A Complete Falling-Out

"If I had a child, could I make them a citizen of Uzushio?"

Tsunade furrowed her brow at Kushina Uzumaki's question. Only then did she take a proper look at Kushina and give it some thought.

She hadn't considered it that deeply. Looking at Kushina had made her think of Minato Namikaze, which in turn reminded her that her teacher intended to make Minato Hokage. So she patted Kushina on the shoulder and spoke in a sympathetic, consoling tone.

"Well, for a lot of reasons, Kushina, I'm afraid that isn't very realistic. Uzushio has no one left, after all. Rebuilding it would be a lot of trouble, and the Land of Fire's daimyo might not agree to it. Uzushio is technically part of the Land of Water now."

Kushina's body trembled at Tsunade's words. Once again, she was reminded that she was a citizen of a fallen country. Konoha didn't care that she was a member of the Uzumaki Clan, or that she was a citizen of Uzushio. And Uzushio no longer existed.

That's right. How could people who love Konoha care whether the people of Uzushio are doing well?

The thought flashed through Kushina's mind. Then she smiled at Tsunade.

"Mm, I understand, Lady Tsunade."

Kushina's smile was forced, and Tsunade noticed. But she still couldn't tell what Kushina was thinking, so she awkwardly patted her on the shoulder.

"Don't worry. Everything will be all right. My great-grandfather and granduncle are here now, and even that Madara Uchiha I don't like is willing to help Konoha. With Konoha's strength, maybe we can help you rebuild Uzushio!"

Kushina nodded, but she didn't care in the slightest.

Pacts and alliances had already proved useless.

The rosy filter she'd had over Konoha because of Minato Namikaze had vanished as well.

So Kushina