Uzumaki Miyuki
The red-haired woman could only follow the young man named Chi Yu.
Not because she trusted him, but because she no longer had the strength to resist. Starved for several days, her limbs were weak, and her chakra reserves nearly depleted.
She was fully aware of how valuable her bloodline was. As an Uzumaki, her vitality and chakra made her a target. No matter how long she had hidden, it was only a matter of time before someone found her.
Chi Yu led her quietly through Kusagakure. The village, nestled among grasslands, was crawling with watchful eyes, forcing them to move cautiously. After some time, he finally found a secluded alleyway where they could talk privately.
He turned to her. "What's your name?"
"…Uzumaki Miyuki."
At the sound of her surname, Chi Yu's eyes lit up with satisfaction. After all the dead ends, he had finally found who he was looking for.
Without another word, he released the Henge no Jutsu concealing his identity. His true face emerged as he said calmly, "I'm Chi Yu, and this is Hatake Kakashi. We're shinobi from Konohagakure."
Miyuki's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Konoha? She hadn't expected that.
But on second thought, it made sense. Of all the villages, only Konoha had once stood beside Uzushiogakure—the land her clan once called home.
Chi Yu continued, "I know you're wary, but what I said is true. I can offer you a chance to leave this life behind—a life a hundred times better than this. I believe you already know what I'm about to say: come with me to Konoha. As former allies of the Uzumaki, the village will offer you shelter and stability."
Miyuki's expression darkened. Her gaze dropped, brows furrowed. She didn't trust Konoha.
She had lived through the fall of Uzushiogakure, just as Kushina had. She remembered vividly how their so-called ally, Konoha, did nothing as their home was wiped from the map.
Chi Yu noticed the hesitation in her eyes but couldn't understand it. Still, he pressed on. "Miyuki, you've been wandering long enough. You know what happens to Uzumaki who fall into the wrong hands. You won't be seen as a person—only a vessel. You'll be turned into a tool, if you aren't already marked for capture. But in Konoha, you'll be protected. You'll have a life again."
A long silence passed.
"…Do I even have a choice?"
Chi Yu didn't flinch. "No. I'm bringing you back with me either way. I promised to explain, so I am. I'm not lying—there is another Uzumaki in Konoha. Her name is Kushina. She's my fiancée."
A faint light sparked in Miyuki's eyes. A flicker of hope.
"Kushina… she's alive?"
"She is. Strong and well."
Miyuki paused, then asked, "Is Konoha looking for other survivors of the Uzumaki clan?"
Chi Yu shook his head. "No. Only me."
"You're doing this… for Kushina?"
"Yes. But it's not what you think. I'm not gathering the clan for her sake alone. I needed you specifically. I searched Kusagakure for that reason. As for why—I can't explain that just yet. You'll understand in time."
He took a step closer. "Now, will you walk back to Konoha willingly… or make me carry you?"
Miyuki exhaled slowly. "It doesn't matter, does it? My choice was never mine to begin with."
Chi Yu nodded. "Then let's go. Kakashi, we're moving out."
Using a genjutsu veil to hide their movements, the three departed Kusagakure.
---
Two days later, they arrived at the Konoha forward base.
When Chi Yu and Kakashi stepped into the camp with an unfamiliar woman in tow, Nara Shikaku and Jiraiya were immediately alerted.
"Chi Yu," Jiraiya called out. "Who's this?"
Chi Yu answered directly. "A survivor of the Uzumaki clan—her name is Uzumaki Miyuki."
Both men stiffened in surprise. It was rare—almost unheard of—to encounter another Uzumaki in these times.
Chi Yu turned to Jiraiya. "Lord Jiraiya, Miyuki wishes to join Konoha. Please report to the Hokage and request that a sensory team conduct a memory scan to ensure she's not an enemy agent.
Additionally, the situation in Kusagakure has stabilized. Kakashi and I no longer need to remain there. We request reassignment to Tanigakure to support Lord Orochimaru's forces."
Jiraiya nodded solemnly. "Understood. I'll handle it. You two get some rest."
The discovery of an Uzumaki survivor was no small matter.
After Chi Yu and Kakashi departed, Jiraiya called for two ANBU to escort Miyuki to temporary lodgings.
Just as he turned to write his report, Shikaku stopped him.
"Lord Jiraiya, there's something we need to discuss."
Jiraiya glanced over. "What is it?"
"It's about Chi Yu and Uzumaki Miyuki."
Jiraiya's brows rose slightly. "What about them?"
Shikaku's voice lowered, his tone serious. "You're aware that Lady Mito doesn't have much time left. Kushina is next in line to become the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki. You know this, right?"
Jiraiya nodded. "I do. It's a decision the elders finalized some time ago."
"As do I," Shikaku continued. "Which is exactly why Chi Yu's behavior is suspicious. He asked Orochimaru to assign him to Kusagakure. He requested a long-term mission. Someone saw him studying a detailed map marked with search points.
Then again, he made the same request—to stay long-term—and now he returns with another Uzumaki."
Jiraiya's expression darkened. "Are you saying… Chi Yu knows about Kushina becoming the jinchūriki?"
"I believe so," Shikaku said gravely. "And more than that… I believe he brought Miyuki here to replace Kushina."
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