Naruto: Not a Ninja, the System

Therefore, the two of them were indeed blood relatives.

Although Yunnai didn't fully understand what Jaxon meant by Kushina's "special identity," she didn't push the issue. She wasn't naive—Konoha Village had taken only one child from the Whirlpool Clan, and Uzumaki Mito also resided there. Clearly, the person in question had to hold a very significant status.

"Don't overthink it," Jaxon said, noticing her slight disappointment. He smiled faintly and added, "If the opportunity arises, you might get to see her."

. . .

This was Jaxon's second time journeying to Konoha, and the experience was drastically different from the first.

The last time, he had brought many civilians with him, progressing slowly and cautiously along the roads. That trip had taken nearly half a month. Now, traveling with a capable escort, the trip from the Land of Fire's capital to the gates of Konoha Village took only five days.

The scenery along the way had changed as well.

Lush green forests flanked both sides of the road. Tall, ancient trees towered toward the sky, becoming more majestic and densely packed the closer they got to Konoha. Some trees reached over a hundred meters high, their massive roots weaving into intricate networks across the forest floor. These roots created natural barriers that would pose a challenge to ordinary travelers.

But Jaxon wasn't ordinary. He could traverse this terrain with ease, taking in the serene beauty of the landscape.

The road stretched ahead in a straight line, seeming to vanish into the horizon. During his first visit, he'd been too pressed for time to appreciate the surroundings. This time, he finally had the chance to slow down and take in the tranquil majesty of the forests.

As they neared Konoha Village, the temperature noticeably dropped. The chill in the air signaled that winter was fast approaching.

Suddenly, a voice rang out.

"Be careful!"

A figure appeared overhead, leaping down with incredible speed. In one smooth motion, they unsheathed a long sword and deflected an incoming kunai mid-flight.

The figure landed lightly atop Jaxon's carriage, eyes narrowed as they scanned the forest edge.

Moments later, five or six masked figures emerged from the trees.

They all wore white masks and the standard Konoha flak jackets. The pressure they exuded made it clear—they were no ordinary ninja. Their killing intent was tangible.

"Who are you?" asked the apparent leader, his voice cold and clipped.

"We're just merchants heading to Konoha," said one of the guards riding atop the carriage.

"Merchants?" One of the masked ninja scoffed. "What kind of merchant travels with five or six Elite Jonin for protection?"

Before the guard could finish explaining, the accusation was thrown, sharp and suspicious.

One of the Konoha Anbu fired a red flare into the sky. The sound of the signal exploded like thunder overhead. From inside the carriage, Yunnai's voice called out urgently.

"They're closing in. Dozens of them, including three Jonin. The rest are Chunin. We're surrounded."

Another voice shouted from the forest. A squad of Leaf ninja emerged, led by a stern-looking patrol captain.

"You don't wear headbands. Who exactly are you?"

The patrol leader's eyes swept over the guards and the carriage, clearly on edge.

The red-haired Jonin from the Uzumaki Clan, standing beside the carriage, stepped forward and spoke with a glare in his eyes.

"We're here to conduct business. Is this how Konoha treats visitors? Attacking without warning? When did the Leaf become so arrogant?"

There was a hint of resentment in his voice, rooted in the Whirlpool Clan's tragic history—and Konoha's failure to come to their aid during the clan's downfall.

"That's enough," Jaxon said calmly, stepping out of the carriage as he opened the side door.

Yunnai quickly followed and moved protectively in front of him.

The red-haired ninja beside them, known as Whirlpool Zhen, crossed his arms, still fuming.

"You expect us to believe you're here for trade with so many elite guards?" the Konoha patrol leader pressed.

"Who said merchants can't hire powerful escorts?" Jaxon countered as he walked up to the front.

"Who are you?" the ninja demanded.

"Jaxon," he said plainly.

The ninja narrowed his eyes. "Jaxon...? From the Hoshino Family?"

Jaxon's smirk deepened slightly. "I visited Konoha ten years ago. Are you saying the village didn't keep any records or investigate me afterward?"

He wasn't bluffing. Konoha had quietly sent ninja to keep tabs on him for years—none of which he had ever paid much attention to. There had been no incidents between them, but Jaxon didn't believe for a second they hadn't kept files on him.

Especially not after he traveled from the capital to Konoha in just a few days, with no attempt to hide his trail.

"I'm sorry, you may proceed—but the others will have to be examined," the patrol captain finally said.

Behind him, the ninja summoned by the flare signal landed on the path. The forest echoed with footsteps as dozens of Leaf shinobi surrounded the group's carriage, weapons ready, forming a tight perimeter.

"Six Jonin, Young Master," Yunnai whispered with a slight frown. "If we fight here, the outcome won't be in our favor."

Her voice was soft, but all the guards and Konoha ninja heard her clearly.

"You've brought too many powerful ninja," the captain said. "We can't let you in without verification. You'll need to report to Hokage-sama, and he'll determine how to proceed."

As he spoke, he raised a hand and signaled for his men to lower their weapons.

"Next, we'll need to apply a sealing technique for security. Please don't resist. As soon as Hokage-sama confirms your intentions, it will be removed."

The ninja who stepped forward wore a white fox mask. Though his identity was hidden, his youthful voice and build betrayed his age—no older than fourteen or fifteen.

Despite the calm demeanor, the quiet confidence in his actions showed he wasn't to be taken lightly.

Yunnai bristled, Chakra already flickering around her hands.

"What? If Konoha tries something after sealing us, we won't even be able to resist!"

Before the situation escalated, Jaxon placed a hand gently on her shoulder.

"Yunnai, let it go. Try to understand. This is wartime. Let's follow their protocol for now."

Yunnai bit her lip but nodded.

"Thank you for your cooperation," said the masked ninja, his voice polite.

He stepped first toward Whirlpool Zhen. Despite the latter's scowl, he allowed the seal to be placed on his chest after the ninja quickly performed a series of hand signs.

"Uzumaki sealing technique?" Zhen muttered, his brow furrowed. He didn't lash out, but the disgust in his expression was clear.

To him, seeing his clan's techniques—once rare and treasured—used so casually by Konoha's military left a bitter taste in his mouth.

After all, this was the same village that had once turned a blind eye to the destruction of the Whirlpool Clan.

The Konoha ninja continued the sealing process with the rest of the group. None resisted, and Jaxon silently observed everything.

He had known this would happen. After all, the world was on edge. War was brewing, and trust was in short supply.

Still, a cold smirk flickered across his lips.

So this is the new Konoha. Suspicious. Cautious. Fearful.

But he would play along for now.

They had come this far. The real game hadn't even begun yet.

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

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