Chapter 13: Revelation and Reunion
The afternoon sun shone brightly over the Hidden Leaf Village, casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets bustling with curious villagers. News of the unprecedented public announcement from the Hokage's office had spread like wildfire. The entire village had gathered in front of broadcast screens and speaker posts, eager—some even anxious—to hear the truth about Naruto Uzumaki.
Hokage Sarutobi's solemn voice echoed through the square:
"People of Konoha, today marks a turning point in our history. Naruto Uzumaki, our beloved ninja who has long carried the burden of the Nine-Tails, is revealed to be the last surviving heir of the legendary Uzumaki Clan. The Uzumaki were famed for their immense chakra and life force, a clan long thought lost to the tragedies of the past."
A hush fell, followed by a wave of murmurs and gasps.
"The village council has agreed that Naruto will depart to reunite with his family, those few Uzumaki who remain in secrecy, to restore the clan's honor and strength. We ask for your understanding and support during this time."
In the academy courtyard, the Konoha 11 and their jonin instructors gathered, the news hitting them like a thunderclap.
Naruto stood at the center, his usually bright eyes clouded with a mix of relief and apprehension. Beside him were Ban, Santos, and Sona—his newfound allies, silently watching.
Sasuke's cold gaze narrowed slightly. "So all those times, the power he wielded… it wasn't just the Nine-Tails."
Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess there was more to him than anyone knew. Still, Sarutobi hiding it all this time... that's a pain."
Hinata's voice trembled with warmth. "I'm glad he finally has a family."
Kiba grinned, "Bet he's gonna eat even more ramen to celebrate."
Ino smiled, "Good for him. It's about time Naruto had some peace."
But Sakura?
Her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her eyes burned—not with joy, but with disbelief and simmering anger.
"Naruto," she hissed quietly but fiercely, "how could you lie to us all this time? Pretending you were alone... acting like you had no one... was that all just an act?"
Naruto blinked, hurt flashing in his eyes. "Sakura, it's not like I wanted to hide it. Sarutobi-sensei kept everything secret from me... from all of you."
Sakura's jaw trembled. "You should have trusted us. You should've told me."
Her voice cracked with emotion, caught between frustration and the sting of betrayal.
Ban put a steady hand on her shoulder. "Sakura, he's been through hell. You gotta give him space."
But her glare lingered, filled with pain she hadn't quite released.
Later, as the group prepared to leave Konoha for their hidden village, a sudden movement caught their attention.
Two figures emerged from the forest shadows, moving quickly toward them.
It was Karin Uzumaki and Tayuya Uzumaki.
The air thickened instantly—everyone tensed, expecting a confrontation.
But instead of hostility, tears welled up in their eyes as they rushed forward and embraced Santos and Naruto with desperate urgency.
Karin's voice was a broken whisper, "We've been searching for you for so long..."
Tayuya's usually fierce demeanor softened into tender affection. "You're not alone anymore. We're your family."
Naruto's tough exterior cracked. He hugged them back tightly, overwhelmed by the warmth of belonging he had long craved.
Santos, still wide-eyed, murmured, "I thought I was the last..."
"No," Karin said firmly, pulling him closer. "You're the future."
Tayuya smiled, a rare softness shining through. "And we'll protect that future—together."
The tension around them dissolved, replaced by a quiet hope.
Ban, watching the reunion, couldn't help but feel something he hadn't in a long time: belonging.
The Uzumaki clan was alive again, and with them, the promise of a new dawn.
Chapter 14: Return to Uzu — Reunion and Celebration
The sun dipped low over the horizon as the group finally arrived at the rebuilt village of Uzu. Nestled in a hidden valley surrounded by dense forests and winding rivers, the village was alive with vibrant energy. Lanterns hung from wooden beams, casting a warm, golden glow over the bustling streets filled with villagers—both shinobi and civilians—preparing for a welcome celebration.
Naruto stepped forward with wide eyes, taking in the thriving community that had blossomed since their arrival. His gaze landed on Sona Uzumaki, standing near a wooden pavilion, her graceful presence commanding quiet attention as she oversaw the final preparations.
"Hey, Sona!" Ban called out, waving with a broad grin.
Sona smiled warmly and approached, her dark eyes sparkling. "Naruto, it's an honor to finally meet you in person," she said with a graceful bow. "We've heard much about you."
Naruto returned the bow with a grin, feeling a deep sense of belonging.
Suddenly, a pair of familiar figures emerged from the crowd. Haku, serene and poised as ever, followed closely by a towering, scarred man with an intense glare—Zabuza Momochi. The two shinobi who had once been legends in the Land of Waves now stood as part of this new family.
Naruto's face lit up. "Haku! Zabuza! You're alive!"
Zabuza gave a rare smirk, "Still breathing, kid. And you've grown stronger."
Haku's gentle smile never wavered. "It's good to see you again, Naruto."
The evening unfolded into a lively celebration.
Villagers danced to the rhythm of drums and flutes, sharing food and laughter beneath the starlit sky.
In one corner of the pavilion, Ban and Zabuza were locked in a fierce drinking contest, the sound of clinking cups and their hearty laughs filling the air.
Ban grinned wide, slamming down his cup. "You're not beating me tonight, old man!"
Zabuza snarled playfully, matching his pace. "Don't underestimate the Mist's finest."
Nearby, Koneko sat cross-legged, calmly munching on a pile of colorful sweets, seemingly unfazed by the raucous competition.
Sona was seated at a carved wooden table, patiently teaching Haku the ancient game of chess. Haku's analytical mind quickly grasped the strategies, his fingers delicately moving pieces while Sona explained their history.
Across the yard, Naruto, Karin, and Tayuya gathered near a fire pit where Santos stood before them, his voice carrying passion and pride.
"The Uzumaki Clan was known far and wide—not only for their powerful chakra but for their unbreakable bonds and spirit of resilience," Santos explained, eyes gleaming with determination. "We were a clan of healers, sealers, and warriors. Though tragedy scattered us, our legacy lives on in each of us here."
Karin nodded, wiping away a tear. "We must rebuild that legacy, for the future of all Uzumaki."
Tayuya's fierce expression softened as she added, "Together, we'll protect what's left and grow stronger."
Naruto clenched his fists, a fierce determination burning in his eyes. "I won't let our clan fade into history. We're family now. And family means never giving up."
The warmth of the fire and the spirit of reunion surrounded them, a symbol of hope rising from the ashes.
Chapter 15: The Sage and the Clan
Far from Uzu, in the outskirts of the Hidden Leaf, a lone traveler sat beneath a tree with a bottle of sake in one hand and a thick notebook in the other. Jiraiya of the Sannin, the Toad Sage himself, had just returned from a reconnaissance mission across the Land of Rain when a young messenger hawk landed nearby, bearing a scroll from Konoha.
He opened it lazily at first, skimming through the words… until his eyes froze on one line:
"Naruto Uzumaki has left the village."
Jiraiya blinked, sobered instantly.
"What the hell…?"
He read on: the public announcement, the confirmation of Naruto's heritage, the revelation of the surviving Uzumaki clan, and Naruto's departure with them to a rebuilt village somewhere hidden in the Land of Whirlpools.
Jiraiya crumpled the scroll in his fist.
"That old man... kept it from me, too," he muttered. "So the kid finally knows who he is—and now he's gone."
He stood up slowly, a shadow falling across his face. "No way in hell I'm sitting this out."
With a burst of chakra and a flicker of wind, the Toad Sage vanished from the forest trail.
Scene: A Day in Uzu
Back in the flourishing Uzumaki village, Ban stood at the edge of the training district with Naruto, Santos, Karin, and Tayuya. Around them, colorful paper lanterns swung in the gentle wind. The morning sun glinted off the rebuilt structures—their red clay roofs a signature of Uzumaki craftsmanship.
Ban had his hands tucked into the pockets of his long red jacket as he led the small group of teens through the main streets.
"All right, brats," he said with a grin. "Since we're building a clan legacy here, it's time you learn more than just where the kitchen is."
Naruto, walking with that usual bounce in his step, looked around with awe. His eyes caught a group of older men sparring in an open square, wearing rugged cloaks and carrying curved, chakra-forged blades on their backs.
"Whoa... who are they?" Naruto asked, pointing.
"Those," Ban said with a smirk, "are the Ronin of Uzu. Survivors. Not all were shinobi—some were warriors, swordsmen, guardians who protected this place before the war wiped everything out. We took them in. They now act as our enforcers, our codekeepers."
Naruto's eyes gleamed with admiration. "They're so cool…"
Karin nudged him. "You're literally a walking chakra nuke. Don't start fangirling."
Tayuya rolled her eyes. "Let him dream."
Ban just laughed and waved them along. "Come on. The real treasure isn't the swordsmen—it's what they protect."
Scene: The Archives
They arrived at a tall, domed building adorned with ancient seals and stone spirals engraved into the entry pillars. A heavy iron door opened inward with a thud.
Inside, the Uzumaki Archives stood silent and proud. Dozens of scroll racks lined the walls, with preserved knowledge dating back centuries—sealing techniques, chakra studies, taijutsu forms, and personal journals of clan heads long gone.
Ban moved to a corner of the chamber and retrieved a set of aged scrolls wrapped in deep red cloth. He turned and tossed one each to Naruto, Karin, Tayuya, and Santos.
"These were copied and restored from the original scripts. You're holding the basics of Uzumaki taijutsu, swordsmanship, and sealing arts," he said.
Santos clutched his scroll with reverence. "I'll study it every day."
Naruto looked at the scroll like it was a piece of his soul he didn't know he'd lost. "Thank you… Ban."
Karin and Tayuya exchanged glances—Tayuya's usual sarcasm was gone, replaced by a respectful nod.
"Yeah," she said quietly. "Thanks for giving us this."
Scene: Training Grounds
An hour later, the group stood at a private clearing near the village cliffs. Stone platforms and dummies lined the edges, and chalk circles were drawn on the grassy field for footwork drills.
"All right," Ban said, cracking his knuckles. "I'll show you the stances, but I'm not babysitting all day."
He demonstrated the opening form of the Uzumaki taijutsu: spiraling momentum, quick strikes, and redirection techniques that made use of chakra tension and explosive bursts of motion.
Then came basic sword drills—Ban conjured a practice blade using sealing tags and walked them through the steps with surprising patience.
Santos picked it up with fast precision, already adapting some of the techniques into his hybrid style.
Naruto struggled at first—his energy wild, his movements too raw—but Ban encouraged him. "Control, not chaos, blondie. You've got the power—now sharpen it."
After a few hours, Ban stepped back, sweat on his brow.
"All right. That's enough for today," he said, stretching. "Keep practicing. Santos, you're in charge while I'm gone."
Santos saluted playfully. "Aye aye, Captain Ban."
Ban waved over his shoulder as he walked away, headed for the quieter part of the village.
Scene: Quiet Moments
At his home—modest, with a porch that overlooked the cliffs—Ban found Koneko sitting quietly with a plate of sweets beside her and a book in her lap.
He plopped down beside her with a groan, laying back on the wooden deck.
"You smell like sweat and ego," Koneko said without looking up.
He grinned. "And yet, you never move away."
She gave a soft hum, and after a pause, leaned slightly against him.
Ban looked up at the sky. "Kids are growing fast. This place… it's starting to feel real. Like a future."
Koneko said nothing, but her hand found his, and she laced her fingers into his slowly.
"I like it here," she whispered.
He smiled, squeezing her hand gently. "Yeah. Me too."
Chapter 16: Jiraiya vs. Whirlpool Village Defense — Frog Logic Wins
One Month Later
Jiraiya was tired. Not physically—he could still spar with ANBU in his sleep—but mentally? Exhausted.
After weeks of following vague chakra trails, bribing hermits, and interrogating toads, he had finally tracked Naruto to the Land of Whirlpools. But standing now at the edge of a cliff overlooking the village, there was just one tiny problem.
A whole damn gauntlet of death whirlpools.
Dozens of them. Spinning and shifting like a living wall of water between the island Jiraiya stood on and the peaceful, red-roofed village beyond.
A sign hung by the cliff's edge:
"WELCOME TO UZU – ENTRY BY SEAL OR DEATH. DON'T TEST IT."
Jiraiya squinted. "Tch. That has Ban's sarcasm all over it."
He looked down at the raging whirlpools with growing suspicion. "Hmph. I've survived lava fields, Amaterasu flames, and angry women. You think some puddles are gonna stop me?"
He leapt.
Splash.
The whirlpools grabbed him like a drunken octopus and hurled him violently back across the chasm—face-first into a tree.
"GAH! My research face!"
He tried again—this time fast and low, trying to skip like a stone.
Splash. Slam. WHOMP.
Straight into a swirling geyser and ejected thirty feet into the air.
"Okay, okay! No frontal assault. Noted!"
Attempt #3:
Water-walking directly across while disguising himself as a traveling merchant.
The whirlpools didn't care. They weren't fooled by a straw hat and some oranges.
Attempt #4:
Climbing gear. Grapple hooks. Chakra threads.
The village defense seals sensed it and activated an airburst seal. Jiraiya was yeeted like a volleyball into the ocean.
"OKAY, THAT'S IT!"
One hour later...
A soggy, disgruntled Jiraiya sat on a large boulder, towel wrapped around his head, fuming.
"Ridiculous. Seals over seals. And those whirlpools are definitely alive. I swear one winked at me…"
Then an idea struck him. He summoned a small, wide-eyed frog with a plop.
"Yo, Gamakichi Jr."
The little toad blinked. "Sup, pervy sage?"
"I need you to jump across to the village side."
"What? No way. Those whirlpools are—"
Jiraiya held up a bug-sized bottle of premium fly whiskey. "You want this or not?"
"…Fair point."
The frog tucked in its limbs and leapt—a tight arc through the air. It barely made it, landing safely on the red tiles of a watchtower roof.
Jiraiya grinned.
"Perfect."
He slammed his hands together.
"Reverse Summoning!"
With a flash and whoosh, Jiraiya disappeared—then reappeared a second later on the same rooftop as his summoned frog, chuckling like a madman.
"I still got it," he whispered to himself.
Scene: Inside Uzu Village
Ban looked up from his porch as a chakra pulse echoed faintly.
"Someone just tricked the seals..." he muttered. "Only a few people could pull that off."
From the rooftops, Jiraiya strolled confidently toward the village square—soaked, scratched, and smiling.
He was met by a dozen Ronin, blades drawn but held low in caution.
Then Naruto's voice rang out as he ran into the courtyard.
"PERVY SAGE?!"
Jiraiya opened his arms. "Long time no see, kid!"
Naruto launched into him with a tackle-hug that knocked the wind out of the old man.
"You idiot! You could've drowned!"
"Yeah," Jiraiya groaned, "but I didn't."
Ban stepped out from a nearby path, arms crossed and smirking.
"Took you long enough, old man."
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Ban. You're taller. And more annoying in person."
"You're older. And still losing to whirlpools."
They both laughed.
Scene: Meeting with the Clan Heads
Later that evening, in the central hall of the Uzukage Tower, Jiraiya met with Sona, Ban, and the key elders of Uzu's new leadership—including Naruto and Santos.
Sona sat calmly behind her chessboard-like command table, regarding the sage carefully.
"We weren't sure you'd come," she said evenly.
"I couldn't ignore the fact that the Uzumaki have returned," Jiraiya said, more serious now. "And neither can the world for much longer."
Ban nodded. "That's why we've been training. Preparing. Building allies."
Jiraiya turned to Naruto. "And you… you're different now. This village—it suits you."
Naruto grinned. "It feels like home. I'm not alone anymore."
Santos added, "We're rebuilding the heart of the Uzumaki Clan."
Jiraiya exhaled, looking around. "Then I guess... it's time the world remembered what that heart looks like."
Chapter 17: Toads, Seals, and Shadows
Scene: The Northern Plateau, Uzu Training Grounds
The sky above the Land of Whirlpools was a deep blue, clouds lazily drifting as sunlight shimmered over a newly constructed training ground. The field had various obstacle courses, target dummies, and a wide stone platform carved with sealing circles.
Jiraiya stood in the center of it all, hands on hips, watching Naruto and Santos stretch and prepare.
"Alright, you two," he said, his voice booming. "Today, you're gonna learn how to connect with nature… and maybe summon a few toads if you don't pass out from the chakra drain."
Naruto grinned wide, fists clenched in excitement. "You mean like Gamabunta?!"
Jiraiya chuckled. "We'll start small. You try summoning Bunta now, he'll crush this whole village just sneezing."
Santos stood nearby, already calm and focused. "I've read about summoning contracts. How does this one work?"
Jiraiya pulled out two scrolls from his pouch and opened them.
"One of these is the toad summoning contract. The other…" he smirked, "is the one where you promise not to summon a toad for stupid reasons. Naruto's signed that one five times."
Naruto groaned. "I was twelve!"
They pricked their thumbs, and Jiraiya walked them through the process of signing their names in blood, hands steady.
"Now comes the fun part. Chakra control."
Scene: Chakra Chaos
Ten minutes later, Naruto and Santos stood inside a chalk-drawn circle while Jiraiya lectured.
"Focus your chakra into your hand signs and push through the summoning formula. Don't underpower it or you'll get a tadpole. Don't overpower it or…"
BOOM!
"…that."
Naruto was on his back, coughing smoke. A small puff of ash next to him showed the remains of what could've been a toad—if it hadn't been obliterated mid-summon.
Santos tried next. His chakra surged, rippling through the air.
POOF!
A squat, orange toad appeared, its tongue sticking out in confusion.
Naruto blinked. "You got a toad on your first try?!"
Santos wiped sweat from his brow. "It took more chakra than I expected."
Jiraiya looked impressed. "You've got an instinct for this, kid. You might be ready for nature chakra in a few months."
Naruto crossed his arms. "Tch. I'll summon a cooler toad tomorrow."
"Right after you stop summoning explosions," Jiraiya said, smirking.
Scene: Sona's Chamber – Deep within Uzukage Tower
Sona sat at her sealing desk, surrounded by thick scrolls and glowing symbols. Magic and chakra pulsed in harmony as she delicately applied a final layer of runes onto the Uzu Barrier Core.
Ban entered, watching her work in silence for a moment.
"You've been at this all night," he said, offering her a cup of tea.
Sona nodded. "The whirlpools were strong. But they weren't smart. We had a few unauthorized attempts at crossing in the last week—mostly rogue scouts."
"Jiraiya got in," Ban pointed out.
"Jiraiya tricked the seals by using a summoned creature," Sona replied. "I've corrected that. Unless you're marked or keyed in, any attempt to enter will now trigger the Genbu Seal. It'll send them to the bottom of the ocean... temporarily."
Ban whistled. "Remind me never to piss you off."
She gave him a small smile. "Just stay on my whitelist, and we're good."
Outside the tower, glowing glyphs began lighting up along the stone paths and outer walls—marking the evolution of Uzu's defense system.
Scene: Outside Uzu – Hidden Location
Far across the elemental nations, in a ruined temple shrouded in shadow, a figure knelt before a tall man in a cloak covered in red clouds.
The kneeling figure's voice was hoarse. "We lost the trail of the Jinchūriki. They've... disappeared."
The tall man didn't move. "Naruto Uzumaki is no longer in Konoha. That complicates things."
Another voice spoke up—calm, mocking. "Not if we flush him out. Everyone who leaves always returns to save someone."
The first man growled. "He's not alone. There's a whole clan now. The Uzumaki are rebuilding."
A moment of silence.
Then the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain, opened his eyes—glowing with the power of the Rinnegan.
"Then we will remind the world why that clan was erased once before."
Scene: Uzu – Later That Night
Ban walked through the newly reinforced village with Koneko, hand in hand. The lanterns flickered with soft red light, laughter echoing from the central square.
Jiraiya lounged on a rooftop, drink in hand, eyes scanning the stars. "This place feels like the eye of a storm."
Naruto sat with Santos near the Uzumaki Archive Library, each reading different scrolls—one about sealing traps, the other about taijutsu stance transitions.
"Hey," Naruto asked, "you think we'll really bring the Uzumaki back?"
Santos closed the scroll. "Not think. We will. This time... we protect our own."
Chapter 18: The Fox's Pride and the Gathering StormScene 1: The Mindscape – Inside Naruto's Consciousness
It was dark. Not just nighttime dark, but an all-consuming void lit only by dim red mist and the faint glow of a giant cage.
Naruto stood awkwardly in front of it, arms crossed. Beside him was Ban, who had entered Naruto's mind via a joint meditation method Jiraiya had taught them. Jiraiya himself stood a little behind, already drenched in sweat from the oppressive chakra in the air.
Inside the massive cage, glowing crimson eyes glared out. The Nine-Tails. Kurama.
A low growl echoed across the mindscape.
"Another fool who wants to steal my power?" Kurama's voice was like an avalanche rumbling through the mountains.
Naruto frowned. "No! I just want to work together—!"
Kurama's claw slammed into the bars, making Naruto stumble back.
"Work together? Your kind has only ever sealed me, controlled me, abused me. Don't insult me with your naïve dreams, child."
Ban stepped forward, casually adjusting the sleeves of his crimson jacket.
"I don't care if you've been betrayed. Get in line."
The entire mindscape shook.
Kurama blinked once, then laughed—a deep, cold sound.
"You've got nerve, human."
Ban didn't flinch. "You think you're the strongest thing Naruto has? You're not even close. I've seen gods fall. You're just a pissed-off fuzzball in a cage."
That did it.
A tidal wave of chakra surged out from Kurama's body, wild and hateful. The bars glowed bright, trembling under the pressure. Even Jiraiya staggered, clutching his chest.
Naruto shouted, "Ban—!"
But Ban wasn't worried.
His own aura erupted—not just chakra, but something... more. A primal, blue-white flame of energy that fused magic and immortality, clashing against Kurama's presence like a force of nature.
The air twisted. The sky fractured.
Kurama paused.
"That power... What are you?"
Ban smirked, eyes glowing silver. "I'm Ban. The man who can't die. And the one training your vessel to never be weak again."
Kurama studied him for a long, tense moment.
Then... he laughed. This time, it sounded genuine.
"You've got spirit, I'll give you that."
He looked at Naruto.
"Fine. I'll lend you some of my chakra. Not because I like you. But because if you're weak, then I look weak. And I have pride, boy."
Naruto's eyes shimmered. "You mean it?"
"Don't make me regret it."
With that, the mindscape began to shift, the red mist clearing. Kurama leaned back in his cage, still watching, but no longer filled with venom.
Ban turned to Jiraiya and Naruto. "Told you. Even the big bad fox just needed to be reminded who's boss."
Scene 2: The Akatsuki Hideout – Dim Council Chamber
Nine figures stood on elevated platforms, their red cloud cloaks glowing ominously in the low light. The projection of the shattered world behind them flickered slightly.
Pain stood at the head, voice calm and commanding. "Naruto Uzumaki is no longer in Konoha."
There were murmurs, but it was Deidara who spoke first. "Tch. The brat ran away, huh? Artful cowardice, un."
Kakuzu folded his arms. "He took the Nine-Tails with him. And there's more. The Uzumaki Clan... is rebuilding."
Sasori's voice was flat. "Impossible. They were wiped out."
Kakuzu shook his head. "The reports confirm it. They've rebuilt their village in the ruins of Uzu. New defenses. High chakra presence. One source matches the strength of a tailed beast."
Pain narrowed his eyes. "Then we test them."
Obito's swirling Sharingan shone through the darkness. "Send Kakuzu and Sasori. If they fall, it was a necessary sacrifice."
Before the group could disperse, Nagato cut in sharply.
"I said we would capture the tailed beasts. Not destroy entire clans."
Obito tilted his head slightly. "You've grown soft."
Nagato's voice dropped to a near growl. "They are Uzumaki. My kin. I won't allow another massacre."
Obito stepped forward from the shadows, now fully visible. "Then you will allow them to grow in power? To rally behind the Nine-Tails? To challenge our goal of peace?"
"They are not a threat yet."
"They will be."
Silence followed.
Obito's voice was now ice-cold. "Stand in my way, Nagato, and I will bury the Hidden Rain. I know how much that place meant to Yahiko."
Nagato's fists clenched.
Pain stood unmoving—but Konan, beside him, looked away, uncertain.
"I will allow this mission," Nagato finally said, voice low. "But no civilian blood. And if the Uzukage steps in—retreat."
Obito didn't respond. He simply vanished into a vortex of black flame.
Scene 3: The Village Hidden in Whirlpools – Uzu
Ban sat on the steps outside his house, sipping sake and watching the waves crash beyond the cliffs. Koneko sat beside him, quietly nibbling on a mochi stick, her tail swaying lazily.
Behind them, Naruto and Santos sparred—flickers of orange chakra and black chains dancing in the wind as they trained under the moonlight.
Jiraiya watched from the shadows, his notebook unopened for once.
Ban exhaled.
"They're growing stronger every day."
Koneko leaned into his side. "We'll need that strength."
The wind carried a chill.
Ban looked toward the west.
"Something's coming."
Chapter 19: Whirlpools of Death
The sea crashed against the cliffs of the reformed Village Hidden in Whirlpools. The once-forgotten land of the Uzumaki Clan now thrived with life, fortified with chakra-enhanced barriers, ancient seals, and natural defenses shaped by centuries of sealing techniques.
But on this particular day, the air shifted.
A storm wasn't coming from nature.
It came from the Akatsuki.
Scene 1: The Arrival
Two cloaked figures approached from the dense trees beyond the outer forest—one tall and stitched together like a patchwork of corpses, the other short, mechanical, and cold-eyed.
Kakuzu glanced toward the horizon, where the whirlpools spun endlessly.
"So this is Uzu."
Sasori's voice was sharp and hollow, spoken through his Hiruko puppet. "Their defenses are built around those whirlpools. Unnatural chakra-infused water patterns... likely infused with seals."
Kakuzu's eyes flickered with greedy interest. "Their corpses will be valuable. Especially the undead one."
Sasori didn't reply. He took a step forward, Hiruko's legs clicking as he walked along a thick tree branch, then hopped down to the rocky shore where the massive whirlpools churned.
"Let me handle this first."
Kakuzu crossed his arms. "Just don't die."
Sasori glared beneath his shell. "I don't die. I shed."
Scene 2: The Seals Bite Back
Sasori stepped toward the bridge of hardened seal platforms, stepping just above the swirling vortexes of water.
He took one step.
Then another.
The air shimmered—and a seal beneath the water pulsed. With a sudden crack of lightning and explosive force, an invisible chakra barrier activated. It slammed into Sasori's puppet shell like a divine hammer.
BOOM!
The entire Hiruko shell exploded.
A scorched mess of puppet wood, chakra plates, and blackened limbs scattered across the rocks.
Kakuzu blinked once, barely reacting.
But from the steam rose something.
Sasori.
His true form—a youthful human-like puppet with crimson hair and the cold, timeless face of someone who'd rejected humanity.
Clutching a charred scroll in one hand, he stood barefoot on a sliver of stone, glaring across the lake.
"...Clever bastards."
But the whirlpools responded again.
A sudden strike of lightning, infused with Fūinjutsu, arced down from a sealing tower hidden in the cliffs. It slammed into Sasori before he could leap back.
"GRHHH—!"
Electricity exploded around him, ripping into his puppet body, overloading joints and wiring. He screamed—not in pain, but in rage.
Then he slipped—his foot falling into the raging water.
The moment it touched the surface, a second surge of lightning channeled directly into the whirlpool.
ZAP!!!
The water lit up like the heavens had fallen.
Sasori's scream was drowned out by the roar of thunder and spinning vortexes. The Uzumaki defense network reacted as it was designed to—for complete elimination.
On the far shore, Kakuzu growled, taking a half-step forward...
But the water exploded again, a wall of lightning racing toward the banks.
The edge of the seal pulsed menacingly—an active detection ward flaring.
Kakuzu immediately stopped. His instincts screamed danger.
His threads writhed, sensing that if he stepped into that water, he wouldn't be rescuing a partner.
He'd be joining him.
Scene 3: The Village Responds
In the tower at the highest point in Uzu, the alarm had barely chimed before the defense council responded.
Sona, draped in a crimson and white Uzukage cloak, stood at the central seal array, eyes glowing.
"That was... one of the Akatsuki," she muttered. "Sasori of the Red Sand. Confirmed neutralized."
Behind her, Ban appeared out of the shadows, cracking his knuckles.
"Think he's dead-dead, or puppet-dead?"
"Doesn't matter," Sona replied. "The seal broke his Hiruko form. Lightning incapacitated the core."
Ban whistled. "Guess the upgrades worked."
She gave him a side glance. "Of course they did. I made them."
"Yeah, yeah. Try not to sound too smug, Uzukage-chan."
She didn't smile—but her eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Naruto and Santos stood on a rooftop nearby, watching the lightning fade across the sea.
Santos squinted. "Did something just get zapped?"
Naruto blinked. "Was that a jutsu?"
Ban walked past them with a lazy wave. "Nah. That was our defense system saying 'get wrecked' to an S-rank ninja."
Santos grinned. "Can we see it up close next time?"
Ban raised an eyebrow. "Sure. As long as you don't become the test subject."
Naruto chuckled, but in the back of his mind, a serious thought echoed.
The Akatsuki are moving.
And Uzu had just sent them a message:
This clan is no longer defenseless.
Scene 4: Retreat and Warning
On the forest's edge, Kakuzu snarled, staring at the electrified water.
Sasori was either dead or useless now. Retrieval was impossible.
So instead, Kakuzu turned and vanished into the shadows, silently retreating with the wind in his ears.
He'd report back.
This village wasn't just a myth anymore.
It was a fortress.
Chapter 20: Shattered Pride, Moving PiecesScene 1: The Gathering Storm – Akatsuki Hideout
In the eerie silence of the Akatsuki's dimensional hideout, the heavy mood could be felt even through the flickering holograms of its members.
A form began materializing in the center—shifting into the familiar stitched silhouette of Kakuzu. His expression was blank, but those with experience knew the storm that brewed behind his stillness.
Across from him, Deidara scoffed. "You lost Sasori? That guy was practically a walking coffin already, yeah. What happened?"
Kakuzu's voice was like gravel sliding over bone. "The entire island is a fortress. The whirlpools are infused with chakra-based detection and destruction seals. Sasori was dismembered before he even reached the other side."
"Was he... retrieved?" Konan asked, eyes narrowing.
"No." Kakuzu glared. "And I nearly joined him. The water itself is a living trap—layered with lightning-based seals. Even I couldn't cross without losing one of my hearts."
Kisame raised an eyebrow. "Even with your earth affinity? That's impressive... or terrifying."
Itachi, silent as always, simply stared at the flickering image of the sea. "So, the Hidden Village of the Whirlpools is active again."
Then came a new voice—calm, powerful, cold.
Nagato, speaking through Pain, stepped forward into the circle. "What about Zetsu?"
From the side, the black-and-white half-being appeared, melting from the ground like oil.
"I tried to scout," Zetsu admitted. "But even my ability to phase through the ground is disrupted within five kilometers of the main village. The earth itself is layered with seals—old Uzumaki style, but upgraded. It's like the soil rejects chakra signatures it doesn't recognize."
"Even you can't get in?" Konan asked in disbelief.
Zetsu nodded once. "Not even in spores."
The room went dead quiet.
Then Obito, still masked as Tobi but his tone much darker now, slammed his hand on the edge of the altar.
"We cannot allow this."
Nagato's hologram shifted slightly, eyes narrowing. "You want to destroy Uzu?"
"If we don't, they'll become a third major power," Obito growled. "They already have Naruto. The Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails."
"But we now know they're more than just hiding him," said Kisame, rubbing his chin. "They've rebuilt a clan that everyone thought was extinct."
Nagato's voice deepened. "They are Uzumaki. I will not exterminate my own blood."
Obito turned on him. "Then you're weak."
"And you forget," Nagato snapped, "who made you second to me."
Lightning crackled from Pain's form. Konan stepped between them, tension rising.
"If we fight each other," she said, "they'll win without lifting a finger."
Nagato exhaled slowly, stepping back.
"Then we wait," he said finally. "And we prepare."
Obito vanished without a word.
Scene 2: Jiraiya's Mission – Somewhere in the Land of Fire
Far away from the seething tension of the Akatsuki, a lone man walked with his arms behind his head, the sun glinting off his forehead protector.
Jiraiya looked down the forest path, then up at the clouds.
"Dammit, Naruto," he muttered with a grin. "Already shaking the foundations of the world."
He had stayed in Uzu just long enough to confirm that Naruto was safe, healthy—and learning fast. The kid had begun to master the basics of Toad Arts, and now with Kurama cooperating and Ban keeping the training intense, Jiraiya finally had the breathing room to make his next move.
Tsunade.
The Legendary Sucker. The Slug Princess. The only one who could stand toe-to-toe with Sona in politics and Ban in stubbornness.
He reached into his coat and pulled out a travel-worn letter.
"I need you," it read, in his own hastily scribbled handwriting. "The Uzumaki clan is alive. Naruto has family. And Uzu needs a medic who won't flinch from a war."
Jiraiya smirked.
"You better still be gambling somewhere, hime."
He leapt into the trees.
Time to find the woman who could help rebuild the world Naruto would one day inherit.
Scene 3: Back in Uzu – Preparation and Restlessness
Naruto stood outside the Uzumaki Archives, the scroll Ban had handed him clutched in one hand.
Inside were lessons his parents never had the chance to give him—Taijutsu uniquely designed for Uzumaki stamina, swordsmanship based on their spiral energy flow, and the first building blocks of sealing techniques.
Behind him, Santos practiced drawing seals in the dirt with a stick while Karin corrected his curves.
Nearby, Tayuya reclined on a tree branch with a book, pretending she wasn't watching over them like a hawk.
Across the field, Ban stood on a rooftop with Koneko at his side, the small girl munching on dango while he stared out at the sea.
"They'll be ready," Koneko said.
"They'll have to be," Ban muttered. "Because next time, it won't just be Sasori they send."
Chapter 21: The Slug Princess and the Way ForwardScene 1: The Forest Road to Iwagakure
The early morning mist still clung to the towering trees when Jiraiya emerged from a dense pine grove onto a winding mountain path. It stretched toward Iwagakure, the Village Hidden in Stone—Tsunade's rumored location.
He clicked his tongue and lightly kicked a rock. "No gambling dens appear for miles. Where the hell has that junkie gone?"
He pulled out the folded letter he'd written, brushing his thumb over the ink. With Naruto gone to Uzu, he needed Tsunade's expertise—medical, tactical, and leadership-wise.
"Slug Princess—Urgent mission: Uzumaki clan reborn. Naruto found family. Uzu needs your talent. Don't make me beg."—Jiraiya
He grinned. "You'll love it, Atternashi-sama."
Scene 2: Approaching Iwagakure's Gates
The stone lions guarding Iwagakure's entrance parted to reveal a city brimming with lantern-lit homes, terraced rooftops, and grand halls carved into the mountainside.
Jiraiya lifted one eyebrow. "They got fancy since I was last here… Wonder if the bills sent to that gambling hall ever got paid."
A pair of jonin guards eyed him suspiciously.
"Name?"
"Pervy Sage Jiraiya," he replied, flashing his old forehead protector.
Their expressions shifted. "Go ahead, Jiraiya-sama." It wasn't hard to trace his reputation.
He strolled past and into the heart of Iwa, scanning shop signs until --
There it was: "Slug Inn and Apothecary"—Tsunade's public face in Iwa.
Scene 3: The Slug Inn—Where Banquets Meet Board Games
He pushed open the door to find a bustling inn. Shamisen music played softly, and people were seated at round tables. At one corner, a stall displayed a huge toad-shaped lantern.
Behind it, a blonde woman with green eyes, strong builds, and a gold necklace leaned back, slicing dried meat with a small knife. She glared.
"Tsunade-sama," Jiraiya called cheerfully. "Long time, no see."
Tsunade looked up. Her cheeks colored, she slammed the meat back down and glared.
"Jiraiya… you old perv. That letter couldn't wait until my shift was over?"
He grinned widely. "You never cared about my timing."
She rolled her eyes. "What's so damn urgent?"
Scene 4: A Rugged Reunion
He pulled her outside and handed her the leaning letter. She scanned it quickly, brows narrowing.
"…Uzumaki? Naruto Uzumaki is in a clan that's alive?"
Jiraiya nodded. "So is Naruto's mother's clan. They rebuilt the village. It's thriving."
Her eyes widened in shocked awe. "You're serious."
"Deadly serious." He leaned closer. "I need you there. A medical lead, a political force, someone who can teach seals, who won't run screaming."
She narrowed her gaze at him—like she knew all his ploys. Finally, she folded her arms and huffed.
"Fine. But I'm coming for the Uzu sake."
Jiraiya grinned. "You always were simple to bribe."
Scene 5: Departure and Promise
Jiraiya nodded to a runner. "Send a goshiki bunshin my way when they're ready."
Tsunade walked ahead, folding the letter carefully.
"I don't even know where this place is."
Jiraiya put a hand on her shoulder, gently guiding her.
"I'll bring you there."
She sighed, but a wry smile broke through. "Make sure you paid your hotel bill, perv."
He laughed, turning to look back. "Old debts and new blood. Time for the Uzumaki show."
They set off down the mountain trail, side by side—an old duo stepping together into a new chapter.
Chapter 22: Whispers Beneath the WhirlpoolsScene 1: A Promise in the Moonlight (S & K)
The rebuilt Uzumaki Village bathed in soft silver under the moonlight. The rooftops glowed gently, the whirlpools around the village spun lazily in their rhythmic pull, and the sea wind carried a peaceful lull across the stone pathways.
Santos sat on the edge of the Uzukage Tower rooftop, legs dangling over the side, a steaming bun half-eaten in one hand. His wild red hair swayed in the breeze, and his mismatched eyes—one lavender, the other pearl-white—were fixed on the stars.
He was deep in thought when he heard light footsteps behind him.
"Can't sleep?" Karin asked, stepping beside him with a second bun in hand.
He smiled without looking. "Nope. Too much chakra, not enough quiet in my brain."
Karin chuckled, sitting beside him. "You know... when you first woke up in that ruined village, I thought you were just some strange orphan. Turns out you're the reason I'm not alone in this world."
Santos glanced at her, his expression softening.
"I used to dream of family," he said. "Then I met Ban, Koneko, and Sona. But finding you and Tayuya… it was like remembering a part of myself I didn't even know was missing."
Karin flushed slightly but hid it with a teasing tone. "You've gotten a lot smoother since your chakra chains stopped hitting walls."
Santos grinned. "Comes with being an Uzumaki. We learn fast."
There was a comfortable silence between them, filled only by the sound of distant ocean spray.
Then, Karin reached out and gently touched his hand.
"I'm glad I found you, Santos. I used to think I had to survive alone. That love was a luxury for people with perfect lives."
He turned his hand over, fingers lacing with hers.
"You're not alone anymore. And... neither am I."
Their eyes met, and though neither leaned in for anything more, the warmth between them was unmistakable. It was something deeper than attraction. It was shared pain, hope—and the beginning of love.
Scene 2: Red Strings and Flutes (N & T)
Meanwhile, across the training yard where the lanterns were dim and only the fireflies lit the stone paths, Naruto Uzumaki sat on a bench beside the bubbling fountain near the village square. In his lap was a wooden carving knife and a half-finished toad figurine.
Tayuya strolled by, her flute tucked into her belt, a stick of dango half-chewed between her teeth.
"Tch. Look at you, carving frogs. That's a new level of dork," she snorted, though her voice lacked real venom.
Naruto looked up, feigning offense. "This is master craftsmanship! Ero-sennin taught me—okay maybe it's his weird training technique but it helps me focus."
Tayuya sat beside him, glancing at the carved toad. It was a little lumpy… but still cute.
"You really care about this village, don't you?" she asked quietly.
Naruto's smile softened. "Yeah. It's like… the home I never knew I needed. Everyone here makes me feel like I belong. Like I'm more than just the kid with the fox inside."
Tayuya shifted slightly. "You've got something else, though. You pull people in, like you did with me and Karin. You made us believe we could be more."
Naruto looked at her sideways. "You always act like you don't care. But you do."
Tayuya huffed. "Shut up."
He chuckled, then gently nudged her shoulder. "I mean it. You're tough. Smart. A little scary. But I like that."
Tayuya looked away, but Naruto could see the tips of her ears go red.
"You're not so bad yourself… dumbass."
Another pause. Then, quietly, she added, "If things were different… maybe we would've met sooner. But this... this is okay."
Naruto reached into his pouch and pulled out a little red string. "Then let's make a promise."
Tayuya raised an eyebrow. "What is this? A Genin-level engagement?"
"Not quite." He tied the red string loosely around both their pinky fingers.
"A promise," he said, grinning. "That we've got each other's backs. Always."
She stared at the string. Her usual biting remark didn't come. Instead, she nodded and leaned slightly closer.
"...Deal."
Scene 3: Quiet Reflections
Later that night, Ban stood with Koneko on the Uzukage balcony, watching the night sky as the whirlpools turned lazily under moonlight.
He sipped his sake slowly, his other arm slung around Koneko's shoulder as she munched on a sweet bean bun.
"They're growing up," Ban muttered with a grin. "Kids with too much power and not enough caution. Just like me."
Koneko leaned against him. "They're Uzumaki. It's in their blood to live fiercely."
Ban tilted his head. "Think we're ready for what's coming?"
Koneko didn't hesitate. "We have to be."
And as the stars overhead sparkled over the reborn Village Hidden in the Whirlpools, the bonds of family, friendship, and love began to knit themselves into something unbreakable.
Chapter 23: The End of Shadows, the Rise of RebellionScene 1: Final Confrontation – Rebellion vs. Akatsuki Remnants
Rain poured over the Hidden Rain Village, the sky thundering as though heralding the clash to come.
On one side stood the Rebel Akatsuki, composed of:
Pain (Nagato) and Konan
Itachi Uchiha
Kisame Hoshigaki
Deidara
Kakuzu (reluctantly allied for self-preservation)
A rogue White Zetsu, who had defected upon learning of Black Zetsu's true allegiance
On the other, the remnants of Obito's Akatsuki, which had regrouped:
Obito Uchiha (Tobi), still hiding behind his mask
Black Zetsu, the manipulative will of Kaguya
A handful of brainwashed subordinates, experimental summons, and failed jinchūriki corpses under Obito's command
The two factions clashed in the middle of the devastated Hidden Rain Village.
The Battle Begins
Deidara flew through the sky, raining down explosive clay, shouting, "THIS IS ART, YOU BASTARDS!"
Kisame tore through summoned beasts and fodder with Samehada, his body fusing with the sword's chakra, monstrous and relentless.
Itachi moved like a shadow, casting genjutsu traps across the battlefield, confusing Obito's forces and stalling Black Zetsu's maneuvering.
Pain stood in the center, the Six Paths activated and coordinating the team like a master tactician.
Obito emerged from a swirl of space-time, chakra flaring. "You betray everything Akatsuki stood for!"
Nagato's voice thundered, echoing with resolve. "You betrayed the dream of peace! You used us!"
Obito attacked with Kamui, but Konan intercepted with a seal trap, forcing him to retreat temporarily. Meanwhile, Black Zetsu tried to fuse with White Zetsu—only to be caught by Itachi's Tsukuyomi, freezing him long enough for Deidara to strap an explosive to his shadow.
BOOM!
A direct hit. Black Zetsu screamed, his form writhing—but instead of fleeing, this time... he burned, disintegrating in the flames.
Pain crushed the last of the puppeted soldiers with a Shinra Tensei, cratering the battlefield.
When the dust settled—only Obito remained.
Wounded. Cornered.
"You... fools..." he muttered, panting. "You think peace can come through weakness?"
Kisame raised Samehada. "No, we just think it shouldn't come from lies."
Obito growled, and his Mangekyō spun.
"Kamui!"
He vanished into his dimension, escaping again—for now.
Only his voice lingered behind:
"This isn't over. The world needs a guiding hand. I'll return... and you'll regret sparing it."
Scene 2: Aftermath and Unity
The battlefield was silent but soaked in blood, chakra, and rain.
Kakuzu sighed, cracking his neck. "Well, now what? Are we all going to braid each other's hair or do something useful?"
Pain turned to the others. His Rinnegan still glowed, but it now burned with purpose instead of cold certainty.
White Zetsu, injured but alive, knelt. "I didn't know... about Black. I didn't want to betray the world. Please... let me help."
Nagato extended a hand. "Then help us build something better."
Itachi nodded. "The old world dies with Obito's vision."
Konan stepped forward. "What do we do now?"
Nagato looked toward the west, where the sea whispered of whirlpools and ancient seals.
"We go to Uzu," he said solemnly. "There is a new Uzumaki Clan rising. A new center of balance. If peace is to begin anywhere... it begins with them."
Scene 3: Journey to Uzu Begins
Within the ruins of Ame, the rebels began moving. Kisame fashioned boats, and Deidara grumbled about sailing over swimming.
Itachi stood over a cliff, the cold wind ruffling his Akatsuki cloak—now black and silver, the color of transition.
Nagato stood beside him.
"You think they'll accept us?" Itachi asked.
"They've accepted monsters before," Nagato replied.
Behind them, Konan watched as the whirlpool seals shimmered on a map gifted to them by Jiraiya, who had once called Uzu home.
Chapter 24: The Return of Shadows to the Light
The sea around the Village of Uzu churned softly, its deadly whirlpools glimmering with chakra-infused defenses. The village itself stood proud, reborn from ruin. Towering walls. Restored homes. Training grounds bustling with young shinobi. A new beacon of strength and heritage.
But today, the sea whispered of ghosts.
Standing at the shoreline, just before the first of the protective whirlpools, was a group that made even the tides hesitate.
Nagato (Pain) stood at the front. Konan, cloaked in paper and silence, stood by his side. Behind them: Itachi Uchiha, his eyes calm but watchful; Kisame, holding Samehada over his shoulder like a lumbering fisherman; Deidara, who looked bored but curious; and White Zetsu, visibly tense under the gaze of the barrier seals that shimmered threateningly.
Pain took a step forward, and immediately, the barrier flashed, a warning pulse rippling through the village.
From within Uzu, an alert was triggered.
In moments, three figures walked calmly to the cliffside overlooking the coast—ready for anything.
Ban, red coat fluttering in the breeze, stood tall and unshaken.
Sona, regal and composed as ever, her hair gently blowing around her commander's cloak.
Jiraiya, stern but unreadable, arms crossed, staring hard at the figure at the head of the Akatsuki.
Sona narrowed her eyes, her voice crisp.
"I want to be very clear. This village has survived too much to allow enemies to stroll up without reason. Why are you here, Pain?"
Nagato's mechanical voice echoed through the coastal wind.
"We come not to destroy, but to join. The Akatsuki as it was... no longer exists. We've come seeking something else—atonement, maybe. And purpose."
Ban arched a brow.
"You're saying you want to live here? After all the chaos you caused?"
Deidara smirked. "Don't lump me in with Tobi. That freak made us all into puppets."
Konan stepped forward next to Nagato, her voice soft but firm.
"The original Akatsuki was created to bring peace to the Hidden Rain. Yahiko dreamed of ending endless war between nations… but Obito manipulated us. He changed it all."
White Zetsu, surprisingly, stepped up beside her, holding up a scroll and some fragmented remains of Black Zetsu's burned body.
"Black Zetsu was Kaguya's will. Obito was just a pawn—Madara too. But Obito became something worse. He twisted everything, using Madara's name to forge a lie. The Akatsuki became a monster we never meant to create."
Sona looked between them, her violet eyes sharp.
"So now that the lie has crumbled, you come here hoping to start over?"
Nagato nodded.
"Not as Akatsuki. Not as warlords. But as shinobi. As people."
There was silence for a long moment. Tension radiated in the air like a blade's edge.
Jiraiya stepped forward slowly, his eyes never leaving Nagato's.
"...Yahiko," he whispered. "Where's Nagato?"
The words hit Nagato harder than any jutsu.
He closed his eyes, the faint wind tousling his orange hair, though it wasn't his.
Pain turned toward his old master.
"Yahiko... is dead. He died believing in a future we failed to protect."
He touched the piercings on his face—the symbols of sacrifice, of pain turned to resolve.
"I am Nagato. I control Yahiko's body through the Six Paths of Pain. This body is a symbol... of what we lost."
Jiraiya's shoulders lowered, a sadness creeping into his eyes.
"You always cared too much, Nagato… I was too blind to see how far you'd been pulled."
Konan stepped forward gently and said,
"You always believed in us, sensei. Even when we didn't deserve it. We're here to try again."
Ban turned to Sona.
She didn't speak right away. Her mind moved fast. She weighed their chakra, their posture, the sincerity—or lack of deception—in their words. She trusted Ban's gut. And she trusted Jiraiya's history.
"...Do we have room?" she asked quietly.
Ban shrugged. "The whirlpools can be extended."
Jiraiya looked at her, then at Nagato and the others, and gave a faint nod.
"They deserve a chance. Some of them, anyway."
Sona looked forward again, her expression unreadable.
"Then, as Uzukage of this village… I extend conditional sanctuary. You will live under watch. No secret missions. No cloak and dagger. You live among the people, train among them, help rebuild—not destroy."
Nagato bowed his head.
"You have our word."
Konan echoed the motion.
"Thank you."
White Zetsu just grinned awkwardly.
"Heh. Guess I'm a refugee now."
Sona nodded toward the barrier teams on standby, giving the signal. The whirlpools shifted slightly, forming a narrow path through the ocean, carefully monitored by Fuinjutsu seals and chakra threads.
"Welcome to Uzu," she said. "Don't make me regret this."
Scene 2: Pain and Jiraiya, One Last Conversation
Later that evening, as the sun dipped behind the horizon, Jiraiya and Nagato stood alone at a watchtower facing the sea.
The orange glow bathed their faces in golden sorrow.
"You remind me of myself," Jiraiya muttered, "Always trying to fix what's already broken."
Nagato stared at the waves.
"We were supposed to bring peace. Not through genocide. But through understanding."
Jiraiya smiled faintly.
"You finally sound like Yahiko again."
"I carry him," Nagato whispered. "In this body. In my heart."
Silence passed between them, filled with the weight of war and lost dreams.
"Maybe now," Jiraiya said, "we can both finally rest. Even if just a little."
Chapter 25: Let the Dead Rest, Let the Living Rise
The Village Hidden in the Whirlpools had gone quiet under moonlight. Most villagers slept peacefully behind layers of chakra-sealed barriers, but atop the Uzukage Tower, the fire of a single lantern flickered in the dark.
Inside her office, Sona Sitri, Uzukage of Uzu, stood before a large scroll-covered desk, her eyes locked on the horizon. The ocean whispered outside the window, as if calling to the past.
There was a knock.
"Come in," she said, already sensing the chakra signature.
The door opened silently, and Pain stepped inside, or rather, the Yahiko-body he controlled. Clad in the Akatsuki robe without the oppressive weight it once held, he walked in with shoulders heavy—not from arrogance or threat, but from memories that refused to die.
Sona turned to face him. "Can't sleep?"
Nagato's voice came through the Yahiko-body, low and thoughtful.
"No. This village… it's too peaceful. I don't know what to do with that."
She gestured to a chair. "Sit."
He did, quietly, the body moving with measured, almost reverent calm. There was a long pause before he spoke again.
"There's something I wanted to ask you... something I haven't spoken to Jiraiya about yet."
Sona tilted her head. "Go on."
Pain looked down at his hand—the hand of Yahiko. Still strong, but not his.
"I want to stop using this body. All the Six Paths. Yahiko. The others. I carry them to remember the cost of what we tried to do… but every time I look at them, I feel like I'm walking through their graves."
He clenched the hand, then let it relax.
"I don't want to appear before the other Uzumaki children like this. As a ghost wearing a corpse."
Sona's expression softened. There was no judgment in her voice, only quiet understanding.
"You still have your original body, don't you?"
He nodded.
"Hidden. Preserved. But… it's too weak. The damage from the Gedo Statue, from the chakra overuse—it's dying. I've used this one so long… I barely remember what it feels like to move on my own."
Sona walked around her desk and leaned against the edge, arms crossed.
"Then let us help you."
Pain raised his gaze slowly, uncertain.
"Tsunade can help," Sona said simply. "She's already begun reinforcing sealing barriers for the village. I know she could stabilize your original body. Maybe even restore its strength."
"Even if she could…" Pain murmured, "What if I can't live with what I've done?"
Sona walked up to him and placed a hand gently on Yahiko's shoulder.
"Then don't live for what you've done. Live despite it. But you can't start that healing if you're still hiding behind the pain—literally."
He gave a tired, bittersweet laugh at her choice of words.
"I suppose that name was always more prophecy than persona."
She smiled softly.
"And it's time to bury it. Not because it didn't matter. But because it did."
There was a long silence. Nagato stared at the flame flickering in the lantern. Then, slowly, he nodded.
"I'll do it. I'll let them rest. Yahiko. The others. They deserve that."
Sona gently stepped back, her voice now low and formal.
"Then I'll speak with Tsunade. If you're ready, we'll retrieve your body. And… welcome you back as Nagato Uzumaki, not Pain."
He looked up, truly looked up, and for the first time since entering the room, he didn't seem like a god—or a war criminal.
He looked like a man.
Scene Change: Later That Night, by the Archives
In a darkened hallway beneath the Uzumaki Archive, Konan stood silently beside a large storage room—one of the many ancient vaults the Uzumaki once used to store their artifacts and honored remains.
She watched as Pain's Path bodies—Yahiko, the Animal Path, the Asura Path, and the others—lay wrapped in white cloths, sealed and still.
Sona stepped into the chamber alongside Tsunade, whose arms were folded, her expression unreadable.
"I didn't expect to be doing this," Tsunade muttered, more to herself than anyone else.
Sona spoke firmly, reverently.
"We do this not for convenience, but for peace. For the dead. For him."
Konan knelt next to the body of Yahiko, gently placing a single white paper flower on his chest.
"Thank you," she whispered, barely audible.
Tsunade stepped forward as Konan moved aside. Her hands lit up with warm golden light.
"Let's get him back into his real body."
Closing Scene: On the Cliffs
Hours later, just as the first stars appeared, the whirlpools stirred once again—not in warning this time, but to part gently.
And there, supported by Konan and Itachi, stood Nagato—his real body, still pale and thin, but standing, breathing, alive.
His eyes looked out over the ocean and then back toward the village.
Konan helped him step forward.
"Welcome back, Nagato," she said quietly.
Ban arrived on the cliffside then, a smirk on his face. "Nice of you to stop borrowing someone else's skin."
Nagato chuckled, then bowed his head deeply to Ban, to Jiraiya, and to Sona, who stood behind them all.
"Thank you… for giving me a second chance."
Sona gave a slight nod.
"Now make it count."
Chapter 26: Whirlpools at the ExamsOne Year Later – Konoha's Chunin Exams
The streets of Konohagakure were buzzing. The Chunin Exams, once an annual event, had not been held in over two years. Many speculated about the delay. Some believed it was due to internal village restructuring, others blamed regional instability. But those closest to the Hokage knew the truth.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had delayed the exams to buy time—for Naruto Uzumaki's heritage to stabilize, for the world to adjust to the return of Uzushiogakure, and for a political powder keg involving multiple nations to cool.
Now, with the Leaf reestablishing ties to Uzu and the rise of the Uzukage Sona Sitri, it was finally time.
The Chunin Exams had returned.
And so had the Uzumaki.
Scene: Konoha's Forest Gate – Arrival of Uzu
Two teams approached the gates of Konoha. Cloaks bearing the spiral crest of Uzu no Kuni fluttered behind them in the breeze.
Team One – The Uzumaki Team:
Naruto Uzumaki, brimming with confidence, now wearing a red-trimmed black shinobi jacket embroidered with the Uzu crest and a new white cloak symbolizing his lineage.
Karin Uzumaki, collected but sharp-tongued, her red hair tied in a tight braid.
Tayuya Uzumaki, instrument slung across her back, rolling her eyes but clearly itching for a fight.
Nagato Uzumaki, now alive in his restored original body, walking behind them with dignity, clad in crimson and gray robes with a subtle Rinnegan glow.
Team Two – The Powerhouse Trio:
Ban, reborn as a teenage version of himself—taller, leaner, with wild silver hair and eyes that sparkled with dangerous curiosity. His red jacket was customized to resemble a jonin vest, open and cocky.
Koneko Toujou, calm and serious, walking at Ban's side with her arms crossed, wearing a modified Uzu combat uniform that matched her small, yet deadly demeanor.
Santos Uzumaki, now thirteen and radiating raw potential, walked just behind them, his heterochromatic eyes focused and determined.
Zabuza Momochi, their instructor, trailed behind like a storm cloud, his massive blade wrapped in black cloth.
As the Uzu teams approached the gates, a squad of genin and their jonin sensei stood blocking the forest road. Among them were the Sand Team—Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro—and a team from Konoha: Sasuke Uchiha, Sai, and Sakura Haruno, led by Kakashi Hatake.
The moment grew tense.
Ban halted, eyes narrowing. His lips curled into a half-smirk.
"Oi. Get out of the way. You're standing in the middle of the road."
The air shifted.
A sudden, crushing wave of killer intent exploded from Ban.
Sai's pen snapped in his hand. Sakura gasped, stepping back instinctively. Even Sasuke narrowed his eyes, instinctively flaring his Sharingan as a cold sweat traced his spine.
Gaara's sand twitched wildly, reacting to the sudden pressure.
Temari and Kankuro felt it too—a visceral chill in their chests. Only Gaara seemed intrigued, tilting his head slightly.
Ban stepped forward, brushing past Sai, who froze in place.
"Unless you're looking for a real fight. Then stay right there."
Zabuza coughed once, muttering, "Showoff…"
Koneko swatted Ban on the back of the head with a sharp thwap from her sleeve.
"Ban. Be civil. You're scaring the children."
"Aw, c'mon, Koneko-chaaaaan," Ban grinned without turning back. "They were blocking the path. That's dangerous, y'know?"
Naruto chuckled behind him.
"Still making dramatic entrances, huh?"
Karin snorted. "Like he knows any other way."
Scene: Reaction from the Leaf Teams
As the Uzu teams passed, Kakashi walked up behind his students.
"Impressive," he muttered, his one visible eye sharp. "That one—Ban. He doesn't feel like a genin."
"He's not," Zabuza replied bluntly. "None of them are. They're here because they can win, not because they need to prove something."
Kakashi raised a brow. "And the Uzumaki kids?"
Zabuza glanced over at Naruto and Santos. "They're built for bigger things. This is just practice."
Scene: Hidden Observation Deck – The Hokage & the Council
Sarutobi stood on a high platform, watching the arriving teams from a sealed viewing chamber alongside members of the internal council and visitors from the major nations.
"I delayed the exams a full year to avoid triggering war," he said quietly, his eyes locked on Naruto. "Now the world will witness the strength of Uzu reborn."
Tsunade stood beside him, arms folded, a subtle smile on her lips. "And they'll remember why you feared the Whirlpools to begin with."
Jiraiya let out a low whistle, watching Ban flex his fingers casually. "He's got chakra and magic now? You sure he's not a minor god?"
"Closer to a devil," Tsunade muttered.
Sona stood calmly to the side, dressed in her Uzukage robes, observing the Leaf's elite. "This will be a very… memorable Chunin Exam."
Scene: Tension at the Forest Camp
That night, as the teams settled into their camps before the first exam stage, word spread fast.
"They're from Uzu."
"Naruto's a prince or something—like the son of a Hokage."
"The silver-haired one—he made Gaara flinch."
Inside their shared tent, Naruto flopped down on his cot, stuffing his face with trail mix.
"Man, the Leaf is still kinda tense. They haven't changed much."
Karin adjusted her glasses, sorting sealing tags. "They haven't had our presence in decades. We're messing with their power structure just by being here."
Tayuya rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Let's just crush this exam and go home."
Outside, Ban leaned against a tree while Santos meditated.
"You think they're ready?" Koneko asked as she arrived with a small container of sweets.
Ban grinned. "No. But I wasn't ready either when I got dropped into this world. Didn't stop me."
He looked toward the forest.
"This is just the first step. And we've got a whole damn world to shake."
Chapter 26: Whirlpools at the ExamsOne Year Later – Konoha's Chunin Exams
The streets of Konohagakure were buzzing. The Chunin Exams, once an annual event, had not been held in over two years. Many speculated about the delay. Some believed it was due to internal village restructuring, others blamed regional instability. But those closest to the Hokage knew the truth.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had delayed the exams to buy time—for Naruto Uzumaki's heritage to stabilize, for the world to adjust to the return of Uzushiogakure, and for a political powder keg involving multiple nations to cool.
Now, with the Leaf reestablishing ties to Uzu and the rise of the Uzukage Sona Sitri, it was finally time.
The Chunin Exams had returned.
And so had the Uzumaki.
Scene: Konoha's Forest Gate – Arrival of Uzu
Two teams approached the gates of Konoha. Cloaks bearing the spiral crest of Uzu no Kuni fluttered behind them in the breeze.
Team One – The Uzumaki Team:
Naruto Uzumaki, brimming with confidence, now wearing a red-trimmed black shinobi jacket embroidered with the Uzu crest and a new white cloak symbolizing his lineage.
Karin Uzumaki, collected but sharp-tongued, her red hair tied in a tight braid.
Tayuya Uzumaki, instrument slung across her back, rolling her eyes but clearly itching for a fight.
Nagato Uzumaki, now alive in his restored original body, walking behind them with dignity, clad in crimson and gray robes with a subtle Rinnegan glow.
Team Two – The Powerhouse Trio:
Ban, reborn as a teenage version of himself—taller, leaner, with wild silver hair and eyes that sparkled with dangerous curiosity. His red jacket was customized to resemble a jonin vest, open and cocky.
Koneko Toujou, calm and serious, walking at Ban's side with her arms crossed, wearing a modified Uzu combat uniform that matched her small, yet deadly demeanor.
Santos Uzumaki, now thirteen and radiating raw potential, walked just behind them, his heterochromatic eyes focused and determined.
Zabuza Momochi, their instructor, trailed behind like a storm cloud, his massive blade wrapped in black cloth.
As the Uzu teams approached the gates, a squad of genin and their jonin sensei stood blocking the forest road. Among them were the Sand Team—Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro—and a team from Konoha: Sasuke Uchiha, Sai, and Sakura Haruno, led by Kakashi Hatake.
The moment grew tense.
Ban halted, eyes narrowing. His lips curled into a half-smirk.
"Oi. Get out of the way. You're standing in the middle of the road."
The air shifted.
A sudden, crushing wave of killer intent exploded from Ban.
Sai's pen snapped in his hand. Sakura gasped, stepping back instinctively. Even Sasuke narrowed his eyes, instinctively flaring his Sharingan as a cold sweat traced his spine.
Gaara's sand twitched wildly, reacting to the sudden pressure.
Temari and Kankuro felt it too—a visceral chill in their chests. Only Gaara seemed intrigued, tilting his head slightly.
Ban stepped forward, brushing past Sai, who froze in place.
"Unless you're looking for a real fight. Then stay right there."
Zabuza coughed once, muttering, "Showoff…"
Koneko swatted Ban on the back of the head with a sharp thwap from her sleeve.
"Ban. Be civil. You're scaring the children."
"Aw, c'mon, Koneko-chaaaaan," Ban grinned without turning back. "They were blocking the path. That's dangerous, y'know?"
Naruto chuckled behind him.
"Still making dramatic entrances, huh?"
Karin snorted. "Like he knows any other way."
Scene: Reaction from the Leaf Teams
As the Uzu teams passed, Kakashi walked up behind his students.
"Impressive," he muttered, his one visible eye sharp. "That one—Ban. He doesn't feel like a genin."
"He's not," Zabuza replied bluntly. "None of them are. They're here because they can win, not because they need to prove something."
Kakashi raised a brow. "And the Uzumaki kids?"
Zabuza glanced over at Naruto and Santos. "They're built for bigger things. This is just practice."
Scene: Hidden Observation Deck – The Hokage & the Council
Sarutobi stood on a high platform, watching the arriving teams from a sealed viewing chamber alongside members of the internal council and visitors from the major nations.
"I delayed the exams a full year to avoid triggering war," he said quietly, his eyes locked on Naruto. "Now the world will witness the strength of Uzu reborn."
Tsunade stood beside him, arms folded, a subtle smile on her lips. "And they'll remember why you feared the Whirlpools to begin with."
Jiraiya let out a low whistle, watching Ban flex his fingers casually. "He's got chakra and magic now? You sure he's not a minor god?"
"Closer to a devil," Tsunade muttered.
Sona stood calmly to the side, dressed in her Uzukage robes, observing the Leaf's elite. "This will be a very… memorable Chunin Exam."
Scene: Tension at the Forest Camp
That night, as the teams settled into their camps before the first exam stage, word spread fast.
"They're from Uzu."
"Naruto's a prince or something—like the son of a Hokage."
"The silver-haired one—he made Gaara flinch."
Inside their shared tent, Naruto flopped down on his cot, stuffing his face with trail mix.
"Man, the Leaf is still kinda tense. They haven't changed much."
Karin adjusted her glasses, sorting sealing tags. "They haven't had our presence in decades. We're messing with their power structure just by being here."
Tayuya rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Let's just crush this exam and go home."
Outside, Ban leaned against a tree while Santos meditated.
"You think they're ready?" Koneko asked as she arrived with a small container of sweets.
Ban grinned. "No. But I wasn't ready either when I got dropped into this world. Didn't stop me."
He looked toward the forest.
"This is just the first step. And we've got a whole damn world to shake."
Chapter 27: The Forest Awakens
Location: Forest of Death – Gate 17
The gates to Training Ground 44 creaked open slowly, revealing a dense and eerie jungle known across the ninja world as the Forest of Death. Its twisted trees, venomous beasts, and chakra-charged terrain had consumed more lives than any other training ground in Fire Country.
But today, it would test more than survival. It would reveal the future of the shinobi world.
"Each team will receive either a Heaven or Earth scroll," explained Anko Mitarashi, the exam proctor. "Your goal is to obtain the opposing scroll and reach the tower in the center within five days. Die, and you're disqualified."
Her sadistic grin widened.
"Oh—and try not to get eaten."
Team Uzu Enters the Forest
Team Ban and Team Naruto both received Heaven scrolls, giving them the objective of seeking out enemies carrying the Earth scroll.
As the gates slammed shut behind them, Ban cracked his knuckles.
"Alright, time to stretch the legs."
Santos knelt beside the dirt, eyes closed. "Three teams nearby. Two to the east, one to the west."
Koneko nodded. "West is clear of traps. Let's move."
The team vanished into the forest, silent and deadly.
Meanwhile, Naruto's team took the opposite direction, darting through the treetops. Nagato, keeping a slow pace behind them, monitored their progress through a shared link of chakra.
"Don't underestimate this place," Nagato warned telepathically. "It isn't just a test. It's a battlefield."
Encounter: Team Ban vs. Team Sound
Hours into the first day, Ban's team encountered a squad hiding in the underbrush. Three genin from Otogakure launched a preemptive strike—kunai laced with sound-based genjutsu and chakra suppression tags.
Too slow.
Santos flared his chakra, summoning black chakra chains to smash the traps aside, then locked the enemy down before they even blinked.
Koneko vanished mid-air and reappeared with a brutal dropkick to the first enemy's jaw.
Ban, smirking, didn't even draw a weapon. He walked through a volley of attacks, letting his magic aura flare just slightly—a shimmering red haze that paralyzed the last two Sound genin with sheer killing intent.
"I said I wanted to stretch. You didn't even make me walk."
Scroll in hand, Ban tossed it to Koneko and turned toward the central tower.
"Let's find Naruto."
Elsewhere in the Forest – Team Naruto's Encounter
Naruto, Karin, and Tayuya had just fought off a mist team when they felt it—a powerful chakra spike.
Naruto turned abruptly.
"Ban."
"Trouble?" Karin asked.
"Nah," Naruto grinned. "He's just showing off again."
Tayuya scoffed. "He's lucky we're not keeping score."
Suddenly, a massive fireball exploded in the sky nearby, not Ban's team—another team, in distress.
"Do we help them?" Karin asked.
"No," Nagato said flatly through the mental link. "This is a test. Not a rescue mission."
Naruto's grin faded slightly, but he nodded. "Right."
Unexpected Meeting: Team Uzu vs. Sasuke's Team
Later that night, both Uzu teams converged at the river near the central tower. Sasuke, Sai, and Sakura arrived shortly after—tired, bruised, but determined.
The air grew tense immediately.
Sasuke eyed Naruto. "You're not bad… for someone who ran from the village."
Naruto's grin faded. "I didn't run. I went home."
Sasuke scoffed. "You abandoned your team."
Karin narrowed her eyes. "Watch your mouth, emo boy."
Sai observed Santos curiously. "His chakra… it's similar to Naruto's. Another jinchūriki?"
Santos said nothing.
Ban stepped forward, arms crossed. "If you're done posturing, move along. You're standing in the middle of the river."
Sasuke clenched his fists.
Then Gaara's chakra exploded in the distance.
Everyone turned toward the sound—a scream, crushed trees, and a sudden sand dome erupting in the forest canopy.
"That's Gaara," Naruto muttered.
"Looks like the real fun's about to start," Ban said, grinning.
Scene: Observation Tower – Kage & Jonin Watching
Up in the central tower, the proctors, Tsunade, Sona, Sarutobi, Tsunade, and a small number of visiting Kage and advisors watched the events unfold through chakra-monitoring screens.
"Your teams are creating a lot of buzz," Tsunade commented, sipping tea.
"They're Uzumaki," Sona replied with a faint smile. "We don't move quietly."
"Ban especially," Jiraiya chuckled. "He's like if Naruto had worse impulse control and even more power."
Sarutobi's smile faded slightly. "I just hope they don't shake the system too hard."
Sona turned toward the Hokage.
"You should be more worried that the system can't keep up."
Chapter 28: The Immortal and the Demon – Clash in the Forest of Death
The trees trembled. Shadows stretched unnaturally. The ominous silence of the Forest of Death cracked under the weight of impending battle.
Scene 1: Naruto's Team Reaches the Tower
Naruto, Karin, and Tayuya sprinted toward the central tower, sweat trailing from their brows.
"I can still feel Santos's chakra back there," Karin muttered, her fists clenched.
"He said they'd hold them off," Tayuya snapped. "We stick to the plan."
Naruto didn't speak, but his knuckles were white. The burden of trust was heavy.
Finally, the tower came into view—looming like a watchful sentinel.
As they touched the outer wall, Nagato stepped out from the shadows, calm and composed. "You've arrived. Good. The next phase begins soon."
"Where are the others?" Naruto demanded.
Nagato looked back toward the forest. "Fighting battles only they can win."
Scene 2: Chains and Claws vs. the Sand Demon
Deeper in the forest, Gaara, partially transformed into his Shukaku form, snarled like a cornered animal. Sand swirled around him in a storm.
Before him stood Koneko, cloaked in white aura, and Santos, surrounded by swirling black chakra chains laced with red and silver sigils of Uzumaki sealing magic.
"You'll die here," Gaara growled. "Your blood will color the desert."
Koneko stepped forward calmly. "I don't bleed easy."
Santos added, "I already buried my clan once. You won't stop me from protecting my new one."
Gaara screamed, launching a massive sand spear. Santos's chains lashed out, coiling like snakes, catching the attack mid-air, pulsing with chakra and lightning magic. It shattered.
Koneko moved like a bullet, closing the distance and landing a chakra-enhanced uppercut that staggered the sand beast backward.
Gaara retaliated with a wave of sand—but Santos slammed his palm into the ground, invoking a mix of sealing formula and elemental release. Black fire erupted, burning away the sand.
Gaara reeled, his monster form starting to collapse. Koneko seized the moment, leapt, and slammed him down with both fists.
Boom.
The forest shook. Gaara lay unconscious, reverting to his normal form.
Santos panted. "Is he… done?"
Koneko nodded. "Let's go find Ban."
Scene 3: Orochimaru vs. Ban – The Immortal Awakens
Elsewhere, Ban stood in a clearing of crushed trees and scorched dirt, facing the snake himself—Orochimaru.
"You're not from this world, are you?" Orochimaru asked, voice eerily amused.
Ban chuckled, licking a speck of blood from his lip. "Nope. But I've made this one mine."
"You have power unlike anything I've seen," Orochimaru said, stepping closer like a predator. "Let me tear you open and find out why."
Ban vanished.
In a blink, he reappeared behind Orochimaru, slamming his heel into his spine. The snake Sannin tumbled, only to recover midair with a flick of his tongue and draw his Kusanagi blade from his mouth.
Steel clanged against bare hands as Ban caught the blade, his skin steaming from the pressure.
"You heal," Orochimaru hissed.
"I don't die," Ban replied. "Let me show you why they call me—"
He twisted, snapping the sword and driving his fist through Orochimaru's chest.
The Sannin split into snakes and reformed a few meters away, gasping, his clothes torn, body cracked. "You... monster."
Ban began walking toward him, his crimson eyes glowing. "You're messing with the wrong village. The wrong people. The wrong family."
Orochimaru hissed in retreat, falling back into the trees, shadows swallowing him.
Before he vanished completely, Ban raised a hand and shouted:
"I am Ban the Immortal—
Don't. Forget. It."
The clearing fell silent.
Scene 4: Reunion at the Tower
Later, as dawn broke, Ban, Koneko, and Santos approached the tower.
Naruto, Karin, and Tayuya rushed out to meet them.
"You're alive!" Naruto grinned.
Ban smirked. "Worried about me?"
"I was worried you'd kill everyone and make us fail."
"Tch. Close call."
Santos limped a bit but smiled. "Gaara won't be bothering anyone for a while."
Koneko just handed Naruto a pouch of sweets. "Peace offering."
They all turned to the tower as Nagato opened the gate. "Let's finish what we started."