Chapter 2: Reclaim What the Senju Lost!
"Why are you following me instead of sleeping?" At the Memorial Park, the sake in the flask had run dry, indicating that the simple tribute was complete. Kaede looked helplessly at Kushina Uzumaki beside him. This girl hadn't been in Konoha for long, yet she seemed to have a peculiar curiosity about him.
"I always feel like you know something, Kaede." The stubborn young girl had followed Kaede all the way to the training ground, finally blurting out her thoughts. "Like what really happened to the Uzumaki clan."
Was it a woman's natural intuition? Or perhaps she had seen something in Mito Uzumaki's expression? Kaede wasn't sure. He placed his hand on Kushina's head in the same familiar gesture and sighed. Knowing too much wouldn't be good for Kushina right now.
"The Uzumaki clan, huh?" After a brief silence, Kaede pulled Kushina to sit on a nearby bench and looked up at the sky. The early autumn night was a bit chilly, and the young man naturally wrapped his arms around the girl. This action brought a blush to Kushina's already delicate face.
"I know what you're trying to say." "I also know that being the wife of the First Hokage, caught between Konoha and the Senju, and Konoha and the Uzumaki clan, isn't easy for her."
In fact, Kaede had spoken to Mito in such a way on purpose. "Sometimes, people need a push." "If she doesn't get that push, she won't realize that family is far more important than maintaining the facade of the village."
What is Kaede talking about? Kushina looked at the man, confused.
"The Uzumaki clan's situation is complicated," Kaede said, shaking his head. "You could say the destruction of the Uzumaki was inevitable."
Why? Kushina immediately pulled away from Kaede's embrace, glaring at him. It was understandable. If someone told you that the destruction of your clan was deserved, it would be like saying your family's death was justified. If anyone else had said that, Kushina would have already punched them.
"First," Kaede remained calm, even arrogantly pinching Kushina's cheek to quiet her down. "The Land of Whirlpools is located in a strategically defensible sea area, and the Village Hidden in Whirlpools is on an island."
"That place is nice, and many people are envious of it." "Of course, the first point isn't the main issue."
He paused, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes. "The second point is that the Uzumaki clan are natural Jinchūriki. Even an ordinary clan member possesses the sealing power and vitality to suppress tailed beasts."
"Your existence threatens many people's interests and makes them fear your power." "Although the Uzumaki's strength isn't weak, by not joining Konoha, you were already on the path to destruction."
Yes, not joining Konoha. Helping each other as equals in an alliance? The Uzumaki's mistake was trusting Konoha too much! No, it was trusting the current Konoha after Tobirama Senju's death too much!
In a crisis, would Konoha really lend a hand? Wishful thinking. With Danzo and Hiruzen's personalities, keeping the only perfect Jinchūriki in Konoha was the safest option. So, at the most opportune time during the Uzumaki's downfall, they took Kushina Uzumaki as a rescue, which already explained the situation.
Who wouldn't want the best things for themselves? Kushina lived and became the next Jinchūriki candidate for Konoha. This was ironclad evidence that even if Konoha didn't intervene in the Uzumaki's destruction, they certainly knew about it early on. Kaede could see it, and so could Mito Uzumaki. That's why she remained silent.
"Jinchūriki." Mentioning the word again, the girl's eyes showed a hint of confusion and fear. Clearly, she knew what her future held. Suddenly having a monster inside her was a disaster for someone her age.
A pair of warm hands pinched her cheeks again. Looking up, Kaede's gentle smile made her feel reassured.
"Don't worry, you won't be the Jinchūriki."
Huh? What does that mean? Kushina was puzzled. But Kaede didn't explain further. The Nine-Tails, something others feared, was the best thing for Kaede! Otherwise, he wouldn't provoke Mito Uzumaki now and then, even if it meant being accused of disrespect.
Disrespect? Some things others couldn't understand, but he and Mito did. Perhaps in Mito's view, it wasn't yet time to be honest with Kaede. Kaede was also waiting for that moment to come.
"But... Kaede-nii," Kushina hesitated, "isn't the Jinchūriki chosen by the Hokage?"
Kaede chuckled, ruffling Kushina's hair. "Remember, whether it's the Nine-Tails or Konoha, they originally belonged to the Senju! What I aim to do is simply reclaim what the Senju lost. That's all!"
...
In the quiet training ground, Kushina had been coaxed home by Kaede. Meanwhile, Kaede began his training journey! Yes, his training time was at night. That's why he skipped classes and hid away to sleep during the day.
The reason? It was related to his unique golden finger. Yes, as a transmigrator, Kaede naturally had his own golden finger. It was called the Dark Monarch Legacy System! And to activate it after obtaining it, he needed to absorb energy in the dark every night.
Not long ago, he finally activated the System and successfully unlocked the first legacy. Opening the System panel, Kaede took a deep breath and looked over.
Host: Senju Kaede. First Legacy: Ulquiorra Cifer! Unlock Progress: 4.9% Abilities Mastered: Sonído (Beginner), high-speed movement technique. High-Speed Regeneration (Beginner), rapid healing ability. Hierro (Beginner), high-intensity spiritual pressure materialized defense. Basic Swordsmanship, Spiritual Pressure Perception. Next ability unlock requires Template progress of 5%, please continue to work hard, Host. Ability Points: 59. (Can be used to improve ability proficiency or exchange for items in the System shop)
These were all the abilities Kaede's golden finger brought. Ulquiorra, from the world of Bleach, was the 4th Espada of the Arrancar. But his true strength was likely among the top of the Espada. After all, he was the first and only terrifying existence with a Second Release!
Kaede's golden finger was very convenient, even simple and straightforward. By completing daily training tasks, he could earn Ability Points and Template progress, and the training tasks allowed him to integrate the abilities gained from the Template into himself. In other words, he turned the powers of the Template character into his own strength.
Given enough time, even if he couldn't master the Flying Thunder God Technique of the Second Hokage or the Wood Release of the First Hokage, he would become the unique Black-Winged Demon of the ninja world, reaching its pinnacle.
Though he had unlocked less than 5%, Kaede's strength already surpassed his peers. "In this world, only fists are the ultimate truth. Where my fists reach is my justice. Only strength can protect so-called family and friends. Otherwise, talking about reclaiming the Senju's possessions is just nonsense."
He extended his hand, and a Moonlight Blade formed from spiritual pressure appeared in his grasp. Glancing at the training task, Kaede smiled slightly. Swinging the blade a thousand times was a piece of cake. Training officially began!
:D