Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

After Uchiha Madara's retreat, Uzumaki Raiden did not immediately release the Kongō Fūsa. He activated Kagura's Mind Eye, carefully scanning the surroundings multiple times before finally dispelling the golden chains.

As the chains slowly retracted, Raiden gently held the unconscious Mariko in one arm and descended to the ground.

"With Black Zetsu assisting him, there's no way to catch him without setting up a barrier in advance."

"Judging by Madara's condition, his remaining lifespan should be short. The only reason he'd take such a risk is because of this woman."

Raiden glanced down at Mariko, his thoughts racing. He could already deduce why Madara had targeted her—Mariko's unique chakra traits could likely prolong his life.

With this realization, Raiden became even more determined to ensure her safety. Taking advantage of her unconscious state, he placed a sealing mark within her body. This would allow him to monitor her location and, more importantly, track any fluctuations in her vitality—ensuring he could anticipate Madara's moves.

Having secured his precautionary measures, Raiden picked Mariko up, identified his direction, and swiftly made his way back to Konoha.

The news of Uchiha Madara's infiltration was kept under strict secrecy by Raiden, ensuring that only a handful of Konoha's top officials knew the full details. To the general public, it was as if nothing had happened.

However, just two days later, tragic news arrived—Uchiha Shinki had been killed in action during a mission. His body was transported back to Konoha, bearing grim evidence of the battle he had faced.

Inside the Hokage's Office...

A heavy silence filled the room. Raiden sat at his desk, his gaze fixed on the morning report, letting out a quiet sigh.

Minato and Shikaku stood beside him, their heads lowered in solemn contemplation, while across from him, Uchiha Fugaku stood with Itachi and Shisui, their expressions grave.

"Shisui, I regret to inform you that your father, Uchiha Shinki, has fallen in the line of duty," Raiden announced with a serious expression.

Shisui's eyes widened in shock, his face paling. His hands trembled slightly as three tomoe spun into view in his Sharingan.

"No... That can't be... My father was strong! It was just a routine patrol mission. How could this happen?" Shisui's voice quivered as he struggled to process the loss.

Beside him, the young Itachi reached out, holding Shisui's hand in an attempt to provide comfort.

"The enemy he faced was formidable," Raiden continued solemnly.

"Shisui, go see your father."

"Fugaku, take him to the Uchiha compound," Raiden instructed.

"Understood," Fugaku nodded before leading the two boys out of the office. Once they were gone, Raiden turned his attention back to the documents on his desk.

Among them was Uchiha Shinki's autopsy report, complete with photographs of his lifeless body. The report noted only a single fatal wound to the chest, indicating the opponent's overwhelming strength.

However, what truly caught Raiden's attention were Shinki's empty eye sockets. Seeing them sent chills down his spine.

"So this is where Madara got his eyes..."

Raiden clenched his fists, crumpling the report in frustration. The implications were clear—Madara had stolen Shinki's Sharingan.

Despite the tragic loss, Konoha continued to move forward. The deaths of individual shinobi, no matter how powerful, were but ripples in the grand tide of war. The Third Shinobi War raged on, with Iwa and Cloud locked in brutal conflict, claiming countless lives each day. Meanwhile, the conflict between Sand and Mist was nearing its end, allowing Konoha to refocus its resources.

Under Raiden's leadership, Konoha's withdrawal from the war had allowed the village to flourish.

Time moved forward, like a fleeting white horse passing through a crack.

In the 47th year since Konoha's founding, love blossomed amidst the chaos. Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina, after years of companionship, finally tied the knot with the blessings of their friends and family. That same year, Senju Nawaki and Mariko also celebrated their union.

Despite her initial reservations, Mariko eventually succumbed to Nawaki's persistent kindness. After a few months of hesitation, she was moved by his sincerity and agreed to marry him. The couple, not wanting to be overshadowed, planned their wedding on the same day as Minato and Kushina.

The dual wedding caused a stir in Konoha's shinobi community. Both Nawaki and Minato were highly esteemed within the village; Kushina, as Hokage's sister and a renowned medical ninja, was already well-respected, while Mariko's exceptional healing abilities had quickly earned her a solid reputation.

During the wedding ceremony, Raiden sat among the family members, watching the joyful expressions on Minato, Kushina, and Nawaki's faces. Yet, as he applauded, his thoughts drifted elsewhere.

"Master, you don't seem very happy," Itachi, now eight years old, tugged at Raiden's sleeve curiously.

Raiden smiled, ruffling the boy's hair. "I'm happy, Itachi. What makes you think otherwise?"

"It's the way you're clapping," Itachi responded thoughtfully. "It doesn't sound joyful."

Shisui, sitting beside them, chuckled. "I noticed it too, but I wasn't going to say anything. Itachi just said it out loud."

Raiden laughed softly. "You two are sharp. No wonder you're my disciples."

After the death of his father, Shisui had been left with no close family. Recognizing the boy's potential, Raiden took him in as his apprentice, determined to guide him down the right path. He even moved Shisui into his home, ensuring he could provide mentorship whenever needed.

Following the wedding, Minato and Kushina settled into a modest three-bedroom home within Konoha. It was a humble but cozy space where they could begin their new life together.

Meanwhile, Mariko officially moved into the Senju compound, becoming one of its hostesses. Her acceptance by Konoha's people was now complete, and she was regarded with respect and warmth.

From this point onward, Raiden entrusted the village's daily affairs to Minato and Shikaku, stepping back from administrative duties to focus on other matters. With Itachi and Shisui by his side, he set off for Mount Myōboku to resolve the issues surrounding his Sage Mode.

(End of this chapter)