I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

The Whirlpool Survivor

Both appearance and figure can be altered using the Transformation Jutsu, but the Sharingan sees through all deception.

After confirming the identity of the visitor through his Mangekyō Sharingan, Shisui Uchiha finally felt a sense of relief.

Although the other party had imprisoned him and stolen his Kotoamatsukami, they had also provided a plan that ultimately saved the Uchiha clan from annihilation—altering their destined massacre.

From this perspective, the mysterious figure before him was at least more reliable than Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, or even Uchiha's own patriarch, Fugaku Uchiha.

Shisui smiled wryly at the thought. "They can see it if they want. Leading a clan is far more difficult than I ever imagined. I can't even promise my people that I won't be hunted by Konoha ANBU tomorrow."

Naruto Uzumaki nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. "Choices come with a price. If you had chosen to manipulate the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki into staging a coup just a few hours ago, you might have been the Fifth Hokage by now—but you abandoned that path."

Shisui knew Naruto was jesting, yet he responded with a grave expression:

"The Konoha Military Police Force is no match for the village's upper echelons. Even if the coup had succeeded, the Legendary Sannin wouldn't have remained neutral. The Uchiha would never have been able to hold onto the Hokage seat—the consequences would have been worse than they are now."

Naruto nodded. The lack of high-level combatants was indeed one of the key reasons behind the Uchiha coup's inevitable failure.

However, had both Shisui and Itachi fully supported Fugaku Uchiha, there might have been a glimmer of hope. Konoha's leadership wasn't monolithic—Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Danzo all had conflicting interests.

But Uchiha's internal strife was far worse. The coup was doomed from the start.

After a brief silence, Shisui hesitantly asked, "The Uchiha have already fled Konoha, but we have yet to establish a new settlement. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Suggestions?" Naruto's eyes flickered with amusement. "You can settle wherever you like. The Shinobi World is vast—there will always be a place for the Uchiha."

"No, the Uchiha can't do this alone. We need your assistance. I want to hear your thoughts." Shisui's tone was humble—far from the authoritative presence he held during clan meetings.

Part of it was gratitude—Naruto's guidance had saved the Uchiha. But more than that, it was Naruto's raw power that commanded respect.

At first, Shisui had assumed this masked figure was just another rogue ninja coveting his Mangekyō Sharingan. But judging from last night's Nine-Tails rampage, this man's strength was comparable to the Five Kage.

A Jinchūriki riot of that magnitude was no mere coincidence.

Naruto narrowed his eyes and said bluntly, "Why should I help you? Before, it was for the Mangekyō Sharingan. But now, you no longer have your second eye—I'm not that interested."

Shisui's expression shifted. He had no leverage to bargain with.

After a moment of thought, he cautiously replied, "Don't you want change? If the Uchiha, once Konoha's outcasts, thrive in exile, you'll find that interesting. You would also earn our clan's unwavering loyalty."

Naruto cast him a sidelong glance. Did Shisui actually take his earlier words seriously?

Still, having the Uchiha active in the Shinobi World would divert Konoha's attention. Otherwise, he wouldn't have traveled over 20 kilometers to track down their fleeing remnants.

"Uchiha loyalty? That's quite the burden…"

Just as Naruto was about to continue, his expression hardened as he sensed chakra signatures approaching.

Shisui noticed it too, following Naruto's gaze.

Moments later, Izumi Uchiha emerged, her face tense. "Shisui-san, the medical supplies in the camp are running out. Should we… abandon the critically injured?"

"Abandon the wounded…"

Shisui's face darkened. He despised the thought, but the shortage of supplies left him with no other choice. If he delayed, more lives would be lost.

Then, a thought struck him—standing before him was a medical expert. He turned to Naruto and asked, "If you can heal our wounded, we'll compensate you."

"How much?" Naruto asked flatly. He had no interest in charity.

Shisui hesitated before replying, "200,000 ryo for minor injuries, 1 million ryo for critical cases."

That much…?

Naruto coughed before answering, "Lead the way. I'm not doing this for the money, of course. I just hate seeing people suffer. I used to be a medical ninja—I'm very professional."

Shisui was speechless. This so-called mysterious benefactor was surprisingly straightforward.

But the Uchiha clan had vast resources—problems solvable with money weren't really problems. Their survival took precedence.

As the three made their way to the camp, Izumi stole curious glances at Naruto.

Something felt off.

Shisui, a warrior who silenced opposition within the clan and led them in their escape, now showed deep respect toward this man.

Naruto noticed her scrutiny but ignored her.

In his memory, Izumi was a talented Uchiha prodigy, awakening the three-tomoe Sharingan at a young age. Given time, she would have become an elite Jōnin.

Yet, she had harbored a secret love for Itachi Uchiha—only to be slain by him on the Night of the Massacre.

However, Naruto's interference had altered Uchiha's fate.

How would this exiled clan shape the future now?

As they entered the camp, Naruto felt rage and sorrow surge through him.

The survivors from the Uchiha Massacre huddled together, cursing Itachi, their "traitor", in a desperate bid to vent their anguish.

Traitors are always hated more than enemies.

Affected by the clan's turmoil, Shisui and Izumi's expressions darkened. Shisui muttered, "I'm sorry you had to witness the clan's despair… but they will recover."

Naruto, unfazed by their emotions, simply said, "Take me to the wounded first. There's no time to waste here."

Shisui was taken aback before nodding.

From within the seal of the Nine-Tails, Kurama's deep voice rumbled:

"Didn't we agree to wander the world? Why are we here with the Uchiha again?"

Naruto smirked. "For money, of course. Traveling requires funds, and I'll be a missing-nin soon. What, you want us to survive by hunting?"

Kurama scoffed. "It's not impossible—I've always been indifferent."

"Alright, then let's cut down on your fish and chips rations."

Kurama's ears twitched. "Ahem, I meant that young people should strive for financial security. But making money in the Shinobi World is too slow—why not form your own village with these Uchiha?"

Naruto blinked.

Did the Nine-Tails just suggest forming a hidden village?

A tailed beast wanted to run a ninja faction?

Kurama, unbothered by Naruto's stare, huffed, "You're only allowed to read books, but I can't? I've read plenty, and now I understand why tailed beasts are always enslaved."

"A lone beast's power is limited… but if we establish a ninja village, we could finally stand as equals."

Naruto stared, speechless.

So, the Nine-Tails wanted a Shinobi Nation now?

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