Chapter-2

Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto.

Hi everyone, this is my first story. I hope you guys like it. Me and my friend decided to finally post it after so many discussions of yes and no. Please go easy on us and review. Thanks

"Settle Down, you all will be given your answers" Hiruzen ordered as he looked the commotion in the council room. The civilian members were afraid and hectic demanding answers. He wouldn't blame even the shinobi were murmuring still too terrified of the disaster that occurred. But things need to calm down and so damage reduction can begin.

Once the commotion stopped Hiruzen looked addressed the Konoha Council. Konoha like every major village has its own council. Although its size was much larger than that of any other village due to large no of clans and Konoha allowing civilians to have some say in the non-shinobi matters.

The council sat around a table with Hiruzen taking the Hokage seat again. On his right and left were the two elder Koharu and Homura, his old genin teammates. To their right were Danzo Shimura and the ANBU Commander respectively. Further ahead were the Jonin Commander Shikaku Nara and Head of Police Force Fugaku Uchiha. Heads of Konoha's elite clans came next Mikoto Uchiha, Hiashi Hyuga, Shibi Aburame, Tsume Inuzuka, Inoichi Yamanaka and Choza Akimichi. The Sarutobi and Nara seats empty due to their heads already having the position. Civilian representatives of Konoha's Market District, Housing Board, Farmer's Pact and Merchant Union all sat at the last.

"Lord Third where is Lord Fourth and why was the Nine-Tails here." questioned the representative of Housing Board. "Unfortunately, Lord Fourth and his wife are not with us anymore. They died protecting the village" Hiruzen announce with grimace

"What, Not Lord Fourth" "Lady Kushina too" came the voices of denial and mourning. Even to the shinobi it was shock. Their friends mourned silently to stunned to speak

"Silence, there is no time for mourning. We have to move forward. Hiruzen tell us how the nine-tails got out and what happened to it" exclaimed Danzo Shimura the War Hawk.

"A little consideration about your former leader would be right Danzo, but we have to move forward. As for Nine-Tails it's been taken care of, Lord Fourth sealed it into a child" Hiruzen answer again started the chaos. "Sealed, meaning it's still alive" "Kill the beast" "Why would you keep that monster in village" civilian representatives demanded for its head.

"Shut Up, you civilians have no right in the shinobi matters," said the ANBU Commander.

"No right, we live here too" "That beast destroyed all the crops" "Apartments, shops, houses all are gone" "How many people died" reprimanded the civilians.

"Lion is right, the beats have been the part of shinobi villages since the founding of hidden villages" Danzo again shut them down. "Danzo" "Why Hiruzen, they should know every major village knows about their jinchuriki. I don't understand why Hashirama-sama decided to hide it" Danzo's words ignited the civilians more.

"What are you hiding Lord Third" "Tell us" "Good, with Minato's death the political play is open again. Having these fools on my side will be beneficial." Was going through the war hawk's head.

"Fine" sigh "Hidden Villages has always contained the tailed beasts. There are 9 tailed beasts divided between the Five Major Villages. Suna having the Ichibi and Nanabi, Kiri with Sanbi and Rokubi, Iwa having Yonbi and Gobi, Kumo's Nibi and Hachibi and finally ours Kyuubi. These tailed Beasts were and are always sealed into humans called jinchuriki" Hiruzen explanation initially calmed them then only to create more questions.

"Wait we always had these monsters, why and why didn't anyone tell us", were the questions of Head of Farmer's Pact. "I am too old for this"

"Troublesome, tailed-beats has always a been a way to have soft power. Wars have been fought for them. The First War started due to Suna stealing Nanabi from Taki." Shikaku was the one explaining this time.

"Not only fought, but wars are changed due to them. Lord Fourth defeated the Hachibi jinchuriki Killer B with his brother A-IV and Sanin taking down Han and Yoshi of Iwa." Lion added to Shikaku's explanation.

"So, how did this attack happen. And who is the jinchuriki" another question arose. This time Fugaku Uchiha answered "The beast escaped probably due to last jinchuriki's death. And there is no need for you to know the new one's identity" "Although even he didn't know the jinchuriki's identity. But they will be briefed soon" Fugaku thoughts were interrupted by the shouts "That's not fair" "You don't make the rules here"

Danzo using this moment tried to capitalize "Before we can make further decisions about the village or the jinchuriki. It's important we elect a new Hokage"

"And who do you think it should be Danzo" Koharu for the first time intervened in the conversation. "I believe myself to be a capable candidate" was Danzo's response. "Absolutely not" came Fugaku's, Shikaku's and many others disagreements.

"No offence Danzo, but you are cripple now with your hand and eye gone in your battle against Ame rebels" Homura now spoke. "Currently we need to look strong in-front of other villages. And with all due respect a cripple Hokage is not the wat to go" were Lion's agreement.

"Why don't we have Lord Third take back the position for some time. If we are being honest, we don't much of a choice. Lord Third might still be the strongest here with the Sanin being his only competitors. And they are not exactly the best candidates. Tsunade-sama hasn't stepped foot in the village since war. Orochimaru-sama has been accused of some questionable acts and Jiraya-sama is simply not interested. He can be a good way to stabilize the village till someone from the next generation emerges" Shikaku suggestion was mostly met by agreement.

"So, it's decided. Welcome back Lord Third" Homura welcomed his old teammate.

"Although the circumstances are unfortunate. I will still try my best to get back our village to its former standing" Hiruzen speech brought back some confidence. "Let's talk about trivial matters now. Fugaku what's the causality rate." "Almost 5400 civilians died in the initial attack with estimates suggesting further 800 more from the escape. As for shinobi our 3200 lost their lives most being genin, chunin or police force members" Fugaku's response again brought back the grim reality of the situation.

Konoha was second largest village when came to population only Iwa having more. However, its civilian population was the largest which now was reduced by 13.5% but the major loss was their shinobi population being dwindled by 10.6%.

"The loss of life is grander than anything except the shinobi wars. It will take a lot refurnish that as we are still recovering from the Third war's losses" "We can try to reduce academy graduation age. Make the final graduation test easier" Koharu suggestion was seen controversially.

"Reducing the age by a couple of years is a novel solution but I'm not keen on making the Academy easier. Graduates are going to be failed by their jonin-sensei" Shikaku's argument just summed up entire room's thoughts.

"It's not like those failed graduates can't be put back in shape in reserve corps. Besides since most of the loss was of genin and chunin we can revert to things as they were" Homura supported his old teammate. And since nobody has better ideas, this was the way they are going.

After this, other matters such as destroyed homes, markets were addressed. The solution came in the form rebuilding the village with more apartments and orphanages instead of houses. And using the rest of the land to create larger market and farms to restore economy in a decade with the help from Daimyo.

Hiruzen was hoping to dismiss the meeting and done with it. His own wife has perished leaving his kids motherless. He has a responsibility their too but Danzo finally brought up the elephant in the room.

"Before we depart, what will happen to jinchuriki Hiruzen. Why don't you give him to me so he can be trained properly to be the village's weapon" "And his too" that went unspoken.

"You are not laying a finger to the jinchuriki Danzo. It was our late Fourth's wish that the jinchuriki should be raised normally and be seen as hero. Considering the second part isn't going to happen. I will still honour the first part. The child will be put in an orphanage and will be raised like any child of Konoha. And that's my final order. There won't be any further discussions."

The civilians and Danzo didn't like the idea. But both of them knew enough to go against an angry Hokage. With that the meeting ended leaving everyone to their own to mourn.

Jiraya was running back at full speed even faster than when Tsunade found him peeping on her. "How did that happen. Minato, Kushina they can't be that careless. Minato would have made sure everything was perfect. Even Kushina wouldn't have taken this all lightly. And sensei was there too. So how did this go wrong. And what have you left me in those scrolls Minato, something for the child or something happened at the delivery" Jiraya just ran because the only way he would get the answers was back in Konoha.

Seeing his home in this state was really tough for him. Streets and homes destroyed. Villagers trying to save any little possessions they can. Medical tents covering the village instead of its usual commotion. Nobody paid the Sanin any attention which was contrast to his usual visits. Jiraya just hurried towards the Hokage tower with just one hope that its sensei who is still in-charge.

Hiruzen wasn't surprised seeing Jiraya entering through his window. His only student who cared about the village still. Tsunade hasn't even dropped a message even after this tragedy. And Orochimaru returned and was surprised only to ask for another high rank mission in the excuse of that missions still need to be done. Hiruzen would have believed that if there was a little bit of concern in his eyes or voice. But this showed that his decision of appointing Minato was right because Orochimaru didn't care about the village anymore. He was still loyal but more of his own reasons than the Will of Fire.

"You look like hell sensei" "So do you Jiraya" "Sensei how did this happen. Minato wasn't stupid he would have taken every precaution there is. Even Kushina was serious about the child. So, what the fuck just happened" Jiraya almost screamed at the end. He hasn't lost his composure in years. He might fool around but that was coping mechanism of his shinobi career than this. Hiruzen understood this and was thankful that at least one of his students still cared. But then again for Jiraya this was personal too.

"We don't know, every ANBU, medic and even Biwako were found dead at the delivery site" "What Biwako too. I am sorry sensei" The old man has lost his wife and it was another loss for Jiraya. The women had helped him a lot when he was a kid in Team 7. Even after that she still treated them like kids. Another person he lost in one night.

"Thank you. The only thing I know is that there was outside interference. Fugaku Uchiha claimed the fox was already being controlled when he tried to subdue it" Sarutobi explained "Controlled, maybe that's what he meant" Jiraya said more to himself "What" "Minato left something in his home. Scrolls to be exact, Gerotora told me when he gave me the seal's key"

"Speaking of seal where is Naruto" questioned the Sanin "Naruto is safe he is currently in the medical ward with ANBU watching over him. Waiting to be placed in an orphanage"

"Orphanage are kidding me. Why are you putting Minato's and Kushina's kid in orphanage. People would be waiting in line to adopt him" Jiraya demanded

"Nobody is waiting because nobody knows about his heritage. He is jinchuriki that's enough to rule out the civilian family. Shinobi families can't protect from him from his parent's enemies. That only leaves clans and the boy is too big of a political influence to give him to any clan" Hiruzen clarified

Jiraya understood that but it's not right. Naruto should grow up in a loving family not in rundown orphanage. "I will accept that sensei but I don't like it" "Neither do I Jiraya. Neither do I. But that's what is best for both Naruto and the village. Now let's look at those scrolls and see what Minato left for us"

An ANBU left to get the scrolls. While Jiraya learnt more about what has happened in the village. Hearing Orochimaru not showing any concern was troubling but not as much Tsunade not even sending a message. It's been two days the since the attack, the whole Fire Nation basically knew now. She would have done so much good if she was here. He will stay try to help as much he can and probably will donate something, help to stabilize the land for farming. But Jiraya was no medic at this time he was nothing but a glorified labour.

There discussion was interrupted by Panther arrival with the two scrolls. Hiruzen and Jiraya looked at the scrolls. One was named Naruto and the other was named Jiraya. Jiraya took the scroll and opened it on Sandaime's desk to read.

Dear Sensei,

If you are reading this means I am no more. I don't have much time left, well I am shadow clone and the original is taking care of the fox. So, I will to make as brief as possible. Sensei we were attacked after the birth by a masked man claiming to be Madara Uchiha. I don't know whether he was Madara or not but he was strong. Strong to put the fox in a genjutsu while simultaneously being able to fight me.

He has space-time ninjutsu even greater than mine. Making him immune to all attacks physical and chakra based except at moment when he attacks you. I wasn't able to finish him. And I believe he will be back when I don't know. He claimed that he doing this for peace. Men with these convictions are dangerous and stubborn. You would know that won't you.

I am going to seal the nine-tails in Naruto as he is the only capable of holding the beast. But I won't be able to seal to full beast into. His yin core hasn't developed. So, I will take half of the beast with me. Naruto can have it when he is ready.

Speaking of Naruto, please protect him sensei. I hope I am wrong but I know that he will be put in orphanage due his heritage and jinchuriki status. But please keep an eye on him. Please take him as student, jinchuriki are formidable but with the masked man his jinchuriki's power aren't going to be much help. He will need to be an exceptional shinobi on its own to take him down. And who better than you to train. You made me the Fourth Hokage, I know you will make Naruto better. Tell Naruto about us when he becomes a shinobi. Give him our scrolls too. Teach him Rasengan, I know he will complete it where we failed.

I know I am making many requests. But one more, please look after Kakashi too. He is stupid knowing him he will probably distance himself like he did as kid. Take care of him, he might be a jonin but he still a kid who doesn't know any better.

At last, thank you Jiraya Sensei. You are the man who made me Fourth Hokage and I don't think there is better man than you. So, thank you for raising me and take care of yourself don't drown in sake and women. Talk to Mikoto and Teuchi too they will tell you the same.

Goodbye

Reading Minato's letter brought tears in Jiraya's eye even Hiruzen felt how much Jiraya meant to Minato through that short passage. It's great his student had found someone who admired him like that. And that man himself was Konoha's greatest Kage.

Jiraya was still in shock, there were lot emotions going in his head. Gratefulness that Minato admired him that much. Even though he didn't do that much. Minato would have flourished with any good teacher. But still for the boy to credit him that much humbling. Then came anger at the that so called Madara for killing his student, at himself for not being there. But at last came the sense of duty in the strongest fashion. The duty to protect Naruto and the village. The duty to raise Naruto to be an amazing man and shinobi, the way Minato and Kushina would have. He will take care of that little tyke, look after Kakashi brat and even his own remaining students too. Because Minato would have. Jiraya was snapped out of his thoughts by his teacher.

"Jiraya are you all right" came his teacher's worried voice

"Yeah, you know Minato tried to tell me this before. But I always stopped him saying he was sap. Maybe I shouldn't have. It would have far better to hear this from his mouth than this letter"

"In our profession it's important to be open with each other because we don't know when will be our last conversation." Hiruzen said with mirth

"Yeah, so what are we gonna do now. We have to protect Naruto till he strong enough to protect himself" Jiraya's question was sure concerning, the masked man surely posted a threat if he as strong as Minato. And Naruto's jinchuriki status wasn't going to help since the masked man could control the fox. This was a very troubling situation.

"We are going to call the council. The civilians don't need to know but the shinobi should be verified of the threat" with those words Hiruzen prepared for another headache.

This was the second time in the last couple of days a meeting was called. Clan Heads didn't like that their clans needed them at these times.

"Hokage-sama what's the need for this meeting. As you know our clans also have suffered losses and is in our need" Shibi Aburame's calm voice asked the question of everyone's head.

"I apologize for calling you all at these times. But the matter is too important to ignore. Some of you might not know but the nine-tails attack was planned manoeuvre. I had this speculation when Fugaku claimed that the beast was controlled"

"What, controlled by who" "There is someone who can control the Kyuubi" "How does Fugaku knows that" came the questions of Tsume Inuzuka, Inoichi Yamanaka and Danzo Shimura respectively.

"Yes, there is, we found this about from a scroll Minato left for us" Jiraya was the one who answered. "Jiraya-sama you are saying Lord Fourth left a scroll with answers. What does it say?" "Not much other than our attacker is self-proclaimed Madara Uchiha" Jiraya answer not silenced the Commander but also whole room.

Uchiha Madara was not some random name. He was one of founders of the Hidden Leaf. Was considered arguably the second strongest shinobi after the First Hokage. Nobody doubted that someone Madara could control the fox. But the fearsome thing was how was the legendary Uchiha alive. He was killed by the First in the greatest battle in shinobi history. And even by some miracle he was why was he hunting the Kyuubi.

"Madara, are you joking sensei. Madara is long dead. Even if he isn't he should be in 80s nowhere near be able to attack" Mikoto gulped "I'm not Mikoto, I'm telling what Minato has written. Besides the man wore a mask there is no confirmation he Madara" Jiraya calmed down his student.

"The possibility of the intruder being Madara is terrifying but unwanted. Madara from what I remember was very prideful. He would never wear a mask. The man loved to make sure his enemies knew who crushed them" Koharu one of the few who has seen the legendary figure spoke.

"I am inclined towards Koharu. Madara probably wouldn't need the fox to destroy is he wanted. Except Hashirama-sama he didn't had any equal. Our intruder is probably someone who is using the man's name" Homura added his own advice. "But for what reason" came the voice of Akio Sarutobi, new head of Sarutobi clan and Hiruzen's daughter.

"Why Akio-san for the simple reason of intimidation. The name of Madara Uchiha carries much more weight than any other Uchiha's own name" Hiashi's sharp tone was not only to answer but to point finger at his rivals.

"Other Uchiha. How do you know it's Uchiha. I have told you before it could be rouge. Our Clan has nothing to do with this" Fugaku took the bait and response was filled with barely controlled rage.

"But Fugaku-san you yourself admitted you can tame the beast. You have to understand it is normal for us to presume the attacker was from the clan with that ability." Danzo's accusation might seem normal but Hiruzen knew Danzo's old grudges were still in favour.

Mikoto was the one who spoke this time, knowing her husband might aggravate the things, "Not every Uchiha can control the beast Danzo-san. Some strong like myself and my husband can calm it down. But full-fledged control is beyond the capabilities of normal Sharingan."

"You said normal Sharingan Mikoto-san, means there is another form too" The Commander caught the important part and asked. "That's clan secret commander" Fugaku shut him down

"Normally clans are allowed to have their secrets. But it's my request you explain this for everyone Mikoto, Fugaku." The Hokage's request calmed Fugaku down. He locked eyes with wife and came to conclusion.

"Fine, but we need your word that this doesn't go out of this room" Fugaku demand was met by the Third "Anyone who ever spoke about this outside will be executed without any trial" This was enough for the couple as Mikoto started her explanation.

"The Sharingan at base has three stages. But there is another hidden one called Mangekyo Sharingan. Calling it a stage is an understatement as it more of an evolution. The Mangekyo not only allows use to control the tailed beast. It also gives other unmatchable abilities too like a fire that even burns water or genjutsu that can put you in coma." "Or a space-time ninjutsu" Jiraya interruption was met with strange glances "Minato wrote that the intruder had a space-time ninjutsu even better than his"

"A space-time ninjutsu that's better that of Fourth. Troublesome" Shikaku said rubbing his head

"Could be, Mangekyo is full of mysteries Madara and his brother Izuna were the last two people to awaken. So, there isn't much knowledge about it" Mikoto's explanation was troubling.

Sharingan on its own was a very strong doujutsu, but this evolved form was far more concerning. If that masked Uchiha really have this kind of power than that is truly concerning.

"How do someone awaken this Mangekyo" Fugaku wasn't surprised it was the war hawk who asked this. Mikoto has to tread this carefully. "Like I said its mysterious there are many theories, some say when a Uchiha reaches a certain level of strength like Madara, some say when an Uchiha descends into madness it awakens. For some it's the loss of a loved one. Some say it's the combination of all three" This again was more confusing then, it was helpful. "She wasn't going to tell the war hawk how Mangekyo works. The Naka Shrine has express knowledge about Mangekyo but the council only needs to know about its threat. There was no need to spill out clan secrets. In their world half-truths are far better than outright truths or lies."

Mikoto thoughts were interrupted by the Nara head rumbling, "So we have a rouge Uchiha who is as strong as Madara after our jinchuriki. And he can control tailed beasts so normal way of letting the beasts out isn't going to work too. Troublesome"

"What are we gonna with the jinchuriki Hokage-sama. An orphanage is too dangerous for him. Maybe he can be given to a clan or a shinobi family" Lion's suggestion was scene positively by the clan heads having a jinchuriki loyal to their clan was surely beneficial. It basically made any clan the strongest in the village. Their schemes were cut by Hiruzen's denial.

"Unfortunately, that's not possible. From now on what I will be sharing shouldn't be spoken ever outside this room. The same execution penalty is applied to anyone relying this information elsewhere. The jinchuriki can't be given to any clan or shinobi family is because the boy is not any random orphan. He is last heir of Uzumaki clan and Fourth Hokage's legacy"

Third's answer was met by a complete silence "Fourth's legacy" "Uzumaki heir" "Their kid survived. That idiot he didn't, he fucking sealed the fox into his own child" were thoughts of Inoichi, Danzo and Mikoto

"Lord Third you are saying that Minato sealed the fox into his own son" "That's what I am saying Choza. The child holds too much of a political pull, if any clan gets him the balance of power between the clans will surely shift" Hiruzen's argument was compelling.

Its, no brainer that every clan will try to exploit the boy. He is basically a guaranteed clan head once he grows with ties to a Sanin. And Minato was heavily liked in the Daimyo's family, his child if raised properly will receive the same treatment. For every clan that's the political goldmine. Heck even no-name shinobi families can have the status of a clan with him.

"So, what are you gonna do Hiruzen. The child is unsafe in orphanage with the masked man after him"

"I might have the solution. After the Third war a lot of ANBU have retired. I can have them open shops or do jobs around the boy's orphanage. They will alert us if something is suspicious. The orphanages are going to build make the sure his is built near Police Head Station. Fugaku can others can intervene too" Lion was the one who answered Koharu's question.

And this was met fairly with agreements after all nobody has any better ideas. They just hoped they can protect him and raise him to be strong enough to take down the masked Uchiha. Because nobody wanted to guess what will happens if their intruder got his hands on the Nine-Tails. And with that the meeting was adjourned again.