Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

On a spring night in April, the sky was adorned with countless stars, and a bright moon hung high, casting its silvery glow over the world below. The moonlight filtered through the cherry blossom trees, illuminating the ground in the yard.

Raiden Uzumaki, who had spent the entire day practicing, lay beneath the cherry blossom tree, studying a scroll in the moonlight. Beside him, a small stone platform held a lit candle, its flickering flame casting dancing shadows.

Though the village had long embraced the use of electricity, with extensive applications everywhere, Raiden's home remained untouched by such conveniences. Here, everything retained a primitive simplicity.

That afternoon, a major shift occurred among the Anbu guarding Raiden. All the Root-affiliated ninjas under Danzo's command had been reassigned. Now, Raiden's security was entrusted entirely to the Third Hokage's loyal Anbu. However, this restructuring had left the Anbu stretched thin.

While Konoha's external conflicts had subsided, the borders near the Land of Rain still demanded vigilance, with many Anbu stationed there to gather intelligence. These Anbu primarily reported directly to Sarutobi Hiruzen. Consequently, only nine Anbu remained to guard Raiden, split into three teams. Though their strength was modest, their loyalty to the Third Hokage was unquestionable.

In the woods near Raiden's home, three Anbu concealed themselves, vigilantly observing the yard by the waterfall. However, they failed to notice several bees creeping toward them along the ground. As the insects landed on their feet, the Anbu instinctively tried to swat them away. In that moment, a swarm of insects erupted from the ground, engulfing them. Without even a scream, the Anbu collapsed into shriveled husks, their chakra drained entirely.

From the shadows, four figures emerged, led by Shimura Danzo.

"Danzo-sama, the other five guards have been neutralized, but one escaped," a masked subordinate reported.

Danzo nodded. "It doesn't matter. We have enough time."

He stepped out of the woods with his three subordinates in tow. Insects swarmed ahead, climbing over the high walls and into the yard. Inside, Raiden, still reclining under the cherry blossom tree, appeared oblivious to the danger. His attention was fixed on the scroll, though his right hand already gripped the Totsuka Blade.

With a thunderous crash, the gate of the house was blown apart. Danzo stood at the threshold while his subordinates advanced cautiously.

"That gate cost me a fortune," Raiden muttered, brushing dust off his clothes as he stood. With a puff of smoke, the scroll in his hand vanished.

Danzo and his men tensed at the display. Danzo's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Raiden's throat for the curse mark but found none, sending a chill through him.

"Go!" Danzo ordered coldly. Swarms of insects surged toward Raiden, while the Anbu launched claws attached to chains, aiming to immobilize him. The attack was well-coordinated, designed to avoid the barriers Raiden had placed around his yard.

Raiden smirked. "Danzo-sama, what brings you here?"

With a flick of his Totsuka Blade, a lightning-infused thunder net formed, disintegrating the advancing swarm. When the chains latched onto his blade, purple electricity surged along them. The Anbu immediately released the chains, avoiding the shock.

"Impressive reaction speed," Raiden remarked. "You're no amateurs."

Danzo's face darkened. "So young, yet so skilled in manipulating lightning's nature and form. I underestimated you."

One of Danzo's Anbu began forming a hand seal—a gesture unique to the Yamanaka clan. Realizing the threat, Raiden's heart skipped a beat. He quickly activated a barrier seal, enveloping himself in black smoke and extinguishing the surrounding candles. Hidden in the darkness, Raiden prepared for his next move.

Danzo unleashed a Wind Style: Vacuum Wave, clearing the smoke. From within the dissipating haze, several lightning snakes struck at Danzo's group. They scattered, dodging the attack and regrouping outside the yard.

"A defensive seal, is it?" Danzo mused. But before he could strategize, Raiden appeared beside the Yamanaka Anbu, his blade aimed at his heart.

"Eliminate the most troublesome ones first," Raiden muttered.

The Yamanaka Anbu blocked the strike, but Raiden quickly adjusted, slashing horizontally. Though the Anbu avoided a fatal blow, he suffered a deep wound. Undeterred, Raiden pressed the attack, targeting the Yamanaka Anbu's chest with a thrust. Simultaneously, the other two Anbu struck Raiden from behind with their short swords.

However, Raiden's figure dispersed in a puff of smoke—a shadow clone. The real Raiden emerged from the ground, gripping his blade and twisting it upward, slicing the Yamanaka Anbu nearly in half. Blood sprayed, staining Raiden's clothes. He swiftly finished the job, slitting the Anbu's throat to ensure his death.

The remaining Anbu retreated to Danzo's side, warily watching Raiden, who now stood amidst the carnage.

Danzo's grim expression deepened. "This child has mastered ninjutsu far beyond his years. His chakra control and proficiency rival those of experienced Jōnin."

Raiden, undeterred, weighed his options. I can't match Danzo in close combat. My best chance is to use my Uzumaki chakra reserves to overwhelm him from a distance.

His resolve hardened. Kill Danzo here. As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, the Third Hokage won't punish me severely. My life is already under constant surveillance—what's a little more?

Forming seals, Raiden summoned a large number of shadow clones, surrounding Danzo's group.

"A multiple shadow clone technique? On this scale?" one Anbu murmured in disbelief.

The clones unleashed a barrage of Lightning Style techniques, illuminating the night sky. Danzo countered with a Summoning Jutsu, calling forth a massive yellow beast. The creature inhaled, swallowing the lightning attacks before exhaling harmless white smoke.

"How is this possible?" Raiden muttered. Hidden among his clones, he watched as his powerful ninjutsu was rendered ineffective.

Danzo retaliated with two wind-enhanced shurikens, slicing through Raiden's clones. Raiden retreated to his house, relying on the defensive barrier to buy time.

Danzo, undeterred, summoned a Fuma Shuriken infused with wind chakra, aiming it at the house. The barrier repelled the attack, leaving Danzo visibly frustrated.

"Someone's coming, Danzo-sama. We should leave," one of his Anbu warned, retrieving the Yamanaka Anbu's corpse. Danzo reluctantly agreed, retreating with his team and leaving behind the chaotic battlefield.

In the woods, Sarutobi Hiruzen and his Anbu rushed toward Raiden's house. The Third Hokage questioned Fang, the lone surviving guard, about the attack. Fang reported the presence of bees but claimed he saw no attackers.

"Bees? The Insect Tamers from Iwagakure!" Hiruzen speculated aloud, though his expression hinted at deeper suspicions. Whatever the truth, Hiruzen resolved to prioritize the village's safety above all else—even if it meant forgiving certain transgressions.

(End of Chapter)

>>>>>>>

Please leave PowerStones and Reviews if you're enjoying the story

Read up to Chapter 100 ahead on [Patreon.com/ggfanfiction]