The dust had settled on the war in the Land of Rain. Although the outcome had many twists and turns, for Hidden Cloud, it was undoubtedly a great opportunity to quietly make a fortune.
The Kekkei Genkai plundering plan led by Uchiha Shaoyu, taking advantage of the muddy waters of the three-village melee, successfully recruited a batch of precious talent resources, including more than thirty Uchiha elites, greatly enhancing Hidden Cloud's mid-to-high-end combat power and potential.
On this day, Young A and Uchiha Renka, who had been out executing follow-up cleanup and intelligence-gathering missions, returned to Kumogakure looking travel-worn.
Instead of heading directly to the Uchiha Clan Compound, they escorted a special "trophy" and headed straight to the Raikages Office.
The Third Raikage was discussing further reorganization and placement matters regarding the newly absorbed Uchiha with Uchiha Shaoyu when the office door was knocked on and pushed open. Young A's signature rough voice rang out first.
"Old man! Uchiha Shaoyu! We're back! And we brought... uh, a special person!"
The two walked in, followed by a woman.
She looked to be in her early twenties, with a slightly thin figure, wearing faded old clothes and looking travel-worn. However, her long red hair, vibrant like fire and exceptionally eye-catching even in the slightly dim office, instantly attracted the full attention of the Raikage and Uchiha Shaoyu.
This hair color... was far too iconic!
The Third Raikage's thick eyebrows twitched, a flash of surprise and recollection passing through his bell-like eyes.
Uchiha Shaoyu's golden pupils also constricted slightly, his gaze sharply sweeping across the woman's unique long hair and her face, which, though weary, was still delicate and faintly bore the typical features of the Uzumaki Clan.
"The Uzumaki Clan?"
The Third Raikage's voice carried a hint of uncertainty, but much more of it was surprise.
He subconsciously looked at Uchiha Shaoyu.
Hidden Cloud was one of the main forces that spearheaded the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools back then and plundered its Sealing Technique and Kekkei Genkai. This was no secret among the Higher-ups.
Yet at this moment, these guys had actually brought back a living surviving member of the Uzumaki!
Waves also stirred within Uchiha Shaoyu's heart.
The Uzumaki Clan was world-renowned for its powerful vitality, massive Chakra reserves, and exquisite Sealing Techniques, and the value of its bloodline was unquestionable.
But precisely because Hidden Cloud was one of the original culprits back then, the Uzumaki Clan's hatred toward Hidden Cloud should theoretically be bone-deep.
Why did this woman return with Young A and Uchiha Renka?
Was she a captive? Or was there another story behind this?
Uzumaki Chiri seemed to sense the scrutiny and confusion of the two Hidden Cloud Higher-ups.
She raised her head, showing no fear or hatred on her face, only the fatigue of a long journey.
When her gaze swept across the Third Raikage's highly oppressive figure and Uchiha Shaoyu's terrifying eyes, she shrank back slightly, but quickly steadied herself.
"My name is Uzumaki Chiri."
She spoke, her voice somewhat hoarse yet clear.
"As you can see, I am a survivor of the Uzumaki Clan."
Young A scratched his head and took over the conversation to explain.
"We found her in a border forest near the Land of Iron. She was being besieged by a group of rogue Ninjas at the time, apparently coveting her Chakra or wanting to capture her to sell for money on the black market."
"We casually took care of those scum, and she... expressed her willingness to come back with us."
Uchiha Renka added, his tone somewhat calmer.
"We confirmed that she has no obvious Ninja village markings on her, and her Chakra nature is indeed that unique feeling of the Uzumaki Clan—vast and full of vitality."
"She claims that after the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools, she has been wandering alone in the Shinobi World, dodging the searches and pursuits of various factions."
"And it should be impossible for her to have eluded Chachamaru's perception."
Uzumaki Chiri nodded, taking over the conversation, her narrative permeated with hardship.
"When the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed, I was still very young, and my memories are very hazy. Over the years, hiding here and there by myself, relying on a bit of rudimentary Medical Ninjutsu and Sealing Technique knowledge, I occasionally helped people heal in exchange for some food, or took on some of the lowest-level black market missions..."
"Living hand-to-mouth and in constant fear, not knowing whether some Ninja village would discover and capture me tomorrow, or if I would die in some unknown corner."
She paused, looking frankly at the Raikage and Uchiha Shaoyu.
"I know Kumogakure... was related to what happened back then. But to be honest, for me, that is a long time ago and a very distant matter."
"Hatred... perhaps there is some, but much more of it is weariness and fear toward this precarious life of living like a rat. I'm tired, truly tired."
There was an imperceptible tremor in her voice, which was a genuine reaction from long-term exposure to survival pressure.
"I've heard that Kumogakure... is relatively open and has absorbed quite a few outsiders. Lord A and Lord Renka saved me and didn't force me either. So... I want to try."
"I am willing to join Kumogakure, abide by Hidden Cloud's rules, and contribute my strength. I just want a place where I can sleep peacefully, without having to worry about what to eat tomorrow or whether I will suddenly die."
"As for past grievances... to me, surviving and living like a human being are more important than anything else."
The office was dead silent.
The Third Raikage stroked his chin, his gaze sharply scrutinizing Uzumaki Chiri, seemingly judging the authenticity and value of her words.
However, having been vetted by Chachamaru, Sandaime still trusted this capable subordinate of his greatly.
A voluntarily joining Uzumaki Clan member, even if she only mastered part of the Inheritance, could potentially bring assistance to Hidden Cloud's Sealing Technique research, medical system, and even Chakra theoretical research.
Moreover, she herself was a high-quality Kekkei Genkai sample.
After a long while, the Third Raikage spoke in a deep voice, his tone like rumbling thunder.
"Uzumaki Chiri, you should be clear that Hidden Cloud does not raise idlers. Your bloodline and abilities must serve the village. At the same time, you must also accept necessary surveillance and vetting until complete trust is earned."
"I understand."
Uzumaki Chiri answered without hesitation, even letting out a slight sigh of relief, as if the hanging stone in her heart had finally fallen halfway.
"I am willing to accept any arrangement and vetting. As long as you can give me a place to belong."
Uchiha Shaoyu slowly spoke at this time, his voice calm.
"Young Miss Oricle, welcome to Hidden Cloud. Specific placement and duties will be communicated to you in detail later. I hope you can find the stability you want here and contribute your strength to Hidden Cloud's growth."
He deliberately emphasized contributing strength.
It was both a requirement and a promise—as long as you have value, you can get the corresponding position.
Uzumaki Chiri bowed deeply.
"Yes, Lord Raikage, Lord Shao Yu. Thank you... for giving me this opportunity."
Watching Uzumaki Chiri being led away to be settled, the Third Raikage turned to Uchiha Shaoyu and grinned.
"I really didn't expect that even the bloodline of the Uzumaki Clan would be delivered right to our doorstep. Uchiha Shaoyu, your plan has been immensely successful. As expected, smart people do things differently."
Uchiha Shaoyu smiled.
"Lord Raikage flatters me too much. It was also good luck; otherwise, precious things like Kekkei Genkai Ninjas are not so easy to come by, even in times of war."
Advance chapter available on pãtrêon Got1808