"About the Village, you say? What exactly have you been pondering?" Ashina's gaze was sharp, his curiosity piqued by his grandson's unexpected foray into matters of state.
"Well," Akashi began, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow, "I've been considering how we can bolster our strength and expand our numbers. We suffered significant losses in the invasion, and while our resilience saw us through, we need a more robust shinobi force. Furthermore, relying solely on our own clan makes us predictable. We need allies, Grandfather, allies we can truly trust."
Mina's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "Akashi, have you truly been contemplating such weighty matters?" The intricacies of clan strength and strategic alliances seemed far beyond the grasp of a mere three-year-old.
Asahi, however, beamed with paternal pride. "That's an excellent mindset to cultivate, son. You are the heir to this clan, and one day you will bear the mantle of Clan Head. It warms my heart to see you already exhibiting the foresight of a leader. You will make a fine Clan Head one day." He seemed to take Akashi's precocious intellect in stride, viewing it as a testament to his lineage.
Ashina leaned forward, his interest now fully ignited. "Have you conceived of any concrete solutions, Akashi?" This was a matter that had weighed heavily on his mind since the brutal invasion.
Akashi offered a deliberately bashful smile. "I have a few ideas," he said, affecting a touch of childish modesty. He understood the importance of balancing his advanced intellect with the facade of a child, lest he alienate his parents and raise too many unsettling questions.
"Firstly," he continued, his voice gaining a more serious tone, "I believe we should establish a formal shinobi academy within the village. This academy shouldn't be exclusive to Uzumaki clan members. The civilians of Uzushiogakure, though fewer in number, are still our people. Many would likely embrace the opportunity to become shinobi and defend their home." This initiative, he reasoned, would not only expand their potential recruitment pool but also foster a stronger sense of unity within the village.
"An academy, you say?" Ashina stroked his beard thoughtfully. "An intriguing concept. Several other villages have implemented similar systems, and they have proven effective in rapidly bolstering their ranks, especially during times of conflict. You also mentioned allies… have you any specific clans in mind?"
"Yes, Grandfather," Akashi replied, his gaze steady. "But before I offer my suggestion, allow me to ask you a question. What do you believe distinguishes us, the Uzumaki, from all other shinobi villages?"
Asahi spoke first, his answer immediate. "Our Fuinjutsu, of course?" Ashina nodded in agreement, turning back to Akashi for confirmation.
"No," Akashi stated simply. "While our sealing techniques are indeed unique and powerful, that is not our fundamental difference."
"Then what is it?" Mina asked, her brow furrowed in contemplation.
"Our village is unique because it is comprised almost entirely of a single clan," Akashi explained. "Every shinobi, with very few exceptions, bears the Uzumaki name."
The three adults fell into a thoughtful silence, considering the implications of his words. Finally, Ashina spoke, his gaze penetrating. "So… you perceive this homogeneity as a weakness?"
"Precisely, Grandfather," Akashi affirmed. "I hold immense pride in our clan's strength and heritage. However, when enemies come to Uzushiogakure, they already possess a comprehensive understanding of our capabilities. We lack strategic diversity. Our fighting styles, our techniques – they are all rooted in the Uzumaki tradition. This predictability makes us easier to analyze, easier to counter."
A collective understanding dawned on the faces of the three adults. Akashi's seemingly simple observation had illuminated a critical vulnerability.
"That is… a rather glaring oversight," Ashina admitted, a hint of self-reproach in his voice. "But if we are to bring in another clan, which one? Most unaffiliated clans are either… less than formidable or possess a certain… unpredictable element."
Akashi conceded the difficulty. His knowledge of the myriad shinobi clans was limited, gleaned primarily from the skewed perspective of the Naruto anime. However, he recalled one particular clan, powerful yet ostracized.
"That was a hurdle I considered as well, Grandfather," Akashi said. "However, I recently overheard discussions in the market – Mother was inquiring about local medicinal herbs – and I learned of a clan that was unjustly accused and banished from their homeland. If we were to offer them sanctuary, their unique abilities could significantly augment our village's strength. With their support, we could also dedicate more resources to establishing the academy and identifying other potential allies."
"A banished clan, you say?" Ashina's brow furrowed in thought. "I cannot recall any such recent event. Which clan are you referring to, Akashi?"
"The Chinoike Clan," Akashi stated, "who reside in the Valley of Hell. From what I gathered, they possess potent ocular abilities, akin to the Uchiha's Sharingan of Konoha."
Ashina's eyes widened slightly. "The Chinoike… a formidable clan indeed. And you are correct, they are currently unaffiliated with any major village."
"Father," Asahi interjected, a thoughtful expression on his face, "aren't they the ones with the… blood manipulation techniques?"
"Yes, that is them," Ashina confirmed. "They are also highly skilled in Genjutsu. Their unique abilities would complement our strengths beautifully. We excel in Taijutsu and Fuinjutsu, while they specialize in Genjutsu and certain forms of Ninjutsu. An alliance with the Chinoike would significantly enhance our tactical flexibility and overall combat prowess."
A decisive nod crossed Ashina's face. "Consider it done, Akashi. Tomorrow, I will convene an emergency meeting with the elder council to discuss the matters you have raised. Do not fret, my boy. I have a strong feeling your proposals will be met with approval. You may not fully realize it, but your strategic insights during the invasion have earned you a considerable degree of respect amongst the elders."
Wow, Akashi thought, a flicker of surprise registering within him. He hadn't fully grasped the extent of his influence. Hopefully, this newfound trust doesn't backfire later.
"That's wonderful, Grandfather. I'm eager to see what the future holds. But… you mentioned you also had something you wished to discuss with me?"
Ashina's expression shifted, becoming more serious. "That is correct, Akashi. During the recent battle, we managed to successfully seal away the Seven-Tailed Beast. It was a hard-won victory, and the question of its disposition has been… a matter of intense debate. After much deliberation, the elder council has reached a decision. Your name was… frequently mentioned. We believe… that you should become Uzushiogakure's first Jinchuriki. That is, of course, if you are willing."
Jinchuriki? This was a significant deviation from the established canon, a development that sent a jolt of both excitement and trepidation through Akashi. Possessing a Tailed Beast would undoubtedly grant him immense power, but it would also paint a massive target on his back. Had Ashina offered one of the weaker Tailed Beasts, he might have declined. But the Nanabi, just a step below the formidable Hachibi, was a prize too significant to easily dismiss. He recalled the glimpses of its power in the anime, often underestimated and rarely utilized to its full potential.
Turning to face his grandfather, Akashi weighed his options carefully. The potential for growth, the raw power at his fingertips… it was a gamble, but one he felt compelled to take. A determined glint entered his eyes. "I'll do it, Grandfather! I will become Uzushiogakure's first Jinchuriki, and I will make everyone proud! Believe it!" The familiar catchphrase from his past life slipped out instinctively.
Ashina chuckled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "Haha! That's the spirit, Akashi! Good, good. I will inform the others and we will begin preparations for the sealing ceremony in the coming days."
"Dad," Mina interjected, her voice suddenly sharp, her face flushed a shade of crimson that rivaled her hair. "Aren't you forgetting something rather… important?"
"Ah! Yes, of course! My apologies, my dear. The food was exquisite, truly delicious," Ashina said hastily, offering Mina a kind smile.
"Delicious?" Mina's voice rose an octave. "Really? I wonder why you didn't think to consult the mother of the boy you plan on implanting a monster inside!" Her fury was palpable.
"Ah… well… Asahi did mention that he had discussed it with you and that you were… agreeable?" Ashina offered weakly, his gaze shifting nervously towards his son-in-law.
Instantly, Asahi's eyes widened in panic. With a yelp of pure terror, he bolted towards the door, Mina hot on his heels, a whirlwind of red hair and righteous fury.
Akashi couldn't help but chuckle at the familiar domestic squabble. This is why I like them, he thought warmly.
"Grandfather," Akashi asked, his gaze turning back to the departing Clan Head, "before you leave… do you think I could begin my ninja training soon?" He offered his grandfather his best puppy-dog eyes.
Ashina stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, yes. I believe the time is indeed right for you to begin your training, Akashi. Bearing the responsibility of a Tailed Beast is no small matter, and strength is always a valuable asset. I will find a suitable instructor for you and introduce you once I have identified someone worthy."
With that, Ashina bid Akashi farewell and departed, leaving the young boy to contemplate the monumental changes unfolding in his new life. A Jinchuriki. The fate of Uzushiogakure, and perhaps even the wider world, was becoming increasingly intertwined with his own destiny.
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End of 7th chapter
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Author's Note:
Hey everyone! I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the potential addition of the Chinoike Clan to Uzushiogakure. What kind of dynamics and storylines do you think this could create? Also, are there any other ninja clans from the Naruto universe, perhaps smaller or less prominent ones, that you think would be interesting additions to Uzushiogakure's growing community in the future? Your ideas and feedback are always appreciated!