Chapter 16
Hokage Tower
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in his chair, pipe clenched between his teeth, hands loosely clasped as he listened quietly to Jiraiya's report.
"So the Uzumaki clan was still wiped out…"
After hearing the full account, Hiruzen spoke in a heavy voice.
"Yes. We only found two survivors."
Jiraiya replied gravely.
"Any clue which village was responsible?"
"No leads at all. The attackers were extremely strong—most Uzumaki shinobi were killed instantly. Not a single trace was left behind."
"It seems more than one village was involved… The last embers of the Uzumaki?"
Hiruzen took a deep pull from his pipe, gazing out the window and murmuring softly.
"Then leave them with Lady Mito. She's the most suitable person to raise them."
After long consideration, Hiruzen instructed Jiraiya.
"Yes, sir!"
Jiraiya responded and left the Hokage Tower, heading toward his residence.
Moments after Jiraiya departed—
Bang!
The door was slammed open. A stern-faced middle-aged man with an X-shaped scar on his chin strode in—Danzo Shimura, leader of Root.
"Sarutobi, hand over the two Uzumaki survivors Tsunade's team brought back. I'll train them."
Danzo demanded the moment he entered, showing zero respect for the so-called Hokage.
He had long coveted the Hokage position. Back then, he had been the strongest candidate—until Tobirama's final test gave it to Hiruzen instead.
Danzo still resented it. If he hadn't hesitated, if he'd spoken up sooner, the seat would have been his. That was why he and the Third were at odds—in Danzo's mind, Hiruzen had stolen what was rightfully his.
"No. They've already been entrusted to Lady Mito. She's the best person to raise them."
Hiruzen lifted his head from the desk and refused outright.
As Hokage, he knew exactly what went on in Root. The training methods were brutal—turning shinobi into disposable tools.
If those two Uzumaki girls were handed over to Danzo, not only would Mito object, but Tsunade's explosive temper would have her storming in to confront him personally.
"Why? Under my training, they'd become exceptional Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Konoha would gain a powerful secret weapon."
Danzo pressed.
In his view, offering to create a jinchuriki weapon for the village should have been an easy yes. He couldn't understand Hiruzen's refusal.
"This is an Uzumaki clan matter. It's not for us to decide."
Hiruzen replied calmly.
Bang!
Danzo slammed his hand on the desk, glaring fiercely at Hiruzen.
"Sarutobi! You know as well as I do—Mito doesn't have much time left. What happens to the Nine-Tails then? Without a proper jinchuriki, what happens to Konoha?"
Hiruzen fell silent for a moment before answering:
"I trust Lady Mito will handle it."
"Handle it? With what? She's dying. I don't believe anyone she trains will be better than what Root can produce."
"Impossible. They will never be handed over to you."
Hiruzen stood up, voice sharp as he rejected him outright.
"Sarutobi! You know exactly what you did. You know how the Uzumaki clan was destroyed. Stop pretending to be the good guy here!"
Danzo stared straight at him, eyes flashing with cold menace.
"…"
Hiruzen remained silent.
"Hmph! Think carefully about this."
With those final words, Danzo stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
…
Senju Clan Compound
Tsunade's group arrived outside Uzumaki Mito's residence.
"This will be your home from now on. Be good and settle in, okay?"
Tsunade released the two little girls' hands and gently patted their heads.
Upon entering the village, she'd noticed their moods improving slightly. She wanted to seize the moment and help distract them from their grief.
The two little red-haired girls looked up, curiosity flickering in their previously empty eyes as they took in the surroundings.
Judging by the timeline, one of them has to be Kushina Uzumaki.
Only now did Ling Yu get a clear look at the two girls' faces. Matching the story's timeline, he quickly deduced one's identity.
Didn't expect little Kushina to have such chubby cheeks.
Spotting the prettier of the two, Ling Yu immediately identified her as Kushina.
After studying her a moment longer, he found toddler Kushina surprisingly cute.
Then who's the other one? I don't remember her from the original story. Butterfly effect?
He glanced at the more ordinary-looking red-haired girl, concluding his presence must have altered the plot slightly.
Sensing Ling Yu's gaze, the more sensitive Kushina hid behind Tsunade, peeking at him shyly.
His eyes are so pretty… How can there be such a good-looking boy?
Kushina thought to herself.
"Alright, let's go. I'll take you to where you'll be staying from now on."
Seeing the timing was right, Tsunade led the two girls inside. Ling Yu quickly followed.
Once inside, Tsunade greeted Aunt Junko (who cared for Mito) before heading toward Mito's room.
"Granny Mito, I'm back!"
The moment they entered, Tsunade rushed forward like a child, throwing herself into Mito's arms.
"Little Tsunade's home~"
Mito gently stroked her granddaughter's head, her face full of loving warmth.
"Granny… I'm sorry."
Tsunade straightened up, voice thick with guilt.
"What's wrong?"
Mito looked at her, puzzled.
"The mission this time…"
Tsunade sat on a nearby cushion and slowly recounted the entire mission—the Uzumaki clan's destruction, the failed rescue, and the two survivors.
"…"
Mito listened in silence for a long time. Her gaze shifted to the two small red-haired girls standing nearby. A flicker of heartache passed through her eyes.
"Come, sit. This is your home now."
Mito pulled the two girls into her embrace, speaking gently.
Seeing Mito's red hair, the girls seemed to find something familiar. The grief they'd bottled up finally broke free. Tears streamed down their faces as they buried themselves in her arms and sobbed.
They cried for a long time until, exhausted, both fell asleep in Mito's embrace.
"Granny Mito… will Kushina and the other girl stay with you?"
Tsunade asked quietly once the girls were asleep.
"Yes. They'll stay here with me."
Mito nodded.
"Then Ling Yu and I will head back. Goodbye, Granny Mito."
Tsunade bid farewell and left the Uzumaki residence with Ling Yu.
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