"Big Brother Seisui!"
A bright, excited voice rang out across the quiet clearing, interrupting the conversation between Seisui and Kushina. Both turned toward the source, and a flash of golden hair quickly came into view. It was none other than Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage in the making, accompanied by a small, timid figure peeking nervously from behind him.
"Minato! You arrived so quickly!" Kushina exclaimed, her voice a mixture of surprise and excitement.
Minato stepped forward and gently drew the girl out from behind him. "This is Yumiko. She's from the Uzumaki clan," he said, introducing her formally.
Kushina's eyes widened. Her heart skipped a beat. She could hardly contain herself. The Uzumaki clan—the remnants of her family—had been nearly wiped out in the past. Since the fall of her clan, she had only ever encountered Uzumaki Mito, who had long since married into Konoha and had become a figure of maternal authority in the village.
Without a moment's hesitation, Kushina rushed forward and seized Yumiko's hands in her own, nearly overwhelming her with her enthusiasm. Yumiko instinctively took a half-step back, startled by the intensity of Kushina's greeting. But the gesture was gentle enough, and Kushina's warm, familial affection quickly reassured her.
"As fellow Uzumaki, it's so wonderful to meet you," Kushina gushed, her voice trembling slightly. "I never thought I'd see another member of our clan again!"
"Uh… I didn't expect it either," Yumiko replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Though she appreciated Kushina's excitement, she couldn't hide the shyness and caution that came from a lifetime of fear and abuse in the Grass Hidden Village.
While the two Uzumaki girls bonded, Seisui remained nearby, observing silently. He noted Yumiko's unfamiliar name and her quiet demeanor. Though the name was not in his memory from the original timeline, he quickly deduced her identity from her forehead protector—the Grass Village insignia—and the fact that she was an Uzumaki.
In the original timeline, Yumiko was a tragic figure: Karin's mother. She had been exploited for her unique abilities, treated as a living blood bag by the Grass Village, and ultimately met a cruel end. Her daughter, Karin, suffered similarly until she eventually joined Orochimaru's ranks to survive. Had Yumiko not been rescued, she would have likely shared the same grim fate, never surviving to see the next generation.
Minato's words confirmed Seisui's suspicion. "After the destruction of the Uzumaki clan, Yumiko—who possessed special abilities—was captured by the Grass Village and used as a living blood bag. We rescued her when we encountered a Grass ninja squad during our journey here."
"To ensure she doesn't suffer such horrors again, I want her to stay in Konoha," Minato added firmly, his blue eyes glinting with determination.
Seisui silently nodded in agreement. Konoha may not have been perfect, but it was far more humane than the ruthless Grass Village. He stepped forward, offering his own words of welcome.
"Hello, I'm Hirakawa Seisui. You can call me Big Brother Seisui, like Minato does, or simply Seisui, like Kushina. Welcome to Konoha," he said, his voice calm yet authoritative, carrying the gentle reassurance of someone who could be trusted completely.
Yumiko's lips curved into a small, tentative smile. "Hello, Big Brother Seisui. I… I'll remember that," she said softly.
"I'm a medical ninja. I can help heal the wounds inflicted upon you by the Grass Village," Seisui continued. He glanced at Minato for confirmation, and upon seeing him nod, he gently asked Yumiko to extend her arm.
When Seisui rolled up her sleeve, the sight of the deep bite marks on her arm made Kushina's blood boil. She clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
"Damn the Grass Hidden Village!" Kushina spat, her voice shaking with rage. "If I encounter any of them in the upcoming exam, I'll wipe them all out myself!"
Looking at Yumiko's injuries, it was easy to imagine the torment she had endured. She was around Kushina's age, yet her young body had already been subjected to unimaginable suffering. The fury Kushina felt was natural—this was her own kin, her fellow Uzumaki, and the thought of her being abused filled her with uncontainable anger.
"Don't worry," Minato reassured her. "There's no chance of meeting Grass ninjas again. We've already dealt with them on our way here."
He continued, recounting the events that had transpired: nine Grass ninjas had been sent to participate in the Chunin Exam. Two had been killed by Mukai Yuki, and Minato's team had encountered the remaining six. What he initially thought were isolated instances of abuse turned out to be systematic cruelty. Without hesitation, Minato's team had eliminated the remaining Grass ninjas, ensuring Yumiko's safety once and for all.
Hearing this, Kushina's usual disdain for Minato melted into admiration. "You did well… truly well," she said softly, her eyes filled with genuine respect. "I always thought you were just a silly, strange guy, but now… I see you're reliable."
Minato's lips twitched slightly, a half-smile forming at the corner of his mouth. He silently wondered what impression he had left before.
Yumiko, her attention focused on the treatment she was receiving from Seisui, spoke up quietly, defending Minato. "Minato is actually very reliable," she said softly, her voice tinged with gratitude.
Kushina noticed tears glistening in Yumiko's eyes. She reached out instinctively, gently wiping away the tears. "Yumiko, why are you crying? Don't worry. With me here, and Grandma Mito too, no one can harm you ever again," she said, her voice firm and comforting.
Yumiko shook her head, smiling through her tears. "No… I'm just so happy."
Indeed, her decision to stay in Konoha had been the right one. Here, she could finally experience safety, warmth, and the bond of family she had long been denied.
Seisui worked efficiently, yet carefully. While none of Yumiko's individual wounds were severe, there were too many to treat instantly. Each bite, cut, and bruise required careful attention to prevent long-term damage. Had she been forced to endure even a few more years of exploitation in the Grass Hidden Village, her body might have begun overdrawing her life force, leaving her vulnerable to irreparable harm.
Finally, after half an hour, Seisui completed the treatment.
[Completed the treatment of Yumiko. Reward: One White Orb.]
[Congratulations! 10 points of chakra obtained.]
Despite being an Uzumaki, Yumiko had received no proper ninja training in her previous life. Her only ability was her unique, innate healing power. Combat skills, stealth, or chakra control had never been taught. Seisui's concern was genuine: this girl, while strong in spirit, would need protection and guidance to survive in the ninja world.
"From now on, Yumiko, you must keep your ability a secret. Only share it with us," Seisui warned, his tone firm but kind.
Yumiko bowed her head in respect and gratitude. Then she nodded, signaling her full understanding and compliance.
Minato and Kushina shared a glance. "We should enter the Central Tower now," Kushina said.
"Huh? Big Brother Seisui, aren't you coming with us?" Minato asked, puzzled.
Seisui shook his head. "I will send a shadow clone with you into the Central Tower. My main body will continue to heal the injured ninjas in the forest," he explained calmly.
Even Minato was momentarily speechless. He understood the plan was unconventional, almost audacious, but he respected Seisui's logic and the foresight behind it.
"Don't forget the time," Minato reminded him. "You must return to the Central Tower before the deadline."
Seisui gave a small nod. He was fully aware of the system's rules. Only the main body's healing could yield rewards, but as long as he returned within the allotted time, he could still pass the second exam. His strategy was bold, precise, and perfectly aligned with the system's mechanics—a true testament to his meticulous mind and unwavering focus.
With that, the group prepared to move, their bond as Uzumaki strengthened and their paths aligned toward the Central Tower. Seisui's shadow clone led the way, while his main body melted into the forest shadows, ready to heal and collect rewards from all those in need.
The Forest of Death had shifted, just slightly, with the presence of Seisui and the reunited Uzumaki clan. Those who saw them could feel the subtle changes in the atmosphere: the faint warmth of healing and protection, and the quiet power of a medical ninja who could shape events without striking a single blow.
In this forest, danger would always exist, but Seisui, Kushina, Minato, and Yumiko had just made it a little safer—for themselves and for everyone else.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)