Identity

In the Hokage office:

"It's been a long while," remarked an aged tone, belonging to none other than Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The man poised with both arms behind his back and stood behind his Hokage seat, exuding an aura of authority and nonchalance.

"7 years," the cloaked figure intoned, a tinge of displeasing was lacing his voice.

The cloaked man faced him from the opposite side, positioned behind the guest seat.

The cloaked man resumed; "Before we do begin, I would like to ask Lord Third... Do you have any lead... Behind the person that instigated the attack?"

A momentary silence ensued before Hiruzen closed his eyes and shook his head in disappointment, replying, "Unfortunately, no. Although not certain, there is speculation that an Uchiha was behind it, since the pattern in the Kyuubi's eyes was similar to the Sharingan. However, this is merely speculation."

"I see," the cloaked man sighed in a disappointed tone. 

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

A knock was heard on the door, diverting the duo's attention to the door. 

"Haha," a wry chuckle escaped the cloaked man's mouth as he anticipated the visitor.

Hiruzen looked at the cloaked figure, who nodded, signaling to open the door.

"It's Inoichi-san. You can let him in," the cloaked man affirmed.

"Are you sure? Didn't you want to be discreet?" Hiruzen inquired.

"Yeah, but I can trust Inoichi-san. Plus, I'd rather have a good connection with him; I may seek his assistance in future endeavors."

"Very well," Hiruzen agreed. "Come in," he announced, allowing the person from the other side to enter.

The door creaked open, and a familiar light-haired individual entered the office, his prominent feature being his long black coat making him stand out in style.

"Excuse me, Lord Third," Iniochi apologetically voiced, additionally bowing in reverence to the Hokage.

"It's fine," Hiruzen raised a hand in assurance.

The individual who had entered was none other than Yamanaka Inoichi. He turned his gaze to the cloaked man, and although his features were obscured, Inoichi could sense a smug expression.

"So you were curious, huh," the cloaked man smugged.

"Indeed," Inoichi admitted.

Breaking between the duo, Hiruzen offered, "Would you like a coffee? I believe you've traveled far?"

Once again, Inoichi was left stunned. The Hokage personally asked this individual if he wanted coffee. He's acting differently compared to how he does with others.

"I'd like to pass, thank you for the offer Lord Third," the cloaked man respectfully declined.

"Very well."

Hiruzen turned back round, ambling toward his window where the scope of the entire village reflected before his eyes. His lips curled in satisfaction as he observed the prevailing peace of the village and the varying levels of optimism, such as men engaged in chatter with their peers, children frolicking, etc.

With his gaze fixed on the village, Hiruzen voiced, "So, I believe you're retiring from the front lines?"

The cloaked man, with his back straight, affirmed, "Yes sir."

His response was resolute. Nothing could change his mind. The office was hushed, and Inoichi battled thoughts on his own, as he felt like the 3rd wheel of this conversation. The other 2 conversed as though he never existed, but truth be told, he had been aware of that.

After all, it's not like he's the star of this episode. 

He came here for a singular reason alone; who was this man? The curiosity got the better of him.

The aura oozing off this man was like a calm lake... So calm that not a single ripple formed despite the ferocious winds that blew with the strength of a hurricane. 

Within that serene lake lay profound depth. Those who assess his aura will only see the surface, perceived as a calm lake, but not what lies within!

A high-class Jonin like Inoichi was no fool. He even assessed both individuals and inwardly pondered, 'Who would win out of these 2?'

The fact that Inoichi was comparing Lord Third to the cloaked man showed the strength that lay within the cloaked man. Lord Third may be old, and he certainly was not as strong as he was in his youth, but his appearance was merely a facade to the monstrous power that lay dormant within him. Even the ANBU wouldn't think of engaging in a battle with Lord Third. On that note, such a powerful figure was being compared to this mysterious, cloaked man.

Unbuttoning his cloak, the cloaked man proposed, "Well Lord Third, let's have a chat. I have a lot to talk about." 

Removing his cloak, his features were unveiled, to which Inoichi found himself dismayed, and even a visible glint can be seen in his eyes, stemming from both delight and frown.

Reflected before Hiruzen's and Inoichi's eyes was a man who had golden hair tied back in a ponytail, and sapphire eyes. While a serene smile adorned his face, his cold eyes contrasted, conveying a silent, yet tragic tale. 

Though a smile graced his countenance, Hiruzen and Inoichi discerned from a glance it was fake; he maintained a tough front. That was the smile of a man who faced the horrors of life and lost a lot more than he gained. Hiruzen and Inoichi knew firsthand from experience, how that felt.

Truly a man that had experienced the vicissitudes of life, and much like many other Shinobi, the horrors of war!

His attire consisted of dark blue, baggy styled upper clothing, tucked in his white trousers. A scabbard was attached to his waist, hinting at a concealed sword.

The man's lips parted before he asked in a questioning tone, "Ring a bell?" 

His lips quivering, Inoichi stammered, "L-Lord... Fourth? Is this... a miracle?"

A vivid glimmer sparkled in his eyes, hinting both delight and a frown. A delight for the return of such a notorious figure who could single-handedly dispel the repercussions the village had faced from other nations...

Yet a visibly deep frown of unnerve.

Why?

Because Lord Fourth had died. It had become well-known across the entire world. His demise also spelled for the impending disaster in Konoha leading to much bloodshed!

As though understanding Inoichi's train of thought, the yellow-haired man's shoulders slumped as he waved his hand in dismissal; 

"Sigh, incorrect," the man sighed, allowing Inoichi another chance. 

Inoichi's brows furrowed; "You... look just like him," he rasped with a finger on his chin.

"Well, in your defense, I am a mirror image of my brother. I pretty much lived under his shadow," the yellow-haired man sighed, rubbing his head sheepishly as though he was used to this misunderstanding. 

However, it was this directive of thinking that enabled Inoichi to draw another conclusion.

"You're... The... Golden Bolt," Inoichi muttered, the slight pauses in his sentence conveying his dismay.

"Spot on," the man admitted, clicking his finger in approval. 

Hiruzen, with an all-knowing smile, commented, "The Golden Bolt, or rather, Namikaze Hayato."

The space was replaced with a palpable silence as Inoichi pondered over the bombshell of information he was presented with.

The man that stood before him was a revered prodigy of Konoha, Namikaze Hayato!

"It's an honor, Hayato-san. I've heard of your major contributions to the village as of lately," Inoichi complimented.

Hayato deliberated, "Well, thank you. Not as big as my brother's name since I've been working in the shadows all this time. Though I must say, Inoichi-san, I'm surprised you know me. My name was overshadowed by the yellow flash, so I wasn't well known."

"Hayato-san, surely you jest. Not only have you contributed largely, you and your brother were the renowned yellow speedsters of the village," Inoichi inferred.

Hayato stylishly ran his fingers through his glazing hair; "Yep, the hot yellow speedsters of Konoha." 

He implied, emphasizing 'hot' with all due seriousness.

"Right," Inoichi chided along. 'He's as smug as they say,' he mused internally.

"So how's she doing? I expected her to be with you as well," Hiruzen inquired.

Inoichi arched a brow, intrigued by the unfolding conversation.

Hayato's mood became somber, conveying he'd rather not answer, but that would panic Lord Third.

"She's doing fine. She was very disheartened ever since Kushina-san died. It's been 6 years, but Kushina-san's death still hurts her to this day. They were extremely close after all... They were like family," Hayato answered, a pang of sorrow evident in his tone. 

Hayato's anger surfaced as he expressed, "I was extremely angry that I wasn't able to come for their funeral."

"I see. I sincerely apologise, Hayato," Hiruzen expressed his regret. 

"No, it's fine. If I had abandoned my allies and come for the funeral, my brother would've been disappointed in me. We are Shinobi after all," Hayato claimed, glaring downward and clenching his fist.

Raising his head to meet Hiruzen's gaze, he continued, "And yes, you're right, she was supposed to be here with me, but she's just getting everything prepared... I believe I should say there was also a problem... we ran into in Kusagakure." 

Raising a brow, Hiruzen pressed, "Problem? This is news to me. I haven't heard of any sort of problem there."

Inoichi also chided in a hushed tone, "Oh no."

Hayato elaborated, "Oh no, it was just personal. There's nothing to worry about." 

Hiruzen's brows creased, hoping that nothing had transpired in Kusagakure to instigate conflict. However, given Hayato's assurance, he assumed it was nothing worth pondering.

His reassurance eased the pacing heart of both Hiruzen and Inoichi, as they simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, Konoha had been able to establish peace after years of bloodshed, and another quarrel with an enemy nation would be unsettling.

Hayato continued, "I'll delve into the details when she returns... And I believe she'll come back by tomorrow or the day after. I thought of coming with her, but she reassured me that she'll be fine and told me to proceed and get everything planned out ahead of time."

"Very well," Hiruzen stated with confidence. 

"Lord Third, I'm certain you're well aware of the reason I retired from the front lines," Hayato changed the subject. Lord Third and Inoichi were all ears. 

"As you know, I've done my fair share at the front lines. I've traveled to distant lands, gathered intel, and thwarted enemy plans. Especially after the Kyuubi attack, we not only lost Lord Fourth and Kushina-san, but a lot of experienced Shinobi, and our forces had dwindled thin. Ever since, our village has been a target by many nations. Now, finally, I along with my comrades have been able to establish peace within the village. I believe I've played a significant role in protecting the peace of our home. I should've come here earlier for Naruto's sake, but, if I were to neglect my duty, which would subsequently lead to the death of my comrades, nii-san would certainly be disappointed," Hayato declared. 

Hiruzen and Inoichi listened, silent and attentive, as Hayato continued.

With a deep sadness welling within, Hayato's eyes glistened as he eyed the ground, vocalising his concern; "I'm already too late though. If I'm not wrong, Naruto has entered the academy recently... He's six, after all, and the scenario nii-san wanted to prevent ended up being the root cause. Naruto ended up being an orphan." 

Hayato gnashed his teeth, infuriated by his failure to be an uncle, and his inability to be there for his nephew. He failed both Minato and Kushina, and even Naruto.

"Well, no use whining now, I'll need to shape up and be there for Naruto," Hayato scoffed.

Hiruzen, with a smile, spoke, "You contributed plenty to Konoha, and you have played a major role in maintaining this prevailing peace. Your duties of exploration in the foreign lands have now ceased. Welcome home."

Hayato expressed, bowing in reverence, "Thank you." 

Hiruzen, noticing that everyone was standing, including himself, gestured, "How about we all take a seat?"

Hayato complied and seated opposite him.

Inoichi remained standing, a bead of sweat forming on the back of his head. He truly felt like the 3rd wheel in this room, and quite frankly, he was of no use here.

He had also attained his answer of the identity behind the cloaked man, and so, decided on departing; "In that case, I'll take my-

"Inoichi-san, please take a seat with me," Hayato interjected.

"Hmm," Inoichi arched a brow.

Clasping his hands apologetically, Hayato wryly tittered, "I may need your help, haha."

Inoichi maintained an indifference, but his trail of thought was different; 'Oh great, now I've got myself involved with more work!'

Without further ado, the conversation resumed;

"Lord Third, my name was big, and well known, and it became increasingly so during these 6 years. I even have a high bounty, so naturally, if I were to go around Naruto with my current identity, then he'd be in danger. I want my identity to be kept in utmost secrecy when I adopt him, because if my identity is revealed, Naruto will certainly be a target, used as a hostage if the opposition ever wants to capture me," Hayoto debriefed.

Hiruzen and Inoichi were all ears.

"Inoichi-san, I believe I can trust you not to share information about my presence with anyone else, including your close peers," Hayato intoned, his gaze fixed on Hiruzen.

Inoichi maintained his focus on Lord Third and replied, "I wouldn't dare."

Hayato continued; "I might be being paranoid here, but I don't want to be a danger around my own nephew. Besides, it doesn't hurt to take extra precautions, as such, I'll need to create a new identity..." he paused, locking his eyes with Hiruzen.

Anticipating this, Hiruzen concurred; "The identity has been prepared. There are a few things we must take care of, but as long as you're ready, we're good to go."

"Perfect." 

"Though Hayato... You say all this, yet you opted for an Uzumaki heritage... I don't understand the reason behind that. Instead, you could just take the identity of some ordinary townsfolk," Hiruzen voiced.

"Hmm..." Inoichi hummed. From this interaction, he could pinpoint the obvious; Hayato was planning to blend in with Konoha as an ordinary passerby, but with Hiruzen's intel, it seems Hayato will use the name of an Uzumaki.

The Uzumaki is a forgotten name, but that doesn't cancel out their once-revered reputation. Those who delve into the history of the world have known the reputation of Uzumaki. As such, Hiruzen's claim was completely valid, and Inoichi too, wanted to hear Hayato's response.

"Well... there's also another reason I've opted for an Uzumaki identity, which you'll come to know of when she returns," Hayato chided, leaving both Hiruzen and Inoichi curious.

Subsequently, Hayato placed his left index finger on his right wrist, and a pattern of foreign linguistics revealed itself encircling Hayato's wrist. This was Fuinjutsu.

Channeling chakra into the seal, a bizarre phenomenon had transpired, to which Hiruzen and Inoichi were left stunned, their mouth agape in amazement and fascination. 

Hayato's appearance began to morph. His lustrous golden hair had become a haunting shade of crimson, and his sapphire eyes became a deep abyssal crimson. 

A completely different person emerged, and Hayato ended his transformation.

"We've talked about this before. I'll take my identity as Uzumaki Saruto."

Hayato declared!