Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Broken Branches	By : ChaCha92 Category: Naruto AU/AR > Het - Male/Female Views: 8173 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Don't own anything in the Naruto universe. Some dude in Japan does. Make no money on my stories either.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Winter gradually eases into mellower shades as weeks drift by. Through trial and error, Minato establishes routine he and Naruto can live with where he successfully balances his duty as Hokage with raising her, adamantly refusing to let work overshadow his personal life. His heart still grieves for Kushina, but proves her words true by continuing to live for the sake of himself and their daughter.
On a particularly blustery late March day a knock on the door interrupts the two Hokage as they push through the never ending stream of paperwork.
“Come in,” Minato calls out, looking up at the door across the room from his desk.
He grins at the lanky, silver-haired ANBU wearing a dog mask, stepping through the door.
“Welcome back, Hound,” Hiruzen greets, reaching for his pipe as the ANBU waves back while crossing the room.
“How’d it go?” Minato asks.
“Successful, Hokage-sama,” Hound answers, handing the blond a scroll before stepping back to stand in front of his desk.
Hiruzen and Hound watch Minato break the seal on the scroll and read the contents.
“Good work, Hound,” he compliments minutes later. Looking over at Hiruzen he adds, “We’ve got things in place to potentially make Cloud our allies.”
Smirking around his unlit pipe, Hiruzen muses, “They’d certainly be strong allies. And I certainly never imagined seeing that happen in my lifetime.”
“Then you better not plan on kicking off anytime soon,” Minato quips, earning a chuckle from the old man. He’s sure Hound rolled his eyes behind his mask.
Their conversation is interrupted when a frantic female jounin with long, violet hair bursts through the door.
“Hokage-sama! They’re dead!”
Hot on her heels, Raido grabs the woman’s arm.
“Sorry, boss,” he apologizes, “I tried stopping her.”
“It’s okay, Raido,” Minato replies. “What’s wrong, Ume?”
Yanking her arm loose from Raido’s grip she steps closer to his desk.
“It was my team’s turn today to watch Naruto,” she breathlessly explains. “I got called to the Mission room because they couldn’t find our last mission report. Afterward I went looking for my team. They weren’t here in the tower, so I checked the park because they like to take her there to play. When I couldn’t find them at the playground I tracked them and found Sen and Tohru dead and can’t find Shiro and Naruto anywhere!”
“Where did you find the bodies?” Minato calmly asks her, rising to his feet.
“At the memorial stone,” Ume promptly replies.
“Raido, get all available ANBU squads to rendezvous with me at the memorial stone,” he orders, coming around the desk to stand next to Hound. “Keep it low key. I don’t want anyone else outside this room knowing, is that understood?”
“Yes, sir!” Raido smartly replies before disappearing out the door.
“Perhaps we should notify the Inuzuka and get their best trackers searching?” Hiruzen suggests.
“Let’s hold off for the moment,” Minato states, boring into the aged Hokage’s eyes. “When Raido returns to notify you that ANBU are deployed, have him take one of Naruto’s toys to Izumi and get her best trackers out discreetly searching. I don’t want it widely known Naruto is missing, not until we know what we’re dealing with.”
“Understood,” Hiruzen nods.
“Minato-sama, should I notify my team’s parents? Especially the Uchiha clan? Maybe they can help with the search?” Ume worriedly asks.
“No. That’s an order, Ume.” At her confused expression, his gaze softens slightly. “I know it’s hard, but I have my reasons. We’ll notify the families later. You are not to say a word to anyone, is that understood?”
“Yes, sir,” Ume smartly replies, coming fully to her senses.
Without a word, Minato places a hand on Hound’s shoulder and they disappear from the office in a bright flash, reappearing moments later at the edge of a clearing. The cold, dark memorial stone stands a silent sentinel over the still bodies of two young genin.
After scanning the area for anyone hiding in the cover of the trees the two cautiously approach, taking in the entire scene.
Minato steps forward to crouch down between the two bodies. Reaching out he checks the pulse on one before checking the other.
“As Ume said, they’re both dead,” Minato muses. “And for hours.”
“They were definitely killed here,” Hound points out. “Also appears they were taken by surprise as there are no signs of a struggle.”
“Their necks were snapped. Likely from behind before they could react,” Minato adds. He rises to his feet as four ANBU squads appear in the clearing. “Squads 6 and 15, I want you to track the kidnappers from here. Specifically look for clues identifying who did this. Members of the Inuzuka clan should be joining the search shortly, but keep it as unobtrusive as possible.”
“Yes, sir!” members of both squads snap out before getting to work.
“Squads 2 and 9. Form a circle, we’re going to get as close to the kidnappers as possible by using the seal I placed on Naruto, but I don’t doubt they laid a trap.”
“Yes, sir!” the two remaining squads smartly reply as they immediately form a circle with Hound, holding hands around Minato.
Once they’re ready, Minato closes his eyes and concentrates while shaping his hands into the correct sign. A bright flash instantly teleports the group to a remote location far outside Konoha.
Silently the shinobi spread out, stealthily moving through the shadows of the trees behind their Hokage and cautiously approach a still figure lying in an awkward heap on the ground in a small clearing.
At Minato’s silent signal, the group halts a safe distance away. Hound immediately steps forward; prompting another ANBU wearing an owl mask join him while forming a hand sign. The pair spends several minutes carefully scanning the body and the immediate area.
At Owl’s deft flick of her hand the two cautiously approach the body for an intensive examination. Minato and the remaining ANBU wait patiently for several minutes before Owl signals for them to finally join them.
“The body was booby trapped,” Owl reports when Minato is close enough.
Without stopping his exam, Hound adds, “Uchiha Shiro offered some resistance. There’s not much in the way of defensive wounds. He didn’t resist for long before his throat was slit.”
“Fan out and pick up the trail,” Minato orders the others. “Use extreme caution. Uzushio is known for their ambush tactics and Hiroto is an expert trap master and tactician. There will be traps. As soon as the Inuzuka trackers arrive, warn them.”
“Yes, sir!” the ANBU respond in unison before disappearing in the trees.
Minato returns his attention to Owl.
“Whoever killed this boy wasn’t playing around, Hokage-sama,” Owl continues reporting. “The body was rigged with a powerful exploding tag with a motion sensor. Move the body in the slightest and not only would we have been scattered far and wide in little pieces, but there’d be a two meter crater where we stand now.”
“It’s a distraction,” Minato explains. “To slow us down and give them more time to escape. Join the others. Keep your Byakugan active and continue exercising extreme caution.”
“Yes, Hokage-sama,” Owl bows before disappearing after the others.
Minato crouches down on his haunches next to Hound.
“You won’t be able to use the location seal to find Naruto,” Hound quietly states.
Rolling the body slightly away from them to expose the left forearm tucked awkwardly underneath. Placing his right hand against the skin, Hound channels chakra causing the location seal to darken into view.
“More confirmation this is Hiroto’s doing,” Minato coldly states. “He’s not a seals master, but knows enough to transfer the location seal. Damn it,” he spits out softly. “I played right into that bastard’s hands.”
“Hokage-sa…” Hound begins.
“Don’t even try, Kakashi,” the older blond tensely bites out, further surprising the teen by breaking protocol. Rising to his feet to glare down at the body, he adds, “I let him linger long enough to gather intelligence and to cozy up to Fugaku right under my nose, deluding myself into thinking I’ll be ready for anything they could cook up.”
Straightening up from his crouch, Hound joins Minato as he continues to scowl down at the body.
“This is enough proof to me. Fugaku had always been willing to sacrifice a comrade, especially if they weren’t Uchiha, but I should’ve remained open to the idea he’d sacrifice a clan member if needed.”
Glancing over at Hound, Minato can almost see the frown of confusion behind the mask. Smiling grimly he continues.
“You’ve seen firsthand how they treat clansmen who don’t live up to expectations.” He gives Hound a moment to consider the reference he’s making to Obito. “Shiro was used to deflect suspicion. He was a capable ninja, but he wasn’t extraordinary. His loss wouldn’t impact the Uchiha much except to use as an example of how Konoha carelessly disposes of them.” Glaring down at the body, Minato exhales a harsh breath of frustration. “They planned this out perfectly and used the right pawns. And I can’t prove it either.”
Hound merely nods in silent agreement.
“Hound, join the search,” Minato quietly orders.
Gazing into his sensei’s face, Hound sees the anguish and torment the blond is experiencing just below the surface. Already determined to find Naruto, his desire intensifies as he gives a definitive nod and disappears into the trees to follow the distant barking of Inuzuka hounds while Minato leaves the clearing in a bright yellow flash.
Long after night has fallen, the two Hokage continue diligently working in tense silence, waiting for any updates on the search for Naruto. Hiruzen periodically glances surreptitiously over at the young blond. Since he returned hours earlier to report his findings, he promptly buried himself in work, only stopping long enough to consider the older man’s suggestion to notify the families of the genin before deciding to comply by assigning their jounin sensei, Ume, to the task.
A knock on the door breaks the silence. Both men look up as Hound slips inside and crosses the room.
“There’s no trace of them,” Minato astutely observes, shrewdly eyeing the ANBU.
“None,” Hound reluctantly reports. “We found the remains of several abandoned campsites well outside the patrol perimeters, the oldest appearing to be abandoned about a month ago. All indications are they moved camp frequently to avoid detection sooner.”
“And Hiroto and his team left about a month ago. Perfect timing,” Minato quietly reasons in anger. “Continue with your report,” he orders Hound.
“The ANBU commander ordered me to inform you he replaced Squads 2, 6, 9 and 15 with fresh squads to continue the search. He has also sent back the Inuzuka teams and requested replacement trackers as well.”
Minato spends a few minutes in thought before calling out.
“Genma!” When the brunet immediately appears he continues. “Notify the ANBU commander to continue searching until daybreak before calling off the search.”
Genma quickly overcomes his surprise to nod and leave the room to carry out his orders.
After quickly activating a privacy jutsu, Minato then turns to meet the surprised gazes of Hiruzen and Hound.
“Hiroto knows tracking is our forte and would’ve accounted for that in his planning,” he explains. Both can see the swirling rage and grief behind calm blue eyes as he continues, “I don’t doubt they’re nearly to the coast.”
“They only have a days head start,” Hiruzen reasons.
“On a plan they’ve been working on for months with insider help,” Minato bites out. “I’m sure they have established safe houses to hide in and set traps to slow us down. If the fact our best trackers lost all trace of them already isn’t enough proof, I don’t know what is.”
He lets both men consider his words for a moment before continuing.
“I hate calling off the search, not when I know damn well they still have to be within Fire, but we can’t forget Fugaku still remains within Konoha.”
Realization lights up Hiruzen’s eyes.
“And as a likely co-conspirator he could easily orchestrate a distraction at home.”
“No ‘likely’ about it,” Minato tersely replies.
“We only have speculation,” Hiruzen tries to reason.
“That’s only important if we were going to trial. I’m only interested in ending these games once and for all,” the younger blond coldly counters. “However, we need more information before acting and I’m not going to give Fugaku the opportunity pounce by tying ANBU up in a search.” Sighing heavily, he adds, “We know they’ll take Naruto to Uzushio. She’s too valuable to them or they wouldn’t have gone through all this trouble, so they won’t harm her. I can take some comfort in that. I’ll just have to resort to some creative diplomacy to get her back.”
“Creative diplomacy?” Hound asks.
The cunning smirk combined with Minato’s flinty gaze forces Hound to suppress a shiver.
“On the surface I’ll try to negotiate a peaceful resolution, but we all know Raiden isn’t going to simply return Naruto now that Whirlpool has her. As much as I’d like to declare war and get it over with, I can’t.”
“You have every justification to do it,” Hiruzen points out. “Not only have they kidnapped a Hokage’s daughter, but she also is the warden for the Kyuubi. Per established treaties the Kyuubi is rightfully Konoha’s.”
“Oh, trust me, I’m close to declaring war,” Minato quietly seethes. “However, I have far more consideration and respect for my people than Raiden does. I’m not going to throw away countless lives on what would be a bloody war. And we honestly don’t have the manpower to spare right now.”
“Good point,” the aged Hokage muses thoughtfully. “Whirlpool is considerably smaller by comparison to Konoha, but their forces aren’t to be taken lightly, not with the significant hit we took to our ranks due to the Kyuubi attack.”
Minato nods, taking a deep, calming breath before continuing.
“As loathe as I am to do it, I’m going to have to wait and gather information first and when the time comes I will strike and take back my daughter, even if it means burning Uzushio into the sea.”
“It’s a shame it’s come to this with former allies and comrades in arms,” Hiruzen muses with a slight, sad tone.
“Uzushio’s current leadership is entirely to blame, Hiruzen. You’d almost think we were dealing with Iwa with their machinations, but I don’t think Old Onoki would even stoop so low to pull a stunt like this.”
“No he wouldn’t,” Hiruzen agrees. “What about the Uchiha?”
“We’re going to have to be very careful,” Minato muses thoughtfully. “We’re reaching an endgame with them and I’m not liking where it’s heading.”
“A civil war?” Hound inquires.
“Very likely,” the blond nods. “Aiding Hiroto was a very bold move on Fugaku’s part and he knows we’re aware of his involvement even if we can’t prove it. That tells me sooner than later the Uchiha will reach their flashpoint. If they weren’t such a significant threat I’d absolutely throw all resources into getting Naruto back by tomorrow night.” Taking a deep breath, he continues, “It won’t be long before I have to make a final decision regarding that issue.”
“There won’t be any avoiding it,” Hiruzen gravely agrees.
“For now, we’re going to tread very carefully and subtly,” Minato sighs heavily. “Tomorrow morning I want the council convened.” Noting Hiruzen’s arched brow and sensing the same expression behind Hound’s mask, he smirks again. “It’s merely a courtesy to make everyone aware of the current situation.”
“You just want to gauge Fugaku’s reaction and plan accordingly.”
“Exactly,” Minato nods at the older man. “We know what will happen, but we need to figure out the when and how. I’d rather do what I can to salvage the situation and avoid a bloodbath. I’m hoping not all Uchiha would blindly follow Fugaku off the cliff.”
“I wouldn’t pin too much on that hope, Minato,” Hiruzen cautions.
“I’m not. The Uchiha are far too tight knit and entrenched in their persecution complex to see the genuine reality of their situation and realize they’ve never been subjugated. They could’ve easily seceded and formed their own village years ago, but they chose to remain and continue serving Konoha. They were never forced to stay.”
“Their pride wouldn’t let them,” Hiruzen sighs wearily. “Unfortunately the die has been cast and will be dealt with. Why don’t you go home and try to get some rest?”
The silence stretches out as Minato doesn’t answer, exhaustion and grief clearly sagging his entire demeanor.
“It’ll be hard, sensei,” Hound ventures, taking his turn to break protocol, “but if you’re convening the council tomorrow, you’ll handle Fugaku and Danzo better if you get some rest. The sooner you get the answers you need, the faster we can get Naruto back.”
“I forgot about Danzo,” Minato groans while rubbing his hands down his face. “Naruto may be far out of his reach, but he’s going to be a royal pain in the ass at the missed opportunity.”
“Or an asset to your goals.” When the younger man drops his hands to lock his gaze on him, Hiruzen continues. “You may be able to manipulate Danzo into getting Fugaku to reveal his hand. Remember, both absolutely despise each other.”
“True,” Minato agrees after a few moments consideration.
“It’ll be hard returning home without Naruto, Minato,” Hiruzen gently reasons, “but if you’re going to succeed, you need to have your wits at their sharpest and being tired and distracted could be a fatal mistake.”
Closing his eyes with a weary sigh, Minato reluctantly nods and grudgingly rises to his feet.
“Hound, ensure he makes it home and into bed,” Hiruzen orders.
He grins at the arched blond brow while Hound acknowledges the order with a nod. Blue eyes roll heavenward as Minato disappears from the office followed by his former student. Sighing heavily into the empty office, he pushes away from the desk to rise to his feet. Turning off the lamp he heads out the door, deciding he too needed rest in order to best help get his adopted granddaughter back.
“I heard it’s gone missing!”
“Is that what this sudden meeting is about? The little monster’s gone?”
“Keeping your unwanted opinions to yourself is beneficial to your continued health and freedom, Natsu,” Nara Shikaku warns from behind the brown haired man and the blonde woman he was speaking with in not so hushed whispers.
“Jun and I were the only ones here in the council chambers before you snuck up to eavesdrop, Shikaku,” Natsu snaps gesturing at the empty, circular room.
“And we haven’t violated the law,” Jun huffs defensively. “You shinobi are far too paranoid.”
“You both were treading dangerously close and despite being civilian council members you two should know better than to gossip like old ladies at the Laundromat,” Shikaku drolly admonishes.
Ignoring their eye rolls and scowls, he saunters across the room when he notices Koharu and Homura enter the chamber.
“Good morning, Shikaku,” Koharu greets the jounin as he approaches.
“Greetings, Shikaku. I’m surprised you’re here so early,” Homura adds in turn.
“Good morning to you both,” Shikaku nods in greeting. “Naturally I’d make the effort to attend when there’s an emergency meeting called after Minato-sama declared a moratorium months ago, especially when combined with the rumors his daughter is missing.”
Shikaku doesn’t miss the pall of sadness falling over the two aged councilors before promptly resuming their professional demeanor.
“The rumors are on the right track, but we will be learning more shortly,” Homura carefully intones.
Shikaku and Koharu follow the studious man’s gaze to the other entrance as Danzo stealthily enters the chambers amidst the flow of more councilors talking animatedly amongst themselves. Well aware of Danzo’s machinations toward Naruto, Shikaku refrains from questioning the two further; deciding to watch the drama he knows will soon unfold since Fugaku just entered the chamber as well.
“Since the gang’s nearly all here…” he quietly quips to the two aged councilors, he steps away to take his seat.
A couple of other councilors follow his lead in settling into their seats to wait for the proceedings to begin while the rest mill around gossiping and speculating about the agenda.
Only a few more minutes pass before Minato and Hiruzen enter the chamber. The few mingling council members hurry to their seats at the tables situated on raised platforms. None wished to delay the meeting, as they were eager and anxious to know the reasons it was called.
The two village leaders unhurriedly saunter in front of tables arranged to follow the circumference of the room. The design was intended to allow everyone to see and speak to everyone else clearly. Feeling all eyes watching them, Minato silently hopes the building tension and anxiety will work to their advantage in manipulating things the way they intend.
When the two men reach their table at one point of the room it only takes them a moment to step up onto the platform and settle in their seats.
“Good morning, everyone,” Minato greets as his gaze rakes around the room. “Thank you for being so prompt so we can get this meeting under way.”
“We called this meeting because of some disturbing events that took place yesterday and we agreed the council needed to be brought up to date,” Hiruzen explains.
“Why the sudden desire to keep us informed?” Fugaku shrewdly questions the two Hokage five seats down to his right. “Clearly there hasn’t been a need for our input since the moratorium months ago. Surely our esteemed Hokage don’t need that from us now.”
“Any gift, even if it’s given out of courtesy, should not be questioned, Fugaku, it could appear as being ungrateful,” Danzo chides from his seat on the opposite side of the room.
The usually unflappable Uchiha glares hatefully at the bandaged older man.
“I called the moratorium because council meetings were being convened far too frequently and unnecessarily,” Minato interrupts their glaring match. “The focus needed to be on the village and, at the time, input from the council was unnecessary. We knew what had to be done.”
“The council only wishes to advise and aid our Hokage, but we also act as a check and balance when needed,” Fugaku points out.
“As it should be,” Minato agrees. “However, there was no risk in abusing our power when the goal is to rebuild the village. Another reason I called for a moratorium is because village secrets were carelessly leaking out, putting everyone in danger.”
When Fugaku merely arches a brow, Minato pretends not to notice and continues.
“Whether anyone contests the moratorium is a moot point. It was a necessary security measure.” He pauses briefly to give everyone in the room the chance to consider his words. “Now to the purpose of this meeting. I’m sure you’ve all been hearing the rumors flying around since yesterday and I’m confirming that my daughter, Naruto, has been kidnapped and the three genin of Team 15 were murdered to accomplish the crime.”
The room erupts into verbal chaos as outraged demands to know what happened, who did it and what would be done about the insult to the village fly all over the room. Minato allows the din to continue before raising a hand. Gradually the noise dies down and he nods at Danzo who indicated he wishes to speak.
“Correct me if I’m wrong,” Danzo begins, “but it seems you already know who is responsible for this grave outrage. Not only did they kidnap the Hokage’s daughter, but at the risk of violating the law I’d like to point out they also absconded with the Kyuubi, which by all rights belong to Konoha.”
“Before we continue,” Fugaku interrupts before anyone can respond. “I’d like to know how freely can we speak?” Looking at both Hokage, he adds, “Since this council was convened for a reason then it’s important to be completely open and honest if anything is to be accomplished.”
Minato appears hesitant, prompting Hiruzen to speak up.
“Perhaps for just this meeting we suspend the law, Minato,” he advises. “We convened this meeting for their advice and counsel.”
It takes Minato only a moment to make his decision.
“Okay, for this meeting only I suspend the law,” he reluctantly states before holding up his hand to hold off any comments. “The focus will remain on the fact my daughter, who happens to contain the Kyuubi, has been kidnapped and three of our ninja murdered.” Seeing there are no objections to his conditions, he continues. “In answer to Danzo-sama’s statement, yes, we have a strong suspicion as to whom the culprits are. Through considerable circumstantial evidence we’ve determined ninja from Uzushio are responsible for these crimes.”
“No way!” one green haired civilian protests. “Whirlpool has been our close allies for generations!”
“Not in recent years, Dan,” Shikaku reminds the man. “They weren’t much help during the Third Shinobi war. They tried playing neutral while simultaneously negotiating secret treaties with our enemies, treaties that were in direct violation with existing ones with their allies. It ended up costing them as they became targets thanks to the their leadership’s double dealing.”
“I don’t think their intention was betrayal,” Jun scoffs from her end of the room. “Understandably they were trying to protect their own interests as they’re a small nation.”
“Protecting ‘their own interests’ doesn’t mean trying to establish a pact with Iwa where they would receive weapons and other supplies in exchange for loaning out Uzushio nins to fight for them,” Hiashi Hyuga states from his seat at the far end of the room. “When Uzushio was exposed, Iwa turned on them believing the treaty was a trap orchestrated with Konoha. They became targets without allies, which is why it’s barely hanging on since the war. Or were you not paying attention at the time all this was exposed, Jun-san?” he goads, causing the blonde to turn red with fury.
“I’d like to know why Whirlpool is even being accused,” Natsu demands. “One of their top teams was here recently aiding in our village security! If their intentions were suspect, why were they allowed to participate in such a crucial aspect of our safety and why would they even want to risk a war? What was the point?”
“Their past behavior and their sudden appearance to supposedly aid Konoha makes them highly likely,” Danzo states. “As Hiashi-san just astutely pointed out, Uzushio has not behaved like allies in years. I heard the stated intention of that team was to establish a new treaty with us, yet made no move to do so during their stay. Plus, not long after they depart the genin team assigned to care for and protect Naruto ends up dead and she has been kidnapped. Doesn’t that strike you as being suspicious? Or are you willing to dismiss all of it as coincidence?”
“That is not what I meant!” Natsu snarls, slamming his fist down on the tabletop. “There’s been no definitive evidence presented. It’s all circumstantial!”
“Please calm down everyone,” Hiruzen soothes. He gives the room a few moments to comply before continuing. “Despite the evidence being circumstantial, it is very compelling as there are no other likely suspects.”
“Or it’s all been orchestrated to make Whirlpool look guilty,” Fugaku muses.
“Why would anyone want to do that?” Homura asks.
“To deflect suspicion. Perhaps to orchestrate a plot to completely ruin Whirlpool in numerous ways,” the Uchiha head replies easily.
“Considering Uzushio has made plenty of bad choices over the years, it’s unnecessary for anyone to set them up for destruction. They’ve been doing a good enough job destroying themselves,” Minato replies, prompting a couple of cynical chuckles and nods of agreement around the room.
“True enough,” Fugaku agrees. “Forgive me for playing devil’s advocate here, but it’s good to look at all sides of the situation for a complete picture.”
“I agree,” Minato nods.
“For example, it could be said that Whirlpool is being made the scapegoat because of their rightful indignation at their sole heir defecting to Konoha. That is a widely known incident and it can be argued that our enemies are attempting to create dissention and possibly conflict with our former allies.” Fugaku pauses for the room to consider his point. “Giving the Whirlpool nins the benefit of the doubt, it is possible their intention of making up for past mistakes could’ve been genuine as it would’ve been stupidly obvious to approach on a false pretense then murder three genin in order to boldly kidnap the Hokage’s daughter, risking a war they would lose.”
“That’s the point I was trying to make!” Natsu exclaims. “Leave it to Fugaku-sama to put things in perspective far more eloquently.”
“If not Uzushio, who else would dare commit such an offense?” Koharu inquires, arching a brow at Fugaku.
“Pick any of our enemies,” he answers easily. “Or perhaps it was an unknown enemy.”
“Or an enemy from within,” Danzo adds, prompting everyone to turn to him.
“There is always that possibility,” Fugaku neutrally replies. “Although, I find it baseless as I don’t think there are any enemies from within Konoha.”
“There are always those who tend to feel slighted simply because they don’t believe the decisions made for the benefit of the village are the best ones and feel decisions should only be made with their own interests in mind,” Danzo elaborates.
“Unlikely as that may be, there could be some who feel that way,” Fugaku concedes. “And let’s not forget those who crave power and don’t agree with a more pacifist approach to achieving peace with our enemies because they prefer more aggressive action to accomplish the same goal,” he adds, arching a brow at the older man. “I also don’t want us overlooking the fact an Uchiha was among those killed. Our bloodline is sought after by all shinobi nations and could be another motive for the crime. We have a vested interest in finding those responsible as well.”
“Or deflecting suspicion from personal acquaintances,” Danzo arches a brow back.
“Or drum up false accusations to justify persecuting the opposition further,” Fugaku retorts.
“There’s been no evidence indicating anyone else but the Uzushio nins are involved,” Minato interrupts before their exchange can escalate further.
“Forgive me if I come off as insensitive,” Fugaku calmly begins, focusing on Minato. “But you might be feeling biased against Whirlpool due to past incidents involving your late wife.”
With a neutral expression, Minato unflinchingly meets the Uchiha clan head’s shrewd gaze when he answers the hidden accusation.
“You’re not appearing insensitive when you’re making a perfectly valid point, Fugaku-san,” he nods solemnly in agreement. “We are only basing our suspicions on the timing of the Uzushio nins arrival and departure as well as the fact that Naruto is next in line to rule with the added bonus of containing the Kyuubi.”
“Although I now strongly believe the Whirlpool nins are responsible, I don’t feel there’s enough evidence to outright accuse them or declare war on them,” Dan comments.
“I still don’t think they’re guilty,” Natsu declares. “We should contact Whirlpool for assistance. They might be able to help in some way to catch the true culprits, exonerating them of any wrongdoing.”
“That is probably the best course of action,” Fugaku agrees. “No one is eager to return to war, no matter how justified, without definitive proof. Especially after the Kyuubi attack did so much damage to our ranks. Of course, our Hokage will do as they see fit and we should all put our faith in their decision.”
Murmurs of assent echoes around the room, particularly among the civilian council members.
“And this is exactly why we called this meeting,” Minato solemnly nods in approval. “I’ll reach out to Uzushio. In the meantime further evidence may turn up pointing us in the right direction. I appreciate everyone’s time, honest perspective and good advice. Thank you. This meeting is adjourned.”
The noise levels increase with the sounds of scraping chairs, shuffling bodies and animated conversations as the councilors gradually disperse from the room. Minato and Hiruzen step off the platform as Fugaku approaches.
“I apologize if any of my statements offend you, Minato-sama,” Fugaku bows slightly. “It’s difficult enough losing one of my clansmen to such a heinous crime, but I can’t begin to imagine the anguish of losing any of my children to kidnappers. I hope you’ll utilize the best of my clan to aid in apprehending the culprits, even if they do turn out to be from Whirlpool.”
“Thank you for the sentiments, Fugaku-san,” Minato replies with his own bow. “Your kind offer is greatly appreciated.”
“I do wish you had notified us sooner of Shiro’s death instead of waiting hours to inform us, but I understand your discretion. I’m not sure I would know who to trust in that situation without more information,” Fugaku states, intensely holding Minato’s inscrutable gaze. Continuing, he adds, “With your permission I’d like to initiate an investigation with the Uchiha Police Division. It may be a long shot, but we might get lucky and turn up some helpful information.”
“Certainly,” Minato nods.
After another slight bow, Fugaku walks away with the two Hokage watching him in the nearly empty room.
“I hope you will not be misled by vague promises of loyalty from the disingenuous,” Danzo states, shuffling towards them after Fugaku completely left the room. “I trust you will take definitive action to rectify these egregious offenses against Konoha before circumstances prompt action without you.”
“Thank you, Danzo-sama,” Minato replies. “I will be watching very carefully and act accordingly against any circumstances that contradict my intentions in retrieving my daughter safe and sound.”
“As it should be,” Danzo intones before bowing. “If you’ll excuse me.”
Danzo shuffles toward the door while Minato leads Hiruzen out another door back to their office. Neither is surprised to find Koharu, Homura, Hiashi and Shikaku patiently waiting for them.
Smirking, Minato steps back to lean out the door.
“Raido, can you…”
Blinking in surprise, the young blond steps off to the side of the door as Raido enters the room carrying a pair of chairs with another jounin following right behind with another pair.
“One step ahead of you, boss,” Raido quips as he passes by Minato.
Setting the chairs down, he arranges them for Koharu and Homura to comfortably face the Hokage’s desk while the other jounin does the same for Hiashi and Shikaku.
“Thanks, guys.”
“No problem, boss.” Raido steps over to Minato, while the other jounin exits the room. “The usual, ‘unless the village is under attack, do not disturb’?” he asks.
“Exactly.”
“Yes, sir,” Raido smartly replies before shutting the door behind him as he leaves the room.
Noting Hiruzen is already settled at his own desk and lighting his pipe, Minato crosses the room to his seat while activating the privacy jutsu.
“I know all of you want more details as to what’s really going on,” Minato begins while easing into his seat. “Hiruzen only gave Homura and Koharu a slight heads up this morning, but they know a lot of what I’m going to share with you two gentlemen,” he explains specifically to Hiashi and Shikaku. “There’s a lot of back story neither of you two know. You’ll understand why the secrecy afterward, so just give me a chance to fill you all in on the rest before you start asking questions.”
When he receives no objections from anyone, he proceeds to thoroughly detail the history of Whirlpool’s animosity toward Konoha sheltering Kushina, their machinations to force her return and why they were so driven to get her back. He then explains why the Whirlpool nin’s arrival under the guise of establishing a new treaty with Konoha was so suspicious and that the amount of detailed information they knew about the Kyuubi attack and Naruto’s birth are the reasons why he declared a moratorium on all council meetings. He then details Hiroto’s visits to Fugaku and all the conclusions they’ve drawn regarding Naruto’s kidnapping.
Once he finally finishes, Minato sits back and observes his audience while they absorb his report. Hiruzen continues sitting in silence, patiently waiting with the younger man.
“The situation is a lot more complicated than I imagined,” Hiashi finally ventures.
“There’s the understatement of the year,” Shikaku retorts, rolling his eyes at Hiashi’s glare.
Ignoring the scarred Nara clan head, Hiashi continues.
“I figured there was good reason to blame Whirlpool, but now that everything has been explained, there is no doubt in my mind of their guilt.”
“I agree,” Shikaku nods. “I also understand why you called the council meeting.” Noting Hiashi’s arched brow he rolls his eyes again. “The meeting wasn’t to keep us informed or get our input, it was draw information out of Fugaku with Danzo’s unwitting help thanks to the two absolutely hating each other.”
“Yep,” Minato smirks. “Astute as always, Shikaku.”
“Although, we didn’t get any new information out of the exchange,” Hiruzen sighs.
“No, but we did get confirmation of all our suspicions,” Minato replies, his gaze hardening.
“It also put Fugaku at ease, believing you’re ignorantly overlooking his involvement simply because you never subscribed to Danzo’s militaristic way of thinking, hence why you blatantly ignored his thinly veiled accusations against the Uchiha clan,” Homura reasons.
“I’m surprised you’re not climbing the walls, Minato-sama,” Hiashi observes. “If Hinata had been kidnapped I’d be going insane.”
“It’s been a huge struggle for me,” Minato reluctantly admits, his pain visible to his audience. “I want to hunt down Hiroto and get my daughter back before crossing the sea to raze Uzushio, but that would give Fugaku the opening to incite an uprising as a distraction, or even as a means to gain control of Konoha.”
“And if that weren’t enough of a concern, you’d have Danzo waiting for the chance to take out Fugaku and orchestrate his own takeover,” Shikaku muses.
“Then there’s the obvious fact Konoha isn’t in a position right now to engage in an outright war with Whirlpool, preventing you from acting as boldly as we all agree you should to rescue your daughter,” Hiashi points out.
“Have you sent any sort of notice to Raiden of Uzushio yet?” Koharu asks, finally joining the conversation.
“Yes,” Minato replies. “I know Naruto will be safe with them, so it’s a matter of waiting for Raiden’s response. I have to be careful because Fugaku has obviously been in contact with him for years and I’m certain they already have their moves planned out depending on my course of action. I have to keep them guessing as much as possible.”
He pauses to rub a hand across weary eyes before meeting the concerned gazes of his audience.
“I need more information. I have to know as much about Uzushio’s current status and find their weak points to reduce the risk to Konoha as much as possible. I’ve already sent a message to sensei. He’s gone into hiding since Kushina died, but I need his help gathering information through his spy network. When I have something to work with, I’ll need your help devising a strategy of attack, Shikaku.”
“Absolutely,” Shikaku nods in agreement. “I’ll be formulating possible options and researching what I can on Whirlpool in the library in the meantime.”
“I’ll keep alert to any useful information I hear regarding the Uchiha,” Hiashi offers. “Especially from Fugaku himself.” He surprises everyone by rolling his pale eyes before adding, “He’s of the mistaken belief that the Hyuga are just as persecuted and subjugated as the Uchiha. Of course, in the next breath he tends to make a snide aside as to the superiority of the Uchiha dojutsu.”
The small group shares a chuckle before Minato becomes serious again.
“Please be careful, Hiashi-san,” he warns. “Fugaku isn’t likely to be that free, even with you and right now will be even more suspicious of anyone who isn’t an Uchiha.”
“Still, not all Uchiha share his mindset, so there may be something that slips out through them,” Homura muses. “We’ll all just have to be alert for something useful.”
“Agreed,” Koharu nods. “I just hope we get Naruto-chan home soon,” she finishes sadly.
“So do I, Koharu-san,” Minato agrees.
A little over a week later a knock on the door disturbs the silence.
“Come in,” Minato orders. He sets down the report he’s reading when Kakashi enters the room. “Glad you’re back,” he greets seriously. “How did your mission go?”
“Relatively successful, Hokage-sama,” Kakashi replies while coming to stand in front of Minato’s desk and handing him the scroll.
“Relatively successful?” Hiruzen questions, reaching for his pipe.
“I wasn’t permitted to cross the sea to Uzushio,” Kakashi reports. “I had to use the old coastal signals to get an envoy to come ashore, but they wouldn’t disembark from the boat and refused to carry me over to personally deliver the message. They did agree to deliver the message to Raiden, but I had to camp out on shore for three days before they returned with his reply.”
Hiruzen looks over at Minato scowling at the open scroll in his hands.
“Kushina’s father sent a very succinct reply,” the angry blond states without looking at them. “He states the accusations of kidnapping are baseless and without proof they can be considered an act of war.”
Slamming the scroll down he stands up and turns to gaze out the window.
“Raiden’s giving us no choice, but to act against them,” Hiruzen sighs wearily into the ensuing silence.
“From the beginning there wasn’t a choice,” Minato replies without turning around.
“It almost sounds like Raiden is certain we won’t take action against him,” Kakashi muses.
“Likely,” Hiruzen agrees. “It’s probably why Hiroto wasn’t more discreet in meeting so much with Fugaku. They were making us aware of the threat that remains at home, thus preventing us from proceeding to attack Uzushio.”
“That’s what they’d like to believe,” Minato intones, still gazing out the window. “On the surface I’ll continue to attempt some sort of negotiation for Naruto’s return, or at least visitation rights, but we’ll proceed with taking her back by force. However long that may take.”
“Count me in, sensei.”
Finally turning around to offer Kakashi a slight, sad smile, Minato replies, “Thanks, Kakashi. I already have.”
- 5
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- 7
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Broken Branches