Sweat running down our bodies Minato and I breathed heavily, having just finished up an intense session.
An intense session of taijustu training that is.
It's not like we were doing anything else. We're only five years old. Even if we are mature for our age.
Actually I've noticed ever since I was reborn in this world that kids here are a lot more mature than kids in my old world. I think it has something to do with chakra but I can't be sure. Either way I sure do enjoy it.
Our backs against a tree in the forest training area Minato and I frequented, we both worked to get our breathing under control.
Five minutes passed before we did.
Then once we did Minato and I began a discussion about our taijustu training session. Pointing out the others' mistakes and how the other could improve.
All of this in preparation for when we started at the Shinobi Academy in a few weeks times.
An event Minato is really looking forward to. Since it will be his very first step on the path to achieving his future dream, which just like in the original story is to become Hokage. Which usually would be an almost impossible goal for someone with Minato's background. A civilian orphan with no shinobi's in his family tree at all. But given what I know about him thanks to my foreknowledge I know Minato will make his dream into a reality, and I'll be right there by his side every step of the way.
That's what best friends are for after all.
Soon the discussion between Minato and I came to an end.
Once it did so we decided to part ways.
But not before agreeing to meet back up and have another taijustu sparring session tomorrow. Just like we did today.
Moving through the streets of Konoha I waved at villagers who greeted me as I passed them by.
Since given my background I am sort of a big deal in the village, and it's not because I'm an Uzumaki.
I continued greeting villagers until finally I reached my home.
The Senju Clan compound.
But just to be clear I am not a member of the Senju clan, and neither are either of my parents. To put it in simple terms, the members of the Senju clan are my guardians. Specifically Mito Uzumaki and her immediate family. I live with them.
Because both my parents in this world are dead.
Morbid I know, but it's the truth. My parents are gone. Furthermore, I didn't even get to properly meet them before this happened. Due to the circumstances of their demises.
My father was a man named Migami Kyuhei, who was a civilian born shinobi of the village who managed to achieve the rank of Jonin. While my mother was of the Uzumaki clan, hence why my name is Uzumaki. Her name was Sufumi Uzumaki, and unlike my father she was no shinobi but a civilian Uzumaki, who was actually the personal attendant of Mito Uzumaki herself.
Now I'm clear on all the details, especially since I am currently five years old physically and giving such information to a child my age would be insane, but apparently my parents were super-duper in love. They planned to get married after my mother found out she was pregnant with me.
Though before they could, tragedy struck.
My father Migami died on a mission. Then during my birth my mother Sufumi experienced complications that not even the doctors nor her Uzumaki heritage could combat and she died as well.
Like I said, tragedy.
To say I have mixed feelings regarding the whole matter is an understatement. On the one hand I already had parents in my previous life, ones I loved very much. But on the other hand Migami and Sufumi gave me life in this world and I can't say I don't want to meet and show my appreciation to them.
Simply put, it's complicated.
But what isn't complicated is that since both my parents had passed away, and I had no other immediate family (clan members in Uzushiogakure don't count) Mito Uzumaki took me in without any hesitation.
A fact I am extremely grateful for.
Since I was afraid of what might've happened to me as an orphan, especially since I am an Uzumaki. I could've been snatched off the streets and inducted into a sociopath's secret cult of killers.
Danzo, I'm looking at you.
Oh and speaking of that one-eyed bastard the moment I get enough power I'm taking it out. I don't care how much his boyfrie-I mean friend Hiruzen whines or pleads for me to spare his life, the answer will be a big fat no. Especially since Danzo is the cause of so many problems in the original story it's not even funny.
He had a hand in creating the Akatsuki, he helped set in motion the events for the Uchiha Massacre, that bastard even tried to mind fuck the other Kage during the summit arc, and that's not even counting the many other numerous crimes and atrocities I'm sure he is responsible for. Hell, I even put Orochimaru above Danzo. That's why when the time comes I'll send that bastard straight to hell with my own two hands. Since I know the world will be a much better place without human trash like him in it.
Entering through the front gates of the Senju Clan compound I made a beeline straight for Mito's home.
Arriving I stepped through the front door and called out. "I'm back."
"Oh, welcome back Suzaku-kun." I heard the familiar voice of Mito reply. Coming from the living room.
I headed there immediately and when I arrived I saw Mito sitting on one of the couches.
And she was not alone.
Sitting in a chair in the living room holding a pipe in his left hand was none other than the monkey Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Sandaime, himself. Who, just like Danzo, is another character I have very strong opinions about, but for completely different reasons.
Though I don't feel like getting into those reasons right now.
"Greetings Hokage-sama." I spoke to Hiruzen. Lightly bowing in his direction after I did so.
The same as I do practically every time I meet the man. Which is quite often. Since he comes over to the house frequently. But since this is the home of his old friend Mito and one of his students Tsunade it's not strange at all.
"Greetings to you as well young Suzaku-kun." Hiruzen replied. Putting a kind smile on his face as he did so. He then took a drag of his pipe before spewing a bit of smoke into the air. "I hear you and that friend of yours, the young boy, Minato are training to prepare yourselves to enter the academy."
"Yes. We are." I replied. Since it looks like Hiruzen knows everything already.
But with him being the Hokage that's a given. More so in my case considering I am an Uzumaki. A fact which is important in several aspects relating to Konoha itself, if you get my meaning.
Hiruzen nodded at my words. "Good, good. It warms my heart to know young ones are taking initiative. Ah, maybe if this keeps up I might be able to retire in a few years." He spoke.
Having no idea how close to the truth his words actually are at this moment.
"Well only time will tell." Mito spoke.
I nodded my head in agreement.
I then excused myself to let Mito and Hiruzen finish talking about whatever it was before I arrived. Though from most conversations I've witnessed between them they are probably just reminiscing about the Shodaime and Nidaime.
But if not, well that's none of my business.
So long as they are not discussing me I don't care what they talk about.
To each their own as they say.
As Suzaku left Mito and Hiruzen alone, he went to his room to relax.
Once the pair were sure the young Uzumaki was gone, and not listening in using any other method, they resumed the conversation they were having before he arrived.
"So, it is all set then." Hiruzen spoke. "Uzushiokagure is sending a jinchuriki candidate. A young girl by the name of Kushina. She should be arriving within Konoha within the next month or so." The Hokage explained to his old friend.
Though as he did so Mito put a slightly sad expression on her face. "Hiruzen, is this really necessary? I can't help but think this is not what Hashirama would've wanted. To keep children out of danger is the very reason he created Konohagakure in the first place."
Hiruzen nodded at Mito's words. He then took a long drag of his pipe before blowing the smoke into the air. "I understand what you mean Mito. Truly I do. But unfortunately things are not that simple. The other hidden villages are already starting to train their own jinchuriki in how to harness the other tailed-beasts' powers. If Konoha does not do the same we will be put at a severe disadvantage. That is why we too must follow their example."
It was also the reason Hiruzen requested a new jinchuriki candidate to be sent to Konoha from Uzu.
While he loves Mito and is greatly at ease by the fact she has kept the nine-tails at bay all this time he knows that she is not truly a warrior. That's not even taking into account her age.
Hiruzen knows Mito is not weak. He knows she could keep the nine-tails sealed inside of her and perfectly contained for probably decades to come. But given the state of the world Konoha does not only need a jinchuriki who can keep the nine-tails sealed, but also one who can harness its power and use it for the betterment and protection of the village as a whole.
To do this Hiruzen realized a new jinchuriki for the nine-tails needs to be selected sooner rather than later.
At first the Hokage was considering simply making Suzaku the new jinchuriki when the time was right. Like his father the boy has the abilities to become a shinobi, and from what Hiruzen has glimpsed of Suzaku so far during their interactions his intuition is telling him the boy will become a powerful shinobi and a pillar of Konoha in the future.
However when Uzushiokagure informed Hiruzen that the jinchuriki candidate they had selected to send to Konoha, Kushina, had the rare Uzumaki clan ability to use the Adamantine Sealing Chains his thoughts changed.
From what Hiruzen knew of the Adamantine Chains he knew they were powerful in creating seals and barriers, and absolutely perfect for sealing a tailed beast's power, from what his sensei Tobirama, and even Mito herself had mentioned to him.
Unfortunately Mito lacked the ability to use the Adamantine Chains, but having a jinchuruki in Konoha who could made Hiruzen think the village would be even safer.
That is the reason he is arranging for Kushina Uzumaki to be brought to Konoha.
Though if she does not work out there is still Suzaku to consider as a candidate.
It creates a great pain in his heart to think of two children like this, but as Hokage Hiruzen must be the good of the village above all else.
That is the responsibility to took upon himself when he started wearing the hat, and it is a responsibility he will see through to the end.
For once again, he is the Hokage.
A/N: Yep, Kushina is still coming to Konohagakure! Even with Suzaku there.
Who of course is being considered as a jinchuriki candidate due to being an Uzumaki. That was going to be a given from the start. Though will it come to pass in the story, only time will tell.
Until next time.