shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 36: A Treasured Blade Brings Calamity

Uzushiogakure, the homeland of the Uzumaki clan, was renowned for its powerful sealing techniques, especially its unparalleled ability to control Tailed Beasts.

Uchiha Tsukiko couldn't help but ponder: why would a nation that possessed such formidable sealing techniques suddenly become the target of a joint attack by multiple great villages, ultimately facing total annihilation?

"The Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques are so powerful that they can even seal Tailed Beasts. Such power should be revered and protected by other nations, so why did it instead make them a target?"

Tsukiko analyzed the historical context, particularly Senju Hashirama's decision at the Five Kage Summit.

Hashirama, in his pursuit of peace, distributed Tailed Beasts among the villages to establish a balance of power, hoping that equilibrium would prevent war.

However, reality proved otherwise.

"Hashirama's intentions were noble, but the execution was flawed."

Tsukiko thought carefully. "His peace was built on his overwhelming personal strength. As long as he lived, no village dared act recklessly. But the moment he died, his peace crumbled with him."

The First Shinobi World War erupted soon after his death, a result of the power vacuum left behind.

Tsukiko realized that Hashirama's policy had a fatal flaw: he distributed the Tailed Beasts without also distributing the necessary sealing techniques to control them.

"He likely trusted the Uzumaki clan's expertise, believing they were the only ones capable of fully mastering these sealing arts."

This, in turn, created a global imbalance.

"With the exception of Mito Uzumaki in Konoha, who perfectly controlled the Nine-Tails, the other villages treated their Tailed Beasts like unpredictable time bombs."

The immense power of the Tailed Beasts was both a blessing and a curse. If not properly controlled, they could just as easily destroy their own villages.

Tsukiko slowly pieced together the larger picture—the true reason behind Uzushio's destruction wasn't just the fear of its power, but the danger it posed to every village's control over their own Tailed Beasts.

"The Uzumaki's sealing techniques were too effective. Perhaps they even possessed knowledge on how to unseal Tailed Beasts, which would be catastrophic for any village in a war."

His thoughts deepened.

"The real reason for Uzushio's downfall wasn't just the greed of other villages—it was the fear that their power could undermine every nation's stability."

If an Uzumaki shinobi could dispel an enemy's Tailed Beast seal on the battlefield, it would immediately turn the tide of war.

That was a risk no nation could afford.

It wasn't just about coveting the Uzumaki clan's power—it was about eliminating an existential threat.

"The villages didn't just want to steal their sealing techniques. They wanted to eradicate them, ensuring their own fragile control over the Tailed Beasts wouldn't be jeopardized."

Tsukiko's expression darkened.

Uzushio's downfall wasn't merely a matter of strength—it was the inevitable fate of possessing power deemed too dangerous by the world.

A treasured blade invites calamity.

He clenched his fists. He understood that Uzushio's fate was almost sealed.

But as a shinobi of Konoha, he refused to stand idly by.

Even if he couldn't prevent the attack, he would at least give the Uzumaki a fighting chance.

---

Tsukiko immediately decided to bring this intelligence to Uzumaki Mito.

As Senju Hashirama's wife and the first jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, Mito was not only an elder of Konoha but also a direct descendant of the Uzumaki clan.

If anyone could act swiftly, it would be her.

Mito commanded immense respect and authority, and she could mobilize Konoha's forces or directly alert Uzushio's leadership.

"If Mito-sama takes action, Uzushio might still have a chance."

Determined, Tsukiko made his way to her residence.

---

When he arrived, he found Mito sitting in her courtyard, exuding an air of wisdom and dignity despite her advancing years.

She greeted him with a warm smile. "Tsukiko-kun, what brings you here today?"

Tsukiko bowed respectfully. "Mito-sama, I have an urgent matter concerning Uzushio's survival."

Hearing his serious tone, Mito's expression grew solemn. She motioned for him to sit.

"Speak," she said. "Take your time."

Tsukiko didn't waste a second.

He laid out all the intelligence Kagemaku had gathered—the troop movements, the villages' unusual weapons stockpiling, and his analysis of Uzushio's impending crisis.

As he spoke, Mito's expression darkened.

She remained silent, absorbing every word.

Once Tsukiko finished, she closed her eyes in contemplation.

For a long moment, she said nothing.

Then, with a heavy sigh, she finally spoke.

"Tsukiko-kun," she said, her voice carrying the weight of years, "this is not the first time I've felt unease about my homeland's fate."

She slowly opened her eyes, filled with both sorrow and determination.

"But I never imagined the threat would come this swiftly, nor in such overwhelming force."

Her hands curled slightly, showing rare emotion.

"Uzushio is my homeland. The Uzumaki clan is my family. I cannot, and will not, turn a blind eye to this."

Tsukiko could see the fire in her gaze.

Mito was not just a passive elder—she was a warrior.

"Thank you, Tsukiko-kun. Your warning may have arrived just in time."

She stood, a decision forming in her mind.

"I will speak with Hiruzen and Konoha's leadership personally."

Tsukiko felt a wave of relief.

Having Mito directly involved would put serious weight behind his warning.

But he also knew that Konoha's response might still be delayed or insufficient.

Thus, he made one final request.

"Mito-sama," he said carefully, "if the worst should happen, and Uzushio cannot be saved, I would like permission to use Kagemaku's resources to extract as many Uzumaki survivors as possible."

Mito's gaze softened.

"You are wise beyond your years, Tsukiko-kun," she murmured.

"Very well," she agreed. "Do what you must. And I will do the same."

---

As Tsukiko left Mito's estate, his mind raced.

Even if Konoha sent reinforcements, there was no guarantee they would arrive in time.

He had to personally ensure an escape plan was in place.

"Kagemaku needs to expand its efforts immediately," he thought.

"If Uzushio truly falls, at least some of the Uzumaki must survive."

Tsukiko clenched his fist.

He would not let history repeat itself unchallenged.

Even if the world wished to erase the Uzumaki, he would ensure they endured.