Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

The crisp autumn air of Konoha's September carried a faint chill as dawn broke over the village. A thin layer of morning mist shrouded the gate, its serene silence broken only by the distant sound of footsteps.

"Quick, inform the elders! The Third Hokage has returned!" shouted the gatekeeper.

The guards soon confirmed the identities of the approaching group: the Third Hokage, his elite Anbu unit, and Uzumaki Raiden had returned safely from Wanming Temple.

Raiden's heart lightened as he stepped closer to the familiar gates of Konoha. Though his trip outside the village hadn't been long, the trials he had faced made him appreciate the safety and comfort of home.

"I'm back," he whispered to himself, relief evident in his voice.

"Raiden Uzumaki, you're dismissed. Go home to your family—they'll be worried about you," said Hiruzen Sarutobi with a faint smile, waving the boy off.

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Raiden replied, wasting no time. He darted into the village, disappearing down the familiar streets, eager to reunite with his sister and Grandma Mito.

While Raiden ran off, Sarutobi turned to his Anbu team. "Let's return to the office. Preparations for the impending war cannot wait."

The threat posed by Iwagakure's recent movements loomed large, and the Hokage knew they needed to be ready for anything.

For Raiden, however, thoughts of war were far from his mind. The first thing he wanted to do was see his family. Reaching his home, he knocked on the door enthusiastically.

"Grandma Mito, Sister, I'm back!" he called out.

A few moments later, the door creaked open to reveal a sleepy, red-haired face.

"Sister!" Raiden exclaimed with joy.

"Raiden? You're finally back!" Kushina gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. Then, without warning, she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.

Raiden stiffened slightly, unsure how to respond to her sudden affection. "Yeah, I'm back," he murmured softly.

Kushina held him tightly for a long moment before suddenly pulling back, her expression turning serious. "Grandma Mito told me to take you to see her as soon as you returned. Let's go."

Raiden blinked in confusion at her abrupt change in demeanor but allowed her to drag him toward Mito's room.

When they reached the door, Raiden noticed that it was ajar. Mito's calm voice floated out to them.

"Raiden's back, isn't he? Kushina, let him in."

Kushina gave her brother a gentle push. "Go on," she said, her expression tinged with a sadness Raiden couldn't quite place.

Curious but wary, Raiden stepped into the dimly lit room. A single candle illuminated the space, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Mito sat on a futon in the center of the room, her figure shrouded in a thin blanket.

"Grandma Mito… are you feeling okay?" Raiden asked, his voice laced with concern. Her face seemed more tired than usual, and for the first time, he noticed wrinkles lining her once-youthful features.

"Come closer, child," Mito beckoned with a faint smile. "Let me take a good look at you."

Raiden approached cautiously, his worry mounting. "Grandma, what's wrong? Why do you look… older?"

Mito chuckled softly, patting the tatami beside her. "It's nothing to worry about. Sit down."

Reluctantly, Raiden complied.

As he settled beside her, Mito placed a warm hand on his back. Her palm began to glow faintly with chakra as she examined his wounds. Slowly, his injuries began to heal, the pain fading away.

"You've been through a lot, haven't you?" she asked gently. "Even your Yin Seal was opened. Did you encounter a strong enemy?"

Raiden nodded. "I had some trouble, but I made it through." He hesitated before asking again, "Grandma, what's happening to you?"

Mito sighed, withdrawing her hand as his wounds fully healed. "I wanted to speak to you about something important. It's the reason I asked you here."

Raiden straightened his posture, his expression serious.

"Do you know why you and Kushina were brought to Konoha?" Mito asked.

Raiden frowned, already suspecting where this conversation was headed.

"Jinchuriki," Mito said after a pause. "You're familiar with tailed beasts, aren't you? Chakra monsters of immense power. They were captured and distributed by Hashirama during the Warring States period to maintain balance among the great nations."

She continued, "To harness their power, they were sealed within humans, who became known as jinchuriki. I am the jinchuriki of the Nine Tails."

Raiden's eyes widened, though he had long known the truth.

"Years ago, I sensed that my time was running out. I asked Hiruzen to find a suitable successor from the Uzumaki clan. That's why Kushina was brought here. But I hadn't expected her to have a younger brother."

Mito's gaze softened. "Your chakra is similar to hers—it has the same suppressive qualities. That makes you a candidate to inherit the Nine Tails as well."

Raiden's heart pounded. "You're asking if I want to become a jinchuriki?"

Mito nodded solemnly. "It's not an easy path, Raiden. As a jinchuriki, you'll face endless scrutiny. You may lose your freedom, your friends, and even your humanity in the eyes of others. Hostile villages will target you. It's a life of isolation and danger."

She looked him directly in the eye. "So, I ask you… do you want to be a jinchuriki?"

Raiden's initial shock gave way to contemplation. He considered the risks but also the opportunity. Becoming a jinchuriki meant incredible power—the kind that could reshape his future and protect those he cared about.

"Grandma, how long can you continue to contain the Nine Tails?" he asked softly.

Mito blinked, surprised by his response. "Not much longer," she admitted.

Raiden took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. "If the Nine Tails must be sealed, then I want to be the one to bear it. I can't let my sister shoulder that burden."

Mito's expression softened with pride. "You truly are a remarkable child," she said. "Your sister gave the same answer as you. You both want to protect each other… it's admirable."

Raiden smiled faintly, though his thoughts were already racing ahead. To him, becoming a jinchuriki wasn't just a responsibility—it was a chance to take control of his destiny.

"Well then, I'll consider both of your answers carefully," Mito said. Her serious tone gave way to a gentler one. "But enough of this for now. Congratulations on passing the academy entrance exam. Let's have a proper lunch to celebrate."

"Anything but soldier pills," Raiden quipped, relaxing for the first time in days.

Mito chuckled. "Alright, I'll have something prepared. Go take a bath and rest after you eat. Tomorrow, I'll help you rebuild your Yin Seal."

She patted his shoulder lightly. "And remember, you must conserve your chakra. Overuse will destabilize the seal."

Raiden nodded, standing to leave. "Thank you, Grandma. Rest well."

He carefully exited the room, closing the door behind him. As the latch clicked into place, Mito's figure flickered for a moment, her presence fading into the shadows.

(End of Chapter)

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