Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Not long after the spies from other villages scouted Uzumaki Raiden's residence, the Third Hokage's orders reached Fang. A hawk descended from the sky, delivering a small scroll to the Anbu captain's arm.

"Hokage-sama wants to see him? Is the situation that serious?"

Fang read the scroll, his expression tense, and hurried toward the courtyard. This time, however, he didn't vault over the walls but instead knocked on the gate respectfully.

After a long wait, the courtyard gate creaked open as if moved by an unseen force. Fang stepped inside to see Uzumaki Raiden emerging from the dojo, the Totsuka Blade resting casually on his shoulder.

"Lord Raiden, Hokage-sama has requested your presence." Fang maintained a polite distance, tossing the scroll toward the boy.

"Okay, I understand."

Raiden caught the scroll effortlessly but didn't bother opening it. Instead, he gave a faint, dismissive reply before turning back toward the dojo. His attitude left Fang scratching his head awkwardly.

"Lord Hokage is waiting," Fang reminded hesitantly, bowing slightly before retreating from the courtyard.

"See that, Nine Tails? Trouble's brewing again," Raiden chuckled, watching Fang leave. He created a shadow clone, sending it to answer the Hokage's summons while his main body returned to the dojo to train.

"Using a shadow clone to meet Hokage?" The Nine Tails snorted, its voice echoing in Raiden's consciousness. "Aren't you afraid that'll tick him off?"

Raiden grinned. "He should be glad I'm sending a clone at all. Besides, what's the difference? It's not like I'm planning to leave this yard anytime soon. They've already made this place my cage."

The Nine Tails lay silently in its cage, watching Raiden's confident defiance. Over the past six months, their conversations had grown frequent, though neither fully trusted the other. Both understood the delicate balance they shared—Raiden wary of the Nine Tails' immense power and the fox eager for even a moment's release.

"Let them worry about it," Raiden muttered, gripping his sword and beginning another round of drills. The dojo echoed with the rhythm of his strikes as he practiced tirelessly.

Raiden's shadow clone leisurely strolled through Konoha, Anbu guards discreetly surrounding him on all sides. Passing by shops, the clone made several stops to buy snacks, stuffing its pockets before continuing toward the Hokage Building.

"Truly, the Third Hokage must be the best at protecting Jinchuriki," Raiden thought sarcastically as he noted the overwhelming number of guards.

By the time the clone reached the Hokage's office, the snacks had piled up. Pushing open the door, Raiden entered with his arms full of bags.

Inside, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat at his desk, flanked by Danzo Shimura, Mitokado Homura, and Koharu Utatane. Their expressions shifted at the sight of Raiden's carefree demeanor.

"Yo, Sarutobi-sensei! Long time no see," Raiden greeted, his tone dripping with mockery.

Hiruzen smiled warmly, seemingly unfazed. "Raiden, you're here. We've been waiting for you."

Taking Raiden's hand, the Hokage guided him to the center of the room. "If you three elders have any concerns, feel free to address them directly with this boy. He's young, but he can handle himself."

Raiden raised an eyebrow at Hiruzen's words. The Hokage had skillfully distanced himself from the conversation, subtly shifting responsibility to the elders while maintaining his own neutrality.

Smiling innocently, Raiden turned to the elders. "What can I do for you today?"

Koharu Utatane spoke first, surprising everyone with her unusual proposal. "Child, it must be lonely living on your own. How about moving in with me? I can take care of you."

"Excuse me?" Raiden's mouth fell open, as did those of everyone else in the room. Even Danzo, who was usually composed, clenched his fists, visibly irritated.

"Come again?" Raiden asked, his confusion evident.

"I mean, would you like to be my grandson? You could live with me," Koharu repeated, attempting to appear calm, though her nervousness betrayed her.

Raiden squinted at her. "Elder Koharu, I appreciate the offer, but I'm quite content where I am. Thank you."

Before Koharu could respond, Danzo cut in, his voice cold. "Uzumaki Raiden, we've detected spies near your residence. For your safety, we propose relocating you to a secure facility within the village. Additionally, the secret techniques left by Mito-sama must be moved to a safer location."

Danzo's tone left no room for negotiation. He framed the transfer as a necessity, aiming to further restrict Raiden's movements while seizing the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques.

Raiden smiled, feigning innocence. "Elder Danzo, where exactly would this 'secure facility' be?"

Danzo's reply was swift. "A location I oversee, where both you and the secret techniques will be well-guarded."

Raiden's smile didn't waver, but his tone grew sharper. "Sarutobi-sensei, I've recently noticed the Nine Tails' seal loosening. I've been working to reinforce it, and any disruption now could be catastrophic. Moving me might risk breaking the seal entirely."

Hiruzen's expression darkened, understanding the implications. Before he could respond, Danzo lost his composure. "Boy, you—"

In an instant, Danzo lunged forward, gripping Raiden's throat with one hand. A black curse mark began forming on the boy's skin, the oppressive chakra filling the room.

"Danzo! Stop this at once!" Hiruzen barked, his anger palpable.

Reluctantly, Danzo released Raiden, who staggered back, clutching his throat. "Teacher!" Raiden cried, his voice trembling with exaggerated hurt. "Elder Danzo cursed me! I know he's acting for Konoha's sake, but isn't this going too far?"

Hiruzen's eyes burned with fury as he glared at Danzo. "Remove the curse. Now!"

Danzo smirked but left the office without a word, trailed by Homura and Koharu.

After they were gone, Hiruzen turned to Raiden, guilt etched across his face. "Raiden, I—"

"It's alright, Sarutobi-sensei," Raiden interrupted, placing a snack on the Hokage's desk. "I trust you'll handle this. I'll stay where I am—it's safer for everyone."

Before Hiruzen could reply, Raiden's shadow clone dispersed, leaving the Hokage alone with his thoughts. Realizing he had been speaking to a clone, Hiruzen sighed heavily. "This boy grows trickier by the day."

Meanwhile, Danzo returned to his base, unaware that he had been thoroughly outmaneuvered. In his arrogance, he believed the Nine Tails Jinchuriki was now under his control.

Far from the village center, in his secluded courtyard, the real Raiden smirked as the shadow clone's memories flowed back to him.

"Danzo, you really thought you could control me?" he murmured, resuming his sword practice. "You've underestimated the power of green tea."

(End of Chapter 67)

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