Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

The death of Uzumaki Mito caused no visible ripple in Konoha. As one of the village's top secrets, all information regarding Mito's passing and the transfer of the Nine Tails Jinchuriki was strictly controlled by the village's upper echelons. Only a select few were aware of these events.

Amid this secrecy, Konoha's front-line battles progressed favorably. After the armistice agreement with the Cloud Village, Shimura Danzo, who had overseen the war effort in the Land of Lightning, returned to the village. Meanwhile, Hatake Sakumo led reinforcements to the Land of Rain to assist Mitokado Homura in the war against the Land of Earth.

Sakumo's arrival turned the tide of the war in the Land of Rain in Konoha's favor. By December of that year, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade were sent as a diplomatic delegation to the Rain Village to meet its leader, the legendary Salamander Hanzo. However, for reasons unknown, their meeting escalated into a fierce battle. After testing their strength, Hanzo acknowledged their abilities and agreed to ally with Konoha, withdrawing his support from the Land of Earth.

The battle earned Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade the moniker of Konoha's Sannin, a title that quickly spread across the ninja world. Following this alliance, Konoha launched aggressive attacks on the remaining forces of the Land of Earth, steadily reclaiming territory in the Rain. Eventually, under mounting pressure, the Third Tsuchikage sought a truce. The Second Ninja World War came to an uneasy pause, with the northern mountain range of the Rain acting as the demarcation line.

As hostilities eased, Konoha began recalling its forces. By spring, many shinobi returned to a village that was finally beginning to heal from the trials of war.

April – The Edge of Konoha Village

At the edge of Konoha, near a man-made waterfall, stood an isolated house. Surrounded by high walls and empty fields, the estate was a solitary stronghold. A single giant cherry blossom tree in full bloom dominated the yard, its petals scattering with the spring breeze.

Under the tree, Uzumaki Raiden reclined against the trunk, eyes closed, appearing at peace. His fiery red hair swayed slightly in the wind, framing his delicate yet striking face. Dressed in a loose white swordsman uniform, Raiden exuded an air of calm authority. A sleek black katana, the Totsuka Blade, rested beside him, its blade gleaming faintly.

Despite his relaxed demeanor, Raiden's hand idly traced the sword's edge, as though in quiet communion with the weapon.

The tranquil moment was interrupted by the arrival of seven masked figures emerging from the forest. Their cautious movements betrayed their intent as they approached the house.

"Who goes there? Halt!"

A group of Konoha Anbu appeared, stepping out of the shadows to intercept the intruders. The Anbu, vigilant and armed, showed no hesitation in their defensive stance.

"I am here under orders from Hokage-sama to escort Uzumaki Raiden to the Hokage's office," declared one of the masked figures.

"Orders from Hokage-sama?"

The Anbu's leader, wearing a fox mask, issued a curt command. "Attack!"

The Anbu struck with precision, their ambush swift and calculated. Yet the masked intruders were prepared. Evading the assault, they vanished back into the forest, avoiding confrontation altogether.

"Do not pursue them. Continue guarding this location. I'll report to Hokage-sama immediately," said the fox-masked Anbu, quickly summoning a hawk to carry the message to the village.

Within the yard, Raiden opened his eyes at the sound of the explosion from the forest. Rising to his feet, he dusted off his uniform and picked up the Totsuka Blade, resting it casually on his shoulder. As he turned toward the house, the fox-masked Anbu appeared before him.

"Fang, what are you doing here?" Raiden asked, his tone laced with irritation.

Since Uzumaki Mito's death, Raiden, now the Nine Tails Jinchuriki, had been effectively placed under house arrest. Officially, the Third Hokage and the village council claimed it was to ensure his safety. In reality, Raiden knew it was a calculated effort to monitor and control him. Anbu teams, some loyal to Danzo's Root, patrolled the area constantly.

This isolation grated on Raiden. Save for occasional visits from Kushina and Tsunade, no one was allowed near his home. Any attempt to leave was met with scrutiny, and Raiden had long since stopped trying.

"Lord Raiden, there was an explosion nearby. I came to ensure your safety," Fang explained, bowing slightly in deference.

"You were told not to step into this yard without my permission," Raiden said coldly. "Are you ignoring my warnings, Fang?"

A visible surge of chakra surrounded Raiden, its pressure sending a clear message. Before Fang could respond, black seals materialized around his feet, immobilizing him. With one hand, Raiden lifted the Anbu and hurled him out of the yard.

The other Anbu rushed to Fang's aid. "Captain! Are you alright?"

"Don't worry," Fang said, brushing off the dirt as he stood. "Lord Raiden is just as… spirited as ever."

Nearby, a junior Anbu voiced his frustration. "Why do we tolerate this? We should—"

"Enough," snapped an older Anbu, silencing him. "You don't understand who you're dealing with. Do not provoke him, or you'll share the same fate as the last fool who dared to cross him."

Inside the dojo, Raiden practiced his swordsmanship. For six months, he had endured this confinement, and the isolation was wearing on him. His only solace was training and the occasional conversation with the Nine Tails sealed within him.

"You're growing restless," the Nine Tails remarked. "Why not release me? I could easily handle these so-called protectors of yours."

Raiden chuckled dryly. "You think you'd solve my problems? The real danger isn't outside this house. It's within the village."

The Nine Tails fell silent, seemingly amused by Raiden's sharp insight.

At the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen read Fang's report with a grim expression. The quiet was broken by the arrival of Danzo Shimura, accompanied by Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.

"Hiruzen, the situation is escalating. Spies have started taking an interest in the Nine Tails' location," Danzo declared.

"We must act quickly. Raiden and the sealing techniques left by Mito-sama must be relocated. The risk is too great," Koharu added.

Hiruzen closed his eyes, weighing the options. "We will discuss this matter later," he said finally, his tone brooking no argument.

Danzo scowled but said nothing more, knowing the debate was far from over.

(End of Chapter 66)

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