Chapter 1 – Our Entire Country's on the Brink of Annihilation—What Do We Do?
Jun Uzumaki stared out across what had once been a peaceful land, now heavy with an unspoken dread. After the end of the Warring States turmoil, each great nation had founded a single hidden village—implementing the "One Country, One Village" policy. Among them, the Five Great Nations—Hi no Kuni (Land of Fire), Kaze no Kuni (Land of Wind), Mizu no Kuni (Land of Water), Kaminari no Kuni (Land of Lightning), and Tsuchi no Kuni (Land of Earth)—boasted the most powerful shinobi villages.
But although the First Shinobi World War was winding down, unrest still simmered across the ninja world.
Uzu no Kuni—a tiny island nation hugging the coast of Hi no Kuni—was weak, its population small, its resources nearly exhausted. It had barely survived one war; now it lay in a state of dangerous decline.
"Your Highness," a guard urged, bowing to the red-headed boy of some seven years, "Lord Daimyō requests your immediate return. It's not safe anywhere outside Uzushiogakure."
Jun furrowed his young brow and nodded, his voice soft: "Very well. Inform Father that he need not worry. I'll return shortly."
"But—" the guard hesitated. Jun raised a hand to cut him off.
"Rest easy," Jun said, voice brimming with childish confidence. "I'll stay within the village walls. It's hardly large—beyond our people's settlements lie only untamed mountains and forests. There's nowhere safer to go."
Reluctantly, the guard bowed again and hurried off to brief the daimyo.
Jun watched Uzushiogakure's tidy rooftops, the smiling faces of its citizens—faces that still held slivers of hope, despite the oppressive air. They believed in their bond with Konohagakure, forged long ago: the spiral crest of Uzushiogakure emblazoned on Konoha's forehead protector was proof of their friendship.
Konoha will come to our aid, they must have thought. With Konoha on our side, there's no way we'll fall.
After all, Konoha was ascendant in this war. Its armies had already cornered and crushed Kirigakure in short order.
Yet no one foresaw the betrayal to come. Our clan's elders would ride to Konoha's gates seeking help—and return with nothing but refusal. Uzu no Kuni would be wiped from the map. The Uzumaki—once revered for their longevity and sealing arts—would be scattered, enslaved, and hunted until the blood-pure line was all but extinct. Their flaming red hair replaced by dyes or rage-born blondes.
Jun's heart sank. As a transmigrator thrust into this world, he'd hoped at least to arrive in Konoha—maybe even clutch a "cheat" system that could raise him to godhood. But no such luck: he'd landed in a dying nation, powerless, without even a hint of destiny. Worse still, he was the daimyo's son—the rightful heir! To watch one's country burn, then scurry off to Konoha as an orphan… it was unthinkable.
And if the Uzumaki line perished, then the blood of Mito Uzumaki's legacy would vanish forever. Konoha could not abide another Jinchūriki clan rising. One was already more than enough.
Meanwhile, on the eastern edge of the village, a tiny voice broke his reverie.
"Jun-niichan."
He turned to see a rosy-cheeked girl of five or six—Kushina Uzumaki—her red hair tied in pigtails. He ruffled her hair fondly.
"What's the matter, little one? Someone teasing you?"
Her lower lip trembled. "Papa's home… but he won't talk to me. He looks so angry."
Jun exhaled softly. History was cruelly repeating itself. He glanced at Kushina with pity: years from now, she would meet a kind man, become a village leader's wife, and then—die too soon. Even as the Nine-Tails' host, she'd be kept under watch and endure mockery. His jaw clenched. If only he could stop this fate—save Uzu no Kuni from destruction, rebuild its strength—and then, let Konoha remember their ancient friendship. He'd spit in the Third Hokage's face, if he had to.
He placed a comforting hand on Kushina's head. "Perhaps Lord Uzumaki met with some bad news, that's all. He didn't intend to ignore you."
"Really?" Kushina's eyes shone, hope flickering.
"Of course." Jun smiled. "You're too adorable to be overlooked."
Her cheeks flushed crimson. Children grew up so fast these days.
He crouched beside her. "By the way, where is Father now?"
"In the meeting hall," Kushina murmured, head bowed. "He's summoned the clan elders."
Jun's brow furrowed. It was time to prepare for war. He stood and placed a hand on Kushina's shoulder. "I have to see Father now. Play with me later?"
"Okay!" She brightened. Though disappointed, she understood.
…
"Damn it, Konoha! How could they do this to us?"