I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Now that Uzumaki Ashina, the legendary leader of Uzushiogakure, has enough psychological endurance, Naruto no longer hesitates and directly tells him the truth.

Upon hearing that Uzushiogakure was destroyed more than two decades ago, Ashina's expression turns solemn. The once-proud Uzumaki Clan, known for their formidable sealing techniques, had been hunted by various nations, their surviving members forced into hiding or executed for bounties. Some fugitives clung to the past, unable to accept the annihilation of their homeland.

After a heavy sigh, Ashina mutters in a low tone, "So… you are the only Uzumaki left?"

Naruto nods. "As far as I know, it's just me and Karin. There may be a few scattered survivors across the shinobi world, but their numbers wouldn't exceed what you can count on both hands."

Ashina's brows furrow in regret. "Perhaps I should not have refused Hashirama's proposal. Had I led the Uzumaki Clan into Konoha, this tragedy might have been avoided."

After a brief pause, he shifts his gaze back to Naruto. "By the way, you just said you're no longer Konoha's Jinchūriki. Why did you leave the village with the Nine-Tails? Was Konoha also under attack and forced to evacuate?"

As a leader who had long been allied with the Senju Clan, Ashina still harbored concern for Konoha's fate.

"That's not the case," Naruto clarifies. "Konoha remains standing, even after three Great Ninja Wars. I left for personal reasons. I now lead a group of Uchiha exiles and have settled in Uzushiogakure's ruins."

Ashina's expression darkens. "The Uchiha were exiled? Who is the current Hokage?"

Despite his history with the Uchiha, Ashina's distrust turns into curiosity. He knows that if the Uchiha were cast out, the Hokage in power must be far from a pacifist like Hashirama. A leader with a mindset closer to Tobirama's, perhaps.

"Sarutobi Hiruzen," Naruto answers. "One of the Second Hokage's students. And by the way, Uzushiogakure was destroyed during his tenure."

Ashina's eyes widen in disbelief. "A boy from the Sarutobi clan? What of the Senju? How could it be their turn to lead?"

His frustration is evident, his lips tightening. As an elder from the Warring States period, he still views leadership as the responsibility of the founding clans.

Naruto continues, "Because of the wars, the Senju Clan disbanded before the Uzumaki fell. With the Uchiha forced out, only the Sarutobi and Hyūga remain as major clans in Konoha."

Ashina's face hardens. "How could this happen? Then what was the point of founding the village?"

In his era, Konoha's creation was meant to unite clans under a common banner, preventing unnecessary bloodshed. Yet now, the very clans that built the village had faded into obscurity.

Didn't Hashirama's 'Will of Fire' mean unity, love, and support for one another?

Naruto smirks, anticipating Ashina's thoughts. "Maybe it's because those who truly believed in the Will of Fire died protecting Konoha."

Though spoken casually, his words hit hard.

Standing nearby, Namikaze Minato feels a pang of discomfort, as though a weight presses against his chest. He knows Naruto's words are aimed at Konoha's leadership. While the village elders were flawed, they had still fought for Konoha. Yet, after his death, corruption took root, and no one even ensured Naruto had a proper upbringing—unlike Kushina, whose identity as a Jinchūriki was at least kept hidden for her safety.

Ashina, deeply moved, turns his sharp gaze back to Naruto, a knowing smirk forming on his lips. "I understand the past now… But tell me, why did you bring an old ghost like me back from the Pure Land?"

He studies Naruto, his eyes narrowing. "And if I'm not mistaken, your name isn't Mianma, nor are you my 'senior' in age."

Naruto chuckles at the old man's perceptiveness. "The patriarch's eyes are sharp, as expected."

He exhales before revealing the truth. "You're right. My real name is Uzumaki Naruto. My mother was Uzumaki Kushina. I was raised in Konoha as a Jinchūriki, but I've since left."

"As for why I left… let's just say it's an unpleasant story. Now, I seek out strong shinobi to build a force—one that can stand against the enemies that keep coming for us."

Ashina studies Naruto with interest. "And you expect me to help? Even if you're my kin, why should I believe in you? You wield the power of the Nine-Tails, strong enough to protect a village. Why summon me?"

Naruto's expression turns serious. "Because the Uzumaki Clan's legacy has been severed. I need our clan's lost sealing techniques. More than that, I need an experienced leader to oversee the village when I'm away. Someone who won't let it fall into ruin again."

Ashina folds his arms, appearing deep in thought. "You want me to teach you our secret arts and help govern this so-called new Uzushiogakure… And what do I get in return? I'm already dead—material rewards are useless to me."

Naruto falls silent. Convincing Ashina will be difficult.

Should he force him back to the Pure Land or use Kotoamatsukami? But that technique has a long cooldown, even with his White Zetsu-enhanced cells. He needs a different approach.

Noticing Naruto's hesitation, Ashina chuckles.

"You carry the Uzumaki bloodline," he says. "That alone grants you the right to learn our techniques. I am not so petty as to deny my clan's inheritance. But be warned—our techniques are not easily mastered. My reanimated body won't last forever. Can you learn them before time runs out?"

His words carry a weight of responsibility, as if bestowing something sacred.

Naruto nods. Learning the Uzumaki's sealing arts is invaluable. He plans to document them, ensuring their survival for future generations.

With their agreement settled, Ashina releases the seal, allowing Naruto full control of his Edo Tensei form once more.

Naruto, returning to his usual composed demeanor, instructs Ashina to lift the seal on Karin. The girl, freed at last, exhales in relief but still looks shaken.

"Senior Mianma, you actually convinced the old patriarch?" she asks hesitantly. "Grandfather always said he's as stubborn as a rock."

Naruto nods. Though strength played a role, their negotiation had ultimately led to this outcome.

Ashina suddenly turns to Karin, raising an eyebrow. "Who do you think doesn't listen to reason?"

Karin pales, breaking into a cold sweat. "Ah—my grandfather! My grandfather never listens! He's always grumbling about the old patriarch behind his back."

Ashina's stern expression softens slightly. With a snort, he turns and follows Naruto.

As they depart, Karin wipes her brow, trailing behind them.

Being sealed away had been terrifying, but oddly enough, being with them now gave her a sense of security…

Perhaps, this was what family truly felt like.

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