konoha were made. Minato appointed Shibi Aburame as the new head of ANBU. The members of the Aburame clan had always fitted perfectly in the ANBU corps due to their personalities. Shibi had proven to be the best choice for the job. Although, he made clear that he would not wear a mask or the typical coat that identifies the ANBU corps.
"You're all dismissed. Except you, Hiashi-san. I would like to have a word with you in private. Sandaime, would you mind joining us?" – said Minato, to everyone's surprise. Even the elders seemed confused before such a thing. Fugaku seemed to decipher what this was about as he left the room.
In the Hokage's office.
Minato was sitting behind his desk. In front of him was the former Hokage and the Hyuga's clan head.
"Do you remember what you used to say when we were in the academy, Hiashi?" – questioned the Yondaime. The sandaime was clueless, and these words took Hiashi aback.
"I-I-I do, Yondaime. What is this all about?" – Hiashi's pulse was getting faster. He seemed uncomfortable. – "Is THAT still your intention? Or did the boy I met turn into a different man now that he's head of his clan?" – Hiruzen still couldn't understand what was happening, but he could tell that Minato was giving Hiashi a hard time.
"When do you think THAT will happen, Hiashi?" – Minato was as serious as ever. The sandaime was intrigued. – "It's not that simple, Yondaime. Things got worse than ever in my clan. I fear I'll never be able to fulfill my promise to my brother. But I need to know why you are asking me all this." – Hiashi was also getting serious.
"I informed the sandaime that I plan to make some changes in the council. I need someone to replace Koharu-san and Homura-san as advisors. They'd still be part of the council, but their role will be more political. I want you to be one of my advisors on the council. However, the position is conditioned to fulfilling your promise to Hizashi years ago. So, please tell me what you need to make it happen. You have my full support to confront the elders of your clan."
"I'm honored, Yondaime. However, I don't think there is anything we can do. My clan is rotten. I fear a war within the clan may break out if I do THAT, resulting in a civil war in Konoha." – said Hiashi. Sadness could be sensed in his voice.
"As your Hokage, I command you to tell me everything that is happening in your clan. I need to understand. I know the Hyugas made a deal with the Shodaime when they joined the village, but that was decades ago. If needed, I will take legal action to make things work. So, spill it out, Hiashi".
Hiashi sighed. He knew he should have come to the Sandaime years ago when he took the position as head of the clan, but he feared his father and the elders. He knew he should have reached Minato as soon as he became Hokage. His old friend never cared much for traditions, and as Hokage could do much good to help him with his clan.
"Usually, I would not have become head of the clan until my father's death. However, seven years ago, my father killed ten members of the branch family who rebelled against the main family. They were tired of the way they were treated. My father used the caged bird seal to kill them all and used them as an example for the rest of the branch family. Not even the elders agreed with my father's actions." – Hiashi was interrupted by the sandaime.
"How could that happen? Why didn't you tell me about it? You and the main family have covered such a thing for five years? Hiashi! What did you do with their bodies?" – The sandaime was furious. Minato was shocked. He couldn't believe his ears.
"I know we are despicable, Sandaime, Minato. We were at war at the time. So we made it look like they had died on the battlefield. After what my father did, the branch family feared us so much. The elders decided my father was no longer competent to be head of the clan. He was forced to make me his successor. He had no choice. The elders threatened to deliver him to you, sandaime, if he didn't step down. When I became head of the clan, I pretended to fulfill my promise. However, the branch family hates and resents the main family. If I remove the caged bird seal, I'm convinced they'd want revenge on the main family. I don't blame them for that. They deserve it, but, as I told you before. That would end in a civil war. Konoha would have to take a side, and things can only end badly in any scenario." – Hiruzen finally understood. Hiashi had promised his brother he would abolish the clan's main and branch family system.
"I see. It's settled, then. We'll help you, Hiashi. We can help you in negotiations with the branch family. But your father, he can't go unpunished. He must respond to his crimes against Konoha. After the funeral, I'll inform the village about the changes in the council. We'll start the negotiations with your clan after that. Your clan's elders won't be able to take any actions against you once you become part of the council. I'm glad to see you're still the man I knew, my friend." – Hiashi dropped happy tears. He should've done something years ago. He hoped it was not too late to amend his bond with his brother. After a small conversation, Hiashi was dismissed. The Yondaime and Sandaime were alone in Minato's office, or at least that's what they thought.
As soon as the door closed behind Hiashi, the Hokages heard a familiar voice coming from the window. – "I'm glad to see you are both OK. So, where is my godson?" – Jiraiya was standing outside Minato's office. He listened to most of his conversation with Hiashi.
"Sensei! You're here! It is so nice to see you." – Minato ran and hugged his sensei. Ever since his parents died, his sensei had been like a fatherly figure to him. – "It is nice to see you, too, boy. And you as well, Jiji" – "I'm not a boy anymore, sensei!" – Minato blushed.
Minato and Hiruzen told Jiraiya everything that had happened. He was glad his sensei arrived just in time to prevent Minato from using the Shiki Fujin. He was eager to see Kushina and meet his godson. However, the message he had received said his sensei was in his need. He needed to know what had happened. The old man must be grieving his late wife.
"So, Jiji. What did you need from me?" – asked the toad sannin.
"I'll be direct. I'm dying." – said the former Hokage. Both Minato and Jiraiya were astonished. "What do you mean, sensei?" – Jiraiya was genuinely disturbed by the news. The old man had always been the strongest shinobi he ever knew. He looked upon him. He always looked for his approval and recognition.
"I have cancer. It seems that smoking so much finally screwed me up. Biwako and the daimyo are the only ones who knew about it. Not even Koharu, Homura or Danzo knows. Biwako had been treating me to prevent the cancer from spreading. At the war's end, the Daimyo and I agreed to pardon Iwagakure's debt to achieve peace. The court and council members didn't take the decision so well. That's when I saw an opportunity. I convinced the daimyo to take all the responsibility for this decision myself, and as I expected, Danzo and a few court members demanded my resignation. I did it knowing that would happen. The daimyo was never happy about it. But I told him my sickness would prevent me from fulfilling my duties correctly. So, I stepped down and passed the mantle and the hat to you, Minato. My cancer has been attacking my chakra net and reserves. I grow weaker every day. Fighting the kyubi yesterday left me exhausted as I've ever been before. I had made peace with my fate and accepted my destiny; I could die knowing Konoha was in good hands. Now that's changed. Madara is a threat; I must recover my strength to protect Konoha. Tsunade is the only one who stands a chance to cure me and restore my chakra network. Jiraiya, I need you to bring Tsunade to Konoha no matter what it takes" – The sandaime finalized.
Minato and Jiraiya were taking it all in. Jiraiya had always told his sensei that smoking would kill him one day since he believed no one could ever kill his sensei in a fight. Minato felt sorry for the sandaime. Minato had an idea.
"I think I know how to get Tsunade-sama back to the village, sensei. She's always cared for Kushina. She is her aunt, after all. I'll go with you to bring her back. That way should be faster. I'll tell her Kushina needs her for treatment. That's not a lie entirely. Sandaime, would you act as interim Hokage while we're gone? If we leave tomorrow, we should be back before the funeral. I have marked Tsunade-sama before. So, if she is in my range, we'll be with her in no time." – Minato was looking forward to seeing Tsunade-sama. Kushina wanted her to marry Jiraiya-sensei, but she was too stubborn.
"I guess that'll work. We can leave tomorrow at dawn, kiddo. Sensei, why didn't you tell me anything? Had you told me, I could have brought Tsunade back years ago. You'll be all right, Jiji." – Jiraiya stood up and placed his hand on his sensei's shoulder. Hiruzen smiled at him.
"I'm moved, Jiraiya. You still care for this old man." – Hiruzen was happy to see his old student again and looking forward to seeing his other student.
Hiruzen went to his office in the tower and left Minato and Jiraiya alone.
"Why don't you take me to meet my godson, Minato" – and they both left for Minato's house.
"Jiraiya-sama! Come in!" – Kushina welcomed, grinning. "Here, take your godson." – said Kushina while placing Naruto in Jjiraiya's arms. – "This is your pervert godfather, Naruto. His name is Jiraiya-sensei, and he is one of the legendary sannin. He's daddy's sensei. You know, he is the one who named you. That's why he is your godfather. He is one of the strongest shinobi, and he is definitely the MOST PERVERT one." – said Kushina while gently touching Naruto's face.
Jiraiya made a funny face while replying – "There was no need to say that, Kushina!" – Jiraiya was blushing. Kushina and Minato couldn't stop laughing. Naruto looked at his godfather, clueless. The baby seemed to like him and gave him a smile and some giggles. Jiraiya noticed it and smiled back at his godson. He had always wanted to be a father, but he had decided that the only woman he would have children with was Tsunade, but she didn't love him back. He grew fond of Minato and thought of him as his son, which would make Naruto kind of his grandson.
Jiraiya spent the rest of the day with Minato and his family. They informed Kushina they'd leave the next day to go for Tsunade and about Hiruzen's sickness. She said she would stay in Minato's old apartment while they were gone. She didn't want to be alone, apart from everyone else. Kakashi kept guarding Minato's house even after he told them it was OK to leave. Kushina then invited him to go inside and have dinner with them.
Kakashi hadn't had dinner with others since Rin died. He felt so good surrounded by his sensei, Kushina and even the sannin. Naruto seemed to sleep so peacefully. He missed his father. He missed his mother, even though he barely remembered her. He missed Obito. He missed Rin. The nightmares from that day still haunted him. Only during the last few months that he had been looking after Kushina during her pregnancy he had found comfort in his sleep. Watching a new life develop somehow gave him comfort. And now, that life was snoring loudly just a few meters from him. He was happy. He was truly happy for the first time in years. Sitting at his sensei's table, he promised to protect that child from all harm, even if it cost him his life.
"Kakashi, I'm leaving tomorrow morning on a mission with Jiraiya-sensei. I need you to stay with Kushina at all times. I guessed it would be better if you slept over here today. You can sleep in Naruto's room. He won't use it for a while." – Minato commented to his last survivor student.
Kakashi was aghast. He wasn't sure it was a good idea. But he longed for a resemblance of a family. He gave in to his sentimentalism and agreed to stay at his sensei's.
Before they went to sleep, an ANBU appeared outside Minato's house. It was Kazan. A hawk from the land of fire arrived. The daimyo had informed the council that he would personally attend the ceremony funeral.
The following day, at dawn, Jiraiya and Minato left to search for Tsunade. The preparations for the funeral had started. The plan was to find Tsunade as soon as possible so that Minato, Jiraiya and Tsunade could escort the daimyo on his trip to Konoha. The fragile man had always wanted to experience Minato's teleportation, but Minato never agreed to it. This could be the daimyo's lucky day.
