In her dreams, the village was different.
The walls were broken, and smoke was rising from rooftops. Streets she knew so well were empty, silent. Shadows moved between crumbling houses. People she loved ran, screaming, but no one could stop the destruction.
She stood alone on the cliffs, sword drawn—but too light. She tried to protect the village, but everything failed.
Then, a voice echoed, soft but cold: "Your power is still not enough. You must be stronger. You must be ready."
Malenia woke with a start, sweat clinging to her hair.
Her heart pounded, and for a moment, she could still see the smoke and shadows. Her gaze sharpened. "Is this the future of Uzushio?"
She shook her head, her eyes firm, a fierce glint appearing. "I will not let that happen. How dare you touch my people?"
The morning sun spilled over the walls of Uzushiogakure, painting the village in gold. From her small balcony in the palace, Princess Malenia watched the older students practicing with swords in the yard.
Few from the Uzumaki clan pursued kenjutsu—most relied on their chakra—but she wanted more. Her small hands clenched on the railing, tightening with determination.
"I want to learn that," she said, her voice soft but steady.
Her personal instructor, a veteran of the clan, stepped beside her. "Kenjutsu, Your Highness? You are still very young. It can be dangerous."
"I know," she said, eyes fixed on the yard. "But I am the princess. If Uzushio is ever in danger, I must be able to defend it. I want to be strong… strong enough to protect my people."
The instructor studied her carefully. "You have the heart for it, but strength alone isn't enough. You'll need focus, patience, and discipline. Are you prepared for that?"
Malenia straightened, chin high. "I'm ready. I'll do whatever it takes."
The instructor knelt slightly to meet her gaze, then extended a wooden training sword toward her. "Very well, Princess. Today, your lessons begin."
Malenia took the sword with both hands. Its weight felt strange at first, but also familiar. She tightened her grip, finding balance. She swung once. Then again. Each strike grew steadier, sharper, more controlled.
Even the older students paused to watch. Though she was small, there was a fierce focus in her every movement. She didn't smile, she didn't speak—her eyes were fixed on the horizon.
By the end of the morning, her arms ached, and her legs trembled. But she stood tall, sword in hand, breathing steadily. Uzushio was quiet and peaceful—for now.
Malenia had made a choice. She was not just a princess by birth. She would be a protector by her own will. And she would grow strong enough to defend everything she loved.
The clan head watched silently from the shadows, nodding in satisfaction. Malenia was clearly talented with kenjutsu—and already showing understanding of chakra flow that would let her develop fūinjutsu on her own. Reports of her growth would reach the elders soon, and they would have to plan for the future.
A few days later,
the council room was quiet except for the soft hum of protective seals. Torches flickered along the walls, casting long shadows over the carved stone table.
The clan head, a tall man with sharp features, folded his hands and looked at the elders.
"Now, let's review current events," he began. "Lord Hashirama has distributed the Tailed Beasts across the nations for balance and peace. What are your thoughts?"
An elder spoke up. "Now that the Tailed Beasts are in other villages, they will look for ways to control that power. Naturally, they will watch our clan and our fūinjutsu closely."
Another elder added, "But we still have Lord Hashirama. No ninja village will dare attack us while he lives."
The first elder frowned. "But what happens after he dies? Then what?"
The clan head's eyes narrowed. "We still have time to prepare for the future. Even without Mito, we must be ready. The young ones need training—not just in seals, but in fighting and strategy. They must be prepared for anything."
A younger elder nodded. "Malenia is already showing exceptional talent. Her sword skills and seals are far beyond her age. She could lead when danger comes."
The oldest elder spoke quietly. "It won't be easy. Attention brings danger. We have to make sure nothing catches Uzushio off guard."
The clan head nodded solemnly. "Then we shall act soon. Uzumaki will not fall."
The room fell silent. Outside, the wind rattled the shutters. Uzushio was still safe… for now. But the elders knew the world was watching.