Prologue:
0.-
Uzumaki Izumi was a happy woman. The sage of the Six Paths had finally heard her prayers, and after so much frustration, grief, and loss after loss, they had blessed her.
She was pregnant.
He couldn't believe it when he found out. The fear and happiness within her collided with force, like the waves of the ocean against the rocks of Uzushiogakure. He did not know whether to hope. At 25, she had already been pregnant twice and had never been able to hold her children in her arms.
She was a woman and an accomplished shinobi, hailing from an important family within the village, with an illustrious lineage. He had married 5 years ago to the love of his life, Uzumaki Yoshio, an orphan from the first war. A man for whom no one would have bet a coin for his shinobi career. Izumi remembers how she looked when they met as children. Unkempt, dirty with traces of dried salt on his skin, second-hand clothes, cheap academy supplies, and sand in his hair. All that, accompanied by a deadly fist for any idiot who dared to say something to him.
Meanwhile, Izumi was her opposite, the princess of Uzushiogakure by birthright. With a family made up of the best shinobi on the island, being the daughter of the Nidaime Uzukage and with her brother aspiring to be his successor. Impeccable in appearance, dressed in the best fabrics and always having the best that the island could offer.
It was not an apocalyptic love story. There was no excess drama, no political rules that gave birth to a forbidden love between the noble girl and the commoner.
It was simpler and more sincere. They just fell in love.
They were married, and have loved each other deeply despite the adversities that life gave them.
Many people do not know and outside of Uzu it is almost impossible to find out. But the birth of an Uzumaki, despite its genetics, is not without risk. When it is said that the Uzumaki Clan is born with open chakra coils, it is not a lie, as impossible as it may seem to imagine.
The Uzumaki has a unique chakra, which is why it is so feared. It's not just incredible genetics, kekkei genkai, or natural Fuinjutsu abilities that make them special. Of course, they are unique, beautiful, and fear-inspiring advantages to other nations.
But it is the chakra that is remarkable, it is the starting point.
Before the possible arrival of a new Uzumaki baby, certain regimens of extreme care must be followed. More specifically in the 3 month of pregnancy, when many main organs of the fetus are already formed and the spinal column with its spinal cord is already recognizable, this is when the baby "shows up". When the baby's chakra coils open to reveal themselves, giving a hint to the best sensors and doctors in the village of the baby's chakra type and even an estimate of its possible control over it.
Izumi and Yoshio had seen the faces of happiness in others when that moment came, and they had wanted to experience that moment.
In their 2 attempts, they had never been able to make it to the third month.
That's why, this time Izumi could call herself a fully pregnant woman. Today was his third month, it was the day. I could not believe it. And when she looked at her husband, she knew that neither did him. This pregnancy had been a surprise for both of them, after the last one they had stopped having hope, believing that they would always be just a family of two.
But they had been wrong and they had never been happier.
Izumi remembers getting a routine checkup due to her work at the hospital. She had unknowingly been pregnant for a month and a half, stressing out and training every day, drinking almost black coffee every morning and without any preventative care. If it hadn't been for the unconscious fear of falling flat on the ground, he would have passed out. He cried with relief when after a few tests, he confirmed that the baby was healthy.
Yoshio had been so shocked that he almost choked on his food at dinner time. They had had a long, drawn-out conversation about what would happen to the pregnancy. In the sad scenario that they lost a baby again, and before the incredible possibility that it could now be carried to term. Yoshio had been explicit, until his third month was over and the time would come for his baby to wake up, he would stay with her, he would be her damn shadow and not even the Uzukage would convince him otherwise. If in their 2 previous attempts they took care, this time there would be no time for a possible failure, he would not allow it.
Only this time, only this time, would he allow himself to have a new hope.
They were three times more cautious, they made an appointment with their doctor every week. They informed their corresponding work of the possible event and there were few complaints about it. Izumi and Yoshio were loved and respected among their peers and superiors, they all knew how much they expected to be parents. They were filled with vitamins, balanced diets and small exercises recommended for high-risk pregnant women such as Izumi.
And the future dad who wasn't afraid of hard work. Each day he prepared a relaxing bath for his wife, taking each of the meals in an almost millimeter way to acquire the greatest amount of nutrients. He agreed and took Izumi to his check-ups, reading everything written about the care and dangers within a pregnancy. It even went as far as getting up before the sun rises and leaving a clone taking care of your future family. To go to one of the coasts of the island, take the nearest boat to fish and bring the freshest fish for your wife's breakfast. Because fresh food and without any type of manipulation from third parties is the best for the baby, and the acquisition of Omega 3 is important for our son, the book says Izu-chan, ¡don't laugh at me!
When they reached the third month it was a time of anticipation and tension for both of them. For the baby's sake, they were careful not to give him "bad vibes" in his chakra formation, but it was difficult. Anxiety was eating them alive.
It was in the second week of the third month, that Izumi began to feel a small warmth in her belly, like a candle. At first he didn't want to get his hopes up, but when the warmth increased three days later, he told Yoshio and it was confirmed by his doctor. His son was forming his chakra coils, he was introducing himself little by little. If everything runs its course, by the end of the month you will be able to fully feel your baby. Congratulations to both of you, you are almost there, on the last day of the month we will schedule your son's awakening. They have been doing very well, good job to both of you.
To say that they did not cry at that moment would be a lie, because finally, after so much.
Someone would say to them: Mom and Dad.
After that they had been practicing. The awakening of an Uzumaki baby, was the moment in which he presented himself to the family - and later to the village, thanks Izumi- Hime-chan - who would be the next bearer of the "Spirit of the Whirlpools". It was a ceremony, with a simple process. The caregiver or doctor would enter a little of his chakra in the mother's womb near where the fetus was, just a touch, to cause the coils to finish opening completely and the baby's chakra in conjunction with that of his mother or Parents help in the formation and strengthening of the child until his day of birth.
Many people would think that Uzumakis were crazy to do that to a fetus, when it usually happens with older children with years of training. But, none of them could suffer from chakra poisoning from their conception.
The Uzumaki chakra was dense, strong, and wild. The purer the genes, the greater the likelihood of poisoning, and the more risk is the fetus and the future mother. Even the average civilian had more chakra than the genin and even trained chunin of the other nations.
This is why the "Awakening Ceremony" was so important. The baby's chakra had to be shown, directed and expelled properly, so that the process of strengthening the body and the formation of the spirit is natural and bearable, and does not lead to death.
Usually this process would be done by a highly certified physician. Due to the delicate amount of chakra control that must be displayed to perform such a feat, it was not easy to achieve for a village with chakra tanks, there were few who could perform this. However, due to the complexity of Izumi's pregnancy, it was best to bet on the most common chakras for the baby, that of his parents. If Yoshio or Izumi weren't known for their incredible chakra control, despite the vast amount they had, they would never have thought to indulge in such a thing.
The chakra pulse introduced to the fetus should not be larger in size and shape than a marble.
Quite difficult to achieve for an Uzumaki.
Yoshio used as many clones as possible to work on his near-perfect chakra control, he couldn't go wrong. While Izumi meditated day by day, since any other exercise would generate a fluctuation of his energy that could affect his baby. Their doctor had approved the drill the day before, "absolutely perfect" he had told them.
They were ready, they worked hard, they took all precautions, nothing will go wrong.
Furthermore, they were not alone in this, their family and friends supported them. Besides Izumi's older brother, Asahi and his wife Akemi, they were also expecting a baby. An absolutely healthy 7-month pregnancy. The sage wanted it to be an event to share his happiness, everyone thought it was a good omen.
Nothing could surprise them
Or so they believed….
….
Mito Uzumaki, now Senju, was a woman of renown. She was the wife of Hashirama Senju, The Shodai Hokage, and God Shinobi. A Princess of Uzushio in her time, a legendary Master of Seals, and a fearsome kunoichi. She was also the first Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi No kitsune.
As part of the royal family of Uzushiogakure, she was formally invited to awaken the new royal members of the clan. She was so happy, to return to her homeland, to be with her family, to see the happy faces of the new mothers. Especially from Izumi, the sage knows how much he had prayed for her, and apparently she had finally been heard.
And even though the event should be a happy moment.
I had mixed feelings.
It was an old woman. She knew it, and if she were a normal woman, perhaps, she would only complain about a few wrinkles that arose over time.
But it wasn't.
She was the Jailer of the Kyuubi no Kitsune, the strongest biju of all.
And he would have to find a successor soon, his time in this world was running out. He could feel it every day, as the seal seemed to weigh more and more, and his strength was fading.
To think that he would have to give that burden to an infant, and that he would possibly know him even before he formally arrived in this world. It only served to sour her spirits, as she headed towards Uzu with a heavy heart.
When she was received at the entrance of her village. She immediately felt Uzushio hug her and fill her with strength and warmth. The place whispered in his ear "Welcome home." Her eyes stung and the desire to dive in and hide in that embrace like a girl were hard to stop. Their land was as beautiful as it had always been. The itch of the salt smell coming from the ocean, the warmth of the earth underfoot, the stamps engraved like works of art where the gaze stopped. Large, tall and artistic constructions of beautiful warm tones with white details, which when touched by the sunset light that was hidden through the sea, reflected a strong and beautiful reddish tone, like the manes of the Uzumaki Clan.
It was a sight to behold.
The people around her looked at her with appreciation, warmth and respect, for who she was, just for being Uzumaki Mito. Not because of who she was married, or because of the burden she was carrying. She loved Hashirama, at first the marriage may have been out of obligation, but his chivalry and tender idiocy had made her fall in love, and she happily made a family with him.
Konoha was the place where he chose to make his family, but it was not his home. Not how he felt about Uzushio. He respected the village of the Leaf, was faithful to it, and his Will of Fire was akin to the Whirlpool Spirit of his people, but it was not the same. He couldn't explain himself, it was something that only an Uzumaki could fully understand. At times like this, she was glad her offspring didn't have their genes as predominant. Since they would also feel this distant longing.
As he let his thoughts drift away little by little. He approached the Uzukage building to announce his arrival, Asahi was a good man and a great leader for his village. He would be a wonderful father, as would Yoshio, his second in command. The ceremony would be at sunset, in the main house of the Clan, where he could stay to rest in the meantime.
She came to the place to leave her belongings and to say hello. Izumi and Akemi, Asahi's wife, were sitting in the garden having tea. Eager, but immensely happy, one more than the other. After a brief conversation and giving his best wishes, he had a small snack and headed to the beach. I had a lot to think about. So she allowed herself to walk on the beach barefoot, while the fall of the surf wet her feet and her kimono. He allowed himself to enjoy the moment, peace in the shinobi world was something he rarely felt.
After spending the hours and feeling better about herself, or at least calmer. He went to the main house to wash up, get ready, and help out where he could.
The "awakening" was not a great ceremony, it was much more intimate, but no less important.
In the place where the natural land is connected to the home, illuminated with lanterns. A huge bonfire is made and a round of prayer and ancient chants are started, created since the beginning of the Clan in honor of the Sage of the Six Paths. Later, the great bonfire will be lit and with food in hand, any type of meat is thrown into the flames as an offering, and then sit around it, leaving the future mother in the center. Later, as a token of gratitude towards what is given to him by mother earth, he eats the vegetables or cereal-based foods that were left in the food bowls. After that, the guests put their hands and / or chains towards the earth and project their chakras towards the ground, in flames in sync with the rhythm of the songs of the celebration towards the new life.
Finally, those responsible for expelling the chakra to mothers, approach in silence to carry out their work, since it will be their energy that will show their respects and blessings.
It was a beautiful, sentimental and intimate ceremony. The Uzumaki Clan was not as rigorous, strict, or solemn with its traditions as were the Hyugas, Senju, or Uchihas. They were traditional, of course, like all clan. But their traditions had more to do with the gratitude of life, energy, nature, prosperity, family and love. Instead of the power, the recognition and the strength of the clan.
They were grateful for their gifts, but did not flaunt them. They were great and proud warriors, but they were given a choice between the world to rule and the freedom of their peaceful island. It wasn't even a competition. That was the reason why they had been blissfully neutral throughout the years, despite their alliance with Konoha.
While the burning logs could be heard breaking, everyone around was silent. Watching how Yoshio produced a small ball of chakra the size of a marble - an incredibly difficult skill for an Uzumaki - that approached Izumi's belly and was accepted by the mother-to-be.
Everyone was expectant. His place in the front row of spectators, allowed him to see the anxious faces of the future parents and the worried ones of the closest family, especially Asahi and Akemi. She still remembers what it was like to "wake up" the couple's baby.
It was only after a couple of seconds that a wave of new chakra could be felt, soft but strong. It was almost like being on the shore of the beach, playing with the ocean. Suiton user, maybe?
It's not like elemental affinity really matters. Asahi and Akemi, they were so happy that it seemed that Christmas and each of the holidays had arrived at the same time. Ah… the beautiful journey of parenthood, he remembered fondly.
Still, he couldn't stop thinking about his dilemma. Asahi's legacy chakra was soft and strong, but above all firm, heavy, and focused. Ideal to be the jailer of the Kyuubi, to keep him at bay.
Should I say it?
No, I wouldn't let that cloud this moment. It was an assumption, the child had yet to grow and form. Furthermore, the Kyuubi had been incredibly calm inside her, as if he didn't feel it as a threat. In fact, for a few years it had been like this, incredibly quiet….
Then he felt it. Driven from her thoughts and memories, she felt a surge of pure chakra. It was like a torrent, it hits you suddenly and without warning.
Just like the eddies his village was so proud to surround itself with.
The wind seemed to have come to life, moving freely. Dancing among those present, to then gradually stop.
After the wave of chakra, came the calm.
If you closed your eyes, you could imagine it, even feel it. It was like floating in the middle of the ocean, with the sun warmly touching your face, being guided only by the wind. In that vastness, it felt like you were going to lose yourself if you weren't careful enough, but at the same time, like you had nothing to worry about. As long as I was on the side of this energy, you would be safe.
Dangerous, but cozy.
It was soft, but so warm.
Protector at its finest.
So beautiful that it made you want to cry. How to receive a hug from a lost loved one.
She almost felt like she could touch him, wrap herself in him. Fall under her soft coat, allow yourself to feel fragile and weak, without fear of being betrayed or judged. She would be understood and even forgiven for her fears, insecurities, and sins. I just had to hug him tighter and… ..
-Mito-sama- she heard herself say from afar, making her come out of her reverie
When he focused, he could see the shock and surprise on the faces of Asahi, Akemi and those closest to him. Focusing on herself, she could see the reason for their expressions. She was kneeling and tightly hugging Izumi's belly, holding him carefully and almost adoringly. With her face in the center of her stomach, as if she could hear the baby's heartbeat, making sure it was really there for her. As impossible as it was.
Yoshio and Izumi looked concerned and immensely dismayed.
-Oh, by the sage. Izumi-chan, I'm sorry, I don't know what happened to me, I- He stopped what he was about to say when he saw his hands.
They were claws. His perfectly short and well-groomed human nails were long, sharp claws. Before completely panicking from the shock, he immediately concentrated on certain things. He could see better than usual and felt that his belly was hot, like when the fox chakra was starting to affect him and he needed to readjust the seal. He didn't understand, she had checked herself and been careful before coming. However, he did not feel any pressure. The kyuubi, isn't he struggling to get out? Because ?. I lost myself when I felt the chakra of the- the baby!
Forgetting, momentarily his shock - and possibly everyone's - he looked closely at Izumi's belly. There was nothing, no scratch, despite its sharp claws. By gently placing his hand, he searched for the source of that warm chakra, he could feel it again.
Calm, acceptance, security.
It was like a small flame in a sea of darkness.
A protective hope.
It was then that he understood, it was not a problem on his label. It was not a ruse by the fox to escape. It was the chakra of this unborn. It was in tune with that of its tenant.
Perfectly compatible.
I had found it. The next Jinchuriki. And he could not help but regret that the possessor of such a beautiful chakra had such a terrible fate.
She had been happy despite being a jinchuriki. But she was lucky, and she knew it. She had been married and a mother before the event. And being her husband, he was the Hokage and the Shinobi God. Well, there was little they could do to him. But this baby? This little being?
He would be less than a human being to many, reduced to just being a weapon.
She knew it, she was not as naive as Hashirama. Not everyone could or wanted to live off the idea of mutual courtesy and peace. Over the years, I could see the sidelong glances. Fear, caution, greed and the lust for power. That ice in your eyes that you tried to crush with badly simulated courtesy, but that said that deep down, you were less than a thing.
An unbeatable tool, but a tool finally.
No, she would condemn herself if she allowed that to happen.
I would not allow it. Never. Not while he lived. He had little left, but he had enough energy for one last battle. I would leave this world having fought and won this last fight. Only then could she rest in peace with herself. He would talk to Tobirama tomorrow, send a message, and demand a top secret private meeting. He would shorten time and return to Konoha tonight.
Tobirama, he would understand when he felt it ...
She had a plan, or the outline of one. But first he had to tell Izumi, Yoshio and Asahi, what was going on. Explain, even ask for forgiveness. She knew, knew what to do.
So… why couldn't she stop crying and babbling apologies? It felt just like a lost child
… because that chakra was like Hashirama's, just as pure and kind.
She could feel how everyone around her was trying to talk to her, calm her down or lift her off the ground, she was still kneeling in front of Izumi. They were shocked, as was she. She was a strong woman, and she did not know when was the last time she had cried in public in such a dishonorable way. When I was a girl, maybe?
"Please, Great Sage. Fill with wisdom, strength and integrity to this poor soul that must carry the hatred that resides within my body. Allow him to find happiness and courage, to travel this cruel destiny where there will be trials, pain, loneliness and sadness. I beg you, good sir. And if you can't, give him a pillar to hold onto. A sincere love, a friend, a partner. Give him a reason to get up and keep fighting, even in adversity. I beg you."
But while Mito begged and cried to be heard. Deep within his seal, chained and restrained, was the Kyuubi no Kitsune. For the first time awake in a long time.
- You made me wait too long, Kit - an old voice whispered into the void. As he closed his eyes again and enjoyed his only friend's chakra. Now he just had to wait for their reunion, just a little longer