Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

The next morning.

The entire village of Konoha was cloaked in a somber atmosphere. All ninjas without active missions, along with the families of fallen shinobi, gathered at Konoha's cemetery to pay their respects.

The sky was overcast, and a gentle drizzle fell from the heavens.

Dressed in black, everyone bowed their heads in silence before the memorial monument. At the front stood the Third Hokage, reciting a eulogy in a deep, solemn voice. Beside him stood Uzumaki Raiden and Might Guy, the latter holding a framed photo of his father, Might Duy, as he wept silently.

Families and shinobi grouped together in designated areas according to their clans. Members of the Uchiha clan were among those present, led by Uchiha Fugaku. Beside him, his wife, Uchiha Mikoto, cradled their two- to three-year-old son, Uchiha Itachi, in her arms while holding the hand of a five- or six-year-old boy, Uchiha Shisui.

Shisui, the son of Uchiha Shinki, had been under Fugaku's care while his father served on the front lines with Jiraiya against the Cloud forces. Over time, Shisui had become like an older brother to Itachi, blending seamlessly into Fugaku's family.

"Aunt Mikoto," Shisui whispered, tugging at Mikoto's sleeve, "who's that red-haired ninja standing next to Lord Hokage? I've never seen him in the village before."

Mikoto followed Shisui's gaze to Uzumaki Raiden, whose striking red hair and commanding presence made him stand out in the crowd. "That's Raiden," she replied softly. "He's the Fourth Disciple of the Third Hokage and the leader of Konoha's surprise attack force."

Shisui nodded, curiosity gleaming in his young eyes. "I don't know why, but looking at him makes me feel… something. Like a stirring in my heart."

Mikoto chuckled lightly at Shisui's words, but Fugaku, overhearing the exchange, turned to observe his nephew closely before refocusing on the Hokage's speech.

The funeral lasted nearly two hours before Might Duy was finally laid to rest. As the crowd began to disperse, leaving the cemetery's stillness to the honored dead, Uzumaki Raiden approached Fugaku.

"Fugaku," Raiden called, halting Fugaku as he was about to leave. "Get ready. We leave together soon."

Fugaku nodded but noticed Raiden's gaze shifting to the children beside Mikoto. "This little one must be your son, Uchiha Itachi," Raiden said with a smile. "And who's this other boy?"

"That's Uchiha Shisui, Shinki's son," Fugaku explained. "He's six years old and already a prodigy in our clan. Though he just started at the Ninja Academy, he's strong enough to graduate early if he wanted to."

Shisui, unbothered by Raiden's scrutiny, stepped forward confidently. "Hello, Lord Raiden. My name is Uchiha Shisui!"

Raiden grinned. "Uchiha Shisui, huh? You seem like a fine young ninja. How about becoming my disciple? If you do, you'll have access to techniques even your clan doesn't teach."

Shisui blinked, taken aback by the unexpected offer. "Your disciple? I…" He hesitated, clearly torn.

Fugaku's expression brightened at Raiden's words. The idea of Shisui learning from Raiden, a trusted ally and a disciple of the Third Hokage, appealed to him greatly.

Raiden chuckled, patting Shisui's head. "Think about it. You can discuss it with your father and let me know later. My offer stands."

As Fugaku watched the interaction, he decided to seize the moment. "Raiden, what do you think of my son Itachi? One day, I'd like him to learn from you."

Raiden raised an eyebrow, studying the toddler in Mikoto's arms. "I don't see why not. When he's older—say, four years old—he can start training under me. But be warned, Fugaku, I'm a strict teacher."

Fugaku smiled warmly. "If he learns from you, he's bound to become an exceptional ninja."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Raiden and Fugaku left the cemetery. However, Raiden's departure was interrupted when an Anbu messenger arrived, summoning him to the Hokage's office.

Raiden entered the Hokage's office to find Hiruzen Sarutobi seated alongside Mitokadu Homura and Koharu Utatane.

"Teacher, what's the urgency?" Raiden asked, glancing at the elders before addressing Hiruzen.

Hiruzen handed Raiden a scroll. "This is from Orochimaru. It concerns you directly. It seems the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, has expressed a willingness to negotiate peace. However, he's made a peculiar request."

Hiruzen paused, his expression grim. "Onoki specifically named you, Uzumaki Raiden, to represent Konoha in the negotiations and travel to the Land of Earth."

Raiden's eyes narrowed as he unfurled the scroll, scanning its contents. After a moment of silence, he asked, "What's your opinion on this, Teacher?"

"I think it's risky," Hiruzen admitted. "Orochimaru, as the commander of the Rainfront, is well-qualified to act as our representative. There's no need for you to go. Onoki's request feels suspicious, as if it might be part of a larger conspiracy."

He paused before adding, "But it's also possible that Iwa genuinely respects you. After all, you were instrumental in eliminating their Jinchūriki. They may see you as someone to fear."

Raiden considered Hiruzen's words carefully. "It does feel like a trap," he said finally, his tone resolute. "But we can't dismiss the opportunity for peace. Even if it's a conspiracy, I'm confident in my ability to handle it."

Hiruzen nodded, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Very well. Gather ten jonin from the Uchiha clan, including Fugaku, to act as your bodyguards. Make the necessary preparations. Stay vigilant."

Raiden's expression was confident as he replied, "Understood."

(End of this chapter)

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