Konoha Will Be the Uzumaki Clan's Eternal Home

Konoha.

Utatane Koharu stood at Uzumaki Kushina's doorstep and knocked gently on the door.

"Coming, coming! Just a moment!" A lively voice rang out as Uzumaki Kushina hurried over and opened the door, her expression briefly freezing. "You're Advisor-sama?"

"Hello, Kushina."

"I'm here on behalf of the Third Hokage to check on you. Would you invite me in for a seat?" Utatane Koharu smiled kindly, though it was not her true intention.

Before coming to see Kushina, Hiruzen Sarutobi had summoned her again to discuss the details of sounding out the Land of Fire regarding Human Body Technology development, while also emphasizing the core purpose of this conversation.

It had left her rather moved.

Ever since taking the position of Konoha Advisor, Utatane Koharu had subconsciously felt that responsibility and authority had somehow changed her, that she was no longer the same person she used to be.

Once, she had cared about her companions' feelings, valued the continued survival of individuals, and possessed a delicate, thoughtful mind.

But from the broader perspective of governing the village, she had increasingly found the ideology and propaganda of "shinobi are tools" extremely useful. It could prevent a great deal of friction and internal strife, and it was genuinely capable of ensuring Konoha's survival.

So, she had again suggested to the Third Hokage that perhaps there was no need to apologize to Kushina. They only needed to silently correct their mistake...

But Hiruzen Sarutobi had rebuked her.

"Koharu, you believe that the warmth of human nature will erode a shinobi's nature as a tool and affect the village... I won't deny that it may bring some trouble, but I'm asking you to do this because it will bring even greater benefits to the village."

"If we keep suppressing the human side of shinobi, Konoha will sooner or later face a major problem! All we need to do is bend down slightly, soothe this spiritual need, and gradually promote it throughout the Shinobi World..."

"Would you dare make a bet with me? The Will of Fire might even make our enemies come running over to surrender!"

"So-called authority means building a shared understanding that we can make the village better—not never making mistakes."

"Don't be so shortsighted."

After being hit with that barrage, Utatane Koharu had fled the Hokage Office Building in disgrace.

Her old classmate's forcefulness reminded her of their teacher...

Once one understood the logic and weighed the stakes, once a conclusion had been reached, it had to be carried out with unwavering resolve.

No matter whether the target was a so-called Konoha Advisor, a Hidden Village from an enemy nation, or even oneself.

"Please, come in! Ah, I haven't cleaned up the house yet, what should I do..." Kushina hurriedly ushered Utatane Koharu inside, her red hair swaying slightly from nervousness.

"It's fine, it's fine... It's perfectly normal for young people to relax a little." Utatane Koharu smiled warmly as she recalled Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.

But as soon as she stepped inside, Utatane Koharu raised a brow.

Why was there another Yellow-Hair in this house?

Something seemed off about these two little brats...

Namikaze Minato sat barefoot and cross-legged on the sofa, intently studying the densely packed drawings spread across the coffee table.

Sealing Jutsu?

Utatane Koharu unconsciously frowned.

Who had allowed this boy to come into contact with such an important Tailed Beast vessel?

He had formed this kind of private relationship with her, and he even seemed to be trying to obtain the Uzumaki Clan's precious Sealing Jutsu materials...

Even if Namikaze Minato was the one who had rescued Kushina, those were separate matters.

Kushina did not notice the subtle change in Utatane Koharu's expression. Her face merely flushed as she tried to explain something.

Ah!

How had she forgotten Minato was at home?

It was the natural reaction of a young girl whose elder had discovered a boy in her house.

But Namikaze Minato keenly noticed it. He quickly stood up and greeted her, "Hello, Advisor Utatane!"

"Mm..." Utatane Koharu scrutinized Namikaze Minato.

It was not that she insisted on breaking up young couples. It was simply that Kushina's identity was too special for her not to think more deeply about it.

Even if Namikaze Minato was Jiraiya's disciple.

"Grandmaster really cares about Kushina! So many people came to see you today..."

Namikaze Minato smiled like a little sun and said to Kushina, "You're really getting a lot of attention."

Kushina chuckled and teased, "What, if Lord Third hadn't instructed you to, you wouldn't have come to see me?"

Namikaze Minato raised his hands in surrender. "That's not what I meant. Grandmaster said he was happy to see how close we are..."

Utatane Koharu's thoughts stirred.

What a crafty little Yellow-Hair!

With just a sentence or two, he had first emphasized his own identity, then subtly indicated that he had the Third Hokage's backing.

Yet on the surface, he looked like nothing more than a guileless, sunny boy...

Was this really the disciple Jiraiya had raised?

They were completely different!

Though he did bear a tiny bit of resemblance to Orochimaru when he was young...

"So the brat Minato is here too?"

Utatane Koharu instantly put on a different expression. "Seeing you young people training together makes this middle-aged woman feel young again too, hoho."

Kushina's face reddened as she ran into the kitchen to bring out some snacks and tea.

"What are you doing here?" Utatane Koharu pointed at the table.

"Advisor, could you take a look and help us?" Namikaze Minato scratched his head in distress. "Grandmaster asked me to inspect the Security Force reforms Lord Sakumo is carrying out..."

"I thought Sealing Jutsu might help, so Kushina and I have been researching it together!"

Hearing this, Utatane Koharu was deeply moved.

These young boys and girls were striving for the village, reminding her of her own youth...

"Let this old woman have a look. Perhaps I can be of some help?"

A moment later, Utatane Koharu raised her head awkwardly.

She had intended to modestly offer some assistance and build rapport, but the Sealing Jutsu these two youngsters were researching was anything but basic.

It had already reached a level that even ordinary Jonin would find difficult to grasp.

Utatane Koharu reluctantly offered a few pointers. Though her words were not without substance, she still felt somewhat embarrassed.

Yet Namikaze Minato let out a soft cry. "Thank you, Advisor Utatane! I understand this part now!"

Utatane Koharu froze. What did you understand?

I didn't even understand it!

Kushina's eyes immediately sparkled. "Really? Advisor Utatane is amazing, and Minato is amazing too!"

Utatane Koharu was finally reassured about this Yellow-Hair.

Whether it was his initiative in letting her know what kind of Sealing Jutsu they were researching, or his emotional intelligence...

Neither was something an ordinary teenager should possess.

Most importantly, she truly could not tell whether Namikaze Minato was naturally airheaded or simply skilled at dealing with people...

But in any case, he was definitely enough to handle Kushina.

She already looked like a starstruck little fan...

Utatane Koharu decided it was time to get to the point.

"Kushina, those despicable Kumogakure scum—the village will certainly make them pay."

"In the past, there were shortcomings in your security and in guiding your integration into the village, causing you to suffer some grievances."

"But it was never because we forgot about you. Matters had to be handled one at a time. Enemy infiltration and postwar reconstruction—these were all major matters tied to the village's survival."

"Lord Third has issued instructions to incorporate the history of friendship between the Uzumaki Clan and Konoha into Ninja Academy textbooks. Everyone must not only know of the Uzumaki Clan's contributions, but also remember the enemy's cruelty and this humiliation!"

"Lord Third asked me to tell you that Konoha is your home. You are not some so-called Tailed Beast container. Even without special Chakra, the village has a duty to care for every Uzumaki orphan."

"You may freely choose a new residence. The Anbu will focus their defenses around it. Since your identity makes it inconvenient for you to frequently take missions, the village will issue you additional cultivation resources and a living allowance."

"If there is anything you need, you can tell the village. Don't keep it bottled up inside..."

Utatane Koharu said solemnly:

"Lord Third hopes that you can live happily in Konoha and find a new family."

Kushina lowered her head, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, thank you, Lord Third, thank you, Advisor Utatane!"

"The village has always cared about you, Kushina..." Namikaze Minato sat beside Kushina, gently comforting the girl he loved.

"I won't disturb you two any longer." Utatane Koharu sighed inwardly and turned to leave.

After stepping outside, she looked up at the sky.

Utatane Koharu felt an indescribable bitterness in her heart.

This really was good...

Just when had she begun speaking of the Will of Fire while treating the Tool Theory of ninjas as the greater principle in her heart?

Wasn't this what a village was supposed to do?

At this moment.

On the other side of the village.

Hatake Sakumo was also considering the issue of Konoha's new Security Force.

He sought out Uchiha Fugaku.