Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Konoha, within the Hokage's office.

Mitokadu Homura and Koharu Utatane sat in silence, momentarily subdued by Uzumaki Raiden's sudden burst of chakra. Sarutobi Hiruzen, sensing the tension, stepped in to diffuse the situation, granting Raiden's request.

Hearing Hiruzen's decision, Homura and Koharu exchanged glances but refrained from further argument. Both were seasoned veterans who had weathered countless conflicts, and the sheer power Raiden displayed had not gone unnoticed. They understood that this red-haired young man now held enough strength to influence high-level decisions.

"Homura, Koharu, you two should return for now. I'll handle the arrangements for Duy," Hiruzen said, addressing his old comrades. "I want to speak with Raiden alone."

The two elders, experienced in reading the Hokage's intent, nodded in understanding and stood to leave. Before departing, Homura turned and said, "We'll arrange for Duy's funeral."

"Thank you," Hiruzen replied with a polite nod. Raiden, observing the exchange, watched them leave without comment.

Once the elders were gone, Raiden relaxed, rubbing his face before finding a seat in the office.

"You've grown sharper over the years. I suppose that's the brashness of youth," Hiruzen said with a wry smile, showing no concern over Raiden's earlier outburst.

"It wasn't a choice," Raiden muttered as he adjusted into a comfortable position. "Teacher, what did you want to talk about?"

Hiruzen's expression softened as he replied, "If it had been my choice, I wouldn't have made you a Jinchūriki either. It was for your safety—and Konoha's survival."

Raiden didn't respond immediately. After a pause, Hiruzen leaned forward and asked, "How much control do you have over the Nine-Tails' chakra now?"

The Hokage's gaze was filled with hope. From Raiden's strength on the battlefield, Hiruzen had high expectations. If Raiden could fully control the Nine-Tails, he would be an unmatched asset in ensuring Konoha's security.

"I thought you'd ask something else," Raiden said with a faint smirk. "If I must explain, I can only use the chakra that the Nine-Tails passively leaks. By my standards, I'd call it the third stage of Jinchūriki mastery. I'm far from Uzumaki Mito's level, but it's only a matter of time before I fully control the Nine-Tails."

Raiden briefly explained his system of Jinchūriki mastery:

Stage One: Passive, minor bursts of tailed beast chakra. Limited to partial control of the beast's energy. Stage Two: Half-transformation, where the tailed beast's chakra manifests physically, often at the cost of the Jinchūriki's consciousness. Stage Three: Partial control over the tailed beast's chakra, where the Jinchūriki can access significant reserves without forming a full connection. However, the seal remains intact, and the beast's cooperation is not guaranteed. Stage Four: Perfect synchronization, where the Jinchūriki and tailed beast achieve mutual understanding. The Jinchūriki can fully transform into the beast and wield its power without restriction.

"I've reached the third stage, but I haven't seized any chakra. I'm only utilizing what naturally leaks from the Nine-Tails. Uzumaki Mito could forcefully draw its chakra—I'm not there yet," Raiden clarified.

Hiruzen absorbed the explanation, his initial hope fading. "So, you can use the Nine-Tails' chakra, but it's limited?"

"That's about it," Raiden admitted.

Hiruzen's disappointment was evident, and Raiden couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. "Teacher, don't look so down. Even without relying on the Nine-Tails, I'm strong enough to handle most enemies in the ninja world. And as Jinchūriki, you don't have to worry about the beast running wild."

Hiruzen sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I understand, Raiden. But Konoha is in a dire state. The prolonged war has pushed us to the brink. Even fresh academy graduates are being sent to the frontlines."

"Konoha will prevail, teacher. I'll see to it." Raiden stood, his tone resolute. "I'm going to visit Duy's son. After the funeral, I'll return to the frontlines in the Land of Lightning."

Hiruzen looked up at his student, the weariness on his face replaced with a faint smile. "Go."

Raiden gave a nod before leaving the office. Once alone, Hiruzen rose and stared out the window, gazing at the peaceful village. Silence enveloped him as he contemplated Konoha's future.

Nighttime.

Raiden arrived at Duy's home. With the help of Konoha's ninja, a simple mourning hall had been set up. Duy had no living relatives aside from his son, Guy, and few friends to attend the wake.

Inside the hall, Guy knelt beside his father's body. His tears had long since dried, and his face was marked with grief. When Raiden entered, Guy bowed deeply in respect.

"Guy," Raiden began softly, "your father fought the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. He and Fugaku killed four of them. I've secured their blades."

Reaching into his cloak, Raiden retrieved a scroll. With a puff of smoke, four ninja swords appeared before him, still bearing the marks of battle.

"These blades are your father's legacy. Hokage-sama has approved their transfer to you for safekeeping and use. The Lightning Blade will go to Fugaku—it suits his abilities better."

Guy's hands trembled as he stared at the weapons. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he knelt motionless for a long time.

Raiden sighed, lighting incense and bowing respectfully before Duy's body. He turned to leave, but Guy's voice stopped him.

"Lord Raiden, wait!" Guy scrambled to his feet, rushing to kneel before him. "Thank you!"

Placing his hands on the floor, Guy bowed deeply. Even in his grief, he understood the significance of Raiden's actions. Without his intervention, these weapons would have been claimed by the village and never reached him.

"Train hard, Guy," Raiden said, his voice firm but kind. "Surpass your father. That's what he would have wanted."

With one last glance at Duy's body, Raiden left the mourning hall, leaving Guy to his thoughts.

(End of this chapter)