Dark clouds gathered above the ruins of the Land of Whirlpools as cold rain began to fall, striking the reanimated body of Uzumaki Ashina. His pale white hair hung in disarray, soaked and heavy.
Was this truly the end of the Uzumaki clan?
Sorrow filled his heart.
Sensing the moment was right, Yūma spoke:
"Ashina-sama… I know the whereabouts of surviving members of the Uzumaki clan."
Ashina turned sharply, eyes locking onto the young man.
"It may be the last remaining group."
After a long silence, Ashina asked calmly:
"What do you want in return?"
Yūma finally stated his demand:
"Ninjutsu. Knowledge. Especially sealing techniques. I want everything stored in your mind. I wish to understand all techniques in this world."
He continued firmly:
"In exchange, I will protect the Uzumaki survivors. I will ensure their safety, help them regain a foothold in the shinobi world… and do my best to restore the clan's prosperity."
It was bold, but fair. The Uzumaki's secret arts were no longer completely hidden; after Uzushiogakure's fall, even Konohagakure and other great villages had obtained parts of their sealing techniques.
Ashina looked surprised.
"As a member of the Hyūga clan, you make such a request?"
Yūma smiled faintly.
"I'm not like other Hyūga. You'll understand in time."
Ashina studied him carefully.
"You're from the Branch House, aren't you?"
"Even without the Caged Bird Seal visible, you could tell?"
"The Main House would never allow someone like you to emerge. But a Branch House member breaking free… interesting."
After a pause, Ashina decided.
"Very well. I will pass on everything I know. But you must honor your word."
"I always keep my promises," Yūma replied.
—
Disguised, the two departed the ruins of Uzushiogakure and headed toward the Land of Grass, crossing the Land of Fire.
Though tensions remained high after the Nine-Tails incident, the vigilance of the Land of Fire meant little before the Byakugan and Uzumaki sensory abilities.
The Land of Grass, situated between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, had once been a major battlefield during the Third Great Ninja War. Though a ceasefire was in place, instability persisted. Iwagakure had reinforced its borders, and Konoha responded in kind.
Caught between major powers, the small nation lived in fear.
Outside Kusagakure, Ashina asked coldly:
"What is your plan? Bound to this Edo Tensei body, I cannot unleash my full strength."
Yūma activated his Byakugan.
"There are only six left. Five adults… and one infant."
Ashina's Kagura Shingan confirmed it — and more. Their life force was severely drained.
"There are hundreds of shinobi inside," Yūma said. "I can break in and escape alive. But rescuing six weakened Uzumaki while fighting the entire village? That's nearly impossible."
Ashina sighed.
"Then tell me. What do you intend to do?"
Yūma smiled.
He placed his palm on the ground.
Sealing formulas spread outward — and one by one, coffins rose from the earth.
/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------/
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