The morning sun stretched across Uzushio's cliffs, reflecting off the sea like molten gold.
Malenia stood on the balcony of the clan hall, her long red hair catching the wind. At fifteen, she was tall, abnormally tall, her current height was 6'5, and still her height didn't seem like it would stop any time soon, a figure that even the seasoned jonin instinctively respected. Her sheer figure calmed the hearts of many Uzumaki clan members. Years of kenjutsu, chakra control, and elemental training had honed her into a weapon that could cut through ordinary shinobi without hesitation.
The village had grown more vigilant in these years. Patrols were faster, barriers thicker, and even the sea routes were reinforced with chakra arrays. Malenia had spent her time testing herself on missions alone, training the future of Uzushio. Her command was final mark to all shinobi in Uzushio. She had begun to understand the weight of responsibility she carried — not just as a princess, but as Uzushio's protector.
A messenger arrived, bowing deeply. "Princess Malenia… news from Konoha."
Her sharp red eyes met his. She did not speak, but her posture signalled readiness.
The Clan Head appeared behind her, voice low but steady. "Lord Hashirama… has died."
The words landed like a tidal wave. Uzushio had long relied on the stability brought by the Senju-Uzumaki alliance. Now that the anchor was gone.
Malenia clenched her fists. The wind tugged at her robes, as if urging her forward. "Well, we aren't helpless anymore. We are developing rapidly," she said, voice calm but resolute. "Every patrol, every defence must be tightened. We are not weak."
The Clan Head studied her, his gaze sharp. "We have to go attend Lord Hashirama's funeral. We will address other things later."
Malenia's eyes hardened. "I understand."
Below, the village moved with quiet purpose, unaware that the balance of the world had begun to tilt. But above the cliffs, Malenia, her blade always near, her mind already calculating the storms to come...
After a while, they boarded the ship with only a few jonin, her father, and herself.
few hours later
The Uzushio delegation arrived in Konoha before noon.
Malenia stepped onto the stone path beside her father. At fifteen, her tall, broad-shouldered frame was impossible to miss among the gathered shinobi, her presence drawing brief, instinctive glances before eyes lowered again. She wore plain dark robes. No armour. No blade.
This was not a battlefield.
Konoha was silent.
Shinobi stood in orderly rows near the memorial stone. Clan heads gathered nearby, in complete silence. There was only sadness in the air.
They all stared at the grave.
Hashirama Senju's name was carved into the stone.
One by one, people stepped forward.
Flowers were placed.
When it was Uzumaki's turn, the Clan Head stepped forward first and placed the flowers. Malenia followed. She set them down with careful hands.
Then, slightly far away, there stood Mito Uzumaki with sadness on her face.
She still looked like a beauty in her 20s. Her red hair tied back, her face marked by loss—but her posture unbroken.
When the line ended, Mito turned.
"Malenia."
The name was spoken plainly.
Malenia inclined her head. "Elder sister."
Mito stepped closer, stopping just in front of her. Even beside Mito, Malenia's height was evident, her presence quiet but heavy.
"You've grown," Mito said.
"Yes, sister."
Mito studied her for a moment, then placed a hand on her arm. "Uzumaki have a strong future ahead."
Malenia put her arm on her shoulder and said, "You are an Uzumaki too, sister. Uzushio gates are always open for you."
Malenia then bent slightly and hugged her sister. Mito felt a warm feeling spread through her, and a single tear dropped down her cheeks. She quickly wiped it, maintaining her composure.
After a moment, Mito stepped back. "Return safely. The seas won't stay calm for long."
"We will," Malenia said.
She turned and walked away with the Uzushio delegation, her stride steady, her presence still drawing attention without effort.
When she was with her father, Tobirama Senju approached them with two people behind him.
Tobirama Senju approached the Uzumaki group without ceremony.
The surrounding shinobi parted instinctively, giving the Second Hokage a clear path. He stopped before the Uzushio clan head—then lifted his head.
Only slightly.
Enough.
His red eyes settled on Malenia.
Then it settled back on the clan head.
"Uzushio's presence honours my brother," Tobirama said. "It also confirms that our alliance remains unchanged."
The Uzumaki clan head nodded his head. "It does."
Tobirama's attention then shifted and remained on Malenia. "You've become a capable shinobi at a young age. The last time I saw you, you were only 2 years old."
She answered plainly. "I fulfil my role."
A brief silence followed.
"The world Hashirama held together is already shifting," Tobirama continued. "Conflict may not come immediately, but it will come."
Malenia listened without interruption.
"When it does," he said, "Konoha will always have Uzushio back."
That was not diplomacy. It was intent.
Tobirama stepped aside, still watching her.
"There are two I want you to meet."
Two figures moved forward from behind him.
The first bowed properly, posture disciplined and respectful."Hiruzen Sarutobi."
"My student," Tobirama added.
The second remained rigid, arms folded into his sleeves, gaze sharp and assessing.
"Danzō Shimura," Tobirama said. "Also, my student."
Danzō studied Malenia without concealment. She met his stare calmly.
Neither spoke. She looked at them like they were some insect.
Tobirama broke the silence. "Hiruzen will handle open cooperation between our villages in future. Danzō manages contingencies."
"Within the Hokage's authority," Tobirama added flatly.
Danzō gave a minimal nod.
Malenia inclined her head once. "Understood."
Hiruzen returned the gesture. Danzō turned away first.
Tobirama folded his arms behind his back, eyes still lifted."It has come to my eyes that you excel at water chakra nature. Here, take this scroll. It has all my knowledge on water chakra nature and the jutsu I had created, also."
He paused. "When war comes, your judgment will matter as much as your blade."
"I won't fail, and thanks for this gift," Malenia replied and bowed slightly.
Tobirama accepted the answer and turned away, his students following.
The Uzumaki group then prepared to leave.
...
later
Danzo spoke up, "That woman is truly dangerous, I can feel it."
Hiruzen nodded, not denying the statement.
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