Naruto: The Avenger of the Uzumaki clan

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"I'm really troubling you this time, Menma-san."

On the other side, Shibuki returned, dragging Shisha behind him like dead weight. Although he appeared uninjured, Menma could sense his vitality had significantly deteriorated. The effects of drinking the Hero Water twice were evident—his chakra felt faint and uneven.

This stuff is like drinking poison to quench your thirst, Menma thought, shaking his head.

"It's no trouble at all. Just a bit of effort," Menma replied with a casual shrug, dismissing his summoning jutsu in a swirl of chakra.

"But still... I owe you my thanks, Menma-san," Shibuki said softly, his tone tinged with gratitude.

He turned to the paralyzed Takigakure ninjas scattered across the ground—those who had sided with Shisha in the coup. Their defeated groans filled the air. Shibuki exhaled and gestured to the loyal Taki-nin.

"Detain all of them in the dungeon."

Shibuki's decision wasn't out of mercy. He knew these traitors needed to face judgment from the village council. While Shisha's fate was certain—execution—the others would be dealt with individually to prevent further unrest.

"Understood, Chief!" A blue-haired Taki-nin responded, stepping forward with his squad.

Chakra-suppressing restraints clicked into place as they secured the rebellious ninjas, dragging them toward the punishment cells at the far end of the village.

"What are you doing, Shibuki?!" A sudden voice, sharp with accusation, rang out. "Are you really betraying the village? How could you treat Uncle Shisha like this?"

The air shifted as a powerful chakra presence surged above the village gates. A figure descended with turquoise, insect-like wings—a girl radiating chakra far beyond that of a standard ninja.

It was Fū, the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki of Takigakure. Her eyes blazed with fury, and her wings shimmered with the energy of the Nanabi's chakra cloak.

"Fū, listen to me—" Shibuki started, stepping forward, but Fū wasn't in a mood to listen.

"Hidden Scale Powder Jutsu!"

Fū executed swift hand seals, her abdomen swelling before releasing a shimmering cloud of granular powder that engulfed Menma and Shibuki in seconds.

"Tch. What a fiery kid," Menma muttered, smirking as his chakra flared in response.

Before Shibuki could react, Menma countered smoothly.

"Wind Style: Divine Wind Jutsu!"

A massive gust of wind spiraled outward, tearing through the cloud of powder and scattering it harmlessly. The hurricane-like force disrupted Fū's position mid-air, forcing her to retreat.

"What the...?" Fū hovered unsteadily, her disbelief evident. "You—! How did you—?"

Her gaze snapped back to Menma, scrutinizing his unfamiliar face and lack of a Takigakure headband.

"You really are colluding with outsiders, Shibuki! I can't believe you—" she began, but Shibuki cut her off.

"Fū, stop! Shisha deceived you! If you won't trust me, at least believe Elder Mizuno!"

The mention of Elder Mizuno gave her pause. Her hands faltered mid-seal as doubt crept into her expression.

"Elder Mizuno? But... wasn't he imprisoned by you?" she asked, her voice quieter but still tinged with suspicion.

"No! He's been in a coma due to his health. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry. He just woke up recently. If you don't believe me, come with me to see him. You trust Grandpa Mizuno, don't you?" Shibuki's frustration was clear, but his voice carried a plea for understanding.

The truth of Shisha's manipulations began to sink in. Fū's anger dimmed, replaced by a conflicted look.

"Are you serious... Shibuki? Big Brother... who is this guy?" she asked, glancing warily at Menma.

"Do you think I would harm Grandpa Mizuno?" Shibuki said firmly. "Menma-san is an ally I called for help. Grandpa Mizuno knows about him too."

Shibuki's steady explanation—and the use of her childhood nickname—seemed to sway her. The chakra around her softened, and her wings retracted as she landed beside him, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Menma observed Fū with mild interest. The Seven-Tails Jinchūriki... She's got decent control over her Bijū's chakra. Could be useful down the line.

"Let's go see Grandpa Mizuno together," Shibuki said gently, though his tone remained firm. "I'll bring Shisha too. If you find out I've lied, you can act however you want."

Fū nodded hesitantly, lowering her gaze. "Fine. But you owe me an explanation, Shibuki."

Shibuki offered a faint smile, relief washing over him. Menma, meanwhile, trailed behind, his sharp eyes calculating. A Jinchūriki this young, this powerful... Takigakure might have more potential than I thought.

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The tension in Takigakure had not entirely dissipated, even though the conflict seemed resolved. Many of the neutral Taki-nin, who had stayed on the sidelines during the coup, now felt a creeping sense of unease. While they hadn't directly betrayed the village, their inaction bordered on complicity.

With Shibuki's unexpected victory and Elder Mizuno survival, they worried about possible repercussions.

"Let's take it one step at a time… one step at a time…" many thought, consoling themselves. After all, they had counted on Shibuki's forgiving nature to shield them.

Meanwhile, Shibuki, Menma, and Fu reached the house where Elder Mizuno rested. Shisha, battered and restrained, was dragged along as a prisoner.

Fu's heart pounded as she sensed a familiar chakra signature from inside. When the door creaked open to reveal Mizuno frail figure lying on a simple bed, relief surged through her. But her relief quickly turned to alarm.

The elder's face was gaunt, his breathing shallow, his chest rising and falling with visible effort. Even without medical expertise, it was clear he was clinging to life by sheer will.

"Grandpa Mizuno!" Fu cried out, rushing to his side. She knelt next to him, her voice trembling. "It's me, Fu! I came to see you!"

Mizuno eyes fluttered open at her voice. A weak smile spread across his face. "Fu… my dear child… How could you have been so easily deceived?" His voice was faint but held a kind, understanding tone.

Though he smiled, there was no denying the shadow of death looming over him.

Fu gripped his hand, her voice cracking as she spoke. "It's my fault… I believed Shisha's lies… I shouldn't have doubted Shibuki or you. I'll make it right—I'll get stronger, and I'll make it up to you!"

The elder placed a trembling hand on her head. "Fu, don't cry. Life is fleeting for shinobi, and I've lived long enough. Be strong. This village needs you—and Shibuki."

Fu's tears fell freely now, her regret and sorrow spilling out. "I'm sorry, Grandpa… I should've known better."

Shibuki knelt beside her, his expression heavy with guilt and determination. "Grandfather… I swear I'll protect Takigakure. I'll never let something like this happen again."

Mizuno fading smile returned. "Good… Take this as a lesson, Shibuki. Lead with strength, but also with wisdom. Work with Fu, with Ajun, with all who remain loyal. Never let this village see weakness."

Shibuki nodded solemnly. "I understand."

The elder's gaze shifted to Menma, who stood quietly at the back of the room. His sharp eyes, despite their dimming light, seemed to see through everything.

"You," Mizuno said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Menma… I trust you, too. Though you're not of this village, your strength and resolve may one day guide Fu and Shibuki. If they falter, let them follow your judgment. This is my final request."

Shibuki and Fu froze at his words, their eyes darting toward Menma. The red-haired stranger, who had fought alongside Shibuki, was no ordinary ninja—that much was clear.

Menma's heart skipped a beat. For a fleeting moment, he wondered if Mizuno had uncovered his true identity as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and meant to expose him. But no, the elder's tone was sincere, devoid of malice.

A silent acknowledgment passed between them.

In response, Menma raised his hand and dispelled his Transformation Jutsu.

A faint shimmer surrounded him before his true appearance was revealed—long, crimson hair cascading down his back, vibrant eyes, and a youthful face.

Shibuki's jaw dropped. "You… You're Uzumaki Menma?! The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki—and a rogue ninja from Konoha!"

Fu, too, stared wide-eyed, her shock mirrored in her expression. "You're… You're a Jinchūriki?"

Menma's crimson gaze swept over them calmly. "Yes," he said evenly. "But I didn't come here to cause harm. I came to help stabilize this village. Whether you trust me is up to you, but Elder Mizuno's words carry weight. Consider them carefully."

Shibuki hesitated. A part of him wanted to reject Menma outright, to deny his help and keep Takigakure free of outside influences. But another part, the part that valued Elder Mizuno wisdom, told him to reconsider.

Fu, however, stepped forward, her fists clenched. "If grandpa trusts you… then I'll trust you, too. But don't think I won't be watching you, Menma!"

Menma chuckled lightly, his demeanor relaxed but confident. "Fair enough. You're strong, Fu. Stronger than most Jinchūriki I've met. Takigakure is lucky to have you."

Fu blinked at the unexpected compliment, her cheeks flushing slightly. "W-Whatever! I still think Shibuki is stronger!"

Shibuki shot Menma a cautious look. "We'll discuss this later. For now, we need to ensure the village is secure and handle the aftermath of Shisha's betrayal."

"Agreed," Menma said. "Let's focus on what matters."

The three of them stood together, their tensions easing. Though Menma's true identity had been revealed, an unspoken alliance was forming—one that could shape the future of Takigakure.

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