Summary: Instead of being a simple orphan, or a child of random civilians, Namikaze Minato was born as Senju Minato, a member of the Senju clan and grandson of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. See what happens when Naruto grows up as an heir to 'The clan with a thousand skills' at his disposal. AN: AU, Strong/Smart Naruto. Senju Naruto.

Chapter 1: The seed is strong.

"The seed is strong." – Jon Arryn

Konohagakure no Sato

The Konoha Hospital, October 25th, Naruto: Age 6.

Not for the first time did the Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, wondered what did it mean to be the Hokage. Both his senseis and predecessors, the Nidaime Hokage, Senju Tobirama and his brother the Shodai Hokage, Senju Hashirama, told him many times that treating your fellow villagers, your fellow shinobi of the Leaf, all as part of your family. As part of your own body. That is what it means to be the Hokage. Hashirama-sama, an idealist in heart, always dreamed that one day, all shinobi, regardless of country or village they hailed from, would come together and cooperate, erasing the hatred of The Warring States Period – to coexist – much to the contrast of his more pragmatic younger brother, who would place village and it's benefit above everything, discarding Shodai's idealism of such notion, as a mere fantasy. A fantasy that if it ever came to reality would be an illusion at best.

For that, after the Shodai's death, but even before, Tobirama-sensei tried to instil more realistic approach into his students. Hiruzen tried to justify this every time he had to send his ninjas to suicide missions, when he sent them to war – knowing that some of them might never come back. Those were the moments when he wondered what it means to be the Hokage and if he was worthy of wearing the mantle of the Third.

Sitting on the hospital bed, looking at the sleeping form of the six-year-old Namikaze Naruto, Hiruzen wondered, how many of his fellow villagers actually embodied, or at very least believed in the ideal on which he tried to live. It didn't come out as a surprise to him to hear about the villager's resentment towards Naruto after someone leaked his status as a jinchūriki to the public. He reasoned that as long as there was no physical abuse from the adults – Naruto would be safe. He could forbid them to talk about his status to future generations, ensuring that Naruto grows up being accepted by his peers. But even if the adults followed his order, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Young children, having their parents as an ideal they wanted to impress, would notice something different about the blonde boy. Whispers are certainly one way to mold the opinion of the juvenile mind towards someone. He didn't have any friends, lived in an orphanage and was generally avoided by everyone. A lone and weak prey for stronger to devour.

"Nothing in his memories suggests he held any previous resentment towards them, Hokage-sama." Yamanaka Inoichi woke him from his inner thoughts. "He went to the playground with intentions of making friends, as per your suggestion to him, the day prior. Unfortunately, three nine-year-old boys didn't like the idea of 'that boy' being in their company. Before he unleashed his chakra in the form of Wind element, they started picking on him, calling him names, hitting him few times..." Inoichi paused for a second. "And only after that, he did what he did. No previous elemental manipulation or even any shinobi training I found in his memories, or even intention of purposely killing them like he did."

"What about his life in the orphanage?" Hiruzen asked. He would take Naruto and treat him with some ramen on a few occasions, but would never ask the boy about his life. A fact he was ashamed of right now. He promised Kushina that he would take care of her son, yet he failed.

Inoichi looked at him with a small frown. "I can say it's not a healthy environment in which a child should grow, Hokage-sama." The Hokage's eyes widened at that. Don't tell me...

The Yamanaka clan head picked up his shock and quickly said. "No physical abuse happened, Hokage-sama. However, general neglect, ignoring, or when they do notice him 'an ugly look' as he calls it in his head – shape his rather... resentful outlook towards the villagers, from whom he is target of that treatment, more so than in the orphanage."

Hiruzen sighed at that, wanting to hit himself for his previous ignorance. If Naruto received ugly looks on the streets, the orphanage would be no different but. It was supposed to be his home, a safe haven – when in reality it was not one. It would influence Naruto's mind towards more misanthropic worldviews. He needed to prevent more damage. Immediately.

Inoichi continued describing Naruto's isolated life. Fortunately starving and beating did not occur, aside from the recent attempt. He learned how to read and write along with the other children. But a child of his burden needed more. For he was not only a jinchūriki, but also the only son of the Yondaime Hokage, Senju Minato, and besides Tsunade, the last member of the Senju clan – coming directly from Tobirama's line, being his great-grandson. Growing up and resenting the village his ancestors, clansmen, father, sacrificed their lives for, was the last thing the aged Hokage wanted – he didn't want that to happen at all.

Giving him the name of Namikaze was for his protection, at least he hoped. A small game of words from his part. He couldn't very well give him Uzumaki as it would draw too much unwanted attention from the outside. Then again, Hiruzen didn't know Naruto would be facing these problems. In silent parts of his mind, he did know, but his faith in the village, in the Will of Fire, was strong, never wavering – not even when Minato died. Perhaps if he had given him the name Uzumaki, the villagers would be more respectful? Two First Ladies came from Uzumaki clan after all.

Hiruzen made countless errors and countless mistakes throughout his reign. But the error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it. Sending some of his shinobi to the suicide missions, hoping they would survive, silently knowing some of them would die – an error and a mistake. Perhaps. An error he would try to remedy in the future. Mistake, never to repeat – often would. But even that would not bring the dead back. All his errors, all his mistakes, would always haunt him, just like every kill he made, because in a way – he was the one responsible for those shinobis death.

Looking at the sleeping form of Naruto, Sarutobi swore he would correct this mistake. He placed his trust in the wrong basket. It was time to place it with Naruto. He owed the boy, his parents, ancestors and deceased clansmen – that much at least.

He called out to his nearby ANBU before doing anything. "Cat, summon the Head Council(1) to the meeting chamber I, in half an hour."

The ANBU in question simply nodded and went to fulfill the task.

Promptly standing up, he addressed Inoichi who was still in the room, waiting for his further instructions. "Come with me, Inoichi-kun. We have a council meeting to attend."

After making sure there were at least two ANBU guards with Naruto, he continued to go on his way to the office.

In the meantime, Inoichi wondered what his Hokage planned to do with the council. It was no secret among the ninja population that the Sandaime and his former teammates had a clash of ideologies ever since his reinstatement, particularly regarding Naruto. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura certainly passed the transition from firm supporters of Sandaime to biggest supporters of Shimura Danzō – another elder and rival to Sandaime. Inoichi himself being the member of the Head Council as representative of Konoha's Intelligence Division was witness to their constant debates, but found himself supporting the Sandaime. As he, in Inoichi's mind – truly embodied the Will of Fire.

At the Meeting Chamber I

A half-hour later, in one of the rooms, specifically meant for these kinds of meetings, the Head Council was gathered. Aside from the Sandaime Hokage and Inoichi who represented Konoha's Intelligence Division, present were: Shimura Danzō, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura as the village elders and more. Jōnin Commander – Nara Shikaku, the ANBU Commander, and lastly, Head of Konoha's Military Police Force – Uchiha Fugaku.

Without preamble, the Sandaime decided, or at least thought that starting the meeting that way had made people impatient as always, however, Koharu interrupted anyway. "I assume this meeting is about today's incident with the jinchūriki?"

Growling at being interrupted, which Koharu seemed to notice, if her sudden flinch at Sarutobi's glare was any indication, Hiruzen nodded in any case. Of course it is. Cat summoned you here for that reason. Instead, he said. "Yes. Three academy students attacked Naruto-kun at the playground, during which he unintentionally unleashed his chakra in the form of the Wind element." 'Unintentionally' said with absolute firmness, leaving no place for argument.

Still, Homura, more composed than their female teammate, in a more authoritative voice proposed. "It would be best to place him under Danzō's protection then." Hiruzen was not surprised at his proposal. He was going to deny it in any case. But he allowed Homura to continue speaking, at very least to hear more of his 'reasoning'.

"Given his mental state and the future development of the same, I believe it would be in the village's best interest that the jinchūriki be trained by Danzō. His affinity for Wind, a strong one, is an even bigger reason for that." He nodded towards Danzō, who in turn, nodded as well. "I agree with Homura." He looked towards Hiruzen then. "The boy should be given to me, at least while he's still young and malleable. You know this incident will affect him even more than the general treatment by the populace. With me, he would not only become a trained shinobi, but a loyal one to the Konoha as well, with a better childhood than he could hope for at the moment." Danzō placed the accent on the word 'treatment', almost as if he was proud of that fact.

He looked towards other members of the Head Council, but aside from Homura and Koharu, only found disapproving frowns causing him to scowl lightly. He wouldn't get their support. The ANBU commander was loyal to Hiruzen first and foremost. Shikaku and Inoichi were Minato's friends, so they probably knew about Naruto's parentage, and were thus even less likely to support him on such a case. He was on bad terms with Fugaku ever since the Kyūbi's attack and subsequent transfer of the Uchiha clan to the edge of the village, thus causing Fugaku to always speak against Danzō's proposals and voting against them when such was the case.

Lastly, he looked towards Hiruzen, his former friend and rival, who strangely had a small smile on his face.

"I already decided what to do with Naruto-kun, Shimura. You need not bother with your proposal any further. Same goes for you two. Koharu, Homura." This time there was a little disdain in Hiruzen's eyes when he looked towards his childhood friends. Their knowledge of Naruto's mental state would need to be investigated. Three of them were the prime suspects of revealing Naruto's status to the village – no doubt hoping he would give the young boy to Danzō for training Konoha's ultimate weapon, while on the surface sugar-coating him that it was for the Senju heir's protection. Well, he would enjoy crushing their delusions even now as then.

"Naruto-kun will live in his home, by right of birth."

This caused the council members to widen their eyes at the Hokage's decision, with Nara Shikaku being the first one to speak. "While I do think this is the best case of action, Hokage-sama. Who will take care of his basic needs? After all, he is still just a child. And if word gets out that the deaths of three academy students are connected to him... His treatment will get even worse."

"I have a few people in mind whom I trust to take care of Naruto-kun without problems and I will brief you all once I convince him to accept this job." Hiruzen told them. "In regards to the general populace, it would be best that what was said at this meeting – remains here." He looked at all of them for a few moments. His gaze lingering on the three elders who sat on his right side, for a bit longer. "Unsupervised elemental manipulation. Inoichi, Fugaku, I trust the Military police and Analysis team can cover this?" Both of them nodded. "Inform their parents that they experimented with elemental manipulation without supervision, the same goes for the rest of the village. No connection must be made to Naruto-kun. I don't want seeds of conspiracy theories to be planted any time soon, or ever for that matter."

Inoichi, just like Shikaku and the ANBU Commander were his loyal supporters during these types of meetings. Fugaku supported him as well – more out of resentment towards Danzō than loyalty from the heart. But it was better than nothing. While the council couldn't overrule the Hokage in any matter, discontent could be transferred onto the rest of the village. He was lucky that three clan heads were on his side. He figured that Fugaku knew about Naruto's parentage too, as Kushina and Mikoto were best friends, even if he and the rest of the Uchiha clan didn't like Minato becoming Yondaime Hokage on top of being a Senju as well. However, for all his dislike towards Minato, Fugaku was a man of honor, who rarely questioned orders, only when it would hurt the interest of his clan – like relocation of the Uchiha's to the other part of the village, which Hiruzen started regretting as he supported Danzō in that regard. However, it was too late to remedy that, for now at least. He had to fight on another front at the moment.

"Aside from us. Six of my ANBU and two doctors at the hospital whom I trust, know this. Before coming here, I briefed them all, to not speak to anyone about this incident. I expect the same from all of you as well! This is an S-class secret! You can go now."

They all nodded with the clan heads and the ANBU commander standing up to leave. The three elders lingered for a bit longer hoping to sway Hiruzen, but when Danzō stood up to leave, Koharu and Homura followed. However, before they all went on their way, Hiruzen called out the three elders. "You three. Stay!"

As the room emptied, Sarutobi addressed them. "You know what the penalty for breaking the S-class secret is?" It was a rhetorical question, although, the elders did not appreciate that the Hokage had so little faith in them, Homura and Koharu at least did not, Danzō remained impassive as ever. Koharu decided to speak on that, her eyes nearly closed and narrowed. "Of course we won't speak about -" She would have said more but was interrupted by Sarutobi.

"Like you three couldn't be silent in regards to Naruto-kun's jinchūriki status?"

Homura and Koharu tensed for a moment, Danzō was silent and unmoving as ever. Homura decided to retort. "We didn't say anything about that! You have no right to accuse us of such a thing!"

Hiruzen simply smiled wryly. "In any case you've been warned. You can leave now, but know that I will not be merciful if you betray me here – will not be merciful like I was before. This is your last warning."

The three of them nodded, even if Koharu and Homura were discontent with their council being shut down without any argument and being a target of suspicions. But before they left, the Sandaime spoke once more with clear disappointment dripping from his voice as he said. "Tobirama-sensei would be disappointed in you three with how you want to treat his only living descendant."

Danzō spoke this time with a sneer, his one eye narrowed. "Nidaime-sama would not place the interest of one child, even of his own blood – over the good of the entire village."

"You forget the reason why he and Shodai-sama wanted to create this village in the first place, Danzō." Sarutobi retorted, and then he smirked.

"It's one of the reasons why he chose Me as his successor, and not You."

No retort came this time, just the sound of the elders leaving. Hammer, however, has definitely hit the nail. Hiruzen in his mind thought. I wish Torifu and Kagami were my teammates, or at very least – alive.

The next day at the hospital

Slowly opening his eyes, Naruto found himself staring at the white ceiling of a room he has never been in before. Tiredly he rubbed his eyes, clearing them from morning eye crust.

"Why am I here?" He wondered for a moment before flashbacks of the previous day suddenly hit him like a pair of bricks that crashed onto the sloppy workers. Struggling to catch his breath, he felt the arm of a stranger patting him on his back, calming him down a bit.

"Easy there Naruto, it's alright..." The stranger urged him in a kind manner.

When Naruto lifted his head up, he saw a tall man with a strange mask that looked like a that of a dog's face and tall spiky silver hair. Memories of three dead bodies around him before he passed out, still fresh in his mind, propelled him to ask. "I...I killed them?" He whispered weakly in a questioning tone.

The man with the dog mask was quiet for a few moments before saying. "Hokage-sama will explain everything to you once he comes here, in the meantime, try to relax a bit."

Naruto nodded. Hokage-sama or Jiji as Naruto called him most of the time, was the only person who would talk to him, who would tell him stories, just like a real grandfather would to his grandson. He hoped that the dead bodies of the older kids in his memories were just a nightmare and that old man would tell him that as well.

The dog masked ANBU motioned for his colleague to tell the Hokage about Naruto's current status, after which he remained with the blonde boy for a time, looking sadly at him. He was no stranger to the first kill, especially at Naruto's age. He as well had his own first kill when he was as old as Naruto – albeit, not on a fellow villager. If the word 'fellow' applied to Naruto in his case, since deceased boys didn't think of him like that when they pushed him to the limits where he ended their lives.

Five minutes passed and the Sandaime Hokage arrived at the hospital room in which Naruto was staying.

Seeing his grandfather figure, a small smile formed on Naruto's face as he said in hoarse tone "Jiji.." In return, old Hokage gave his own small smile to the young boy.

"How are you feeling, Naruto-kun?" He asked him.

"A bit tired, but it's more that my stomach hurts. I had a nightmare..."

"What was the nightmare about?"

At the follow-up question, a small frown graced Naruto's face. Sarutobi suspected what Naruto was going to say. Certainly, first time experiencing death and first kill, it was to be expected. Especially at Naruto's age of six, when he didn't even mean to do it – it would lead to initial denial.

"I dreamed... I dreamed that I killed three older kids who bullied me... But I didn't mean to do it, I just... wanted them to stop doing it!" He remained silent after that, most likely still trying to deny such a notion. Part of Sarutobi wanted Naruto to remain that – a child. But if he evaded it now, he could risk hindering Naruto's growth, or even worse direct it to the wrong road. The young boy, who was always brighter than his peers, as much as the situation and ways of upbringing allowed him, carved for two answers.

He knew that the villagers disliked him and wondered why they did.

The second question was, who were his parents.

It was almost like fate. A parent's love was the ultimate form of love a child could receive. A love that could be a sanctuary for most problems. But many children who grew up in the orphanage didn't know about it, and thus wouldn't question why they didn't receive it, at least in Naruto's age of four when he first time asked him that. And as the Senju clan, Naruto's clan was known for their love, it was no surprise that Naruto subconsciously upheld their values. Blood is not water after all.

Avoiding the answer now, or giving the wrong answer, Sarutobi risked Naruto resenting him, or even the village later on. If this incident doesn't make him resent it anyway.

"Do you know something about that, Jiji?" Naruto asked him after a short silence.

Looking at him, Hiruzen decided to tell him the truth.

"I do know, Naruto-kun." He paused again and then sighed. "And, I'm afraid, what you dreamed, wasn't a nightmare, but actual reality."

Naruto's eyes widened again and he began shaking, making Hiruzen grab him by the shoulder to calm him down. "Calm down my boy, nothing will happen to you. I certainly have no right to punish you, as I'm partially responsible for your situation." A moment of silence passed before Hiruzen continued. "We checked your memories, and found nothing to suggest you did it out of any evil intention. If anything, they got what was coming for them." Sarutobi certainly didn't like that he addressed to the three deceased boys like that, but Naruto needed to calm down now, and more than anything needed moral support. He wasn't at fault anyway. "As they started beating you... You unleashed your chakra in the form of Wind element, after which it hit all three of them, causing them to lose their limbs, damage their internal organs thus ending their lives." He waited for Naruto to process that.

"What... What will happen to me now?" Naruto asked quietly.

"Worry not my boy, nothing bad will happen to you. As I said this is partly my fault. I could have done more to protect you and more to prevent something like this to happen to you in the first place."

After saying this, Sarutobi stood up and walked towards the hospital's window, looking at the village, contemplating how to explain this to Naruto. He needed to know this, but needed to be sure he would keep it a secret for now. This conversation, while not how Hiruzen imagined to have with Naruto at this young age, and not under the influence of these circumstances, needed to happen.

"Naruto-kun, what I'm about to tell you... You must not tell anyone else. At least until you grow up and become stronger to defend yourself from anything that could harm you." Again. Went unsaid.

Hearing this, Naruto looked towards the ANBU with the dog mask, who was with him when he woke up. Seeing this, Hiruzen smiled. Minato's boy certainly inherited his sharp mind. If he did this right, he would set Naruto on the path of greatness, ensuring the boy to have a fully normal life one day. Normal as much as it was allowed to one shinobi. And he definitely needed to become one.

"It's alright Naruto-kun, he already knows what I'm about to tell you."

Naruto nodded. Kakashi already knew Naruto's parentage. And who knows, he might even become a sensei to Naruto one day. Breaking from his musings Hiruzen started speaking again.

"Have you ever heard of the Kyūbi no Yoko?"

One hour later

Explaining about the Kyūbi to Naruto passed with no yelling or crying from the young boy. The first significant emotion he saw was when he started talking about his parents, his remaining family in both blood and bond. There were tears, tears of both sadness and happiness, especially when he mentioned to him how much his parents loved him. Naruto more or less accepted what Hiruzen told him, along with his new living arrangments.

As Inoichi told him before, the orphanage, where he was shunned and ignored was certainly no place for him to grow up. So Hiruzen, just like he told council before, decided for Naruto to live in his clan's home with a caretaker who would regularly visit him and help him whenever he needed help. Especially with shinobi education, which Naruto gladly accepted. His academy time would start in one week anyway on the 1st of November.

Still, he was glad that the young Senju heir accepted what he told him. He couldn't go around with his real clan's name for some time, at least until he became Chūnin, perhaps maybe Jōnin. If he was anything like his father or other ancestors, he would become one in a short time after he graduates. Sarutobi also told him to not rush and graduate early. It would be better to do it like the rest of his peers. Many Senju's died early because of that, and the clan was nearly wiped out in Three Shinobi World Wars, simply due to graduating early and going to the frontlines. Ego, fame, acceptance, or legacy means nothing if you die too soon to experience either of those or to actually leave them behind. Being in the safety and hidden from the outside would allow Naruto to grow and get adequate strength to defend himself – to become strong, before embarking on the outside to complete his missions and make a name for himself.

"Rest one more day here in the hospital, Naruto-kun. I will make arrangements for you to move into your new home." Sarutobi told him.

"I understand." Naruto nodded before he remembered something else. "You said I will get a caretaker, who is it?"

"That, you will find out tomorrow. He is due to return from his week-long mission today, maybe he already did..." Hiruzen mused in the end. After which he left Naruto to rest and went on his way to do his Hokage duties.

The next day at the Senju compound

Following his recovery in the hospital, Naruto was escorted to his future home by one of the Hokage's ANBU's, a woman with long purple hair and a cat-like mask, whose codename was apparently Cat, just like how the other's ANBU, who was with him when he woke up after the incident was codenamed Dog.

His new home, previously populated by his deceased Senju clansmen, was the compound located closest to the Hokage's Tower and the Academy, but still isolated enough from the rest of the village, laying quietly under the same hill as the Hokage Rock. Nowadays, the compound was abandoned, it's only residents were dirt, dust and the occasional birds that made their nests on the various tall trees that were present there. Even if his clan was known as the Senju Clan of the forest, mostly thanks to his great-granduncle, Senju Hashirama, it was no less true that the rest of them loved the trees as well. As a testament to their devotion, this compound could be considered Konoha inside of Konoha, albeit abandoned.

As they reached, what looked like the main residence of the clan, they had to stop for a while. As apparently, the main residence was protected in seals that would allow only those of Senju blood to enter, or those who were permitted by the creator of the seal. The person who created these seals in the first place was Senju Minato, the Yondaime Hokage, and his father. One of the reasons was, so that his wife could walk freely inside and out, and also to have bigger protection from potential Iwagakure ninjas who sought revenge for their loss in the last war. Jiji also told him that when she was young, his mother, Uzumaki Kushina, was the target of kidnapping by Kumogakure, who wanted to use her for her special chakra. All of that made Naruto even more convicted that he must keep his secrets for now and to become strong in order for something like that to never happen to him, or his family one day. Strong enough to never get into a situation like the two days ago. The deaths of those three older kids still haunted Naruto's thoughts. Would they ever stop haunting him? He tried thinking about other stuff to clear his mind.

It was still hard to imagine that he was a member of the legendary Senju clan. Even if they largely died out. With two members remaining, Naruto knew that another heavy burden was placed upon him. Not only would he need to revive his clan one day. He needed to be sure that he would make his ancestors proud as well. While Senju's, aside from his great-granduncle, didn't possess any particular or unique bloodline. Members of the clan were known for exceding in various ninja arts. As well as having powerful and large chakra reserves, according to the Sandaime.

He wondered who his caretaker would be. Maybe his godfather, Jiraiya of the Sannin, or perhaps his aunt Tsunade? No, the old man said it will be a man. As much as he was wondering who it would be, curiosity propelled him to wonder what he would find in his future seals-protected home? Maybe a library with his clan's techniques? Jiji told him that when the village was created, as a clan known for a thousand jutsus, the Senju's donated much of the lower-ranked to mid-ranked jutsus to the Konoha's Shinobi Library, so that it could help non-clan aligned potential ninjas to develop. However, they kept much of the higher-ranked ones for themself. It would have been dangerous to give them away, as you would never know what damage could have happened if they found themself in the wrong hands.

Not long after, Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived with another elderly man with grey hair tied in a small ponytail and a kind smile on his face.

"Naruto-kun, allow me to introduce you to Maruboshi Kosuke, your new caretaker." Hiruzen announced.

"Pleasure to meet you, Naruto-kun." Kosuke said with his usual smile.

"Likewise, Kosuke-san." Responded Naruto with a smile of his own.

"As I already told you before, Naruto-kun. The main residence of the Senju compound operates with seals that were placed here by your father. However, after his unfortunate death, I had Jiraiya place alarm seals around the house to warn me if anyone ever tried to break inside."

Naruto nodded and proceed to ask a question. "Has anyone ever tried to break in?"

Sarutobi confirmed his question. "Indeed. But there was only one such case. Newly promoted Chūnin, Mizuki attempted to break through, around four months ago." He walked over to the blue barrier that protected the entrance and simply knocked two times. "See? Examples of seals your father made. Even if you hit harder you will find it hard to break through. Mizuki of course tried to do it, but the seals Jiraiya placed alarmed me, and we apprehended him."

"So how will Kosuke-san here actually be my caretaker if he can't even enter?

Hiruzen simply smiled at the young boy. "Indeed. However, not the entire house is covered in seals. There is a segregated part, specifically meant for guests. Kosuke will live there."

Naruto nodded in understanding, while Kosuke was silent. He certainly didn't expect this turn of events. He didn't even consider himself worthy of becoming a caretaker or tutor to Naruto. But he owed that much to both the Yondaime and Nidaime. Hiruzen told him that out of all people in the village, Naruto could grow up to become a good man, only under him and his, nearly fifty-year-old experience. Kosuke knew that Hiruzen was not sugarcoating, but actually meant every word he said to him.

==Flashback==

"Sandaime-sama. While I don't doubt your wisdom, I must politely refuse. I'm not worthy of teaching young Naruto, and I'm certain there are more worthy shinobi in the village who are." Kosuke answered to Sarutobi after hearing of his offer.

Sarutobi only sighed and looked at him. "Kosuke, I honestly doubt there are. I refused to allow any of the clans to adopt Naruto-kun on principle that it would create unbalance and division among them. Had he not have problems with Orochimaru I would have put him in the care of Jiraiya, but as we do, I have no choice but to look for an alternative." He paused for a moment, before continuing. "Jiraiya tried to locate Tsunade on few occasions, but aside from running into her debt collectors, or casinos she visited – nothing. Kakashi is in the ANBU, and is needed on the field constantly. Plus, with his emotional trauma from the losses of the last war and Kyūbi's attack, I fear he is not suitable enough to raise Naruto-kun with his psychological condition. I'll give him a few years, then I might place Naruto on his team if he gets better."

"Kosuke, I know you still blame yourself for your comrade's death, but just like Tobirama-sensei told you once before, I will tell you now. Use that mistake, that experience, your knowledge, and pass it to Naruto. I made more mistakes than you, my friend. But brooding and punishing yourself will not bring back the dead. Ensuring we don't repeat them will prevent new graves, tears, and hatred from emerging. For we are shinobi and we endure."

"And I'm sure Tobirama-sensei would not want you to beat yourself anymore. He would be glad that someone like you is tutoring his great-grandson."

Sarutobi remained silent after that. Kosuke thought about many things. Would Tobirama-sama approve of this? Would he find him worthy of training and educating his great-grandson? Those questions loomed in Kosuke's mind. But knowing the man and his personality and fighting alongside him on many occasions answered Kosuke's question.

"I accept the assignment to become Naruto-kun's caretaker, Hokage-sama." said Kosuke professionally.

==End of Flashback==

After that, he and Hiruzen talked about how Kosuke would raise Naruto, his education and shinobi training, and many other plans. Kosuke was sad to hear about the new burden that was placed on the boy. He hoped he would help him to overcome the guilt of unintentionally killing three academy students, even if in Kosuke's opinion, Naruto was not guilty at all. But if he did feel guilt for it, then it only convinced Kosuke that the young boy would grow up to become a splendid man one day.

"Well, I will leave you two to get to know each other now." Sarutobi said. "Listen to what Kosuke tell's you Naruto-kun, you will learn much from him." He addressed to the young Senju.

"I will, Jiji. I won't fail you! I promise!" Naruto announced with a smile and conviction in his blue eyes.

It was rather refreshing to see this new aura that emanated from Naruto, Sarutobi thought. He had high hopes for this arrangement. Now, he only needed to inform the council of it, and to make sure certain members do not meddle in. Even if he warned them on their last meeting, he doubted they would fall in line immediately. Those three have become too confident with their positions in the last few years. But even if he didn't trust them as he used to, Hiruzen still recognized their value. Danzō's ROOT was a necessary evil. And despite all of their faults, Koharu and Homura were good administrators who kept the village's hierarchical system running.

One thing he did know is that the next few years would be interesting, particularly watching Naruto's progress. He didn't remember when was the last time he was this interested in the development of one of his ninja's. He had faith in Minato's boy. After all, blood of the Kage's coursed through his veins. Naruto could one day surpass his father and great-grandfather, and earning the respect of not only his home village, but the entire world.

==With Naruto and Kosuke at the same time==

"So, Naruto-kun, shall we introduce ourselves?" Kosuke asked to which Naruto nodded.

November 1st, The Academy:

Excitement was a feeling Naruto didn't have often. In fact, he could list the times he'd been this excited on one hand. His birthday, when the old man visited him and took him for some ramen, the moment when he moved into his new home were those moments and having a caretaker, a substitute for parents in his case. And now he had another one.

"Remember what I told you Naruto-kun. Listen to your teachers at the academy, do what they tell you. And when you finish your classes, we shall begin your training." The voice of his caretaker brought him from his thoughts.

Naruto turned to him, with a determined look and answered. "I will, uncle Kosuke." But he suddenly faltered which made Kosuke frown. "But will the teachers at the academy be okay with me there? No doubt, they know about the Kyūbi."

"You need not worry about it, Naruto-kun. Hiruzen told me he made sure that staff knows not to sabotage you or anything and he has picked the teacher for your class by himself." Kosuke answered him. He could see the look of suspicion from Naruto. They were standing in front of the Academy's entrance, along with more than a hundred parents and their children who aspired to become shinobi's of Konoha. Some of them looked at Naruto with a look of disdain, but did nothing more. The Sandaime could control them that much it seems.

"Furthermore, I think you might find some good friends in your class." He told him with one of his usual smiles.

This made Naruto raise his right eyebrow. "How can you be sure? I didn't have much luck in finding them until now."

"You will see." Was the only answer he got. But Kosuke knew that Hiruzen picked this class specifically, for it included seven of Konoha's strongest clan heir. And some of those clan heads apparently knew about Naruto's heritage, so they might not be against their children being friends with him. They were at least more informed than your average civilian, but only time would tell.

"I hope so." Naruto muttered.

Not long after, one of the Academy's staff members arrived at the front door, and told the students that they must be at their assigned classroom in half an hour.

As some of them scrambled to enter, Naruto decided to stay aside for now. He had time after all.

"Good luck, Naruto-kun." Kosuke told him and bid farewell.

"Thanks."

As the dust settled, Naruto moved into the Academy. While walking through the hallways he saw many of the older kids either walking or standing around, chatting, and whatnot. No one paid him any mind, but that was good for Naruto. He looked around the signs that pointed the room I-4, hoping not to get lost. Luckily he didn't, and before long he arrived at the place that he would spend his early mornings till noon, for the next year.

As he entered the room, he noticed that desks were covered with accessories, bags, and various items that belong to his classmates, even if not all of them sat at their seats at the moment.

Looking around, he saw a free seat at the back row near the window, only two boys sitting there. Perfect. It would be better to remain behind, away from the center and attention. No doubt, once the parents of his classmates hear that he is in the class as well, they'd try to influence their children negatively on him. Finally knowing the reason why the adults disliked him, brought a semblance of peace to Naruto's mind. He didn't like it, but he could understand them. It wouldn't mean that he would allow them to walk over him though.

"Is this seat taken?" He asked the two boys, once he approached them.

"No, feel free to sit." The boy with black hair, tied in spikey ponytail answered in a bored manner as he looked up. Naruto proceeds to sit, even if the boy's mannerisms were a bit weird, he didn't detect any ill intent behind his words.

Let's give it a try.

"I'm Namikaze Naruto, pleased to meet you." He hoped to make friends with the two of them. Or at least try.

"Nara Shikamaru." The black-haired boy answered him before motioning his hand to the chubby boy near him, who was currently engaged in eating chips."And this is Akimichi Chōji." Now revealed Chōji, nodded, offering some of his snacks to Naruto.

"If you don't mind, thanks Chōji." It was good that he read the book about the first introductions, as the two boys didn't seem to mind his company. Maybe Shikamaru and Chōji were different. Then it clicked. They were from the Nara and Akimichi clan, one of the stronger clans from Konoha.

"Are you two from the Nara and Akimichi clans by any chance?" He asked, just to be sure.

"Yeah, as our surnames suggest." Shikamaru answered. "You're from a civilian family, right?"

"Something like that, I guess." Naruto said. "I'm an orphan, but my caretaker is a shinobi. By any chance, did you two receive training from your clans already?"

"Not yet. My old man said not to rush things, it would be troublesome." The Nara said. "What do you mean by caretaker, anyway? He didn't adopt you?"

Naruto looked at Shikamaru, he didn't think anyone would catch on that. Certainly not a six-year-old.

"Well, something like that." He vaguely said. "Old family bonds. As I'm an orphan, he took care of me." Naruto hoped his answer would satisfy Shikamaru. He needed to keep his heritage a secret, at least for now. Luckily, Shikamaru accepted the answer.

"Do you know anyone else from the class, by the way?" He asked them.

"Blonde girl with short hair is Yamanaka Ino." This time it was Chōji who answered his question pointing at the said girl who was engaged in girlish conversation with another pink-haired girl.

"There are some other clan children here. The boy they are giggling at, is Uchiha Sasuke." Shikamaru said. Instinctively, Naruto narrowed his eyes for a moment. While Kosuke didn't start his practical training yet, he did tell him a lot about the village's history. Together with the old man Hokage, when he visited a few times last week. Naruto knew about the Senju-Uchiha rivalry from their stories, but hoped everything would be good between him and Sasuke.

"Loud one out there is probably Inuzuka. The one with glasses looks like an Aburame. There's a Hyūga heiress as well, from what my dad told me, though, I don't know which one it is." Shikamaru pointed individually at two boys that were recognizable. "There are probably more clan children, both larger and minor clans in other classes."

They continued to engage in conversation on various topics for some time. It was a good feeling, having someone your age to talk to. Both Shikamaru and Chōji seemed friendly. And Naruto hoped they would stay that way. From their conversation, Naruto found out that the two of them knew each other from before, as their clans kept close ties together with the Yamanaka's. Shikamaru initially seemed bored about everything, which worried Naruto that he was boring company to him, until Chōji whispered to him that it was a characteristic of Nara clan members to act that way.

Their conversation came to an end when a female shinobi, presumably their future homeroom teacher entered the classroom, causing those that didn't sit before to scramble to their seats.

As they settled down she spoke first. "Good morning class." To which all of them responded in kind.

"My name is Taketori Sadoru(2) and I will be your homeroom teacher for the next six years." She said with a kind smile on her face. Her eyes were of a dark blue color, while her hair was black and was tied in a top knot bun. She wore the standard chūnin vest, but not pants. Instead, she used the simple hotpants that left much of her curvy legs revealed. "I'm sixteen years old, and have been a chūnin for two years now."

"A woman sensei? Troublesome." Naruto heard Shikamaru mutter beside him.

"Before I begin the introduction to your curriculum for the next six years, we will have a roll call, like every other day from now on. Right then, let's start!" Sadoru-sensei said, after which she started calling out names, checking them that they were present. When she got to his name, no incident happened, to which Naruto was grateful for, as it seemed that he will be treated no differently than the other students.

"Okay, now that we're finished with roll call, I'll explain to you what you're gonna learn for the next six years, before officially enlisting to Konoha's regular forces, Genin in your case." She paused to make sure they were listening.

She continued explaining for the next half hour their future education, which will be divided into practical and theoretical parts. At the end of every fourth month, they will have an evaluation from the subjects that were thought during that year, in both practice and paper – theoretical part. From practical, during their first year, they will learn to mold chakra, basic chakra control that they will have to expand to other versions when they become Genin, hand seals and initial taijutsu and bukijutsu. From the theoretical part, which will be more present in the first four years, less in the last two, but present for the entire time, they will have mathematics, history, geography and shinobi culture, which Naruto assumed will cover the shinobi hierarchy, organizational system, ideology of Will of Fire, etc.

Human biology will come in with further branching of bukijutsu. Genjutsu will be covered from the third year on, later on with basic fūinjutsu and introduction to medical ninjutsu in the last year for those who are interested in such art.

"Remember one thing that our esteemed Nidaime-sama used to say that is important for shinobi to take care of. Those are Mind – Technique – Body." She told them in the end, before dismissing them during their first day.

All in all, Naruto couldn't wait to start.

After the Academy

"Hey, Naruto!" He heard Shikamaru calling him. "Me and Chōji were going to the playground now, want to come with us?" He asked him.

At the mention of a playground, Naruto froze and widen his eyes. Playground was the last place he wanted to be, memories of dismembered limbs and hands and three dead bodies around him suddenly hit him, but he managed to compose himself. "Um, maybe next time, I have something to do now, see ya tomorrow, Shikamaru, Chōji!" He told them, before going home, making sure nobody saw him as he entered the compound.

Seeing his blonde classmate running off so suddenly and his demeanor from before made Shikamaru frown slightly – and made him wonder if there was something more regarding this? From the little time he spent with Naruto before the class started, he could see that he was rather smart for his age – like him in a way. Nara's were known for their intellect, which was a trademark they were famous for. But orphans such as Naruto were knowledgeable about many things, not to mention his eyes, who were a bit uneasy from time to time. Was he missing something here? Maybe Naruto was simply shy before getting more familiar with someone. He would investigate it some other time, for now, he would go with Chōji and play, probably before his mother started nagging him for not coming home early.

As he reached his home, he found Kosuke clearing the large pond from leaves that had fallen from the nearby tree. The backyard of the main residence where Naruto and Kosuke lived has been covered in grass and bushes that have spread around due to neglect. For the first day after meeting Kosuke, the two of them decided to clear the main residence's backyard which took the entire day.

During that time, and the following week, Kosuke told many stories to Naruto, missions he had with Naruto's father and great-grandfather, and less known grandfather, Senju Bishamon, who died during the mid-days of the Second Shinobi World War, leaving his son, Minato, practically an orphan, as many other Senju's like Tsunade's younger brother – Nawaki, died during that war, further crippling the clan, whose numbers already dwindled in the First War. According to Kosuke, Bishamon was among the most powerful shinobis of Konoha at that time. While he never mastered Flying Thunder God technique like his father, or like his son later would, Bishamon was master of bukijutsu in every branch, especially when he combined it with his Wind element. Dying during the battle against the Sandaime Raikage, sacrificing himself to hold off the enemy so his comrades could escape. Similarly how his father held off Kinkaku Unit, protecting his students, albeit, unlike the Nidaime who died from wounds in the village later on, but not before killing the Gold and Silver brothers(3), Bishamon did not survive.

While spending time with him, Naruto learned many things about Kosuke as well. His caretaker apparently, even after forty years, still blamed himself for the deaths of his comrades during a mission a long time ago, which caused him to always try and sacrifice his life during the missions – something which many people, including the Sandaime Hokage, reprimanded him about.

Noticing him approaching, Kosuke stood up from the pond before greeting him and asking him about his first day at the Academy.

"It was great, uncle Kosuke. Turns out, there are a few clan heirs in my class. I got to know two of them, Shikamaru Nara and Chōji Akimichi. We sat together and talked about countless things..."

As Naruto continued retelling about his first day at the Academy, Kosuke could only smile. It was good to know that the Nara and Akimichi were not prejudiced against the young Senju. Their parents knew about Naruto's heritage, so they might have instructed their children to be nice to him, or at the very least – like they would to everyone else. Although from Naruto's words, no such thing could be detected. It seemed they were genuinely nice. You picked a good class, Hiruzen.

Kosuke knew that he would need to help Naruto overcome his guilt sooner or later, after hearing why he came home earlier. He, himself needed to fight his own demons. But he was sixty-two, while Naruto was only six. The boy must not make the same mistakes as him. Teaching Naruto to become a shinobi and more importantly, a good man, was part of the legacy he wanted to leave behind after he died.

"Well Naruto-kun, seeing as the Academy is over today, would you like to start your training?" He asked him.

"I'm ready, uncle!" It was a nice feeling of having someone refer to him like that. He never married and his family was long dead. He considers his village as his family. A notion, the Nidaime told him to do so. But this was different, it was more satisfying.

"Let us begin then."

Author's Note:

(1)While in both canon and filler it was established that Danzō, Koharu and Homura were part of the Konoha's Council, I think it is very meager for a village's system like that of Konoha to be run only by four people. Other villages have a far bigger one. Other clans would no doubt, when joining the Konoha complain about the lack of representation and there is no clear explanation for the order of succession for those council seats. It was shown when, after Pain's attack, during the meeting with Daimyō, that Shikaku Nara as Jōnin Commander and unnamed ANBU commander are part of the council that chooses the new Hokage. Furthermore, in Naruto Shippuden Episode #193, Inoichi Yamanaka is also part of the council with Fire Daimyō when the new defense system of Konoha was being voted for. As Konoha is primary a military settlement, my goal is to have a Head Council that deals with the security of the village and everything connected to that, primary. The Hokage is still a Military Dictator, but he needs to occasionally listen to his advisors in order to keep the wider peace and order in the village. Various subdivisions of a few organizations that are represented on the council will also be explored later on. So no. There won't be civilian council here, and if I include some elements of it – it will be only minor. Koharu and Homura are dealing with that. The clan council does exist, but it is it's own thing and has different responsibilities.

(2)Sadoru is an anime-only character from the Naruto Shippuden Episode #494, and Taketoru is a clan that was once mentioned in the anime. I included her here, because I like her character design and even little screentime she had. Hopefully, it won't be much of a problem. I'm not keen on creating too many OC's. When the time comes, I might need to eventually, but for now, I will keep it to the characters that appear in the manga/anime.

(3)Yeah, I plan on expanding Tobirama and his battle with the Gold and Silver brothers later on, as well as the lore behind them. Databook said they were related to the Sage of Six Paths, according to the Fourth Databook at least. Which in turn means they are related to Senju, Uzumaki and Uchiha clans. And no matter how powerful they and their unit were, they weren't better than Tobirama. At the same time, I will expand the role of the Kaguya clan and Jūgo's clan who will also have connections to them here, just like Hyūga's do in canon.

That would also be the first chapter of my first fanfiction ever! Bear in mind a few things regarding my writing and the story:

1.)First is. As I said, this is my first fanfiction ever, so writing is probably too cliché, cringe, and crappy for some professional fanfiction readers. Because of that, criticism is welcomed. But please, keep it civil.

2.)English, as some of you may notice, is not my native language, so grammatical errors, or more notably, errors with grammatical tenses will be present. They will occur until I reread the chapters again and notice them.

3.)Rewriting might happen, but it will not change any plot points. It will be a simple campaign to improve dialogue, or fix any grammatical errors I find, as my skills in English improve as well as vocabulary.

4.)Some of you might hate or at least dislike certain elements that I have changed in this story. Particularly, Minato being Senju, Naruto being called Namikaze, not Uzumaki, etc. The reason for Naruto being Namikaze and not Uzumaki in this situation is that I want to avoid certain plot holes from canon. The best example of one plot hole is "Uzumaki clan". I noticed that many authors use the civilian council as a tool to explain why Uzumaki clan was never mentioned during Naruto's time in the Academy, or even later, up until mid-Shippuden if I remember correctly. But it's a weak reason, at least in my opinion. Uzushiogakure was destroyed for being too dangerous. They were also relatives of the Senju clan and an ally of Konoha. I refuse to believe that Hiruzen would allow for future generations to know nothing about Uzumaki's. Two Hokage's were married to Uzumaki women. No way nobody will know about them. But worry not because Uzumaki's will be explored as well. Two First Ladies of Konoha were from Uzumaki clan after all.

5.)Reason Minato is Senju is, well, apart from my own fondness towards that particular clan, is of a more realistic approach to the Naruto world itself. Minato knew Hiraishin, a literal weapon that can destroy armies and countries if used by a master correctly, which Minato was. Considering Tobirama was the first one to use that jutsu, it can be safely assumed that Minato somehow got his hands on some of Tobirama's notes. Fūinjutsu might be the reason as Minato was master at it. However, in my opinion, it would be too dangerous to have a clanless shinobi utilize and develop such a technique. After all, aside from the Uchiha's who are their own story, missing-nins from Konoha are of non-clan backround. Orochimaru, Hiruko, Kabuto, Minoichi, Missing-nins from Naruto games. All are from the non-clan backround. Yes, I do know most of them are not canon.

6.)I have no idea what to do about pairings for Naruto. I can tell you that it WILL NOT be Hinata, Sakura, or any type of Yaoi and Harem for that matter. If I decide to do any romance, it'll be near the end and mostly backround. Some occasional flirt might happen.

7.)Smart/Strong Naruto wank? Yes, it's why I read fanfiction in the first place. I firmly believe that when the entire series is rewatched or reread, that Naruto had the opportunity to develop into serious shinobi. Naruto Shippuden Episode #480 is a nice reference to this. But having different upbringing will not change Naruto's personality overnight, or this incident at the playground. However, there will be different happenings that will. I'm in firm conviction to go eventual Mature/Smart/Strong Naruto route.

I wanted to write this story for some time, after – probably two years of reading fanfiction and being a fan of Naruto along the way. Senju clan, particularly Tobirama were one of my favorite parts of the story. So expect some sort of biased point of view from that part. The title itself was inspired from Jon Arryn's last words from George R.R. Martin's book franchise A Song of Ice and Fire. This story won't have any elements of crossover or anything like that. Those words struck because of the way they describe Baratheons and their characteristic look. Here, only similarity will be the way the Senju chakra is strong and dominant, even when someone marries into their clan, at least from it's most powerful shinobi like Hashirama, Tobirama, Minato, etc. There will be references to mixing with certain other clans from some members, but the nature of those clans will have different effects on those who mix. It will be, like many other things, explored later on as the story goes. As for the word count... I will try to keep it around 8.000 words or more per chapter, excluding the Author's note. Which too, will be a lot shorter in the following chapters so no need to pour me with a rain of shit for this.

This chapter was edited by Yogami Asura

Lastly, I will mention a few other stories from this site that inspired me to write my own. My writing style is certainly far behind their level, but I hope you will enjoy my story, nonetheless. Anyhow, here are the stories that inspired me:

Nidaime no Sairin from Narutoenthusiast

Harsh Truth from Shadenight123

Through Hell and High Water by MM995

That would be it for the first chapter. I would like to thank all of you who read it. I hope you stick around for more. R&R, but please be polite while doing so.

~ HyperboreanRealist