Chapter 11 : Uzumaki Clan

When Tsunade heard the news from Hiruzen Sarutobi, a deep sense of unease settled in her gut. Something was wrong.

The situation in Uzushiogakure had turned dire—why was she only hearing about it now?

Konoha and the Uzumaki clan had always been close allies, yet there had been no word, no warning. That silence itself was suspicious.

The thought flashed through her mind, but Tsunade didn't dwell on it. Instead, she stepped forward, urgency in her voice.

"Then send reinforcements immediately!" she demanded.

Hiruzen sighed, his face creased with the weight of his responsibilities. "All the great nations have their eyes on Konoha. Most of our forces have already been deployed to the frontlines. Even Jiraiya and Orochimaru are being mobilized for battle. Right now, it's impossible for Konoha to send aid to the Land of Whirlpools."

His tone was grave, almost apologetic. The meaning behind his words was clear: Konoha was struggling to protect itself—there was no hope for Uzushiogakure.

Tsunade clenched her fists. She wanted to argue, to fight against the reality of the situation, but she had no counter.

Hiruzen, seeing her reaction, softened his voice. "Regardless, the Uzumaki clan has always been Konoha's most trusted ally. I will make the necessary arrangements."

His words brought her little comfort, but at least he was taking it seriously.

As she turned to leave, something occurred to her. Pausing, she glanced back at the old man.

Hiruzen tensed at the movement, his mind already racing. Had she caught on to the delays? Was she going to press him further? He was already preparing another speech when Tsunade casually said:

"Old man, I need a favor. I want to take on two apprentices. They're from the Uchiha clan."

Hiruzen's expression sharpened. "The Uchiha? Which two?"

Tsunade saw no reason to hide it. "One's named Uchiha Shin . I met him a few times at the gambling den. Played a couple of rounds against him. The kid's got a good sense for medical ninjutsu, so I figured I'd take him under my wing."

Hiruzen's lips twitched. Meeting a future student at a casino? That was certainly... unique. But given that this was Tsunade, it wasn't all that surprising.

"The other is Uchiha Mikoto. She's Shin 's childhood sweetheart—also talented. But mostly, the brat insisted on bringing her along."

The name 'Uchiha Shin ' immediately caught Hiruzen's attention. He had already taken note of the boy's potential. And if Tsunade trained him, that was an opportunity.

If he could be nurtured properly, molded in the right way... perhaps a new Uchiha Kagami could be born.

Hiruzen made up his mind in an instant. His expression softened, and he gave Tsunade a warm, approving smile.

"I'll approve it. The Academy will be advancing graduation soon. The war is escalating, and young shinobi must be prepared."

Tsunade nodded and left, satisfied.

Not long after, Danzo stormed into the Hokage's office, his face dark with displeasure.

"Hiruzen," he began, his voice cold, "why did you assign Uchiha Shin to Tsunade? I already marked him for Root."

Hiruzen barely reacted. He had expected this.

Danzo continued, his irritation clear. "I was preparing to bring him in, and then you just hand him over to that gambler? Do you realize how much of an asset he could be?"

Hiruzen met Danzo's glare with a calm, steady gaze. "Root is not the right place for Uchiha Shin . We need another Uchiha Kagami."

Danzo understood immediately.

The Third Hokage wanted to shape the boy into a loyal shinobi of Konoha, rather than let him be swallowed by the Uchiha's growing discontent. This wasn't about nurturing a soldier—it was about political maneuvering.

Danzo's grip tightened, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He wanted to argue, to push back, but in the end, he couldn't—Hiruzen was still Hokage.

Instead, he shifted topics, his voice lowering. "And what about Uzushiogakure?"

Hiruzen exhaled, taking a long, slow drag from his pipe. "The Uzumaki's sealing jutsu is too dangerous. If it falls into enemy hands, it will be a disaster."

Danzo narrowed his eyes. "Are you suggesting the usual approach?"

Hiruzen said nothing.

The meaning was clear: they would allow the Uzumaki clan to burn. They would watch from the shadows, ensuring the destruction was total—so that no rival village could gain control of their techniques. And then, Konoha would swoop in and collect the remnants of their knowledge for itself.

Danzo smirked. "Hmph. You're as ruthless as ever."

Hiruzen sighed, as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders. "Mito has sent word. She wants the next Jinchūriki to come from the Uzumaki clan."

Danzo scoffed. "Tch. A host for the Kyūbi has no right to make demands."

His tone was full of disdain. The Uzumaki clan, once powerful, had lost their standing. They were no longer a force to be reckoned with—just a name, a bloodline with valuable abilities, but little political weight.

Hiruzen didn't bother to argue. Instead, he turned his gaze back to Danzo, his voice unreadable. "Then, you know what to do?"

Danzo dipped his head slightly. "Root understands."

With that, he turned and left.

Back in the depths of Root headquarters, Danzo sat in his chair, fingers steepled as he contemplated his next move. His voice was low, a whisper to the darkness.

"If she wants an Uzumaki Jinchūriki, then we'll find her an orphan."

Soon after, his operatives received their orders. Their mission: infiltrate the ruins of Uzushiogakure.

They were to remain in the shadows, watching, waiting.

And when the time was right, they would strike.