章 4: Chapter 4- More Ripples
Chapter 4-More Ripples
When many first saw Uzumaki Yamamoto, they saw only what their eyes perceived, and believed of him in terms of appearance. He looked like an old, sickly, tired man with no form of strength the legends stated he was back as a young man. Many of the people from merely looking at him based on first glance, would easily assume the man was weak, and a small gust of wind would knock the old man over.
Of course, we are reminded of the old adage that appearances can be...deceiving!
Hence what the many unfortunate Konoha ninja around him at training ground # 22 sadly realized when they were being put through the ringer by Yamamoto in a spar. The man had taken off his coat and upper clothing to reveal the physical body of a God made flesh. If it weren't for the long beard and wrinkled face, you would never would have believed this was the body of an old man, and an Uzumaki to boot!
It was almost amusing to Yamamoto to see so many Shinobi of Konoha on the ground, moaning in pain, and in need of medical attention. In the time he was here, many Shinobi had become less intimidated by him, and claiming the Uzumaki was past his prime, and to just retire from service. They felt it an insult to their pride as young men and women as well as ninja of Konoha that this old man could keep up with them like it was nothing. So they did the only thing that came to mind as those who felt their wounded pride needed to be inflated again.
They challenged Yamamoto to a spar. All of them VS Uzumaki Yamamoto.
It drew many spectators. Civilians and Shinobi alike. From simple merchants to Tsunade, Nawaki, Dan, and even the Sandaime Hokage himself. Danzo was also watching with his Root in the shadows to assess how great the threat Yamamoto was to Konoha. Even the likes of Orochimaru and Jiraiya were watching from a distance when the fighting started.
If you could call it a fight. It left many of the ninja spectators watching to realize this man before them was not what they all assumed him to be in terms of being a weak old man. Of course, Yamamoto could hardly be called weak now when the old Uzumaki had single handedly defeated a total of 135 Shinobi ranging from Chuunin to Jounin and even a few ANBU in nothing but pure Taijutsu.
'Yamamoto hasn't lost a step. He's how old and still this strong?!' thought Hiruzen with a bead of sweat rolling down the side of his face.
"That's my old man Yama! Kicking ass and taking names!" exclaimed Kushina beside Tsunade and giving a victory sign at Jiraiya, who grumbled at her, and reluctantly gave the woman a large roll of money.
Tsunade would have chimed in on the bet, but Nawaki reminded her that every time she bet on something, or someone...she always loses. It earned him a lump on the head via her fist, but in the end Nawaki knew it was totally worth it.
Especially when seeing a red faced Tsunade glaring at Dan when the man snickered at the truth and had to defend himself from the angry woman when she heard it.
"The strength behind Uzumaki genetics is most impressive. If only everyone were able to share in such a bloodline trait," remarked Orochimaru with a hint of interest in his voice that beneath the layer of minor interest was a much deeper amount of greater interest.
For years, his sensei had told him the Senju bloodline was the superior bloodline when compared to the Uchiha Clan since both were descended from the Sage of Sixth Paths. Each having the claim from one clan being descended from the eldest son of the Sage and the other was descended from the youngest. So the mere richness of each bloodline with their unique abilities was considered to be a grand treasure to be coveted, defended, and protected at all costs.
And for the longest time...Orochimaru believed his sensei to be right.
At least until today when seeing one Uzumaki Yamamoto, the oldest Uzumaki on known record, smashing through men far younger, and in their prime no less. Yamamoto was well over a hundred years old, had been around since the time of the warring clans area before Hashirama, and Madara ended the feud between their clans to form Konoha. It was almost hard for someone with Orochimaru's ingenious mind to comprehend the idea of this old man besting those younger and (thus in theory by the natural order of things) suppose to be stronger individuals. He knew the Uzumaki Clan were cousin clans of the Senju and thus almost them cousins to the Uchiha Clan to some small extension. It also gave them a connection to the Sage of Six Paths himself so they were in the same type of criteria that Hiruzen put the other two.
Though why his sensei didn't put the Uzumaki Clan in the same category of protection as the Senju or Uchiha Clan slightly puzzled Orochimaru. Surely the Uzumaki Clan was just as worthy as the Senju or Uchiha? He would have to speak in private to his sensei about that later.
"Is there anyone else here still wishing to let this spar continue?" asked Yamamoto while he glanced around at the fallen bodies of those he defeated without so much as a sweat.
"No...we're good," whispered one ANBU on the ground with half his mask destroyed.
Letting out a huff, Yamamoto grabbed his upper clothing, and put it on before grabbing his staff/sword with the appearance of being an old man once more making itself seen. Though no one was fooled by it in the slightest and many gave Yamamoto a wide space to walk by with respect for the old man's prowess showing in their eyes.
Well...most of the eyes their watching him.
"You were awesome as always old man Yama!" exclaimed Nawaki excitedly, which he was always like after seeing the old looking man beat the snot out of all the other "elites" in the ninja force Konoha possessed.
He was sure a few Uchiha and Hyuuga were in that pile of beaten bodies back there.
"Nawaki! Be more respectful!" scolded Tsunade while Yamamoto smirked.
"Its all right Tsunade-chan. The boy is just being supportive of me. Besides, we all know that Konoha's ninja forces currently needed this major wakeup call by my hands. There has been a growing sense of...arrogance among their ranks as of late," replied Yamamoto while frowning while thinking about all the Konoha Shinobi walking around with a hint of superiority in their step.
"You have to admit it yourself Tsunade-chan, it has been feeling like that for awhile. We are currently winning the war against Kumo and Iwa, but its making some people in the village believe we are invincible. I think we can both agree from a medical standpoint that arrogance is its own kind of poison," remarked Dan since he had overheard some of the drunk Shinobi at the bar boast how the other villages were weak and everyone from Konoha were the most superior breed of Shinobi in the world.
"He's right Sis. Konoha needs a kick in the ass to keep it humble. Otherwise, we'll have a whole generation of arrogant jerks for ninja," replied Nawaki while Tsunade sighed.
"She's not wrong cousin," added Kushina while Tsunade raised her hands in surrender.
"All right! All right! You made your point!" exclaimed Tsunade while Kushina, Dan, and Kushina laughed at Tsunade's expense.
"So...on a different topic, when IS the wedding between you two love birds," remarked Nawaki knowing it would make Tsunade blush and Dan sputter.
And he wasn't disappointed.
"W-Well uh...I don't know. I mean uh...that is to say...with the war...," replied Dan while looking for Tsunade for help, but the woman was glaring at Nawaki, and growling in anger.
"If I were you Nawaki, I would run right now before your sister punches you out of the village," remarked Yamamoto with Nawaki doing just that and Tsunade giving chase.
"You know Tsunade's mood well," remarked Dan while seeing his future wife chasing Nawaki.
"She is part Uzumaki and thus clearly has our temper," replied Yamamoto with a grin on his bearded face with the sound of Tsunade yelling at Nawaki and Nawaki taunting her.
"That she is Yamamoto-sama," remarked Dan while a sweat drop formed on the back of his head and heard the sound of a crater made from Tsunade's fist being made with the noise of Nawaki complaining how she nearly hit him.
"So what is it like to be a Genin my girl?" asked Yamamoto with a hint of pride in his voice as he was now focusing on Kushina.
"Good. Most of the Academy students were wimps. But some have potential to be strong. Except for that girly and thinly looking Minato," replied Kushina with a huff at the end.
"Don't sell the boy short. He has amazing potential for one his age," replied Yamamoto while Kushina shrugged.
"If you say so old man Yama," said Kushina while trying to act like she didn't care and Yamamoto himself was thinking of other matters.
'The mission that will cause her to be kidnapped is going to happen soon. As much as I want to interfere and save the girl myself, I need those two kids to get together so they can have a child that would be Uzumaki Naruto in the future. The only thing that bothers me about this situation, is how did Kumo know how to target her in the other timeline of things? Surely Hiruzen or Jiraiya didn't try to orchestrate it to get Kushina to fall in love with Minato and form a strong almost unbreakable bond with Konoha in the process? Then again, they probably did with Uzu falling in that timeline, and Kushina never really being able to bond with anyone when arriving in Konoha following that event. But with Uzu alive and functioning, not to mention myself helping her along before and after Mito died, Kushina now has bonds in both places. Though its more to the people in it rather then the village as a whole,' thought Yamamoto with the man glancing at Kushina for a second.
"Oh I almost forgot, I never did get a chance to thank you for saving me during that one mission a few months ago. Thank you Yamamoto-sama for that intervention," said Dan, as he saw Yamamoto turn to look at him, and gave the man gentle smile.
Yamamoto had waited patiently until Dan's assigned mission by Hiruzen and Jiraiya was given to the man. The old Uzumaki knew the story from his previous life behind Dan's death from the ambush to the sacrifice made to defeat the enemy in battle to win. How Tsunade had been utterly broken by his loss after Dan had successfully healed her heart following Nawaki's death. Not only that, but the end result had made Tsunade bitter in her belief toward life, made Shizune submissive to her commands, and overall shy while hesitant to do almost anything without the older woman's approval.
Which was all the more reason for Yamamoto to step in and change the outcome. When the ambush came, Yamamoto did some ambushing of his own, and with backup in the form of some Uzu ANBU he requested Garp send to further provide support. It also gave Yamamoto an excuse to have Garp send his newly reformed ANBU squads complete with Medic Nins (via Tsunade's Medic Program) capable of fighting when necessary. Not only did the ANBU from Uzu decimate the ambush aimed at Dan and his team, but they also showed what their squad was capable of with Medic Nins due to the ambush team severely injuring several of Dan's comrades prior to being rescued. In fact, it was because of the Medic Nins from Uzu that two members of Dan's squad were not only alive, but still had all of their limbs intact.
Naturally, the Hokage was not pleased at all by this development, but not in the way most people thought he was upset. Most thought he was upset because Uzu now had the very Reformed Medic Nin Program that Tsunade had wanted Konoha to have at one point for the village. When Tsunade was brought before the Hokage for answers, she told Hiruzen that Yamamoto talked to Uzumaki Garp, the Clan Head of the Uzumaki Clan about the idea of having the program in Uzu since Konoha didn't want it when they were given the offer. How Garp said yes, was sent a copy of the information Tsunade had on the project, and began to implement on their end. She actually questioned him on why he was upset it? Why should Konoha be upset it went to Uzu since the Uzumaki Clan was a long time ally of Konoha and her cousin clan with her having blood ties to both.
Hiruzen told her to be more careful since even clans with cousin based relations to other clans can be betrayed for power. Yamamoto, who had been there for that meeting let out a huff, and mentally called Hiruzen a hypocrite due to him trying to betray Uzu since his taking of the Hokage hat. Still, there was nothing Hiruzen could do on the matter since Konoha had its shot, and failed to get in on the ground floor of this Medic Nin program. The Shinobi Advisory Council demanded the Uzumaki Clan send instructors to Konoha and Tsunade provide notes for their own Shinobi to train in, but Tsunade told them no, and so did Yamamoto since it was now considered a clan matter between the cousins.
Naturally, it pissed off the higher ups in Konoha something fierce.
Tsunade and Yamamoto reminded them that the village had its chance, but threw it away due to the war, the supposed time, the effort, and of course financial restrictions Konoha claimed to have on itself. All of which got proven to be total bullshit since the Uzumaki Clan took all the information Tsunade gave them and created the Medic Nin Program without those issues being a factor. All in all, it had made Konoha's higher ups now look like a bunch of spineless idiots with the Hokage looking like the biggest idiot of all.
A nice little, yet noticeable blemish on the man's record as Hokage if there ever was one.
"No problem at all. Tsunade-chan loves you very much. Your death would have hurt her deeply. And little Shizune is a little sister to her too. I wasn't about to have my cousin lose the man she loved before they could marry. I still have to give you the customary Uzumaki beat down like the one I gave Hashirama for Mito's hand in marriage. She may have the Senju name attached, but Tsunade is an Uzumaki as well, and I will be damned if I don't try and see if you have the endurance capabilities to handle what comes with the territory," remarked Yamamoto with a hearty laugh and got a nervous one from Dan in return.
'I'm going to die by his hands before I get married. I just know it!' thought Dan while he hoped Tsunade could convince Yamamoto to give him a break.
"You should try and visit Uzu sometime. You and Tsunade would love it," commented Yamamoto with Dan nodding.
"Yes I hear Uzu is truly thriving. I also hear those two orphans you rescued in Ame are doing quite well," replied Dan with Yamamoto nodding.
"Yes. They are part of a Genin team now with another member of my clan. An Uzumaki Nagato I believe. They are really hitting it off. Calling themselves 'Team Akatsuki' of all things," remarked Yamamoto since he went back and forth between Konoha and Uzu from time to time.
"And you suggesting the idea had nothing to do with it?" questioned Dan since he was sure Yamamoto had a hand in it like he usually did things that gained his attention.
"I don't know what you are talking about," commented Yamamoto innocently enough.
'Right. And I'm sure you had nothing to do with Jiraiya being strung up naked on the female side of the hot springs after he was caught peeping so all the women could beat the snot out of him,' thought Dan while making a mental note to always be faithful to Tsunade no matter what.
He didn't need this old man for an Uzumaki doing something horrible to him now or from beyond the grave. And Dan was quite certain the man would most definitely do the latter.
(Hokage Tower-At the Moment)
"You assured me that the little shit would die sensei!" exclaimed Jiraiya angrily while he saw Hiruzen sighed at his former student.
"And he would have died Jiraiya...if not for the Uzumaki Clan sending ANBU there to help step in at the last moment," replied Hiruzen bitterly after the pause in his response.
"Damn Uzumaki Clan. They always meddle when they get involved in something," said Jiraiya angrily while Hiruzen nodded in agreement.
"I know the Hyuuga Clan being chief among them. Yamamoto has been hounding them for months about their Cage Bird Seal and making one that all the Hyuuga Clan can wear. Apparently, he is in fact, the maker of the original Cage Bird Seal," remarked Hiruzen while seeing Jiraiya looking floored by this news.
"You're shitting me? Him?!" questioned Jiraiya while Hiruzen shook his head.
"No I'm not. Though what the Hyuuga use now is different then the one he gave them. It was apparently called the Dojutsu Protection Seal and did everything the Cage Bird Seal does now...except it didn't cause the people wearing it any pain when a certain hand sign is used," explained Hiruzen with Jiraiya looking smug.
"Well I guess Mr. 'I'm such a great Fuinjutsu Master' isn't so great at his craft after all if the Hyuuga could alter it into what they want," mocked Jiraiya while Hiruzen frowned further.
"Shut up Jiraiya! You aren't one to talk when it comes to your Fuinjutsu skills even if you are called a Master. He can make your work look like crap. I have seen the samples done by him when compared to your own. It outshines you by far," said Hiruzen with Jiraiya letting out grumble.
"Yeah well I'm a better peeper at the hot springs so I have that," whispered Jiraiya, which caused Hiruzen to sweat drop at his "defense" pertaining to his work in Fuinjutsu.
"That aside, Yamamoto brought it to everyone's attention that the Hyuuga Clan signed a binding contract stating their clan wouldn't alter, change, or basically overall butcher the original design," said Hiruzen with Jiraiya wincing since he knew what that meant.
"And let me guess, Yamamoto has all the records to backup his claim on the issue," said Jiraiya with Hiruzen nodding.
"With additional copies of the contract also located in Uzu. He brought it up at the last meeting when Hyuuga Hibachi had enough of Yamamoto's protest and demanded proof of such things being done. Yamamoto had everything on hand to present to the Councils and the other Clan Heads. From the contract signed by all parties involved, including Hibachi's own Grandfather, and even Father were on it. All the way to showing the actual seal he made, what it did, and where it was best to place it on a member of the Hyuuga Clan. Apparently it would be well hidden on the back of the neck behind their long hair instead of the forehead," remarked Hiruzen while Jiraiya nodded.
"What did Hibachi say to that?" asked Jiraiya with Hiruzen sighing.
"He claimed the contract was a fake and the signatures were forged. Not to mention he called the Dojutsu Protection Seal inadequate and thus shouldn't be used since it did not provide 'proper hierarchy structure' to any clan who chooses to use it," replied Hiruzen with Jiraiya sighing.
"So he tried to bullshit his way out of it," surmised Jiraiya with Hiruzen nodding.
"Pretty much yes. Yamamoto told Hibachi if he didn't change things within his clan now, there would be bad blood between the inner parts of the clan in the future that would go so deep, even the fear of the usage o the Cage Bird Seal wouldn't stop the Branch family from one day taking revenge. Hibachi of course misread the words as a threat made by Yamamoto to his clan and banned any Uzumaki from ever entering the Hyuuga Clan Compound in fear one of them would try," said Hiruzen while Jiraiya shook his head.
"What does the Fire Daimyo have to say about this? Such matters normally reach his ear and gain his attention when one or both parties yell loud enough," questioned Jiraiya with Hiruzen sighing.
"Right now, the current Fire Daimyo is hoping we resolve this internally before being forced to intervene. I told him we would handle this issue, but according to the laws in place, I might have to side with Yamamoto on this. I don't want to for obvious reasons, but if I go against him, I risk the old man revealing other matters both of us can't afford to see brought into the light," replied Hiruzen with Jiraiya scowling.
"Meaning what we did in terms of secretly betraying Uzu. I still say they can't prove it," said Jiraiya with Hiruzen shaking his head.
"Among other things. Namely our actions pertaining to the near death of Senju Nawaki and our more recent attempt to get rid of Tsunade's future husband Dan. He made it quite clear that our hidden actions could be proven if we challenge him further," added Hiruzen while Jiraiya snarled at that last part.
"I'll kill the bastard myself if he marries Tsunade. I don't care if I become a Missing Nin for it. I'll kill him, go into hiding for years on end, and you can pardon me as your last act as Hokage before your successor takes over so no one can lay a hand on me," commented Jiraiya with Hiruzen giving him a hard look.
"You will do not such thing Jiraiya. I need you and your spy network. I can't have either one if you're a Missing Nin on the run. I can't protect you. I can't cover for you. And I certainly can't stop Tsunade from hunting you down to do unspeakable acts of vengeance upon your person after your tried," said Hiruzen while Jiraiya looked like he wanted to punch something.
"So that's it, huh? Just let that sissy boy marry Tsunade-hime? MY Tsunade-hime?! To let him pollute her bloodline with his own?!" questioned Jiraiya with Hiruzen scoffing.
"Spare me all of your theatrics Jiraiya. Your own bloodline heritage isn't anything worthy of being praised about and you know it. Remember, you have been an orphan all your life while Dan is not. Between the two of you on bloodlines alone, Dan has you beat. Unless, you can provide undisputed proof that you are the son of some great high ranking clan, or even the long lost child of our own Fire Daimyo himself...you are outmatched," replied the Sandaime Hokage with Jiraiya now gritting his teeth.
"You know I don't have such proof!" stated Jiraiya angrily.
"Then shut up about it. What's done is done. Besides, this will be blessing for Konoha in the long run. For years, Tsunade has ignored, shunned, or punched out every male suitor until Dan came along. We need more Senju Clan members Jiraiya. Nawaki will find his own girl soon enough and Tsunade with Dan will help us have more then just two among our ranks. Meaning we can easily acquire the genetic material from those future children under the medical reasons for Orochimaru's research plans. Konoha will still get stronger as time goes by. Everyone wins!" exclaimed Hiruzen firmly while Jiraiya glared.
"Not everyone," replied Jiraiya while he moved to leave.
"I am warning you this one time Jiraiya. Do NOT go after Kato Dan. I only indulged you in your request at the time to have him killed because I thought it was the better choice. I also had hoped you could convince Tsunade to be with you in the years to come and the two of you could produce a child capable of being greater then either parent. But now the window to that option has long since been closed and cannot be opened again. Just let it go," commanded the Sandaime Hokage with Jiraiya scowling deeper.
"Never!" whispered Jiraiya before leaping out of the window.
"Damn it Jiraiya. Your obsession will become a problem for me and Konoha in the future to come. I just know it," commented Hiruzen since his student always did act foolishly and made everyone associated look bad.
(Senju Clan Home-Sometime Later)
"So Minato saved you from those Kumo Nin huh? Well good for him! I always knew that boy had a descent sized brain in his head," commented Tsunade while Kushina blushed a bit both in embarrassment at being captured, rescued, and finally regarding Minato saving her.
"I-Its nothing special. I just let some of my hair out to leave a trail. He even mentioned how nice my hair was and I shouldn't try to take out too much," replied Kushina while she tried to hide her blush.
"What's this? You're blushing! Does my dear fiery tomboy for a cousin have a crush on one Namikaze Minato-kun?" questioned Tsunade with Kushina now blushing further and glaring at the Senju.
"Says the older woman, who only now is getting married prior to entering her 'hag years' in life," countered Kushina with Tsunade's forehead sporting a tick mark.
"What did you say?! I am NOT old in the slightest!" exclaimed Tsunade while Kushina shot a raspberry at her.
"So you say, but I can see already see the color grey forming in your blonde hair. And is that a wrinkle?" teased Kushina with Tsunade getting angrier.
"THAT'S IT! YOU ARE DEAD!" yelled Tsunade before the two ran around the room with one chasing the other.
'Well now I know where I get it from,' thought Yamamoto with the old man smirking at the sight of the two causing chaos around him.
How he was going to miss it when dead.
The Shinigami had appeared before him just last night in a dream and told Yamamoto his time was almost up. The Second Shinobi War was coming to an end soon, Dan was alive, Nawaki was alive, the Uzumaki Clan was alive, and most of the dark things that led to more dark things in the future were no longer possible. Yamamoto knew Madara was still alive, in hiding in his little lair, waiting for his opportunity to find someone to carry on his legacy, and the Will that was in fact Kaguya's own. She had used her own influence to poison Madara's mind beyond repair because of his already upset attitude toward his life made him an easy target between her choice in targets. She could have targeted the Senju line, but Hashirama put a stop to that with his outlook toward life, and the Uzumaki Clan were following him in that regard too.
Hence the one side with hatred on the Uchiha's side already in their heart being the prime targets.
'Some things will sadly have to occur from what the Shinigami told me. Like how Uchiha Obito becoming Madara's pupil and trying to let Kurama out of his seal to attack Konoha. But unlike last time, there will be good number of Uzumaki Clan members present, and I would ensure a repeat of before doesn't happen. Konoha wouldn't be attacked by the fox, no one would die, and no one would know Uzumaki Naruto was the Kyuubi Jinchuriki,' thought Yamamoto, as he would leave instructions for Garp, and the Uzumaki Clan in general to be read following his death for the day when the Kyuubi would be sealed inside of his future self.
Provided of course, his Mother or Father sealed it into him on the night of his birth. There was always a possibility that outcome would change. Still, so long as Obito failed in his mission, it should be enough. At least for a time.
For now, all Yamamoto had to do was hold onto his life long enough to ensure certain issues didn't happen following his death.
(Uzu-2 Weeks Later)
Uzumaki Garp was reading a long, yet important letter sent by Yamamoto and it was not a good one. The letter stated the old man was finally feeling his age and that his days of living were numbered. In his letter was a set of instructions regarding certain issue to be carried out upon his death and all of them surrounded Konoha. The letter went on to state that Uzu was to keep Konoha at an arms distance in terms of friendship until Hiruzen was no longer Hokage and the man's Advisors along with a certain war hawk for a rival to the seat were dead. To alter its security system so no one in Konoha except those Yamamoto listed could be trusted and to destroy the secret tunnel entrance before rebuilding a new one.
Not only that, but Yamamoto insisted that when Kushina became pregnant with a child of her own (why Yamamoto thought that Garp had no idea), she should have the said child in Uzu, and under heavily guarded protection. In the possible event they can't have her come to Uzu, they were to secretly enter Konoha, and not reveal themselves until the last moment. To use all their skills to protect Kushina during the birthing process that would risk the fox escaping. Garp of course read the hidden meaning behind the letter stating those in Konoha would be frothing at the mouth for the power they were going to one day be waiting for that moment of weakness should they see an opportunity to take the Biju from Kushina into another Uzumaki. Possibly her own child if what the letter implied was indeed accurate and they would ensure the child suffered. The Uzumaki Clan knew all about the abuse Jinchuriki went through in other villages and thought Hashirama was an idiot to divide them up without considering how the people of each village would use them.
Both Yamamoto and Garp wanted to smash their fists into the man if he were alive here today. Mito's husband or not!
'This letter is seriously troubling. Yamamoto was the one who ensured our survival all those years ago when the Second Shinobi War was at its peak of violence. Not to mention he saved our cousin clan member Nawaki and Tsunade's lover Kato Dan in the belief that their deaths would hurt Tsunade. At first I questioned how he knew, but shrugged it off as an old man's wisdom, instincts, and intuition being razor sharp from years of experience. But this? No. This warning is not just a warning. This letter is basically of a...a...blast it all! What's the word? Premonition! Yes! A premonition. A foretelling of the future and of things to come if we don't act. Mito clearly trusted him to get the Shinigami Masks from the shrine here in secret. She trusted him to watch over Kushina after she died in Konoha. Hell, I trusted him long enough to see he was indeed a full blown Uzumaki in every sense of the word. He saved our clan from total annihilation several times over. If I don't listen to him now when this might be his last final act in warning us, I might as well be a total idiot!' thought Garp before calling for his most elite ANBU within the clan.
"Yes Garp-sama?" asked the ANBU Captain of Uzu.
"We're going to strength and alter our defenses. Do it quietly. I want new security seals, detection seals, traps, traps within traps, and everything else we can do to fortify Uzu. I want Uzu so well defended, we could withstand a Biju Bomb, and still be able to flip the said Biju off!" exclaimed Garp while his ANBU team in front of him sweat dropped.
"Uh...Garp-sama, you're being overly dramatic again," commented one of the ANBU before being punched in the back of his head by Garp.
"I am not! Now get to it! I have a letter here from Yamamoto-sama himself. From what the message he sent to me states, the man foresees trouble ahead if we don't do something about this, and fast!" stated Garp angrily while shaking his fists at the now scared group.
"Yes Garp-sama. Right away!" said the ANBU Captain before his team left after picking up their fellow ANBU who was on the ground.
'Yamamoto-sama made it clear that Konoha might try something like they did before in the future. Was he referring to another Shinobi War? And if so...when will that happen? No matter, I have to put things in place before that happens,' thought Garp before he was back at his desk making additional preparations for the future.
(Konoha-4 Months Later)
Uzumaki Yamamoto was dead. Confirmed by Tsunade herself. She cried of course like all those that knew him. Cause of death? Natural. The man died in his sleep. Peacefully. Happy. It was clear to the woman that the old man had faith in the future being bright with a few cloudy spots, but nothing those he knew couldn't endure. The man had done so much for Uzu, his cousin clan, and Konoha to a slightly lesser extent. It was a blow to the Uzumaki Clan to know such a great man had left this world and only after the Second Shinobi War ended just one month ago. He even left Kushina a nice large home to call her own right near the Senju Clan Compound after secretly purchasing the plot of land before constructing it.
The old Uzumaki informed her of it in his Will and where it was located so she could dispel the Genjutsu for herself. Yamamoto explained in his Will the house was big because "You will need it one day when having a family of your own one day with that special man in your life." which caused Kushina to blush when read out loud since she had a good idea on what he meant and who he was referring to in terms of that "special man".
When Tsunade presented the report to Hiruzen, the Sandaime Hokage hid the happiness he felt knowing the old Uzumaki was dead. The man had been a pain in the Sandaime's side for so long, it was almost hard to imagine Yamamoto had died, and could not longer influence things in Konoha. The Hyuuga Clan had been on the defensive for so long due to the push for a reform regarding the division of their house. Now with Yamamoto dead, the issue would hopefully stay buried again, and the Hokage was sure he could keep any further complaints made by Kushina at bay.
Oh, if only that were true.
'I need to get access to that man's body. Or get Orochimaru to gain access to it before the body starts to rot. Once he has enough Uzumaki genetic material, I'm sure he can use it to find away to extend our lives beyond the normal expectations. Once we mix it with the material I can gather from the Senju Clan, the means of being truly immortal with God like powers will be in our grasp,' thought Hiruzen while smirking at the idea of living for so long and using the various powers given by such bloodline splicing to control unfathomable power.
"I take it you heard?" asked Danzo while appearing from the shadows.
"Naturally. Tsunade just left to mourn his death in private. I take it you feel some form of emotion known as 'happiness' in that emotionless husk you call a body Danzo? Perhaps a small smile?" questioned Hiruzen with Danzo staying emotionless the whole time.
"Emotions are for the weak Hiruzen. I feel nothing for Yamamoto in terms of reaction to his death. I didn't care for him when he was alive and his death is no different. I take it Orochimaru will be informed shortly so he can acquire some genetic samples from the corpse for testing?" countered Danzo with Hiruzen smirking at the predicted answer.
"Yes. Though my student might already know and doing it right now. Currently, the body of Yamamoto is currently in the morgue. Easy enough to sneak in, take what is needed, and sneak back out without anyone knowing," replied Hiruzen while Danzo nodded.
"The Uzumaki Clan will come to claim his body. We should destroy it and claim some kind of accident caused such an outcome," offered Danzo since it would be so easy to do that.
"A final act of revenge against Yamamoto I take it? And to hurt the Uzumaki Clan no less?' questioned Hiruzen since the idea did have some appeal to him.
"They set our Master Plan back by several decades. They ruined our chances of becoming without dispute THE strongest village of the major five. They don't deserve anything we have in Konoha. They don't deserve anything! I say deny them what they claim is owed and never apologize for it," stated Danzo harshly while stomping his cane angrily at the man.
Hiruzen saw how Danzo was gripping his new cane tightly in his one remaining hand and remembered how Yamamoto had crippled him three months ago.
Danzo had tried to approach Yamamoto in private in the belief he could turn the man to his side in overthrowing Hiruzen for the title of Hokage. Hinting that the old man should assist him in removing the Sandaime because of the man's past sins against the Uzumaki Clan and the Senju Clan. Danzo was not innocent in the schemes concocted either, but he was sure Yamamoto did not know that, and decided to press onward in the belief that he could effectively manipulate the Uzumaki into unknowingly be his weapon.
Only to have Yamamoto draw his sword and slice into Danzo with deadly precision. The old Uzumaki took Danzo's right arm and eye and used the fire manifesting ability of his Zanpakuto to cauterize the wound instantly. The platoon of Root Nin in hiding rushed to their Master's defense, but were instantly burned alive, and turned into ash before Danzo's remaining horrified eye. The man couldn't even go to the Sandaime Hokage since Root shouldn't even exist now due to Hiruzen having "officially" ordered Root be disbanded now that the Second Shinobi War was over and would only be brought back out should another one manifest itself.
Do not test me Shimura Danzo. Or you will find that there are worse things to fear then death!
Even now the sting to his pride, dignity, body, and soul still stung Danzo fiercely since he was unable to recover from such injuries. Thus forcing him to retire from being an active Shinobi and Hiruzen had put him on as a third Shinobi Advisor. Both to help keep Danzo close by to take a fall if Hiruzen felt it was necessary and to ensure the crippled man felt he was still important to some extent.
Like Danzo, the Sandaime Hokage saw people as tools. But unlike Danzo, the Sandaime Hokage still saw how to use broken tools over throwing them away.
Tsunade had of course tried to heal his injuries, but the Sannin had told Danzo it was not possible, even with her skills. At best could give him a new eye to replace his lost one so he could see better. Danzo turned it down though since he didn't want a normal weak eye to replace his sharp one.
"Yes. I'm sure the permanent mark Yamamoto left on your body and soul has nothing to do with it," commented Hiruzen while smirking at Danzo's crippled state and knew the man was lying straight through his teeth.
(Konoha-The Morgue)
"Ah, the body of Uzumaki Yamamoto himself. Such an intriguing figure. Even in death, his form still looks as imposing as ever. He doesn't even look dead. Just asleep. Don't you agree Jiraiya?" remarked Orochimaru with a grin on his face since he sensed Jiraiya here in the morgue seconds after arriving himself.
"Yeah my heart is all a flutter. Hurry up and get what you need Orochimaru. I want my time to spit on the corpse and give his stupid wrinkled face a punch to take to the other side," commented Jiraiya angrily since he was pissed that not only was Tsunade married to that sissy boy Dan, but not long after their honeymoon...she was pregnant!
She even had the nerve to say that if the child was a in fact boy, it would be named after Yamamoto. It was insulting! Jiraiya felt she should be having HIS child. Not Dan's! HIS! Jiraiya of the Sannin! It was not fair!
"Oh stop complaining Jiraiya. Besides, Tsunade made it clear to you a long time ago that she was not interested in you on such a romantic level. Go write a book or something. It just might help you clear your head of the useless junk swimming within it," commented Orochimaru while Jiraiya bristled at the insult to his mind.
"Shut up teme!" exclaimed Jiraiya angrily before he saw Orochimaru frowning.
"Interesting. There is some kind of seal here," remarked Orochimaru while he began his own examination of the old Uzumaki.
"What seal? Let me see!" exclaimed Jiraiya before shoving Orochimaru out of the way and began to examine it himself.
Only for the seal to suddenly activate to suddenly activate and to their shock and sudden horror...the eyes of Uzumaki Yamamoto opened once more. The old man was alive!
And currently had both Sannin by the throat in an iron grip.
"I see. I have been dead for less then a day and already you are here to pilfer from my corpse like vultures smelling dead flesh," commented Yamamoto angrily before sitting up and looking the two dead in the eyes.
"H-How?!" questioned Orochimaru while Jiraiya was thinking the same thing.
"You would be surprised what can be sealed away. While this sudden return is in fact only temporary, its more then enough time needed to take care of you two for your past sins," answered Yamamoto with Orochimaru and Jiraiya realizing what he had done.
Somehow, the old Uzumaki actually sealed away a part of his life force until a certain moment in time where it would unlock, and give Yamamoto a temporary second life.
"We don't know what you are talking abou-ACK!" exclaimed Jiraiya before finding the grip on his throat tighten.
"Do not take me for a fool Jiraiya. I know you two conspired with Hiruzen to destroy my clan. I know it was you two who conspired with Hiruzen to kill Nawaki for his genetic material to use in the unethical experiments Orochimaru here was performing. And I also know it was you Jiraiya, who conspired with Hiruzen, and tried to have Dan killed simply because he was going to marry Tsunade. I spared your miserable lives the much needed death you two deserved because it wasn't your time to die. Now that is no longer an issue. The world has no further need of whelps like the two of you!" exclaimed Yamamoto with his grip on them increasing.
"We weren't the only ones! Danzo was part of it too. So were Koharu and Homura!" said Jiraiya in an attempt to direct the Uzumaki's wrath to them over himself.
"I know that you idiot. I know a many great things you have done. What Orochimaru has done. What Hiruzen has done. What Danzo has done. And of course what his Advisors have done. They will all pay at a later time. Right now, you are the only deaths I need to concern myself with," replied Yamamoto before calling forth his Zanpakuto's power with his mind setting the room ablaze.
"What are you doing?! Stop! Stop! We'll be burned alive!" pleaded Jiraiya while looking into Yamamoto's eyes and saw they were unwavering.
"You say that as if I should care. I made my intentions perfectly clear to my clan what was going to befall me while in Konoha upon my death. They don't need my body. Just my sword. And I assure you, it will survive this fire moving to consume us because it IS the fire! MY Will of Fire!" exclaimed Yamamoto while the flames became more intense.
'No! I have so many potential test subjects I need to gather and experiment on. Theories that need testing!' thought Orochimaru while trying to get out of the man's grip, but was finding it impossible.
And he had just heard of the rumors of where to find the legendary Kusanagi too.
"Your tainted souls shall be purged from this world. Nothing will change that. In doing so, the future will be a much better place for all. Not just Konoha like you intended with the Sandaime in some firm belief you could ascend to some form of Godhood," finished Yamamoto before the fire moved in on all three of them.
"DAMN YOU!" yelled Orochimaru and Jiraiya angrily as the fire consumed all three of them before causing a massive explosion.
When the Hokage, Tsunade, Kushina, and a team of ANBU entered the scorched area hours later upon deeming it safe...all that remained was one Uzumaki Yamamoto's Zanpakuto. Fully sheathed, in the middle of the room, and looking completely fine.
As if it had not just been in an enraging inferno and explosion earlier that day.
Hiruzen scowled angrily at the sight. He knew both his students had been here when this unexplained explosion and fire happened earlier. He knew Yamamoto was involved. He knew that this sword was the source of the fire that consumed his two students. That this sword caused the explosion to bring about the figuratively placed icing on the cake. If it weren't for the fact Tsunade and Kushina were here, he would use all his strength, and his power to break the damn thing into multiple pieces.
Sadly, Tsunade along with Kushina were in front of the sword before he could even give the order to his ANBU to get the sword. At the very least, Hiruzen intended to seal the damn thing away, use some kind of excuse that it was too powerful for anyone else to wield, and bury it deep in the Hokage vault. Before he could tell Tsunade or Kushina to give him the sword, they were already heading out the door.
"Where are you heading with that?" asked Hiruzen with Kushina holding it tightly.
"We're sending it back to Uzu. Where it belongs," answered Tsunade stiffly while she did not look at her former sensei.
"That is not going back to Uzu. Its going in the Hokage Vault and be sealed away until further notice," ordered the Sandaime with Kushina glaring at him.
"Its part of the Uzumaki Clan. Hence it belongs in Uzu," countered Kushina with the Sandaime Hokage scowling.
"Its a sword. Nothing more. Anyone can wield it and as such I won't allow its power to fall into irresponsible hands," stated Hiruzen while Kushina glared at him.
"You never liked old man Yama. You always hated him. You, Danzo-teme, Orochi-teme, and Ero-Sennin," remarked Kushina while Hiruzen frowned while knowing he had to tread very carefully.
"I didn't hate him Kushina. I just didn't approve of him constantly interfering in matters that were not something he should be interfering with in the first place. Regardless of his intentions," countered Hiruzen while the two women glared at him.
"He only interfered when the time called for it. Because of his interference, both Nawaki and Dan are alive today. Uzu is alive and a strong reliable ally with them using my Medic Program to bolster their strength. The man helped make the transition for Kushina being here easier. He was going to unite the Hyuuga Clan into a single united house through legitimate means!" exclaimed Kushina while Hiruzen since he knew most of the Clan Heads san the Uchiha and Hyuuga Clan Head supported Yamamoto on many occasions.
"Regardless, his sword is still too dangerous for anyone to wield. Look what it did here in this room Tsunade. Kushina. Because of his weapon, Jiraiya and Orochimaru are now dead. The village is now weaker because of him!" stated Hiruzen while Tsunade glared at him.
"And just why were those two here in the first place? Neither of them had the right to be here. Much less to see him," said Tsunade while Hiruzen bit back a curse at the slip up of mentioning those two being here.
"I don't know. But I'm sure it was to pay their respects to such a great man," lied Hiruzen while Kushina and Tsunade glanced at each other.
You didn't need to be an Uzumaki sensor to know the Hokage was lying about that.
"I doubt it sensei. Regardless, I'm not surrendering Yamamoto-sama's sword to you or to Konoha. I have already spoken to Garp-sama about this prior to now. He's claiming the sword as a clan relic and thus will not allow Konoha to have the sword in the village's possession. Something about 'Konoha's tainted fire' in the letter when reading his reply," said Tsunade while Hiruzen glared at her.
"And I'm saying the sword is not theirs to claim. I don't care what clan Yamamoto was born from. That sword is not leaving Konoha or the vault. It is my command as Hokage and it will obeyed!" replied Hiruzen while the ANBU moved to take it from Kushina.
"Try and Uzu will end the alliance with Konoha! Not only that, but the Senju Clan will leave this village, and any other clan that chooses to follow," threatened Tsunade with Hiruzen looking shocked before frowning and ordered his ANBU to freeze with a simple gesture of the hand.
"You would abandon the village your family helped build?" questioned Hiruzen while Tsunade glared at him.
"If this village is going to spit on the legacy of my family? Then yes I will leave it to fall down because of people like you who are causing it to rot from the inside! Just admit it sensei, ever since you have become Hokage, there has been an ever growing dislike for the Uzumaki Clan here in Konoha. Kushina saw it growing up and was able to endure it thanks to Yamamoto-sama and Grandma Mito. I saw it too. So did Nawaki and even Dan as the years went by when looking at the people. There was even the three different failed break-in attempts at the Senju Clan home with evidence suggesting the culprits were after Uzumaki Clan secrets. The fact someone tried to enter using means only a friend could get into the home in secret suggests someone inside Konoha was responsible. At first, I thought the people were hating the Uzumaki Clan because Kushina herself wasn't from here originally. But now I realize they are doing it due to them being stupid and arrogant while someone high up has been secretly urging them on," replied Tsunade while her former sensei just stared back at her and she knew he knew about them.
What she didn't know was Jiraiya was the one behind them. But the Uzumaki Seals when it came to security were second to none. Jiraiya had barely managed to make it out of the house all three times barely alive. He was "officially" on a long term mission during each attempt so no one would question if the man suddenly came back to Konoha with a "new understanding" of Fuinjutsu. Jiraiya also had to lay low following these events due to his injuries requiring time to heal and it was only due to his false alibi that no one suspected it was him.
Though Hiruzen was now wondering if perhaps Yamamoto knew, but chose not to reveal anything because he decided it was better used as optional leverage in the future. Hiruzen also wondered if perhaps Tsunade and Kushina knew due to Yamamoto telling them so they would keep their guard up around Jiraiya.
"That's a heavy accusation to be made by you Tsunade. One close to being called treason if the implication in your voice behind it being me is any indication," remarked Hiruzen while Tsunade just looked at him.
"Is it true sensei? Swear on the life of your wife and children that you had nothing to do with any of it? Or the law you tried to pass stating those born of foreign nationality can never become Hokage? Even if the person proves they are not only qualified, but loyal to a fault, and have served Konoha faithfully? You know, the one you tried to push through when neither Nawaki nor myself were around to vote against due to missions when the time came to decide on the issue," questioned Tsunade while Hiruzen glaring at her.
"That law is to protect us from foreign people from becoming the leader of this village and destroying us from within. Who is to say a ninja from another village like Iwa or Kumo leaves under the pretense of defecting, becomes Hokage years later, and then uses his or her position to weaken us to the point where our enemies can crush us with ease?!" challenged Hiruzen while Tsunade and Kushina stayed silent for a second before Tsunade smirked.
"You didn't deny being apart of the past crimes I mentioned earlier," remarked Tsunade while Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.
"I am the Hokage. You don't have the right to judge me on my decisions whether they are possibly ethical or not. In this case, every action I have done is beyond reproach. Now give my ANBU that damn sword or you two will be thrown in jail for treason and kept there until the next Hokage is appointed," threatened Hiruzen while Kushina's eyes were now narrowing before she felt a faint pulse of assurance from the sword.
Getting what the sword was telling her, Kushina stepped forward to the total surprise of Tsunade, and gave it to the ANBU Captain. Only, as soon as she let go of it, Kushina, Tsunade, Hiruzen, and the other ANBU with them watched in horror as the new holder was consumed in fire by the sword and turned into ash.
Not worthy to hold.
Those were the four words that echoed throughout the room before the now hovering weapon flew to Kushina's hands.
"You knew that would happen," accused Hiruzen while Kushina smirked.
"Prove it," Kushina shot back while Hiruzen continued to glare.
"Face it sensei. You lost this round. Orochimaru and Jiraiya were here to see Yamamoto-sama's body unlawfully. They paid the price for whatever reason they were down here with their lives. So did that ANBU just now in trying to take Yamamoto-sama's sword from Kushina. How many more people have to die until you get the message?" remarked Tsunade with her former sensei saying nothing.
"Let's go. Garp-sama will want this back in Uzu immediately," commented Kushina with Tsunade nodding.
'Damn it! If another Uzumaki Clan member wields that blade, it will mean someone on par with Yamamoto himself will be around to cause problems. Add in Orochimaru's own death and Jiraiya's has damaged Konoha considerably. With the former's R&D projects and the latter's spy network being stalled in the process. It means we will have to rely on the unreliable minds in R&D to fill Orochimaru's genius filled sandals and the Uzumaki Clan for picking up the slack surrounding Jiraiya's spy network. The former isn't that much of a problem, but the latter requires we lean on Uzu more for support, and they have made it clear they are not above cutting ties with those they deem an enemy if the signs are there,' thought Hiruzen while upset the Uzumaki Clan was so influential within Konoha right now.
Hiruzen still couldn't believe the Uzumaki Shrine was removed of all the masks with the contents sent to Uzu and the temple itself was destroyed by Yamamoto himself. He had intended for Orochimaru to secretly visit the temple after Mito died to see if the man could learn the secrets behind it. Kushina wouldn't have been an issue since Hiruzen would have kept her away from it, but Yamamoto, Mito, and the Uzumaki Clan had all meddled in his schemes.
Preventing the near annihilation of the Uzumaki Clan or order to monopolize the right to having the Kyuubi in Konoha.
The Senju Clan having a second chance to rise up again after their own moment of near extinction and thus prevented Hiruzen from monopolizing their power for his own gains.
Taking of the Shinigami Masks from the Uzumaki Clan Shrine. Those could be used to free any soul from the Shinigami and thus could possibly be used to cheat the deity of any soul in its possession. Namely himself! Hiruzen wanted to live forever to wield the power of a God and crush his enemies underfoot without anyone knowing the truth until it was too late to stop him. Many would tell Hiruzen that his children were his true legacy and true means of immortality, but the Sandaime Hokage thought those people telling him such things were idiots. His children or future Grandchildren weren't an extension of immortality for him.
Only Immortality was considered immortality.
His only hope now in salvaging this situation was finding the perfect successor to his title as Hokage and ensure this person finished it. Or at least found a way to bring him back in a way that would allow Hiruzen to live forever afterwards. Something Hiruzen himself knew he would quite possibly not given how long it would actually take to remotely fix his plan and train a worthy successor to carry said plan out.
Because even Hiruzen knew that even with the Edo Tensei, for all its greatness, it was not true immortality, and the titled Kami no Shinobi had no intention of being a puppet to the one using it on him.
週次パワーステータス
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