The search and rescue operations in the ruins of Uzushiogakure lasted for a week. Only a dozen or so villagers and shinobi
were found alive.
"Naraku-kun, we haven't found any survivors in three days. Let's return to Konoha, " said Uzumaki Naoto, his face pale.
The two Uzushiogakure jōnin who had led the Uchiha team were Uzumaki Naoto and Uzumaki Kazuki, both skilled in the art of sealing jutsu. Grieving their shattered homeland, the Uzumaki survivors looked pale, struggling to accept the destruction of
their village.
"We can't stay in Uzushiogakure any longer. Those forces might return. Come with us to Konoha, " Naraku said directly to the Uzumaki.
As a thousand-year-old clan, to disappear like this was tragic. Even Uchiha Naraku, from another ancient clan, couldn't help but feel sorrow.
The once-thriving Uzumaki clan was now reduced to a handful of survivors.
Uzumaki Kazuki nodded silently, following the ninja team with the rescued villagers.
"Once we reach our garrison, you can rest for a few days. I'll escort you to Konoha afterwards. It's also time for our rotation, " Naraku offered.
"Naraku-kun, thank you very much, " Uzumaki Naoto replied politely, though he wasn't in the mood for conversation.
Naraku, however, was in good spirits and inquired, "I've heard that your clan's sealing jutsu is unparalleled. Perhaps that's why you were targeted. In Konoha, you won't have to worry about such threats.
"The Uzumaki clan's Sealing Jutsu has long been shared with Konoha. If we relocate there, we won't be coveted anymore, " Uzumaki Kazuki said calmly, pulling a scroll from his pocket and handing it to Naraku.
"The Uchiha are also an ancient clan, but I've never heard of them mastering sealing jutsu. This scroll contains some of our clan's sealing jutsu. Perhaps Naraku-kun will find it interesting. "
Naraku accepted the scroll, pleased by Uzumaki Kazuki's thoughtfulness. He knew that the Uzumaki's sealing jutsu were highly valued in Konoha, yet the Uchiha had limited access to them.
"Thank you. I've always wanted to learn more about Sealing Jutsu, " Naraku said, appreciating the gesture.
The Uzumaki and the Senju clans were old allies, and with the Senju's decline, their relationship had extended to Konoha and
Uzumaki Kazuki understood that their clan had already shared sealing jutsu with Konoha. By giving a copy to Uchiha Naraku, he pleased the Konoha clans without violating any protocols.
After all, Konoha shinobi had already learned these jutsu.
The Uchiha had saved the Uzumaki clan, and this gift could be seen as a token of gratitude, helping to establish personal ties.
The Uchiha clan was the largest in Konoha.
If Uzumaki Kazuki built a good relationship with them, it would ease his integration into Konoha.
The eastern coast of the Land of Fire had changed, and Team Naraku led the Uzumaki survivors to Konoha.
Konoha
Hokage Building
"I'm sorry. After receiving your plea for help, we dispatched shinobi to Uzushiogakure. I hope there are survivors. You will be settled in Konoha from now on. Uzushiogakure and Konoha have long been allies. Perhaps you should have come to Konoha earlier, " Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, said, comforting Uzumaki Kazuki, who led the orphans. He took a puff from his pipe and sighed.
"Thank you, Konoha, for taking us in," Uzumaki Kazuki said, expressing his sorrow for the loss of his homeland.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's gentle and friendly demeanour eased Kazuki's guard, and he couldn't help but shed tears.
"Go, children. I've arranged land and houses for you. From now on, you are members of Konoha. Wherever the leaves flutter, the fire will continue to burn. The flames will illuminate the village and cause new leaves to sprout. Your new leaves have arrived in Konoha Village and will take root and grow, " Sarutobi said, spreading the Will of Fire to uplift those who had lost their homes.
"Yes! I will protect the Uzumaki seedlings so they can take root and sprout!" Uzumaki Kazuki vowed.
At this time, Sarutobi Hiruzen was still young and known as a ninja hero, but his generous and friendly nature was already evident. After leaving the Hokage's office, Uzumaki Kazuki felt relieved. Interacting with the Third Hokage gave him hope for a better life in Konoha.
However, future encounters with Shimura Danzō might change that perception.
Amegakure
Shimura Danzō sneezed unexpectedly. He was usually strong and healthy, so this sudden sneeze puzzled him. Was Sarutobi Hiruzen talking about him? Danzō shook his head, dismissing the thought.
Night
Uchiha Clan Compound - Naka Shrine
Despite the ongoing Second Shinobi World War, the Uchiha clan meeting proceeded as usual.
After the Senju's retirement, the Uchiha became the largest clan in Konoha, controlling the Konoha Military Police Force and holding significant power.
"Please raise your hands if you support Uchiha Naraku becoming the clan leader," the elder announced.
Nearly half of the over one hundred shinobi raised their hands, most of them from the police force.
"Now, please raise your hands if you support Uchiha Fugaku as the clan leader. "
Again, nearly half raised their hands.
"The votes are tallied: Uchiha Naraku has 55 votes; Uchiha Fugaku has 56 votes. "
"Wait, we elders haven't voted yet, " an elder spoke up.
Naraku and Fugaku, both young elites of the Uchiha clan, felt nervous. The votes were nearly equal, indicating strong support for both.
"You two are outstanding young talents. How about this: compete against each other. Whoever wins will receive our votes, " the elder proposed.
Choosing a clan leader wasn't just about strength; popularity mattered too. The close vote count showed that many clan members supported both candidates.
At 17, Fugaku was four years older than Naraku. Between ages 12 and 16, a shinobi's strength grows rapidly. Naraku, at 13, hadn't fully matured, giving Fugaku an advantage.
Despite the odds, Naraku agreed to the competition. Without this chance, he might have lost, given the great elder's influence.
Uchiha Naraku was known as the Copy Ninja Naraku, while Uchiha Fugaku was called the Evil Eye Fugaku. Both had gained fame after participating in only two battles.
Konoha had since assigned them to distant garrisons to prevent them from gaining further achievements.
"Naraku, you're no match for me. Give up, and I'll make you my right-hand man, " Fugaku said confidently.
"Brother Fugaku, that's what I was going to say,