Chapter 341: Chapter 341: Returning to the Homeland, Full of Doubts
A group of travelers stood atop the massive golden serpent, Jin'ya, as it swam through the sea with incredible speed, far faster than any boat.
As they neared the island of the Land of Whirlpools, the atmosphere within the group shifted.
Kushina, who had been cheerful and talkative moments earlier, gradually became somber. The joy faded from her face, replaced by an overwhelming sadness.
Uchiha Mikoto and Hyuga Mehu noticed Kushina's change in mood. Without words, they embraced her gently, offering silent comfort.
For years, Kushina had promised herself that she would not cry when she returned to her homeland. She had vowed to remain strong. But now that the moment had arrived, her resolve crumbled.
As the outline of the Land of Whirlpools came into view, tears silently streamed down her face.
Shinki watched, feeling helpless. Sometimes, he thought, crying was the only way to release such deep sorrow.
"Shinki," she suddenly asked, her voice trembling, "why do you think the Land of Whirlpools was attacked? The Uzumaki clan never sought conflict. They just wanted to live in peace."
She had once asked Uzumaki Mito the same question, but all she received was a sorrowful sigh.
Shinki paused, then explained the grim reality.
"Bloodline, talent, and powerful inheritance," he began. "The Uzumaki clan's unique bloodline is capable of perfectly suppressing tailed beasts. Every village coveted their sealing techniques and bloodline power. That's the root cause."
"So, you're saying all the ninja villages wanted to exploit us?" Kushina asked, her voice rising with indignation.
Shinki nodded. "Most likely. Mist and Cloud villages were probably the main aggressors. Their proximity and military strength made them the likeliest instigators."
Kushina clenched her fists. She had already suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed stoked the flames of anger in her heart.
"And Konoha?" she pressed. "Did Konoha just stand by and let it happen?"
Shinki hesitated. "The truth is, Konoha didn't provide the help they should have. And yet, somehow, the Uzumaki clan's knowledge and techniques ended up in Konoha. There are too many unanswered questions."
Kushina's face darkened as her suspicions grew. The seeds of doubt and determination began to take root in her heart.
As they approached the shores, Jin'ya brought them closer to land. The once-vibrant Land of Whirlpools was now a shadow of its former self, reduced to ruins. The destruction was a testament to the ferocity of the conflict that had taken place.
Walking among the remnants of her home, Kushina remained silent. She didn't cry, instead focusing on the broken structures and faded memories of a life that was taken from her.
That night, Kushina retreated to her tent early, with little appetite for food.
"Master Shinki, is Kushina okay?" Uchiha Mikoto asked with concern.
Hyuga Mehu also approached timidly, her soft voice barely audible. "Do you think she'll be alright?"
Shinki glanced at the shy girl, who seemed nervous even standing near him. If I so much as pat her on the shoulder, she'd probably turn red for a week, he thought.
"She'll be fine," he assured them. "Go get some rest. We're leaving tomorrow."
Mehu blinked in confusion. "Leaving tomorrow? Shouldn't we stay longer? This is her homeland—she might need more time."
Shinki smiled faintly. "You'll see why tomorrow. Now, go rest."
Puzzled but obedient, Mehu nodded and returned to the tent. Inside, she noticed Kushina wrapped tightly in her blanket, her back turned. Despite her questions, Mehu didn't disturb her.
The next morning, Kushina emerged from her tent with renewed energy. She seemed cheerful, her sadness from the day before nowhere to be seen.
Both Mikoto and Mehu were surprised by her quick recovery.
"Shinki, let's head to the Land of Rain today," Kushina said brightly. "I want to see the place where you fought. I've always wondered—does it really rain there all the time?"
Shinki agreed with a nod.
After breakfast, Shinki summoned Jin'ya once more. As the golden serpent prepared to depart, Kushina stepped forward with a determined expression.
"Thank you, Jin'ya," she said warmly. Then, to everyone's surprise, she signed a summoning contract with the serpent.
Uchiha Mikoto and Hyuga Mehu watched, stunned.
"Wait," Mikoto said, her eyes wide. "Can multiple people sign contracts with the same summoned beast?"
"Yes," Shinki explained. "One summoned beast can sign contracts with multiple ninjas. Conversely, a ninja can also have contracts with several summoned beasts."
With the contract sealed, they boarded Jin'ya once again and set off for their next destination.
Though the pain of returning to the Land of Whirlpools lingered in Kushina's heart, the bond she shared with her friends and the determination to uncover the truth propelled her forward.
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[Naruto: Maelstrom Of the Uzumaki]