Chapter 6: Half A Kakashi Of Chakra
Raven Kamizuki, formerly known as Kushina Uzumaki, had made significant strides in her training, even as she maintained her incognito status as a seemingly normal infant. At just four weeks old, she had expanded her Nature Chakra reserves to what Yuumi insisted was the "universal Kakashi unit measurement standard size."
"What exactly is a Kakashi unit?" Raven asked mentally as she sat cross-legged on her crib mattress, her Rinnegan faintly glowing as she concentrated. "Why is he the standard?"
Yuumi's silver form shimmered into view, her nine tails swaying rhythmically. "That's just how it's done," the fox said with a shrug, her voice tinged with amusement. "It's a tradition among those… like us."
"Like us?" Raven repeated, one eyebrow twitching. "You're telling me there's an underground chakra measurement conspiracy, and somehow my former husband's student is the benchmark?"
Yuumi tilted her head, her blue eyes gleaming mischievously. "It's not a conspiracy, Kushina. It's an homage. Let it go."
"Fine," Raven grumbled, though the mystery of Kakashi's universal unit status continued to bother her. "So, how am I doing?"
"You're at about half a Kakashi," Yuumi said matter-of-factly. "Which is impressive, given your age. Most people wouldn't hit that level until they're seasoned jonin. Your Uzumaki bloodline helps, of course."
Raven sighed. "Half a Kakashi. Well, it's a start."
She stood and stretched, her movements fluid and precise. Thanks to her growing Nature Chakra reserves, she could now maintain up to three Shadow Clones simultaneously. Each clone had a dedicated purpose: gathering Nature Chakra, practicing old techniques from her past life, or observing the village through her network of puppets.
While her parents went about their daily routines downstairs at The Crusty Kunai, Raven remained focused on her secret investigations. Her small army of reanimated animals—birds, rabbits, and squirrels—had become her eyes and ears across Konoha. Through them, she gathered fragments of conversations, subtle clues that painted a troubling picture.
"Something's wrong with the Uchiha," she thought as one of her birds perched near the Uchiha compound. The residents seemed tense, their movements shadowed by suspicion and unease. Even Mikoto Uchiha, whom Raven observed with fondness and empathy, appeared weary. Her husband, Fugaku, was often curt and dismissive, and public sentiment against the clan seemed to be rising.
Yuumi's voice broke her train of thought. "You're noticing it, aren't you? The whispers. The tension. Someone's working in the shadows to sow distrust."
"Danzo," Raven muttered, her Rinnegan glowing faintly. "I should've known. That slimy old buzzard probably has his hands in everything."
Yuumi nodded. "His group, Root, thrives on fear and manipulation. He's targeting the Uchiha to paint them as a threat, likely to justify eliminating them. Classic Danzo."
Raven's fists clenched, a surge of anger coursing through her. "The Uchiha don't deserve this. And Mikoto…" Her thoughts trailed off. She remembered Mikoto's kind smile from her past life, the quiet strength that belied her gentle demeanor. "I have to do something."
"You will," Yuumi said gently. "But not yet. Timing is everything, Kushina. Patience is just as powerful as action."
Raven exhaled slowly, letting the tension drain from her body. "Fine. But when the time comes, Danzo won't know what hit him."
Later that evening, Raven lay quietly in her crib, pretending to sleep as her parents sat nearby. Aiko was busy folding napkins shaped like kunai for the shop, while Hajime sipped his usual cup of coffee, his gaze distant.
"Customers keep asking about her hair," Aiko said suddenly, breaking the silence. "White hair is unusual, even in Konoha."
"We told them it comes from your side of the family," Hajime replied, twirling his beard with a thoughtful expression. "The ancestors, remember?"
Aiko nodded, but her expression softened as she looked toward the crib. "Do you think she's happy? With us, I mean."
Hajime's gaze turned serious, a rare moment of quiet gravity. "We lost our daughter, Aiko. That pain doesn't just vanish. But Raven… she's a gift. A chance to give the life we couldn't give before."
Raven froze, her mind reeling. "They lost a child? I… I didn't know."
Aiko sighed, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "I know she's still just a baby, but… I want her to feel safe. Loved. I don't want her to grow up feeling like she has to prove herself."
Hajime smiled softly, setting his coffee cup aside. "She's going to be extraordinary, Aiko. You can see it in her eyes."
Aiko chuckled. "That's just you being a cryptic weirdo again."
"Ah," Hajime said, striking a dramatic pose, "but in the grand symphony of life, my dear, cryptic weirdos are the secret instruments that—"
Aiko smacked him lightly with a dish towel, cutting him off mid-sentence. "Save it, sage. And get back to folding napkins."
Hajime grinned and turned to the crib. "You'll understand one day, little Raven. Just know that we love you. And we always will."
For a moment, Raven felt a pang of guilt. Her parents knew nothing of her true identity, her powers, or the dangerous world she was preparing to face. Yet their love was unconditional, unwavering. She whispered silently in her mind, "I'll make sure you're always proud of me."
Once her parents were asleep, Raven returned to her training. She summoned her three Shadow Clones, assigning each a specific task. One focused on gathering Nature Chakra, sitting cross-legged in a meditative pose. The second practiced her Shadow Clone Jutsu, refining the technique to reduce mental strain. The third monitored her puppet network, which continued to expand across Konoha.
Through her network, she caught glimpses of conversations between shinobi, civilians, and even whispers within the Uchiha clan. The puzzle pieces were slowly falling into place: Danzo's influence, Root's operations, and the growing distrust aimed at the Uchiha.
Yuumi appeared beside her, watching as the rabbits and birds moved like clockwork. "You're building quite the information network," she remarked. "It's impressive."
"It's necessary," Raven replied. "I can't act without knowing the full picture. And if Danzo is involved, I'll need every advantage I can get."
Yuumi nodded. "Just remember, Kushina. You're playing a long game. Don't let anger cloud your vision."
Raven smirked faintly. "Anger doesn't cloud me. It fuels me."
As the moonlight bathed her room, Raven sat on her crib mattress, her Rinnegan glowing softly. Her Shadow Clones worked silently around her, each contributing to her growing strength and knowledge.
Her parents' earlier conversation echoed in her mind. They loved her, truly and deeply. She would protect that love, just as fiercely as she prepared to face the enemies that lurked in the shadows.
"Half a Kakashi of chakra now," she thought, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Soon enough, I'll surpass that. And when the time comes, they'll see what an Uzumaki is truly capable of."
Yuumi lay beside her, her silver fur glinting in the moonlight. "You're on the right path, Kushina. Just remember, you're not alone."
Raven reached out mentally, her thoughts filled with determination. "I know. And together, the future will measure standard chakra reserves by the pizza slice in honor of my parents."
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