"That's Uzumaki Akiko," Kushina said, surprised, as she looked at the unconscious girl.
"Oh, you know her?" Shin didn't recognize the girl, but it seemed Kushina did.
"We've met a few times, but we're not close."
Kushina was only really close to Shin. She knew other kids in the clan, but they weren't friends.
A short while later, Akiko woke up. She looked around in a panic, but calmed down when she saw Shin and Kushina's red hair.
Red hair was a trademark of the Uzumaki Clan. Of course, there were exceptions, like Chōji Akimichi's father, Chōza, who also had red hair.
But most people associated red hair with the Uzumaki.
Akiko didn't recognize Shin and Kushina. She guessed they were Uzumaki survivors, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
It wasn't surprising that she didn't know them. Shin and Kushina lived far from the clan grounds.
Even when they had lived within the clan, they hadn't interacted much. Shin had never even seen Akiko before.
"Same as you," Shin replied simply.
Akiko fell silent, her eyes filled with sadness as she looked at the destruction around her. Tears streamed down her face as she thought of her parents.
"Should we comfort her?" Kushina asked Shin.
"How? Let her cry. She'll have to rely on herself from now on. Being strong is better."
Shin shook his head and sat on a nearby rock, contemplating their future.
He had two choices: leave with Kushina and live a life on the run, or wait for Konoha's reinforcements and go with them to Konoha.
He glanced at Kushina and made up his mind. They would go to Konoha.
It was the safer option. With their distinctive red hair, wandering around would make them targets.
And as two young children, where could they even go? It would be incredibly difficult.
Going to Konoha offered safety and security. As long as they didn't draw too much attention to themselves, they would be fine.
Especially with Uzumaki Mito still alive. Even the scheming Danzō wouldn't dare try anything.
In Konoha, Shin could also learn the basics of being a Shinobi, which were essential.
Konoha was the best choice. But if they went there, he would have to change Kushina's fate as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
He didn't want that for her. The Nine-Tails' power was immense, a great asset if used correctly, but it was also a ticking time bomb.
And being the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki meant a life under constant surveillance, with Anbu watching your every move.
As for himself, Shin never wanted to become a Jinchūriki. He simply didn't need the Nine-Tails.
With his Perfect Sage Body, once he grew stronger, he could take on the Nine-Tails single-handedly.
And with his Sharingan, he could probably subdue the beast with a glance.
With the System at his disposal, why would he need the Nine-Tails?
But most importantly, he didn't want something else living inside him. It was an unsettling thought.
Shin's gaze shifted to Akiko. It wasn't just him and Kushina anymore; there was another Uzumaki survivor to consider.
"Kushina, come here. I need to talk to you."
Kushina, though curious, walked over.
"Kushina, Konoha's reinforcements might arrive soon. They might take us to Konoha. If we go, remember, don't stand out too much."
When choosing a Jinchūriki, they would look for someone with talent. Standing out too much might attract the attention of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the shadowy Danzō.
Hiruzen would be fine, but Danzō... that was a different story.
Kushina didn't understand why Shin was saying this, but she nodded, committing his words to memory.
Another day passed. The sun began to set, casting long, eerie shadows over the blood-soaked ruins of Uzushiogakure.
*Thump! Thump! Thump!*
Shin's senses went on high alert. His left hand went to his pouch, gripping an Explosive Tag. His right hand held a katana.
He was a bit small to be wielding a katana, but he had found it among the debris. It had a few chips, but it was still usable.
Kushina moved closer to Shin, and Akiko, frightened, huddled next to them.
A woman with striking blonde hair and cold eyes approached them.
Despite her beauty, her expression was intimidating.
Several other ninja followed behind her.
"You're Uzumaki, right? Don't be afraid. I'm a Konoha Shinobi. My name is Tsunade."
Tsunade's harsh gaze softened. Seeing the state of Uzushiogakure had filled her with rage, hence her initial coldness.
Hearing her name, Shin relaxed, but he couldn't help but stare. He couldn't believe this was Tsunade.
She was so... flat. He couldn't fathom how she would transform into the, well, busty woman she would become.
"Are you all that's left of the Uzumaki Clan?" Tsunade asked.
"I don't know. Maybe there are other survivors."
Shin was certain there were others, but they had either escaped the Land of Whirlpools or were in hiding.
"Let's search the area. See if we can find anyone else. Damn it, if I find out who did this, I'll..."
Tsunade's killing intent flared. The Uzumaki were her grandmother's people. They had a long-standing alliance with the Senju Clan.
During the Warring States Period, the Uzumaki had fought alongside the Senju against the Uchiha.
Tsunade was furious, but it was useless now. She had rushed to the Land of Whirlpools as soon as she received the news, but it was too late.
The enemy had annihilated the Uzumaki Clan in a single night. They must have planned this for a long time.
Shin couldn't help but roll his eyes at Tsunade's tough talk. Empty threats were so childish.
Unfortunately, Tsunade caught his expression. She glared at him. This little brat was looking down on her?
"Hey, brat, what was that look for?"
"What look?" Shin feigned innocence.
"Don't play dumb. I saw you. You were totally dissing me."
Shin wanted to nod, but he thought better of it. Tsunade was known for her temper; she might just punch him.
"Nope, not me. You must be mistaken," Shin denied, maintaining his facade of innocence.
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