Naruto: Konoha's Traitor

Willing to Become a Jinchūriki

Chihiro was confused.

From the moment Uzumaki Miyuki greeted him with a polite, "Nice to meet you," he knew—she hadn't told Uzumaki Kushina the truth. Kushina had no idea that he was the one who found Miyuki and brought her to Konoha.

Chihiro hadn't explained Miyuki's circumstances to Kushina either. Not because he didn't want to—but because he didn't know how.

He'd found a survivor of Kushina's clan. And more than that, he was considering having Miyuki replace Kushina as the Nine-Tails' next Jinchūriki.

The kind-hearted Kushina would never agree.

So Chihiro had kept quiet, still wrestling with how to explain it.

As for Miyuki, he didn't want her growing too close to Kushina. The closer they became, the harder it would be for Kushina to accept being replaced—especially by someone from her own clan.

So when he first saw how well the two were getting along, he felt troubled.

More and more, Chihiro couldn't quite understand Miyuki's intentions.

Trying to divert the situation, Chihiro said to Kushina with a gentle smile, "Kushina, I haven't eaten since I got back. Could you go buy something for me to eat?"

"You haven't eaten yet?" she replied, surprised. "Then let's head to the market. I'll cook you something as soon as we're home."

Chihiro gave her a pitiful look. "I'm already starving. So hungry I can barely stand. I just need something now—just to get me through."

Kushina turned to Miyuki. "Then Miyuki, let's go together."

Before Chihiro could protest, Miyuki politely shook her head. "Kushina, I've heard you praise Chihiro so much... I have a few questions I'd like to ask him myself—to see if he's really someone worthy of your trust."

At that, Kushina blushed and murmured, "Chihiro's a good person... he really is."

Clutching his stomach for effect, Chihiro groaned, "Kushina... I'm dying here."

"Okay, okay," she laughed. "Chihiro, you and Miyuki wait here—I'll be back in a flash!"

Once she was gone, Chihiro's expression hardened into a cold mask. "Come with me."

He led Miyuki down a narrow alley. Activating his Observation Haki to ensure no one was listening, he turned to face her sharply. "Why?"

Miyuki sighed at his cold tone. "Just like the rumors say... you're hard to approach. I almost thought they were wrong when I saw how you treated Kushina. But now I see—that gentleness is for her alone."

"Answer me," Chihiro snapped.

Miyuki glanced toward the market where Kushina was browsing stalls. Her tone softened. "I've always resented Konoha. I was there when the Land of Whirlpools fell—when our people were slaughtered. Konoha, our so-called ally, did nothing."

She continued, "So I was wary of Kushina at first. But the more I spoke with her, the more I saw her for who she is—kind, sincere, loyal. I dropped my guard. And during those talks, she told me a little about how she ended up in Konoha."

Chihiro's brows furrowed.

"She believed Konoha brought her in out of kindness, but it was for a purpose. She wouldn't say what—but she mentioned you've always been working hard for her, and that she felt guilty because she couldn't help."

Chihiro remained silent, his gaze sharp.

"That's when I started to piece it together," Miyuki said. "I knew about Mito Uzumaki—wife of the First Hokage and the first Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. And I know how our clan's chakra and vitality are ideal for sealing tailed beasts."

"So it wasn't hard to guess. Kushina is next. And you... found me in hopes that I could replace her."

She met his eyes. "Am I wrong?"

Chihiro stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "And after realizing that, you got close to her anyway? You think she'd accept any of this if she knew you were brought here to take her place?"

Miyuki's voice was steady. "If I truly wanted to cause trouble, wouldn't I have just told her the truth? Kushina is smart. She'd figure out your reasons for bringing me here."

"Then what do you want?" Chihiro asked.

She tilted her head slightly. "Do you really not know? Or are you just refusing to hope for the best?"

"I can't afford accidents," he replied grimly. "Not when it comes to Kushina. I have to be cautious."

Miyuki looked at Kushina again, her gaze wistful. "I envy her, you know. To have someone like you, willing to fight the world for her. So let me be clear: I am willing to become the Jinchūriki."

Chihiro started to speak, but Miyuki held up a hand.

"I knew you'd ask why. I care about Kushina—not just as a clanswoman, but as a friend. I don't want her burdened with this fate. And... though I still have resentment toward Konoha, it's true they've given me safety and a second chance. Maybe this is how I repay you—for finding me."

Her voice dropped slightly. "When the time comes, I'll accept it. I'll even tell Kushina it was my decision."

Chihiro studied her for a long moment before nodding. "If that's truly how you feel, then thank you. And don't worry—your Uzumaki vitality, along with the sealing techniques you're learning, will protect you. Konoha will protect you, too."

Miyuki simply smiled.

A moment later, Kushina returned, her arms full of groceries. "Why are you two hiding here?"

Chihiro smiled. "The street was too noisy. We came here so we could talk."

"Really?" Kushina didn't question it further. She handed him a stick of tri-color dango. "Here. Eat this to tide you over. I'll make something good when we get home."

Chihiro took a bite and smiled warmly. "Then I'll be counting on your cooking tonight."

"Just don't eat the plate, too!" Kushina huffed, hands on her hips.

As she teased him, Chihiro laughed, and the two walked ahead together. Behind them, Miyuki watched with a soft, longing expression.

She had always walked alone. Always fought for survival. But for the first time, she found herself wishing for what Kushina had—someone who would protect her, no matter what.

Kushina glanced back, waving. "Miyuki, let's go!"

Miyuki smiled and followed.

"Coming."

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