Chapter 02

After a long mental deliberation, Hiruzen said, "I honestly appreciate your open minded thoughtfulness in being willing to adopt the child Hiashi, however I must respectfully decline the offer."

Hiashi's eyes widened upon hearing this and spoke, "Sandaime-sama, Naruto possesses great potentials to become one of Konoha's strongest shinobis and with him under my tutelage, he would become one the greatest prodigies and Hokages ever produced by Konoha."

"I acknowledge your good intentions for the child Hiashi and for anyone else here who's willing the take the responsibilities of taking Naruto under their wings…," Sandaime sighed and continued, "However, Naruto needs balance in his life. He's already been infused with a powerful Hokage whose knowledge, wisdom, stamina and abilities will possibly be absorbed into the child in a gradual process as he grows up no doubt. Because of this, he'll need someone to balance him. For the best intentions of the child, I'll dispatch one of the ANBU here to locate someone of my choosing to raise and teach Minato's heir."

Hiashi reluctantly remained silent. Now wasn't the time to argue with the reinstated Hokage especially after everything that transpired before and after Kyuubi's attack.

"Are we to inform the villagers about Yondaime's surviving heir," asked Homura.

"No," Hiruzen replied firmly with no hint of hesitation in his voice, "Should the people learn that Namikaze Naruto is Minato's only son, chances of Naruto being spoiled and pampered by the villagers would be unquestionably high. The child would grow up to be ungrateful and show little appreciation for the things given to him. The results however would be the opposite should he learn to earn what's rightfully his than to simply hand his inheritance over to him.

"Plus you have to remember that Minato has made a lot of enemies in many lands, villages and possibly other continents. And as I mentioned before, should enemy villages learn of Yondaime having an heir infused with Minato himself, the results would prove disastrous for both the child and the entire village of Konoha."

Everyone in the chamber allowed Sandaime's wisely chosen words to be absorbed as they thought about what he said.

"For this reason," Hiruzen continued, "The child's name will be changed. He will adopt the maiden name of his mother as Minato instructed before his battle with Kyuubi. His new name will be Uzumaki Naruto. Everyone will be told that Minato and his entire family have died as a result of Kyuubi's attack. When Naruto grows up and reach a level of maturity that I see appropriate with the ability to look after himself, he will be given everything that belongs to his family and with the truth about his heritage being publicly explained to the people."

Everyone present nodded their heads in understanding. Hiruzen remained silent momentarily as he allowed everyone to let his words sink into their minds. With a more serious and firm tone, Hiruzen continued, "Until that time, no one here is make any mention to anyone outside the council regarding the truth about Naruto's true heritage without my or Naruto's consent. If these words of mine are not honored, the act will be regarded as treason, and the punishment will be severe. This is my law as the reinstated Hokage."

The ANBU, clan leaders and advisors knew not to take Sandaime's words lightly, especially if they didn't want to incur his wrath...

(End Flashback)

Sarutobi sighed again as he thought about what happened after the meeting...

(Flashback: A Week Ago)

Hiruzen, three hours after the meeting with the advisors and clan leaders, had called the grand assembly of everyone in Konoha. Many in attendance could only wonder what Hiruzen had to tell them in regards to Kyuubi No Yoko's attack and defeat. Many murmurings were circulating around the assembly until Sandaime appeared on the roof of Hokage tower calling everyone to attention. The people immediately quieted after seeing Sandaime Hokage take the stage.

"People of Konohagakure No Sato," Sandaime addressed everyone, "As you all are well aware, a great monster known as Kyuubi No Yokohave attacked our village for reasons unknown to us. Sadly, many of our people and shinobis have lost their lives in battling the Kyuubi and many parts of our village have been left in ruins. It grieves me deeply that such a terrible event of such evil have befell us."

Hiruzen paused for a moment as he looked over at everyone in the audience. Taking a breath, he continued, "Kyuubi would have continued its rampage had it not been for the sacrifice made by Yondaime Hokage who vanished and died moments after defeating Kyuubi No Yoko. It also grieves me to inform all of you that Yondaime's honorable wife, Namikaze Kushina, also died during the attack."

Again Sandaime paused and looked at the faces of everyone who was there. He knew how everyone loved his successor Yondaime and his wife Kushina, and Sandaime was no exception. The villagers knew his wife was pregnant and were really looking forward to the birth of Yondaime's child with high expectations. Although it was true that Minato's wife died however, it grieved him that he had to make everyone believe that both Minato and his child were dead but it was for Naruto's own protection.

Hiruzen continued, "Yes the loss of Minato and his family is indeed a great loss and with all those who lost their lives on this tragic night. But their deaths were not in vain. Minato and all of the brave shinobis and citizens of Konohagakure who died gave their lives to protect the village and everyone they held dear to them. Their deaths therefore were honorable and ought to be commemorated.

"In spite of all that has happened here on this night, the fact that the village is still in existence testifies to the shining will of fire that burns in all of us; a fire that will not go out into the shadows of the night by enemies forces! Tonight's events have proven this truth to all of us! Although we can never bring back the lives of those who were lost in the battle however, we can honor their sacrifices and losses by rebuilding Konohagakure No Sato for a brighter tomorrow! In this way, the next generation of Konoha and all future generations to follow will learn of the great things that their people and ancestors have done for them and their village and proudly carry their spirits and fiery will of the village!"

The villagers all burst into applause after hearing Sandaime's words to them. Needless to say, the people took all that he said to heart.

(End Flashback)

Sarutobi snapped out his thoughts when a knock came from the door.

"Yes? You can come in."

The door opened revealing a masked ANBU standing at the door.

"Sandaime-sama," the ANBU spoke as he bowed in respects, "The one whom you have sent for has arrived."

Hizuzen nodded his head to the ANBU, giving him permission to allow the visitor to enter his office. The visitor stepped into the office with the ANBU stepping out and leaving the office, giving privacy to both Sandaime and his guest, who didn't have a happy facial expression. Sandaime knew that this meeting wasn't going to be a smooth sailing one.