Chapter Text
[Sarutobi Hiruzen’s POV]
“Uzumaki?”
A sharp, deep voice cut through the atmosphere of the meeting room.
It came from a man with increasingly graying hair, who was looking at the three jounin standing at the far end of the conference table. Seated beside him were two elders with displeased expressions and their hands clenched tightly on the table. Not to mention, surrounding them were several jounin as well as important clan leaders from the village of Konoha who were participating in the weekly meeting.
That atmosphere was then shattered by the news from the three jounin in front of him.
“Do you believe that rumor?” asked the man with a scar on his face; his dark eyes looked almost bored, though undeniably, he was also intrigued by the news.
“Of course I didn’t come here with mere hearsay, Nara-sama! The bounty book has been updated, and he’s known as ‘The Lost Uzumaki’!” The jounin who was speaking pulled out the bounty book and placed it on the table.
“Not only that, but many eyewitnesses have seen this young Uzumaki. They say that Uzumaki possesses several strange Kekkei Gekkai and may even have more than one element!”
“Kekkei Gekkai?” The Hyuuga clan leader’s voice was sharp.
“More than one element?” added the Uchiha clan leader, tilting his head with a hint of curiosity in his dark eyes. Why not?
According to general information in the government archives, the Uzumaki clan is known for possessing vast amounts of chakra, making it difficult for some of them to control more than one element. It takes great dedication to master another element if you have such a large chakra reserve.
“Explain,” Hiruzen ordered, beginning to sense the shift in the atmosphere filling the room.
“The rumored Kekkei Gekkai is a kind of invisible, white shield. Its scale hasn’t been estimated yet, but according to some eyewitnesses, it can protect an entire village. This news can be corroborated by the attack on Taki Village two weeks ago.” One of the jounin began, placing several newspapers on the table at the Hokage’s command to make room for them to explain.
Nara Shikaku initially skimmed through the newspapers, which were then passed from one meeting attendee to another before coming to rest in the Hokage’s hands. The man of the Sarutobi clan carefully examined the image on the front page, noting at a glance that the newspaper had just been published. The image was blurry, but it appeared as though a faint glow was shielding the upper part of Takigakure. Whoever took this photo—the timing was just too perfect.
To be honest, the news of an attack on a village that had never been touched before shocked the shinobi world. But the Hokage hadn’t expected that the attack was connected to the Uzumaki they were discussing. And, the attack had taken place two weeks ago, so why was the news only coming to light now?
“Furthermore, rumors so far suggest that this Uzumaki possesses three elements: Katon*, Futon*, Doton*, and—” *(Fire, Wind, Earth)
“—according to the rumors circulating, he also doesn’t use hand seals when casting his ninjutsu.”
A collective gasp echoed throughout the room. An Uzumaki with just two elements is already considered rare—let alone three? Mastering even a single element requires a long time and complex techniques. Not to mention the chakra flow that must be perfected so it flows precisely when performing hand seals. Therefore, many ninja—not just Uzumaki—focus on a single element rather than mastering all of them.
And then, news of an 'Uzumaki' who doesn’t use hand seals when casting ninjutsu? What kind of nonsense were they hearing right now? Casting ninjutsu requires precise chakra flow, so it’s essential to learn hand seals. But what kind of ninja were they talking about now? A ninja who disregards the fundamentals of a shinobi—and just how this news would shake the world.
Hiruzen, on the other hand, could only sit there lost in thought.
Hearing this news made the old man’s weary heart 'hope' once more
Old wounds and deep regret over their allies who were wiped out by Iwagakure still lingered in his heart.
The symbol of a whirlpool on each ninja’s arm has always served as a bitter reminder to the Hokage of Konoha. That their village couldn’t even save Uzushio from destruction. That, by swallowing that bitter truth, they had betrayed the village with that diverse Fuinjutsu. But now? After nearly 25 years had passed, news of an Uzumaki—other than Kushina and the Fourth Hokage’s child—had resurfaced.
“Here, Hokage-sama.” The bounty poster was handed to him, and Hiruzen’s throat tightened as he looked at the image printed on it.
The photo was taken from the side of the face, as if snapped in a hurry, and at the same time, this 'Uzumaki' was turning toward the photographer.
The red hair he had last seen eight years ago shone as brightly as a red camellia touched by dew, flowing all the way down to her back. A gust of wind swept through as the camera flashed, causing the strands to frame a face that looked unfamiliar. A smile was hidden behind the flowing locks, a familiar mischievous expression on a face that curved his hidden eyes. His attire was also simple—he even looked like an ordinary civilian. The head of the Sarutobi clan didn’t see a hitai attei from any village on him.
So, why was this young man listed in the bounty book?
“Which nation was the first to put this young man on the bounty list? He isn’t registered as a shinobi—he’s a civilian,” Hiruzen asked sharply.
“Iwagakure, Hokage-sama.” A sigh escaped the middle-aged man, his inner thoughts filled with cynicism.
Of course—that extremely paranoid nation. Even if Uzushio were reduced to nothing but rubble, their Kage would ruthlessly hunt down every visible Fuiinjutsu user until they were all wiped out. Then, out of nowhere, years later, an Uzumaki emerged—rumored to possess a powerful Kekkei Gekkai and three elements of chakra? And to unleash ninjutsu without hand seals? It seemed to explain why this news had suddenly gone viral, even two weeks after the attack.
The saved village of Taki would surely try to protect that man. However, the news spread by the traitor has led Iwagakure to pursue this young man, dead or alive. Not only because of the blood flowing through his veins, but also because he is a highly valuable Uzumaki—possessing a unique Kekkei Gekkai, more than one element, and the ability to generate the distinctive Uzumaki chakra—Hiruzen’s eyes suddenly widened.
Thinking of this as an opportunity for Konoha to atone for past mistakes, perhaps they could—
“Whatever you’re thinking, I disagree, Hiruzen,” the cold voice of the female Konoha elder pierced sharply through the Hokage’s expectations. Hearing the complaint that was about to begin made the man’s head throb painfully.
“You’re planning to bring this fake ‘Uzumaki’ here, aren’t you? You’d be out of your mind to do something so reckless! Iwagakure has put this young man on the bounty list, and you’re offering him protection?! You’ll only end up causing another war between the two nations!” The shrill voice of his former female teammate instantly shattered Hiruzen’s mood.
“Aren’t you ashamed of what you’re saying, Koharu?!”
“Koharu’s right, Hiruzen. Being listed in the bounty book means this young man is dangerous. Can you imagine if he came to Konoha intending to avenge his clan?” chimed in another of Hiruzen’s former teammates, his voice defensive and edged with cold steel. The Hokage’s fists clenched tightly at how true their statements were.
Bringing the missing Uzumaki back to the village—which was still recovering from the Kyuubi’s attack—carried great risks. But—
“It seems you’ve forgotten Uzushio’s contributions during the Second and Third Great Shinobi Wars, Homura?” Hiruzen asked, almost growling, and was satisfied to see the two of them immediately fall silent.
Of course! Shame must be part of Konoha’s pride for having ignored Uzushio’s suffering! If Hiruzen were to die, he would die in disgrace and have no face to show before Lady Mito.
“That is inevitable, Hiruzen,” murmured the voice that always managed to make the head of the Sarutobi Clan feel uneasy.
Although his position as Hokage was the highest in Konoha’s government hierarchy, Shimura Danzo had always been Konoha’s shadow, watching from the darkness. Every decision he made was always challenged by that man, which inevitably caused the tolerance between them to erode further. Even Hiruzen knew about the secret project his former friend was carrying out. Yet, year after year, Danzo grew bolder in crossing the line.
“Our village isn’t at fault because the news of Iwagakure’s attack arrived too late; we were also in the midst of defending ourselves,” explained Danzo, his voice almost snorting as if in contempt, which only served to fan the flames of anger within Hiruzen.
“In other words, Konohagakure has no obligation to protect the descendants of Uzushio.”
“Danzo!” The atmosphere grew tense as the Hokage rose from his seat, casting a sharp, almost accusatory glare at the bandaged elder.
It didn’t matter if the clan leaders saw him so emotional now, but did they know the burden a Hokage carried, weighed down by guilt? A guilt that took root like poison every time he woke up in the morning, remembering every friend from Uzushio who had helped him—and the village of Konoha—during past wars. Uzumaki Mito, who served as his role model alongside Tobirama-sensei and the First Hokage, as well as the vision of Uzumaki Kushina smiling in death.
“Have you forgotten your position as Hokage, Hiruzen? This position does not grant you permission to mix the interests of the nation with personal matters, let alone feelings of worthlessness. Konoha’s security takes precedence over someone of unknown origin, who could cause another war to break out.” Danzo slammed his hand on the table and glared back at Hiruzen, as if challenging him to object. And that’s just how this venomous man always was.
“Are you implying that risk is worth Konoha’s destruction—”
“Whoa, how kind of you, Elder Shimura,” Nara Shikaku suddenly interrupted, smiling sharply and glancing briefly at the three elders who were protesting.
“If you’re saying that this ‘Uzumaki’ of ‘unknown origin’ is just a mere rumor, why would you believe that Konoha will be destroyed based on this ‘mere’ rumor? That sounds like a huge contradiction, you know,” Shikaku chuckled, as if he’d heard something incredibly funny.
“And it seems there’s a missing point in this argument.” The Deer Clan Chief rested his chin on his hands, which were clasped on the table.
“If you recall, esteemed elders of Konoha, all nations have signed a peace treaty. It was recorded in history ten years ago and sealed before the sacred flames of the Daimyo,” Shikaku’s voice was sharp and commanding, making the revealed facts undeniable.
“Daimyo Law No. 24, Article 2 states that ‘If a nation bound by the sacred flame acts as an aggressor against another equally bound nation, then that nation shall be considered a threat to world peace,’” read the Konoha advisor in a bored tone, immediately flashing a cynical smirk at Danzo.
This instantly made the man with the bandage flinch slightly, and he quickly regained his composure, though he couldn’t hide his clenched fists.
“Do you gentlemen still remember what ‘threat’ means in the eyes of this ‘world peace’?” Shikaku’s gaze swept across everyone in the room.
“In response to Article 2, Daimyo Law No. 25, Article 2, implies that a ‘threat’ to ‘world peace’ grants all nations the right to take action against the ‘threatening’ nation.” Shikaku finished, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms across his chest.
“Iwagakure isn’t stupid enough to become a ‘threat.’” The man from the Nara clan then yawned.
“If they really dare to take action, the Daimyo won’t stand idly by and—”
Shikaku’s expression grew more serious, and he exuded an unusual aura of intimidation. The 30-year-old leaned forward, tapping the tabletop repeatedly with his index finger.
“—Konoha isn’t weak enough to just stand by.”
Silence fell over the room for a moment, and Hiruzen could see a look of deliberation flash across the eyes of several other clan leaders.
“All right, if you want political reasons, I can point out a few relevant and valid points to follow up on.” Shikaku’s expression grew serious as his voice turned colder.
“Rather than relying on other villages to keep an eye on the Uzumaki, Konoha is in a better position to do so.” His dark eyes scanned each face in the meeting room one by one. Then he hid a condescending, almost irritated smirk behind his fingers, which were clasped in front of his lips.
"Haven’t you heard or read the news in the newspaper? Sources that aren’t just from a single perspective? Numerous eyewitnesses? That it turns out there are three elements with a massive chakra base, stemming from the Uzumaki bloodline, as well as their unique Kekkei Gekkai?" Shikaku tapped the newspaper repeatedly, as if to emphasize every sentence he uttered.
“That means whatever power this Uzumaki possesses could provide Konohagakure with additional potential strength. Moreover, Uzumaki members under the village’s jurisdiction will be subject to certain conditions and applicable laws. So even if this young man lives in the village, he won’t be able to move about freely. Doesn’t that sound absolutely wonderful?” The Nara clan head remarked sarcastically, offering a diplomatic smile to the three elders whose faces bore sour expressions.
“However, the most important thing here is that the Uzushio is Konoha’s oldest and most loyal ally.” Shikaku then smiled lazily.
“It’s worth reminding you that allies are subject to the same laws as the clans in Konoha Village. And the good news for all of us is that the laws haven’t changed, so they’re still in effect today!” Two elders glared at the Nara clan chief with disapproving looks, about to object, but the man cut them off sharply.
“I could list all the laws you’ve all agreed to together if you’d like? Every clan here also has a scroll of those laws in their family archives.” Shikaku chuckled flatly.
“If you elders choose to ignore that possibility, then Konoha’s much-vaunted honor will be tarnished.”
Homura and Koharu’s faces had flushed red as they struggled to contain their embarrassment, frustration, and anger. But they couldn’t find an argument to counter the Nara’s statement. Danzo, on the other hand, fell silent again, snorting and slumping back in his chair. His eyes now glanced apathetically at Hiruzen before he closed them, a fierce indifference etched on his aged face.
“I can elaborate on a few other points regarding the advantages that support the presence of this ‘Uzumaki’—and therefore, Hokage-sama.” The head of the Nara clan looked at Hiruzen and offered a small, friendly smile.
“I support the decision to bring this missing ‘Uzumaki’ to Konoha.”
“We agree with Shikaku, Hokage-sama.”
“Hahahah! So does the Akimichi clan, Hokage-sama!” As usual, the other two clans, the Yamanaka and the Akimichi, followed their counterparts. Hiruzen smiled slightly, pleased inwardly, relieved to hear that there were still clan leaders with enough sense to consider Uzushio’s loyalty.
“As long as you don’t oppose the Uchiha Clan, do as you please,” interjected Uchiha Fugaku, now sounding indifferent and uninterested. Even so, his distinctive black eyes glared sharply at everyone as a warning not to mess with the clan symbolized by fire.
“We are neutral, Hokage-sama.” Hyuuga Hiashi closed his eyes and looked as dignified as ever.
Murmurs of agreement and neutrality echoed around the conference table, and Hiruzen was mentally very grateful to Shikaku for speaking up.
His role as head of the Nara Clan and one of Konoha’s key advisors gave him influence. Renowned as a strategist who had greatly aided Konoha during the Third Shinobi World War, he had built a reputation that elevated Nara Shikaku’s standing in the eyes of several other clans.
“You’re hopeless,” Koharu hissed, rising from her seat to leave the room alongside Homura.
“Bringing a threat into your own nest… you’ll regret this, Hiruzen,” Danzo sighed, flashing a cold smile as he followed them out of the room.
The Hokage, ignoring them, sat back down in his seat.
“Very well, then. Special thanks to Shikaku-san for his thorough explanation. And to all the Clan Leaders who participated in this meeting.”
Hiruzen’s voice couldn’t hide his delight, and the elderly Hokage even gave a small smile. His dark brown eyes looked at everyone in the room with a grateful expression, momentarily forgetting his position as the ruler of the Fire Nation.
The meeting then ended, and within five minutes, Hiruzen was left alone with the seven shadow guards who were always hidden behind the room.
“Inu, Neko, Kuma, Karasu.*” *(Dog, Cat, Bear, Crow)
In the blink of an eye, the four ANBU members mentioned appeared before the Hokage.
“You’ve heard the details of the previous meeting, haven’t you?”
“Yes, Hokage-sama.”
“Therefore, I order you to uncover the true identity of this missing Uzumaki and bring him back to Konoha.”
“Yes, Hokage-sama.”
"Inu will lead this operation, and I want to emphasize one thing to you—" His dark eyes glared sharply, exuding a subtle sense of intimidation toward the kneeling ANBU.
“—the essence of this mission is an offer of protection. Uzumaki must return of his own free will. If you find that this young man is reluctant to go to Konoha, then your mission is to keep him safe until he reaches his intended destination. The duration of this mission is a minimum of one month and a maximum of two months, and you may return afterward.”
“Yes, Hokage-sama!”
After receiving the mission scroll, the three ANBU vanished, leaving behind a single ANBU with grayish-white hair and a white mask carved with a dog.
“You can relax, Inu,” Hiruzen sighed, smiling wearily yet pleased by the ANBU’s loyalty. Was this young man anxious about leaving the Fourth Hokage’s son in someone else’s care?
"Naruto’s escort will be handled by another ANBU, so carry out your mission well." The Hokage stood up from his seat and walked over to the office window. His eyes rested on the carving of the Fourth Hokage’s statue with a melancholic gaze.
"Who knows—" Sarutobi turned and gave a small smile to the ANBU who was still kneeling.
“—Naruto will be happy to hear that he still has other blood relatives, right?”
After saying that, Inu remained silent for quite a while before finally nodding briefly and disappearing from the room.
“Ah,” Hiruzen muttered, walking out of the conference room toward his office after standing there for two minutes. His feet carried him to his personal shelf, where he pulled out a scroll containing a summoning contract created by one of his students in case he ever needed help.
“I have to call Jiraiya.”
Hiruzen smiled as hope slowly began to grow within him.
There was no denying that the Hokage had indeed been looking forward to this meeting.
Because, at the very least, Hiruzen could watch over and protect another member of the Uzumaki lineage as a way of repaying Uzushio, who had always been forgotten by history.
So that his heart could be free of guilt and he could leave this world in peace.
