Chapter 6 - The Uzumaki Legacy

Ryuusei lay in his room, relaxing after a long, hot bath. The day's training had been intense, leaving his muscles sore, but his mind remained restless, swirling with questions. It was then that he heard Aiko's voice echoing from downstairs.

"Ryuusei! Dinner's ready!" she called, her tone warm and familiar, like only a mother's could be.

He stretched his arms, yawning as he got up and made his way downstairs. At the table, dinner was already served, a simple yet flavorful meal, as always. Aiko sat there waiting for him, her usual gentle smile on her face.

"Where's Dad?" Ryuusei asked, settling into his seat and picking up his chopsticks.

Aiko sighed quietly but kept her smile intact.

"He's not back from his mission yet," she replied, scooping some rice onto Ryuusei's plate. "But don't worry. It was just a simple escort mission, though the destination was pretty far. He should be on his way home now."

Ryuusei nodded, trying to mask his concern. He knew his father was strong, but the silence of his absence always left a bitter taste.

After a few moments of quiet eating, Ryuusei decided to voice the question that had been gnawing at him since training.

"Mom…" he began hesitantly. "Why don't I feel any discomfort when training with star energy? All my friends looked completely drained, but I… I feel fine."

Aiko paused, her chopsticks hovering above her plate. Her expression grew serious, and she seemed to weigh her words carefully.

"Ryuusei…" she finally said, placing her utensils aside. "You know you're an Uzumaki, right?"

Ryuusei frowned, puzzled.

"Yeah, you always talk about the clan. But what does that have to do with anything?"

Aiko took a deep breath, as if preparing to reveal something significant.

"The Uzumaki Clan is known for many things," she explained, her gaze soft but laced with pride and nostalgia. "Our vitality is legendary. We have much stronger physical and spiritual energy than most people. That allows us to endure more, recover faster, and in your case… perhaps resist the effects of star energy better."

Ryuusei sat quietly, processing his mother's words. He had always known the Uzumaki were special, but he had never considered it in such a tangible way.

"On top of that," Aiko continued, her tone growing more serious, "our skill in Fūinjutsu made us one of the most feared clans in the world. The seals we created could contain anything, from chakra to tailed beasts. But… that strength also made us targets."

Ryuusei's eyes widened as he caught the shadow passing across his mother's face.

"Targets? Why?" he asked, curiosity bubbling to the surface.

Aiko hesitated but chose to be honest.

"Because the power of Fūinjutsu is coveted. Many want our secrets, and some are willing to do anything to get them. That's why I left Uzushiogakure and came to Hoshigakure."

Ryuusei fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in. He had always seen Hoshigakure as a peaceful, isolated haven, but now he realized the world beyond the village's mist was far more dangerous than he had imagined.

"So… I'm different because of the clan?" he finally asked.

Aiko smiled, nodding.

"Yes, Ryuusei. You are different. That can be an advantage, but it's also a responsibility. You need to understand the power you carry and use it wisely."

Ryuusei nodded, pride and worry mingling in his chest. He had much to learn, but now, more than ever, he was determined to become strong enough to protect his family and his village.

While Ryuusei reflected on his mother's words, a far more serious conversation was unfolding elsewhere in the village.

In the Hoshikage's Tower, Eizen, the Second Hoshikage, sat at his desk, fingers steepled in thought. His gray hair framed sharp, calculating eyes as he listened to Ginga, who stood before him, arms crossed.

"So, Ginga," Eizen began, his deep voice calm but firm. "How was the first day of training for Class A? Did anyone stand out?"

Ginga nodded, his expression thoughtful.

"Everyone performed well. Some struggled more than others, but none showed severe reactions to the star energy. However, one student stood out, Ryuusei Uzumaki."

Eizen's eyebrow arched, interest piqued.

"Uzumaki, you say? Go on."

"He was the most promising by far," Ginga explained. "Even after two hours of star training, he was perfectly fine. Then he spent another three hours practicing alone, without showing any signs of fatigue or discomfort."

Eizen remained silent for a moment, processing the revelation.

"Seems the boy inherited the signature traits of the Uzumaki," he finally said, a faint smile curling his lips. "This could be a blessing for our village. He and his mother, Aiko, might become a crucial link to the clan."

Ginga nodded in agreement, though his face remained clouded with concern.

"Eizen, I've received troubling news from Uzushiogakure. The situation there is worsening. There are strange movements along the borders."

Eizen sighed, turning to gaze out the window, where the star mist shimmered like a protective veil over the village.

"Yes, I'm aware," he replied, voice heavy with worry. "I've been summoned to a council meeting regarding a coordinated assault on Uzushiogakure. Several factions are pushing for the clan's secrets."

Ginga's eyes widened in shock.

"A coordinated attack? What about Konoha? They're supposed to be the Uzumaki's greatest allies!"

Eizen glanced back at Ginga, his expression grim.

"Danzō is involved," he said, his voice laced with disdain. "He's always advocated for… aggressive measures. And it seems he's convinced Konoha's leadership to turn a blind eye, as long as the village gains something from it."

[Author's Note: This is the only plausible explanation for why Konoha didn't fully mobilize to protect Uzushiogakure. The Uzumaki were an incredibly powerful clan, and with Mito Uzumaki as the wife of Hashirama, it makes no sense for them to be abandoned. And the idea that Konoha simply 'didn't know' about the attack? Impossible. A coordinated assault involving multiple enemy forces would never escape the intelligence network of the strongest hidden village.]

Ginga stood frozen, the weight of realization settling on his chest. Uzushiogakure, the Village of Whirling Tides, was on the brink of destruction.

"What do we do?" Ginga finally asked.

Eizen's gaze hardened.

"We have no choice but to attend the meeting. Hoshigakure is too small to openly oppose these forces. But we can find other ways to aid the Uzumaki."

Ginga nodded, understanding the unspoken message.

"Ryuusei and Aiko…" he began, but Eizen cut him off.

"Yes. They might be the key to saving at least some of the Uzumaki. We must protect them, and prepare them for what's to come."