May It Be

Author's Note - I'm excited by all the reviews. You guys fed my muses like you wouldn't believe. I'm in the mood to get some writing done. Hopefully, this won't be the only story updated today. The readers of my other tales will be pleased or at least, I hope so!

I got the idea for this tale by playing the infamous 'what if' game. Hokages really can't be naive and being as powerful and experienced as they are, they know what humans are capable of. In truth, despite all our advancements, humans have yet to lose the fear of the unknown and things they do not understand. You will see this in my tale, but you'll also see that some people, when they decided to see with 'eyes unclouded' can grow beyond what is natural and understand that not all things are as frightening as they originally thought.

Just a few things I want to touch on before moving on towards the chapter. First of all, this is a story - not a PWP. The lemons will come, I assure you, so please be patient. Secondly, the reviews are read and taken to heart. If there's good suggestions made, I take them under serious consideration. A lot of the time, the suggestions help spark my imagination and helps motivate me for new chapters.

Disclaimer - Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto.

Chapter Two – And A Genin Makes Three

Kakashi sat in his chair, running slightly trembling fingers through silver locks. The only sound came from the small newborn that slept in the cradle; soft breaths confirmed that last night's events were reality. A choked sound barely escaped his too tight throat as his mind went back to what had followed after Neko's suggestion as to who should be allowed to treat Naruto for any illness or injuries he might have in the future.

While Neko had gone after the equipment, Sandaime had brought out some documents that Yondaime had put together before the nine-tail's attack on the village. The adoption papers had been signed and witnessed in triplicate. One had been put in the public archives, another given to Kakashi for his own records, and the last had been given to the Anbu commander to place within the Anbu record archive. Yondaime, it seems, had not trusted the Council and knew that they would dispose of the one in the public archive if they felt it was necessary.

Once the paperwork had been dealt with, the older Hokage explained to Kakashi that Minato-sensei had made sure that Kakashi and Naruto would be taken care of. Yondaime-sama had purchased a house not too far from the Anbu facility, knowing it would be secluded enough to raise Naruto without too much interference from the villagers. The house was fully furnished and Minato had moved all of his scrolls into the small study, wanting to ensure that his son had everything he needed to train and become the best shinobi possible. According to Sandaime, there were a few boxes in the attic that contained pictures and other items of Naruto's birth parents that were to be given to the boy once Kakashi felt he was ready to know more about them.

Kakashi had also been informed that money had been put aside to help take care of Naruto's ever growing needs. It would help supplement his income, especially now that he'd have to be careful in his choice of missions. He knew that his fellow Anbu members would be willing to baby-sit, and that was a help in a way.

Neko had returned during this discussion and had tied off the umbilical cord as well as ensuring that Naruto was given his injections. He was small, she reported, but in perfect health. That news, coupled with the loud objection the newborn had made to the exam and injections, had relieved the occupants of the room.

Sandaime had let him go then, informing him that they would speak again soon.

Kakashi had followed the Anbu that had been assigned to escort him to his new home and was not surprised to find his own belongings already waiting for him in the house.

Once there, Neko had given him a quick lesson in child care. Under her guidance, he'd given Naruto his first bath, diapered, and then fed the baby. While he'd worked on these tasks, the woman had explained as much as she could about Naruto's needs and what Kakashi needed to do in order to make sure that they were met. Afterwards, she'd left, leaving him with a sleeping baby in this too quiet house.

Outside of a few periods where Naruto woke due to hunger or a needed change in his diaper, the genius was left to his thoughts and fears. He had no idea what to do with the little one. His own father had committed suicide, and Kakashi wasn't all that certain he understood how to be a parent to a child.

His thoughts continued like this for some time, broken only when the baby signaled that he was needed. The next interruption came from the front door, which surprised Kakashi slightly as he'd been so engrossed in his thoughts and listening for the small whimper that would signal a loud cry.

The copy ninja rose to his feet and made his way to the front door, opening it to reveal the Sandaime.

"Hokage-sama, I wasn't expecting you. Please, come in."

The elderly man stepped into the traditional style home, politely slipping his sandals off at the door. Warm eyes turned to the teenager, noting the signs of a sleepless night.

"There are a few matters that we need to discuss, Kakashi, but first, how are you two doing?"

Kakashi lead his superior into the living room, sitting only after the Hokage took a seat on a comfortable chair.

"I'll be honest, Hokage-sama, I have no idea what Minato-sensei was thinking. I'm going to mess things up."

Sarutobi-sama nodded, leaning back slightly to watch the somewhat flustered shinobi. It wasn't often that Kakashi showed this much emotion but in this instance, he didn't blame him. Minato had discussed this when they discovered that the nine-tails was on its way and given the Yondaime's knowledge of Kakashi, the Sandaime agreed that the silver haired ninja was the best to raise the baby. It was just a matter of getting him to overcome his fears and insecurities. Hopefully, this little family would be what Hatake Kakashi needed to heal from the scars left by his father's suicide.

"No one is ever prepared for fatherhood, Kakashi. It's like everything else in life; we learn and adapt as things progress. You are intelligent and adaptable. Minato knew this, and he also knew that you would be loyal and protect Naruto with everything that's in you. Your son will help you learn to love him."

Kakashi nodded, running fingers through his hair for what felt like the thousandth time since he and the baby had come to their new home.

"Now, with everything that's happened, Konoha is going to need all of her shinobi at the ready. That being said, I also know that you are going to need help here. While I know any member of Anbu would be willing to watch over Naruto while you're away on missions, I think it would be best to have someone of lower rank available to help you."

"It sounds as if you've put some thought into this, Hokage-sama."

Sarutobi-sama nodded, pulling a scroll out of his robes but didn't hand it over to the teenager yet.

"I've spent part of today working out what to do with those affected by the attack. There's a few orphans that need placing. Most are fortunate enough to have family here in Konoha that can take them in. There's one in the group that caught my attention, and I believe he'll be a great help to you in raising Naruto."

Kakashi took the scroll from him and read over it. The young man in question was a Genin with high marks in genjutsu and ninjutsu, followed closely by taijutsu. The notes indicated a keen intellect, good empathy, and strong leadership abilities. It seemed that this one was also a bit of a prankster but knew when to back down and be serious.

"I'd like for you to come and see him before you decide, Kakashi."

The copy ninja agreed, rising to his feet and going to find the equipment needed to take the newborn on an excursion. A short time later, a clean and fed Naruto was strapped to his chest and clean diapers and a spare bottle hidden within one of his pouches.

The trio made their way to a building not far from Hokage Tower and slipped in, hiding in shadows to observe the children in the room. There was a teenager with them, cuddling those who were mourning their losses and speaking gently to the little ones who simply did not understand why they were there.

"He's good with them," Kakashi murmured softly.

"His mother taught at the Academy. During his hours off, when he wasn't training, he could often be found helping out there."

The Anbu watched in silence, wondering at how strong the Genin could be as he worked with the little ones. He could see the pain in the warm brown eyes, but it never showed as the teenager encouraged each child when they were picked up to go to their new homes.

"I think he'll do, Hokage-sama."

The Sandaime smiled, pleased that Kakashi had seen what he'd seen in the Genin. He had a feeling that the two would make for strong role models for Naruto. All he had to do now was see if the boy agreed.

"Let's go to my office. I'll send for him and see if he'll be amenable to this arrangement."

Kakashi followed the powerful man up to the office and chose a dark corner to sit down in, angling himself so he could see the chair in front of the large desk and still keep the sleeping Naruto supported.

A short time later, the slender teenager entered and bowed respectfully to the man seated behind the desk.

"You summoned me, Hokage-sama?"

"I did, Iruka. I have something I need to speak to you about. What I tell you must not be repeated beyond the people inside this room. Do you understand?"

Iruka nodded, curious as to what the village leader was going to tell him. He sat down in the chair when Sarutobi-sama indicated he should and waited patiently.

Kakashi watched Iruka as the Hokage explained everything that had happened. When the Genin heard about what the Yondaime had done, there was a look of sympathy on the teenager's face as he thought about what the baby would have to go through throughout his life. The emotions encouraged the copy ninja, reinforcing his belief that Iruka would be a good influence on his son.

"I'm glad you told me what really happened, Hokage-sama, and I'll do all I can to help Konoha."

The older man smiled, playing with his unlit pipe.

"I'm glad to hear it, Iruka. I know that you were due to go through the Chunin Exams soon but those have been delayed indefinitely until we can get our teams restructured. I know your team was hit hard by the loss of your instructor and one teammate. The teams will be redone and new missions assigned in order for the groups to learn each other well enough to participate in the exams and survive. In the meantime, arrangements need to be made due to your personal losses."

Fighting past his pain, Iruka's jaw tightened for a moment before nodding. Sarutobi-sama gave him a gentle look and then continued.

"I know that you're old enough to live alone but I have an alternative to that, if you are willing to agree to it. As I told you, Yondaime found a suitable parent for his son and the young man adopted Naruto. The thing is, Naruto's new father is an Anbu and will be called out on missions. The other members of Anbu has sworn loyalty to Naruto, but they are also busy and we need someone dependable, trustworthy, and has a love for children to be with him during the times his father cannot be there."

"You want me to be Naruto's other caretaker?"

"Yes, Iruka, we do. His father has already agreed to it. You would be living with them and join their little family as Naruto's uncle or whatever title you and Kakashi agree upon."

Kakashi could see the indecision on Iruka's face and rose, carefully shifting Naruto out of the carrier.

"Perhaps you should meet him before making a decision."

Iruka was a little startled by the new voice but accepted the warm bundle when it was handed to him. Automatically, he cradled the newborn in his arms and looked down to find pale blond fuzz decorating the top of the baby's head. The Genin could make out the faint birthmarks that resembled whiskers on Naruto's cheeks and before he could comment, the little one opened his eyes for a moment and chocolate eyes softened when they saw the beautiful blue ones of the baby.

"Hello, Naru-chan."

Naruto blinked drowsily at the gentle voice before dozing back off, not bothered by the fact that someone new was holding him.

"I'll do it."

Sarutobi-sama smiled and nodded, pleased with how things were proceeding.

"Then you should meet Naruto's father and your new house-mate. Umino Iruka, this is Hatake Kakashi."

Author's End Note - There was a question about "Kakashi is going to raise Naru-chan without Iruka?" I think this chapter answered that one. I had planned for Iruka to show up fairly quickly as I know that Konoha is in a state of turmoil and will need all her elites in action until the vulnerabilities are strengthened. Another AU point here, Iruka and Kakashi are the same age in this story. While Iruka is highly intelligent, he isn't a genius like Kakashi or even Itachi so he had to develop at the 'normal' rate.

Next point, I had to look up the terms for rank in Wikipedia and they spelled it Genin and Chunin. I've seen stories spell them with extra letters and wanted to try to be as accurate as I can. Since I'm still learning the full tale, I'm depending on research to get me through in terms of vocabulary and even characters.

Time to bring this to a close. I want to thank everyone for reading and especially those who took the time to review. Please leave a review for this chapter and let me know what you think! Catch you again next update!