Naruto Making Uzumaki Chapter 9

[Psyckosama]

Naruto just stood in place, slack jawed, looking blankly at the old man who’d just proclaimed himself to be a proud servant of the Uzumaki.

To say that he was confused would be an understatement. Overwhelmed likewise would be downplaying his thoughts. Honestly, the best way to discribe it was that he was so utterly dumbfounded that the that was about the limit of Uzumaki Naruto’s cognitive processing ability amounted to little more than the subtle hiss of white noise punctuated by the occasional proclamation of “Abort. Retry. Fail.”

He simply didn’t know how to handle this. He’d never in a thousand years have imagined Sasuke dragging him out to the woods to meet some guy who claimed to be a servant of his clan. Hell, he never imagined in a million years he’d ever meet someone who’d claim to be a servant of his clan. The Sasuke thing only made it even more confusing.

The more he thought about it, the more it hurt, so in the name of self-defense and the general “what-the-fuck-titude” of the situation, his brain decided to throw in the towel and went home for drinks and ramen.

“Naruto-kun?” Haku asked gently, before rounding on the old man. “If he is under some form of Genjutsu...”

“No,” the old man responded, harshly, “I think the poor boy is in shock,” His eyes narrowed and he glanced at Sasuke balefully.

Sasuke replied with a smirk.

The smirk. That insufferable, annoying, infuriating holier-than-thou Uchiha smirk that made him want to bitch smack Sasuke every time it formed on his oh so pretty girly-boy lips. It always made him seeth, and in this case that little spike of fury was the perfect thing to reboot Naruto’s brain.

“W-what the hell is going on here!” Naruto exclaimed wide eyed, and maybe a little manic. “Who the hell are you?!” He jabbed his finger at the old guy. “Where the hell is this!?” he waved his hand around chaotically, before pointing at Sasuke and all but screaming, “And how the hell did he know to bring me here?!”

Sasuke’s smirk grew two more sizes. “You want me to...”

“No,” the old man commanded, “You’ve done enough here, Uchiha-sama. From here it is Uzumaki business. While I thank you for your kindness in this matter, but I much of this conversation will be sensitive in nature.”

“Hn,” he grunted lightly. “I assume I’m permitted to finish my tea?”

Shingi nodded. “Of course. I will tell you when I begin in ernest.”

“Hello!” Naruto interrupted. “Somebody tell me what’s going on here!”

The old priest nodded. “Of course, Uzumaki-sama. First. What is going on strongly depends on you. Though understand it has everything to do with the legacy of the Uzumaki clan and much of it is not for outsiders.”

“Um... okay...”

“Second, I am Oshinami Shingi, tending priest of this shrine and former Jonin of Uzushiogakure no Sato.”

Naruto blinked. Hidden Whirlpool? He’d never heard of that village before, though it was a pretty badass name.

“Third, this is the Uzu no Kuni memorial shrine.”

Okay. Naruto was getting even more confused. Equally cool name, but even less of a clue what he was talking about.

“And finally, Uchiha-sama followed Tazuna-san here when he decided to speak to me about current events and your role in them.”

“Oh,” Naruto paused. “So could you please explain everything you just said?”

Shingi stood in place for a moment and then sighed. ”They didn’t tell you anything at all, did they?”

“Nope!”

“Damn you, Hiruzen,” He sighed, “Come on in, boy. I have much to explain.”

“Excuse me, Oshinami-san,” Haku interrupted. “But you called me Naruto-kun’s retainer. Why?”

“Your Chakra is very distinct, Yuki-san,” he said in a low, dangerous tone, “Tazuna-san mentioned a girl who used Ice who had seemingly chosen to become Uzumaki-san’s follower. If this is incorrect, then I strongly suggest that you leave leave, Yuki-san.” he replied cooly, shooting her a withering glance. “Immediately.”

“What do you mean, Yuki-san?” Naruto asked, “And why are you being mean to Haku-chan?”

“My mother’s clan was the Yuki clan, Naruto-kun” Haku replied, before turning to Shingi. “My sensei’s final wish was that if I was unable to find an ambition of my own, I find someone worthy and aid them in reaching theirs. I’ve found such a person in Naruto-kun.”

“Then I strongly suggest you translate your desires into an official oath then,” he snapped, “As for why I’m going mean to ‘Haku-chan’, please come inside with me and I will explain all.”

Naruto frowned for a moment. He didn’t like this. There was a lot of confusing stuff going on, this old man claimed to be his families servant and mentioned a lot of stuff with the word ‘Uzu’ in it, then started shooting dirty looks at Haku. “Alright, but you better, old man.”

“Of course,” Shingi replied before leading them inside the shrine.

The inside, Naruto noticed wasn’t nearly as beaten up as the outside. It was aged, but hadn’t suffered the ravages of the elements. In addition, the man obviously the man put extensive effort into keeping it clean. What struck him though, was in a place of honor dominating the shrine was a large stone.

He’d seen a stone just like it before. It looked very much like the Konoha memorial stone, only instead of being inscribed with the symbol for a leaf it had a spiral just like the one he wore on his jacket. In fact, looking around there were spirals everywhere.

The man calmly pulled out a serving set and a container of tea. “Please take a seat,” he said after setting out the table. “Come tomorrow, Uchiha-san and I will walk you through each step of the preparation and serving of the his blend. Today though, there are more pressing concerns.”

Sasuke nodded with a grunt.

“Now, Uzumaki-sama,” he replied as he began to ready the tea, “Tell me, what do you know of your family and its history.”

Naruto flushed slightly and lowered his head. “Nothing.” he replied, his face glowing with embarrassment.

Shingi frowned. “Do you know the names of your parents?”

“No,” he replied. “I asked Jiji but he said he couldn’t tell me anything yet.”

The old man frowned. “Well, I am not the Hokage and I will tell you all I can.”

Naruto blinked. “Really?” Nobody ever told him shit.

He nodded as he began to pour. “Yes. So, enjoy a cup of tea while I tell you the illustrious tale of the Uzumaki clan. Any questions will be answered to the best of my ability.”

Naruto’s eyes went wide and he grinned like a madman. Finally! Answers! Real answers!

“The Uzumaki were a proud clan,” he replied, They were passionate, courageous, and kind. They possessed a unique bloodline that gave them special sealing charka. This chakra gave them a unique insight to the sealings arts, of which they were the unquestioned masters. “

Naruto smiled. They sounded really strong!

“While the Uzumaki were powerful, they chose not to involve themselves with the ceaseless feuding on the continent. Instead, they retreated to a desolate island off the coast. It was a worthless rock, covered in swamps, with poor weather and harsh swirling tides that made it virtually inaccessible. Using their mastery of Fuuinjutsu, they reshaped this island into a paradise. They tamed the seas, reshaped the earth itself, and bestowed upon it the name of Uzu no Kuni.”

Naruto simply sat spellbound as his family's history was explained.

“Most clans would have stopped there, content in isolation and security. But the Uzumaki were not most clans. The opened thier gates to the outside world. They turned their eyes to homeless, the displaced, the poor, and the helpless.To the suffering and the forgotton. To the people who struggled, looking for a better life. They invited them to join them in their paradise, their only demand being that they put aside old hatred and dedicate themselves to living together in peace.”

He frowned. “But the island was in a very strategic location, located close to several major trading routes. Their little village of social rejects and refugees quickly transformed into valuable trading port and grew wealthy. And soon the attentions of those they wished to leave behind turned to them. So again, they opened their doors. This time to their fellow ninja. Those clans willing to swear fealty could escape the endless bloodshed of the mainland and find a home amongst them.”

“Uzu no Kuni grew powerful, transforming the refuse of the continent into a strong and proud people. While the Uzumaki themselves came to be counted among the Godai Ichizoku.”

Naruto blinked. “The who?”

“The Five Great Clans. During the Warring States period five powerful clans rose up to eclipse all of their rivals in power and might. The Senju, the Uchiha, the Sarutobi, the Hyuga, and of course, the Uzumaki.”

Naruto blinked and glanced over at Sasuke. Okay, so maybe his family really was kind of awesome. He was still a dick.

“The Uzumaki remained in this state of neutrality and relative isolation up until they were approached by Senju Harashima. He invited them to join his dream, to end the incessant wars by joining together in peace. But they declined. The Uzumaki were the only one of the great families not to join them in founding Konohagakure, the first of the Hidden Villages.”

Naruto blinked. “Why not?”

Seriously, if his family was this awesome, how could they not get in on something as wonderful as Konoha?

“Because they’d already built a home,” he replied, “Because they already lived in peace. Because they refused to abandon the people who’d come to depend on them. But they respected his dream and found it worthy of their support. Worthy enough to break their neutrality and ally with the fledgling village. Enough to offer Mito-sama, the daughter of Uzumaki Munetoshi-sama, the clan head to Harashima as his bride and rename the capital Uzushiogakure no Sato as a sign of their support.”

Naruto blinked. Okay. That was still pretty awesome.

“So what happened?” Naruto asked.

“Whirlpool always had a good trading relationship with Fire Country, after all, swamps aren’t good for farming and even the Uzuamki could only reclaim just so much land. Lightning and Water country on the other hand always resented our wealth and power. With the founding of Kiri and Kumo, Uzu wasn’t so powerful as to be considered unassailable anymore.”

He sighed, “During the First Great Shinobi War they attacked the village, but discovered the hard way that one does not attack a village founded by Fuinjutsu masters lightly. And even the few times they did manage to make any gains, our allies from Konoha were swift to respond in force.”

“They came to fear our power,” He frowned and sighed. “So they planned ahead.”

Naruto swallowed as malevolent chill make its way down his spine as he realized what it was he was about to be told about. He was about to be told the story of the death of his people, the destruction of his family, and the reason why he had spent his life alone.

“W-what happened?”

“The Second Great Shinobi War began with a coordinated strike. Suna, Iwa, and Ami attacked Hi no Kuni to tie down Konoha’s forces, while Kumo, Kiri, and Taki attacked Uzushio directly and with full force.”

He felt his throat dry, his blood freeze in his veins, and his hand begin to tremble.

“We held,” he replied, “They couldn’t break our defenses and for every one of ours that fell, they lost five.” His face twisted into a savage smile, “We made them bleed for every inch. Their Jinchuuriki? All Dead. The Nidaime Raikage? Slain in single combat with Uzumaki Jubei-sama. We humbled Kumo. We all but crippled Kiri. And Taki,” he laughed, “They styled themselves as the greatest of the Minor Villages and attacked in hopes of proving themselves worthy to be among the Great Five. When we were finished with them, they’d lost an entire generation!”

Naruto couldn’t help but smile. His family was badass!

“But sadly, we were outnumbered by ten to one,” He closed his eyes, “And they turned their attention to the civilians.”

Naruto went white. “They started killing the villagers...”

He nodded. “Yes. They did. They started massacring the civilians. In most Hidden Villages, the village exists to support the ninja. Most of the civilians have at least some experience with the ninja arts. Usushiogakure was a capital city before it became a Hidden Village. The ninja were there to protect the civilians,” he closed his eyes, “And it became clear, that if the civilians were to survive, that the ninja had to be sacrificed.”

Naruto eyes slowly widened. “Sacrificed?”

He nodded. “Yes. The battle was already lost. Even if we drowned them in their own blood, Usushio would fall. Of that there was no doubt. They offered no quarter and we asked for none. As long as the battle raged, the civilians would be caught in the crossfire, and when it became clear that they were exterminating the civilians Jubei-sama was left with only one option.”

He sighed. “He couldn’t surrender. To do so would have given them everything that made Usuzhio great. The ninja would have been killed, the children sent to their villages to serve as cannon fodder,” he sneered, “Or breeding stock. And the sealing knowledge of the Uzumaki would have become the tools of our enemy. No. The only option left to him was betrayal from within. One of his ninja would have to sacrifice his honor and in exchange for mercy for the civilians, turn his blade against his own people. To turn his blade against his own in a manner that would make it appear that the bloodline was extinguished and all knowledge lost.”

To say Naruto was horrified would have been an understatement. He was beyond words at the enormity of the sacrifice. The head of his family ordered the deaths of his own kin to save the civilians of Whirlpool.

“He secreted away the greatest and most coveted of the Uzuamki’s scrolls, hid their most mighty techniques, and sent away those who would not be missed via hidden routes. Then he handed his sword to his chosen ninja and bared him his neck. That ninja did as he was commanded.”

Slowly he looked at the old man, and saw the pain and loss in his eyes. While he hid it well, he could see that the man was crying on the inside. And besides that, he could see something else. Shame.

“It was you,” Naruto whispered, “You were the one he ordered to do it.”

“Yes,” Shingi admitted, “I am the one who made the deal with the Mizukage, trading the lives of my people for power. I killed your... I killed the head of your clan. I opened the gates. I allowed the enemy into the heart of our fortress and watched as as my friends, your family, were massacred, all while that son of a bitch patted me on the back promising me great rewards. All because as a loyal Uzushio shinobi, and I did as my master commanded.”

“So that’s it,” Naruto replied, “So you’re telling me I once had an awesome family, but you killed them all? Is that it?”

He nodded. “Yes. Hate me if you will. You have every right to do so, and if you demand my life in recompense then I gladly offer it to you in payment for to me, death would be a release from my shame. Because no matter how much you might hate me... understand that I hate myself far more than you ever could.”

Naruto took a deep breath as tears started to fall. His family really was gone. They were dead. They died to protect people who couldn’t protect themselves. As far as he was concerned, his family died like they lived. They were heroes who gave everything to protect others.

Slowly he looked up to Shingi.

And this was this was the guy who had killed them, albeit under orders from one of their own. While the clan head knew what he was doing, he had a feeling that all the other ninja didn’t. To them he was a traitor, the one who murdered them, the reason they died in pain and fear. The old man was right, he had every reason to hate him, but for some reason he didn’t. Looking at him he could see he wasn’t a bad guy.

A bad guy wouldn’t hate himself like this. He did it to save people who couldn’t protect themselves. He did it because he was loyal, and because he was loyal, he killed his own heart and did what had to be done.

As much as Naruto lothed to admit it, he did the right thing. Well not the right thing, but the least wrong thing. As much as he wanted to blame him, as much as he wanted to scream, and rage, he couldn’t.

Slowly Naruto’s face as he looked the man in the eyes. “Shingi-san,” he said as a smile slowly came to his face, “I don’t hate you.”

“Uzumaki-sama,” the man choked. “How can you say that after what I’ve done.”

“Because,” Naruto was beaming at this point, his tears falling freely. “I forgive you.”

“Naruto-kun,” Haku whispered.

“Uzumaki-sama!” the old man whailed as he lowered his head to the floor before Naruto, his tears flowing freely. “I am not worthy of your forgiveness!”

“You’re not a bad guy,” Naruto replied, “I mean you did something bad but you didn’t do it because you were bad, but because it was the least horrible thing that could be done. I don’t like it but, I can’t blame you! You’re not the bad guy and I gotta forgive you because, you know what, because you did what you had to, dattebayo!”

Slowly the man lifted himself from his prostration and stood in front of them, before bowing deeply. “Thank you, Uzumaki-sama. While I will never be able to forgive myself,” he smiled, “Your forgiveness has taken a great weight off of my heart.”

Naruto smiled. “No problem, Jiji.”

The old man laughed and slowly sat back down. “So, dattebayo is it?”

Naruto frowned. “Hey! Are you making fun of me?”

“No,” he chuckled. “Many Uzumaki had a verbal tic much like yours. Why I remember a girl who looked very much like you who said ‘dattebane’ in a similar manner.”

Naruto blinked. “Really? What was her name?”

“Wait, Uzumaki-sama,” he replied calmly, “Before I answer that question I would like you to undergo a small test.”

“What?” Naruto grimaced. A test? The hell, “Do I have to?”

“Please humor me,” he replied, “It will affect my answer to your question.”

“Um, okay?” Naruto blinked, “But I have to warn you, I don’t test well.”

“Do not worry,” Shingi replied as he slipped his hand into the sleeve of his robe. “It’s a very simple test.”

He then withdrew a full length sword. Naruto blinked in confusion. There was no way that weapon could have fit inside his robe.

“How did you do that?” he asked. “There a scroll in there or something?”

“The secret jutsu of the Oshinami clan,” Shingi replied.

Naruto blinked. That was actually kinda cool. “How does it work?”

“Don’t be an idiot,” Sasuke snapped. “You don’t ask a ninja how his clan’s techniques work.”

“Actually, Uchiha-sama,” Shingi cut in, “I’d gladly teach my jutsu to Uzumaki-sama rather than allow the legacy of my clan to die out so easily.”

Sasuke sulked.

Naruto smirked.

He had to admit, it was a comfortable inversion.

Slowly, Shigi held it before Naruto. It was tsuba-less tachi, a sword longer than a Katana though not quite a Nodachi in length. The pommel cap was golden rather than brass and a small charm hug by a delicate chain from the metal loop that was traditionally part of all tachi style weapons. The hilt was unwrapped. Instead the rayskin cover was decorated by an intricate, almost camouflage like pattern of yellow rich and vibrant blue. Though oddly there was a thin length of paper wrapped around a point two thirds the way up its length.

The scabbard was much more simple than the rest of the blade, a simply but glossy blue lacquer except between the two golden hanger mounts, which was the same yellow and blue as the hilt.

All in all, Naruto thought it was a beautiful weapon, though he had to wonder why Shingi was showing it to him.

“So what do you want me to do?”

“Please draw the blade, Naruto-kun.”

Then Shingi twisted the blade around, presenting it to Naruto, hilt first.

Naruto looked at the weapon and then glanced back to Haku slightly confused. The girl simply shrugged.

With a shrug of his own, Naruto took the blade in hand and drew it from the scabbard. It was a fine looking weapon, he guessed. Though he wasn’t much of an expert on swords, the blade seemed sharp and shiny like a mirror. It looked like it was made of polished silver rather than steel. He guessed that was a good thing.

He looked back up to Shingi and found himself looking into one of the most creepy sights of all of his years. The man was smiling. No, he was absolutely beaming with glee. It was terrifying to be honest.

“Is... um...” Naruto paused, “Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” Shingi replied breathlessly, “Yes it is. For the first time in many years all is well.”

“Okay, I’m confused,” Naruto admitted. Seriously, he was getting just a little freaked out here. Not that he wasn’t freaked out before! Seriously! Big reveal time, what was the next massive life changing revelation he’d he told in the next thirty seconds because he was sure it was going to be a dooze!

“You pass the test,” he replied. “This is Itazura. The Sword of the Uzumaki.”

“That is the famous Senfuken!” Haku exclaimed.

“Correct,” Shini replied before continuing. When he ordered me to take his life, my master left me with a single commandment: to protect this blade above all else.”

“Why?” Naruto asked. Seriously, it was a cool sword and all but it was still just a sword, right?

“It is the badge of office of the clan head of the Uzumaki,” Shingi explained, “And it is known as the Thousand Seal Blade for good reason. Among those seals is one that will only permit it to be drawn by it’s rightful master. You were able to draw the blade. That means you are the rightful lord of the Uzumaki clan. It means my task is finally complete.”

“Oh,” Naruto replied. He wasn’t exactly sure what to think. Okay, he was apparently the leader of a cool old family, but what good was a family that was just him? Sure, it was good to know where he came from, and he got a cool sword, but what did all of it matter.

“Don’t you want to know about the girl?” Shingi asked.

Naruto looked down at the blade of the sword. Part of him knew he should feel happy right now. He frowned. But really, did it matter at all?

“Sure,” he said absently. With a deep breath he sighed and re sheathed the weapon. For some reason this had drained all of the joy out of his discovery. It was one thing to be a member of a proud but lost family, but to be recognized as clan head? It was just like taunting him. All behold Naruto, the Lord of the Uzumaki, the patriarch of a proud and noble clan of one! It didn’t change anything and just reminded him that he was alone.

“You know,” Shingi observed, “I’d have thought you’d be more interested in hearing about your mother than this.”

Naruto’s head jerked up so quickly it hurt. “W-what did you say?”

“I said, I’d have have thought you’d be more excited to hear about your mother,” he replied, “I thought you were Kushina-sama’s son the second I saw you. I just had to make sure,” he replied, “You’re the spitting image of your uncle Shiro at your age.” he paused, “Except for the hair.”

“What was she like! What did she look like? Please! Tell me!” Naruto exclaimed. “Please!”

“Calm down. I’ll get to it. Kushina-sama was sent to Konoha for reasons... well... I’ll explain why when we’re alone. Anyways, she was sent when she was young and I never knew her as a woman, but I’ll tell you what I know. She was loud and rambunctious, energetic and always looking for trouble.Your grandfather always called her his little tomato, no matter how much it infuriated her. In fact I think that’s what he called her it.”

He chuckled fondly at the old memory “Like most Uzumaki, she had red hair. In fact, except for the hair and eyes, you have the classic Uzumaki looks. You sound like one too. And if what Uchiha-sama told me is true, you have the family sense of humor.“

“Uzumaki Kushina,” Haku thought to herself aloud, a look bordering on shock and horror on her face, “Naruto-kun is the son of Uzumaki Kushina.”

Naruto looked over. “Yeah, isn’t it great!” He exclaimed, “I know about my mom!”

“I have heard of your mother,” Haku said after a moment’s thought.

“From what I’ve heard Kushina-sama left an impression on Hidden Mist,” he grinned, “Why don’t you tell him about it?”

Haku looked over to Naruto and sighed when she saw his face. He left it pretty apparent that he wanted to know what she had to say.

“In Mist she was known as the Blood Soaked Hurricane and was listed in the Kiri Bingo books as an S-Rank enemy combatant with a standing ‘Flee on Sight’ order for all ninja under Jonin in rank. She hated our village,” Haku replied, “And she made that clear through her actions. She was relentless. Once she’d spied a Kiri ninja... she wouldn’t stop until they were dead. Her method of combat was brutal, using chains formed of chakra to restrain, impale, and rend her enemies limb from limb, leaving behind only an unidentifiable mass of blood and shredded meat. She was a killing machine.”

“No,” Sasuke cut in, “She was an Avenger. Kiri wiped out her clan, destroyed her home, and took away everything and everyone she ever loved. Of course she hated your village. Of course she killed without mercy.”

Haku frowned, “In Kirigakure they tell children to behave or the Blood Soaked Hurricane will come to kill in their sleep.”

Naruto couldn’t help by smile. My mom is the Boogie Man. Okay. That is kind of awesome.

Sasuke grinned. “Good. They’re right to fear her memory,“ he smirked and glanced at Naruto, “Hey failure, your mom was pretty cool. Maybe if you can become half the ninja she was you’ll actually be worth something.”

Naruto glared at him. “Thanks, Bastard. I think.”

Leave it to Sasuke to give a compliment that was half insult.

Sasuke smirked and stood up before stretching his neck. “Anyways, I better get going. Shingi says he has some ears only clan information to tell so I might as well leave you do it. Thank you for the tea, Shingi.”

“You’re welcome, Uchiha-sama,” Shingi replied.

He grunted. “I guess you’re going to delay my instruction until tomorrow.”

Shingi frowned somewhat. “Possibly, but rather than simply work you through the steps. You have an activated Sharingan, correct?”

Sasuke smirked. “Of course.”

Shingi slipped a piece of paper and a brush from the folds of his robe and quickly jotted down a note. He handed to to Sasuke and glanced at it for a moment with his eyes on and then returned it with a smile.

“Thank you,” he replied.

“You’re quite welcome, Uchiha-sama.”

Sasuke silently removed himself, closing the door behind him and leaving Naruto alone in the shrine with Haku and Shingi.

“What the hell was that?”

“Tea,” was Shingi’s only reply. “Speaking of which, you have yet to touch yours.”

Naruto blushed and looked down at the cup in front of him. With a bit of a chuckle he picked it up and took a sip. He wasn’t much of a tea person but he Didn’t want to insult the man and this... this was actually really good!

“So now you’re going to tell me the super awesome family secrets, right?”

“Not with her in the room,” was his reply. “I mean no disrespect, Uzumaki-sama, but she is not sworn fealty nor is she an ally. If I wouldn’t say these things in front of Uchiha-sama, there is no possibility of me being willing to say them in front of Yuki-san.”

Naruto frowned. Wait. He was actually saying that jerk Sasuke was more of an friend than Haku? What the hell? “Hey!” he snapped, “Stop treating Haku-chan like an enemy!”

“She is from an enemy clan,” he replied, “Her family contributed a great deal to the fall of Uzu no Kuni. Please pardon an old man’s caution, Naruto-sama.”

“I understand. You hate me for my cursed blood.” She looked up and nodded to him. “But unlike most you have reason. My bloodline contributed to the destruction of your home and the deaths of your precious people. And unlike most you have at least attempted to remain polite, if only for Naruto-kun’s sake.”

“Well, she’s one of my precious people,” Naruto replied, “And I trust her! So you can tell her anything you can tell me.”

“Jubei-sama said there were things I was only to tell his heir,” Shingi replied. “But beyond those I will obey your orders,” he paused, “Despite my reservations.”

“If it will put your reservations to rest I will swear my fealty to Naruto-kun,” Haku replied.

Naruto blinked. Wait, he knew what that meant.

“You don’t have to do that, Haku-chan!” Naruto exclaimed. He liked Haku as a friend! He didn’t want her undying obedience or anything like that!

“Naruto-kun,” she said calmly. “I have no dream of my own beyond seeing Zabuza-sama’s memory live on and you’ve already decided to take that duty upon yourself, for which I am eternally grateful,” She smiled sadly, “ When Zabuza-sama bid me find someone worthy to follow, I decided on you. I was raised to be Zabuza-sama’s tool, and without direction I find myself lost. I find comfort in obeying the order of a worthy master. I would be happy to become your follower.”

Naruto went agape. “B-but I don’t want you to be my follower. I don’t want you to become anyone’s follower! I want you to be my friend!”

“I know. And that’s why I want it to be you,” Her smile grew even as tears started to form in the corners of her eyes. “You’ve taken me into your heart and made me one of your precious people and by doing so saved me from the loneliness of being an unwanted person. You’ve become one of my precious people, Naruto-kun. I want to follow you. I want to be your tool, because I know that you will treasure me and that I will never be misused to thrown away.”

Naruto frowned deeply. He didn’t like this but. “Is this really what you want, Haku-chan?”

Her smile was radiant. “Yes, Naruto-kun.”

“Alright!” he snapped, “But you’re not my tool, you’re not my weapon, you’re my treasured subordinate! I’m not going to let anything happen to you, I’ll never ask you to do anything I wouldn’t, and will protect you with my life! You got that!”

Shingi chuckled earning him a baleful glare from Naruto. “What’s do damned funny?”

“You remind me of your grandfather,” he replied with a smile. “You’re just like he was when we were your age.”

Naruto flushed. “Really?”

Shingi nodded.

Naruto frowned. “So is this good enough, Jiji?”

“I will do much to put an old man’s concerns at ease. I will prepare for the ritual once we’re finished.” He paused, “In the meantime I will finish the story of Uzushio’s fall.”

Naruto frowned but nodded. He really didn’t like this story. Hearing about your family being exterminated wasn’t exactly fun, but it was one he needed to hear.

“Those who could be sent away, were. Those who could not blended into the surviving civilian populations. As per my orders I approached the Mizukage and promised him that in exchange for mercy for the civilians I’d betray my village and offered them Jubei-sama’s head. He accepted the deal and I showed them a secret way into our fortress. They sent their best thinking that without our defenses to hind behind our village was doomed. They were right, but the Uzumaki were not the type to go silently into the night. Their arrogance cost them dearly.”

His smile was vicious. “The Uzumaki were known as the world’s greatest seal masters for good reason. The internal defenses were as deadly as the external and when it became clear that the castle had fallen, the last resort was activated. The castle destroyed itself, consuming the attackers and any remaining secrets hidden within. Even the land on which it was build was shattered. While I would have been content to die that day, I was forced to save the Mizukage’s life. I did not know if his successor would have remained true to his oath.”

He sighed. “The Mizukage was thankful for my rescue and the Daimyo of Rai no Kuni and Mizu no Kuni were ecstatic. So pleased in fact that they renamed Uzu no Kuni to Nami no Kuni in my ‘honor’,” he sneered in disgust, “As they prepared to loot the wealth of the nation to line their own pockets. They drove the civilians from the city, into the marginal lands along the coastlines, and replaced them with their loyal minions. But again, the Uzumaki had the last laugh.”

He chuckled. “Uzu no Kuni truly was the land of the Uzumaki. Without them to maintain the seals the ground underfoot returned to the primordial swamp from which it was created. Within six months most of the city sank back into the mud. It was useless to them and they were forced to withdraw.”

He sighed. “Those civilians who remained behind became the current inhabitants of Wave.”

He smiled. So they honored him for being a Uzumaki and loved him for being a hero. That was... it was something he didn’t know how he felt about. It made him think back. He hadn’t really thought about it at the time, but they looked at him the way the people of Konoha at the Hokage. They respected him, looked up to him, they saw him as their hero.

His eyes went down to the longsword in his hand. And he was their rightful leader. These were his people as much as the villagers in Konoha. A smile slowly drew across Naruto’s face. And he’d protect them like a proper Hokage should.

“So that’s why,” Naruto muttered, “So that’s why everyone is so nice to me.”

He looked up and grinned. “So what’s the really cool awesome secret you couldn’t say in front of Sasuke?”

“You see the strip of paper along the hilt of the sword?”

Naruto blinked. “Um, yeah?”

“Channel chakra into it.”

Naruto blinked but did. The paper simply came loose.

“And there’s the secret.”

“Huh?”

Naruto blinked and pulled it free. Under it was a uzumaki spiral that was inlaid into the hilt.

“So what’s the secret?”

“Look at the paper.”

He did. It was a piece of light but strong rice paper folded up into a strip. When he unfolded it he saw that it was covered in seals.

Naruto frowned as he looked down at the sheet of paper held within his hands. “Wait,” he remarked as he turned it over. “So you’re telling me that all of that was about this stupid piece of paper?”

“Stupid piece of paper,” Shingi snorted. He snatched it out of Naruto’s hands and laid it on the table before forming a hand seal. “Kids these days,” he muttered as he place a hand to the paper.

The sheet vanished in a puff of smoke only to be replaced by a moderately sized sealing scroll. It’s only marking was a Uzumaki spiral.

Oh. Super secret hidden scroll. Okay. That’s kind of cool.

“What’s in it?” he asked, “A cool technique?”

“Only the coolest!” Shingi laughed, “Inside this scroll is seals the lost secrets of the Uzumaki! Each of them is behind a puzzle that requires a degree of seal mastery to unlock.”

“Why the game?” Naruto asked. “I mean why not just give them to me?”

“Jubei-sama had to to ensure that you will be able to understand the contents!” he exclaimed, “Sealing is the most powerful but also the most difficult of the ninja arts! It wouldn’t do for the hope of the Uzumaki to accidently blow himself up trying a technique that is beyond his ability.”

“Oh man,”Naruto complained, “But I don’t know any sealing.”

“An Uzumaki who doesn’t know sealing?!” Shingi scoffed, hardly believing it, “Well, Naruto-sama, I suggest you learn quickly.”

He frowned for a moment and crossed his arms. Great, and who was going to teach him? He doubted Kakashi would just get up and start training him. He needed someone who’d show him the ropes him and fast.

Now who did he knew who knew sealing?

His frown deepened. Wait. There was those three dumbass brothers.

His frown deepened even more as he remembered something. Wait a goddamned second...

“Hey, Shingi,” Naruto growled, as his eyes narrowed to slits, “Can hold off on the history lesson for a bit? I suddenly have an overwhelming urge to go play a game of whack a douche...”

- 9 -

“Ah,” Sasuke sighed and he took a deep sip of the fragrant and delicious tea which he’d just prepared. “Just right.”

Part of learning to make it was to be sworn to secrecy, but it was so worth it. This blend had to be an A-ranked secret at least!

He chuckled and he looked out over the swamp. Tsunami had been understanding when he’d asked to borrow hers but there was something to be said about having your own. While he’d inherited his mothers, there was no way he was taking that out into the field. He’d have to pick up a travel tea set of his very own.

Sasuke’s eyebrow peaked,as he saw his Naruto storming up the walkway, his face twisted into a deep and angry scowl with Haku nowhere to be seen. He made sure to note that there was a bulge in Naruto’s jacket that was indicative of a scroll and he was carrying his family sword.

Normally his teammate being, well, Naruto was something sure to annoy him. But right now, he was too pleased with himself to annoy. Naruto wasn’t looking to bother him, Sakura was nowhere to be found, and Kakashi was off reading his porn. His teammate was also looking more intense than normal. Normally Naruto had the look of a petulant child around him. Right now he seemed truly and authentically angry.

Sasuke didn’t know why but it was sure to be amusing. Or at least interesting.

Tea and a show. He chuckled. What a day!

“What’s so funny?” Naruto demanded, “And where are the brothers.”

“Inside feeling sorry about themselves,” he replied. “So, where’s Haku?”

“Haku is busy,” Naruto snapped before turning to the house. “Alright assholes, front and center! Get out here right now!”

Moments later the door slid open and the three brothers slipped out.

“You need something, loudmouth?” Mou asked with a frown.

“Yeah, actually,” Naruto replied. “Give me my goddamned scrolls!”

The color drained from Mou’s face in and instant, “Ah, scrolls?”

“Yeah,” Naruto replied, his eyes narrowing to slits. “Your family looted some of my family's scrolls during the fall of the Uzu, right?”

“Ah,” Mou flushed, “A few...?”

Naruto’s eyes narrowed. “A few?”

“A library,” Kuri admitted with a sigh.

Naruto smiled. “Thank you, Kuri.”

“Damn it, knucklehead!” Mou cursed, “We need those scrolls!”

“But they’re his scrolls!”

“They’ve been in our family for generations!” Mou exclaimed. “We can’t just give that away! It’ll leave us with nothing!”

“Hm,” Sasuke grunted, “Let me get this straight. Your family stole a library of techniques form the Uzumaki, correct?”

Rari and Kuri nodded.

“Alright then,” he took a long and lingering sip of tea. Wonderful, “And you’re worried that he’s going to take them back and leave you with nothing.”

“Well, yeah,” Mou admitted.

“If I were you,” Sasuke replied, “I’d be more worried about your lives.”

“What.”

“What?”

“What?!”

“I can’t speak for Kiri, but The theft of clan jutsu is taken very seriously in Konohagakure,” Sasuke observed, “It’s right up there with bloodline theft on the list of things you do not do if you value your life.”

Okay, maybe Sasuke was overstating things. Maybe a bit. But it wasn’t by too much. But it really was something Konoha did take seriously. With the number of clans in Konoha, there had to be protections against clan techniques being unlawfully disseminated. It was one of the first things they learned if only to make sure the children didn’t foolishly do anything they’d regret once they activated their Sharingan.

“So about my scrolls...” Naruto said cooly.

The three went pale as ghosts, and turned to Naruto, their eyes locking on the impressively sized sword on his back.

“Ah, you’re not gonna kill us, right?” Rari half-begged.

“Gimme a break,” Mou snapped, "I mean your sensei is Copycat Kakashi and your teammate is a freckin’ Uchiha. At least we’re honest thieves who play to our talents, not just jackasses magical eyeballs...”

“Even if you had the Sharingan you’d still be second rate ninja. Even without using our bloodline Uchiha are elite shinobi,” Sasuke smirked, “And besides, unlike you three, Uchiha aren’t stupid enough to get caught.”

“Doesn’t answer the question why you can get away with it and we can’t,” he snarked.

“Shut up, Mou!” Kuri exclaimed.

“Give me my goddamned scrolls,” Naruto cut in calmly. “Now.”

“He’s the guy who’s trying to get us into Konoha, remember?” Kuri pointed out, “Stop pissing him off!”

Mou sighed. “Fine. Let me go get my pack...” he glanced over, and scowled as he saw Rari slipping back into the room with something that looked less like a normal scroll and more like a small decorative log.

It was about two feet tall and almost eight inches wide. It was white on the tips with a black wrap embraced with Sasuke now knew to the Uzumaki Spiral about the center. It was obviously old, showing some signs of yellowing, but seemed to be well taken care of.

Slowly, almost reverently even, Naruto took the scroll from the brother and grinned widely. Then he paused for a moment and glared at them. “Wait, you said it was a library.”

“Uzumaki,” Mou muttered, “Who needs bookshelves when you can simply put it all in a giant ultra-complicated self-sorting sealing scroll.”

Naruto blinked. “You know, that’s pretty damned cool.”

Sasuke had to agree that while he did see it as being maybe a bit excessive, the level of casual mastery of the art that required sounded extremely impressive. Not that he’d ever admit it to Naruto.

“So what are you going to do with these morons?” Sasuke asked. “While they’re returned what they stole, you don’t exactly want them running around with a level of mastery of your families jutsu, do you?”

Naruto smirked. It was relatively vicious. That Sasuke could respect, not that he’d ever admit it aloud. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ve got a couple ideas...”

- 9 -

“Thank you very much, Hariko-san,” Haku replied as she bowed deeply to the elderly woman before her. “Both for your commitment to swiftness and your agreement to remain discrete.”

“Please,” the old woman shrugged it off, “I remember when Uzushio was strong and proud. I understand the need for discretion and the auspiciousness of what you ask.”

“Thank you,” Haku replied, simply thankful that the civilian woman ‘got’ it. “Now, I believe we’ve yet to discuss price?”

The old woman scowled slightly, “Please, do not mention such words. Normally I would charge a great deal for what you ask, but because it is for you and Uzumaki-sama and under Oshinami-san’s direction no less? Completing this order as directed is my patriotic duty!”

“Thank you,” Haku replied, “So when do you believe it will be completed?”

The old woman smiled. “By tomorrow evening,” she replied.

Haku blinked. “So quickly?”

“My darling girl,” the elderly woman smirked, “Sleep is for infants and the dead.”

 

[KurokamiDG]

It always made him seethe

“The Uzumaki were a proud clan,” he replied, They were passionate, courageous, and kind.
They possessed a unique bloodline that gave them special sealing charka. This chakra gave them a unique insight to the sealings arts, of which they were the unquestioned masters.“

Not sure if you meant to use the huge gap here or not.

“While the Uzumaki were powerful, they chose not to involve themselves with the ceaseless feuding on the continent. Instead, they retreated to a desolate island off the coast.

Maybe this sounds better?

Those clans willing to swear fealty could escape the warring lands and find a home amongst them, away from the endless bloodshed.

You kinda repeated the same thing twice with the last part.

But they respected his dream and found it worthy of their support; worthy enough to break their neutrality and ally with the fledgling village.

He was beyond words at the enormity

The enormity of...what? The tale? The sacrifice? I'm not sure what this enormity is supposed to be.

if you demand my life in compensation then I gladly offer it to you in exchange. Death would only be a release from the shame I've felt for all these years.

And this was the guy who had killed them, albeit

And the part about Zabuza doesn't really have Haku settle on what she wants to call him. Is it Zabuza-sama or san?

Uchiha aren't stupid enough to get caught

“Shut up, Mou!” Kuri exclaimed, “Naruto’s

Just a whole part missing here.

Sasuke had to agree. While he did see it as being maybe a bit excessive, the level of casual mastery of an art that required was extremely impressive.

It was a run on sentence in this one.

...I think I got them all. Anyway, I don't feel that this was one of your better chapters. It was definitely informative and all, but the writing seemed to take a hit in general from the lower quality.

I will say that the whole Uzumaki history thing was interesting though.

 

[Psyckosama]

...I think I got them all.

Thanks. That's why you guys get first view

Anyway, I don't feel that this was one of your better chapters. It was definitely informative and all, but the writing seemed to take a hit in general from the lower quality.

Yeah, I'm not exactly happy with it myself. It's not my best. Around the end there I got seriously writers blocked and needed to get get on with it.

I will say that the whole Uzumaki history thing was interesting though.

Thanks. I've been sitting on that lot for a while... and dangling it over your heads like a kitten with a string.

And C&C about the history itself?

 

[DhampyrX2]

“And finally, Uchiha-sama followed Tazuna-san here when he decided to speak to me about current events and your role in them.”

 

[Ashaman]

Did you forget the Uzumaki are related to the Senju, or does it not matter?

And C&C about the history itself?

It was interesting, but I kind of disliked how you framed them as better than everyone else.

While all the other clans were fighting it out, only the Uzumaki were living peacefully, a last bastion for refuges.

Hashirama had come up with a new way to live, but lol no, the Uzumaki were already living that kind of life.

The Uzumaki were so powerful that it took a co-ordinated strike by 4 Major Villages and two minor ones, and still only lost because the civilians were dying.

Basically, you've Mary Sue'd them slightly.

On the flip side, I liked the bit with Sasuke's comments on Kushina, although I do think it came across slightly heavy handed.

 

[Dark Schneider]

Umm, no he did not Mary Sue them. Kishimoto said that's what happened to Uzushiogakure, minus the part about the betrayal. They were potentially so powerful that pretty much all of the other villages except Konoha hated them with a passion. They also created the sealing methods to seal away the bijuu. Heck Mito sealed the Kyuubi inside of herself with no known help.

 

[Knyght]

You could cut it down to just two great villages working together to destroy Uzushio and you'd still get the point across without stretching suspension of disbelief.

 

[Coelacanth]

Or poison. Poison works quicker and more effectively then hard core gorey madness.

 

[Psyckosama]

Did you forget the Uzumaki are related to the Senju, or does it not matter?

Doesn't matter.

It was interesting, but I kind of disliked how you framed them as better than everyone else.

Remember who is telling it.

While all the other clans were fighting it out, only the Uzumaki were living peacefully, a last bastion for refuges.

Again, remember who.

Hashirama had come up with a new way to live, but lol no, the Uzumaki were already living that kind of life.

Hashirama wanted to bring enemies together. The Uzumaki took their ball and went home. Basically Hashirama wanted to change the world, they sought to escape it.

The Uzumaki were so powerful that it took a co-ordinated strike by 4 Major Villages and two minor ones, and still only lost because the civilians were dying.

Basically, you've Mary Sue'd them slightly.

They only faced two major and one minor. The other was to answer the question of "Why the fuck didn't Konoha do anything?"

Answer, they were fucking busy.

Assaulting a castle always gives the advantage to the attacker. They were seal masters who'd had decades to build up defenses. They would have been wiped out anyways, it's just that they would have held out much longer and at an even more higher cost to the attackers.

On the flip side, I liked the bit with Sasuke's comments on Kushina, although I do think it came across slightly heavy handed.

He gives respect where it is due.

 

[Psyckosama]

You could cut it down to just two great villages working together to destroy Uzushio and you'd still get the point across without stretching suspension of disbelief.

Not really.

If it was two total, why couldn't Konoha, the most powerful of the hidden villages (this was before they fell behind Kumo in military force) help?

How were their attackers able to break the defenses of the most powerful seal masters in the world?

The answer is simple: Konoha was attacked by a force that stretched their ability to respond rendering them a non-issue.

Uzushio was attacked by such overwhelming force that the only thing they could do was BLEED the enemy as much as possible before being overwhelmed by sheer numbrs.

 

[Ikari666]

Sasuke’s eyebrow peaked,as he saw his Naruto storming up the walkway, his face twisted into a deep and angry scowl with a somewhat bashful looking Haku coming up behind him. He made sure to note that there was a bulge in Naruto’s jacket that was indicative of a scroll and he was carrying his family sword.

Normally his teammate being, well, Naruto was something sure to annoy him. But right now, he was too pleased with himself to annoy. Naruto wasn’t looking to bother him, Sakura was nowhere to be found, and Kakashi was off reading his porn. His teammate was also looking more intense than normal. Normally Naruto had the look of a petulant child around him. Right now he seemed truly and authentically angry.

Sasuke didn’t know why but it was sure to be amusing. Or at least interesting.

Tea and a show. He chuckled. What a day!

“What’s so funny?” Naruto demanded, “And where are the brothers.”

“Inside feeling sorry about themselves,” he replied. “So, where’s Haku?”

She was right behind him. If she left for her errand when they arrived, it should be mentioned. In which case, Sasuke might ask where she was going. If she separated from Naruto before they arrived, her absence should be noted in place of mentioning her. Not sure which way you meant it.

 

[Psyckosama]

Sasuke’s eyebrow peaked,as he saw his Naruto storming up the walkway, his face twisted into a deep and angry scowl with a somewhat bashful looking Haku coming up behind him. He made sure to note that there was a bulge in Naruto’s jacket that was indicative of a scroll and he was carrying his family sword.

Normally his teammate being, well, Naruto was something sure to annoy him. But right now, he was too pleased with himself to annoy. Naruto wasn’t looking to bother him, Sakura was nowhere to be found, and Kakashi was off reading his porn. His teammate was also looking more intense than normal. Normally Naruto had the look of a petulant child around him. Right now he seemed truly and authentically angry.

Sasuke didn’t know why but it was sure to be amusing. Or at least interesting.

Tea and a show. He chuckled. What a day!

“What’s so funny?” Naruto demanded, “And where are the brothers.”

“Inside feeling sorry about themselves,” he replied. “So, where’s Haku?”

She was right behind him. If she left for her errand when they arrived, it should be mentioned. In which case, Sasuke might ask where she was going. If she separated from Naruto before they arrived, her absence should be noted in place of mentioning her. Not sure which way you meant it.

Yeah. I need to fix that.

 

[Ashaman]

It was interesting, but I kind of disliked how you framed them as better than everyone else.

Remember who is telling it.

Fair enough

While all the other clans were fighting it out, only the Uzumaki were living peacefully, a last bastion for refuges.

Again, remember who.

Again, okay.

Hashirama had come up with a new way to live, but lol no, the Uzumaki were already living that kind of life.

Hashirama wanted to bring enemies together. The Uzumaki took their ball and went home. Basically Hashirama wanted to change the world, they sought to escape it.

My point with this isn't what they were trying to do, just that the Uzumaki did it first. Weather Hashirama was planning to go further with it is irrelevant, the point is that Hashirama is essentially mimicking what the Uzumaki stumbled upon accidentally.

The Uzumaki were so powerful that it took a co-ordinated strike by 4 Major Villages and two minor ones, and still only lost because the civilians were dying.

Basically, you've Mary Sue'd them slightly.

They only faced two major and one minor.

From the way you worded it, it sounds like Suna, Iwa and Ame were in on the plan, even if they didn't attack Uzu directly.

The other was to answer the question of "Why the fuck didn't Konoha do anything?"

Answer, they were fucking busy.

Assaulting a castle always gives the advantage to the attacker. They were seal masters who'd had decades to build up defenses. They would have been wiped out anyways, it's just that they would have held out much longer and at an even more higher cost to the attackers.

[/quote]

And this is kind of where you lose me. For some reason, the balance is wrong.

You've pumped the Uzumaki up so much that I find it difficult to believe they lost, even out numbered 10 to 1.

There is 6 instant major players on the enemy side - 4 Jinchuuriki and 2 Kage. 5 of those are dead.

Meanwhile, the Uzumaki Major player is alive and kicking.

At that point all he would have had to do is kill the Mizukage - then he could focus on killing Scrub Jounin by the hundreds.

Umm, no he did not Mary Sue them. Kishimoto said that's what happened to Uzushiogakure, minus the part about the betrayal. They were potentially so powerful that pretty much all of the other villages except Konoha hated them with a passion. They also created the sealing methods to seal away the bijuu. Heck Mito sealed the Kyuubi inside of herself with no known help.

No, he totally did Mary Sue them a bit.

The way that they are made out to be, they are nicer, nobler and more peaceful than any other people in the world, while also being more powerful.

The other clans are all fighting for survival on the mainland; the Uzumaki are too good/smart/whatever to take part in that melee.

Hashirama comes to them with this brilliant idea to ally together and build a united village - the Uzumaki have already got a powerful village populated by Uzumaki and shinobi who all unite under the mutual desire to protect the village.

The Uzumaki are feared for their sealing prowess - and so 2 Major and 1 Minor village work together and still get their ass handed to them 5 kills to 1 - they only beat the Uzumaki because the clan was the combined force had hostages.

Simply put,Psyckosama is presenting them as above all the strife others had to go through - in a word, they are better than everyone else.


In canon they were feared and so attacked - but we don't know who attacked them, how many attacked them, and how well the Uzumaki fought them.

All we know is that they lost.

Personally, I always thought the attack was a quick strike by a large force of powerful ninja who went in and slaughtered everyone they could find. A job so quick and overwhelming that by the time Konoha got there, the only thing left to do was to pick up the pieces.

But that is neither here nor there.

Heck Mito sealed the Kyuubi inside of herself with no known help.

She was married to Hashirama, the man who subdued the Kyuubi in the first place. Of course she had help.

 

[Psyckosama]

My point with this isn't what they were trying to do, just that the Uzumaki did it first. Weather Hashirama was planning to go further with it is irrelevant, the point is that Hashirama is essentially mimicking what the Uzumaki stumbled upon accidentally.

Not really. The Uzumaki were pretty much doing by the standard model of larger clans at the time. All of the 5 great clans had lesser clans sworn to them.

The main thing is the Uzumaki just decided to say "fuck it" and leave. Though also remember who is telling the story.

From the way you worded it, it sounds like Suna, Iwa and Ame were in on the plan, even if they didn't attack Uzu directly.

They all feared Konoha's power as the #1) Village. Part of removing that would be to take Uzushio from the picture. So they did what they wanted to do (Attack Konoha) while their allies took out Konoha's primary ally.

And this is kind of where you lose me. For some reason, the balance is wrong.

You've pumped the Uzumaki up so much that I find it difficult to believe they lost, even out numbered 10 to 1.

There is 6 instant major players on the enemy side - 4 Jinchuuriki and 2 Kage. 5 of those are dead.

Meanwhile, the Uzumaki Major player is alive and kicking.

He was alive, yes. But doesn't mean he was in perfect optimal fighting condition here.

At that point all he would have had to do is kill the Mizukage - then he could focus on killing Scrub Jounin by the hundreds.

I've never bought the scrub jonin idea... scrub Chunin, yeah.

Really though, the 7 Swordsman of the Mist were still intact (Shingi would have mentioned them) and not to mention the man who became Sandaime Raikage and A and B were probably both active Shinobi by then considering their ages. The only real village that was decimated by the attack was Taki, and that's because they overestimated thier fighting strength and got spanked for it.

No, he totally did Mary Sue them a bit.

Again, remember who's telling it. That's a critical factor. Shingi is anything but nonbiased.

The way that they are made out to be, they are nicer, nobler and more peaceful than any other people in the world, while also being more powerful.

First, Shingi's telling. Second, they were not the strongest. They were in the top 5 though...

The other clans are all fighting for survival on the mainland; the Uzumaki are too good/smart/whatever to take part in that melee.

Not at all. They just decided to say "Fuck this!"

They were pretty much the Swiss of the Sengoku period, nice and secure on their little fortified island and making money through trade.

Hashirama comes to them with this brilliant idea to ally together and build a united village - the Uzumaki have already got a powerful village populated by Uzumaki and shinobi who all unite under the mutual desire to protect the village.

Hashirama wanted to create a village where enemies could come together and live in peace as equals.

The Uzumaki were isolationists who allowed some other clans to swear fidelity to them in exchange for a way out.

The Uzumaki are feared for their sealing prowess - and so 2 Major and 1 Minor village work together and still get their ass handed to them 5 kills to 1 - they only beat the Uzumaki because the clan was the combined force had hostages.

The Uzumaki would have lost anyways... and considering the fact that the UZumaki also were fighting on their home turf, turf which they'd spent decades turning into a Fuinjutsu killing field... the odds could be worse.

Simply put,Psyckosama is presenting them as above all the strife others had to go through - in a word, they are better than everyone else.

Again, remember who said it.

If you asked someone from another country you'd get a vastly diffrent view point.

In canon they were feared and so attacked - but we don't know who attacked them, how many attacked them, and how well the Uzumaki fought them.

All we know is that they lost.

Personally, I always thought the attack was a quick strike by a large force of powerful ninja who went in and slaughtered everyone they could find. A job so quick and overwhelming that by the time Konoha got there, the only thing left to do was to pick up the pieces.

Doesn't make sense considering the level of defenses they'd be able to build up and the apparent individual strength of thier shinobi.

That's why I went for a siege... and sieges never go well for anyone.

 

[Ashaman]

Bias is a fair enough answer for most of it.


As for the rest - I just think you've over estimated the power of the Uzumaki, but that is neither here nor there.

 

[alucard964]

its been over 3 weeks since the last post. has anyone heard from psyckosama lately?

 

[froop]

Three weeks is along time?

Wow... My seven years between snippets must have destroyed universes :lol:


Anyway he hasn't been on since the 15th so he's probably busy... you know... with that 3D game called reality.

 

[Eman Resu]

Meh, that game is overrated imo, the graphics are nice but the gameplay is bland, the leveling is too grindy and there's way too much RNG in chargen. I stopped even trying to make sense of the plot.

 

[KurokamiDG]

Meh, that game is overrated imo, the graphics are nice but the gameplay is bland, the leveling is too grindy and there's way too much RNG in chargen. I stopped even trying to make sense of the plot.

The romance is pretty high level though, but there are so many different choices and very little of them are the right ones.

Luckily I haven't hit a bad end yet but still...

Dem H-scenes though...they're pretty top notch. :snigger:

 

[Algnar]

But who the fuck puts that many psycho bitches in a game? I mean come on.

 

[froop]

The worst are the damage over time effects that drain stamina, time and money.

Kids...

Managed to avoid em so far but many a friend has been struck down by them these days,

 

[KurokamiDG]

Once they hit level 18 then they should be good, but all of the exp and equipment they need is expensive as fuck though...

 

[nixofcyzerra]

Worst of all is that trying to sell them or drop them from your inventory really raises your notoriety.

 

[KurokamiDG]

The level grinding function kinda irritates me with how it takes weeks for some improvement to show itself too.

That, and the deductions you begin to get from not doing it after a period of time. I just lost 5 STR and 4 DEX because of it!

 

[Typhonis]

I know what you mean. I have something in my chest and the doc is sending me to a specialist. Because of all of the coughing I've done I maye have pulled some muscles or tore ligaments in the small of my back. While this is going on my austeoarthritis is acting up. So yeah real life can throw you several curve balls.