Forewarning, this chapter is dark...
(3 years after Kyuubi attack)
It had been only four days before the festival celebrating the defeat of the Kyuubi and the sacrifice made by those who had fought the great demon. Uzumaki Naruto had somehow snuck out of the orphanage without the elderly matron catching him. When it was discovered that he was missing the Hokage had immediately ordered a village wide search by the ANBU. The black ops unit had found the boy in a small out of the way clearing in the forest, but the scene that the Hokage arrived at was anything but pleasant.
Naruto had been savagely beaten. The boy's blood was everywhere and there was so much of it one would have thought the boy would have been bled dry. His clothes were torn and charred looking, barely covering the young body. Having the shirt almost completely ripped open allowed the gathered ninja to see how the skin had been almost peeled from the torso and showed the pieces of rib broken through the muscle.
His head and face had been bashed repeatedly, probably with one of the bloody bricks nearby. The beating had been so bad that both eyes were swollen shut and the surrounding bruises had grown to the point of nearly bursting. Around his mouth were small flecks of white that if Sarutobi and the ANBU had not been the combat tested shinobi that they were they would have not recognized as pieces of Naruto's small teeth. His right ear looked as if it had been partially pulled off while the left appeared as nothing more than charred flesh.
Naruto's right leg was twisted completely around below the knee and his left leg had a compound facture with the femur sticking out through the side of the small child's thigh. His right hand had been mashed until it resembled something akin to raw meat. The right arm was slashed wide open to the point where the muscles had begun to peel back and the bone had become visible. Of course that bone was also broken in several places so it was difficult to tell where the greatest damage was done on the arm. When Sarutobi shifted his gaze to Naruto's left side he was aghast that the part of Naruto's left arm from the elbow down was simply gone.
Taking in the scene the old Hokage had felt a mixture of sorrow, anger, and shame boil up within him to the point where he felt sick. At least that is what he would later convince himself had made him feel ill and not the remains he saw before him that day.
Feeling tears begin to well up in his eyes the Sandaime had started to give orders. His first was to find the ones who had done this. He was especially clear that if the parties involved resisted then the ANBU operatives were to exercise the part of their training and charter that allowed them to execute a resisting criminal without trial. He had been happy to note that two of the ANBU captains present, one wearing the mask of a cat and the other that of a weasel, were quick to carry out the order and seemed to share little qualm in avenging the child who had been the vessel of the demon kitsune.
His second order was to the medical ninja and the seal specialists that had accompanied him. They would assist him in preserving the body and making sure the seal had taken affect so that the Kyuubi followed poor Naruto into the next world. After that the body would need to be prepared for cremation and burial. However, when the medic-nins had moved forward to place a preservation jutsu on the body so that it could be attended to one of the greatest surprises of Sarutobi's life, if not all of the lives of the individuals present, happened.
Naruto suddenly convulsed as air seemed to be forcefully taken into his lungs. Quickly the medics had rushed forward in attempt to save the boy who was miraculously not dead, as they had all assumed from the condition he was found in. When the medics then started to apply healing chakra and jutsus to the boy's mangled body the next greatest surprise to all those present occurred.
The medic-nins were blown backwards head-over-heals as a torrent of blood red demonic chakra exploded forth from Naruto.
The ANBU had immediately taken up positions to attack and defend depending on what occurred and even the Sandaime felt himself fall into a rough battle stance in preparation for the potential return of the Kyuubi. However, all present were even more startled by what began to occur before their eyes.
The chakra seemed to wrap Naruto in a protective shell, even going so far as to make a faux limb where the rest of his left arm should be. The red chakra had then begun to bubble and hiss as Naruto's wounds began to heal themselves.
His ribs made sickening pops as they were forced back into place and fused together as if new. The skin on his torso then began to look as if it were melting as it restructured itself to lose the cells that were already dead and merge with the new cells that were rapidly forming whole new layers of skin to cover the areas that had been ripped away.
His legs and right arm made horrible cracking noises as bone was pushed, pulled, and twisted back to its original position. A slight fizzing sound seemed to occur as the skin reformed and began to seal together without assistance. Naruto's right hand seemed to spasm as the shards of bone within it reconstituted themselves into the many intricate working joints and the muscle wrapped itself around them to make the hand function again.
Several ANBU lost there control and had to remove their mask as they vomited at the sight occurring before them. Sarutobi felt for them as he was barely holding down his own gag reflex and the small lunch that he had consumed. His focus was diverted for a second as he heard one of the medic-nin loudly and rapidly praying to whatever god or gods may be listening and quickly turned his gaze upon where the man was looking.
By this time Naruto's head had reared back as the flesh was pulled taught and the blood that had filled the swollen bruises about his eyes drained down his cheeks and onto the ground as his ears were reformed. As the flesh repaired itself Naruto's mouth opened wide as if in a silent scream only to reveal to those present the new teeth that were being pushed through rapidly healing gums. But that was not what had drawn the attention of the medic-nin pleading for some form of divine salvation; no that was reserved to what was occurring where the faux limb had been created on Naruto's absent left limb.
Where there had been nothing below the elbow before a sight both wondrous and horrifying was happening. Bone seemed to grow from nothing and was elongating down and splitting to form the needed forearm, wrist joint, and hand with a sound much akin to that of a bizarre mix of squirming maggots, bending wood, and squishing sludge. This sound intensified as brand new muscles, tendons, and ligaments began to form on the new bone as if the bone was secreting them. Finally, the sound was replaced by the low fizzing sound that seemed to accompany the growth of new skin.
With all of the wounds that had been seen upon arrival gone the demonic chakra seemed to pulse once before seeming to fade back into Naruto's little body. This left the almost three year old boy looking as if he was simply sleeping and nothing untoward had occurred, albeit the boy was now completely naked as the remains of his clothing had seemed to disappear under the chakra's influence in what could only be called an eerie mix of evaporation and incineration.
The Sandaime Hokage upon seeing that nothing else was occurring and that the crimson chakra of the Kyuubi could no longer be sensed outright began to move forward only to be stopped by an outstretched arm belonging to one of the ANBU captains that had remained to oversee the scene.
"I am sorry Hokage-sama, but the danger may not have passed," the man began. "We can't know if the boy is still himself or if the fox is now in control. I don't think it is wise to..."
Her protest was cutoff as the aging Hokage gently pushed her arm down and began forward while motioning to the senior medic that had accompanied him earlier.
Kneeling down next to Naruto with the middle-aged medic he started, "I want you to check to make sure everything is where it should be and what Naruto's current health is while I check the seal for damage."
Nodding silently in agreement the two men soon set about their tasks with diagnostic jutsus flaring and scanning every inch of the young vessel's body. Upon completion the two men rose and the Hokage signaled for one of the ANBU to get something to wrap the boy in.
Looking to the medic-nin as well as the others present, Sarutobi decided to break the silence with his findings, "The seal is still present and appears to be undamaged. Apparently the fox sees Naruto as an investment and doesn't yet wish to see what death is like."
This statement caused a few nervous chuckles from the gathered ninja as they were still wary of what had just occurred. Sarutobi could hardly blame them as it is not everyday that one witnesses someone miraculously cheat death in such a blatant display.
Seeing the senior medic wishing to report his findings Sarutobi turned to the anxious man while a young female ANBU gently picked up Naruto and wrapped him in a discarded ANBU cloak, cradling him close to her shoulder so that he would be supported. This caused a slight smile to play on the Sandaime's lips as it was an indication that not all those in the village hated and feared the young boy as he turned to regard the medic.
"Hokage-sama, I have checked all of Uzumaki's vitals and his entire body for damage," the man nervously began. "I can't find any sign of his wounds from before, not even a single scar," the man said showing great confusion. "As far as I can tell he is in perfect condition, but I would like to get him back to the hospital to run a few more tests before I can be certain."
Seeing the conviction in the man to follow his oath as a healer, even if he was currently suffering from a major bout of fear and confusion at what he had just witnessed, Sarutobi nodded before issuing orders to that regard.
"I want Naruto under constant guard," he ordered the remaining ANBU. "One of you go and retrieve the matron at the orphanage. Take her to the hospital; she must be worried sick about what is going on. She is the only one allowed in and out to see Naruto other than myself and whoever you can vouch for Kenji," Sarutobi said while glancing at the senior medic who nodded in acknowledgement.
"Another group of you go and inform the council and the shinobi that have gathered that I will address them shortly, as I am sure many have felt the release of chakra here and are contemplating foolish actions without knowing what is actually happening," he began. "Make sure order is maintained as many are liable to panic and start rioting if given half a chance. I don't care if you have to arrest them just make sure the situation is contained."
With a chorus of 'Hai' the ANBU dispersed to accomplish there tasks while Sarutobi turned to regard Kenji who was still standing next to him as the other medics were racing back to the hospital to begin their own assigned tasks. They were hand picked by Kenji so Sarutobi was confident that they would not attempt to harm Naruto.
"There is something else you didn't say before Kenji," the aging Sandaime began. "We are alone now so what ever you have to say right now is between you and me."
Kenji felt himself shake slightly as he let out a breath before he began, "Hokage-sama, I have been a medic for a long time now. I started as one of the last students Tsunade trained before she left and since then I have striven to become as best a healer as I can..."
Sarutobi noticed Kenji pause for a moment and could tell the man was carefully trying to pick his words so as to convey exactly what he was feeling.
"I can say without hesitation," He continued, "that I have seen some horrible sights in my day. I'll even admit that I have seen worse wounds before, as hard as that is to believe. But, I have never seen that degree of wounds on someone still alive!"
The Hokage reached a hand out to steady the now visibly shaking Kenji. To see a medic-nin of Kenji's caliber and experience so disturbed by the initial wounds caused a tinge of fear to form in the elder man's mind.
"I can't tell you what just happened," Kenji began again having gotten hold of his shaking and looking his Hokage in the eye with a stern gaze. "What we witnessed is a medical miracle, but I can't think that it will not be without cost. I wish Tsunade-sama was here as she would be better able to diagnose the situation than myself, but I can tell you this. What we saw just now, was not medically possible and by all rights that kid should be dead."
Hearing the conviction in Kenji's voice and having been witness to the event himself, the Sandaime silently agreed with the assessment. Turning to go and deal with the panic that would almost assuredly be spreading through the village despite the best efforts of the ANBU, he was stopped by one final statement from Kenji.
"I will do what I can to limit the information surrounding this event," Kenji began. "But you must know that those who hate and fear the boy will discover it and seek to use it against him and you. Be careful Hokage-sama, we can't afford to lose you."
(6 years after Kyuubi attack)
He was tired, the years were beginning to take their toll. Already his once chocolate brown hair and small beard had begun to turn a grayish white. He wasn't supposed to be doing this job again. No he was supposed to be enjoying spending time with his little grandson and being a better grandfather than he had been a father. Unfortunately the best laid plans do not often survive when the unknown variables of the real world come crashing down.
The Sandaime Hokage could only sigh as he smoked his pipe. Standing on top of the Hokage Tower, looking up at the faces carved into the mountain before him his thoughts wandered to both his predecessors and his successor.
Stopping upon the thought of the Yondaime and how it should be him standing here now. Sarutobi's thoughts turned to that night just a little over six years ago when the village had been besieged by the great nine-tailed demon fox. Biting down lightly on the tip of his pipe he could not help but grumble out, "Damn you for being so courageously foolish."
That night had seen more death and destruction for Konoha than any other in its history. The Kyuubi had been relentless; caring not who or what it killed and destroyed. Neither shinobi nor civilian was spared by the great bijuu as it burned a path through the forest surrounding the village before it broke through the great wall and began its rampage within the outer limits of the village itself.
The old man shuddered for a moment remembering the horror that had been unleashed as the Kyuubi devoured some, ground others into small bloody smears, and simply incinerated many with its demonic chakra. The danger had not only lain in the deadly teeth and claws of the beast, but also its massive nine tails. Those tails had torn up the landscape and seemed to cause small earthquakes that cracked many of the village's buildings.
All had seemed hopeless as wave after wave of Konoha shinobi threw themselves at the demon in an effort to save their home, their loved ones, and their fellow leaf-nin. Yet at the moment that everything seemed ready to finally fall apart the Yondaime had appeared upon the battlefield and ended the one-sided conflict with what most of those present remember only as a giant flash of brilliant light.
Taking a long, slow puff from his pipe the elderly Sarutobi couldn't help but recall the moment that Minato had come to him with the idea of sealing the fox. He had been somewhat horrified when he had been informed that only a newborn infant could hope to act as the vessel to contain the beast. He had been even more horrified when Minato had presented his own son, not even an hour old, to be used.
He had argued vehemently with Minato to allow him to be the one to do the sealing. Yes, he may have been already injured from having just come from the battle, but he was old and the village needed its young hero and leader. He had thought that he had convinced Minato when the younger Hokage had suddenly lashed out. The strike to his already broken ribs had driven the Sandaime to his knees and into the blackness of unconsciousness. He heard the words whispered to him before he went to sleep...
"Don't tell a soul, only Kushina will know."
He hadn't woken until it was far too late to stop what was happening.
His mind wandered to the image of a newborn baby suddenly being bathed in a crimson light as the seal drawn on its belly in blood became a permanent part of the child's own soul. Then there was that high pitch crying that followed. Whether it was from the pure pain and anguish that must have been felt from having the seal and with it the power, the rage of the Kyuubi burnt into both the infant's flesh and soul or if it was perhaps the child somehow knew that in that moment it had become an orphan Sarutobi would probably never know.
Speaking of said child Sarutobi felt his mood grow even darker as the boy had become a main topic of debate in the council sessions of late. Despite the law that he had passed restricting all knowledge of the sealing and the identity of the vessel it seemed that no matter how tightly he clamped down on the information some of it was bound to slip out. At least what information had slipped wasn't too detrimental and the individuals who had used that information were now enjoying a nice 'chat' with one Morino Ibiki.
The wizened Hokage soundly felt himself pulled from his thoughts as he felt a presence land upon the roof with him. Though the presence was unexpected he knew he had nothing to fear as he turned to come face to face with his own son, Sarutobi Asuma.
The young jounin was taller than his father and had the slight stubble of a beard outlining his jaw line. With dark black hair and a more muscular build the younger Sarutobi took more after his mother's side of the family than he did his father. Having landed gracefully and without nearly a sound the young man pulled out a silver lighter and small white cigarette.
"You know those are bad for you right?" the elder Sarutobi asked while eyeing his offspring with a slight bit of curiosity.
Shrugging his shoulders while lighting up anyway Asuma replied, "Never stopped you. Anyways Asuka won't let me smoke around Konohamaru, so I decided to track you down for her and see if you would be stopping in."
The elder Sarutobi chuckled slightly thinking of his daughter and grandson. The boy was quickly nearing his 'terrible twos' and the toddler was becoming quite the handful for his mother. It didn't help that Asuma, playing the good old uncle card, was attempting to spoil the boy rotten. Speaking of which that reminded him that he should make sure to pop in and see his first and only grandchild; he had his own spoiling to do.
Chuckling at the thought of how it would drive his daughter up the wall he decided that yes he really did hate having to do this job again. He had already been Hokage longer than his predecessors before selecting the Yondaime and here he was now back in the position. One would think he was either attempting to set a record or was a glutton for punishment, perhaps even both if the person doing the reasoning was one Maito Gai.
Dismissing that thought quickly, as he had no need to get an even worse headache than he already had by thinking of the exuberant new jounin, the aging Hokage began to speak to his son.
"I saw you in the council meeting today," he began. "You didn't stay around for long afterwards."
Shrugging once again the younger Sarutobi took a puff of his cigarette before responding, "What can I say, places to go and people to see."
"Those people wouldn't happen to be some impressionable young thing now would it?" the elder questioned with a gleam in his eye.
Coughing hard after nearly swallowing his cigarette Asuma quickly retorted, "Iie! I didn't...I mean I wouldn't...Fuck!"
Seeing his son stumble because of the insinuation that there was a nice young lady out here waiting for him caused a great deal of mirth to enter the old Hokage's laughter.
"There wasn't a girl," began the embarrassed jounin.
Seeing an excellent point to pick at his son the Sandaime quickly said, "A young man then, you know your sister and I would never judge you Asuma and that the family loves you irregardless of your..."
"Otousan!" the irate Asuma suddenly yelled cutting off his sire and losing the cigarette from his mouth.
Giving a hearty laugh the elder man brought up his hands in a show of placating his irritated son while said young man ground his fallen cigarette out lowly grumbling about crazy old men needing to be put in the 'Old Shinobi's Home'.
Giving his son time to cool down, which in Asuma's case meant smoking an entire cigarette before lighting up another to actually enjoy, the Sandaime Hokage slowly began to think about what he originally was going to ask his son.
Seeing that Asuma had calmed down and was now slowly enjoying what was his third cigarette in the presence of his father, the elder Sarutobi began.
"I had hoped to speak with you after the meeting let out," the old man began wearily. "I wanted to get your impression on what was discussed and..."
"You mean you want to know what I think of the boy," Asuma interjected before his father could continue.
Seeing the silent nod from the older man Asuma warily asked, "Am I talking to the Hokage right now or my tousan?"
"I can't simply divorce one from the other Asuma, you know that," the Sandaime stated. "But if you mean can you speak candidly to me then by all means speak what you have to say."
Sighing quietly before beginning the young jounin moved to the railing next to where his father stood.
"Knowing what I do about the boy and even taking into account what little you have let loose about the sealing, I would have to agree with many of the points made by the council," stated Asuma as he heard the slight intake of breath that signaled that his father was surprised. Moving quickly to finish his piece before he was possibly reprimanded, Asuma continued, "I mean no disrespect to you Otousan, but..."
Hearing the hesitation in his son's voice the elder Sarutobi gave a slight nod before saying, "Say what you wish Asuma."
Seeing the nod and hearing his father's words Asuma pressed ahead while turning to fully face his sire and letting his voice take on an edge that cut deeply into his father's heart.
"The boy is dangerous! Many of the others can sense it, why can't you?" Asuma said vehemently.
Suddenly fearing he may have overstepped his bounds Asuma surreptitiously began to scrutinize his father for any sign that the old man may lash out. However, what he saw struck him harder than any blow that could have physically harmed him.
The old Hokage looked as if someone had stacked the entire weight of the world upon his back and then kicked his knees out from under him. Asuma had never before seen his father look so tired and it suddenly pained him that he had in a way caused this sudden show of age by the elder Sarutobi.
"Otousan, I...," Asuma began to apologize only to quiet as he saw his father's eyes snap up to hold his own. The fire that burned in those eyes was a complete antithesis to what Asuma had seen in his father before he attempted to apologize.
"Do you really think that way Asuma?" the Sandaime growled out. "Do you think that he is nothing more than a monster given human form or are you afraid that the Kyuubi has or will take over and destroy us while we sleep?"
Asuma attempted to answer but the glare he received made his voice refuse to utter his answer.
"I thought I raised you far better than that Asuma," the old Hokage stated angrily. "I thought I taught you to be rational and follow logic and the evidence in order to formulate your conclusions and opinions."
"I am following the evidence and being rational about this!" Asuma retorted heatedly. "Stop believing you owe that fucker Minato and look at the evidence! The boy broke another child's wrist a few months ago, he is constantly disappearing from the orphanage and causing trouble in the village, and even more important you seem to forget what happened only a few days before the festival three years ago!"
The elder Sarutobi stopped his retort as his mind ran back to the event Asuma mentioned and caused the aging Sandaime to look back and regard Kenji's words as prophetic. Everything that could have been done was. Kenji had sealed the medical files to the highest level after determining that Naruto was not at risk for the moment from either the miraculously healed wounds or the demon that had been the source of that healing. The Hokage had returned to the village and quickly taken charge of the near mass panic that gripped the village.
He felt blessed that only seven individuals had to be arrested before most of those who had gathered after feeling the burst of energy had calmed down enough to listen to his explanation of the situation. The calm hadn't lasted long after that but it wasn't as bad as before and he, along with a few others that were either protective of Naruto or simply neutral to whole situation and merely wanted to not witness their own village be torn apart from the inside, dealt with the small crisis.
A group of angry and drunk civilians led by a rather drunk and disgruntled chunin were apprehended by the ANBU. These individuals were all now enjoying a fond stay at Konoha's military prison after having been interrogated by both Morino Ibiki and the Hokage himself. Apparently there were a few more who were involved, but the two ANBU captains that had led the investigation decided to follow the Hokage's orders to the letter.
As for Naruto, the boy had woken up the afternoon before his birthday as if he had in fact been simply taking an extra long nap rather then the near death experience that had actually occurred. Other than being startled that he was in the hospital and not back in his bed at the orphanage, Naruto's only other problem seemed that the boy had an insatiable appetite that had only been satisfied after a large ramen binge at Ichiraku's that had left the Hokage's wallet feeling a few pounds lighter. What was more startling then the boy's near endless love for and ability to consume ramen was the fact that he couldn't remember anything about the event other than he had gone to explore and find some flowers for the matron and then next he was waking up in the hospital.
The old Hokage couldn't help but shake his head slightly at the boy's ability to apparently bounce back from almost dieing with his trademark foxy grin.
Although it was smaller now that he thought about it and his eyes were a little darker...
Shifting his focus back to the matter at hand the elder Sarutobi began to address his son, "What you refer to is immaterial. The incident where the child was supposedly injured by Naruto was a simple playground scuffle where the other child went to push Naruto only to miss. The resulting fall caused the injury and I hardly see how Naruto can be blamed for that."
Looking Asuma in the eye he continued with the same steely tone marking that he would not take kindly to being interrupted.
"The incident that occurred before the festival was a one time occurrence and the seal is still functioning properly, we need not worry about the fox escaping," he continued while puffing energetically on his pipe. "As for Naruto's ability to disappear from the orphanage...well many young children are curious and love to explore, especially when they are told not too. You were no exception, if I recall your mother had to contact me several times when you went through the same phase."
"I'm surprised you even bothered to notice," Asuma replied indignantly.
The elder Sarutobi was taken aback for a moment before asking, "What is that supposed to mean?"
Asuma speared his father with another hard glare before he continued, "I mean you were barely ever around when any of us were growing up so it's hard to imagine you actually know anything about what things were like."
The aging Sandaime felt his heart plummet as he recognized the truth in his son's words. He had been so busy as Hokage that he had little time to spare when it came to his family. He had missed birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays all in order to preserve the village that he and his family called home.
Seeing his son blurt out what could only be years of anger at what the young jounin must have seen as neglect from the man who should have been the most important figure in his life not as a village head, but as a simple loving father caused his spirit to fall. The pain was evident in his voice as he attempted to explain to his son.
"I could have done things differently...I should have done things differently, but you must understand that what I did was not only for the good of the village but also for you, your mother, and your brothers and sister," the older man began only to be interrupted by his son once again.
"What we needed was you, not a Hokage but you," the young man said firmly. "I will never understand why you thought or why you still think that the village is more important than looking after your own family. I..."
Asuma was suddenly cut off by his father as the elder man's irritation seemed to return.
"Then you apparently didn't learn your lessons as well as I thought," the old Hokage stated heatedly. "If you had then you would have known that my duty as Hokage was more important than anything else, including my family."
Asuma seemed to recoil back as if he had suddenly been struck as the tone of his father hit him. He began to protest but was unable as the older man continued.
"It is the duty of a Hokage to protect the village no matter what the cost. In doing his duty he must see the village itself as his family," the old man intoned as he turned to face away from his son. "He must love it like no other, even if that means sacrificing things he cares the most about. You brothers understood that."
Asuma had begun to calm down as his father's words held wisdom, but the reference to his brothers reignited his anger as old wounds were torn open once again.
"They never understood it!" he yelled irately. "They died because they both hoped that they could get your attention by showing that they could live up to your reputation. You are 'The Professor', the 'god of shinobi', the great Sandaime Hokage what chance did they have in hoping to become recognized as strong individuals when all they could think of was hoping to be more like you!"
The elder Sarutobi was shocked at the words of his only living son. He had always been worried that his children would seek to emulate him to the point of blinding themselves from there own desires, but he had thought that it wasn't a problem when they all began acting independently in their teens. The realization caused by Asuma's words caused that assumption to come crashing down.
Not letting up on his sire Asuma continued, "The only thing that stopped Asuka from following them to an early death was that she went and found someone she cared about and wound up preggers! Yet even that didn't totally save her as her fiancé felt he needed to impress you so that you would see him as a worthy match to her," Asuma said before pausing and letting his voice drop to barely above a whisper. "He's been gone know for nearly a year, but she still cries her eyes out whenever she is reminded of him."
"I never meant...," the Hokage began before being cut off once again by his son.
"I doesn't matter what you meant to do or not to do," his son said tiredly while turning his back to the old man as said man leant heavily on the railing surrounding the rooftop.
"I lied before," the young jounin sullenly stated. "After the council meeting I went to discuss an offer that had been made to me a few days ago. Chiriku was there."
Hearing the name of one of the elite Twelve Guards whose sole duty was the protection of the Fire Daimyo and his family caused the saddened Hokage to turn and stare at the back of his son in stunned silence.
"I have decided to accept his offer and become the newest member of the Twelve Guards," Asuma stated while drawing out a new cigarette to replace the one that had been lost while he had yelled at his father.
Knowing that the members of the elite group never strayed far from the Lord of Fire Country, the aging Sandaime realized that his son would need to travel to the capital of the Country of Fire in order to assume his duties.
Finding his voice the older man asked, "How long before you...?"
Before he could finish his question he was halted by his son's quick interjection.
"A week," the young jounin said dispassionately. "I will be leaving in a week."
"Have you told your sister yet?" the elder man asked knowing the last woman of the Sarutobi clan would be close to a frenzy once she knew as she would work hard to throw a celebration to congratulate Asuma for earning a slot in the elite unit. He also knew the celebration would probably be one of the few times any of them would see Asuma until he left the position.
"I was planning on telling her tonight at dinner," Asuma answered before taking a long draw upon his cigarette. "I hope you will be able to attend."
With that the younger Sarutobi leapt off the roof top and headed into the village leaving his father standing alone to ponder all that had been said.
Thinking of all that he had just learned the Sandaime Hokage felt the weight of the world crash down upon him renewed vigor. He had already spent the morning fending off political attacks aimed at Naruto and now he had spent the better part of the noon hour arguing with his only living son, a son who would soon be entering into a position that was just as hazardous as those filled by the elite ANBU black ops members. He felt a slight shiver run down his spine as he realized that after a week's time he could potentially never see his son alive again.
While he was worried as any parent could be, the part of him that was the battle hardened ninja and Hokage accepted that fact. Truth be told he had every confidence in Asuma' abilities and doubted that he would lose him, but his mind couldn't help but hold onto that small dreadful thought. He would mourn the loss as any parent would, just as he still mourned the loss of his other boys. However, the real worry that he had was how his wife would take such a blow, she had been devastated when she had learned first of their eldest child's death and then of their second's not more than a year later. If Asuma was lost she would be inconsolable and slip into a depression that could have terrible consequences. Also, if what Asuma had said about Asuka was true it would not be just his grandson that would necessitate careful watching and comforting.
Nearly lost in his own macabre thoughts of how his seemingly neglected family could fall apart at any moment the Hokage almost missed the new presence that joined him on top of the tower. Turning to face the new arrival he quickly hid his worry only to suddenly feel distress well up as he took in the ANBU member standing before him.
Normally the ANBU acted as the elite guards of Konohagakure serving the Hokage directly. Besides their usual duties they usually took only missions that required their black ops specialty. These missions often required that the village either not be identified with the actions undertaken during the mission, as it almost assuredly would lead to political and/or military actions taken against Konoha, or that Konoha be clearly identified as the mission was a statement of Konoha's power and/or vengeance.
To accomplish these missions the ANBU were divided up into divisions of specialty, though all of the members could easily carry out the skills of the other division if needed. The divisions were each overseen by a captain and each had its own function. There was a division specifically setup for torture and interrogation, currently being headed by the newly installed Morino Ibiki. Another division dealt mainly with assassination and sabotage, reminding the Hokage that one Mitarashi Anko was clamoring to be admitted to said division. A third division dealt almost exclusively with counterintelligence and clandestine surveillance of foreign countries and villages. This was not the only intelligence division however as another existed that acted as an internal police force separate from the Military Police that were seemingly controlled by Clan Uchiha. This division was one of the least popular as it spied upon ninja and civilian alike so long as they lived within the Land of Fire.
The fifth and final division was an elite battle force. Though all of the ANBU members could boast skills in the areas of the other divisions the members of this division specialized in the preparation for war. These ANBU were the elite shock troops of Konohagakure and would either be leading the charge, acting as a rear guard during a withdrawal, or acting independently of the main battle force to harass and decimate the enemy through the use of guerilla tactics and independent ops. During these times of peace they spent most of their time training and preparing while they carried out the normal ANBU operations, often times they would be placed to assist in the guard duty of the walls and gates of Konoha as well as the security patrols that were done throughout the Country of Fire.
The ANBU member that stood before him now was a member of that last division and if his memory served him the Hokage believed that said member had been assigned to assist with guard duty at Konoha's main gate for the week. The fact that he was now standing before the Hokage and that the young man had a distinct nervous air about him could not possibly bode well.
(7 years after Kyuubi attack)
Hiruzen Sarutobi moved silently through the dense forest, his heart pounding with dread. It had been days since young Naruto Uzumaki went missing, and every second that passed gnawed at him. As the Third Hokage of Konohagakure, he had faced many horrors in his long life, but the thought of something happening to Naruto, the vessel of the Nine-Tails and son of his beloved student Minato, filled him with a profound sense of guilt and fear.
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow on the forest floor. Shadows danced between the trees, and the air was thick with the scent of pine and earth. Hiruzen's breath was shallow, his eyes scanning every corner, every shadow, for any sign of the boy. His ANBU operatives had spread out, searching tirelessly, but it was Hiruzen who felt an unshakable pull toward a small clearing near the Uchiha compound.
As he approached the clearing, his steps faltered. A chill ran down his spine, and his stomach clenched with a foreboding sense of horror. There, in the center of the clearing, he saw a figure crouched over a small, motionless body.
"Mikoto..." he whispered, recognizing the raven-haired woman. Mikoto Uchiha, a gentle and kind soul, was known for her compassion, not for her tears. But now, she was sobbing uncontrollably, her body shaking with grief.
Hiruzen's gaze shifted to the small body on the ground, and his heart shattered. Naruto lay there, lifeless, his bright blonde hair matted with blood, his face bruised and battered. The scene was too horrific to fathom. His left arm was missing, crudely severed, and a gaping hole in his chest marked the brutal end of his short life.
"No..." Hiruzen breathed, falling to his knees. "Naruto..."
Mikoto looked up, her eyes red and swollen. "Hiruzen-sama... I-I found him like this..." Her voice broke, and she clutched at her chest as if trying to hold herself together.
Hiruzen reached out a trembling hand, touching Naruto's cold cheek. The boy's vibrant spirit, his boundless energy and unyielding determination, all extinguished in an act of unspeakable violence. Tears welled up in the old Hokage's eyes as he gently closed Naruto's eyes, a gesture of the peace he hoped the boy had found in death.
"Who could do this?" Mikoto whispered, her voice barely audible. "Who could be so cruel?"
Hiruzen's mind raced. The brutality of the attack, the precision of the execution—it spoke of a skilled shinobi. His eyes fell on the wound in Naruto's chest. It was a clean, precise hole, a technique he recognized all too well. His heart grew heavier with the realization.
"There is only one shinobi I know who uses this technique," he said quietly, his voice filled with sorrow and anger. "But why? Why would they target Naruto?"
Mikoto shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I don't know, Hiruzen-sama. Naruto was just a child. He didn't deserve this..."
The night was silent save for Mikoto's sobs and the rustle of leaves in the wind. Hiruzen stood slowly, his legs trembling beneath him. He had to stay strong. For Naruto, for the village, and for the truth. He placed a hand on Mikoto's shoulder, offering what little comfort he could.
"We will find who did this," he vowed, his voice steely with determination. "And they will face justice."
Mikoto nodded, though her eyes were distant, lost in her grief. Hiruzen turned away, signaling to the ANBU who had appeared at the edge of the clearing. They moved swiftly, their faces masked but their eyes betraying their shock and sorrow.
Amidst the grief-stricken scene, one of the ANBU operatives stepped forward. His movements were slow, deliberate, as if each step toward the small body on the ground took an immense effort. Hiruzen recognized him immediately: Kakashi Hatake, the prodigious shinobi who had been part of the ANBU for years, and who had been close to Minato, Naruto's father.
Kakashi stopped in front of Naruto's body, staring down at the lifeless form with eyes filled with a pain that mirrored Hiruzen's own. With a shaking hand, he removed his ANBU mask, revealing his face to those present. His visible eye, usually cold and detached, was now overflowing with tears.
"Kakashi..." Hiruzen began, but the words caught in his throat.
Kakashi knelt beside Naruto, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. He reached out and gently touched Naruto's hair, his fingers trembling. The weight of his grief was palpable, and for a moment, it felt as if the entire forest held its breath, sharing in the sorrow of the moment.
"I'm so sorry, Naruto," Kakashi whispered, his voice breaking. "I couldn't protect you. I couldn't be there for you."
The sight of Kakashi's anguish tore at Hiruzen's heart. He had seen Kakashi lose many comrades over the years, but this was different. This was the son of his sensei, a child he had sworn to protect. The failure was almost too much to bear.
As Kakashi knelt there, his tears falling onto the cold ground, Hiruzen placed a hand on his shoulder. "We will find who did this," he said softly. "We will make them pay."
Kakashi nodded, though his gaze remained fixed on Naruto. "He deserved better," he murmured. "So much better."
"Secure the area," Hiruzen ordered. "And take Naruto's body to the morgue. We need to examine it thoroughly."
The ANBU nodded, moving with practiced efficiency. As they gently lifted Naruto's body, Hiruzen's heart ached anew. He had failed the boy, failed to protect him from the hatred and violence that still lingered in the village.
As he watched the ANBU carry Naruto away, he felt a presence beside him. He turned to see Fugaku Uchiha, his face a mask of controlled fury.
"Hiruzen," Fugaku said, his voice tight. "I came as soon as I heard. Is it true? Is Naruto...?"
Hiruzen nodded, his throat too tight to speak. Fugaku's eyes hardened, and he looked past Hiruzen to where Mikoto still knelt, her sobs now silent but her body shaking with grief.
"This is an outrage," Fugaku said, his voice low and dangerous. "Whoever did this must be found and punished."
"They will be," Hiruzen promised. "But we must be careful. This was done to incite fear and chaos. We cannot let them succeed."
Fugaku nodded, though his eyes blazed with the desire for retribution. "I will do whatever it takes to help," he said. "Naruto was like a son to Mikoto and me. This... this cannot go unpunished."
The weight of confusion hung heavily on Hiruzen as he turned back to Fugaku. The Uchiha leader stood with an air of detachment, his face hard and unreadable. Sarutobi knows personally that the clan head had no relationship with Naruto. He seemed more concerned with the implications for the Uchiha clan than with the tragedy of the boy's death.
"We need to find who did this," Fugaku said again, his tone insistent. "But we must also be careful. There are those who would use this to turn the village against us."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. He understood the delicate balance of power in the village, but now was not the time for political maneuvering. A child had been murdered, and justice had to be served.
"We will investigate thoroughly," Hiruzen said firmly. "And we will bring the culprits to justice. But I will not allow this tragedy to be used as a tool for division."
Fugaku nodded, though his expression remained impassive. "Agreed. We must protect the village, above all else."
At that moment, Kakashi stood up, still holding his ANBU mask in his hand. His face was tear-streaked but resolute. "Hokage-sama," he said quietly, "I need to speak with you."
Hiruzen nodded, stepping away from Fugaku and walking a few paces with Kakashi. "What is it, Kakashi?"
Kakashi took a deep breath, his eye filled with determination. "The wound in Naruto's chest... it was made by a lightning-based technique. The precision and the nature of the wound point to Chidori, a technique developed by me."
Hiruzen's heart sank. He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed by Kakashi was a heavy blow. "You didn't do this, Kakashi. I know you. But this means that someone with intimate knowledge of your technique was involved."
Kakashi nodded. "There are only a few people who could replicate Chidori with such precision. But I swear, Hiruzen-sama, it wasn't me."
"I believe you, Kakashi," Hiruzen said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We will find the real culprit."
As the night wore on, the gravity of the situation became clearer. Hiruzen had to tread carefully, balancing the need for justice with the precarious political situation in the village. He needed to question Mikoto further, but her grief was still too raw.
Returning to the clearing, Hiruzen found Fugaku standing apart from the rest, his expression as unreadable as ever. Mikoto was still on her knees, her sobs now silent but her body shaking with the weight of her grief.
"Fugaku," Hiruzen called, his voice firm. "We need to get to the bottom of this. But I need your cooperation."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "Of course. The Uchiha clan will assist in any way possible."
As Hiruzen turned to address the ANBU, Fugaku added, "But let's not forget, Hiruzen, that this wound looks like it was made by a lightning technique. We should consider all possibilities. Even those within our own ranks."
Hiruzen met Fugaku's gaze, his expression hardening. "I will consider all possibilities, Fugaku. But rest assured, justice will be served."
Fugaku's eyes flickered with a hint of something—perhaps unease, perhaps calculation. "Very well," he said. "We will see this through." and he disappeared in a body flicker before giving Mikoto's crying form a small look of disgust.
The clearing where Mikoto and Hiruzen Sarutobi stood felt like a world apart from the bustling village of Konohagakure. It was a place of solitude, now tainted by the tragedy that had unfolded there. Mikoto's grief was palpable, her shoulders hunched with the weight of sorrow and guilt as she prepared to reveal the dark truths that had led to Naruto's untimely death.
"Hiruzen-sama," Mikoto began, her voice barely a whisper, heavy with the burden of her confession. "I need to tell you the truth about what happened to Naruto."
Hiruzen regarded her with a mixture of concern and solemnity, the lines on his face etched with the weariness of a leader who had seen too much suffering. He nodded gently, urging her to continue.
"It was Fugaku," Mikoto confessed, her words hanging in the stillness of the clearing like a haunting echo. "He orchestrated Naruto's death."
Hiruzen's brow furrowed in disbelief, though he had suspected as much. The revelations were like a dagger to his heart, piercing through the fragile veneer of trust and stability that had once defined their village.
"He... he wanted to control the Kyubi with his Sharingan," Mikoto continued, her voice trembling with anguish. "But Naruto resisted. Fugaku... he tortured him, and then... he killed him."
The weight of Mikoto's words settled heavily in the air, casting a shadow over the serene surroundings of the clearing. Hiruzen struggled to maintain his composure, his mind racing with the implications of what Mikoto was revealing.
"Why are you telling me this now, Mikoto?" Hiruzen asked softly, his voice filled with empathy and a deep-seated sorrow.
Mikoto met his gaze, her eyes brimming with tears yet burning with a fierce determination. "Because there's more," she admitted, her voice trembling with emotion. "There's something else you need to know."
Hiruzen listened intently as Mikoto recounted a secret that had remained hidden in the shadows for far too long, a secret shared only with one other person.
"The night before my wedding to Fugaku," Mikoto began, her voice faltering slightly as she recalled the events of that fateful night. "I... I sought out Minato. I confided in him, told him everything—about Fugaku's ambitions, his jealousy, the forced marriage. Minato... he was furious, outraged."
Hiruzen's eyes widened in astonishment. The revelation of Mikoto's forbidden love and the depths of her despair painted a picture of a woman torn between duty and desire, loyalty and love.
"He promised me that he would find a way to fix it," Mikoto continued, her voice trembling with the memory of Minato's impassioned vow. "But I... I couldn't involve him in the Uchiha's affairs. So that night... we shared one last night together."
Hiruzen's breath caught in his throat, the implications of Mikoto's confession sinking in with a profound sense of sorrow and regret.
"Afterward," Mikoto admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, "I used my Sharingan to cast a sleep genjutsu on him. It would wear off after the wedding ceremony."
Hiruzen's heart clenched with the weight of Mikoto's words. The sacrifices she had made, the choices she had been forced to confront, all woven into a tapestry of tragedy that now threatened to unravel their village.
"And weeks later," Mikoto continued, her voice thick with emotion, "I discovered... I was pregnant."
The revelation hung in the air like a heavy fog, the silence of the clearing echoing with the weight of its implications. Hiruzen stared at Mikoto, his expression a mix of compassion and concern.
"Minato is... Itachi's biological father," Mikoto confessed, her voice breaking with the raw emotion of her revelation. "I... I couldn't burden him with the consequences of my choices. But now... with Naruto's death, and the Uchiha planning a coup..."
Hiruzen's mind raced with the enormity of Mikoto's revelations. The fragile peace of their village now teetered on the brink of collapse, threatened by the shadows of betrayal and the looming specter of civil strife.
"We will protect you, Mikoto," Hiruzen vowed, his voice steady with determination. "And we will ensure that justice is served for Naruto, for all who have suffered."
As Mikoto and Hiruzen Sarutobi stood in the solemn clearing, the weight of their conversation hung heavy in the air. Mikoto's confession had revealed layers of tragedy and deception that threatened to unravel the very fabric of their village. Yet, amidst the sorrow and the shadows, another troubling reality loomed: Itachi Uchiha's inevitable reaction.
"Sarutobi-sama," Mikoto began softly, her voice tinged with apprehension. "You must understand... Itachi will not take this news lightly. Not after everything he has endured."
Hiruzen nodded solemnly, his features drawn with concern. Itachi, a prodigious young shinobi burdened with the weight of his clan's expectations and secrets, had already suffered immeasurable loss. The death of his best friend Shisui, and now the revelation of Naruto's murder at the hands of his own father, threatened to push him beyond the brink of endurance.
"I know, Mikoto," Hiruzen replied, his voice grave with understanding. "Itachi's loyalty to the village is unquestionable, but his loyalty to his family... it runs deep."
Mikoto looked at him with eyes brimming with tears, a mixture of grief and fear etched on her face. "He will blame himself," she whispered hoarsely. "For not being able to protect Naruto, just as he blamed himself for Shisui."
Hiruzen placed a comforting hand on Mikoto's shoulder, offering what little solace he could in the face of such overwhelming grief. "Itachi is strong," he said quietly, his voice tinged with a note of reassurance. "But he will need our support, now more than ever."
Mikoto nodded, though the weight of her son's impending anguish pressed upon her like a crushing weight. "I fear for him," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "And for what this revelation may mean for our clan, for the fragile peace we have fought so hard to maintain."
Hiruzen squeezed her shoulder gently, his own heart heavy with the knowledge of the challenges that lay ahead. "We will face this together, Mikoto," he vowed, his voice filled with resolve. "For Naruto's sake, and for the future of Konohagakure."
(Present day)
"Where is he!" Jiraiya demanded angrily, his voice echoing through the room. Seeing the Hokage about to say something again, he quickly interrupted, "Damn it, Sarutobi, I WANT TO SEE MY FUCKING GRANDSON!"
Sarutobi winced at that remark. Whenever Jiraiya had referred to him in the past, it was either with a respectful "sensei" or an affectionate "old man," never with his clan name. The weight of Jiraiya's anger was like a physical force pressing down on him.
"Please, Jiraiya, just let me explain..." The Sandaime begged, his voice breaking.
Even though he was angry, Jiraiya slowly leaned back and sat back down into his chair. In all the years he had been with the man, from their genin days until the day he took on a genin team of his own, he had never heard his sensei sound so defeated, so... broken. Plus, this was the first time his teacher had ever truly asked for something from him so sincerely.
Sarutobi took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he tried to gather his thoughts. "I may be the Hokage, Jiraiya, but even I can only do so much for one person. As you know, I only have jurisdiction over the military affairs of this village; it is the council's job to attend to the civilian population and take care of them. Because of that, it was up to them to decide what to do with Naruto and his future, seeing as he was obviously not a shinobi at that time."
"But you should have told me!" Jiraiya's voice cracked with the intensity of his emotions. "What right did you or the council have to deny me my only grandson? I would have taken him from this village and raised him, taken care of him, and taught him how to be a shinobi."
"And then what!" The Sandaime yelled, finally losing his temper. "You think you could just waltz out of here with the jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi and everything would be fine?"
Jiraiya's eyes flared with indignation. "Yes! I would have done whatever it took to protect him, to keep him safe from this village's hatred and the enemies outside!"
"Quickly calming himself, Sarutobi reined in his anger and took a few deep breaths, his face showing the strain of years of hard decisions. "And then what, Jiraiya? What would I have told the council? That you took the jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi to go gallivant off to Kami knows where? You know as well as I do that we couldn't have told them about Naruto's heritage. With all the enemies Minato made on the council and higher-ups within Konoha with his decisions during his reign as the Yondaime, who would have protected him? Not to mention all the enemies the boy would have had from outside of Konoha if word ever got out about who he truly is."
"But you still could have told me, I could just as easily have stayed in Konoha!"
The Hokage sighed heavily, sinking deeper into his chair. "You know I can't have that, Jiraiya. You are too valuable to the village as an information gatherer to stay here. And even if you could, it wasn't my choice. If it had been, I would have told you immediately and gotten either you or Tsunade to take care of him. But the council decided that he would stay at the orphanage. Believe me, Jiraiya, I regret every day that goes by that I didn't inform you of his survival. If I had, it might have saved him from this horrific life."
As he finished his tirade, Jiraiya's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "What do you mean by a horrific life?" he whispered carefully, as if already knowing but dreading the answer. Naruto was not the first Jinchuuriki to be documented, and Jiraiya knew all too well the kinds of lives many had led before their tragic demises. His voice turned grave. "Answer quickly, or there may be a few bodies cooling on your doorstep."
Sarutobi cursed himself silently for his slip-up. Now he would have to explain. "I would be lying if I said to you that he was seen as the hero I expected him to be," he began somberly. "In the week he was born, many people wanted him executed. They didn't believe the seal was strong enough to contain the fox. Some even thought he was the fox reborn in human form." The weight of those early days hung heavily in the air between them.
"Then I convened a meeting with the clan heads and elders to decide Naruto's fate."
Jiraiya's jaw clenched as he absorbed the implications. "And they decided...?"
"They decided he would live, but as an orphan," Sarutobi continued, his voice tinged with regret. "He was to be treated as a civilian, not a shinobi. It was their way of keeping him hidden, of protecting him from those who saw him as a threat."
Jiraiya's fists tightened, his knuckles turning white. "So you let him grow up alone, hated and feared by those who should have protected him?"
Sarutobi closed his eyes briefly, the weight of his decisions bearing down on him once more. "I did what I thought was necessary to protect the village and Naruto. I couldn't risk revealing his heritage, not with the enemies Minato made during his time as Hokage. Naruto's safety had to come first."
"But at what cost?" Jiraiya's voice was hoarse with emotion. "He deserved to know who he is, where he came from. He deserved a family."
"He deserved a chance," Sarutobi agreed heavily. "But the council feared the consequences of revealing the truth. They feared what would happen if Naruto's identity as the jinchuuriki became known."
"And so you sacrificed his happiness for the village's peace of mind," Jiraiya accused bitterly.
Sarutobi's shoulders sagged. "I thought... I hoped it was the right choice."
"You didn't even give him a chance," Jiraiya spat, his voice laced with disappointment and anger. "You took away his future before he even had one."
"I'm sorry, Jiraiya," Sarutobi said softly, his voice filled with remorse. "I truly believed I was doing what was best."
Sarutobi took a deep breath, preparing himself to reveal the painful truth. "Jiraiya, it's crucial you understand what happened on Naruto's seventh birthday," he began, his voice weighted with sorrow. "The village was still grappling with the aftermath of the Kyuubi attack. Naruto's existence as the jinchuuriki was known among the village leadership, and tensions were high."
Jiraiya's features hardened, his gaze unwavering as he listened intently.
"On Naruto's seventh birthday, members of the Uchiha clan orchestrated an attack," Sarutobi continued, his voice tinged with regret. "Their intention was to eliminate Naruto. They believed that by removing Naruto, they could somehow gain control over the Kyuubi's power and strengthen their position within the village."
Jiraiya's fists clenched at his sides, his voice edged with restrained fury. "How could they justify attacking a child, let alone their own village's jinchuuriki?"
"The Uchiha leaders saw Naruto as both a threat and an opportunity," Sarutobi explained solemnly. "They thought that by killing him, they could manipulate the situation to their advantage. They severely underestimated the strength of the seal and Naruto's resilience."
Jiraiya's jaw tightened, his thoughts grappling with the magnitude of what he was hearing. "So what happened? How did Naruto survive?"
Sarutobi's expression darkened with the memory. "The attack was brutal. Naruto was clinically dead for four days, Jiraiya. By all means, he should not have survived. But the Kyuubi's chakra sustained him, healing his wounds and bringing him back from the brink of death. The Uchiha believed they had succeeded, that they had killed him."
Jiraiya's eyes widened with a mixture of horror and disbelief. "Clinically dead for four days? That's..."
"Impossible, I know," Sarutobi interrupted, his voice heavy with emotion. "But the Kyuubi's chakra is an incredible force. It kept him alive, even when every sign pointed to his death. During those four days, the villagers believed Naruto was truly gone, and they celebrated his death."
Jiraiya's face contorted with rage. "They celebrated? They celebrated the death of an innocent child?"
Sarutobi nodded, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Yes. The fear and hatred towards the Kyuubi blinded them to the reality of who Naruto was. They saw his death as a relief, a victory over the Kyuubi."
Jiraiya's hands trembled with restrained fury. "So Naruto's 'death' and miraculous recovery... it triggered the Uchiha massacre?"
Sarutobi took a deep, shuddering breath before continuing. "When Itachi returned and learned of Naruto's death, he was devastated. You must understand, Jiraiya, Itachi held Naruto in the same light as he did Sasuke, perhaps even more so. He saw Naruto as a symbol of hope, of a future where jinchuuriki and villagers could coexist peacefully."
Jiraiya's voice was low, filled with a mixture of sorrow and resolve. "And then what happened?"
"Itachi went to the morgue where Naruto's body was being kept," Sarutobi said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I sat outside, listening as Itachi mourned over Naruto's body. He wept for the boy he had hoped to protect, the boy he saw as a symbol of a better future. It was a profound and heart-wrenching moment."
Jiraiya's voice cracked with emotion, his anger barely contained. "And then?"
"Itachi eventually emerged from the morgue," Sarutobi continued, his voice heavy with the weight of memory. "He looked at me with eyes that held the weight of resignation. It was a look of someone who had decided to take a terrible burden upon himself. Hours later, the Uchiha massacre happened. Itachi... he made the impossible choice to sacrifice his clan to prevent a civil war within the village. He did it to protect the village and, in a way, to honor Naruto's memory."
Sarutobi took a deep breath, steadying himself for the next part of the story. Jiraiya, still seething with anger, leaned forward, his eyes boring into the older man's. "What happened after Naruto came back? How did people react when they realized he was alive?"
Sarutobi shook his head slowly, his expression grave. "People didn't react, Jiraiya. Not in the way you're thinking."
Jiraiya's confusion mingled with his anger. "Clarify that," he demanded. "If Naruto survived, where was he? What happened?"
Sarutobi's eyes seemed to cloud with a mixture of sorrow and bewilderment. "Naruto's body went missing from the morgue. It caused an uproar in the Shinobi corps. They searched for hours, combing through every possible lead, every nook and cranny of the village. I thought I had lost all hope."
Jiraiya's expression grew more intense, his frustration mounting. "What do you mean 'missing'? How does a body just disappear?"
Sarutobi sighed heavily. "I returned to my office, exhausted and defeated, only to find a letter on my desk. It was from Naruto."
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "From Naruto? What did it say?"
Sarutobi reached into his robes, pulling out an old, weathered letter. He unfolded it carefully, the paper crinkling with age. He handed it to Jiraiya, who grabbed it and began reading aloud, his voice trembling slightly:
"Dear Hokage-sama,
I'm alive.
The Kyuubi played possum, keeping me barely alive so it could heal me properly. I got out of the village and decided to stay hidden for a while. I need to get away and train. I will be back when I am ready. I'll keep you updated on my progress. Please don't tell anyone. I need to get stronger, to understand everything. When I return, I'll be able to kick your ass.
Naruto."
As Jiraiya read the letter, he couldn't help but chuckle. The fierce determination and defiance in Naruto's words were so reminiscent of his parents, especially Minato. "That little brat," he muttered, a small, proud smile creeping onto his face despite his anger.
Sarutobi nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Naruto kept his word. He returned alive."
Jiraiya's anger subsided slightly, replaced by a mix of relief and concern. "He came back... But where is he now? What has he been doing all this time?"
Sarutobi sighed deeply. "That, Jiraiya, is something I don't know. After his return, he's more guarded than before. He acts like a veteran shinobi, keeping to himself and avoiding unnecessary attention. He's been seen occasionally, but he keeps his distance from everyone, even his old friends."
Jiraiya frowned, a sense of unease settling over him. "Why would he do that? What happened to him during those years?"
Sarutobi's expression turned somber. "I believe he underwent significant challenges and experiences that changed him. He's seen things, Jiraiya. Things that have hardened him, made him cautious."
Jiraiya nodded slowly, understanding dawning on him. "I see... He's become a different person."
Sarutobi nodded in agreement. "Yes, but deep down, he's still Naruto. He cares deeply for the village and its people. He just needs time to reconcile with his past and find his place again."
"Jiraiya, if you're determined to find Naruto, you should know where he's been living. He's in the ANBU apartment complex, but he's not alone. There are three others living with him."
Jiraiya's curiosity piqued. "Who are these people?"
Sarutobi hesitated briefly, then continued, "One of them claims to be Naruto's sister. Her name is Yugito Uzumaki, formerly known as Yugito Nii."
Sarutobi nodded gravely. "Yes, that's the official record. However, her appearance and claimed identity raise troubling questions."
Sarutobi's revelation left Jiraiya stunned, his mind racing to grasp the implications. He leaned in closer, his voice low and urgent. "Yugito Nii? The former Jinchuuriki of the Nibi? But she was reported dead twenty years ago. How is this possible?"
Jiraiya frowned deeply. "And Naruto... living with her? How is that possible?"
Sarutobi sighed heavily. "It's one of the many mysteries surrounding Naruto's return. Yugito claims to be his sister, and her age doesn't match up with what we know about the original Yugito Nii. She looks significantly younger than she should, almost as if..."
Jiraiya's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. "As if she's been altered somehow," he finished, his voice low with concern.
Sarutobi nodded. "We suspected genjutsu at first, but our tests showed no signs of deception. There are seals and hidden cameras all over the apartment where Naruto resides. Nothing indicates manipulation."
Jiraiya clenched his fists, frustration and worry mounting. "If it's not genjutsu, then what could it be? And who are the other two people living with them?"
Sarutobi handed over two more folders. "Their names are Cloud and Aerith. That's all the information we have on them."
Jiraiya opened the folders, skimming through the sparse details. "Nothing else? No background, no history?"
Sarutobi shook his head. "No. They appeared with Naruto, and since then, they've stayed by his side. Cloud seems to be a swordsman for he carries a sword on his back, and Aerith appears to have some kind of healing abilities. But beyond that, we know nothing."
Jiraiya closed the folders and set them back on Sarutobi's desk, his fists clenching. "Seventeen years, Sarutobi. Seventeen years I thought my grandson was dead. Do you have any idea what that did to me? What right did you have to keep that from me?"
Sarutobi's face was lined with regret. "Jiraiya, I respected Naruto's wishes. He needed time to himself, to train and grow. He kept his word and updated me sporadically. When he returned, he asked me not to spread the word, and I honored that."
Jiraiya's face contorted with a mix of rage and sorrow. "My son, Minato, and my daughter-in-law, Kushina, died to protect this village and their son. And you made me believe he died with them. I missed his entire childhood, his formative years. Seventeen years of his life, gone."
Sarutobi bowed his head. "I am deeply sorry, Jiraiya. I thought I was protecting him. I thought it was the best course of action given the circumstances."
Jiraiya shook his head, his voice trembling with emotion. "You should have trusted me. I would have protected him. I would have been there for him."
Sarutobi looked up, pain in his eyes. "I know. And for that, I can never fully atone. But now, you have the chance to be there for him. To guide him and help him find his place in this world."
Jiraiya took a deep breath, nodding resolutely. "I'll find him, Sarutobi-sensei. Naruto deserves to know his family, and he deserves to have someone by his side who loves him."
Sarutobi turned back to face Jiraiya, a look of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Jiraiya. Naruto needs someone like you. Despite everything, I believe that he's still the Naruto we know deep down."
Jiraiya's expression hardened. "I'm doing this for Naruto. Not for you. I may never forgive you for this, Sarutobi. The pain you've caused me, the years I've missed... It's unforgivable."
Sarutobi's shoulders slumped, the weight of his guilt and sorrow palpable. "I understand, Jiraiya. All I can do is ask for your understanding, if not your forgiveness."
As Jiraiya turned to leave, Sarutobi called out, "Wait, Jiraiya. Naruto will be at the Hyuga compound for dinner tonight. Hiashi invited him. And it seems Naruto and Hiashi's daughter are close."
Jiraiya paused, processing this information. "Hiashi's daughter, huh? Interesting."
Before he left the office, Jiraiya turned back with one final declaration. "I'm telling Tsunade about Naruto. She deserves to know."
Sarutobi paled at the thought. "Jiraiya, please reconsider. The ramifications—"
But Jiraiya cut him off. "You brought this on yourself, old man. Tsunade needs to know, and she deserves the chance to meet her grandson."
With that, Jiraiya left the office, his heart heavy but his resolve unshaken.
Now we should all be caught up on whats actually going on. But also keep in mind thats only Sarutobi's POV.