Learn the Truth
Uzumaki Kushina finally understood what Chi Yu meant by "succeeded."
Just as Chi Yu was about to explain, Miyuki Uzumaki stepped forward and spoke first.
"Kushina," she said softly, "everything that happened—it was my own decision. Hokage-sama asked me to train in sealing techniques with you and Lady Mito. After I demonstrated a strong aptitude, along with my Uzumaki constitution, I was informed about the Nine-Tails… and about the Jinchūriki."
Kushina's eyes widened slightly.
"I agreed to become the next Jinchūriki," Miyuki continued. "There's no shame in it. Hokage-sama promised my identity would remain confidential, and I would live securely here in Konoha."
She hesitated, then smiled faintly.
"Kushina, do you know what life has been like since the destruction of Uzushio? I've been on the run, hunted simply for my bloodline. People covet Uzumaki chakra and longevity. I've lived in fear for years. But now… Konoha has given me a chance. A home. I want to repay that kindness—and I want to help you too. You're my only friend. Becoming a Jinchūriki… if it means protecting you, protecting Konoha, and finally having a future… isn't that worth it?"
Kushina's eyes shimmered with tears. "Miyuki…"
Chi Yu let out a quiet breath. That was more effective than anything he could have said. But in exchange for her silence, he now owed Miyuki a debt.
Uzumaki Mito's steady gaze turned to Namikaze Minato.
"Minato," she said, "I'm entrusting Miyuki to you. Watch over her from now on."
Minato nodded firmly. "I will, Mito-sama. I promise."
Mito gave a small nod, then turned to all four of them—Chi Yu, Kushina, Miyuki, and Minato. "The future belongs to your generation. I've done all I can. It's time I rejoined Hashirama."
With those final words, she turned and walked away, her presence still dignified even in farewell.
But just before Chi Yu could follow, Mito stopped and looked back. "Chi Yu. Don't forget what you promised me."
"I won't," Chi Yu said solemnly.
Kushina said her goodbyes to Miyuki, but her mood had clearly soured. As she and Chi Yu walked back home in silence, the tension hung heavy in the air.
At home, Kushina curled up on the sofa, knees tucked under her chin, her bright red hair falling over her face. Chi Yu sat beside her, unsure of how to break the silence.
Suddenly, she looked up—her eyes red and brimming with unshed tears.
"You and Miyuki… you've known each other for a long time, haven't you?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Chi Yu's expression froze.
Seeing her so distraught, he sighed and gave in. "Yes. I found her. I brought her to Konoha."
Kushina's eyes widened in shock.
She had assumed that Chi Yu met Miyuki after she arrived in the village—that he simply learned of her heritage and befriended her. She hadn't imagined he was responsible for her arrival in the first place.
Chi Yu didn't hide anything. He told her the whole story.
Kushina listened in silence, stunned.
So many names—Mito, Hiruzen, Danzō. All of them had been involved. And Chi Yu had borne the weight of it alone… all for her.
Without a word, she threw her arms around him.
"Chi Yu… thank you. Just… don't keep things from me anymore, okay? I deserve to know. We should face these things together."
He gently stroked her hair. "You're right. I should've told you. But I saw how close you and Miyuki had become… and I worried. I didn't want you to think I was manipulating anyone. I didn't want you to think I was heartless."
"You're not," Kushina said, resting her head against his shoulder. "It's just… Miyuki becoming the Jinchūriki instead of me—it hurts. She's my friend. I feel like I should be the one."
"No."
Chi Yu's refusal was immediate, firm.
"If you feel indebted to Miyuki, we can support her in other ways," he said seriously. "But she made her choice. When I found her, she was living off relief rations in the Grass Country. She was terrified when I revealed that I knew she was an Uzumaki. If I hadn't brought her here, she likely wouldn't have survived. Uzumaki blood—any special bloodline wandering alone in the shinobi world—is a target."
He met Kushina's gaze. "I made a deal with her. She agreed. And the Hokage endorsed it. This isn't something we can change now. She's already on the path to becoming the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki. I won't allow that to change."
His tone left no room for argument.
After a moment, Kushina sighed. She knew once Chi Yu made up his mind, there was no changing it.
She stood. "Chi Yu, what do you want for dinner?"
He smiled, relieved that her tone had softened. "I'll go with you."
She shook her head. "I'll go alone this time. I want to see Miyuki, too."
"All right. I'll wait at home. How about beef curry rice and miso soup?"
Kushina gave a small smile. "Got it. Wait for me."
---
Kushina arrived at Miyuki's house just as Minato Namikaze was stepping out.
"Miyuki, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Mm. See you—oh! Kushina?"
Minato gave her a polite nod and walked past, not expecting a conversation. He knew Kushina didn't like him, much like Chi Yu.
Miyuki stepped outside. "Kushina? You're here. Not staying home with Chi Yu?"
She smiled and opened the door wider. "Come on in."
Inside, after pouring a glass of water, Miyuki sat across from her. "Is something wrong?"
Kushina set the glass down, her expression serious. "Miyuki… I came to apologize. I'm sorry."
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