Uzumaki Miyuki's Decision
Chi Yu, Uzumaki Kushina, and their newborn, Uzumaki Cangna, were enjoying quiet family time in the ward of Konoha's hospital.
Miyuki Uzumaki had intended to visit, congratulate them, and see the baby. But when she arrived at the door and saw the harmonious scene of Kushina, Chi Yu, and Cangna together, she froze.
Her smile faded. She glanced down at Naruto in her arms, sorrow flickering across her face, then turned away and silently left the hospital.
Walking home through the streets of Konoha, holding her infant son close, Miyuki's path was interrupted by hushed voices nearby.
"Have you heard? A child of disaster was born the night the Nine-Tails rampaged."
"Of course I've heard—it's all over the village. Terrifying, isn't it? What if that child grows up and loses control? The Fourth Hokage is gone now. No one could stop the Nine-Tails if it returned."
"There's still Chi Yu. If it comes to it, he could stop it."
"Don't be so sure. The last time, even with the Fourth Hokage and Chi Yu both fighting, the village was devastated. And now that the Fourth is dead… one man alone might not be enough."
"Honestly, the Third Hokage should find that so-called child of disaster and put him under strict control."
"Control? That's too soft. A monster like that shouldn't even be alive."
The words struck Miyuki like knives.
Her breath quickened, face draining of color. Because her childbirth had been kept secret by the village, very few knew Naruto had been born that night. She had avoided going out, unaware that rumors of a "child of disaster" were already spreading.
If the villagers discovered the truth—that Naruto had been born on the night of the Nine-Tails' attack…
She clutched Naruto tightly, fear and resolve surging in equal measure, and hurried home.
Inside her house, she laid Naruto gently in his crib, staring at him with a grave expression.
It was almost exactly as Chi Yu had once speculated: ever since Minato Namikaze sealed the Nine-Tails into Naruto, the thought of leaving Konoha had been lingering in her heart. Until now, she had hesitated. She didn't know where she would go. To leave meant a life of wandering, as she had once endured.
But staying? Staying meant danger. If the villagers ever learned the truth, their fear and hatred could turn on Naruto.
Her hand stroked her son's cheek. Her decision was made.
She would take Naruto and leave Konoha.
Konoha, as it was now, was no place for him.
Miyuki breathed deeply. She was no longer powerless. She had mastered advanced sealing techniques, and along with them, Wind Release and Water Release ninjutsu. She was confident she could raise Naruto safely, even in a land beyond shinobi nations.
But she wasn't naive. As Konoha's Jinchūriki once, she knew how closely she and Naruto were watched. She closed her eyes, activating her sensory technique, the Mind's Eye of Kagura. At once, she felt them—five chakra signatures, hidden around her house. ANBU.
She would need to be careful.
---
Two days later, Chi Yu, Kushina, and newborn Cangna returned home from the hospital.
Kushina was in the bedroom feeding the baby, while Chi Yu entertained Orochimaru in the living room.
"Congratulations, Chi Yu," Orochimaru said smoothly, lifting his cup. "You've entered a new stage of life."
Chi Yu chuckled. He was in unusually good spirits. "So, Teacher Orochimaru, any thoughts of entering that stage yourself?"
The sannin smirked faintly. "Not for now. If I do, I might create children of my own—through science."
Chi Yu raised an eyebrow. He recalled that, in the future, Orochimaru would indeed create artificial offspring.
He laughed softly. "It seems our Hokage has chosen a fine moment to pay a visit. Perhaps to remind us—or warn us."
He had already sensed Hiruzen Sarutobi approaching.
Kakashi's recent words had, of course, been shared with Orochimaru. As expected, Orochimaru hadn't been concerned in the least.
The sannin sipped his tea. "Frankly, I almost wish he would act directly. Then I'd have the perfect excuse to leave Konoha behind and pursue my research in peace. This village has become far too noisy."
Chi Yu smiled knowingly. "So you still feel some attachment to Konoha, Teacher."
Orochimaru's gaze lowered. "Not to Konoha. But to him. A man who raised me, who taught me. To say I feel nothing would be a lie."
Just then, a knock came at the door.
Chi Yu opened it, feigning surprise. "Hokage-sama? What brings you here?"
Hiruzen smiled, warm and grandfatherly. "I heard Kushina has given birth. I came to congratulate you—and see the child."
Chi Yu bowed slightly. "How could we trouble you to come in person? We should have brought Cangna to visit you instead."
Hiruzen's eye twitched faintly. This little fox was even better at false courtesy than he was. As if Chi Yu would ever actually come visit him…
Still smiling, he said, "You've just become a father. It's right that you spend time with Kushina and your child. I'm only taking a short walk."
"Please, come in." Chi Yu stepped aside. "Teacher Orochimaru is here as well."
"Oh?" Hiruzen exclaimed lightly. "Then my timing is perfect."
He entered the house. Orochimaru rose, bowing slightly. "Teacher Sarutobi."
Hiruzen nodded. "Orochimaru, you should spend less time locked away. The world is bigger than the walls of your lab."
Chi Yu gestured toward a chair. "Please, Hokage-sama. I'll bring Cangna out to meet you."
He went to the bedroom. Kushina had just finished feeding the baby, who had quickly fallen asleep.
She carefully placed Cangna in Chi Yu's arms.
"I'll take her out to meet him," he whispered.
Kushina smiled, tired but radiant. "Go on, then."
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