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"That''s Uzumaki Akiko," Kushina said, surprised, as she looked at the unconscious girl.
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"Oh, you know her?" Shin didn''t recognize the girl, but it seemed Kushina did.
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"We''ve met a few times, but we''re not close."
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Kushina was only really close to Shin. She knew other kids in the clan, but they weren''t friends.
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A short while later, Akiko woke up. She looked around in a panic, but calmed down when she saw Shin and Kushina''s red hair.
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Red hair was a trademark of the Uzumaki Clan. Of course, there were exceptions, like Chōji Akimichi''s father, Chōza, who also had red hair.
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But most people associated red hair with the Uzumaki.
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"Who are you?"
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Akiko didn''t recognize Shin and Kushina. She guessed they were Uzumaki survivors, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
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It wasn''t surprising that she didn''t know them. Shin and Kushina lived far from the clan grounds.
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Even when they had lived within the clan, they hadn''t interacted much. Shin had never even seen Akiko before.
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"Same as you," Shin replied simply.
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Akiko fell silent, her eyes filled with sadness as she looked at the destruction around her. Tears streamed down her face as she thought of her parents.
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"Should we comfort her?" Kushina asked Shin.
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"How? Let her cry. She''ll have to rely on herself from now on. Being strong is better."
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Shin shook his head and sat on a nearby rock, contemplating their future.
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He had two choices: leave with Kushina and live a life on the run, or wait for Konoha''s reinforcements and go with them to Konoha.
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He glanced at Kushina and made up his mind. They would go to Konoha.
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It was the safer option. With their distinctive red hair, wandering around would make them targets.
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And as two young children, where could they even go? It would be incredibly difficult.
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Going to Konoha offered safety and security. As long as they didn''t draw too much attention to themselves, they would be fine.
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Especially with Uzumaki Mito still alive. Even the scheming Danzō wouldn''t dare try anything.
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In Konoha, Shin could also learn the basics of being a Shinobi, which were essential.
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Konoha was the best choice. But if they went there, he would have to change Kushina''s fate as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
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He didn''t want that for her. The Nine-Tails'' power was immense, a great asset if used correctly, but it was also a ticking time bomb.
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And being the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki meant a life under constant surveillance, with Anbu watching your every move.
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As for himself, Shin never wanted to become a Jinchūriki. He simply didn''t need the Nine-Tails.
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With his Perfect Sage Body, once he grew stronger, he could take on the Nine-Tails single-handedly.
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And with his Sharingan, he could probably subdue the beast with a glance.
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With the System at his disposal, why would he need the Nine-Tails?
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But most importantly, he didn''t want something else living inside him. It was an unsettling thought.
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Shin''s gaze shifted to Akiko. It wasn''t just him and Kushina anymore; there was another Uzumaki survivor to consider.
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"Kushina, come here. I need to talk to you."
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Kushina, though curious, walked over.
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"Kushina, Konoha''s reinforcements might arrive soon. They might take us to Konoha. If we go, remember, don''t stand out too much."
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Shin advised.
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When choosing a Jinchūriki, they would look for someone with talent. Standing out too much might attract the attention of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the shadowy Danzō.
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Hiruzen would be fine, but Danzō... that was a different story.
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Kushina didn''t understand why Shin was saying this, but she nodded, committing his words to memory.
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Another day passed. The sun began to set, casting long, eerie shadows over the blood-soaked ruins of Uzushiogakure.
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*Thump! Thump! Thump!*
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"Footsteps?"
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Shin''s senses went on high alert. His left hand went to his pouch, gripping an Explosive Tag. His right hand held a katana.
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He was a bit small to be wielding a katana, but he had found it among the debris. It had a few chips, but it was still usable.
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Kushina moved closer to Shin, and Akiko, frightened, huddled next to them.
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"Three kids?"
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A woman with striking blonde hair and cold eyes approached them.
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Despite her beauty, her expression was intimidating.
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Several other ninja followed behind her.
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"You''re Uzumaki, right? Don''t be afraid. I''m a Konoha Shinobi. My name is Tsunade."
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Tsunade''s harsh gaze softened. Seeing the state of Uzushiogakure had filled her with rage, hence her initial coldness.
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Hearing her name, Shin relaxed, but he couldn''t help but stare. He couldn''t believe this was Tsunade.
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She was so... flat. He couldn''t fathom how she would transform into the, well, busty woman she would become.
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"Are you all that''s left of the Uzumaki Clan?" Tsunade asked.
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"I don''t know. Maybe there are other survivors."
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Shin was certain there were others, but they had either escaped the Land of Whirlpools or were in hiding.
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"Let''s search the area. See if we can find anyone else. Damn it, if I find out who did this, I''ll..."
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Tsunade''s killing intent flared. The Uzumaki were her grandmother''s people. They had a long-standing alliance with the Senju Clan.
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During the Warring States Period, the Uzumaki had fought alongside the Senju against the Uchiha.
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Tsunade was furious, but it was useless now. She had rushed to the Land of Whirlpools as soon as she received the news, but it was too late.
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The enemy had annihilated the Uzumaki Clan in a single night. They must have planned this for a long time.
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Shin couldn''t help but roll his eyes at Tsunade''s tough talk. Empty threats were so childish.
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Unfortunately, Tsunade caught his expression. She glared at him. This little brat was looking down on her?
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"Hey, brat, what was that look for?"
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"What look?" Shin feigned innocence.
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"Don''t play dumb. I saw you. You were totally dissing me."
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Shin wanted to nod, but he thought better of it. Tsunade was known for her temper; she might just punch him.
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"Nope, not me. You must be mistaken," Shin denied, maintaining his facade of innocence.