Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage, stood amidst the wreckage of the night's chaos, his weathered face etched deeply with sorrow. The remnants of the once-thriving village lay scattered around him, the echoes of destruction still ringing in his ears like a haunting melody.

Charred buildings, broken debris, and the acrid scent of smoke filled the air, mingling with the faint cries of survivors as they searched for hope amidst the devastation.

Cradled gently in his arms was the tiny, slumbering form of Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, his blonde hair soft and wispy against Hiruzen's weathered hands. The delicate weight of the infant felt heavy in his grasp. His heart ached as his gaze shifted from the peaceful, unknowing face of the child to the lifeless body of Minato Namikaze, the former Yondaime Hokage.

Minato's body, wrapped in ceremonial bindings, lay still and solemn, a preservation seal affixed to his chest. The seal shimmered faintly in the dim light, preserving his fallen form with a cold, unnatural stillness.

It was a striking contrast to the chaos that had ravaged the village only hours before—a village left in ruins, buildings reduced to ash, and lives irrevocably changed. Minato's sacrifice was a reminder of the heroism that had saved them all—and the immeasurable cost that came with it.

As Hiruzen held the fragile life of Naruto in his arms, the weight of duty, sacrifice, and grief pressed down on him. The future of the village, uncertain and delicate, now rested in the hands of the tiny infant who slept, blissfully unaware of the immense burden he would one day carry. The enormity of it all weighed heavily on Hiruzen's heart. It was a burden no one man should endure..

Minato had been more than a leader—he was a trusted successor and a beacon of hope for the entire village. And now, he was gone, leaving behind an unbearable void that no one could fill. The loss was profound, a gaping wound that stretched far beyond the battlefield and reached into the very soul of the village.

Minato was a young, exceptional man, cut down in the prime of his life, his brilliance extinguished far too soon, leaving behind a legacy as bright and fleeting as a shooting star.

In that quiet moment, surrounded by the remnants of destruction and the aftermath of battle, Hiruzen felt the crushing weight of responsibility. It wasn't just about rebuilding the village brick by brick—it was about carrying forward Minato's legacy, nurturing the hope his friend had sacrificed everything to protect, and ensuring that Naruto would someday understand the love and sacrifice that had brought him into this world.

"Minato, my friend, my successor… you have left us with so much to bear," Hiruzen whispered, his aged voice trembling under the weight of his grief.

He closed his eyes, memories of their time together flooding back—laughing over cups of tea, strategizing late into the night, and sharing their dreams for a future where peace reigned. Now, those dreams felt fragile, like shards of glass scattered in the wind.

As he gazed at Naruto's innocent face, Hiruzen felt a surge of protective instinct rise within him. This child, who bore the legacy of his parents, would need guidance and strength in a world that was both beautiful and cruel.

"I will ensure that you grow up knowing love, even in the absence of your parents," he vowed softly, brushing a finger against Naruto's soft cheek. The child stirred slightly but remained asleep, blissfully unaware of the storm that had engulfed his life before he even took his first breath.

Looking around, Hiruzen could see the remnants of despair etched on the faces of the villagers who had gathered, their eyes reflecting a mix of fear and hope.

He understood their grief, the weight of loss that seemed to press down on everyone like a suffocating blanket. But he also knew that amidst this darkness, a new dawn would rise, and it was his duty to guide them into that light.

Taking a deep breath, Hiruzen steeled himself. He would honor Minato's sacrifice and Kushina's legacy. Naruto would not grow up as an outcast; he would be embraced by the village, surrounded by those who would teach him, protect him, and ultimately, help him become the man he was destined to be.

The Sandaime Hokage opened his eyes, determination etched in his features. With Naruto cradled against his heart, he prepared to face the challenges ahead, resolute in his promise to safeguard the future of both the village and its newest hero.

The ANBU operatives, silent and methodical, had already recovered Kushina's body from the shattered remains of the Namikaze estate.

What had once been a sanctuary of love and laughter was now reduced to rubble, the air thick with the lingering scent of charred wood and scorched earth.

The walls that had once echoed with joy and the warmth of family now stood as jagged ruins, casting long shadows over the desolation.

Fragments of their life together—a fallen photograph, the uneaten remnants of a large breakfast, broken pieces of Naruto's unfinished crib—were strewn amidst the debris, silent and painful reminders of a family torn apart too soon. Even the air itself felt heavy with the loss, as though the house itself mourned its former occupants.

Hiruzen's heart clenched at the thought of Kushina, her fierce spirit now extinguished, yet her sacrifice etched into the very fabric of the village's future. Her body, like Minato's, had been treated with the utmost respect, wrapped carefully in ceremonial cloth and preservation seals by the ANBU.

It was a solemn act, a final tribute to a woman who had given everything. In the face of all they had lost, it seemed so small—yet it was all they could do to honor her now.

He straightened and took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his duty settle upon him. "Yamato," he called, raising his voice to catch the attention of one of the nearby ANBU operatives, who stepped forward, mask glinting in the dim light.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Yamato replied, in his usual steady tone.

"As soon as it's feasible, I want the Namikaze compound rebuilt," Hiruzen instructed, his gaze sweeping over the destruction that lay before him. "And once Jiraiya drags his ass back to the village—scratch that, send a summons. Tell him to get his perverted ass back here within seven days or I'll have him classified as a Ronin under the Accords."

Yamato flinched behind his mask, clearly taken aback by the severity of Hiruzen's tone. "What other message do you wish me to convey to the Sannin, Hokage-sama?"

Though he was stoic on the outside, internally, Yamato was deeply concerned. Jiraiya was more than just a legendary Sannin to him; he was a friend, a mentor, and more importantly a vital military asset for the village.

The stain of having one of the Sannins branded like a traitor would be such an embarrassment the other villages would pass out from laughter, moments before using every resource available to capture him for their own purposes.

Being marked or classified as a Ronin meant far more than just being labeled an outsider—it was a death sentence in the shadows. It meant being without allies, cut off from vital resources, and vulnerable to enemies lurking both within and beyond the village.

Jiraiya, a man revered as one of the strongest protectors of Konoha, would now find the very gates of the village closed to him.

Without the support of the Hokage or the ANBU, life would become a dangerous game of survival. His vast network of contacts, carefully built over years of espionage, would likely turn their backs on him, knowing that association with a Ronin could bring severe consequences.

Being marked as a Ronin under the Accords also came with another severe consequence: the dreaded Ninkyou mark. This mark represented a life-or-death situation. Not only would the Hidden Village place a significant bounty on the marked Ronin, but the Feudal Lord would match it—and than exceed it by half.

For Jiraiya, this would mean that every bounty hunter, unmarked Ronin, and to bit mercenary across the continent would be gunning for him. The sheer size of the reward was an irresistible lure, enough to mobilize entire clans or criminal organizations.

The Ninkyou mark transformed survival into a near-impossible gauntlet; it would signify that Jiraiya was a target, hunted not just for monetary gain but for the honor of those seeking to claim fame and glory.

"Tell him I want him to place the Namikaze compound behind the strongest Barrier Seals he knows and to key them to Naruto only." Hiruzen's stern voice cut through Yamato's fretting and brought him back to the task at hand. "He deserves a home that is safe and secure, just as his parents intended."

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Yamato said, nodding sharply. With a swift motion, he vanished in a swirl of leaves, leaving Hiruzen alone with his thoughts.

Hiruzen paused to steady himself, his heart weighed down as he looked at the ruins of what was once a vibrant home, now just rubble and ash. "We owe it to them," he murmured, the seriousness of his words echoing in the silence. He held the baby closer. "We owe it to him."

The village had lost so much, but he vowed to ensure that they honored Minato and Kushina's legacy through their sacrifices and the life they had entrusted to him.

With that sense of purpose anchoring him, Hiruzen turned his gaze back to the child cradled in his arms. As he held Naruto close, his fingertips brushed against the letter resting on the infant's chest—Minato's final message. A wave of emotion washed over him as he wondered, What words could possibly convey the weight of your final moments, Minato?

The letter was not just ink on paper; it was a testament to the love and hopes of a father, and Hiruzen felt the weight of that responsibility settle even more heavily upon his shoulders.

Sarutobi held the letter in his trembling hands, his mind a maelstrom of thoughts and emotions. Memories of Minato flooded his consciousness—his fallen successor, a bright light extinguished too soon.

The weight of responsibility on Hiruzen felt overwhelming, like a storm pressing down on him. He had hoped his days as Hokage were over and that he could finally enjoy the peace he had fought so hard for.

But with Minato gone and chaos erupting in the wake of his death, the Clan Heads had demanded that he return, urging him to once again don the mantle of Hokage. They believe I am the only one who can guide them through this turmoil, he reflected, frustration knotting in his gut. And it frustrates me that they may be right.

He kicked a loose pebble absently as he thought. The only other viable candidate is Danzo, and nobody in their right mind wants him wearing the hat for any significant span of time. The image of Danzo's cold gaze flickered in his mind.

They say they want my experience and wisdom in this time of crisis, he snorted dismissively. Those cowards are all just scared that Danzo will secretly declare war on the Elemental Nations once he has unfettered access to the Forbidden Scroll of Seals, a second army of ANBU, and if he could even find it, the Jinchuriki. And again, everyone is probably right.

An unsettling image of Danzo, in full Hokage regalia atop a mountain of skulls, the sky alight with flames hardened his resolve, but not his desire to be done with everything. He may wrestle, but the needs of the village out way the desires of one old man, with far to many years behind him.

"Duty. It always comes back to that, doesn't it, old friend?" Hiruzen's voice was heavy with thought, his gaze resting on what appeared to be an empty corner of the ruined room.

From the shadows, a figure emerged—silent and imposing. An ANBU with a dragon mask stepped forward, moving with the fluid precision of a trained killer. "Yes, Hokage-sama," he replied, his voice steady. "That's why the Clan Heads trust you to take up the hat again."

"You and I both know that's not true," Hiruzen replied, sarcastically. "They chose me because they fear the alternative." His lips twitched, but it wasn't quite a smile. With a deep sigh, he shifted the weight in his arms and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the tension settling in his bones. "And they believe I'm a known variable they can easily manipulate. What do you think, Dragon?"

"I would not presume to make assumptions—" the ANBU began, his tone bland.

"Dragon," Hiruzen interrupted, knowing that if he didn't he'd never get a straight answer out of the masked man.

Seeing that the Hokage wasn't in the mood for their usual word games, Dragon gave the answer they both knew to be correct.

"I believe all your assessments of the Council's motivations are correct," the masked ANBU replied evenly.

"And judging by your demeanor," he continued. "I believe the Council will find their assumptions to be erroneous." The ANBU's voice was steady, but the tension in the air was thick. Hiruzen frowned as he adjusted the baby in his arms. "They may think they can manipulate you, but they underestimate your resolve."

The dragon-masked figure paused, his eyes hidden but filled with understanding. "They do not see how the burden you carry has changed you, Hokage-sama, and that will be their mistake."

Hiruzen reflected on the ANBU's words, questioning whether he had truly changed as much as the Commander believed in just one night. The nature of his responsibilities as the Hokage of Konohagakure remained the same, yet if anything had shifted within him, it was because of the bundle he held protectively in his arms. The Council would soon learn just how significant that change could be if they chose to press him.

As Hiruzen's eyes fell on Dragon, standing watch beside him, he marveled at how easily his old friend hid their familiarity behind a stoic mask. You'd never guess they had spent the previous night playing cards and drinking together.

"I'll do what needs to be done," Hiruzen said, more to himself than the ANBU. He straightened, bracing himself for what lay ahead. Yet, before moving on, two pressing concerns lingered in his mind—questions that needed answers before he stepped one foot before the Council.

Turning fully to the ANBU, he said, "Dragon."

The figure tilted his head slightly, a sign of acknowledgment. "Yes, Hokage-sama."

"I need you to assess our losses—both in people and resources," he instructed after taking a few moments to gather his thoughts. "We've lost so much tonight." He refused to look at the wrapped body lying on the ground. "I need to know where we stand."

Dragon nodded silently.

"The other villages are watching," Sarutobi continued. "I know we're strong enough to defend ourselves should they decide to test us. What I need to know is, given our losses, do we still have the numbers to be considered one of the Five under the Accords?"

At first Dragon, as always, unless specifically told to do otherwise, remained silent. Though his face was hidden behind the mask, his body language conveyed an understanding that spoke of years of familiarity. "I'll compile the reports and get them to you as soon as possible," he said finally, his voice steady. "Our forces are weakened, but not broken. We will endure."

Hiruzen closed his eyes briefly, feeling a small sense of relief. It wasn't the complete reassurance he needed, but it was a glimmer of hope. "Good," he muttered, dismissing the Commander with a nod.

With an answering nod, Dragon disappeared into the shadows, vanishing in an instant swirl of darkness.

As Dragon departed, leaving Hiruzen alone with his thoughts, the silence closed in around him, broken only by the soft gurgles of the newborn in his arms. The faint smell of smoke and ash lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of what had been lost.

He stood there for a moment, letting the weight of the devastation settle over him, the wind gently tugging at the hem of his robes. Everything had changed in a single night, but the path forward was clear.

There was no turning back, not now, not with so much left to protect and rebuild. His duty, ever-present, had reemerged—just as inevitable as the dawn.

With his heart set on the difficult path ahead, Hiruzen took one final look at the battlefield. The scattered remnants of the fight—the crumbling ruins, the bodies of those lost—were now permanent fixtures in his mind.

As he stood amidst the devastation, each piece of shattered stone and every fallen comrade weighed heavily on his spirit. Yet despite the burden pressing down on him, he knew he couldn't afford to waver. Time was of the essence, and there were urgent tasks that needed to be tackled immediately.

With that in mind, Hiruzen snapped his fingers, a sharp sound cutting through the heavy silence of the battlefield. Instantly, two ANBU emerged from the shadows like phantoms, kneeling before him with a precision that spoke of years of training.

Judging by their blank featureless masks, these were low-ranking operatives, but their taut postures radiated a tense readiness, that said they were still elite members of an ultra-elite organization, used to living on the razor's edge and ready to fulfill their Hokage's orders at a moments notice.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," they replied in unison, their voices low and steady.

Hiruzen's gaze softened slightly. "Take Minato's body," he instructed, his voice somber. "Place him next to his wife. In death, they should be together as they were in life."

The ANBU nodded and moved quickly to carry out his orders. Hiruzen's heart ached as he watched them work. For a brief time, he lingered on the scene, bidding a silent farewell to the fallen heroes who had given everything for their village.

"Farewell, my friend," he whispered finally before disappearing in a swirl of leaves, vanishing as swiftly as he had arrived.

The wind carried the faint rustle of his departure, mingling with the remnants of the battlefield. Moments later, the two AMBU vanished with the body of the former Yondaime. Silence reclaimed the space once more, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

In the dim light of his office within the Hokage Tower, shadows danced across the walls. Hiruzen held baby Naruto snugly in his arms, the warmth of the infant's small body contrasting sharply with the cold reality surrounding him.

With a heavy heart, he pulled the letter from one of his robe's many pockets, unfolding the Last Will and Testament of a man he never thought he'd outlive. The old shinobi's fingers trembled slightly as they brushed against the slightly crumpled paper, its edges worn but still intact.

The scent of ink and paper filled the air as he carefully smoothed out the creases, each tug stirring a wave of memories—laughter shared, sacrifices made. His hands shook not only with grief but also with anticipation, a mixture of sorrow for the loss and hope for the future as he prepared to read Minato's final words.

The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow, illuminating the letters as if trying to breathe life into the emotions they held, while outside, the village lay silent, unaware of the profound legacy left in the hands of one old man and the child he now cradled.

Dear Hiruzen Sarutobi, Sandaime Hokage of Konohagakure, and Perverted Old Monkey

By the time you read this, I will have passed on. This letter concerns the child you probably hold in your arms even now—my son, Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze.

As Hiruzen read the first few lines, his heart tightened in his chest. The ink felt heavy with grief, and he could almost hear Minato's voice in his mind, each word a painful reminder of a life lost too soon.

Taking a deep breath, his nose caught the musty scent of the Hokage Tower as it mingled with the faint, comforting smell of baby powder. He looked down at the sleeping infant nestled against him—his delicate whisker-marked cheeks, shock of blonde hair, and soft pink lips offering an image so sweet his teeth ached just looking at the boy.

Strangely craving sweets, Hiruzen returned to reading, his mind briefly flickering to better times.

"And now I want some sweets," he mumbled, making a mental note to go out and get some, scratch that, he was the Hokage, he'd send out his secretary to do it instead. With that important detail taken care of he finally got back to his reading.

I am acutely aware of how the hosts of the tailed beasts have been treated, both past and present. It is my fervent wish that he be regarded as a hero, though I am under no illusion that this will be the case. Regardless, his true parentage must be concealed until he is strong enough to protect himself. Until that time, he will carry the Uzumaki name. Do with that what you will.

Hiruzen smiled at that sentiment, a flicker of warmth and determination igniting in him. Oh, he knew exactly what to do with that knowledge. The Uzumaki Clan, nearly forgotten in the pages of history, was about to make its comeback into the complex web of clan politics.

He could already envision the day when Naruto's full legacy would be revealed—unshackled from the weight of the stigma brought by tonight's tragic events. The boy's true heritage as the heir to both the Namikaze and Uzumaki lines would be undeniable.

The thought of seeing the Uzumaki crest displayed proudly again stirred something deep within him, and he silently vowed to protect that future at all costs.

This secrecy is vital to safeguard him from those who would wish him harm simply for being our child.

As Hiruzen read, he had to admit that Minato was right. Jinchuriki always face fear and prejudice. And if the villagers who had witnessed the destruction caused by the Nine-Tails discovered that the Kyūbi was held within Naruto, it would be even worse for him.

With a heavy sigh, he kept reading.

I am sure you can infer that Iwa, Kumo, and even the Sky Nation might harbor ill intentions, given Kushina's anger. Please ensure he is never seen as merely a weapon and that he is given the love and care he deserves.

Originally, I had chosen my sensei, Jiraiya the Toad Sannin, and Tsunade Senju, the Slug Queen and Elixir Master, to be his godparents. However, when Kushina found out, she punched me in the back of my head. When I eventually woke up and remembered my name, I suddenly realized that their respective roles and lifestyles make this impossible—Jiraiya with his espionage duties and Tsunade with her gambling habits.

Hiruzen chuckled softly, shaking his head at the memory. He could almost hear Kushina's playful anger and see her determination as she defended their son's future. The images of Jiraiya's mischievous grin and Tsunade's exasperated sighs brought back good memories.

This time, he had to agree with Kushina. The two legendary figures were excellent shinobi but not ideal guardians, given their unpredictable lifestyles.

Hiruzen let out a wistful sigh, momentarily lost in the warmth of his memories. But he shook his head and refocused on the scroll in his hand.

Thus, I have designated Kakashi Hatake, my only surviving student, as his godfather. His godmother will be Anko Mitarashi, chosen by Kushina because their close friendship was born from my wife's past role in protecting the young kunoichi after Orochimaru's betrayal. Anko will understand his pain and be a valuable presence in his life.

As he read the names, he felt reassured by Minato's choices. Kakashi's laid-back attitude and loyalty would offer stability in Naruto's life, while Anko's fierce spirit and empathy from her own struggles would bring understanding and strength. Together, they would create a supportive environment for the boy to flourish.

Emboldened by these thoughts, Hiruzen took a deep breath and returned his attention to the scroll, eager to uncover Minato's intentions and plans for Naruto's future.

He has already unlocked his full Chakra and Mana potential. To clarify, Mana refers to magic. This means that he possesses complete command over both his spiritual and magical energies from birth, which will allow him to access and utilize a vast array of abilities and techniques. Don't overthink it; it'll make sense eventually.

Within the medium-sized, solid black storage scroll at the house, you will find several important scrolls and books that will help him understand and control his powers. The enormous white and gold scroll beside him is a divine gift from both the gods and us, containing ancient secrets and powerful spells that will further aid him in his journey.

The weight of responsibility rested heavily on Hiruzen's shoulders. He was now the guardian of a child and an entire legacy, a burden he accepted fully. He would make sure Naruto had the resources he needed to turn his gifts into a source of strength instead of a curse.

With this resolve in his heart, Hiruzen focused on the scroll again, ready to dive into Minato's carefully chosen words. The parchment called to him, offering insights into the future he wanted to create for the boy. Each line carried purpose, encouraging him to discover the wisdom that would guide Naruto's journey.

As the grandson of the Second Hokage and the Death Goddess—Kushina's parents—he possesses my Rinnegan, didn't know I had that, did you, old friend? He will discover its nature on his own, but this heritage grants him access to every bloodline limit. He will learn to wield these abilities with proficiency.

The implications of this revelation were overwhelming. Hiruzen felt disbelief and awe at the secret Minato had casually revealed in his letter: Kushina, the fiery woman he had known for years, was the daughter of the Death Goddess.

His mind raced. He had always recognized the Uzumaki clan's extraordinary vitality and sealing techniques, but this was on another level. The Death Goddess—once thought to be a myth—was now revealed as Naruto's grandmother.

Looking back, it all made sense: Kushina's incredible resilience and strength, her ability to endure what would break others. Yet, he had never considered her divine lineage.

Was he hurt that Minato didn't trust him with such a significant secret? Absolutely. After years of working together and mentoring Minato, this truth felt like a betrayal. Still, deeper concerns took root in his heart.

If Naruto inherited divine blood along with Minato's Rinnegan, what kind of power did he possess? Hiruzen's heart raced as he realized the immense potential resting within the infant in his arms. This child could one day surpass legends—if he was properly guided.

Hiruzen knew what needed to be done. He had to protect Naruto fiercely, more than he had ever protected anyone. The village's future rested on this boy's shoulders, and yet he was still just a child. It would be Hiruzen's responsibility to help Naruto understand and master his extraordinary abilities as they emerged. He needed to grow strong without being overwhelmed.

Hiruzen's hands trembled as he held the baby closer, aware of the enormity of the task ahead. He couldn't allow this power to consume Naruto. The child needed nurturing, patience, and care, so he wouldn't be overwhelmed by the responsibility that came with his remarkable lineage.

Hiruzen gazed at the peaceful face of the infant, the last legacy of two of the most powerful and beloved people he had known. The child's destiny would be difficult, but Hiruzen would ensure Naruto would not face it alone.

The seal I used to contain the Nine-Tails is designed to facilitate cooperation and Chakra sharing between them without conflict. Remember, the Nine-Tails was coerced into attacking the village by a man posing as Madara Uchiha. It was not an act of aggression from any of the Uchiha within the village, but rather from a rogue individual. Don't let those idiots in the council egg you into making any drastic decisions.

A chill ran down Hiruzen's spine at the mention of the Nine-Tails, recalling the destruction it had unleashed on the village—the screams of panicked citizens, the flames consuming buildings, and the anguished cries for help.

But Minato's words finally answered one of his most urgent lingering questions: why had the Nine-Tails attacked in the first place? With this knowledge, Hiruzen could counter the prejudices from the Civilian Council that would inevitably arise. It would also help to protect Naruto from becoming a scapegoat for the village's suspicion and fear.

My time here is at an end. I trust you to honor my wishes, keep him safe, and remind him that we loved him deeply. Also, I return the hat to you—enjoy the office once more, old monkey.

With respect and gratitude,

Minato Namikaze

The Fourth Hokage of the Village and Proud Father of Naruto

As he reached the final lines, Hiruzen felt a flood of emotion crash over him—sadness for the loss of a friend and mentor, but also a fierce determination to carry on Minato's legacy. He gently pressed the scroll to his chest, cradling Naruto close, and vowed to protect the child with every ounce of his being, to honor the love that had shaped this boy's destiny before he even took his first breath. This child would not be defined by fear; he would be celebrated for the light he would bring into the world.

By the time the Third Hokage finished reading the letter, tears streamed down his face, dripping onto the edge of the scroll. His shoulders trembled with the weight of his grief, clutching the letter as though it was all he had left of Minato.

A sudden knock at the door broke the silence. Quickly, he wiped the tears from his cheeks, trying to pull himself together.

"Come in," he called, his voice thick but steady as he straightened in his chair. The door creaked open.

Two ANBU entered the room, their presence a stark contrast to the Hokage's grief. The one in a dog mask moved with calm confidence, while the younger one in a snake mask stood stiffly beside him, clearly nervous.

"Lord Hokage-sama," the dog-masked ANBU reported, his voice steady, "the council has called an urgent meeting about the recent events. They're angry and demanding retribution—threatening to tarnish Sensei's legacy."

Hiruzen clenched his jaw, wiping the last of his tears. The mention of Minato's legacy stung deeply. He looked down at baby Naruto, still asleep and unaware of the turmoil around him.

The Hokage took a deep, shuddering breath and straightened his posture, though his eyes remained damp. His irritation with the council simmered just beneath the surface, his jaw tight as he thought of the same old faces—those who had never known the weight of real leadership—waiting to spout their short-sighted demands.

"Once I get past the bullshit I know the Council has waiting for me, I want the two of you back here in standard Jonin attire. Understood?" His voice was clipped, the annoyance seeping through.

The two ANBU gave brief nods, their movements sharp and disciplined. Dog's eyes flickered in acknowledgment beneath his mask, while Snake seemed to tense even more, her body rigid as though bracing herself for the storm that lay ahead.

Hiruzen stood up, adjusting his robe over his scarred battle armor, the fabric worn and frayed from countless battles fought in the name of the Leaf, including the brutal battle this very night. Each scar on his armor told a story, a story he'd have no problem telling the Council, from the tip of his kunai, if need be.

Then with a practiced motion, he placed the large hat that symbolized his position atop his head, the kanji for "fire" glinting under the soft light of the room. He adjusted it firmly, feeling its familiar weight settle in place—a burden he had carried for too many years to falter now.

In a quick burst of chakra, Hiruzen performed a Leaf Shunshin, his and his passenger's forms blurring into nothingness before reappearing in the dimly lit corridor outside the Fire Council chambers.

The air was thick with tension, the stone walls echoing the quiet urgency of the moment. He landed softly, barely making a sound against the cool stone floor, though the tension in his shoulders was unmistakable.

"Now it begins."