Naruto: The Beginning

[3rd person pov]

As Aina's tears fell, the old Uzumaki's right hand stretched out to her face. Gently holding her chin, she began to wipe away her tears with her thumb. "Don't cry, dear... please don't," she pleaded, as tears also started to form in the old woman's eyes.

Tatsuya, witnessing this emotional exchange, felt a surge of confusion. Just as he was about to voice his thoughts, chakra moved from his grandma's fingertips to his neck. Everything started to spin around him, and he collapsed into his grandma's arms, completely losing consciousness.

Aina, startled by her child's sudden collapse, reached out to grab him. Her face already showed traces of tears when her mother stopped her. "It's alright, dear, I did that," she explained, appearing contemplative, as if weighing whether to share her next words or not.

"Why, Mom? I don't understand anything you're doing," Aina's voice trembled before continuing. "Is it something that Tatsuya shouldn't be aware of?"

The old Uzumaki hummed, gently clearing the tears from Aina's face. "Aina, dear, what I'm about to tell you ,must not be revealed to anyone. Since my demise is near, it's only you who can guide Little Tatsuya and everyone else to the best possible outcome."

In a whispering voice, barely audible to Aina alone, she spoke, "What is it, Mom? Why would—"

Aina was interrupted as she tried to understand her mother's intentions. "Quiet, dear. Although what I saw was in possible branches... like, if this happened, then the future would be good; if that happened, the future would be okay-okay... and so on. You know, various branches. As the possible outcomes always change, even with minor actions."

Continuing, she explained, "The future is bleak for us, dear. Uzushiogakure itself is in danger... but this is not what fears me. This whole world... is somehow inching towards great destruction, and at the center of it all will be this little one."

Her voice had turned extremely soft, filled with sorrow and pity. Aina's eyes widened, concern etched on her face.

"What do you mean, Mom? How is Tatsuya related to all of this... and what has actually led you to see the future?" Aina's voice was laced with worry, her eyes fixed intently on her mother.

"Don't ask, Aina. I can't answer, or the future will turn even more disastrous." Aina gulped as her mom paused, a heavy silence lingering in the air.

"One year ago, the arrangement of stars around the southern region of the sky changed rapidly. It had never happened before, and there were no records of it ever occurring. ...you do know, Aina, our branch of Uzumaki's were not actually born to fight," she began, her eyes taking on a faraway look.

"Some other branches have the Kagura's Mind Eye, some have Adamantine Sealing Chains, some have the ability to transfer vitality... Only you were an anomaly; our side of the branch had none of these capabilities. Our numbers dwindled, as even our fellow Uzumaki's didn't wish to marry anyone from our side... But somehow, I caught the eyes of your father."

A small, nostalgic smile appeared on her lips as she finished speaking. "Now, you are the last one of our side... Few awaken multiple kekkei... You and Ashina were one of them. Well, anyway, what I was actually saying is that our branch of Uzumaki's did have a kekkei... That is, if you call it that. The ability to predict, combined with our natural talent for Fuinjutsu, led us to observe the stars, and for years, we have been trying to come up with formulas through which we can see the future."

A long explanation followed, and Aina's fists trembled as she learned more about the heritage of her mother's side of the branch. Never before had she mentioned it to her.

"Thus, after seeing the rapid changes in the arrangement of celestial bodies... I just had to do it," she said, a hint of desperation creeping into her voice. "Although the method was extremely faulty, since I was only able to view everything in branches, in addition to an immense loss of my lifespan... I just had to."

Her voice sounded defeated, and Aina's heart went out to her. "Now, whatever I'm about to say, you will ask me no questions about it." Her tone was commanding, leaving no room for objections.

Aina hummed, showing her consent.

Slowly, her mom's voice became void of emotions, and she sounded nothing like her original sweet self. It was as if someone had possessed her body as she spoke the following words.

"Five things, for a better outcome, these five things must be done. And you will be the source who has to execute or make others execute it. "

"First, Tatsuya must not be allowed to open his chakra pathways before the age of five.He can only train himself physically until then.

Second, __________

________

________

________".

As she foretold the actions Aina must take, they had no idea what was actually happening in the Land of Whirlpools. Aina's mother continued to reveal the crucial steps Aina must execute or make others execute, completely unaware of the changes happening outside the house.

A heavy storm had suddenly eclipsed the entire land, and rain started pouring down relentlessly. Just a minute ago, the sun had been shining brightly, but the rapid shift in weather made every resident of the Land of Whirlpools tense with unease.

Aina's father, who was working in a small hut on the backside of the mountain, saw the rapid changes in weather and immediately became alert.

He hastily abandoned his research on sealing formulas, which had been his focus for the past week, ever since he had learned that his wife's life was nearing its end.

His ultimate goal had been to discover a way to reverse aging, but now, his concern for his family's safety took precedence.

Meanwhile, Ashina, who was sitting at his desk reviewing the assigned missions, also took notice of the sudden and ominous change in the weather. An unsettling premonition washed over him, prompting him to immediately abandon his duties and set off for his home, eager to ensure the safety of his loved ones.

As Aina's mother finished revealing the crucial tasks, her voice gradually returned to its natural tone. However, it was clear that what remained of her vitality was rapidly dwindling. Aina, holding her mother's right hand, immediately sensed the alarming loss of energy.

She stood up, concern and worry etched on her face.

"What's happening to you, Mom?" Aina asked, her voice trembling.

"Nothing, sweetie... it seems six months is now my limit," her mother replied with a weak chuckle, her voice sweet but tired.

Just then, the door behind them opened, and Ashina and Aina's father rushed in, looking terrified and concerned. Aina, however, didn't seem surprised by their sudden arrival.

"Dad, why don't we just find another Uzumaki member who can transfer some vitality to Mom, so she can live longer again?" Aina asked her father, skipping formalities like greetings.

Her question was prompted by the assumption that they had also somehow sensed the rapid decrease in her mother's vitality, which explained their frantic arrival. What did surprise her, though, was that both Ashina and her father had arrived at the same time, their faces etched with terror.

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