Gamer, fixing the fates of fictional characters

Three years passed in the blink of an eye. 

Most of Kaitou's time was dedicated to rigorous training - perfecting his control over Chaos Release, refining his combat skills, and honing his leadership abilities. But amidst all the relentless training, some significant events had taken place. 

One such event was his return to the Land of Whirlpools. 

The memory played vividly in his mind, a moment of change not just for himself, but for the Uzumaki Clan as a whole. 

It had been a long journey back home, and though the village stood as vibrant as ever, there was an undeniable tension in the air when he stepped into the Uzumaki Council Hall. The elders sat in a semicircle, their expressions a mix of contemplation and skepticism. Mito was there as well, sitting beside him as support, though she had made it clear that he needed to handle this himself. 

The discussion had started formally. 

"The proposal from Hashirama Senju is ambitious," Elder Takeshi, one of the oldest members of the clan, mused. "A village where shinobi from multiple clans will live together as one… It is a bold vision." 

"But one that carries many risks," Elder Kumiko interjected. "For centuries, we have thrived as an independent force. Why should we now choose to integrate with other clans? The Uzumaki have always been strong alone." 

Kaitou had expected resistance. The Uzumaki were a proud clan, and their isolationist tendencies weren't easily dismissed. 

He took a deep breath before speaking. 

"Our clan's strength has never been in isolation. It's been in our resilience, our knowledge, and our bonds. You're right - Hashirama's vision is bold, but it is also the future." His gaze swept across the room, making sure to meet each elder's eyes. "The world is changing. If we don't change with it, we'll be left behind." 

Some of the elders murmured amongst themselves, considering his words. But it was Elder Makato who leaned forward with a sharp gaze. 

"And yet, you do not ask for all of us to move to this new village, do you, Kaitou?" 

Kaitou shook his head. "No. The proposal is not for the entire Uzumaki Clan to abandon its home. Instead, the younger generations - the ones not yet bound by old traditions - will be the ones to integrate with the village. Those willing to embrace this future will follow me to Konoha." 

Mito spoke then; her voice calm yet firm. "It is a chance for our clan to thrive in ways we haven't before. The knowledge we safeguard, the techniques we master—would it not be wiser to ensure that our future generations have allies to protect them?" 

The elders sat in silence for a long moment. 

Then Elder Takeshi let out a heavy sigh. "Very well. The Uzumaki Clan will support the creation of Konoha. The younger ones will follow Kaitou, but those of us too old or unwilling to leave will remain here, as we always have." 

Kaitou released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. 

The decision was made. 

With that agreement, plans were set into motion. A portion of the Uzumaki Clan would be integrated into Konoha, under Kaitou's leadership. It would be his first true test - not just as a Shinobi, but as a leader. 

The memory faded as Kaitou returned to the present. 

Much had changed in these past three years. 

His control over Chaos Release had progressed significantly, though mastering it was still an ongoing challenge. He had developed a few techniques - attacks that disrupted the very fabric of chakra, defenses that unraveled incoming jutsu before they could reach him, and even a unique sensory ability that allowed him to detect instability in the world around him. 

Meanwhile, the discussions for Konoha's formation had advanced rapidly. Hashirama and Madara had already begun assigning scouting missions to look for the perfect location, and various smaller clans were being considered for integration. 

The dream of the village was no longer just an idea - it all truly started to take shape. 

As discussions for Konoha's formation advanced, the consideration of which clans to integrate became one of the most crucial matters. While the Senju and Uchiha formed the backbone of the village, maybe together with the Uzumaki now, the inclusion of other unique clans would solidify its foundation.

While many clans were already on board.

The shortage of manpower brought forth, because of the exile of the Shimura and Sarutobi Clans, still remained. Even with the inclusion of the Uzumaki it remained short.

Two particular clans had caught the attention of the village's founders - clans that possessed extraordinary abilities that could prove invaluable. 

The first was the Hoshikawa Clan.

Known as the "Star River Clan," the Hoshikawa were an ancient family of tacticians, scouts, and warriors who combined fluid combat movements with celestial-based perception. Their Ryūsei Shingan - the Meteor Mind's Eye - was a unique Dōjutsu that allowed them to anticipate movements and analyze battlefield conditions with stunning clarity. 

Kaitou had taken the initiative to meet with them personally, accompanied by Tobirama Senju and several representatives from the new village. 

Their encampment was located deep within the Land of Fire, built atop a series of tiered cliffs that overlooked a winding river. The Hoshikawa were nomadic by nature, and though they had long cooperated with other groups, they had never fully settled in any one place. 

Upon their arrival, Kaitou was led to a large wooden structure at the heart of the settlement, where he met Hoshikawa Rensui, the clan's current head. 

Rensui was a man well into his fifties, but his posture and sharp gaze betrayed the wisdom of someone who had seen countless battles. His Ryūsei Shingan eyes glowed faintly as he examined Kaitou and Tobirama. 

"So, you wish for the Hoshikawa to join this new village of yours?" Rensui asked, his tone neutral. 

"Yes," Kaitou replied without hesitation. "Konoha will not be just a military stronghold - it will be a home for all shinobi who seek stability and cooperation. Your clan's knowledge and skills would be invaluable." 

Rensui let out a hum, folding his arms. "We are not opposed to change, but understand that our way of life has always been built on movement and adaptation. Settling down permanently is… unnatural to us." 

Tobirama spoke then, his voice measured. "The Hoshikawa Clan's adaptability is precisely why we seek you. In war, flexibility and perception are what determine victory. Konoha will need warriors who can see past brute strength - who can analyze and predict." 

Rensui was silent for a long moment. His gaze swept over his gathered clansmen, many of whom listened with curiosity. Then, finally, he nodded. 

"Very well. The Hoshikawa will integrate into Konoha… but on one condition. We will not be bound to the village permanently. We will serve and live there, but our traditions will remain intact. Some of our people will still be free to roam as they always have." 

Kaitou and Tobirama exchanged a glance before the Uzumaki nodded. 

"If it stays in a reasonable amount, then that is acceptable." 

The next clan under consideration was vastly different from the Hoshikawa in both structure and philosophy - the Kurogane Clan, a lineage of blacksmith-warriors capable of wielding Iron Release.

Unlike the Hoshikawa, the Kurogane were already semi-integrated into the Land of Fire, having long worked with the Daimyō's forces to craft weapons, armor, and even specialized ninja tools. However, they were still an independent clan, preferring to keep their secrets within their family. 

Kaitou, alongside Hashirama and Madara, journeyed to the Kurogane stronghold - a fortress-like settlement surrounded by towering forges, where the clang of metal striking metal rang endlessly.

They were greeted by Kurogane Tetsuji, the clan head - a towering man with a physique hardened by years of working in the forges, his muscular arms crossed over his chest as he observed the visitors.

"You've come to ask us to join your village," Tetsuji said bluntly, his voice like grinding steel. 

Hashirama smiled. "Straight to the point! I like that." 

Tetsuji exhaled through his nose, unimpressed. His sharp, dark eyes locked onto Kaitou.

"We are not builders of villages - we are smiths and warriors. The weapons of the Land of Fire are forged in our fires, and our Iron Release makes us nearly unstoppable in battle. What do we gain by joining you?" 

Madara spoke then, his tone filled with quiet confidence, mixed with a tinge of arrogance. "Strength. Not just the strength of your steel, but the strength of a unified force. Your clan may be strong on the smaller scale, but against one of our clans you wouldn't come out on top. With Konoha, your skills will be recognized not just as weapon-smiths, but as warriors standing among the strongest." 

Tetsuji let out a small chuckle. "And what makes you think we 'need' to stand among you?" 

Kaitou stepped forward. "Because the world is changing. The era of scattered clans surviving on their own is ending. The Uchiha, the Senju, the Uzumaki, and many more clans have joined us, even the Hoshikawa have now chosen to build something greater. If you do not join us, you risk being left behind." 

Tetsuji's smirk faded slightly. He was a stubborn man, but not a fool. 

He turned to look at the rows of weapon-smiths and shinobi in training behind him, before exhaling deeply. 

"Fine. We will send a portion of our people to Konoha, but the main family and the heart of our forge will remain here. If Konoha wants our steel, then we will be your exclusive weapon-smiths - no one else." 

Hashirama beamed. "If we're only talking about large scale business, then you have a Deal!" 

Kaitou nodded. "Welcome to Konoha." 

With that, the Kurogane Clan's allegiance was secured, at least partly, further strengthening the foundation of the new village.