Chapter 28
Diehard Gamer: It's much easier to cheat when you can hide your potentially hand-seal weaving hands behind a cloak.
A Clan Reborn
Kushina had all she needed in her arms, it was time once again to try and re-establish the Uzumaki clan. At the back of her mind she wasn't very confident, today represented just another attempt in a long line of attempts and her apprehension gnawed away at her confidence.
Nevertheless she took a deep breath and steeled herself, pushing open the door to the council chambers. As was required for such things, the entire council was present, all the clan leaders, the elders and civilian council member and the Hokage were sat at a long rectangular table.
In her favour lay Minato, Hiruzen, one, maybe two of the civilians and the Yamanaka, Akimichi and Inuzuka clans. Arrayed against her were the three remaining Elders Danzō, Homura and Koharu' Along with them was the Hyūga and Uchiha clans and the rest of the civilians members.
The Nara clan had been neutral in the affair and had abstained from every vote so far.
While Kushina had always had always enjoyed Minato's unwavering support throughout the entire process he wasn't alone today. Just as he said he would, Tri too was present, leaning against a wall he gave her a wink that at the very least put a smile back on her face.
"We are now all present, Hokage-sama unless there is anything someone wishes to raise beforehand?" Koharu put to the table. "If I may," one of the civilian members interjected, "Hokage-sama, I'm curious as to why your son is here?" he asked. All turned to face the teenager, for some of the other civilian members it was the first time they'd noticed he was actually in the room, their lack of Shinobi trained spacial awareness very apparent.
"Tri-kun is here at his own wish," Minato replied. "Despite not being a member of this council?" Hiashi, head of the Hyūga clan inquired, a comment that didn't fail to widen the smug grin on Fugaku's face. "His presence is ultimately at my discretion," Minato replied, "Furthermore as a member of the Shugonin Jūnishi he is trusted to act as the eyes and ears of the Daimyō."
"I think you'll find he is a former member," Fugaku said. "Irrelevant," Minato hotly shot back, "The sash around his waist is ever present as is the political weight that it carries. Now this matter is over. Kushina-chan, when you are ready."
Fugaku struggled to suppress the scowl etched across his face as Kushina began. The Uchiha clan leader had no idea that with this meetings start ANBU were beginning the extraction of clan members that were present on Itachi's list.
Despite having already done this numerous times Kushina still managed to talk for nearly an hour. The listeners were silent as they were expected to be while Kushina pressed her case, afterwards however was when the interrupting started.
"Kushina, despite all that you've said, it is no different from the last time." Many took note of the lack of Honorific from Fugaku, Minato in particular looking decidedly unimpressed. "Your arguments are simply rehashes of previous ones and you have brought nothing new to the table," he continued, caring not in the slightest if he insulted her or not.
"While I don't approve of the utter lack of Honorifics, Fugaku-san is still correct Kushina-san," Shikaku added, Fugaku snorted. Many other members of the council said similar.
"Kushina-san if you only had in your possession one of the great artefacts from Uzushiogakure then your request would be little more than a formality. You are of the right lineage and have heirs to your name, you were born in Uzushiogakure. But you lack something that would make any other surviving Uzumaki's acknowledge you without question as clan leader."
Kushina's head despondently dropped so she missed her husband and son share a look. "I have to agree," Minato chimed in as he stood, Kushina's head shot back up, the confusion on her face, her eyes brimmed with questions as she watched him walk around the table eventually stopping in front of her. He gave her a wink as Tri began talking, drawing everyone's attention to him and away from Konoha's premier couple.
"By the definitions listed in Konoha's rules for the establishment of clans there are three such relics that would fit the bill. The first is the Youhitsu no Fūin (Brush of Seals), an ink brush said to have been used by the very first Uzumaki's to draw seals of immense complexity that have long since forgotten. To use the Youhitsu no Fūin was to be acknowledged as a Fūinjutsu master the likes of which is unheard of today. Sadly the brush is believed destroyed around the time of the Shodaime."
"The second is the Shoseki no Moyou (Book of Designs), an encrypted book filled to the brim with extremely advanced seal designs, many of which not even the seal masters of today could fully utilise. The Shoseki no Moyou is known to have been destroyed, it was taken by Kumogakure when Uzushiogakure fell. So feared were the seal designs in this book that it was publically burnt."
"The third…"
"The third," Minato interrupted, "Is right here." Everyone's attention was drawn back to the Yondaime who held in his hands an item draped in a single piece of purple velvet, the red swirl of the Uzumaki clan in the centre. Whatever was under the velvet was over 20 inches in length and narrow in width.
"Uzumaki Kushina, I present you with this," Minato said to her, his voice carrying a formal but joyful tone. Kushina reached a hand out and slowly gripped the velvet and lifted. The first two artefacts Tri had described were familiar to her and she had a sneaking suspicion she knew what the one in Minato's hands was.
Lifting away the velvet cloth confirmed her suspicions. She couldn't help herself as her emotions caught up with her, she covered her mouth and gasped, her eyes glistening as the tears started to gather. Not even Hiruzen, the proclaimed professor recognised the Katana held in Minato's hands.
The scabbard was a dark lacquered wood but with beautifully carved depictions and inlaid with golden Uzumaki swirls. The Sa-Me (Stingray Skin) was Uzumaki red which was overlaid with a light purple Ito (Cloth Binding).
Kushina lifted the sword out of Minato's hands, she wrapped her fingers around the hilt which briefly glowed. Any lingering doubt at the back of her mind were immediately dispelled as the sword accepted her. Many of the onlookers either looked on or at one another in confusion.
"The sword has a blood seal woven into the hilt, it can only be wielded by one of Uzumaki descent," Tri explained to them as Kushina tearfully drew the blade from its scabbard, her ears filled with the satisfying soundtrack of grinding steel. The blade itself was two-tone, the sharpened outer edge was steel silver-grey, the rest was stained a deep yet light in tone purple with the occasional black line running horizontally across it.
At the base of the blade was a Kanji inscription.
"Shio Saiha," Kushina managed to say as she read the inscription, drinking in every detail of the weapon in her hands. "Ah," Hiruzen said in recollection as the name triggered his memory, "Tide Breaker," he said. "Tide Breaker, Sandaime-sama?" one of the civilian council members asked.
Hiruzen nodded, "Yes, Tide Breaker is a sword of legend dating back to the time of the Clan wars, perhaps even earlier. The legend says that Tide Breaker was used to cut a path through the many whirlpools surrounding what we know as Uzu no Kuni (Land of Whirlpools) allowing the Uzumaki clan to safely settle there. Furthermore it was a sword used to lead the Uzumaki's in times of war, carried by commanders and clan leaders thus earning it its second name, Rīdā Tsurugi (Leader's Blade)."
"But where had it been all these years, it's been over twenty years since Uzushiogakure fell, taken surely as a spoil of war."
"It actually never left councillor," Tri revealed, "I found it almost by accident, stored in a secret vault pretty far underground in the ruins of Uzushiogakure." Kushina slid the blade back into its scabbard and hugged it close to her.
"Well then, shall we vote?" Minato inquired of the council as he sought to take advantage of the relative awe permeating the room, most seemed happy to do so and Minato didn't want to allow the definite NO votes time to recover.
The civilian members voted first, four of the six voted in favour of yes. Next came the elders, all but Danzō voted yes. Then finally came the clans, the Nara no longer abstained and voted yes, they were joined by the Hyūga clan in addition to the previous YES votes, the Uchiha vote was still for no.
The result was pretty categorical, it meant Kushina's dream of an Uzumaki clan in Konoha was now moments from becoming a reality. "We have now all voted, and the vote in overwhelmingly in favour of yes. Therefore from this day the Uzumaki name will now be recognised as a fully-fledged clan of Konohagakure, so say I Namikaze Minato, the Yondaime Hokage and head of the Namikaze clan," he proudly proclaimed.
The meeting was over and Fugaku couldn't have left any quicker if he'd tried, he'd slammed the door open and stormed off into the early afternoon. Everyone else at least had the decency to congratulate her, even Danzō managed it, even if it was through gritted teeth.
"Congratulations Kaa-chan, you finally did I… Gurrkh," He was cut off as he found himself encased in a hug strong enough to compress his chest. "Thank you," she said as her grip tightened further. "Uhh, Kimi, Tri-kun's face is starting to turn purple," Minato noted as the lack of oxygen began to take effect. She suddenly released him as his words were processed in her mind.
Tri took in large lungful's of air in a playfully exuberant manner after having it all squeezed out of him, "Your welcome Kaa-chan," he was finally able to say at which point Kushina fixed him with a stare, "How long have you had this?" she sternly asked lifting Shio Saiha up. "Since I returned, Kaa-chan. I've spent the last few weeks restoring it because it still had mud, dirt, a little rust and dried blood all over it."
"Why did you wait to give it to me and why through Minato-kun?"
"I had originally intended it for your birthday but this felt more appropriate. Additionally I as an Uzumaki just officially acknowledged you as my clan leader by not keeping the sword for myself. As for why Tou-san physically gave it to you, I simply wanted him to be the one who did. He's been the one by your side supporting you for years, I wanting him to be the one to give you the means to finally achieve clan hood."
His words had the unintended side-effect of turning the waterworks back on as Kushina gave him another hug, although remembering not to crush him this time. A few errant tears slipped down her cheeks. "Thank you," she repeated before kissing him on the forehead. He gave her a smile before turning to leave the room.
"Where are you going?" she asked wiping away the last few tears. "I've some errands to run around town Kaa-chan then I've another chakra network therapy session afterwards."
"Good," Kushina said under her breath, making absolutely sure Tri wouldn't hear her. She sealed the sword away into a storage seal on her wrist before turning to face Minato. She stared him straight in the eyes and he stared back.
"As for you, I think you deserve a reward," she said naughtily before leaning in closer to whisper in his ear. Minato recognised that voice, "You have ten seconds to get me to our bedroom or I'm going to lie back on th...,"
A yellow flash soon emptied the room entirely.
Fugaku simply put was seething, being utterly shown up in a matter of minutes by the red-haired bitch and her adopted half-breed runt had incensed him. And now she bore the same rank and social standing as he, the leader of the Uchiha. He calmed himself slightly as he remembered what was soon to unfold. 'The bitch won't live long enough to enjoy her little victory, not her, not her children, not her fool of a husband. They'll soon be dealt with.'
He had immediately retreated to one of the rock gardens which represented one of the quieter corners of the Uchiha compound. The running water of a small brook helping to slowly sooth his anger.
He didn't know how long he sat on the grass and he'd almost calmed down before he heard a voice that he didn't want to hear right now, the voice of his own wife.
"Fugaku-san?" Mikoto called over to him, she'd long since ceased using the 'Kun' Honorific. With every word she spoke, he felt his anger and frustration returning. "What do you want?" he firmly said not bothering to turn to face her at all. He knew she'd been ill of late, he didn't know what from and frankly he didn't care. What he did care about was whether Mikoto as one of the stronger clan members would be able to fight when they actually instigated his coup.
"Well?" he darkly growled when she didn't say anything. "I-I, U-Uh wanted t-to tal…"
"Speak clearly woman!" he barked, she jumped at the sudden increase in volume, her anxiety escalating further to the point where she opened her mouth but no words came out, as if an invisible hand had taken a grip of her windpipe and vocal chords.
Fugaku waited, and waited but he heard nothing. He turned to see if she was actually still there, she was and his anger shot up another level. "IF YOU AREN'T GOING TO SAY ANYTHING THEN LEAVE!" he practically screamed at her. What little colour that remained to begin with drained from her face entirely and she fled.
She managed to fight down the urge to simply run and instead held herself to a sedate walk. Her head held low as she quietly wept. He still didn't know, what had just transpired represented her final attempt to inform her husband that she was pregnant.
But now she had to admit defeat as she re-entered their home of nearing twenty years. A bag of clothes and personal belongings was already packed for both her and Sasuke.
Today represented her final attempt to inform her husband that she was pregnant.
She had hoped it would guide him away from this foolhardy coup but it was in vain. And now he would never learn he was to be a father for the third time.
With the tears still falling down her face she lifted the bag and turned to head for the door but stopped. Placing the bag down again she brought her hands together and pulled the wedding ring from around her finger and gently placed it on the kitchen table. Picking up the bag again she hurried out of the house, she daren't look back.
The hours of the afternoon passed, Fugaku was still in the Rock Garden where he was again joined by another, this time it was one of the clan elders. "Fugaku-sama," they respectfully greeted as he sat down next to the clan leader.
"I presume you have heard," Fugaku said vaguely. "Of the Uzumaki affair? Word has reached me that she was finally successful."
"I was so close to denying her again and if it weren't for that half-breed son of hers I would have been."
"I see," the elder said neutrally. "But ultimately it does not matter, I have thought of a way to get back at them," Fugaku said with a malicious grin. "And what would that be Fugaku-sama?"
The clan leader turned to face the elder. "I want you to round up a few of the more vocal and social clan members. I want them to start spreading a rumour." The grin on his face kept widening, "And what rumour would this be, Fugaku-sama?"
"I want a rumour spread that the Hokage's youngest son is the Kyūbi Jinchuriki," he said vindictively.
The elder, being an elder, thought more analytically over matters than Fugaku did, he pondered his leaders demand and found positives in it. "I think this has merit Fugaku-sama. Jinchuriki are reviled the world over, not even being a son of the beloved Yondaime will safeguard him from such animosity. Many civilians and Shinobi alike won't care whether it's true or not, despite the fact it is, they'll hate the child regardless."
"And if you can show yourself able to defeat the Kyūbi after releasing it as we intend then the people will side with you. It would aid no end in legitimizing your position as Godaime Hokage."
Now that he thought about it, Fugaku really liked the way that sounded. He was hardly thinking clearly and he'd come up with that plan simply to spite Kushina, her four children meant more to her than anything else, there was no more fitting punishment in his mind.
"You speak wisely elder," Fugaku applauded. "Arigatou, Fugaku-sama. If that will be all then I will carry out your wishes immediately."
The leader of the Uchiha had none and soon was alone once more. It was several hours more before he finally left. The sun had set almost two hours earlier and his journey back home was illuminated by the street lamps and the full moon overhead.
It was a quiet night, there was little wind. In fact there was little of anything making noise. The houses he walked past weren't filled with the sounds of conversation, the preparation and eating of meals. The streets, while far from choked with people at this time or indeed at any time were usually much busier than the abandoned they currently were.
Despite a short list of things that would trigger a Shinobi's sixth sense for danger, Shinobi were trained to be paranoid after all, Fugaku continued his journey home as if he'd not a care in the world.
He reached his home to find none of the lights were on which he did find strange. Mikoto should be home preparing dinner and Sasuke should have been home too. He knew Itachi wouldn't be, that boy was unreadable to Fugaku. He felt less like his son and more a stranger who happened to live at the same address when he wasn't on missions.
Pushing the door open he stepped inside and as he thought all the lights were out. "Anybody here?" he called out, he didn't receive an answer as he deposited his sandals and walked up the hall towards the kitchen.
The kitchen was spotless, no utensils were out, there were no dirty dishes. He spun around, it had just occurred to him that there were no sandals by the door when he entered so nobody truly was home. "Where is everyone?" he quietly said to himself.
His danger sense flared, he jumped back as something large flew through the door leading from the kitchen out into the back garden. Whatever it was landed on the wooden floorboards of the kitchen with a loud thud and didn't move an inch. He activated his Sharingan, to him the room lit up suddenly as if the lights were turned on.
He immediately identified the mass that had been thrown through the door as a body, blood pooled out on the floor. Fugaku recoiled slightly as he saw both eyes had been stabbed out. His sight shot towards where the now broken door stood, a figure stood there. Their outfit was bathed in red, blood running down the tantō they held in their hand.
"Who the fuck are you?" Fugaku demanded. The figure tilted their head to the side, raised their hand to their head and slowly removed the ANBU mask covering their face. With the mask gone the figure opened their eyes and Sharingan stared into Sharingan.
An hour earlier
The Iwa contingent was hurriedly gathered together in the same room. They looked confusedly at one another, they had all been spending the day relaxing as they saw fit due to no talks today and then they were all suddenly here.
One who didn't share their look of confusion was Kurotsuchi. She stared them all down, "Kurotsuchi-sama, What's going on?" one asked her. "Several days ago I was informed about an imminent event about to take place within Konohagakure that would make major waves both here and abroad. The following day, I was invited to a private meeting with the Hokage and numerous important officials and prominent Shinobi. This event will happen tonight," she explained, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
Her words took a few moments to properly sink in, "What event?" one apprehensively asked. Kurotsuchi turned to face Naruto who pushed himself off the wall he was leaning against. "You don't need to know the specifics but any minute now, Konoha ANBU will commence a purge of the majority of the Uchiha clan for treason."
The silence that followed was deafening for Naruto, it made him feel uncomfortable and it dragged on for nearly a minute before one of them was finally able to find their voice. "So why are we all here?" there was concern in her voice as she asked. "We were all brought together to guarantee our safety," Kurotsuchi answered. "While we don't expect anything to happen in regards to your safety, we're taking no chances," Naruto picked up.
"I believe this building has already been secured by two or three ANBU squads, some of whom are probably in this room with us. So it would be preferred if you all stayed here until we can confirm the event is over."
Thankfully for Naruto they huddled together and kept quiet, he was expecting to have to fight some arguments and strong-arm a few of them into complying but nothing. And for that Naruto felt something akin to calm for the first time today.
Meanwhile
A somewhat ragged and dishevelled looking Minato stood stock still facing the twelve silent kneeling ANBU in front of him.
All clad in masks they were lined up in three lines, four deep with the team captain at the front. On the right was ANBU Captain Yamato leading team 21, on the left was a reinstated for the night ANBU Captain Dog leading team 20.
And in the middle leading the elite Team Ro, a team that answered to the Hokage alone and not an ANBU Commander, led by ANBU Captain Weasel.
"I take you've all read the pre-brief reports and are now up to date with recent events?"
"Hai, Hokage-sama," the three Captains replied in unison. "Good," Minato said, "Then you all know then that this was the final option. You twelve represent some of the best available to ANBU thus the responsibility to carry out what is necessary falls to you."
"Throughout this mission you are to utilise the sealing scrolls provided to you to seal the corpses away, if for any reason you are unable to seal the body then you are to destroy both eyes. Sharingan cannot be permitted to escape the village into the hands of our rivals or outright enemies. Do you understand?"
"Hai, Hokage-sama," all twelve replied.
"Very good then. Your orders are as follows. Team Ro, Team 20 and Team 21 you are this night to carry out the purge of the traitorous elements of the Uchiha clan. Those Uchiha who chose Konoha over the clan had been removed from the compound thus any Uchiha you encounter from here on out are to be considered hostile."
"ANBU Captain Weasel is in overall charge of this mission with ANBU Captains Dog and Yamato in joint secondary command."
"Hai, Hokage-sama."
"You have received your orders, execute them."
"Hai," they all said before vanishing as one.
Minato turned to face the window, he let out a deep breath. "And so it begins."
End Chapter