Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 187: Fuinjutsu
"Father, Konoha has taken the bait," said Setsuna to the Uzukage.
"So, are we ready?" replied the Uzukage, raising his eyebrows.
"I've been ready for a long time," Setsuna smirked.
"How about those three from the future timeline? Are they prepared to defend Uzushiogakure?" asked the Uzukage.
"Yes, especially Naruto," replied Setsuna.
"Huh?" The Uzukage blinked in surprise. "Why him?"
"Naruto grew up without a clan. He's also an orphan. So now, seeing this village where his family once lived, he wants to protect it with everything he has," said Setsuna.
"Has he finally accepted that Sarutobi Hiruzen is a sinister person?" asked the Uzukage.
"Yeah, he finally accepted it. After being taught the truth and having his mind cleared from the so-called 'Will of Fire,' he now knows that the grandfather figure he once respected was actually one of the main people responsible for his suffering," said Setsuna.
"The Will of Fire…" the Uzukage muttered with a sigh. "Such a pure philosophy from Hashirama, become twisted and repurposed as a weapon to brainwash the next generation."
"It was supposed to mean that the strong protect the weak so the weak could survive," said Setsuna. "But we're talking about Hiruzen here."
"Hahaha, correct. I was completely shocked when Sasuke told us what Hiruzen, Danzo, and two of Tobirama's other students did to the Senju Clan," said the Uzukage. "The Senju were the ones who supported them, who even taught them their own techniques. That betrayal… it's something I'll never be able to accept."
"Yeah, I can't fathom how they dared to do it either," agreed Setsuna.
"Do you think he changed because of power?" asked the Uzukage.
"No. That's who he really was all along," replied Setsuna. "We often think power changes people, but in reality, it just reveals who they already are."
"Really?" the Uzukage asked, still reflecting.
"When someone has a superior, they tend to behave like a good person because they're being kept in check. But once they become the superior, once they rise to the top and no one is left to keep them accountable—they can do whatever they want. They can become tyrants without facing consequences," said Setsuna.
"This is the first time I've heard it put that way," the Uzukage said thoughtfully, eyeing Setsuna. "Where did you hear that?"
"Just look at the Daimyo," Setsuna replied. "Look at how they behaved before and after the village system was established. Their tyranny knew no bounds. They only listened to the powerful. Even the Chinoike Clan was exiled by their command."
"Hmm," sighed the Uzukage, exhaling deeply. Then he looked directly at Setsuna. "Will you become the same?"
"You mean after you pass down the throne to me?" Setsuna asked.
"Yes," replied the Uzukage.
"I don't have a clear answer to that," said Setsuna, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But to be honest, I'm the strongest person alive today. I can do anything without being suppressed by any human being or ninja."
That answer left the Uzukage speechless. Because, deep down, he knew it was true. Setsuna had done whatever he wished. Even when the council opposed him, he argued until he won. His strength and intellect allowed him to push through any resistance.
After a long pause, the Uzukage finally nodded. He turned away but paused at the doorway.
"I will call all the residents, genin and chunnin to enter the barrier," he said at last. "Just do your part and good luck defending this village. Let me know when the attack is coming."
---The Portal---
Jiraiya arrived with a squad of Anbu. Their mission for the day was simple but somewhat unusual, they were tasked with buying equipment from Uzushiogakure, specifically radios. The mission included negotiating for a better price. According to Hiruzen, this was something Jiraiya needed to experience firsthand, part of his so-called "learning as a future leader."
Jiraiya, however, wasn't particularly thrilled. He only agreed to go on the mission to avoid hearing Hiruzen nag him endlessly about responsibility and growth.
"This is the portal location," said Jiraiya as he reached the designated site.
"Jiraiya-sama, something seems off with the portal," commented one of the Anbu. He pointed at the swirling gate ahead, which was dimmer than usual and clearly inactive.
Sensing something was wrong, Jiraiya approached the lone guard stationed there. The guard appeared to be working on the portal mechanism, fiddling with some seal. Unknown to Jiraiya, this guard was actually Setsuna in disguise, using his Metamorphmagus ability to perfectly mimic a typical Uzumaki border guard. Setsuna had ordered the other guards away to create an opportunity to monitor and interact with Jiraiya himself.
Setsuna stopped what he was doing when he noticed Jiraiya approaching.
"Hi there, are you from Uzushiogakure?" asked Jiraiya with a friendly tone.
Setsuna didn't return the smile. Instead, he kept a stern expression, keeping in character as a serious gatekeeper.
"Yes, I am. Are you from Konoha?" he asked.
"Yeah, we're from Konoha. I'm Jiraiya, disciple of the Third Hokage, and these are the Anbu assigned to escort me," Jiraiya explained, gesturing toward the masked shinobi behind him.
"Oh, a representative of Hokage-sama. So, do you plan to enter the island today?" asked Setsuna, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, but it looks like the portal isn't working," said Jiraiya as he examined the inactive gate.
"We're currently servicing it. It won't be available for the rest of the day," said Setsuna flatly.
"Ah, that's unfortunate," Jiraiya sighed.
"Is there another way? Can we take the sea route instead?" he asked.
"You can, but be warned—the whirlpools make it dangerous," Setsuna warned.
"Mito-sama gave me a scroll for sea access. Can I activate it?" Jiraiya asked, already pulling it from his pouch.
Setsuna nodded and stepped aside, allowing them to proceed.
It took around fifteen minutes for the whirlpool's movement to calm after the scroll was activated.
"It looks like the path is open now," said Setsuna. "Would you prefer to take a ship or walk across the water?"
"We'll walk," one of the Anbu said quickly. He had been tasked with observing the whirlpools and learning the fuinjutsu patterns involved. Walking on the water would give him a clearer view of the seals at work, even if the whirlpools were temporarily disabled.
"Very well," Setsuna replied.
"Thanks," Jiraiya said with a grin before they all dashed forward, running swiftly across the sea toward Uzushiogakure. For now, it was faster than using a boat or ship.
Author Notes: Hi this novel had been completed, you can go to my patreon and become free trial for 7 days to read it faster there.
-patreon.com/zorojurown
There are my others novel who are not released for public yet.
Latest Chapter Naruto: Uzumaki Kushina Older Brother
----Uzumaki - Chapter 13: Three Conditions----
Latest Chapter Hp: I become Dudley Dursley
----Dudley - Chapter 75: Human Aren't Weak----