I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

The Future of Uzushio Village

The sky over Mount Myōboku remained an endless expanse of blue, undisturbed by the concerns of the mortal world.

This sacred land, hidden far from human settlements, brimmed with senjutsu chakra, an energy so potent that ordinary humans could not endure it without turning to stone.

Fukasaku, the elder sage of the toads, studied Jiraiya for a long time before finally speaking in his raspy voice. "Little Jiraiya, did you find the child of prophecy this time? The Great Toad Sage would not wake from his deep slumber otherwise."

Jiraiya, taken aback, sighed in mild exasperation. "I found someone who might be the child of prophecy. He is my godson, the son of Minato Namikaze, and was once the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki."

"The Fourth Hokage's son… That's promising," Fukasaku mused. Then, as if struck by a thought, he fixed Jiraiya with a questioning look. "Wait, 'was' the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki? He no longer serves Konoha?"

Jiraiya nodded grimly. "Due to… complicated circumstances, Naruto left the village. Even when I found him, he had no need for an old man's guidance."

Fukasaku's brow furrowed. "But Naruto is still just a boy."

"He is, but in both strength and influence, he has already surpassed me. I even suspect he has fully tamed Kurama, making him a perfect Jinchūriki."

After a moment's pause, Jiraiya continued, "Maybe he truly is the child of prophecy… yet he needs no mentor."

Fukasaku frowned. The prophecy had already shifted numerous times, making it one of the most unpredictable in memory. And yet, the notion of Jiraiya himself becoming a village's leader, as the Great Toad Sage once foretold, still seemed absurd.

After some contemplation, Fukasaku led Jiraiya to the Great Toad Sage's chamber.

The ancient sage, adorned with his customary priest's hat and heavy prayer beads, looked more lucid than usual. His cloudy eyes swept over Jiraiya before he gave a small, knowing smile.

"Little Jiraiya, have you met the child of prophecy?"

Jiraiya hesitated before answering, "I have… but it wasn't how I imagined. He doesn't seem to need my guidance. If anything, he's already too strong."

The Great Toad Sage chuckled. "That is the nature of the prophesied one. Without extraordinary ability, how could he change the course of the ninja world?"

After a moment, he continued, "However, if this child no longer needs guidance, then find another. There is yet another child of prophecy… still in Konohagakure."

Jiraiya blinked. "There's more than one?"

The sage nodded sagely. "Of course. Every era has individuals who shape its future. They are all children of prophecy."

Jiraiya pondered this. "So… Nagato and Minato were also considered children of prophecy?"

"Indeed," the sage confirmed. "But they failed. They influenced the ninja world for a time, yet they could not reshape its future."

"You never told me that before," Jiraiya muttered, frowning.

"I assumed you would understand, but it seems I must clarify. Still, it is not too late to find another child of prophecy."

For once, the Great Toad Sage spoke plainly, abandoning his usual cryptic nature.

Jiraiya remained silent for a few moments before nodding. "I understand, Great Sage. I will seek out the next child of prophecy… and bring him to Mount Myōboku."

Without another word, he turned and strode out of the temple.

Fukasaku, watching Jiraiya leave, turned to the Great Toad Sage and muttered, "Great Sage… weren't you a bit too harsh? Jiraiya has been devoted to Myōboku all these years."

The elder toad's gaze darkened. "Little Fukasaku, I can no longer see the future of the ninja world."

Fukasaku stiffened. "Does this mean the world is doomed?"

The Great Toad Sage shook his head. "No… but I have lost my ability to foresee what comes next. That is why I must send Jiraiya to find another."

For generations, finding the child of prophecy had meant identifying the reincarnation of Asura Ōtsutsuki, the Sage of the Six Paths' chosen heir. But now, something had changed.

With Asura's fate uncertain, they had no choice but to consider an alternative—perhaps even the reincarnation of Indra instead…

---

Meanwhile, in Uzushiogakure…

A high-ranking council meeting was underway.

This was a semi-annual review of the nation's development and a crucial strategy session for Uzushiogakure's future. Although Naruto was known to be a reluctant leader, he always attended these key meetings to ensure the balance of power remained in check—unlike in Konoha, where Hokage rule had become precarious.

The chaotic state of the Leaf Village was proof enough. The Third Hokage and his advisors bore much of the blame, but even the First Hokage's hands-off approach had left lingering issues. Now, fragile peace was maintained largely through raw strength.

The council had two primary goals:

1. Developing the country's education system

2. Strengthening its economy

Military power was not an immediate concern. With the Adamantine Sealing Chains and Naruto's Spiral Wheel Rasengan—techniques rivaling a Tailed Beast's power—Uzushiogakure had no fear of a direct attack.

However, education was a topic of debate.

Naruto firmly proposed a nine-year ninja curriculum with no early graduation allowed.

At this, Shisui Uchiha frowned slightly. "Lord Mianma, isn't nine years excessive? Most major villages follow a six-year system, and early graduation is necessary to develop young prodigies."

Beside him, Uzumaki Homura nodded in agreement.

"Spending nine years on training is inefficient," Homura pointed out. "It only takes about two years for a child with basic chakra control to become a combat-ready mercenary. That's why major villages have stuck with shorter programs, especially in times of war."

The financial burden of extended education was also concerning.

Naruto, however, was resolute. "Six years is too short. Ninjas are not disposable weapons. We are building not just Uzushiogakure, but an entire nation. We need leaders and officials who can govern, not just fight."

"As for early graduation, have Konoha's past mistakes taught us nothing?"

Homura and Shisui exchanged glances before reluctantly agreeing.

"Lord Mianma, we support your vision… but our current financial state simply cannot sustain this plan."

Naruto sighed. "Then we must accelerate economic development."

Yet, for all his strategizing, he struggled to devise an immediate solution. Uzushiogakure's geography made maritime trade its best option, potentially transforming it into a financial hub of the shinobi world.

But the economic infrastructure of the ninja world was still too primitive for such an endeavor.

At that moment, Uchiha Izumi knocked on the meeting room door.

After receiving permission to enter, she delivered an urgent report.

"Lord Mianma, rogue ninja have just attacked the Land of Whirlpools."

Naruto's expression darkened.

Uzushiogakure's next challenge had arrived.

Subscribe to Patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters