Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 63: Add Him
---Decision---
"Our clan is small and many of our people have already died. As your clan leader, I do not wish for any of you to become shinobi in this village," said Raiken solemnly remembering the sacrificed of the older shinobi in Uzushiogakure. "I will not force any of you to choose, but as your leader, I truly hope all of you will decide to stay and work with our clan. The Uzumaki must endure not by dying on the battlefield, but by rebuilding what we have lost, become a shinobi who works at Uzumaki Shop, stay doing this for 20 to 40 years so we can increase the population of our people."
His words hung heavily in the air, the young clan members exchanged glances. They understood what Raiken meant. Too many had died protecting them in Uzushiogakure, if they become a shinobi in this village, they might being killed by an enemy and their number would drop down.
Raiken turned away, letting them decide on their own. He wanted their choice to be genuine, not made out of fear or obligation. There were three reasons behind his decision.
First, he wanted to see if the early lessons he had taught them about Konoha politics and power balance would allow them to think independently and resist manipulation from outsiders, especially Danzo and Hiruzen.
Second, he didn't wish to force them into a path they did not want. The Uzumaki had always valued freedom of will, it was what made them strong-willed and unbreakable.
Third, Raiken feared that if he commanded them, they might one day blame him for stealing their choices. And in a small clan where every bond mattered, resentment could destroy them faster than any enemy could.
After much thought, almost all of the young Uzumaki chose to remain within the clan and help manage the family scroll business. They would contribute to the clan survival by using their skills in sealing, crafting and chakra research.
However, two names on the list caused Raiken to freeze when he read them. He slowly rubbed his forehead and muttered in disbelief, "Of all people… why them?"
The two who wished to become shinobi were none other than his younger sister, Kushina, and her best friend, Maruku.
"Why are they the ones who want to become ninja?" Raiken sighed, leaning back in his chair. He waved his hand for his assistant. "Tell them both to come see me immediately."
Five minutes later, the two girls appeared, looking rather guilty. They stood side by side, fidgeting slightly as Raiken studied them in silence.
"So," Raiken finally said, folding his arms, "I saw your signed forms. You both want to become shinobi instead of staying to work at our Uzumaki shop?"
Kushina swallowed nervously but spoke first. "Brother, it's because we want to understand more about the depth of politics you've always told us about. We can't just hear it, we need to see it for ourselves."
"That's right, Clan Leader," added Maruku. "We know what you and the elders have been dealing with, but we, the younger generation, want to experience it too. If we're to teach the next generation about Konoha, we need to see it with our own eyes."
Raiken closed his eyes, breathing deeply. He had expected excuses or childish reasons, but their answers were mature, almost too mature for their age. It reminded him that the Uzumaki spirit burned brightly even in the youngest among them. Still, the protective brother within him couldn't help but worry.
"Haahh… fine," Raiken finally said, his tone weary yet resigned. "Since I promised not to interfere with your decisions, I'll allow it. But you must promise me this, no reckless actions. And any mission above C-rank must go through me for approval. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Clan Leader!" Maruku replied eagerly.
"Thank you, Brother," said Kushina with a bright smile, relief washing over her face.
Raiken nodded slowly, though his eyes softened as he looked at them. "Remember, both of you carry not just your own dreams, but the hopes of our entire clan. Never forget that every choice you make reflects on the Uzumaki name. I won't stop you from chasing your path, but be smart and come home alive."
As the two girls left, laughing quietly together, Raiken watched them from behind his desk. Despite his worries, a small smile tugged at his lips. For all his attempts to protect them, he knew the world won't be kind to them especially with the threat of Madara, Black Zetsu and the alien Otsutsuki.
"They're still young," he murmured to himself. "But perhaps… they might change the world in ways I never could."
He leaned back, gazing at the evening sky beyond the window.
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---Hiruzen POV---
The Hokage stared at the letter from the Uzumaki Clan Leader. Earlier that morning, Raiken himself had come to his office to inform him that the student from his clan had decided to resign from being a ninja.
Hiruzen felt frustrated after hearing Raiken words, but what shocked him even more was the fact that Raiken had allowed his own sister to become a shinobi. It was unexpected, specially from someone as cautious and protective as Raiken Uzumaki.
After Raiken left, Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. Then he called for one of his advisors.
"Shikajin, come here for a moment. Take a look at this letter and tell me what you think," said Hiruzen, passing the scroll to him.
Shikajin unfolded the letter carefully, scanning through its contents. His eyes widened slightly as he read the final paragraph.
"They're testing the water," Shikajin said at last. "It seems they want to observe what being a Konoha shinobi is really like."
"'Being Konoha Shinobi?'" Hiruzen repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," Shikajin replied, his tone calm. "In my opinion, the Uzumaki Clan wants to know whether it's truly safe for them to integrate into Konoha shinobi system. They probably sent Kushina, which is Raiken younger sister as a representative to see it firsthand and then report everything back to him."
He pointed at a particular line in the letter. "See this sentence? It instructs us to accept Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Maruku as part of the same team."
Hiruzen paused for a moment, tapping his finger against the table as he pondered. Then he said, "I already have someone in mind to join them."
"Oh?" Shikajin looked curious. "Who?"
"What do you think of Namikaze Minato?" asked Hiruzen with a slight smile.
"That handsome boy?" Shikajin replied instantly.
Hiruzen nodded, amused by his reaction.
Shikajin chuckled and crossed his arms. "His face is dangerous, you know. Those two girls might just fall for him before they finish their first mission."
For a brief moment, Hiruzen couldn't help but laugh. His eyes lit up, clearly delighted by Shikajin's comment. "Then perhaps that will make things even more interesting," he said, smiling knowingly.
Author Notes: To read advanced chapter you can go to my patreon.
Chapter 91: Accusation
Chapter 92: Compensation
Chapter 93: Madara Regret
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