I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Confession

After entering the hidden chamber, Naruto learned the truth about the downfall of the Uzumaki Clan from Master Genji.

The destruction of Uzushiogakure stemmed from the concept of Huaibi Qicrime—the idea that possessing great treasures invites disaster. The Uzumaki Clan's unparalleled sealing techniques made them a target, and Konoha's involvement only complicated matters further.

During the First Hokage's era, distributing Tailed Beasts among different villages was meant to maintain balance. However, being assigned a Tailed Beast was not always beneficial. Besides the fear of losing their Jinchūriki, villages had to constantly guard against the devastation caused by an out-of-control host.

By the time the First Shinobi World War broke out, it became evident that Jinchūriki were difficult to control. A berserk Jinchūriki would attack indiscriminately, often causing as much damage to its own village as to its enemies.

In contrast, Uzumaki Mito, the first Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, showcased remarkable stability. Her presence single-handedly ensured Konoha's survival against its enemies, effectively ending the war.

Witnessing her prowess, Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Iwagakure turned their attention to Uzushiogakure. Exploiting Konoha's preoccupation with its own affairs, they launched a coordinated assault, overwhelming the Uzumaki Clan and seizing their knowledge of sealing techniques—though at a great cost.

Hearing this, Naruto narrowed his eyes and asked, "Are you saying Konoha didn't send reinforcements?"

Genji shook his head. "We dispatched some shinobi, but they arrived only as Kirigakure was withdrawing. It seemed like they wanted to maintain appearances, but in the end, they failed to make a difference."

Naruto studied Master Genji for a long moment before replying, "How do I know you're not just trying to drive a wedge between Uzumaki and Konoha? Allies are far more reliable than former enemies."

"I have no reason to deceive you," Genji responded calmly. "If you doubt my words, you're free to take my life in retaliation for what Kirigakure did."

With an air of indifference toward life and death, Master Genji seemed prepared to exchange his life for an alliance with the Uzumaki remnants.

Naruto scoffed. "Using your life as a bargaining chip? Too bad—I won't fall for it. Nor will I jeopardize my cooperation with Kirigakure. You'd best focus on handling the masked man's revenge."

"I won't stay in Kirigakure forever, and your Fourth Mizukage won't live long."

With that, Naruto turned on his heel and left the chamber. Behind him, Genji sighed, already envisioning Kirigakure's bleak future: either becoming a mere extension of the Uzumaki faction or suffering retribution at the hands of the masked man.

Neither was an outcome he or the Mizukage desired.

---

After meeting the Fourth Mizukage and Genji, Naruto did not linger in Kirigakure.

Having secured a portion of the Three-Tails' chakra, negotiated favorable terms for the Uzumaki Clan, saved Jūzō Biwa from Obito's assassination attempt, and acquired an Akatsuki ring, there was no further reason for him to stay.

Before boarding a ship bound for the Land of Fire, Naruto sensed two familiar presences behind him—Zabuza Momochi and Haku.

Frowning, he smirked. "Zabuza, what are you doing here? Can't assassinate the Mizukage, so you've set your sights on me?"

Zabuza shook his head. "I wouldn't dare. The Fourth Mizukage has treated me well, allowing me to wield Kubikiribōchō and retain my status as a Seven Ninja Swordsman."

Naruto arched a brow. "Good for you. But you still haven't explained why you're here."

Zabuza sighed. "Mizukage-sama ordered me to go. Didn't the alliance agreement include an exchange of jōnin? I'm the one being sent to your side."

He glanced at Haku. "As for him… he doesn't belong in Kirigakure. Uzushiogakure accepted Uchiha refugees, so accepting the last of the Yuki Clan shouldn't be an issue."

Despite the Mizukage's reforms, bloodline users still faced discrimination. True acceptance would take years. This mirrored Konoha's struggle with the Uchiha, but would the persecuted ever truly trust their persecutors?

Naruto pushed the thought aside—it was Kirigakure's problem, not his.

Meanwhile, Haku, peeking from behind Zabuza, eyed Naruto curiously.

He had assumed Naruto was a Kirigakure jōnin like Zabuza. But according to his mentor, Naruto was one of the strongest shinobi in the world—far surpassing the Mizukage himself. Rumor even suggested the massive artificial lake outside Kirigakure was Naruto's doing.

Naruto, in turn, observed the delicate-looking boy and chuckled. "You're pretty. You're a boy, right?"

"I… am," Haku hesitated. He had expected Naruto to mistake him for a girl, yet Naruto had identified his gender instantly—because of his beauty?

Seeing Haku's confusion, Naruto dropped the teasing.

Although he found some boys cute, his preference remained girls—especially those who appeared delicate but had the strength to rise in critical moments.

He wondered how Hinata was faring in Konoha. Had she grown stronger in his absence?

Shaking off his stray thoughts, Naruto didn't refuse their company. The three of them boarded the ship toward the Land of Fire, intending to travel to Uzushiogakure after their stop.

---

A week later, they arrived at a transit port in the Land of Fire.

With half a day before departure, Naruto decided to purchase educational materials about the region. He took Haku along, while Zabuza stayed behind.

Browsing the textbooks, Naruto frowned. The curriculum was outdated, still glorifying the feudal system and daimyo rule despite the era of ninja villages. Even the notion that nobles ruled by divine right was flawed—if anyone had such a claim, it would be those with kekkei genkai.

Still, aside from political content, the rest of the material was useful. He purchased a large quantity and had Haku carry them.

Around lunchtime, Naruto led Haku into an izakaya.

Food was secondary—his real interest was in the clientele. Taverns attracted all kinds of travelers, often sharing knowledge and rumors over drinks.

After ordering food and drinks, Naruto scanned the room and quickly took note of a white-haired man in the corner.

Though he appeared relaxed, the man subtly gathered intelligence—clear signs of a seasoned ninja.

As if sensing Naruto's gaze, the white-haired man looked up. Their eyes met briefly before they both returned to their observations.

Then Naruto spotted the man's frog-shaped wallet and narrowed his eyes.

White hair, perverted tendencies, and an affinity for frogs… there was only one person this could be.

Jiraiya. One of the Legendary Sannin.

Naruto internally reached out to Namikaze Minato. "Fourth Hokage, am I wrong, or is that Jiraiya?"

Sharing Naruto's perception, Minato replied, "It's highly likely. What are the odds of you running into my old teacher on your way back to Uzushiogakure?"

"Maybe it's fate."

"Or maybe," Naruto mused darkly, "he caught wind of Uchiha activity in Uzushiogakure."

Minato sighed. "If possible, avoid conflict. Jiraiya-sensei named you after the hero in his novel."

Naruto smirked. "Whether we fight isn't up to me—it's up to him. But if it can be helped, I'd rather not battle a Sannin."

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