Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Konoha Hospital

The bustling corridors of Konoha Hospital were filled with activity as medics and patients moved about. Uzumaki Kushina, wearing a medical gown and surgical mask, stood at the end of one hallway, speaking to three young genin who had just delivered baskets of herbs.

"Ms. Kushina, these are the herbs for the antidote. Lady Tsunade asked us to bring them to you," one of the boys said, his voice filled with pride.

Kushina smiled, taking the baskets. "Oh, good work! Speaking of which, the Chunin Exams are coming up soon. You three plan to participate, right?"

"Yes! We've signed up, and we're going to become Chunin for sure!" the boy in the center replied confidently, puffing out his chest.

Kushina was about to encourage them further when sudden exclamations echoed through the hospital corridor.

"Who's that? He looks so cool!"

"He's so handsome!"

Kushina glanced toward the source of the commotion, her curiosity piqued. At the far end of the hallway, a tall, red-haired young man clad in black walked confidently toward them, a sword resting in his arms. His commanding presence and piercing aura left everyone around him in awe.

The three genin froze, sensing the man's overwhelming chakra.

"What... what a strong aura!"

"He's terrifying!"

Kushina's expression shifted the moment she recognized him. She stepped forward, anger blazing in her eyes.

"So, you finally decided to come back!" she shouted, her voice sharp and unrelenting. "After all these years without a single word, you dare show your face here?"

Her words startled the genin, who shrank back, unsure of what to expect next.

"I got caught up in some things," Uzumaki Raiden replied, his tone calm but tinged with guilt. "Sorry."

"Sorry?" Kushina growled. "You think 'sorry' is enough?!"

Before Raiden could react, Kushina stormed toward him, her fist glowing with chakra. She delivered a devastating punch to his face, sending him flying into the wall at the end of the corridor.

Boom!

The building shook from the impact, and dust filled the air as debris fell to the ground.

"Wha—what just happened?" one of the genin stammered.

"Is he her enemy? She just... obliterated him!" another whispered.

At that moment, a blond figure appeared beside Kushina in a flash of yellow light.

"Kushina, are you okay? What's going on?" Namikaze Minato asked, his expression serious. He had sensed her chakra surge and immediately teleported to her side using his Flying Thunder God technique.

"It's Minato-sama!" the genin exclaimed in admiration.

Kushina, however, ignored Minato's question, glaring at the cloud of dust where Raiden had landed. "Don't just sit there playing dead! Get out here right now!"

A voice emerged from the settling dust, tinged with exasperation. "After all these years, your temper hasn't mellowed one bit. Keep this up, and no one will want to marry you."

As the dust cleared, Raiden's figure came into view. Though embedded in the wall, he appeared entirely unharmed, brushing off the dust on his clothes.

"You're... Raiden?" Minato asked, staring at the young man in disbelief.

"Of course, it's me. What's wrong, Minato? Forgotten me already?" Raiden replied with a teasing smile, stepping out of the crater he had created.

Minato's eyes widened. "You've grown so much... It's really you!"

"Minato-sama, you know him?" one of the genin asked timidly.

"Yes," Minato said, smiling. "This is Uzumaki Raiden, one of Konoha's most talented ninjas. Believe it or not, he's your age—only 13."

"What?!" The genin stared at Raiden in shock, unable to believe that someone so tall and imposing could be the same age as them.

Raiden turned to Kushina, his expression softening. "Sister, I'm back."

Kushina's anger melted away as tears welled up in her eyes. She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Raiden, holding him tightly.

"You idiot," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Do you have any idea how worried I've been? If something had happened to you, how could I face our parents?"

"I'm sorry," Raiden said quietly, his guilt evident. "I promise it won't happen again."

A Joyous Reunion

That evening, Kushina hosted a celebratory dinner at the Senju residence, where she had been living since Uzumaki Mito's passing. The once-quiet home was filled with laughter and conversation as Raiden reunited with old friends.

Among the guests were Tsunade, Nawaki, Jiraiya, Minato, Fugaku, Hiashi, and Might Duy. The gathering, though informal, brought together some of Konoha's most influential figures.

Tsunade teased Raiden about his growth, while Jiraiya praised his newfound strength. Nawaki and Minato, both close to Raiden in age, exchanged stories and sparred with him verbally.

As the night wore on, Raiden found himself reflecting on the bonds he had forged over the years. These people, who had shaped his life in different ways, were now part of his future.

Planning the Future

Later that night, Raiden returned to his home by the waterfall. The secluded courtyard was alive with activity, Anbu stationed discreetly in the surrounding woods to ensure his safety.

Sitting alone under the cherry blossoms, Raiden gazed up at the starry sky. The events of the day played through his mind, but his thoughts drifted to the road ahead.

"The time has come to take the next step," he murmured to himself. "Tomorrow, I'll see the old man and figure out what's next."

With his resolve strengthened, Uzumaki Raiden closed his eyes, ready to face whatever the future held.

(End of Chapter)

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