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***
After leaving the residence, Sarutobi and I headed towards the orphanage. On the way, he told me about the village and its people, and how he was trying to improve their lives. I listened to him carefully, trying not to spoil my image. At one point, two ANBU's appeared next to us and Hiruzen gestured a certain order to them, which he thought I didn't notice, but the Sharingan allowed me to not only see it, but memorise it, though it was useless as I didn't know what it meant. As the ANBU distanced themselves, I used the Byakugan and followed them as they headed towards the shelter.
-Wants them to get Naruto cleaned up?"- I pondered, but didn't give any sign.
When we reached our destination, we entered the orphanage building to the bows of all the staff. We were escorted to the farthest room and the door was opened, behind which was the following picture: a blond-haired boy was sitting on a chair and, holding a red pencil in his hands, was concentrating on a piece of paper. A pretty girl with long pink hair sat next to him and watched the boy's efforts with a smile. When she noticed the guests, she straightened up and bowed, but the boy only looked at us puzzled.
- Naruto, say hello to this young man. He-" Sarutobi was about to introduce me to Naruto, but I interrupted him.
- Hiruzen-san, can you leave us alone? I'm afraid he's as uncomfortable talking in front of so many people as I am. What do you think?" he was confused for a moment, but after some thought, he agreed.
- All right, Ryoshi-san. Everyone out of the room.
- You. - I pointed at Mina, who was about to leave with the others. - Stay here, I have a lot to ask you. - She looked uncertainly at Third, and nodded.
- Yes sir." they all walked out, leaving the three of us in silence.
- "Naruto, Mina, it's been so long since I've seen you... "In three years, not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of you. Now I can say with absolute certainty that I'm back."
- L-love?
- *shh*- I put my finger to my lips and signalled for silence. She only nodded and I lowered my hand to the floor, whereupon a seal appeared on the back of my palm and crawled downwards. Once it reached the surface, the seal spread across the room and formed a barrier of interlocking hexagons. The barrier completely isolated the room from the outside world and wouldn't let anything through, it also left a semblance of our presence in our place.So, long time no see, Mina.
- Favourite? - Minami said hopefully again, but after a second she quickly retorted, "No, you're not the Favourite.
- That's right. I'm half of the Original. You can think of me as a Clone if you're more comfortable with that.
- Sister Mina, who's that? - Naruto started tugging at Minami's clothes, shifting his gaze from me to her in incomprehension.
- It's-" Mina hesitated and I interrupted her.
- Hello, Naruto-kun. My name is Ryoshi Uzumaki...
- Uzumaki?! You're..." Naruto interrupted me and looked hopefully straight into my eyes, but I immediately disproved his assumption.
- I'm a relative of yours, a fellow clanmate.
- Relative? - The hope had faded a little. Now he was looking at me with considerable interest.
- That's right.
- Then you know my parents?!
- I do.
- You do?! - his blue eyes sparkled with happiness.
- Really, Naruto-kun. But I can't tell you about them yet.
- W-why not?
- I'll tell you about them when you're six years old.
- REALLY?!!! - His eyes grew wide and sparkled more than ever.
- Really, really, really. But until then, you have to wait, okay?
- I'll wait! - he started running around the room cheerfully, sometimes jumping up and down with all his might.
-"Young Uzumaki really has a lot of energy," I thought with a smile. Looking at the table where Naruto was drawing a minute ago, I walked over to it and was surprised.
- Yeah. He started drawing this picture a lot. He says he really enjoys drawing it.
- I see. - Mina slowly walked over to Naruto's bed and pulled out a small scroll from under the mattress. After unsealing it, a small stack of papers of various sizes appeared in a puff of smoke.
- Ooh!!! Those are my drawings! - The little brother walked over to the papers and began to take them apart. Each of them had an Original drawn on them.
- My lover didn't want to destroy these drawings, so I collected them and kept them for him." walking over to Naruto, I sat down beside him and asked.
- Naruto, who is depicted in all these drawings? - he looked at me and smiled and shouted loudly.
- That's my brother Daiki.
- Hmm, Daiki, then. He's your big brother?
- Not only that, he's my Guardian.
- Guardian? Where is he? Is he coming?
- He's around. But he won't show himself to me. - his face became sad in a flash.- Then how do you know what he looks like?
- I've seen him before, when I was a kid.
- Do you want to see him again?
- How?! - he jumped up and stared at me with a hopeful look.
- Daiki, will you show yourself?" I looked at the unremarkable vase on the nightstand beside the bed, and a second later, with a distinctive *poof* sound, a puff of white smoke formed in its place. Then the silhouette of a boy with deep red hair appeared. He sat quietly with one leg over the other, looking in our direction with a smile on his face. At such a flashy appearance, Naruto looked on with a slack jaw and couldn't utter a word.
- Yo! Welcome back, Ya.
- Just call me Ryoshi.
- Ryoshi? Hunter, huh? That's a good name.
- Daiki's b-brother?!
- Yes, Naruto. I'm sorry I didn't--
- Brother!!! - Naruto jumped up and jumped on the Clone. - I thought you were gone! Why didn't you show up for so long?!?!? *PUFF*- with the same distinctive sound as it appeared, the clone disappeared in a puff of smoke.
- Oh.
- Brother!!! - Naruto's face was so sad at that moment that if he asked even Hiruzen for anything right now, he'd give anything, and without reservation. I thought for a second that Mangekyo was about to break out in his eyes, but no, no imbecile eyes.
- Listen, Naruto-kun. Don't feel bad, it was just a Daiki clone. Your real brother isn't here and he's fine.
- Isn't he? - and the Cat in Boots eyes. Naruto, you too?!
- Yes, it's true. You'll see him tomorrow. Okay?
- Okay.
- Ha-ah-ah.-I stopped getting the sad stare and Naruto's eyes started to fall asleep.-It's evening, it looks like you're pretty exhausted from today.
- Ryoshi-san-" Naruto tried to stay awake.
- I guess I should be going now. Keep an eye on him, Minami-chan.
- Okay... Master.
- It's okay, just call me Ryoshi.
- Okay, Ryoshi-san.
- That's fine." I called her with a hand gesture and touched her forehead with the palm of my hand as she came closer. Seals appeared on my elbow and slid down my arm into my palm before moving to Minami's forehead. Then a small barrier completely surrounded her head and, gradually shrinking, went through her skin right into her brain. - It's a mind defence so no one can do anything to you until I take you away.
- Pick you up?
- Yes, I'm back and soon to be the Head of the Uzumaki Clan. Will you keep an eye on Naruto from now on? - A tear slid down her cheek and smiling she replied softly.
- Yes.
Cancelling the effect of my barrier, I quietly left the room, glancing one last time at Minami who was gently laying Naruto on the bed. Leaving the room, I walked through the hallway and found myself in the guest room where Hiruzen and the orphanage director were sitting.
- Oh, Ryoshi-san, have you finished? - Sarutobi turned to me, placing his cup of tea on the table, while the director hurriedly poured tea into another cup and placed it in front of the Hokage, where I sat.
- Yeah, that went well. He was pretty tired and the worker put him to bed.
- I see.
- Hiruzen-san?
- Yes, did you want something?
- About that employee. I found out from talking to her that Naruto is quite attached to her. So I'd like to accept her into my Clan and her into mine.
- We haven't officially decided on your appointment as head of the Uzumaki Clan. Are you in no hurry?
- Is there any doubt about the council's decision?
- That's not what I meant.
- Then there should be no problem. - Taking the cup offered to me, I joined the tea party.
- That's right. - Then we had a short talk with Sarutobi about the upcoming meeting, and I was escorted to the hotel where Mariko and Karin were staying.
***
The evening of the next day. The Clan Chiefs' Council Hall.
In the spacious grey room was a huge round table. Around it were chairs where all the Heads of the strongest Clans in the village, as well as the Village Elders, were seated.
- So, what was the reason you called the council of Clan Heads together so urgently, Sarutobi? - The hoarse voice of an old man with half of his face covered in bandages interrupted the silence.
- I hope each of you felt the chakra surge that occurred near Konoha? - Hiruzen's words caused everyone to turn their attention to him and listen intently. It was obvious that each of them understood what the Hokage was talking about. - The ANBU will now hand out sheets with all the information we have on the man who did this. - Several ANBU's entered the room and slowly handed each council member a sheet and then left. Everyone carefully began to read the content of the text on these sheets and the reaction was immediate.
- A-haired Devil! - surprisingly it was uttered by the most calm council member, the head of the Uchiha Clan, Fugaku Uchiha. - Where is he now?!
- Calm down, Fugaku-san. Right now, he's in a hotel in Konoha, under constant surveillance by my ANBU.
- A man like that shouldn't be free inside the Village! He could even endanger you, Hokage-sama!
- Everything is under control, Mr Fugaku. Just read the data to the end, then we can talk about his danger. - The dark-haired Clan Head continued to read the text on the paper, his eyes widening more and more with each passing second. The expressions of some of the council representatives didn't look much different from his. Only Clan Head Hyuga kept his proud look, Danzo was unfazed. Like the Third, the Head of Clan Nara looked deeply thoughtful, and half of everyone present simply didn't understand the reaction of Fugaku, seemingly the head of one of the strongest Clans.
- Is all of this really true? - Fugaku said in a calm tone.
- Would I joke about such things?
- It's hard to believe without seeing it in person.
- I understand. To be honest, I can't believe it myself, even though I've seen it with my own eyes.
- You'll have to excuse me, Hokage-sama.... - the voice of the Head of the Yamanaka Clan was heard.
- Yes?
- The only information recorded here is his intentions and clan affiliation, but there are no other details about him. It only states that he is a Bounty Hunter nicknamed the Hairy Devil. And I wonder why Fugaku-san reacted so strongly to that.
- Yeah, I don't understand who we're talking about either. - The head of the Akimichi Clan spoke.
- There's almost no data, is that possible?
- Can you explain to us who it is? - One after another, Sarutobi and Fugaku were bombarded with questions from the council members.
- Ha-ahhh. - Sighing, Fugaku drew attention to himself and began to speak. - In truth, there really wasn't much known about this man. Before this, even his face was known to only a few, but everyone knew about his distinctive appearance. Scarlet hair. The survivors after his appearance could only see them, nothing else. He is one of the strongest Shinobi and perhaps in my opinion he is the best assassin. At the site of his battles, which were very rare as he almost always killed his victims with a single blow, no traces were left that could indicate his arsenal of techniques. All that is known is that he uses senbon and poisons, for which no one has yet been able to create an antidote.
He is a relatively recent arrival, about two years ago. At first, he only killed Nukenins and sold their bodies, and for some reason killed all the bandits that came his way. Within a year of his appearance, he had become quite famous, and was already starting to be approached with customised Murders, which he also carried out without making light of his appearance. And it was in contract killing that he really excelled. This man was capable of killing anyone, and the most shocking was his feat with the Karatachi Jagura Assassination. His head was ordered by Terumi Mei, wanting to end the war within her village, but the results truly exceeded expectations. It only took him one week to track down and kill the Mizukage of Blood Mist. After that, he brought his head to his customer and after receiving the promised reward, he simply walked away. He is considered a hero in Kirigakure because of this, but he has not used his fame in any way. If the information in these papers is true, then after he joins our Village, our relationship with the Water Country will increase many times over! But the risk...
I only met this man once, but I remembered it for the rest of my life. On one of the special missions in the Land of Grass. I was with a squad of ten Shinobi of my clan, and we were chasing one of our renegades to retrieve the Village's secret scroll. At one point we entered the forest area and, five minutes later, we heard a heartbreaking scream a hundred metres away, after which it abruptly subsided. I ordered a few of my subordinates to scout the area for for nothing. As they approached the place where that scream came from, I stopped feeling one, then I heard another scream, after which the chakra of all three of them disappeared and I felt someone approaching us. When I discerned a red silhouette, I also saw two bright red eyes looking straight at me. At that moment I felt like my throat had been slit several times and my whole body had been disembowelled. But when I came to my senses, I realised that I was fine. Turning round to my comrades, I shouted to them to retreat and also ran after them myself. Surprisingly, he didn't chase us and we calmly walked out of the forest and headed towards the nearest village. Before that time I didn't take him as I should, but after... I try not to cross him. - After the story, everyone, without exception, stared at Fugaku's frowning face in silence in shock. It was the first time they had seen him so troubled. Even Shimura and Sarutobi were numbed by such a reaction from one of the strongest Shinobi of the Village.
- He's really dangerous. - Inoichi said, checking all of the Uchiha Head's words for truth.
- Don't make me laugh. - Everyone turned to see Hiashi Hyuga crossing his arms and looking at the others with contempt. - Fugaku-san, I respected you and your strength, I also respected your intelligence.... until now. You inferred his strength based only on your fear and the deaths of three of your subordinates and Nukenin. Is it too little to call him one of the strongest Shinobi? - Everyone at first wanted to refute the words of the Head of the Proud Hyuga Clan, but after his further reasoning, they thought deeply.
- The conclusions about his strength are based not only on this, Hiashi-san, but also on what was said before. Killing the Fourth Mizukage already speaks volumes. Yagura Karatachi was one of the few Jinchuriki capable of fully controlling his Tails. I don't think it's worth talking about how powerful a Shinobi can become with control over a monster like Three-Tailed, and Yagura was a very strong Kage-level Shinobi in his own right. - Aburame, the Clan Head of the Aburame Clan, said softly.
- But even though he is a strong Shinobi, and we will gain a lot from him joining our ranks, is it too much to give two Jinchuriki to his Clan? - The perplexed Akimichi Head asked.
- About that point. Ryoshi-san asked me to add one more favour he can give us. It concerns the Senior Jinchuriki, Menma Uzumaki. - Sarutobi decided to share it with the other Clan Heads after all.
- And what is this favour? - Everyone listened attentively, waiting for the Third Hokage to continue.
- He said he could train Menma to have the same control over Tails as Jagura.
- WHAT?! - Everyone's eyes widened except for Hiruzen and Danzo himself.
- How is that possible!!!
- How could NOT a jinchuriki know the way to control Tails!!!
- Did he learn it from the Mizukage?
- He must be lying, that can't be true!
- He's bluffing now to be given the strongest weapon in the village!
- We can't let that happen, no way!
- CALM DOWN!!! - Sarutobi quickly stopped all the chaos that was starting to happen in the room. - The information is secret, but it's fully confirmed. There's no need to question it in any way. - Everyone fell silent, and the voice of the Head of the Root, who had been silent the entire time after his first sentence, rang out in the silent room.
- I am in favour of the formation of the Uzumaki Clan and the appointment of Ryoshi Uzumaki as its Head, as well as the joining of two Jinchuriki to this Clan. - Everyone looked at Shimura in surprise as he raised his free, unbandaged hand.
- "Danzo. I told him that Ryoshi is Jinchuriki in exchange for him not getting involved in the discussion and agreeing to Ryoshi-san's proposal. He's not stupid and was well aware of all the advantages it would bring us. But I have a bad feeling about his intentions. In any case, Ryoshi isn't a weak and even less stupid person. I don't think Danzo will be able to influence him in any way, but we'll see..." Hiruzen thought and turned his gaze to the rest of the council.
- Can I have an opinion? - came the voice of the head of Nara, who had been in deep thought all this time.
- Please, Shikaku.
- There is no doubt that Ryoshi Uzumaki is a very strong shinobi, and joining the Village would strengthen it greatly, especially if he implements his proposal to train Jinchuriki. But let's look at the downsides of turning down his offer.
Firstly, the reasons for his choice. I don't think it would be difficult for him to choose another Village. If we refuse him, he'll just go to others.
Secondly, his knowledge of Jinchuriki training. If he goes to another Village, he can strengthen it much more by training them Jinchuriki.
Thirdly, his desire to gather his Clan's representatives. I think he will definitely consider kidnapping Menma and Naruto after refusing.
Fourth, his subsequent attitude towards Konoha. After refusing, he may have a negative attitude towards us and start a War, which he can do, given his importance to the Village he joins and the increased power of that Village.
And fifth, his influence on Kirigakure. The Mizukage, and indeed the entire Water Country favours Ryoshi Uzumaki. This could turn out to be the worst possible scenario for us. Draw your own conclusions, but I'm also in favour of accepting the offer from Ryoshi Uzumaki. - Shikaku raised one hand and looked around at everyone present with a look full of fatigue from thinking so long. But, after his words, slowly the council members began to raise their hands, letting him know that they agreed with him and approved of the decision as well. In the end, only Fugaku, Hiashi, Inoichi, and a few others present at the meeting didn't raise their hands, but it ended with the Clan Chiefs outnumbering the members who were in favour.
- Ryoshi Uzumaki is officially appointed as the Head of the newly formed Uzumaki Clan, and together with his companions, he joins the ranks of the Shinobi of our Village. Menma and Naruto Uzumaki will join the Uzumaki Clan and be trained by its Head. That is all. The meeting of the Clan Heads is over. - Hiruzen announced loudly.***
In a luxurious room of one of Konohagakure's hotels, a young boy with red hair sat on a chair with one leg over the other and a cup of hot tea in his hand. With wide-open scarlet eyes, around which veins swelled, he stared into the void. After sipping some tea, he put the cup back down and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the swollen veins were gone and his gaze no longer seemed so focused and intimidating. He smiled and slowly raised his hand and rested his head on it.
- "Everything is going just perfectly. Actually, Fugaku's story surprised me a lot. Back then, I just didn't want to fight him, so I used my Paralysis Genjutsu when he looked into my eyes and crushed him with the full power of my YAKI. Even though I already had Mangekyo Sharingan at that moment, the fact that I was able to successfully immerse him in such a powerful Genjutsu was pure luck. But I didn't think it would have such a big effect on him.
I can't say anything about Shikaku's conclusions. If I had really been rejected, I could have kidnapped Naruto, and the Original could have left and taken control of Konoha by force, but that would have been a lot of work and not much fun. And joining another Village... well, I hadn't thought of that before. I'd be more interested in creating my own Village, but that would be long and stressful too. Heh, the habit of saying "strenuous" that I inherited from Sensei, I'll never be able to abandon.
Well, I guess it's time to look for a place to start my Clan. I've accumulated a lot of money during the trip, and the Original can buy something interesting at the Auction, so it's not a problem. I also need to get ready for Naruto and Karin's entrance to the academy, which will be in a month, and to start studying Original and Naruto's belly seals. I know the technique of summoning the God of Death and sealing that was used on the Original, and the Seal of the Eight Elements as well, but the problem is that my father had his own scheme of seals, and it is different from mine, so just to make a key to the seals on their stomachs will not work, you need to study everything thoroughly, which again takes time. Ehhh, business, business, business. And how simple it was when I was a Hunter..."