A New Yet Similar Path

The Bell Test Part 3

Sarutobi watched from his seat as most of the Jonin of Konoha arrived and took their own seats in the large council chamber. The council, consisting of the clan heads, the Hokage's assistants, Koharu and Homura, important civilians and the Hokage himself were already there and had been for several minutes.

Now, they were only waiting on four more people, Gai, Kakashi, Kurenai, and 'the guest of honor'.

'Kakashi had better not be late this time...' Sarutobi had threatened the lazy, chronically late Jonin to show up on time, or his collection of Icha Icha books would disappear and he would be banned from the bookstores that sold them.

Kakashi had quickly given his word to arrive on time.

The aging Hokage grinned when he remembered the look of horror on Kakashi's face when the Hokage had brought the books into the equation.

'I can see why Naruto loves to prank...'

At this moment, three of the four people arrived at the same time. The Sandaime was disappointed that the one that was missing was the blonde haired prankster.

'Although, I'm surprised that Kakashi made it on time...'

Suddenly, he felt the presence of the blonde Jinchuriki and turned to see him standing at the door, completely unnoticed.

'I see he's smart to not make his presence known' thought Sarutobi as he nodded slightly; indicating that he understood what was expected of him.

Everyone's attention was currently on the Hokage as they all wondered the same thing.

'Why did the Hokage call for an emergency council meeting?'

The Hokage stood up and surveyed the crowd in front of him. Many of them were anxious, some confused, and few who seemed irritated. Sarutobi's gaze lingered on the three individuals who were those few. 'As expected of Hiashi and my assistants' he thought.

He cleared his throat and fiddled with the pipe in his hand which wasn't lit, indicating that he was to not be interrupted.

"My fellow villagers, I have called this meeting for something of great importance has surfaced." He kept his face in a serious manor as he watched everyone's emotions.

Nothing of 'great importance' had happened since the failed kidnapping attempt on one Hinata Hyuga.

"It has been thirteen years since the Yondaime died sealing the legendary Kyuubi into one infant to save us all." He stopped again as he watched many civilians and about half of the Jonin grit their teeth at the mention of the 'demon child'.

"Since then, the Namikaze estate has remained under the strongest Genjutsu that the Yondaime created that none have been able to pierce. The only way for the estate to reappear and be unlocked, is if someone with Namikaze blood were to sign the deed in blood."

Many were muttering to each other, not seeing where this was going. Hiashi Hyuga however, had spotted a certain blonde hiding in the back of the crowd. Hiashi at first thought it was the long dead man they were speaking of, but upon closer inspection courtesy of his Byakugan, he noticed many different things, mainly, the occasional burst of red chakra within his system quickly running through his system and disappearing.

Hiashi was of course, not stupid nor was he ignorant, he had quickly figured out why they were here and decided to speak.

"You have found the son of Minato Namikaze."

Sarutobi looked over at the Hyuga and was surprised to see that he was suppressing a smirk.

"Is it true?" Anko asked suddenly as she stood up from her seat.