Chapter 226: The Same Clan!

"Also, among the captured individuals, we found a woman with a unique physique. According to the testimony of a captured Grass ninja, she was taken by them due to her strange ability to rapidly heal others."

Hatake Sakumo's words immediately caught Uzumaki Raiden's attention. As far as he knew, the ninja forces in the Land of Grass did not possess bloodline limit abilities—their notable ninja families had long been absorbed by the major nations. However, from Sakumo's description, this woman clearly possessed an extraordinary power.

At present, if any exiled clan with a unique bloodline existed in the ninja world, Raiden could think of only one possibility.

With this thought in mind, Raiden asked softly, though he had already formed his conclusion. He just needed confirmation from Sakumo.

"Does this woman have red hair?"

Sakumo stared at Raiden's vibrant red hair for a moment, his thoughts connecting the dots. He quickly replied, "Yes, it's red!"

"In fact, Hokage-sama, her hair color is similar to yours, though slightly lighter."

Just as I thought!

Raiden nodded, his eyes clear and resolute. He continued questioning, seeking further details.

"Is she alone?"

"Does she have any family—husband, children?"

Sakumo shook his head, recalling the information gathered.

"No, she's alone, and her mental state isn't good. She's clearly endured a lot of suffering in the Land of Grass. According to our medical team's examination, her body bears hundreds of wounds."

"All of them... bite marks."

"I've already arranged for her to be brought here as soon as possible. She should arrive within an hour or two."

Sakumo provided a detailed report, while Namikaze Minato and Nara Shikaku, initially absorbed in their work, began listening attentively. They quickly processed the developments of the war.

"Shikaku, you'll handle the resettlement of refugees," Raiden instructed. "Coordinate with Uchiha Fugaku to screen for spies."

"Minato, oversee the village expansion project. I'll be preoccupied with other matters in the coming days."

"Sakumo, the woman with the special ability is likely from the Uzumaki clan. Once she arrives in Konoha, I want her taken to the hospital immediately. I'll have my sister examine her personally."

After issuing his orders, Raiden left the office.

The Uzumaki Clan...

A pure-blooded Uzumaki with unique abilities, equivalent to a bloodline limit—this was a significant development for Konoha. If handled correctly, the Uzumaki clan could establish roots in Konoha once again.

Konoha Hospital

Raiden made his way to Konoha Hospital, now under the leadership of Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin. His elder sister, Uzumaki Kushina, had risen to become a pillar of the hospital, and with years of dedication, she could be considered the equivalent of a chief physician by modern standards.

His purpose was clear—to find his sister.

Due to the war with the Land of Grass, the hospital was bustling with activity. The smell of disinfectant lingered in the air as medical personnel rushed about.

Raiden's arrival went unnoticed by the busy staff, and with a swift teleportation technique, he appeared in Kushina's office.

The office was empty, but Raiden made himself comfortable, sitting in her chair as he waited.

Kushina's desk was neat and organized, with only a few medical records and two framed photographs.

One was a photo of Kushina and Minato, and the other was an old group photo.

At the center of the image stood the elegant Uzumaki Mito, with a young red-haired boy—around two or three years old—sitting on her knee. Surrounding them were a youthful Kushina, Nawaki, and a young Tsunade, all smiling brightly in Mito's embrace.

"Family..."

Raiden gently picked up the photo, running his fingers over the frame. His eyes softened with nostalgia as he recalled the years under Mito's protection.

"I can't save everyone, but I can protect those I encounter."

"Grandmother is gone... So I will protect the Uzumaki people!"

He carefully placed the photo back in its spot just as the office door swung open.

Kushina, wearing a blue surgical gown and holding a removed mask, stepped inside.

"You're here again, brat? Need something?" she asked with a playful smirk.

"Come on, get up. Sit on the sofa," she said, nudging him away from her chair.

"Uh, okay." Raiden got up, letting his sister take over.

Ignoring him for a moment, Kushina focused on recording patient notes. After a while, she finally looked up.

"So, what's the matter, Raiden?"

Since becoming Hokage, his visits had become rare, and with Kushina's growing responsibilities, their meetings were even fewer. She understood that when Raiden came to see her, it was usually for something important.

"Sakumo will be bringing a woman to the hospital soon. I need you to personally conduct the examination," Raiden said.

Kushina raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

"A woman? You're coming to me directly, Hokage-sama?" she teased, but her hands moved efficiently, clearing her desk and preparing new medical forms.

"She's an Uzumaki," Raiden said seriously. "She has a special ability—those who bite her can rapidly recover from injuries, even fatal ones."

"I trust no one else to handle this. Please be cautious during the examination, though. She was brought from another village, after all."

Kushina's expression grew serious.

Hearing that the woman was from the Uzumaki clan stirred something in her heart. It had been years since she and Raiden had last encountered one of their kin. There was a time she believed the Uzumaki clan had been completely wiped out.

But now, hope flickered once more.

"The Uzumaki clan... Are you sure?!"

Raiden nodded.

From what Sakumo had reported, she was likely Karin's mother. In Raiden's memory, only Karin and her mother possessed such abilities.

Considering the information gathered, it appeared Karin's mother was currently alone, without a husband or child.

Konoha's sudden invasion of the Land of Grass had clearly altered their fate.

"There's no mistake. We'll know for sure once she arrives. I want her to settle in Konoha if possible. I can't trust anyone else with her care."

"If there are no issues, I'd like her to stay in the old Uzumaki estate."

Raiden's suggestion made Kushina hesitate. The estate left behind by Mito had plenty of vacant rooms, but it wasn't solely hers. Tsunade also had a say in it.

"Let's see how things go. I'll make arrangements," Kushina replied, standing up and heading toward the door to prepare.

Once she left, Raiden closed his eyes and waited patiently for the arrival of his fellow clanswoman.

(End of the chapter)