Naruto: Chronicles of a Fire Ninja-Chapter 343 - 339: Uzumaki’s in Konoha

"So you are saying that we will have Uzumaki, THE Uzumaki clan teaching us Fuinjutsu, and in return, we just have to guarantee their safety? Are you sure they are really Uzumaki and not some fraud?" Fugaku asked, because the person standing in front of him, no matter how talented, was just a child.

Kaida just chuckled and said, "We will be here by tomorrow afternoon. You can check for their authenticity by yourself then."

Fugaku pinched his temple. He was just doing some paperwork when his secretary barged inside his office.

...

"Sir, Kaida is here, and he wants to meet you urgently."

"Did he threaten you or something? Why are you in so much hurry?" Fugaku asked, a little shocked because this type of behavior would have been more suited for Hokage, not for a 10-year-old. But seeing an awkward smile on his secretary's face, Fugaku just smiled and said, "Send him in."

As soon as he said that, Kaida entered the office.

"Good afternoon, clan head. I have something important to report."

"Is it about the mission you have just went on?" Fugaku asked.

"Yes sir, I have Lord Third's permission to share the details."

"Go ahead."

"So I went to Kusagakure..."

And the current scenario...

...

"Fine, bring them to my office as soon as you enter the village. I will handle things from then on," Fugaku said.

"I would do that, clan head, but I am sure they will have some measures to make the deal completely permanent, binding our lives to it in some way. I hope you will consider that in the meantime. Also, Lord Third asked me to inform you that he wants you in his office by evening for a meeting," Kaida said.

Fugaku nodded his head.

"Then I will take my leave," the clone said and dispersed itself then and there.

Fugaku was left sitting in his office, thinking about all of the future headaches he would have to suffer due to this news. Also, what Kaida said was now bugging him as well.

It wouldn't be too absurd for an Uzumaki to have means to make a contract like that. While Kaida said that because he knew about the Reaper Death Seal in which Uzumaki had developed a way to make a deal with an entity like a death god himself.

But even though Fugaku didn't know about that, he knew much more about Uzumaki to make that argument valid in his head.

'Let's first have a meeting with Lord Third before finalizing the decision myself,' Fugaku thought.

...

After eating the meal and resting, Kaida and party were once again on the move. But this time, instead of making shadow clones to carry the two Uzumakis, Kaida transformed them into a cart and a horse. Since there was no hurry anymore, there was no need to rush.

"You are quite talented," Reina said, seeing the transformation jutsu herself.

"It is kind of a special technique of mine," Kaida said as they boarded the cart and went toward Konoha at a steady pace, chatting and sharing some memories with each other. When Reina found out that Kaida was also learning Fuinjutsu, their talks went in that direction only, where she shared many techniques to perform the task much better than before.

After a journey of 12 hours, they once again took a rest in a village much better than the previous one because it was in the middle of Fire Country rather than on the border. Since there was no danger anymore, Kaida had booked two separate rooms this time, one for the mother-daughter pair and one for himself.

'Wait, I think I can now understand why Fugaku-san was so shocked. In just one day, I think I have learned much more about Fuinjutsu than in months of practice I did before. Even though I have not learned any new seal, the efficiency of previous ones will surely increase by fifty percent with these new techniques. No wonder Uzumakis were at the top in this field,' Kaida thought and then started meditating, while his clones were keeping watch outside.

While this was happening, a meeting about the fate of this Uzumaki family was happening in Konoha as well.

...

The Hokage's office was unusually quiet as Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, carefully reviewing the situation before Fugaku Uchiha entered. The Third Hokage had received Kaida's message earlier, and the gravity of the Uzumakis' potential contribution to Konoha's strength was not lost on him. However, it also posed a significant challenge—one that could disrupt the delicate power balance in the village.

A soft knock at the door broke his thoughts.

"Come in," he said, straightening his posture.

Fugaku Uchiha stepped into the room, his demeanor calm. "Good evening, Lord Third," Fugaku greeted with a slight bow.

"Good evening, Fugaku. Please, have a seat," Hiruzen said, gesturing to the chair opposite him. As Fugaku sat, the Hokage wasted no time. "I assume Kaida has already briefed you on the situation?"

Fugaku nodded. "Yes, Lord Third. For some reason, they have taken a liking to our clan. I assume because of Kaida, though I am not sure."

Hiruzen sighed, tapping his pipe thoughtfully. "The Uzumakis' knowledge is invaluable, but we must tread carefully. If not handled properly, this could lead to resentment from other clans or even disrupt the balance of power within Konoha. I'm sure you're aware of how sensitive this matter is."

Fugaku's expression remained neutral, but his eyes glinted with understanding. "Are you suggesting we don't involve ourselves with them?"

"Not exactly," Hiruzen replied. "But we need to ensure that their knowledge benefits the entire village, not just one faction. At the same time, we must protect their autonomy to make this alliance appealing to them. The last thing we want is for them to feel exploited."

Fugaku folded his hands on his lap, considering the Hokage's words. "If their Fuinjutsu knowledge is shared indiscriminately, it will truly shatter the power balance, but I assume you have something planned out for that, so I will not dwell on that topic. It will be completely up to them if they want to share the Fuinjutsu with us or not anyway."

"Precisely," Hiruzen agreed. "Which is why I propose a measured approach. The Uzumakis' knowledge will be shared selectively, focusing on areas that strengthen Konoha's overall defense. Simultaneously, we will keep their involvement discreet to avoid drawing unnecessary attention."

Fugaku raised an eyebrow. "And the Uchiha clan? What role do you envision for us in this arrangement?"

Hiruzen's gaze met Fugaku's directly. "The Uchiha clan's cooperation will be essential. As one of Konoha's most influential and powerful clans, they have chosen your clan for their safety in Konoha. I assume they have presented some kind of deal too."

Fugaku's lips curved into a faint smile. "As expected of you, Lord Third. Yes, they have asked for..."

Hiruzen inclined his head. "So what are you planning on doing? And I assure you, your assumption of them having a method to ensure that contract is correct."

Fugaku's gaze softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "I am thinking of accepting their offer. First of all, they will feel more safe that way in the village. Second, maintaining their safety inside the village will not be difficult for the clan, especially since we have your permission. And at last, the seals will be shared by them fully, and we don't even have to ask, so it is win-win for all of us."

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Hiruzen leaned forward, his expression serious. "One more thing. The Uzumakis' presence will be concealed from the village. Officially, they will be registered as civilians, and their activities will be restricted to secure locations. Only trusted individuals will be privy to their true identity and purpose."

Fugaku nodded slowly. "A prudent strategy. And what about their demands for autonomy? Kaida mentioned they wish to remain independent within Konoha."

"We will honor their independence to the extent possible," Hiruzen said. "They will not be bound by typical clan regulations, and their contributions will be treated as voluntary. However, we will need their agreement to cooperate in critical matters, such as village defense."

...

He didn't sleep because even though things were relatively safe, he was not going to take any chances here. Because this was a world where even Kage-level ninja die at the hands of some children, so to remain in active condition, he decided to meditate rather than sleeping for the night.

Luckily nothing happened, and they continued their journey in the morning, finally reaching Konoha by afternoon.

"Do you guys want to meet Uchiha clan head, Uncle Fugaku first, or should we directly go to Lord Third?" Kaida asked.

"Let's go to Uchiha clan first. I want to get some things cleared before finalizing the decision."