Uzumaki Yoshinori looked at his leader, Akihiko, with a bewildered expression. They had been discussing the important matter of gathering their scattered clan members, and now the conversation had taken an unexpected turn towards movies. Yoshinori couldn't understand the connection.
After all, as an elder of the Uzumaki clan, he had experienced the hardships of being a wanderer himself. So, how could he not hope that the other clan members who were still outside could find stability in the Land of Grass?
But this was the Land of Grass, and they were ninjas... The fact that the leader of the Land of Grass accepted them was already something they were grateful for. What if they made unreasonable requests and made it difficult for the leader?
He couldn't help but wonder what movies had to do with their current situation. Was this some sort of diversion or a misunderstanding?
Curiosity piqued, Yoshinori mustered the courage to ask, "Akihiko-sama, if I may... What exactly does this movie have to do with our mission to bring back the Uzumaki clan?"
Akihiko, slightly taken aback by the question, paused for a moment before responding, "Well, it's an entertainment format similar to the popular comic books in the ninja world," and "What is Movie anyway?".
Yoshinori's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, you mean 'The Guide to Evaluating Eccentric Beauties from Different Races'?"
Akihiko was taken aback by the elder's remark. He hadn't expected Yoshinori to make the connection to that specific comic book. After a moment of hesitation, he replied, "Have you... seen it?"
Yoshinori shook his head with certainty. "No, Leader, I haven't personally seen it. But I heard Lord Mubuki talking about it. He mentioned that his prized copy of the book was stolen, and he was devastated. Being grateful to Lord Mubuki for bringing the Uzumaki clan back, I instructed our clan members to keep an eye out for the book, hoping to find it and express our gratitude."
A wry smile tugged at Akihiko's lips as he muttered to himself, "That Mubuki... causing trouble again." Then, turning to Yoshinori, he reassured him, "Don't worry about that old pervert. Let's not trouble the Uzumaki clan with it either. I'll handle Mubuki."
With those words, Akihiko retrieved a stack of documents and presented them to Yoshinori. It was an improved version of the script titled "Gambling Shadows," which they had discussed previously.
"This movie is based on the concept you mentioned earlier," Akihiko explained. "It's like a play but with moving images and dialogue. It's similar to what you suggested, but with a few differences. You'll understand it better once it's filmed. I'm planning to shoot this movie and hope to enlist the help of the Uzumaki clan."
Yoshinori responded with unwavering loyalty, "No matter the task, the Uzumaki clan will fulfill it diligently."
"Good, there's no need to be so nervous. Take a look at the script," Akihiko encouraged, handing the document to Yoshinori.
Yoshinori received the script with a serious expression and began flipping through its pages. It was "Gambling Shadows," the script that Akihiko had adapted. Originally, Akihiko had intended to attract Tsunade, a wealthy individual, to the Land of Grass in the hopes of earning some much-needed funds for its development.
After all, the Land of Grass was struggling with poverty. The accumulated wealth of the Senju clan, spanning generations of Hokage, far surpassed that of their humble nation.
The script for "Gambling Shadows" painted a dramatic and intense story, centered around Uzumaki Jin's renowned gambling skills in the ninja world. The narrative followed his journey as he accepted an invitation from his close friend, Hiyo Uchiha, to engage in a high-stakes gambling showdown with Taketori Kimijiro, famously known as the King of Gamblers in the Mist Village.
However, just before the anticipated showdown, Jin found himself ensnared in a trap that resulted in the loss of his memory. In a drunken state, Hiyo mistakenly entered Jin's home and committed a heinous act, killing Jin's girlfriend and fellow clan members. Consumed by regret, Hiyo dispatched individuals to pursue Jin relentlessly. Fortunately, Jin was able to escape the clutches of his pursuers, thanks to the intervention of the ninjas from the Grass Village.
As fate would have it, Jin's memory was restored through a fortuitous accident. The long-awaited showdown with Taketori Kimijiro finally arrived, and through his exceptional gambling skills, Jin emerged victorious. Simultaneously, the remnants of a damaged cassette tape revealed the true nature of Hiyo's malevolence.
With the support of the Grass Village ninjas, Jin confronted the villains, sought vengeance for his grievances, and ultimately found solace and a new home in the Land of Grass, where he could forge a happy and fulfilling life.
It was essential to emphasize that the story had undergone extensive modifications, with all names changed except for the Grass Village. Any similarities to real individuals or events were purely coincidental.
It was indeed difficult to fathom the major ninja villages initiating a war against the Grass Village due to this fictional narrative. The Land of Grass had no intention of provoking conflict or causing harm with their movie production. Instead, they sought to entertain and captivate audiences while showcasing the talent and potential of the Grass Village shinobi.
Akihiko understood the importance of clarifying these points to avoid any misunderstandings or unnecessary tensions. The Land of Grass aimed to foster peaceful relations with the other ninja villages and contribute positively to the broader ninja world.
As Uzumaki Yoshinori finished reading the script, a complex expression appeared on his face, and he let out a long sigh. He looked up at Akihiko, his leader, who was calmly sipping water. "Akihiko-sama, you were already aware of this?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of emotions.
Akihiko, caught off guard by Yoshinori's question, set down his teacup and prepared to respond. But before he could speak, Yoshinori's tone changed, and his words carried a sense of weariness. "Many clan members felt suspicious that day," Yoshinori began. "Familiar sealing techniques, mercenary ninjas of unknown origin, and sealing techniques that only the Uzumaki clan and Mito-sama of Konoha possess. After Mito-sama's departure, it was expected that they would be passed on to that girl, Kushina. Konoha promised to let the Uzumaki clan continue in Konoha..."
Hiyo, Uzumaki Jin, betrayal, the massacre of our kin! Hasn't the Uzumaki clan always been plagued by such tragedies?
Yoshinori's voice trailed off as his mind wandered through the memories of betrayal and the loss of his family. The questions weighed heavily on him, and he couldn't help but voice his concerns. "So, where did those mysterious ninjas come from?" he wondered aloud.
Akihiko fell silent, contemplating Yoshinori's words. It was true that Kushina later learned the sealing techniques, but Uzumaki Naruto didn't possess them. Furthermore, many individuals in Konoha, such as Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, had knowledge of sealing techniques, though it was uncertain if they were specifically Uzumaki clan techniques.
The suspicions of the Uzumaki clan regarding Konoha's involvement in their subsequent suppression lingered. Akihiko's mind raced, considering the possibility. After all, Konoha had conducted numerous human experiments in the early stages for Wood Release research, which were initially allowed by the Third Hokage but later prohibited. However, Orochimaru and Danzo had continued these experiments in secret.
Could it be related to this? Could Danzo and his Root Anbu be behind the mysterious ninjas and the Uzumaki clan's suffering? Akihiko couldn't dismiss the notion, especially considering the historical connection between the Uzumaki clan and the Senju clan, as well as Konoha's actions in the past.
But the timing didn't seem right, and the discussion had initially been about the movie script. Akihiko couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion about how they ended up discussing Konoha and the Uzumaki clan's troubled history.
Akihiko put down his teacup and looked at Yoshinori with a serious expression. "Yoshinori, we will address these concerns, but let's focus on the movie for now."
However…
Uzumaki Yoshinori hesitated for a moment before raising his concern to Akihiko. "Leader... Aren't you worried about other ninja villages discovering that the Land of Grass has accepted the Uzumaki clan? The current situation of the Uzumaki clan is not very good..."
Akihiko listened to Yoshinori's concerns and understood the gravity of the situation for the Uzumaki clan. He knew that their current situation was precarious, and the other ninja villages might take notice of their presence in the Land of Grass.
However, Akihiko had considered this matter before and had confidence in the Land of Grass's ability to withstand any potential threats. He believed that the other five great ninja villages, apart from the Root, wouldn't readily take action. Any attempts by the Hidden Cloud Village might be secretive and aimed at abducting someone rather than launching a large-scale operation.
He emphasized that the Land of Grass, situated between two major countries, wouldn't be attacked and wiped out like the Land of Whirlpools. Even if Konoha or Iwagakure were to challenge them, Akihiko was confident in his ability to defend the Land of Grass.
Akihiko explained his perspective with determination, "The Uzumaki clan is a part of the Land of Grass. Regardless of the difficulties we may face, the Land of Grass will always be the Uzumaki clan's staunchest support. It is our responsibility and duty to protect the people of the Land of Grass."
Uzumaki Yoshinori was moved by Akihiko's words, his face trembling and his eyes welling up with emotion. But before he could respond, Akihiko redirected the conversation back to the movie and the clan members' whereabouts.
"Let's focus on the matter at hand. I plan to involve the Uzumaki clan in the movie. This way, if other Uzumaki clan members outside see it, they might deduce that some of their own people are in the Land of Grass," Akihiko suggested, waving his hand. "I assume you're also unaware of the current locations of your clan members."
Yoshinori sighed and nodded, acknowledging that it was true. After the Uzumaki clan dispersed, they kept their destinations hidden from one another to ensure their survival.
"I will dispatch Grass Village ninjas to investigate. With the intelligence we gather, the Grass Village is no less capable than the five great ninja villages," Akihiko reassured with a smile. "The new year is approaching, and filming begins tomorrow. Let's complete the movie as soon as possible and strive to bring happiness to all your clan members for the new year."
Yoshinori's lips trembled, and he nodded, affirming his commitment. "Yes, Akihiko-sama!"
Akihiko nodded approvingly at Uzumaki Yoshinori's response. "That's the spirit, Yoshinori. We will find a way to reunite the Uzumaki clan members and ensure their safety. In the meantime, let's focus on making this movie a success and bring a message to your clansmen that there's a safe home waiting for them"
Uzumaki Yoshinori's eyes brightened, his determination reignited. "Yes, Leader! We will give our utmost effort to make this movie a testament to the resilience and strength of the Uzumaki clan.
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A/N - Some of the guys were asking me about including Chinoike Clan in the story. Next Chapter it is then. Stay tuned.