Chatting with Jiraiya was always an interesting experience, and Naruto found himself entertained by the Sannin's endless tales of adventure and mischief. Though it seemed like idle bragging, Naruto picked up on subtle hints that Jiraiya's journey to the Land of Uzumaki had a deeper purpose than simple travel.
Still, as long as his true identity remained hidden, it wasn't a pressing concern. After all, unless Uzushio followed Amegakure's example and completely isolated itself, the existence of Uchiha in Uzushio would inevitably become known. This was precisely why Naruto had sought an alliance with Kirigakure—ensuring that Uzushio had the backing of one of the Five Great Nations would make others think twice before acting.
Even so, Jiraiya's presence in Uzushio troubled him. He hadn't yet figured out how to deal with the Toad Sage's curiosity.
After returning to his quarters, Zabuza looked over and asked curiously, "Master Mianma, that ninja earlier—was he really just some wandering old man? He didn't seem ordinary."
Naruto smirked. "He's strong—almost as strong as the Five Kage."
"The Five Kage…"
Zabuza stiffened slightly. If he had recklessly challenged the man earlier, he would have met a grim fate. Mianma's presence had kept him in check, but now he felt a lingering unease.
At that moment, Haku spoke up, "Master Mianma, could a ninja of his caliber be coming to the Land of Uzumaki because of you? Otherwise, there's no reason for him to be here."
Naruto nodded, smiling. "Most likely. Are you worried?"
Haku shook his head. "I'm a little uneasy, but Zabuza and I are more concerned about your safety. If anything happens, we'll find a way to get you out."
Naruto looked into Haku's eyes, then chuckled softly. "He's not a threat to me. If he wanted to kill me, it would take at least two Kage-level opponents. Anything less, and he wouldn't stand a chance."
"Two Kage-level opponents…"
Zabuza exhaled slowly, realizing just how much Naruto had grown. The boy wasn't boasting—his power already exceeded most Kage, and he could crush even elite Jonin with ease. If he were just a few years older, he might even be able to take on Pain himself. His skill in ninjutsu and taijutsu was still developing, but for most shinobi, this level was already the peak.
After a quiet night at sea, their ship finally arrived at the Land of Uzumaki's port. Though newly built and relatively simple, it had already become a key docking point for vessels traveling between the Land of Fire and the smaller nations.
As they disembarked, Haku gazed at the buildings and the people bustling about, his voice filled with admiration. "So this is Master Mianma's homeland… It's much better than the Land of Water. There's no oppressive atmosphere at all."
Zabuza remained silent. He had to admit—Uzushio's atmosphere was leagues ahead of Kirigakure's. And this was just the outer port. If Uzushio Village itself was even more vibrant, it was no wonder his Mizukage wanted intelligence on how the nation was rebuilding.
Naruto, however, wasn't focused on Haku and Zabuza's reactions. His attention remained locked on Jiraiya. The Toad Sage's demeanor had shifted since stepping onto Uzushio's soil—he was wary, on guard. But was it the Uchiha of Uzushio he was wary of? Or something else?
Before Naruto could ponder further, he received an urgent message from the Uzumaki clan's elder. As he absorbed the information, his expression darkened.
It wasn't just Jiraiya who had arrived in Uzushio—other powerful, uninvited guests had also made landfall.
That explained Jiraiya's unease. In the entire ninja world, only a handful of individuals could make him this cautious—perhaps no more than twenty. If they weren't village leaders or elders, that left only one possibility.
Akatsuki.
…
Deep in the forest outside Eddy Tide Village, two figures stood atop a hill, gazing at Uzushio's reconstruction with quiet amusement. Orochimaru and Sasori of the Red Sand.
Their objectives were clear—Sharingan and human puppets.
Before arriving, they had assumed tracking down the Uchiha would be difficult. After all, the Uchiha Clan had defected from Konoha, and a scattered clan was harder to find. But what they discovered was unexpected.
The Uchiha were openly working in Uzushio Village, integrating themselves into the community and assisting with construction. This wasn't the Uchiha they had known—arrogant, detached, always looking down on others.
Had Uzushio somehow tamed them? Or was it something else?
Orochimaru turned to Sasori, a sly grin on his lips. "Sasori, the materials for your human puppets are right in front of you. Don't you want to take some Sharingan for yourself? If you hesitate, I won't leave any for you."
Sasori scoffed. "Why don't you go first, then? See how that works out for you."
He wasn't about to be baited. Something didn't add up—why would Uchiha settle in Uzushio instead of a more powerful village? If the Uchiha leader wasn't a fool, then the only logical explanation was that Uzushio offered them security.
But security from what?
They observed for a while longer but found no immediate threats—only Uchiha moving about the village, including two figures that caught their attention.
Kagami Uchiha's descendant, Uchiha Shisui, and another ninja, Uchiha Homura.
The latter was insignificant, but the former was a problem.
Shisui was the strongest Uchiha in Uzushio. If they wanted to eliminate resistance, he had to be dealt with first.
Orochimaru smirked. Once Shisui was out of the way, the rest of the Uchiha in Uzushio would fall into their hands, and any deeper secrets the village held would be ripe for the taking.
Deciding on their approach, Sasori silently unfurled a scroll, releasing several puppets that burrowed underground, moving swiftly toward Shisui.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, activated his signature technique.
"Hiding in the shadows, are you?" he muttered with a chuckle.
With a flick of his wrist, a mass of serpents shot from his sleeves, lunging toward Shisui and Homura.
The raid had begun.
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters