Chapter 113: The Found Uzumaki
Confronted by Kagenori's overwhelming presence and the implicit threat in his words, the red-haired woman had no choice but to comply. Her body, weakened by days of starvation, offered no possibility of resistance. A deep-seated resignation settled over her. She had known this day might come; her Uzumaki heritage was a prize, and after years of hiding, she had finally been found.
Kagenori led her through the crowded streets of Kusagakure. It took a long time to find a temporarily deserted corner in a narrow alleyway, away from the prying eyes of the desperate masses.
"What is your name?" Kagenori asked, his voice calm but leaving no room for refusal.
"Uzumaki Miyuki," she whispered.
Hearing the name "Uzumaki," a faint, triumphant smile touched Kagenori's lips. Finally. After all this time, the real prize.
He released his Transformation Jutsu, revealing his true features to her. "My name is Kagenori. This is Hatake Kakashi. We are shinobi of Konoha."
Uzumaki Miyuki's eyes widened in surprise. Konoha? She hadn't expected that. But it made a grim sense. Who else would still be actively searching for survivors of a clan they had once called allies?
"I know you are wary," Kagenori continued, his explanation clinical. "But what I said was the truth. I can extract you from this squalor and offer you a life far beyond your current suffering. The method is simple: you come with me to Konoha. As a survivor of an allied clan, Konoha will grant you stability and safety."
Uzumaki Miyuki's brow furrowed, a flicker of old bitterness in her exhausted eyes. Her impression of Konoha was not a positive one. Like Kushina, she had witnessed the annihilation of her homeland, Uzushiogakure, while their supposed "ally," Konoha, stood by and did nothing.
Seeing her resistant expression, Kagenori didn't understand the source of her bitterness, but he pressed on. "Uzumaki Miyuki, you have had your fill of this rootless existence, haven't you? I don't know the source of your resistance, but in Konoha, you will have a roof, regular meals, and security. And you, of all people, know what happens when someone with your unique physical qualities is discovered by the wrong people. You would cease to be a person. You would become a tool, a resource to be exploited, and your life would be a living hell."
Uzumaki Miyuki was silent for a long time, the truth of his words warring with her resentment. Finally, she spoke, her voice hollow. "Do I even have a choice?"
"You do not," Kagenori stated, utterly frank. "Whether you agree or not, I am taking you to Konoha. I am merely honoring my word by explaining the situation to you. And I have not lied. There is indeed another of your clan in Konoha. Her name is Uzumaki Kushina. And she is my future wife."
At the mention of another Uzumaki, a tiny spark of life returned to Uzumaki Miyuki's deadened eyes. "One last question," she said. "Is Konoha scouring the nations for Uzumaki survivors?"
Kagenori shook his head. "No. It is only me who is searching."
"On behalf of your fiancée, Kushina?"
"Yes," he replied. "But not in the way you think. I am not conducting a general search. I was looking for you, specifically, here in the Land of Grass, because I require your assistance. The reason is my own, and you will learn it in time. So, what is your answer? Will you accompany me to Konoha willingly, or will I be forced to escort you?"
Uzumaki Miyuki gave a slow, defeated nod. "You said I have no choice. Do as you will."
"Good. Then let's go. Kakashi, we're returning to base."
Using the same genjutsu to bypass the village defenses, Kagenori led Kakashi and his newfound Uzumaki charge out of Kusagakure and back toward the Konoha encampment.
Two days later, they arrived. The sight of Kagenori returning with a strange woman in tow immediately drew the attention of Jiraiya and Nara Shinsuke.
"Kagenori," Jiraiya began, his eyes curious. "Who is this?"
"This is a survivor of the Uzumaki clan," Kagenori announced. "Uzumaki Miyuki."
Both Jiraiya and Shinsuke stared, their expressions shifting to shock. An Uzumaki survivor was a significant discovery.
"Jiraiya-sama," Kagenori continued, his tone all business. "Uzumaki Miyuki wishes to seek asylum in Konoha. Please relay the situation to the Hokage. A Yamanaka mind-search can be arranged to confirm she is not an enemy agent. Furthermore, the situation here in the Land of Grass has stabilized. Kakashi and I are no longer required. We wish to request a transfer to the Land of Hot Springs to reinforce Orochimaru-sensei. Please inform the Hokage of our reassignment."
Jiraiya nodded, processing the information. "Understood. I'll see to it immediately. You and Kakashi are dismissed."
As Kagenori and Kakashi turned to leave, Jiraiya motioned for the two shinobi to take Uzumaki Miyuki to a secure resting area. Before he could depart, however, Nara Shinsuke placed a hand on his arm.
"Jiraiya-sama," Shinsuke said, his voice low and serious. "A moment. There is something we must discuss regarding Kagenori and this Uzumaki woman."
Jiraiya frowned. "What about them?"
Shinsuke's expression was grave. "You are aware that Lady Mito's time is short. Uzumaki Kushina is the designated vessel for the Nine-Tails."
"Of course I'm aware," Jiraiya replied. It was one of Konoha's most closely guarded secrets, known only to the highest echelons, which included the leadership of the founding clans like the Nara.
Nara Shinsuke laid out his logic with chilling clarity. "Everyone knows of the bond between Kagenori and Uzumaki Kushina. Consider the timeline: First, Kagenori suddenly petitions Lord Orochimaru for a transfer to the Land of Grass. Upon arrival, he immediately requests a long-term reconnaissance mission. There are reports of him carrying a map of this country, covered in marks, as if searching for someone. Now, he returns, having miraculously found a lone Uzumaki survivor, and immediately petitions for a transfer away from here, back to the Land of Hot Springs..."
Jiraiya's face hardened as the pieces clicked into place. "Shinsuke... are you suggesting that Kagenori knows about Kushina's destiny as the Jinchuriki?"
Nara Shinsuke gave a slow, definitive nod. "I believe he does. And furthermore, I suspect his entire purpose in finding Uzumaki Miyuki was to secure a replacement for Uzumaki Kushina."
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