Deterrence
The final Vortex Shrine was nestled within a narrow, cavernous passage, its entrance obscured by dense foliage—a relic of Uzushiogakure's former glory.
However, after the arduous reconstruction of Uzushio Village, the revival of the Uzumaki Shrine became a priority. A secluded mountain forest, distant from the bustling heart of the village, was chosen as the sacred site.
Trailing behind Naruto, Jiraiya inhaled sharply, his body instinctively tensing. His past dealings with the Uzumaki Clan had been neutral at best, yet the enigmatic Mianma Uzumaki had no intention of allowing Konoha's legendary Sannin to roam freely in his domain.
Once they distanced themselves from the populous areas, a confrontation became inevitable.
Still, this suited Jiraiya's battle instincts. He needed ample space to unleash his Sage Mode and summon the Great Toads of Mount Myōboku—a battlefield free of collateral damage.
Upon arrival at the Uzumaki Shrine, Shisui Uchiha and Hōmon Uzumaki stood in wait. Beside them, an aged man with silvered hair and a flowing beard radiated an overwhelming sense of hostility.
Recognizing the elder, Jiraiya's heart pounded. Uzumaki Ashina, the clan's former patriarch, should have been long deceased. Yet, here he stood, his formidable chakra signature undiminished by age.
Ashina's piercing gaze settled on Jiraiya before turning to Mianma.
"Mianma, is this the Konoha shinobi you lured here? His chakra is strong… No wonder you chose to bring him to the shrine," Ashina mused, stroking his beard.
Jiraiya stiffened. If it were merely Shisui and Mianma, he could manage a retreat. But with the unexpected presence of Ashina—whose rumored sealing techniques once struck fear into entire nations—his chances of survival dwindled.
Bracing himself, Jiraiya's fingers crept toward his teeth, ready to summon Fukasaku and Shima at a moment's notice.
Then, Naruto shook his head.
"There's no need to challenge a Sannin outright," he stated, stepping toward Ashina. "I heard you were planning to construct an artificial lake behind the shrine, so I came to help."
Ashina's eyes narrowed. "I had considered it, but rebuilding Uzushiogakure takes precedence. I have no need for luxuries."
Naruto chuckled. "That's why I'm here. And besides—" His gaze hardened. "I've returned."
After a brief exchange, Naruto extended his hand, channeling his wind-natured chakra. A vortex formed beneath his feet, lifting him several meters into the air. His hands moved deftly, molding the Nine-Tails' chakra into a Rasenringu—a spiraling sphere that rapidly expanded from the size of a mere pebble to a massive disc rivaling a millstone.
Jiraiya's breath hitched.
Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan spun instinctively, while Zabuza Momochi, standing nearby, involuntarily gripped the hilt of Kubikiribōchō.
The sheer pressure of the jutsu sent a tremor through the shrine grounds.
With a decisive motion, Naruto hurled the Helix Rasenringu toward the barren earth. A flash of blinding white light engulfed the area, followed by a deafening shockwave that rippled through the forest.
When the dust settled, a vast, crater-like depression stretched before them.
Without hesitation, Naruto summoned shadow clones, directing them to channel an underground river, allowing water to flood the cavity—transforming destruction into creation.
Lowering himself back to the ground, he approached Jiraiya with a knowing smile.
"As for your earlier question, sensei, I believe you have your answer now," Naruto said. "I invited the Uchiha because I intend to build something greater than just a village. Do you have any other doubts?"
Jiraiya unclenched his fists, silently dismissing the thought of summoning the Great Toads.
Naruto had made his stance clear—not just through words, but through sheer power.
A direct confrontation between Konoha and Uzushio would bring devastating losses, and this new Uzushiogakure was no longer a mere footnote in history.
Moreover, Naruto's Rasenringu—a technique capable of leveling entire landscapes—was enough to make even the Five Great Nations tread carefully.
Konoha might still be able to defeat Uzushio, but at what cost?
Sighing, Jiraiya finally relented. "No more questions… for now."
At his words, the tension dissipated. The Uzumaki shinobi exchanged subtle glances, relieved. Given their current predicament—already facing enmity from Orochimaru—they could ill afford hostilities with Konoha as well.
As the others dispersed, Jiraiya and Naruto lingered by the artificial lake.
Jiraiya's voice softened. "Mianma, you have the strength to build a ninja village. But why? Why not return to Konoha? You could have everything there—a future, power… Maybe even become Hokage."
Naruto's expression darkened.
"For what? To be a Jinchūriki, fighting and dying for a village that would never truly be mine?" His voice carried a bitter edge. "Even in death, I wouldn't be able to protect my own people. What kind of 'great man' is that?"
Jiraiya's breath caught.
Naruto was speaking of Uzumaki Mito. But in that moment, Jiraiya could only think of Kushina Uzumaki—a woman who had once called Uzushio home, yet had sacrificed everything to protect Konoha.
For Jiraiya, the Will of Fire had been an unshakable belief, a guiding principle instilled since youth. But now, witnessing Uzushio's revival, he felt an unsettling truth settle in his chest—had Konoha lost the very ideals it once stood for?
After a long silence, he spoke again.
"I will inform Hokage-sama that Konoha will no longer pursue the Uchiha for their defection," Jiraiya declared, his voice heavy with meaning. "But I need one answer from you."
Naruto folded his arms. "Go on. I'm listening."
Jiraiya's gaze sharpened. "Will Uzushio become a threat to Konoha? Will it covet the Land of Fire, as other villages have?"
Naruto scoffed. "As long as Konoha doesn't strike first, Uzushio won't be Konoha's enemy. But we are no longer Konoha's allies—we won't die for a village that once abandoned us."
Jiraiya exhaled. "That answer is enough." He hesitated before adding, "I can assure you that Hiruzen's faction will not move against Uzushio. If someone does, they are not acting under Konoha's orders. Handle them as you see fit."
Naruto's eyes flickered. Does this mean Danzo is being disavowed?
Jiraiya's tone then softened, almost nostalgic.
"Also… If you ever get the chance, return to Konoha—just to see it with your own eyes. It's not as bad as you might think. At least, not compared to the other villages."
Naruto's gaze lingered on the rippling waters of the lake before he replied:
"If the time comes, I'll visit. But not now."
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