Kumogakure.
Uchiha compound.
In the reception hall, Kushina looked at Kyoko Uzumaki and Michio Uzumaki, unable to stop the emotion rising on her face.
Ever since the fall of the Land of Whirlpools, the Uzumaki clan had been scattered across the shinobi world.
There were times when she couldn't help but wonder if she was the last surviving Uzumaki.
But today, she had met two more of her own.
Their bright red hair alone filled her with a deep sense of familiarity.
"Lady Kushina."
Michio and Kyoko bowed respectfully, equally overwhelmed.
Meeting one's own clansmen in a foreign place was a wonderful feeling.
After pouring tea for them, Kushina asked, "Michio, Kyoko, could you tell me your stories?"
Kyoko smiled. "Of course."
"When the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed, we escaped through a secret passage with our parents and a few clansmen…"
As Kyoko spoke, Kushina's expression grew heavy.
The Uzumaki clan—coveted by all—had suffered countless tragedies while wandering the outside world.
Compared to that, even though she had once lived under constant Anbu surveillance, her life had at least been stable…
The three talked for over two hours, and when they noticed how late it was, Kyoko and Michio rose to take their leave.
Before they left, Kushina reminded them, "If anything happens, come to me. I'll help you no matter what."
"Thank you, Lady Kushina," Michio said gratefully.
Then he couldn't help coughing heavily a few times.
Kushina frowned. "Michio, your health doesn't look good. You need to take better care of yourself."
Michio nodded. "I know. We'll be leaving, then."
After they departed, Kushina went to the backyard and immediately threw herself into Yuzuru's arms.
"Yuzuru, thank you so much."
He had rescued her from Konoha's cage, given her a free life, and even on dangerous battlefields he never forgot to help her search for the lost Uzumaki.
Being treasured like this filled Kushina with happiness.
Smiling, Yuzuru gently patted her head. "This is just the beginning. If we find enough Uzumaki, you might even become the clan head someday."
Kushina lightly bit him. "Our people are scattered and hiding all over the world. Finding even these two already makes me more than satisfied."
At that moment, Mikoto walked in with Ajisai in her arms. "Yuzuru, the Third Raikage sent someone for you. He wants you at the Raikage Building."
"He said two shinobi from Amegakure want to meet you."
"Speak of the devil." Yuzuru gave Kushina a smile. "Kushina, you might gain another clansman."
"Eh? Really?"
"I'll explain everything when I get back."
With Kushina's hopeful, admiring gaze following him, Yuzuru turned and left the room.
————
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Raikage Building.
Raikage's office.
The moment Yuzuru stepped inside, he saw Nagato and Konan.
He already knew from Uchiha that they would come looking for him, so he wasn't surprised in the slightest.
Nagato raised an eyebrow. "You don't look surprised at all."
Yuzuru pointed at his eyes. "I told you already—I've seen your future."
"That guy named Yahiko…"
"He's dead." Nagato's voice dropped. "Yahiko's plan failed. It proved that mutual understanding between people is impossible. That's why we came to you."
"If you can really see the future, tell me how you plan to bring true peace to the shinobi world."
Yuzuru smiled. "First, let me correct something—people can understand each other, but only under certain conditions."
"Those who have lost loved ones will weep for others who share the same pain. Those with the same goal will work together."
"In other words, only those with similar experiences can truly empathize."
"Yahiko's mistake was this: people who have never suffered cannot understand the desire for peace held by those who have."
"And if you want others to listen seriously, you must have power that makes them hesitate to oppose you."
"Do you understand?"
Nagato and Konan fell silent, contemplating his words.
A long moment later, Nagato asked, "Then what do you intend to do?"
Yuzuru spoke calmly. "I will use overwhelming force to conquer every nation. Those who refuse to understand my intentions will experience the pain of war firsthand."
"When everyone kneels beneath my feet, my will becomes the will of the entire shinobi world."
"When I declare peace, war will never return."
Nagato's eyes lit up.
Yuzuru's vision matched the one deep in his own heart.
Nagato spoke without hesitation. "I want to help you. Will you take me in?"
"Of course." Yuzuru patted his shoulder. "Stay here in Kumogakure and work under me."
"Yuzuru Uchiha…" Konan finally asked, "With your power, why waste so much effort on us?"
Yuzuru glanced at her, then answered slowly, "Nagato… you're an Uzumaki, aren't you?"
Nagato froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes."
"I promised Kushina, my wife, that if I ever encountered an Uzumaki orphan wandering outside, I'd bring them to Kumogakure."
"Because Kumogakure will become the Uzumaki clan's new home."
Nagato and Konan exchanged looks, stunned by the unexpected reason.
Seeing their silence, Yuzuru continued, "Besides, Nagato's Rinnegan contains terrifying power. It will be a tremendous asset in unifying the shinobi world."
The Third Raikage, who had been listening quietly, raised an eyebrow. "Rinnegan? What's that supposed to mean?"
Seeing his confusion, Yuzuru explained, "The Rinnegan is also called the Sage's Eye—said to be the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths himself."
"What?!" The Third Raikage shot to his feet in shock.
He had never heard of the Rinnegan, but the legend of the Sage of Six Paths was familiar to everyone.
A being said to be godlike… and this red-haired shinobi possessed the same eyes?
Just how many treasure-like shinobi had Yuzuru managed to find?!