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Chapter 30: Uchiha Takes the Blame, Kushina's Heart Locks Shut!
Seeing Fugaku Uchiha acting so subservient—lowering his head and patiently explaining—
A trace of surprise flickered through the eyes of both advisors.
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly took a drag from his pipe.
Konoha had just suffered the Nine-Tails attack. The village was severely depleted and desperately needed stability and recovery.
He had no desire to keep digging into the Uchiha clan matter. He wanted to let it go while he still could and focus on aftermath and rebuilding.
Restoring Konoha's strength as quickly as possible was the top priority.
So Hiruzen raised a hand, stopping Danzō from continuing to press Fugaku.
"We will carefully review the materials you provided and conduct cross-verification, Fugaku."
"Whether the Uchiha clan is innocent or not—we will judge fairly when the time comes."
"But right now… we need you to do us a favor…"
Hiruzen paused here.
Fugaku's heart stirred.
"What favor might Lord Third be referring to…?"
He instinctively looked toward the two advisors.
As expected, Homura Mitokado spoke up:
"The village has just suffered a devastating attack. We urgently need to recover and stabilize morale—nothing is more important right now."
"We will personally contact the other major clans to explain the situation, but the emotions of ordinary villagers also need to be managed."
"We can only ask the Uchiha clan to bear this burden."
Homura finished coldly. Fugaku's expression immediately became extremely ugly.
This was a blatant demand for the Uchiha to take the fall.
How could he possibly fail to understand?
"Rest assured, Fugaku—we're only asking you to represent the Uchiha clan and publicly apologize to all villagers and shinobi, explaining certain matters."
"The Uchiha clan's efforts for the village's stability will absolutely not be forgotten. You will receive ample compensation afterward."
"As for the Fire Daimyō—we will personally explain the situation to him."
"You wouldn't want the Daimyō to come question us personally, would you?"
Koharu Utatane followed up, half threat, half consolation.
Hearing this, Fugaku fell completely silent.
What the Third Hokage and the two advisors said was reasonable.
As clan head, he did not want open conflict between the Uchiha and the other clans.
Even less did he want Konoha to fall into deeper crisis.
After an intense internal struggle, Fugaku made his decision and nodded:
"I understand. I will do as the lords have requested…"
"But I also hope that once this matter passes, you will return the Uchiha clan its innocence."
With that, Fugaku turned and left the Hokage's office.
…
Oborotsuki brought Kushina back to the Hōzuki clan grounds in Kirigakure.
"From now on, treat this place as your own home. Stay here and live peacefully."
He said to Kushina.
But Kushina remained silent, only lowering her head to look at little Naruto in her arms.
Seeing the two return, Mayumi and Red immediately came out from the house.
"You're back?"
Mayumi looked concernedly at Oborotsuki, then at Kushina. Seeing neither spoke, she tactfully stayed quiet.
"Oborotsuki, there's some news you might be interested in."
Red suddenly changed the subject.
Instantly, everyone's attention turned to her.
Even the relatively downcast Kushina glanced at Red.
"What news?"
Oborotsuki's first thought was Konan.
But he immediately dismissed it.
Red had never met Konan—how could she have news about her?
"The Fourth Mizukage Yagura of Kirigakure publicly announced the end of the Bloody Mist policy. He even issued a notice across the entire Land of Water. Look—this is what I saw while shopping in the nearby town this afternoon!"
Red handed over a paper notice.
Oborotsuki took it and skimmed it. The content matched what Red described.
The Fourth Mizukage Yagura not only publicly admitted his mistakes, ended the Bloody Mist policy, and apologized to all shinobi—
He also announced he would step down once a suitable successor was chosen.
He called for the powerful shinobi who had once left Kirigakure to return and pledge loyalty once more…
Oborotsuki wasn't surprised by this news.
After all—he himself had personally broken the genjutsu on Yagura.
"It's good news. It means we'll be even safer living here from now on."
Oborotsuki smiled slightly and turned to Kushina.
"Red, please prepare something to eat."
"I'm heading out again. I'll be back soon."
He stepped forward, gently patted Kushina's shoulder, and lightly pinched little Naruto's chubby cheek:
"Relax a little."
"I promised you—I'll definitely keep my word."
With that, he activated Flying Thunder God and vanished.
…
Oborotsuki returned to Amegakure headquarters.
But just like before, there was no sign of Konan or any other members.
Everyone was still out.
And Uchiha Obito was nowhere to be found.
"It seems Minato really hurt him badly."
"Otherwise he wouldn't still be hiding…"
Oborotsuki didn't linger long at headquarters.
After leaving, he first bought more baby supplies and daily necessities, then purchased small gifts for Kushina, Red, and Mayumi—cosmetics and the like.
He also bought plenty of new, suitable clothes for the three women.
After packing everything up, he returned to the Hōzuki clan grounds.
"I brought gifts for everyone. Kushina—these are for you, and for the baby."
"These are yours, Red."
"And these are for you, Mayumi."
He distributed each carefully prepared gift.
Seeing Kushina still looking downcast and expressionless, Oborotsuki sighed inwardly. He walked over to her.
"Thank you, Oborotsuki."
Just as he approached, Kushina spoke in a distant, polite tone.
Knowing she still hadn't recovered from the grief of losing Minato, Oborotsuki didn't mind. He spoke softly to comfort her:
"No need to be so formal."
"By the way—the baby still doesn't have a name yet, right?"
He reached out again to gently pinch little Naruto's soft, rosy cheeks.
"His name is Naruto."
"Uzumaki Naruto."
This name had been decided long ago by Minato and her, inspired by Jiraiya's novel Tales of a Gutsy Shinobi.
Though the book flopped—far less popular than the erotic Icha Icha Paradise—
Minato had read it and hoped their son would grow up to be someone who never gave up, just like the protagonist.
So they chose this name.
Remembering this, Kushina's gaze once again turned sorrowful.
"Naruto… that's a good name."
"Little Naruto, be good and grow up strong…"
Oborotsuki teased the baby gently.
But at that moment, Kushina stood up slowly while holding her son:
"I'm sorry… I'm a little tired. I won't be joining dinner. I'm going back to my room to rest. Everyone…"
With that, she turned and walked back to her room.
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