Chapter 227: Chasing Affection

The morning sun bathed Konoha in its warm glow.

The streets were bustling with life, and despite recent battles, the village showed no signs of war. Roads that had been expanded were still crowded with people going about their daily routines. To any outsider, it seemed Konoha had completely moved on from the shadows of the Third Great Ninja War.

Uzumaki Mariko walked along the lively streets, her eyes filled with wonder at the scene before her.

"Konoha suffered heavy losses in the Third Ninja War, and they just launched a war against the Land of Grass... How can there be no signs of hardship here?"

Muttering to herself, Mariko compared the sight to Uzushio Village during the height of Uzumaki Country's prosperity. After its destruction, she had lived in exile, constantly on guard due to her unique abilities.

Despite her caution, her bright red hair always made her a target, and she was eventually captured by the Land of Grass. For years, she was forced to serve as a medical ninja under strict surveillance, enduring countless hardships. The difference between Konoha and the Land of Grass was staggering.

"It's all thanks to Hokage-sama's leadership!"

"The reason Konoha recovered so quickly is because of his wise decisions!"

Behind her, four female ninjas in green flak jackets followed closely. The speaker, a teenage girl with purple hair, spoke with admiration.

"Hokage? Sarutobi Hiruzen is indeed a wise leader," Mariko responded softly, unaware of the changes in Konoha's leadership. Her isolation in the Land of Grass had left her completely cut off from recent events.

"Sarutobi-sama was the Third Hokage. The current leader of Konoha is the Fourth Hokage, Uzumaki Raiden!"

"Compared to him, even the Third Hokage falls short in talent!"

The purple-haired girl spoke with enthusiasm, her eyes shining with admiration.

"Yūgao, you're talking too much," a more experienced kunoichi in her thirties scolded sternly, warning her to remain professional.

"Uzumaki?"

Hearing the familiar surname, a trace of doubt crossed Mariko's face. In her memory, Konoha had not sent aid when the Uzumaki clan was destroyed. Survivors had lost all trust in Konoha, so how could one of their own become Hokage?

Despite her doubts, Mariko continued walking under the watchful eyes of the Anbu escort. She had begun to relax around the Konoha ninja but remained uneasy. Whether it was the Land of Grass or Konoha, she felt no sense of belonging anywhere.

After weaving through the lively streets, they finally arrived at Konoha Hospital, which was tucked away in a quieter part of the village.

Konoha Hospital

By the time they arrived, Uzumaki Kushina was already waiting at the entrance with her medical team.

Thanks to her incredible sensory abilities, Kushina had detected Mariko's presence the moment she entered the village. The chakra of the Uzumaki clan was unique—gentle yet vast, impossible to mistake.

"It really is an Uzumaki!"

Watching Mariko approach, Kushina felt a sense of kinship. Her heart ached slightly at the sight of the woman, her face delicate yet marked by hardship.

Inside the hospital, Uzumaki Raiden stood by his office window, watching Kushina lead Mariko inside. For a brief moment before entering, Mariko turned toward Raiden's direction, as if sensing something.

Kushina walked beside Mariko, guiding her toward the examination room.

"What's your name? My name is Uzumaki Kushina, and I'm from the Uzumaki clan. I believe you can sense it too," Kushina said warmly.

"...Mariko. Just Mariko," she replied hesitantly, her expression darkening as she concealed her surname.

"Alright, Mariko. Let's check your health. Once we're done, they'll arrange a place for you in the village," Kushina said, maintaining her friendly demeanor.

"You were a medical ninja in the Land of Grass, right? From now on, you'll be working with me!"

Mariko nodded slightly, following Kushina into the examination room, where a team of medical staff was already prepared.

Outside the Examination Room

As Uzumaki Raiden arrived outside the room, the Anbu escort stood at attention.

"Lord Hokage!" they greeted in unison.

Raiden's eyes fell on the purple-haired kunoichi, who looked somewhat familiar, though he couldn't quite recall her name.

"Did you encounter any trouble on the way?" Raiden asked.

"None, sir!"

However, just as the words left her mouth, a loud shout echoed down the corridor.

"Mariko!!! Where are you?!"

Raiden's eyes narrowed, recognizing the voice immediately.

He turned to the embarrassed escort team.

"Didn't you just say there was no trouble?" he asked dryly.

The kunoichi flushed with embarrassment. They had promised a smooth journey, yet someone was causing a commotion in the hospital.

The shouting grew louder as it neared, drawing curious glances from the medical staff. Even Kushina poked her head out of the examination room, frowning in confusion.

"What's going on?" she asked.

Raiden shook his head slightly.

Moments later, a tall, brown-haired young man burst into the corridor, looking frantic.

"Mariko! Where are you?!"

Raiden sighed.

The figure was none other than Senju Nawaki, Tsunade's younger brother.

Rushing forward, Nawaki showed no regard for the Hokage or Kushina, his sole focus on Mariko. As he attempted to barge into the examination room, Kushina quickly stepped in to block him.

"Brother Nawaki, calm down! She's being examined right now!"

Nawaki barely acknowledged Kushina, his eyes desperate. "I have to see Mariko!"

Realizing Kushina wouldn't be able to stop him, Raiden reached out and placed a firm hand on Nawaki's shoulder.

At once, Nawaki found himself unable to move.

"Brother Nawaki, you're losing your composure," Raiden whispered.

Releasing a small pulse of chakra, Raiden deactivated the paralysis, and Nawaki finally looked at him in frustration.

"Raiden? Let me through! I need to see her!"

Raiden observed Nawaki's anxious expression, and it wasn't hard to guess what had happened during their time in the Land of Grass.

"He's completely smitten... Looks like a classic case of infatuation."

"If she's from another village, we need to be cautious," Raiden said coolly. "Let my sister finish her examination first."

Though reluctant, Nawaki nodded, realizing there was no arguing with Raiden.

Raiden glanced at Kushina, who rolled her eyes at Nawaki's antics before heading back inside.

As the door closed, Raiden sighed.

"This is going to be interesting."

(End of the chapter)