Chapter One : Prologue

To tell the story of Whirlpool, you must understand the history of the sons of the progenitor of chakra, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.

The princess's son, Hagaromo Ōtsutsuki, was a gentle soul who preached peace upon the lands. This man was later known as Rikudo Sennin (Sage of the Six Paths), Father of Ninjutsu. He introduced chakra, a mixture of spiritual and physical energies, to the world. Many welcomed his teachings, and even after the Sage's death they created their own techniques, clans, and even whole villages of ninja, thus giving birth to the world known today. His blood however gave rise to two powerful clans the Senju and Uchiha.

Her second son, Hamura Ōtsutsuki, a fraternal twin brother of Hagaromo. A strong willed man who was a bit stern and impatient, quickly voicing his opinion and using his authority to keep the peace. Hamura was a man who strongly believed in peace and freedom, he played a pivotal role in sealing away his own mother, ending her reign of terror. Also, he was very dutiful, as he remained on the moon to guard Kaguya's sealed body. His blood would soon give rise to the Hyūga.

However there was a third child, a nameless man erased from history. A God in his own right, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki first child. When she gave birth to him, he was quickly discarded because he didn't adhere to the teachings of his mother. He felt that world required balance and unwise to intervene in trivial affairs. Which soon gave the motivation to birth a new progeny.

When Kaguya finally lost control, the world was plagued by a terrifying creature, a monster that could reshape the land under them, and destroy anything that stood in its path. It could split the land, carry the mountains, and swallow the sea. This beast was called Juubi (Ten-tailed Beast). Many people perished during the demon's reign, as nothing could stop this horrible creature. No matter what the two twins did to stop it.

Until he appeared.

A man equipped with a special eye, the Jogan (Pure Eye) confronted the massive beast and defeated it with what was later known as Fuinjutsu (Sealing Arts). He separated the beast's soul from its body, into 9 corporeal forms leaving a husk behind while the latter into the moon. After that faithful day, he went back into seclusion on an island with his family, not wanting to be bothered by the affairs of the mad family. He was no hero, that beast threaten his and his family's peace. Nothing more. His blood would later give rise to the ultimate balancers of the world, the Uzumaki.

Generations later, it was a free-for-all between the various ninja clans. They fought against each other to gain more land for themselves. It wasn't until the two greatest rivals among all these ninja, Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, decided to form a truce between their respective clans, that the first ninja village was created. They called it Konohagakure no Sato (Village Hidden in Leaves), and founded it in The Land of Fire, with backing from the Fire Daimyo.

Soon, others followed their example. Each of the Five Great Nations had their own hidden village, where shinobi of various skills and abilities lived, trained, and accepted missions. However, this new peace didn't last long. The bitterness of the previous conflicts was still fresh in too many hearts. Wars were fought between the hidden villages. The Third Great Ninja War was the deadliest of them all so far, because it was then that a new weapon was used.

The Bijuu (Tailed Beasts). Powerful beings created by the nameless son himself. But when the world found out that a small nation was filled with people who can negate their 'weapons', the world went into chaos.

⁂

It was during the Third Great Shinobi War where two leaders met in the dimly lit war room. Tension filled the air as Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat at the head of a large, circular table. Danzo, head of his Anbu beside him. Opposite them sat Ashina Uzumaki, the leader of the Uzushiogakure, with his stern brother Azashiro by his side. The war against Kirigakure, Iwagakure and Kumogakure had put both Konoha and Uzushiogakure in precarious positions, and desperate measures were being considered.

After Danzo whispered something into his rival ear, Hiruzen finally broke the silence, his voice measured and calm. "Lord Ashina, I must thank you for meeting with me in such short notice. We face a dire situation. The Uzumaki are being targeted heavily, and Konoha is prepared to offer protection to your people."

Ashina's face remained impassive, but Azashiro's eyes narrowed. "And what do you ask in return, Hokage?" Azashiro's tone was sharp, suspicion evident in every word.

Danzo hands twitched from the insolence of Azashiro who's not in any position to speak but before he can't act a hand was raised stopping him.

Hiruzen took a deep breath. "With lady Mito at the age where she can't fight, we need a new jinchūriki host for the Nine-Tails. The war has depleted our resources and we cannot afford another rampage. We propose Kushina Uzumaki as the next host."

The room fell into a heavy silence. Ashina's expression remained unreadable, but a flicker of pain crossed his eyes. Azashiro, however, did not hide his outrage. He slammed his fist on the table, standing up abruptly. "You dare ask us to sacrifice another one of our own? And Kushina, no less! Have you no shame?"

"Know your place!" Danzo retorted

Hiruzen remained calm, meeting Azashiro's glare with steady resolve. He spoke out towards Ashina, ignoring the brother. "I understand the gravity of what I'm asking. But the Nine-Tails needs a strong host, and Kushina possesses the necessary chakra and fortitude. Lord Mito needed a predecessor. This is the only way to ensure the safety of both our villages."

Ashina finally spoke, his voice low and measured. "And if we refuse? What guarantee do we have that Konoha will still protect Uzushio?"

Hiruzen's expression softened. "Our alliance is built on mutual trust and necessity. Konoha will stand by Uzushio, but without a capable jinchūriki, our defenses are severely weakened. This war requires sacrifices from all of us."

Azashiro's fury was barely contained. "You speak of sacrifice, but it is always others who must pay the price for Konoha's safety. This is not an alliance, it is extortion."

Ashina placed a calming hand on his brother's arm, urging him to sit down. "Hiruzen, you must understand our position. Kushina is more than just a powerful kunoichi; she is our future. This decision cannot be made lightly."

Hiruzen nodded. "I do understand, Ashina. And I do not ask this lightly. But consider the alternative. If we do not act, the Nine-Tails could be captured by our enemies, or worse, it could break free again, causing untold destruction."

Azashiro shook his head, eyes blazing with defiance. "There must be another way. We cannot simply hand over Kushina." He then felt the stern hand from his brother, he knew the unsaid message. It was loud and clear: Stand down.

Ashina then looked deeply into Hiruzen's eyes. "We will consider your proposal, Lord Hokage. But know this: if we agree, it will be because we see no other choice, not because we are willing."

Hiruzen stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "I ask for your decision soon. This war waits for no one."

Soon both Hiruzen and Danzo left the room.

As the Uzumaki brothers left the room, Azashiro turned to Ashina, his voice a harsh tone. "We cannot give them Kushina. There must be another way!"

Ashina sighed heavily. "I know, brother. But we must consider all options. Our people depend on us."

Azashiro snarled, "Your cowardice comes at no surprise." He spat, which caused Ashina eyes to narrow.

The brother snarled and clenched his fist tightly, continuing. "If Konoha plans we pay for our salvation at the price of our children to be bred and used as livestock. Then I say they can go to hell and take their stick plans with them!" He roared.

The Uzukage killer intent slowly permeated of him. "Brother. You must take heed to the words you speak. Since I understand your displeasure, I'll tolerate your disrespect for now. Don't push it, I'm still your Kage." Ashina said, warningly. Exiting the building Ashina flared his chakra, causing the Fuinjutsu tag to glow and both disappeared into Uzu.

In his office, Azashiro lowered his head and stood there in silence, seething in anger until he felt a familiar feeling behind him. Being left out the meeting, his apprentice Fūka Uzumaki approached him. "My lord, what is wrong?" She spoke out softly.

Fūka was a fairly tall and light-complexioned woman sporting a curvy figure. She was noticeably beautiful, with blue-eyes and a beauty-mark under the left side of her lips. She had flowing maroon-coloured hair that reached her hips with bangs that parted slightly to the right of her forehead and framed the sides of her face.

Azashiro took her in as an apprentice after discovering her interesting Keki Genkai, to drain others life force.

He looked towards her and sighed heavily, "They decided that in order to maintain the peace that little Kushina must be used as a pawn in their political game. Despite my protection she may be privy to a hard life. The future is uncertain at the moment."

Fūka eyes widened then began to tear up, she tried her best to keep her composure. "I, can't believe it... My little Kushina. I guess there's nothing we can do. I thank you for fighting hard for my daughter." She slightly lowered her head respectfully, "The fact that you fought this hard for her is enough..."

"Maybe it's enough for you but not for me..." He said without hesitation causing Fūka to look up in surprise. He looked at her, left eye glowing ominously.

He is dawning the eye his nameless predecessor was blessed with, the eye of the king, the Jōgan. The dōjutsu is light blue in colour with a darkened sclera and visible pupil, an ominous power indeed.

As she stared into the eye, she became drowsy as the world began to become dark. Catching her before she fell, Azashiro looked at her with an emotionless expression upon his face. Before she lost total consciousness he whispered his final words to her.

"Look upon the future. Weigh yourself with hope. For this world is but a scale. When one side is laden with hope, the other must tip into despair.

Hence...

You must never despair. Wrap yourself in hope as you've never felt before.So that everything, other than us...

Can sink in despair."

Present Day

Rain cascaded throughout the Land of Fire , as the rain pour you see two hooded men looking intently at an empty base that is built into a terraced mountain with vast forestry growing on each level. Two towers were also built on either side of the mountain connecting directly to it. As they went inside, one noticed that there was at least one, vast meeting hall which had the symbol of whirlpool framing the doorway on either side. At the front of the room, elevated above the rest of the room by a platform was a throne of sorts a small table beside it.

This throne has Whirlpool symbols on either side of it and two series of seals below those as as well. Directly behind the seat is a poster which has the kanji of Dragon surrounded by eight swirls. The design of the throne itself allowed for the poster to be clearly visible behind it. The hall itself was in a dilapidated state as there are numerous indentations in the wall.

The Uzumaki Mask Temple: A relic with untold treasures, masks of unrivaled power and mysteries. Some of the masks were demonic-looking, others questionable, but they were all dangerous. Anyone who knew Uzumaki sealing techniques would understand the dangers, and yet this temple sat unprotected on the outskirts of Konoha. It was careless, a complete dereliction of duty. The Uzumaki had entrusted this to Konoha, and yet they didn't even take good care of it.

As the hooded figure walked down a corridor he stopped in his tracks when he found exactly what he was looking for. Above the casket there was a memorial written by the old clan head Ashina Uzumaki, and it stated : "Here lies the brother of Ashina Uzumaki, descendant of the Sage, and warrior of Whirlpool, may he find peace in the after life farewell Lord Azashiro Uzumaki."

The hooded figure removed his hood; Orochimaru smiled deviously at the discovery and chuckled in excitement, "This is marvelous, we must thank our informant of this great discovery, now all I need is a proper candidate to complete my little project."

The hooded figure next to him nodded in agreement and then removed his hood revealing to be Kabuto Yakushi but he appeared more confused more than anything. "My lord, but why go through the trouble to find this? What value does this corpse have?"

The Snake Sanin chuckled at his underling ignorance. He's almost forgot this clan's existence was erased from the history books, "Don't you see Kabuto, this corpse isn't any ordinary corpse. This is a full blooded warrior of the most feared clan among all the nations across the world, he belongs to the same clan to a person you know dearly. We just took her from Kusa."

Kabuto eyes widen at revelation, "That girl Karin... She's from the same clan?"

The pale man nodded in the positive, "Yes, the Uzumaki were a small but yet powerful clan, who alone was as strong as many nations combined. Their sealing capabilities were out of this world and their chakra levels was beyond human. Their power was so terrifying that it took the full might of the combine five nations to completely eradicate them all.

They possessed a skill set that scared the opposing nations.. To render their tail beast useless. So Iwa, Ame, Kumo, Suna, and Kiri banded together and slaughter that island to the last baby. They couldn't have a village they're in war with too obtain that power from their ally."

Kabuto began to get nervous, why would they be here then? Why be at the ruins of such a feral clan.

Taking out a scroll Orochimaru seal the rotting corpse away. Smiling to himself, he realizes he now has the keys to perfection all he needs is his next vessel.

Orochimaru placed sealed corpse in his pocket, began walking away, slowly putting on his hood and continued, "They were just too strong to be left alone, but someone who is the son of the man that leads this clan must have very interesting DNA. After all, they were the cousins of the Senju clan.

Full of ninja brimming of vitality, the Uzumaki is the key to immortality because of this longevity. But because of this over abundance of energy in the battlefield they were savages. And from my recollection especially this man in particular..." He finished with an ominous undertone.

⁂

Hidden Leaf Village

Hinata Hyuga, barely five years old, stood in the Hyuga compound's training yard. Snow fell softly around her, a stark contrast to the harshness of her training. Her breath came in visible puffs as she faced the wooden training post, her small hands already bruised and bleeding from countless failed attempts. Her father, Hiashi Hyuga, watched her with stern, unyielding eyes.

"Focus child," Hiashi commanded. "The Gentle Fist technique is the core of our clan's strength. Without mastering it, you are nothing."

Hinata's heart pounded in her chest, but she nodded determinedly. She stepped into the starting stance of the Gentle Fist, her tiny feet sinking slightly into the snow. The cold bit at her exposed skin, but she ignored it. Her father expected nothing less than perfection.

"Begin!" Hiashi's voice was like a whip crack in the still air.

Hinata thrust her hands forward, trying to channel her chakra with precision. Her small fingers extended, aiming for the invisible points that her father had described to her countless times. Each strike was supposed to be gentle yet devastating, targeting the opponent's chakra network.

But her movements were clumsy. Her chakra control, still undeveloped, wavered. She stumbled, her hands scraping against the rough training post. The skin of her palms tore open, and blood began to seep from the wounds, staining the pure snow crimson.

"Again!" Hiashi's voice held no sympathy.

Tears pricked at Hinata's eyes, but she blinked them away. She raised her hands again, the pain sharp and immediate. She struck once more, and again, and again. Each time, her strikes grew weaker, her chakra flickering like a candle in the wind. Her hands bled freely now, the pain nearly unbearable.

"Pathetic," Hiashi muttered, shaking his head. "You are a failure, Hinata. How can you hope to lead this clan if you cannot even master the basics?"

The words cut deeper than any physical wound. Hinata's vision blurred as tears spilled over, freezing on her cheeks. She couldn't bear to look at her father, couldn't stand the disappointment in his eyes. Without thinking, she turned and ran.

"Come back here!" Hiashi's voice echoed behind her, but she didn't stop. She ran through the compound, past the astonished gazes of her clansmen, and out into the open forest. The snow crunched under her sandals, the cold air biting at her exposed skin.

She ran until her lungs burned and her legs gave out beneath her. Collapsing into the snow, she hugged her knees to her chest and sobbed. The cold seemed to seep into her bones, but she didn't care. She felt so small, so worthless. Her father's words echoed in her mind.

"A failure," she whispered to herself. "I'm a failure."

The forest was silent around her, the snow absorbing all sound. She felt utterly alone. But in the stillness, she heard footsteps crunching in the snow. She looked up, her vision blurry from tears, to see a young boy with bright blond hair and a wide, genuine smile approaching her.

"Hey, are you okay?" The boy asked, his voice filled with concern.

Hinata sniffled and wiped her tears with the back of her bloody hand. "I...I don't know," she admitted softly.

He crouched down beside her, his blue eyes filled with kindness. "You look hurt. What happened?"

Hinata hesitated, then mumbled, "Training... I failed. My father... he said I'm a failure."

Naruto's face grew serious. "You're not a failure," he said firmly. "Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning. It doesn't mean you should give up."

"But... but my hands..." Hinata showed him her bleeding palms, the sight of them making Naruto's expression soften with sympathy.

"Those look really painful," he said gently. "But you know what? Wounds heal. And every time you get back up after falling, you get stronger."

Hinata looked at him, her tears slowing. "You really think so?"

"I know so!" Naruto said, smiling brightly. "I've been told I'm a failure too, but I keep trying. And one day, I'm going to be Hokage! Believe it!"

Hinata couldn't help but smile at his infectious enthusiasm. "Hokage?"

"Yep! And you can be strong too, Hinata. I believe in you," Naruto said, offering her his hand.

Hinata took it, feeling a warmth spread through her despite the cold. Naruto helped her to her feet, and together they walked back towards the Hyuga compound. As they walked, Naruto chatted about his dreams and adventures, his positive energy lifting Hinata's spirits.

When they reached the gates, Naruto whistled at the vastness of the compound. "Woah, you live in a big house like this and you're out here crying?"

Hinata eyes widen and look at Naruto.

"I'm alone. I don't have anyone but I never cry. I mean I never ever cry. Isn't that weird?" He turned to her and smiled brightly chuckling.

Hinata felt a newfound determination. She turned to Naruto and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Naruto."

He grinned. "No problem! Just remember, never give up. Okay?"

Hinata nodded, her heart lighter. "Okay."

As she watched Naruto run off, she felt a small flame of hope reignite within her. She wasn't a failure. She appreciate everything she's been blessed with and would train harder, push herself further, and one day, she would make her father proud. And she would remember Naruto's words: 'never give up'.

With renewed resolve, Hinata stepped back into the training yard, ready to face the challenges ahead.

Naruto watched as Hinata Hyuga stepped back into the Hyuga compound, a newfound determination evident in her eyes. He smiled to himself, feeling proud that he had been able to lift her spirits.

With a quick wave, he turned and started running back towards his own modest home in the heart of Konoha.

The snow continued to fall softly, blanketing the forest and the village in a serene white. Naruto's breath came out in visible puffs as he ran, his sandals crunching in the snow. He felt invigorated, his earlier conversation with Hinata filling him with a sense of purpose and joy.

The path through the forest was a familiar one, and Naruto's thoughts wandered as he moved. He imagined the day he would become Hokage, standing atop the Hokage monument, looking out over the village. He imagined the cheers and smiles of the villagers, finally acknowledging him for who he was.

Suddenly, a rustling sound broke through his daydream. Naruto stopped in his tracks, his senses alert. The forest, usually so peaceful, now seemed eerily quiet. He turned slowly, scanning the trees for any sign of movement. His heart began to race, but he tried to stay calm.

Out of nowhere, a massive snake burst from the underbrush, its scales glistening in the dim light. The creature was enormous, its eyes gleaming with predatory intent.

Before Naruto could react, the snake lunged at him, its jaws opening wide.

The blonde barely had time to scream before the snake swallowed him whole. Darkness enveloped him as he was pulled into the creature's gullet, the slimy walls of its throat pressing in on him from all sides. Panic surged through him as he struggled to breathe, the air thick and stifling.

He fought desperately, kicking and punching, but the snake's grip was too strong. He could feel the powerful muscles contracting around him, dragging him deeper into the abyss.

His mind raced, searching for a way out, but the situation seemed hopeless.

As the snake continued to swallow him, Naruto's thoughts turned to his friends, to the village, to his dream of becoming Hokage. He couldn't let it end here, not like this but his strength waned and he passed out. Not to be seen for quite some time.

⁂

Hidden Lab

A pale hand rested against the glass incubator, a wide grin reflecting eerily on the glossy surface. The foolish Yondaime had sealed the demon fox into his child, condemning the boy to loneliness. Invisible to the villagers, the child was an easy target. Orochimaru had lost his inner demon, the Nine-Tailed Fox, using it as leverage to keep the Akatsuki at bay. Yet, without the Bijuu restraining his coils, his chakra surged tenfold.

Even his old teacher hadn't noticed him sneaking through the village. Laughing maniacally, Orochimaru watched the boy, all his ambitions pinned on him. With the cells of a full-blooded Uzumaki and soon the eyes of an Uchiha, his new body would be unstoppable. Obtaining the blood had come at a price, but if the gene experiment worked, this child would possess the abilities of a full-blooded Uzumaki and more. All his other subjects had failed, but this was Kushina's child. It had to work.

Orochimaru, one of Konoha's legendary Sannin, sought immortality to learn all the world's secrets. Caught performing unethical experiments for this goal, he had defected from Konoha. Above all, the Snake Sannin valued one thing:

Perfection

He had always wanted to achieve it, believing every ninja had a flaw holding them back. To be the strongest, Orochimaru would have to rid himself of any flaws.

His body had no special ability, no bloodline to elevate him above others. One mistake on the battlefield, and it would all be over. Even if he lived to old age, his body would weaken and decay. No, his body was far from perfect. But he vowed to make it so.

He glanced at an empty vial and frowned. That was the last of the blood. All his hopes now rested on this child. If the DNA combined successfully, his ultimate host would be born.

"OROCHIMARU!"

The man turned at the familiar voice.

"Ahh... Sarutobi-sensei? Come for the child?" Outwardly, Orochimaru showed no surprise, but inside, he screamed at the machine to finish faster.

Three minutes...

"I thought I banished you years ago. How dare you come here and abduct the Yondaime's son! I thought I raised a strong and righteous shinobi."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. "Shinobi are never righteous, sensei. We seek power. Such is the fate of all weapons."

Two minutes...

"Orochimaru! I'll stop you now. Ten years ago, I couldn't turn against my student. Today, you'll meet your end!"

An alarm blared as the container flatlined. The snake man swore aloud. He was so close. If only the child had survived a few more minutes. Deciding it was a lost cause, Orochimaru sighed as Sarutobi summoned Enma. He would try the experiment again with a different host.

"As much as I'd love to kill you, I have other matters to attend to, Sarutobi-sensei."

Making hand seals, a gust of wind tore through the cavern, allowing Orochimaru to escape. Sarutobi was about to chase him when Enma stopped him.

"Wait! Check on the child."

Sarutobi nodded. The boy came before his vendetta. He emptied the strange yellow fluid from the glass container, cradling the motionless child. Tears leaked from his eyes as he mourned the loss of a great man's legacy.

But then a gurgle echoed, and the boy coughed up yellow water, moaning in pain.

He was alive!

Sarutobi thanked the heavens, dismissing Enma and rushing out of the cavern. The great hero had fallen, but an even greater one would rise.

"Uzumaki Naruto. Continue your father's legacy and surpass it. I'll be counting on you."

As the wind settled, the Third Hokage hurried to the hospital. The boy's left eye glowed ominously, before vanishing beneath his azure eyes, ready to emerge in the coming years...