Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

In the early morning, a soft ray of sunlight filtered through the window of a ward in Konoha Hospital.

"Mmm…"

With a faint groan, Uchiha Fugaku stirred on the hospital bed, slowly opening his eyes. His gaze met the stark white ceiling of the ward. A weight on his chest caught his attention, and as he looked down, he saw his wife, Uchiha Mikoto, resting against him.

"Fugaku? You're awake!" Mikoto's voice was filled with relief as she lifted her head. Overcome with joy, she quickly stood up. "I'll call Kushina!" she exclaimed as she hurried out of the ward.

Moments later, Mikoto returned with Uzumaki Kushina. Draped in a crisp white coat, Kushina entered with a notebook in hand, likely to record Fugaku's condition. Despite her composed demeanor, she carried a warm, reassuring presence.

During the war, Kushina had been assigned to Konoha Hospital to assist in treating injured shinobi. Under Tsunade's guidance, her exceptional chakra control allowed her to master advanced medical ninjutsu rapidly. She now played a pivotal role in Konoha's medical corps.

"Fugaku, do you feel any discomfort?" Kushina asked, flipping through her notes. "Although your chakra exhaustion caused you to collapse, such conditions can sometimes hide underlying issues. You should be careful."

Mikoto gently helped Fugaku sit up as he replied, "I feel weak, but other than that, I'm fine." He paused, a worried look crossing his face. "Duy… Where is Duy? What happened to him?"

Mikoto covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. Kushina's expression darkened as she exchanged a glance with Mikoto.

"He… he's gone," came a voice from the doorway. Uzumaki Raiden stepped into the room, his tone heavy. "Duy passed away."

"Raiden? When did you return?" Fugaku's face fell in disbelief. "Duy… you're saying Duy is dead?"

His memories were fragmented, perhaps his mind shielding him from the trauma of Duy's death. Raiden's words brought a harsh clarity.

Kushina leaned in to whisper to Raiden, "Fugaku's still recovering. Don't push him too hard."

Raiden gave her a reassuring nod. "It's alright."

Turning to Fugaku, he said gently, "If you're awake, you should go see him. Did Duy tell you anything before he died?"

Mikoto stepped forward, her concern evident. "Fugaku just woke up. Can't this wait?"

But Fugaku shook his head firmly. "I need to see him," he said, cutting her off.

Kushina placed a calming hand on Mikoto's shoulder. "Let him go. He'll be fine," she assured her.

Fugaku and Raiden left Konoha Hospital together, Fugaku leaning on Raiden for support as he was still weak. They arrived at the modest home of Might Duy, stopping in front of the gate. Fugaku hesitated, staring at the quiet courtyard.

According to Konoha's customs, Duy's body would be collected that afternoon for burial. After today, Fugaku would never see his friend again.

"Go on," Raiden urged softly. Fugaku nodded and stepped inside.

The gate was unlocked. They entered the house, where a simple mourning hall had been arranged in the main room. The hall was empty save for Might Guy, who knelt silently by his father's body, his expression blank.

"Guy…" Fugaku's voice was thick with emotion.

Guy looked up, startled. "Teacher Fugaku, Lord Raiden!" He staggered to his feet, his legs stiff from kneeling for so long. Raiden quickly steadied him.

"Teacher Fugaku, my father…" Guy began, but Fugaku interrupted, his guilt pouring out.

"I'm sorry, Guy. Your father's death… it's my fault. I was too weak to protect him." His voice broke as he bent down and embraced Guy, tears streaming freely.

Raiden, sensing the need for privacy, quietly left the room. He stood outside, gazing at the morning sky, lost in thought.

By afternoon, Konoha's ninja arrived to collect Duy's body. After a gentle exchange, they carried the body away, with Guy following closely. Raiden and Fugaku watched silently until the group disappeared from view.

Raiden then helped Fugaku back to the hospital.

In the quiet of his hospital ward, Fugaku sat on the bed, looking more resolute than before. "Raiden, I've been thinking all afternoon. There's something I need to tell you."

Raiden leaned forward, listening intently.

"My Sharingan… it's changed. I've awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan," Fugaku confessed, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Raiden's expression didn't waver. Fugaku continued, "I don't know how Konoha's leadership would react if they found out. The power of the Mangekyō is immense. It can even control tailed beasts…"

Fugaku's voice faltered, but Raiden's calm demeanor reassured him. "I trust you, Raiden. I know you're not like them. That's why I told you."

Raiden smiled faintly. "You're trusting me with this because you're afraid I'd see it as a threat, right?"

Fugaku nodded hesitantly.

"You don't need to worry. I've heard about the Mangekyō from my grandmother, Uzumaki Mito. She said it's a higher form of the Sharingan, wielded by legends like Uchiha Madara. But be careful. The Mangekyō has a price—it will eventually cost you your sight if overused."

Raiden paused, then added, "Keep this a secret. For your sake and for the Uchiha clan."

Fugaku's tension eased slightly. "I'll do as you say. But I want you to know, I'll use this power to protect you and Konoha."

Raiden stood, pulling a scroll from his robe. He tossed it onto the bed. "Consider this a gift. It's the Lightning Blade, one of the Seven Ninja Swords. Use it well."

Fugaku stared at the scroll, overwhelmed by the gesture. "Raiden… I won't let you down. I won't feel powerless again."

Raiden nodded and left the room, leaving Fugaku with his thoughts.

(End of this chapter)