Alright, this is Fox of the Thousand Seals. A Naruto-AU I have been inspired and have desired to write. This Chapter is an ENTIRE rewrite. From different perspectives than Naruto's, a Current World Builder in essence. I'm retaining the events from the original first Chapter, and will keep the original Archived on the Story. If you want to see what the original Format was, shoot me a PM and I'll happily send it to you so you can have a laugh at my rushed stupidity. On with the Project. This Chapter used to be called Resonance, but that isn't as fitting with the way I just took it.

Chapter One: Mainspring Launch

Birds chirped and flitted across the sky, peace was the expected belief as the citizens of Konohagakure wandered the streets while chatting to others. Shinobi patrolled the streets, particularly the Uchiha Police Force. Their job was protection, and maintaining the peace.

While this was happening, a Council session was beginning to take place within the Hokage Tower. An aging man, with tan-darkened skin and age spots on his left cheek, walked as briskly as he was able to into the secured room with a large circular table. To the far left of his seat when he took it, he noted the presence of the Civilian Council that handled the affairs of the economy of the Hidden Village. Near the far right end, the three Elders who were his team mates. And between them sat the various Clan Heads of the most prominent Clans of the Village. "I understand there was something important to bring me to this impromptu Council today?" He asked with a pleasant tone, having a small smile on his face. I'll just explain to Naruto-kun I was busy when he asks why I'm late to my usual visit to take him shopping. He thought to himself.

A man wearing a dark gray robe that covers most of his body and his right arm raised his hand. "Yes, Hokage-sama." Danzō Shimura, the most prominent member of the Elders. "We are here to discuss a volatile situation. Tsume-san has brought forth another request to adopt the Uzumaki Orphan. We needed you here to adjudicate when she makes her statement, and the other Clans and members of your esteemed council have provided their own statements." He stated this smoothly and calmly, his uncovered left eye showing mild disdain.

He's up to something... I won't allow him to take Naruto into one of his programs. "I see. Very well, I'll be the impartial adjudicator for this." He turned to Tsume Inuzaka, the matriarch of the Inuzaka Clan and a Tokubetsu Jōnin of his forces. "Go ahead Tsume-san, give your statement."

Tsume pushed her chair back and stood up, bowing to the Hokage. "Thank you Hokage-sama. I have applied for the right to adopt and care for one Naruto Uzumaki, a child with no family and a need for a loving environment. However, Fugaku-san." She glanced at the Uchiha Clan Head, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Has vehemently voiced his opposition once he received word of the paperwork I filed this morning. Because of this, we almost got into a fight before we were told by Danzō-san to come here to have an official settlement on the matter. I wasn't however aware all of the Clans and Council members would be present."

Hiruzen nodded in understanding. "Thank you for your statement Tsume-san, take your seat please." He turned his attention to Fugaku. "As you are the one who is opposing Tsume-san's request, I would like for you to make a statement as well before we move on to the rest of the Clans and Council."

"Very well Hokage-sama." Fugaku stood up, his movements more graceful than what Tsume did. "I had heard from one of my friends that Tsume-san was going to the orphanage to file the paperwork to adopt the brat, and I immediately rushed over there to voice my displeasure and to remind the Inuzaka Clan Head that if any of the major Clans adopted him, it would upset the balance of power we all share in our efforts to maintain our village. We all know what he possesses."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded in his understanding of the assessment. "Indeed, that would cause a great deal of upset. Very well... Let us move on to the other members of the Council. Retake your seat Fugaku-san."

The Uchiha Clan Head nodded his assent and sat back down.

A kid with bright yellow hair and blue eyes stumbled as his foot rolled across a metal rod, grunting as he sprawled out and attempted to scramble back onto his feet and keep running. He was panting heavily, looking over his shoulder at the mob chasing after him.

Hiruzen sighed softly as he heard the statement from one of the members of the civilian council, rolling his eyes. Absurd... This isn't going anywhere... "Alright, enough." He voiced with an even tone. "I believe I have heard what I needed to hear. Tsume-san, as much as it pains me I have to agree with Fugaku and the majority of those who spoke in opposition of your plan to adopt Naruto. The balance would shift too much, and I believe while you would provide him with a better standard of life, I have no doubts there would be those who would target him in response. This council meeting is settled." Standing up, he picked up the hat of his Office with the kanji for 'Fire', placing it back upon his head and turned to leave with his robes swaying from the movement.

Danzō frowned slightly, but looked to the side where one of his ROOT was hidden. When they nodded, he smirked and stood up as well. "Our Hokage has spoken. Have a good rest of your day." He inclined his head and departed the room.

Tsume turned to Fugaku and growled, her face twisted in a snarl. "Damn you! This isn't over bastard."

"I believe it is. Please Tsume-san, I believe it is time for us to return home to our families." Fugaku said, before leaving.

The rest of the Council left as well, leaving Tsume to sigh and slump her shoulders in the center of the chamber. Then she looked sharply towards the South with a gasp. That energy... That's a burst of Youki! She frowned in worry.

Hiruzen stalled his movement as he looked towards the south at the same time as Tsume did without realizing. But unlike her, he felt a small subtle pulse from the same direction. Naruto... "Weasel!" He called out.

"Yes Hokage-sama." One of his ANBU guards broke away from where he following the Hokage back upstairs to his office, and vanished in a shunshin.

Get to him in time please Itachi. Hiruzen pleaded silently. He walked with a steady pace up the stairs, before reaching the door to his office. Looking at his receptionist, he smiled in greeting before opening the door and stepping within. Immediately his eyes fell upon the unconscious form of the blond haired boy laying on one of the couches he kept around for comfort, and to let Naruto sleep there on occasion. Turning his head, he looked into the eye-slits of the mask of the Weasel-ANBU. "How is he Itachi?"

"He's alive..." Itachi spoke quietly, looking down at Naruto with concern hidden behind his mask. "Just unconscious it looks like. When I got to the scene, I found him in the center of a bunch of scorched bodies that were almost ash. Whatever caused this, must've came close to actually killing him Hokage-sama if the Fox decided to aid him as it did."

Hiruzen hummed quietly, before nodding. "So it would seem... This makes me think the council session I was just in was merely a distraction to keep me away from him." He moved towards his desk and sat down with a heavy sigh. "If this keeps up... I doubt he can survive much longer. The Fourth didn't want this for him."

"I understand sir... Tsume-san's attempt was noble. But father wouldn't allow anyone to adopt Naruto-kun." With a glance back at the boy, Itachi sighed before moving to stand near Sarutobi's desk. "And if no one can adopt him, I'm not sure I can keep protecting him."

Hiruzen opened his mouth to say something, before he heard a buzzing noise from his intercom system.

"Hokage-sama, a messenger from Nazogakure is here to see you."

"Send him in." Hiruzen said after he noticed Itachi move to sit down near Naruto while also masking both of their presences.

Once he gave permission, Sarutobi leaned back in his chair as the door opened to reveal a tall man wearing a Chunnin Flak Jacket with the Uzumaki swirl on the left shoulder, and the 'Enigma' Kanji on the right shoulder. His face was hidden behind a mask that obscured his nose and mouth, and his green eyes stared with sharp clarity and calm intensity at the aging Kage. "Konoha welcomes you. Please state your name."

The Chunnin bowed in respect. "Akumori of the Tastujin, son of the Yondaime Kurokage."

Itachi raised his eyebrow from where he sat, but remained where he was.

"Ah, so Tenma sent his own son to deliver a message to me?" Sarutobi chuckled. "What is it about?"

Akumori's eyes narrowed slightly, but he inclined his head as he produced a scroll from the pouch attached to his right leg just above his kunai holster. "The Kurokage-sama wishes for you to allow his youngest son to come here to learn how to be a Shinobi from the greatest of the Five Elemental Villages. Young Ryouken isn't well liked back home because of his burden." He stepped forward to place it on the desk, however Sarutobi held his hand out and with a shrug, he flicked his wrist to toss the scroll into the outstretched hand. "The message scroll is from my father with more information, but what I do know is that is a proposition in order to strengthen the bonds between our two villages that was in place before the fall of our sister village Uzushiogakure. My mission won't be complete until I have an answer from you, whether or not you accept."

Sarutobi hummed in thought as he released the Fuinjutsu Seal upon the scroll, and opened it with interest to begin reading.

Moving to stand, Itachi stepped between the Hokage and Akumori. "Shiroi Akuma." He stated.

Akumori smirked, visibly through his malleable face mask. "Ah, you know my moniker. Are you impressed?" He asked.

"No." Itachi said with no hesitation. "Your achievements are impressive for the age you managed them, however you do not compare to most of the Shinobi of this village. Even your A-Ranking could just be situational."

"And may I ask who the hell you think you are?!" Akumori growled, his tone annoyed and demanding as the masked man before him wasn't either phased or impressed!

Raising his hand, Itachi removed the mask he wore to reveal his face. "Itachi Uchiha."

With a snort, Akumori growled. "Of course, that explains a lot. You arrogant Uchiha bastards think just because you have the greatest Dōjutsu you are the best thing to have ever walked the fuc-" However he couldn't get very far into his rant when Itachi's hand thrust out to strike him in the chest, forcing him to almost tumble backwards and into the wall with a grunt. And then he gasped in surprise as Itachi appeared in front of him, a kunai at his throat.

"I believe it is you who is arrogant. You believed you could be a challenge to me, and I proved you wrong. My display didn't even use the Sharingan."

"D-damn you!" Akumori struggled a bit, but stilled as the kunai pressed closer to his jugular. He lift his hands, attempting to form a few hand seals when Itachi stepped back with the sound of a clearing throat.

"Ahem... What is going on?" Hiruzen demanded with a harsh tone.

"Nothing... Hokage-sama." Akumori responded with a clipped tone, seething as he glared at the Uchiha who dared to attack the son of the Yondaime Kurokage!

"Good." Sarutobi said with a cheery tone. "I read the scroll in its entirety. Return home and tell your father that I will accept the terms he has provided, and to send the boy here when he is ready to enter the Academy. You may report your mission as a success."

With a surprised blink, Akumori nodded his head as he stepped forward to bow to the Hokage. "Many thanks, Hokage-sama. I shall depart now." He turned and left the office immediately, after giving a final defiant glare to Itachi.

"So... What was all that about Itachi?" Sarutobi asked as the door swung closed.

"He insulted my Clan." Was Itachi's simple response, causing the Hokage to sigh but nod in understanding.

Akumori vanished in a shunshin the moment he left the Hokage Tower, appearing at the exit to the village. He growled to himself, throwing out his fist and punching a nearby tree. "That asshole!" He almost roared, before controlling his tone. "I'll kill him. Yes... I'll be the one who kills Itachi." He smirked devilishly under his mask, before pulling his hand free of the tree, and the perfect hole he left within it. And began his journey back to Nazogakure, the Village Hidden in Enigma.

Well, here is the redone-redone version of Chapter One. For now this will replace the old one, and if asked to I'll re-add the previous into a different set of 'collections' for old outdated Chapters. I hope you all R&R, and enjoyed this!

~VeloranDarkfyre