Notice
Hi guys, this is the first fanfiction I am really happy about, This is subject to improvement, and if you need anything edited or added on, I will gladly take your advice. These first two chapters are quite long as they are to set the backstory for the new Naruto we see here, starting before the nine-tails attack. I give you a warning that Minato and Kushina will not be Naruto's parents, and he will not contain the nine tails. However, he will maintain some of the original Naruto core beliefs and personalities, and in addition to the complex nature of this story, I am sure you will find it refreshingly different from the normal ones. Naruto will be strong but not overpowered. We still have to give him some challenges.
Chapter 1 - Introduction P1
1 year before the nine tails attack.
Near the centre of the village of Konaha stood the grand Uchiha Estate. It was a testament to the linage of the village and one of the most historical founding clan estates in the whole village, being built during the era of Hashirama and Madara, two of the most powerful people in the whole of the elemental nations.
The estate grew like no other; its finances, power, and prosperity were at an all-time peak, most likely due to the peace and tranquilly that occurred after the third Shinobi War. These dramatic changes are also evident in the changes in attitude among the majority of Uchiha clan members. Now, the Uchiha are more tolerant of people and each other, as it was agreed that sticking up your ass is not the best way to live your life.
The two people who really led the change in Uchiha clan members hearts were the presence of two powerful and jolly ninja, Kaito Uzumaki and Yumi Uchiha. Some of them, particularly the more conservative Uchiha members, were very sceptical of this relationship since it occurred with an outsider of the Uchiha clan. Some were even angry at the prospect that a non-Uchiha would marry outside the Uchiha clan. But as time passed, many diminished such thoughts, knowing the power the two have.
Yumi Uchiha was a powerful member and prominent figure of the Uchiha clan. She was a key figure in the Third Shinobi War and was renounced to be one of the best Fire and Wind users in the elemental nations, utilising a combination of Fire and Wind to scorch release a new type of formidable element, which made her a force to be reckoned with, and with her devastating abilities and proficiency in the sharingan, she was able to excel in the front line and was one of the biggest contributors to defeating a decent chunk of Iwa forces other than Minato, taking a massive chunk of the forces in the final battle at Kanabi Bridge, she decimated her opponents. Her scorch release was so powerful, some would say it was as strong as the flames of Amaterasu, just with way less chakra utilisation.
Yumi Uchiha was a calm and composed individual with a bubbly personality. She had some of the deepest black onyx eyes of anyone in the Uchiha clan. Long, silky hair cascaded down to her shoulders, and her movements were calm and methodical. Her sharp jawline and her high cheekbones contrasted with the serene smile that often grazed her lips. Her bright, bubbly smile was a significant change from the rest of the members of the Uchiha clan. Despite these differences within personalities, she still stayed true to her Uchiha heritage, as she was anointed by traditional Uchiha garments while keeping practical Shinobi gear. Her unorthodox personality certainly came to the shock of some of the members of the Uchiha clan. However, her power was undeniable, an aspect most Uchiha would not ignore. It started to truly change some of the members of the clan into more kind-hearted people. She had the dedication and drive to protect the village and her clan. Her efforts helped the Uchiha clan expand and increased their overall respect. Obviously, not everyone will be happy, as despite all that has occurred, some people have not fully changed their ways.
Kaito Uzumaki was also an influential person, as Kaito was originally from Uzishio, the land of the whirlpools, but when tragedy struck, he managed to escape to a nearby village. Later on, Kushana Uzumaki and Mikoto found him in the nearby civilian village and offered him a place at Konoha. What was discovered was that Kaito was a massive prodigy, as he had a godly amount of what he called 'lifeforce chakra'. He held an abnormal amount of lifeforce, even for a Uzumaki, despite living in a civilian clan. He always tried to train to maintain and improve the shinobi skills his parents taught him when he was a little child, before the destruction of Uzishio.
Kaito had short, spiky, dark red hair, a well-built physique, and a rounded face. He was a stoic person, sometimes a little bit blunt, but a powerful man with a kind heart.
The two were making their way to the main house of the Uchiha compound today. They knocked on the door until it swung open, and two figures were revealed.
"Hello, Katio, Yumi." Fugaku greeted them with a simple nod of the head.
The two entered the building into the living room and were met by a tall woman with flowing black hair and onyx eyes, which held both warmth and wisdom. What stood next to her was a small child, no older than the age of 5, who had an eerily yet somewhat pleasant demeanour. He was calm, quiet, and shrouded by a quiet sense of observant calculation. The traits of a Shinobi slowly etch into his personality while he is still a mere child.
"Hi Itachi, have you finished the jutsu that I taught you?"
"Yes, I have. I think this would strengthen my arsenal and will help my service as a future Shinobi Katio," was the reply of the boy. Katio ruffled the boys hair.
"You know you do not have to think about Shinobi life all the time. Have a balance. Because it will only come to consume you later," Katio led out with a small smile. The boy only reminded him of himself when he was a child, and he was determined for him not to make the same mistakes.
"We become shinobi, but we separate our shinobi life from our actual life. Whether that be casual training at home or even in the Shinobi Academy, while it may seem like things related to a shinobi, every shinobi needs a distraction from the brutality that is actually shinobi life."
Itachi actually looked quizzical at the question, juxtaposing his normally stoic face. This did not seem like a logical thing for a powerful man like Katio to say. To survive the Shinobi world, you had to be serious about it and make it part of your day-to-day life, right?
"How comes?" Itachi looked questioningly at Katio.
"While we need to take training seriously and other Shinobi-related activities to a certain extent, we must also embrace a relaxed approach to day-to-day activities. This is because, with the number of hardships and atrocities in the Shinobi world, an escape is needed. Even the most hardened shinobi have a certain escape from their shinobi life. Take Kakashi, for example. Always being late and reading his
The sentence was at once cut off by a downward chop to Katio's head by Yumi.
"Katio, he is still a kid, what you are saying. Watch what will happen next time when you are about to say something like that," Yumi bellowed at the poor soul, who looked like he was being personally attached.
Katio always seemed to forget about how old Itachi was, just due to his maturity and similarity to him. Itachi held a snicker at their behaviour. It was always too amusing to him, which almost led Mikoto to snicker. Fukaku really needed to refrain himself from facepalming, but lucky for him, since they have been around each other for so long, he had much more control.
'That will never get old' Fugaku thought
"Anyways, we came here to warn you that we are heading to the research facility again." Yumi let out a cheeky grin.
"Again? In such short notice?" Mikoto looked alarmed at the revelation.
"Do not worry. We are not going to be in the facility for as long as before Mikoto." Mikoto let out a sigh from Yumi.
"Last time was quite a while; Itachi really missed you two," Fugaku stated.
"Yes, but don't worry, Itachi; this time it will not be that long. Only a day." Itachi nodded at Katio.
"Guess that is better than a month." Yumi sweet dropped at Itachi words
"Guess so?" Itachi let out a small smile.
"The Anbu are probably going to take us to another mission birth soon." Katio sighed, and just as he said that, a flash appeared, and Anbu stood in the living room of the Uchiha main household.
"Katio sama, Yumi sama. Please report to the hostage as soon as possible. "The man flashed away as a pile of leaves splattered on the ground as the result of the shunshin jutsu.
Fugaku grimaced. Not again will one of these Anbus destroy his house with stupid leaves.
"Anyways, bye guys." The couple left in a quick sunshin, spilling leaves over the house again.
Fugaku started smashing his head against the wall, while Mikoto started laughing hysterically.
"Why again. They know what they are doing. They could just do a leafless shunshin, but no. My house is a disgrace!" Fugaku started to go into a spiralling, deep depression.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage tower,
In the Hokage Tower
Hirusen sighed, He was definitely getting too old for the job, and a successor was much needed to take the mantle of the Hokage position. It has been around 15 years since the Third Shinobi War, and things are starting to stabilise. However, threats from other Shinobi nations are becoming more prominent as Konoha is rapidly increasing its strength beyond the level of the other five great nations. Soon, it will be undeniable that Konaha will rise up the ranks to be the definitive number one village in the Shinobi world.
Part of Konahas success in rapid growth from the deep recession that started due to the third Shinobi War was the large amount of money reserves from prominent clans and the use of proxy villages. Hashirama Senju introduced a tactic to be able to control and influence the elemental nations, and these tactics proved very helpful in the future when the village is now recovering from the third Shinobi War. At the start of village creation, Hashirama Senju introduced a tax for the prominent and wealthy clans and encouraged trade and spending, and through third parties, he managed to create secret side villages all across the elemental nations. He assigned a secret government team and connections through different villages, which produced little civilian villages spread across the elemental nations.
These villages became useful as secret military points for the wars, to be used as espionage in war or even around piece time. The first hokage anointed a leader for this little mini-spy network, and it started to grow. The most recent leader as of right now is Jiraiya, the leader of Konaha's own spy network. Konaha's use of proxy villages always gave them a slight edge when it came to the Shinobi Wars and always proved useful. While the methods of making these proxy villages were somewhat unethical, they were needed for a Shinobi nation with as much power, wealth, and secrets as Konoha.
In the third Shinobi War, one of their proxy villages became extremely useful. The proxy village maintained a good relationship with Iwa, and so much so, it started to become a mini-prosperous civilian village that held various rare minerals built on a ground with strong natural chakra. This helped Iwa create really powerful weapons that boosted their efforts in the third Shinobi War. While this may seem like a disadvantage to Konaha, their trust led to the proxy village finding out many secrets and the jutsu of Iwa. New science and technology were secretly being produced with this rare earth material, although they were not near producing anything until maybe 40 years later.
This propelled Konoha to build a research facility that secretly harboured many secrets of Konahas enemies.
Tensions are still high, and maintenance is still very much needed. That is why the hokage sends certain Shinobi on the mission to protect this facility from the wrong hands. Right now, Katio and Yumi are the people who are needed. Many of the Shinobis are currently on missions, so Hirusen reserved them to be the people protecting the facility at the moment.
Hirusen stopped reflecting on his thoughts as the two entered the tower.
"Hello, Yumi, Katio. I forgot to congratulate you on your earlier missions; your skills were certainly useful."
Yumi let out a small smile at the praise, while Katio listened passively and maintained stoicism.
"Regular procedure, right?" Katio asked.
"Regular procedure it is." The hokage straitened up.
"Remember, this is still a S-rank mission; do not get too lenient. However, I am sure you will be able to continue doing great." Hirusen let out a small smile.
"You have done so much for my village that I can't seem to thank you enough. Not many people will be willing to do such a mundane mission, even if it is of S rank. Your loyalty and dedication to the village are certainly unmatched. Keep doing great. The will of fire burns brightly in you two."
"It is no problem, Hokage. I'm glad to protect the village I live in." Yumi let out a grin.
"Ok, I wish you good luck, you two. You can start heading right now."
Promptly, they left the hokage building in a sunshin.
They made their way to the facility, just on the outskirts of the village, for their duty. The facility was on the outskirts of the village but covered in many different seals to make it look like a simple house. All they needed to do was watch over the area, as simple as that, while not remaining suspicious.
It was located on a training ground. Being one of the most advanced and biggest training grounds, the grounds have to be reserved by contracting the hokage. This meant that very few people actually knew about this ground. For Yumi and Katio, it was the perfect place to relax while they still made sure to keep their guard.
"I know everybody is off mission, but I do not know why people do not take this mission as seriously. It's very peaceful." Yumi took in the fresh air of the training ground. It was surrounded by vast, luscious trees and vegetation. The wind gently swayed the leaves of the trees in a smooth, calm motion.
Katio let out a small smile from Yumi's words.
"I think it just has to do with the people who could do the mission and if they are willing. Considering the hokage words, I suppose that this facility is somewhat important, and they need someone strong to look after it, especially while tensions are increasing around the nations."
"You use too much logic sometimes." Yumi let out a small chuckle.
"I guess so. I mean, we never see anyone excited or willing to guard something, right?"
"Yeah, you are right. I guess so; I'm always too hung up on the mission, I guess."
"Well, that is not a bad thing. It makes me feel safer that you are looking out for the mission."
"I guess it does. I think we should get some ramen after the mission. How about that?" Katio let out a smile, thinking about ramen just like any Uzumaki will do.
"That sounds like a good idea, Katio. This training ground always reminds me of somewhere, but I can't put my mind to the place.
Katio dove deep into his mind, trying to recall such a place. When no idea came to mind, he tried to sense the life force chakra around him, and the different signatures and realisations struck him.
"I know why you thought it seemed familiar; the trees have the same amount of life force as the trees surrounding one of our camps in the war."
"Oh, now I see why there is such familiarity. That was the only part of the war that I enjoyed. No deaths of comrades that day, a successful victory, and of course I met you, Katio." Yumi was entranced by the memories of that day. That day was one of the most successful days in Konoha history, and to her as well. Yumi and Katio met each other and, with their combination of skills, mowed down the enemy forces, killing almost 1000 enemy shinobi in a single battle with the assistance of Minato, of whom he took another 1000. On that day, no deaths occurred on the Konoha side, signalling the end of the third Shinobi war.
As the two reminisced about past victories and peaceful moments, a sudden disruption shattered any sense of tranquillity. The air crackling with tension alerted their senses, readying themselves for the impending danger that was to come.
A barrage of kunai and shuriken flied all around them as Yumi activated her sharing, analysing each one. They were heading fast, perhaps too fast for her to make a substitution. She didn't know if Katio could register the kunai speed without a tool like the sharingan. In that split moment, she had to gather her thoughts. While Katio has an incredible life force and healing similar to that of Tsunade, she knew that he probably couldn't tank this many kunai. It seemed like it was produced by multiple people using the Kuni shadow clone jutsu.
Katio knew he did not have enough time to place a barrier to stop the kunai. Even with his fast-passing fuinjutsu skills, he was no match for the speed at which all these kunais were heading at him. Using his judgement, he quickly grabbed on to Yumi and flashed to the nearby house in a red flash. Katio was glad that he put a tag on the base, just in case something happened, and Yumi had no idea how he used that jutsu, but there was no time to think about such thoughts. Using a gale palm, Yumi redirected the kunais to the left, and she promptly heard a couple of thuds to the left. The Kunais flew in a left direction, promptly striking the Kunais back at some of the senders, killing two Shinobis.
Three extra shinobis jumped in front of the house, and while two sent a fireball jutsu, one amplified it with a wind-style great breakthrough. The result was a massive, fast-paced torrent of fire aiming to both demolish the house and kill Katio and Yumi. Katio flashed through a few hand signs and erected a massive water wall. Yumi took advantage of the steam and used her sharingan to see through the smoke, and with a burst of speed, she slashed at one of the shinobi, slicing one of their arms. However, just as she was about to deliver the finishing blow to one of the shinobis, the steam dispersed, and one of them produced a mud wall. Yumi Kunai stabbed into the wall, taking the kunai with it. Yumi suddenly had to block a katana by ducking. The shinobi went for another slash, and with the mud wall, there was no escape. Quickly, she pulled a hand sign and announced her jutsu' 'Grand substitution jutsu'. With this jutsu, she quickly switched places with the mud wall, and the shinobi drove their katana into the wall.
Taking advantage of this, Katio enhanced a kunai with lightning and sent it straight down at the shinobi, piecing the shinobi arms. In blinding speed, Yumi took this to her advantage, took out another kunai, and promptly ended the shinobi.
Four more shinobis started to dash at Katio and Yumi. They both nodded at each other while Katio created a shadow clone and Yumi prepared for her jutsu. Katio, Katio Clone, and Yumi shouted out
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique"
"Lightning Style: Lightning Bolt"
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough"
The jutsu came at such speed and velocity at the enemy's, with the lightning charging up the water-style jutsu and the wind propelling it forward at blinding speeds. The jutus was way too powerful and fast for the enemy Shinobi to react, and the pressure and power of the jutus simply turned them into dust.
Sounds of explosive tags erupted in the area, and the area was decimated, bringing back Katio and Yumi and completely destroying the research facility. Even with all the protective seals, the magnitude of the explosion was just too much for the building to handle, and a huge crater was formed.
Yumi was in shock. The shinobis managed to sneak on them destroy the facility, although both Katio and Yumi was very confused about their intentions. If they knew it was a facility holding secrets, why would they destroy it? They put these questions at the back of their minds when three of the shinobi engaged them.
The shinobi, who looked like he was in charge of the group, enveloped himself in chakra and engaged Yumi in a ferocious battle. While her sharingan avoided most of the strikes coming her way, the second Shinobi struck the ground, causing massive earth spikes to shoot upwards, while the third one went in and electrified the ground.
Katio grabbed onto Yumi and flashed again to the kunai he threw that previously killed one of the Shinobis.
"That was close. I can't use that jutsu any more, as I'm not that good at it. It takes too much chakra, even for me," Katio started panting from the exercise.
"We have been caught off guard a bit too much. These people are really strong; I say that almost all of them are Jonin-level. Yumi's words were cut off by a kick directly to the face. The shinobi looked down at Yumi and brought down his kunai, but it simply passed through her. The shinobi just stood there frozen for a second when suddenly his neck got slashed open and he lay lying on the floor, blood spewing out in a stream. The shinobi made a fatal mistake, and that was looking Uchiha in the eye. This was one of Yumi's favourite genjutsu, called the Internal Reflection. This produces an image of herself like the clone Jutsu; however, her real self can still cause damage. No hand signs are needed, and it can make it seem like she is intangible.
The leader then shot forward and delivered a tonne of hand signs. Yumi's sharingan followed the large chain of hand signs.
"Lightning Style: Thundering Judgement"
"Lightning Style: Thundering Judgement"
The other enemy Shinobi tried to use a shadow possession jutsu on Yumi, but Katio Sunshin was behind him at blinding speeds and quickly got rid of the other Shinobi.
While that occurred, a massive surge of lightning chakra burst out of the two's hands, and a series of fast-passing bolts charged at the two. Yumi Bolts managed to overpower the enemy's strike, sending him flying until he got his footing.
"That jutsu was very powerful and chakra-draining." Yumi tried to keep calm and composed.
The enemy Shinobi shot back up.
"What the hell is this guy made of? Yumi, move back!" yelled Katio.
"Celestial Sealing: Star Collapse" Katio called forward his jutsu.
He concentrated chakra into his palm, releasing it to form a radiant sphere. The sphere enveloped the area, and the gravitational force the jutsu made started to pull the shinobi into the jutsu, crushing him instantly.
"That took a lot of my chak-" Katio started coughing up blood, and Yumi quickly took him to the hospital as soon as she possibly could.
Danzo called forward one of his root operatives.
"Are there any words on what has transpired?"
"Yes, Danzo Sama. It seems like the facility is destroyed; however, none of our forces made it out alive.
Danzo gritted his teeth. He knew they would not make it, but seeing some of his strongest root members just get killed like that was not a pleasant sight to see. Not at all.
"You are dismissed." And with those words, the root member disappeared with no trace on the site.
"Madara sama, you can come out now; we have plenty to discuss."
From the darkness of the base, a man with a spiralling orange mask came out.
"I must thank you for maintaining the agreement we discussed earlier. However, I still believe that this game will turn out very bitter for you." The masked man stated it in a low and ominous tone.
"Your words do not please me." Danzo said with a narrowing of his eyes, "Your addenda remain shrouded, masked by cryptic intentions. What drives you to such lengths, seeking the chaos that will be unleashed from the nine tails?"
The masked man leaned back and simply scoffed at the man.
"Some seek power for dominance, others for the greater good. But you, Danzo, you manipulate for control, even at the cost of the village's peace."
"Control is necessary for peace," Danzo retorted.
"Despite this, we can both agree that we share a common goal, regardless of our methods." Silence erupted in the room, thickening the ominous nature of the meeting.
"The nine tails will be unleased, and the balance of power will shift."
Danzo's expression hardened. "Remember, our allegiance hangs by a thread. Any deceit will not be tolerated.
The masked man stood still for a second and nodded. "Agreed, Danzo. However, remember this: The true face behind every mask is not revealed."
The man left in a sweep of leaves.
Danzo smirked at the revelation. This was the time to weaken his opponents and finally take control of the village for himself. If the masked man tried anything to get in his way, he would simply take the power away from his crutches. The plan looks like a great success.
"First, we must divide the Uchiha clan by any means necessary. We must take out the wretched and the people who interfere with my goals. The hokage mantle will be mine, and I will lead Konaha in a way that will lead to peace and prosperity. The nations will bow down at my glory!" Danzo let out a cry of laughter for himself. Everything is looking good for Danzo.
Yumi delivered Katio to the hospital, and as fast as she could, she delivered the news to Hokage. She burst through the door, ignoring any formalities at the moment.
"Hokage! 10 mysterious ninja attacked us of a jonin level at the base and have destroyed the base".
Hirusen looked alarmed.
"Are you okay? How is Katio?" Hirusen asked.
"He is fine, just suffering from the effects of a jutsu he pulled off."
"I'm glad he is fine. Do you know why they attacked the base or who they are?"
"Sorry Hokage I do not know. They were relatively plain ninjas with no headband or any known affiliation; they just attacked us at random." Hirusen nodded.
"I'm sorry we couldn't protect it. I really am. I can't imagine all the lost things in the base being destroyed." Yumi looked down at the thought.
"Do not worry, Yumi. We got a backup base, which I also assign people to protect," Yumi sighed at the revelation.
"It is fine, but I may have to start to make a backup of the backup." Hirusen sighed. He was definitely getting too old for this and needed a successor soon.
Yumi stated to explain the battle to Hirusen, which Hirusen noted down.
"You fought bravely; don't be sad that the mission failed. You fought with valour and did the best you could. The will of fire still burns in you." Yumi smiled at the praise.
"You and Katio should take a short break. You will still get the pay for a S-rank mission." Hirusen smiled at Yumi and dismissed her. Yumi said her goodbyes and left to visit her husband in the hospital.
The hokage sighed and started to reflect on life, and in a short while, another knock rang on the door, and a certain old elder entered the room.
"Hello Danzo. How may I help you?"
"Hokage, I got important news. One of our research facilities has been destroyed."
"I see. Do you have any ideas on their motives and who will destroy them?" Hirusen asked quizzes while Danzo handed him the report he made.
"Danzo, you can't be serious. They would never betray the village." Hokage shot up in outrage.
"They help our village so much. What makes you think they are responsible for the attack?"
"Well, you see, there have been reports among some of the neighbouring populace that they have negotiated with a masked group, and then later that day, the building got completely destroyed in their hands. They failed in the mission and are one of the key culprits in the attack. Because of this, all valuable intelligence will be lost."
Hiruzen refrained from narrowing his eyes. There is certainly more to what he is saying; something is definitely not right. Danzo was not a trustworthy individual by any means.
"I will call a council meeting later today to discuss such an issue," Danzo commanded.
Hirusen simply sighed.
"Ok, Danzo, you are dismissed."
Many thoughts were plaguing his mind. The things did not seem to add up, and were the bystanders really trustworthy individuals? He had to research more into this.
A couple of hours have passed.
In the hokage tower, plenty of the most powerful and influential people in the whole of Konoha were surrounding the table to discuss an important matter.
"I have called you all here to present a potential breach in the security of Konaha and potentially disloyal members of the Shinobi Force."
Gasps could be heard, and chatter could be heard across the council, especially from the civilian council, which seemed to be really interested in the drama.
"This is to do with the destruction of a confidential S-class facility holding important intelligence held by Konaha." More chatter emerged until the room got quiet when Danzo spoke.
"Yumi and Katio were assigned to the mission; however, the mission was a failure. There have been reports of the two talking to a group of masked men near where the facility was located, and they are a decent suspect for the destruction of such a base."
The room was filled with intense arguments and talking. Some did not believe it, some blamed this on the Uchiha clan, and some thought that they should be kicked out of the Shinobi forces, while others were shocked by the revelation that Konoha has secret bases (at least on the civilian side).
"Yes, Danzo Salma I have heard about this from my friend. "One of the civilians in the council screamed out. The room exploded again.
Danzo smirked. Genjutsu is an underrated yet very strong art, especially when it comes to politics or civilians. Putting the civilians in a genjutsu to make them believe that they were conversing with a few masked men was a walk in the park.
Fugaku stood up in protest. "I am 100% sure that Yumi or even Katio, one of the members of the Uzumaki clan, would never do such a thing. It doesn't make sense when they have done so much for the village and the war effort." Most of them nodded at Fukaku's words.
"How can we be sure when it could be a plot for the Uchiha to weaken the village and strengthen their status and power?" one of the civilians said, and a roar of arguments absolutely erupted in the room.
"I believe in what Fugaku said. They are the most kind-hearted and considerate people in the village and have stood by our side. More information needs to be known about who these supposed masked men are and what their motives are," Kushana, the head of the Uzumaki clan, also yelled out in anger.
"Also, I disagree with the civilians, even as a rival clan. I still believe that this would be illogical.
One of the members of a minor clan stood up in protest. "It is perfectly logical for them to be part of this. Who talks with masked men, then the next day the place that they are assigned to protect goes crumbling down?
More arguments erupted, and Hirusen really tried to settle his headache.
"THAT IS ENOUGH!," the hostage roared, flaring his killing intent.
"There is clearly not enough evidence to state that it is them." Hirusen announced his voice with commanding authority. "I will take some precautionary measures to ensure village safety. Yumi and Katio will be disbanded from active duty temporarily."
Fugaku tried to stand up in the process, as did a few other clan heads, but the Hokage continued, "I understand your concern, and this decision pains me deeply. But it is imperative that we maintain stability while we investigate the matter further. I will personally oversee the inquiry".
"Council, you are dismissed." Commanded the hokage.
The council disbanded with murmurs, with Hirusen sighing while Danzo let in a cheeky smile while heading off. His plan was working too well, if he were to say so.
Katio has now been let out of the hospital, and both he and Yumi were making their way to the Ichiracu Ramen Stand. A sudden flash and an Anbu stood right next to them.
"Please report to the hostage at once." Suddenly, the Anbu left in another flash produced by the sunshine.
"Long day, I guess" was the tired response of Yumi.
They both approached the hokage tower and were greeted by the hokage, who had a very grim expression on his face.
"Hello Yumi, Katio, I have some news that you may not like." Hiruzen had to keep himself from gulping.
"Due to reports of you talking with masked men near the facility, you are both being suspected of attacking the facility." A look of disbelief crossed two of their faces.
"A council meeting was held a while ago about this issue by Danzo, and unforcedly, I will have to temporarily disband you from the Shinobi Force for a couple of months."
Yumi and Katio tried to convey their anger, knowing they were definitely the ones who had not done it.
"To be honest with you, I do not believe the things Danzo is saying at all. I believe this is one of the schemes he is plotting. He has always been on my radar as a potentially dangerous shinobi. Due to his current position in the village, there is only very little I can do to punish him. I do not know what his intentions are, but I can assure you that once I find enough evidence against him, I will kick him out of the council if necessary."
Yumi and Katio nodded. "I understand Hokage sama; if this is needed to ensure stability in the village, I will gladly step down as a shinobi for a while." Katio's voice delivered confidence in his words.
"I thank you both for your amazing understanding. I wish I could do more to help you two." The hokage looked somber.
"It is ok. We will try our best. It doesn't matter if we get let off for a couple of months," Yumi said with determination.
"Very well, then. I will see you soon."
Both Yumi and Katio started to leave their house. During the walk, they engaged in conversation.
"Katio, this situation in the village... it is hard to believe we're in this position."
Katio nodded, his expression serious. "I know. To be accused of something we didn't do—it's unjust. And it's not just affecting us, but our entire future."
Katio and Yumi continued walking, the silence between them heavy, burdened by recent accusations. They continued walking until Yumi broke the silence again.
"Do you think it's just a coincidence?" Her voice broke out in the silence, tingling with worry.
Katio paused, meeting her gaze. "I do not believe in coincidences, especially not after what's happened."
"Exactly, it feels like an orchestrated play."
A silence fell on them as they both contemplated the gravity of the situation. Yumi fiddled with her kunai, her mind racing with suspicion.
"Danzo was always said to be somewhat of a shadowy figure. This might be one of his manoeuvres he was so rumoured to have."
"I know; I can't shake this feeling that this is more than what meets the eye," Katio added, his brows furrowing in concern.
"We need to stay vigilant," Yumi affirmed, determination flashing in her eyes. "If he is involved, we will find out. We owe it to the village."
Katio nodded in agreement, his expression resolute. "But we need to tread carefully; Danzo's influence runs deep."
They lapsed into silence once more, the weight of their suspicion lingering in the air, casting a shadow over their next steps.
In the Uchiha compound meeting room, all hell was loose. Voices clashed like thunder. The air was thick with palpable hostility.
"THAT IS ENOGTH; WE ARE NOT GOING TO KICK THEM OUT THE CLAN," a Fugaku voice boomed across the meeting room, but this only fuelled the ever-growing fire.
"Fugaku, we have served this clan for years, and what did we say? We knew letting a non-Uchiha into the Uchiha clan would instil trouble. Look what they have done—ruined the repetition of the clan. They couldn't even be intrusted with a simple guarding mission. They are a damage to our reputation and are disloyal members of both the clan and the villages." One of the elders retorted, causing the room to boom from the argument that followed.
Many younger members of the clan are contorted with disbelief and defiance.
"But elder Sama, how can you blame this on a marriage outside the clan? I thought we moved on from this." The room was filled with caucus from the words of this Uchiha member. And the rigid traditionalists faces contorted in disgust at the Uchiha's comments.
"For Yumi to marry a Uzumaki, a distant clan from the Senju, is a disgrace to the clan." The room was filled with both disapproval and approval.
"I know Yumi and Katio would not do anything like this. They have been loyal to both the clan and the village and have been protecting it from threats for years. Do not disgrace the efforts that they have put into the war. They helped the clan prosper so much. How dare you just kick them out of the clan?" said another member of the clan.
"I do not believe they are the culprit, but they are making the clan look weak. We can't afford this weakness. We are the strongest clan in the village!" another one of the clan elders yelled out.
In the mist of the outroar, Fugaku stood up with a clenched jaw, his gaze sweeping across the room as the chaos raged. His normally composed dementor wavered; a maelstrom of emotion raged within.
Fukagu was in an intense battle with his mind.
'I can't cast them out of the clan. For all they have done for all that they are. Not only will some of us lose a good friend, but the clan will lose powerful and kind people.' However, his inner turmoil roared.
'The stability of the clan. If I do not do this, this may lead to a divide in the clan, and violence can ensue.
Despite this ever-growing conflict, his duty as a leader pressed upon him. The decision to preserve stability was eating at his soul. If only there was another way.
Fugaku healed the lump forming in his throat. "As the hostage said, there is no clear evidence, and an investigation is taking place. However, in the best interest of the clan and the people in the clan..." Fugaku tried to contain himself, contemplating what he would say.
"Unfortunately, I will have to kick them out of the clan." The room erupted again, some with defiance and some with glee.
"You all are dismissed." Fugaku commanded
Both Yumi and Katio made their way to the Uchiha compound until they met Fugaku near the entrance of the clan building.
"Yumi, Katio." Fugaku's voice was sombre, caring for the weight of the decision he had just made. "I am deeply sorry for what is going to happen, but it is needed for the stability of the clan," he began, his eyes betraying the regret he has harboured.
"I do not believe any of the accusations against you," he continued, his voice laying with conviction. "But with the uproar with the clan and the risk of further division... I had no choice but to expel you out of the clan.
Fugaku's heart ached as he witnessed the emotions flicker across Yumi and Katio's faces. He understood the depth of the injustice they were facing and the pain the decision was causing them.
"You have been loyal and dedicated to the clan, and I regret having to take this step. Please understand that this is not what I wanted, but I fear what could happen if this situation spirals out of control. If there is anything I can do, any way to support you through this, please let me know." Fugaku offered, his voice heavy with the weight of his words.
With a heavy heart, Fugaku left them, his steps weighed down by the burden of leadership and the regret of a decision that tore at his core.
That is the end of the first chapter. The next chapter will end at the ending of the nine-tails attack. Make sure to give me feedback. Your input can help develop the story. That is it for now