Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 36: School
While Konoha remained unaware that the Daimyo had secretly dispatched envoys regarding taxation, life within the village continued as usual. In particular, the Uzumaki Clan had begun a new chapter on their life, those children were finally enrolling at the Konoha Ninja Academy.
Raiken, however, had not allowed them to enter immediately. He was cautious. Before sending the younger generation into Konoha Academy (Cough Cough... Hiruzen hands...), he wanted to ensure they were well-prepared. For months, Uzumaki elders guided them in discipline, loyalty, and identity, reinforcing the strength of their clan bonds. They told them about the real will of fire that Hashirama founded.
Raiken knew the risks. He was well aware of Hiruzen Sarutobi reputation as a brainwasher, not merely as Hokage but as a leader who subtly sought to mold young minds. Raiken feared brainwashing, feared that the Uzumaki youths might be made to forget their roots or being trapped with Hiruzen lie. Thus, he only permitted those who had proven themselves to have a strong will and loyalty to the clan to attend the Academy.
Among the first group to attend was his younger sister year, she had join Konoha since 9 years old. She had six clanmates joining her year, two boys and four girls, all close in age. In original timeline Kushina is alone but this time they would be her support, her strength, and her shield against loneliness.
Raiken couldn't help but wonder, with a hint of amusement, what Minato reaction would be when he saw not just one but several red-haired girls entering his class. In the original series, Kushina had always stood out as the only one. Now, with her clan at her side, the atmosphere would change.
Unlike when Kushina just entered the Academy, the new uzumaki children weren't alone, they have Uchiha Clan on their side. Because of Raiken efforts to build bridges with the Uchiha Clan, ties between the two clans had grown close. Their children played together, trained together, and in some cases even blushed when looking at each other. The new generation of red haired Uzumaki and the red sharingan Uchiha shared more than just camaraderie and bonds, they are friends since young age.
---First Day Of School---
On the day Uzumaki Clan will join the Academy, Kushina sat in the back row. Her hands rested on her desk, fingers tapping nervously. She had arrived early, her heart beating faster than usual. Raiken had told her: Today, your clan will join you. You will no longer be alone.
The thought filled her with warmth. For so long, she had endured being isolated, whispered about, and even mocked by the bullies in her class. Today would be different. Today, she would have family, she would have her clan.
Still, the classroom atmosphere had not yet changed. A small group of boys in the front row sneered, exchanging looks of satisfaction when they saw her sitting alone again. Their whispers were cruel.
"She's weird, that red haired Habanero."
"Why she sit alone?"
"Why she no longer sit with Uchiha Clan?"
Kushina heard them but pretended not to care. She clenched her fists under the desk.
Yet not everyone viewed her the same way. From the corner of his seat, Minato glanced at her. His blue eyes softened. He had always noticed her, her fiery hair, her unyielding spirit, her anger, but he hesitated to approach. What if she pushed him away? What if she thought he was just another boy trying to tease her?
Meanwhile, some of the Uchiha children in class had tried to invite Kushina to sit with them. Kushina are no longer have weird relationship with them, they had grown closer after spending time on their clan compound.
Uchiha after playing with her, they admired her strength. So they invited her to sit together today, but Kushina politely declined.
"Thank you," she had told them earlier, "but today… I want to sit with my clan."
So she sat alone, waiting.
The classroom doors slid open. Every student turned to look at Akita sensei who are entering the class, behing him they are six children entered together.
Every single one had the same red hair like Kushina, They walked together in neat formation, following Akita sensei inside.
Gasps echoed across the room.
"Huh?!"
"More… redheads?!"
"They all look like her!"
Even the bullies who had mocked Kushina earlier suddenly paled. The sight of six Uzumaki entering made them sweat nervously. If Kushina had been an easy target before, now she was no longer alone. Now she had an army at her back.
Minato eyes widened. His heart skipped a beat. He had always admired Kushina red hair, but now, surrounded by others with the same striking feature, his gaze lingered, sparkling with awe. Still, it was Kushina who held his attention the most. Among them all, she remained unique to him.
Akita-sensei, the class instructor, clapped his hands to regain order. "Settle down, everyone. These six are your new classmates. Starting today, they will join you in training. Treat them with respect, they are your friends and your comrades."
Kushina couldn't contain her grin. Her heart soared as her clanmates made come to the class. She waved excitedly, calling them over. "Over here! Sit with me!"
For the first time since entering the Academy, she wasn't alone like before. The six new Uzumaki choose to sit beside her, filling the back row with laughter and chatter.
The bullies who had tormented her exchanged nervous looks. Their plan to isolate her had failed completely, at first they didn't know why few weeks ago the Uchiha Clan suddenly sit with her and now more red hair had also enter the class. They are not stupid, with so many red hair entering the class, this mean they are in the same clan.
Meanwhile, Minato tried to focus on his notes on the entire but kept sneaking glances at Kushina. Seeing her laugh with her clan filled him with both relief and envy. She looked so happy now, surrounded by clan member. Would she even notice him anymore?
With the arrival of her clan, she no longer felt like the strange outsider. She was part of something larger. And deep inside, she silently thanked her brother Raiken for choosing to come to Konoha.
.......
Hi guys, please vote who should Kushina married?
1. Minato
2. Uchiha member
3. Senju Nawaki
4. Uzumaki member
........
Author Notes: To read advance chapter you can go to my patreon.
Chapter 60: Teleportation
Chapter 61: Graduation
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