The dust of the Land of Rain war has settled. Although the ending has many twists and turns, for Kumogakure, it is undoubtedly a good thing to make a fortune silently.
Bloodline Plunder Plan, led by Uchiha Shaoyu, took advantage of the muddy waters of the three-village melee and successfully recruited a group of precious talent resources, including more than thirty Uchiha elites, which greatly enhanced Kumogakure's mid-to-high-end combat power and potential.
On this day, Ai and Uchiha Renhuo, a young man who went out to perform follow-up cleanup and intelligence collection tasks, returned to Kumogakure after a long journey.
They did not go directly to Uchiha Compound, but escorted a special "trophy" and went straight to Raikage's Office.
Third Raikage was discussing with Shaoyu about the further reorganization and placement of the newly recruited Uchiha. There was a knock on the office door and then it was pushed open. Young Aina's iconic rough voice sounded first.
"Old man! Shaoyu! We're back! And we brought someone... uh, special someone with us!"
The two walked in, followed by a woman.
She looks to be in her early twenties, slightly thin, wearing old clothes that have been washed white, and is dusty, but her long red hair is as bright as fire and is extremely eye-catching even in a slightly dark office, instantly attracting all the attention of Raikage and Shaoyu.
This hair color... is so iconic!
Third Raikage raised his thick eyebrows, and a trace of surprise and memories flashed through his bell-like eyes.
Uchiha Shaoyu's golden pupils also shrank slightly, his eyes sharply scanning the woman's unique long hair, as well as her tired but still delicate face, vaguely bearing the typical characteristics of the Uzumaki Clan.
"Uzumaki Clan?"
Third Raikage's voice was a little uncertain, but more of a surprise.
He subconsciously looked at Shaoyu.
Kumogakure was one of the main forces that led the destruction of Land of Whirlpools and plundered its Sealing Jutsu and Kekkei Genkai. This is not a secret among high-level officials.
At this moment, these guys actually brought back a living Uzumaki survivor?
Uchiha Shaoyu also felt waves in his heart.
Uzumaki Clan is famous for its powerful vitality, huge amount of chakra and exquisite Sealing Jutsu. There is no doubt about the value of its bloodline.
But precisely because Kumogakure was one of the culprits back then, Uzumaki Clan's hatred for Kumogakure should theoretically be unforgettable.
Why did this woman come back with Ai and Lianhuo?
Are they prisoners? Or are they hiding something else?
Uzumaki Zhili seemed to feel the scrutiny and doubts of the two Kumogakure executives.
She raised her head, there was no fear or hatred on her face, just a look of exhaustion after a long journey.
When her eyes swept over Third Raikage's extremely oppressive figure and Shaoyu's penetrating eyes, she flinched slightly, but quickly stabilized.
"My name is Uzumaki Zhili."
She spoke, her voice a little hoarse, but clear.
"As you can see, it is the survivor of the Uzumaki Clan."
The young man Ai scratched his head, took over the topic and explained.
"We found her in a border forest near Land of Iron. At that time, she was besieged by a group of wandering ninjas. It seemed that they coveted her chakra or wanted to capture her and sell her on the black market."
"We took care of those miscellaneous things, and she... expressed her willingness to go back with us."
Uchiha Renhuo added, in a calmer tone.
"We have confirmed that there is no obvious sign of the Ninja Village on her body, and the nature of her chakra is indeed that unique to the Uzumaki Clan, which is huge and full of vitality."
"She claims that after the demise of Land of Whirlpools, she has been wandering alone in Shinobi World, avoiding the search and pursuit of all forces."
"And it should be impossible for her to hide from Chachamaru's perception."
Uzumaki Zhili nodded and took over the conversation. There was a sense of hardship in her narrative.
"When Land of Whirlpools destroyed the country, I was still very young, and my memory is very blurry. Over the years, I have been hiding here and there by myself. Relying on my superficial knowledge of Medical Ninjutsu and Sealing Jutsu, I occasionally help people treat people in exchange for some food, or take on some of the lowest-level black market tasks..."
"I haven't finished my meal yet, and I'm always on tenterhooks. I don't know if I will be discovered and kidnapped by a ninja village tomorrow, or if I will die in some unknown corner."
She paused and looked at Raikage and Shaoyu calmly.
"I know Kumogakure... is related to what happened back then. But to be honest, for me, those were all a long time ago and very far away."
"Hate... maybe there is, but more of it is the weariness and fear of this precarious life of living like a mouse. I am tired, really tired."
There was a subtle tremor in her voice, which was a true reaction to being under long-term survival pressure.
"I heard that Kumogakure... is relatively open and has attracted many outsiders. Master Ai and Master Lianhuo saved me and did not force me. So... I want to give it a try."
"I am willing to join Kumogakure, abide by the rules of Kumogakure, and contribute my strength. I just want a place where I can sleep peacefully and don't have to worry about what I will eat tomorrow or whether I will die suddenly."
"As for the past grudges... for me, living and living like a human being is more important than anything else."
It was quiet in the office.
Third Raikage rubbed her chin and looked at Uzumaki Zhili with sharp eyes, as if judging the authenticity and value of her words.
But it was reviewed by Chachamaru. Third Raikage still has great trust in his capable person.
A Uzumaki Clan person who voluntarily joins, even if he only masters part of the inheritance, may be helpful to Kumogakure's Sealing Jutsu research, the medical system, and even Chakra theory research.
What's more, she herself is a high-quality blood sample.
After a long time, Third Raikage spoke in a deep voice, his voice like muffled thunder.
"Uzumaki Zhili, you should know that Kumogakure will not raise idle people. Your bloodline and abilities must serve the village. At the same time, you must also accept the necessary monitoring and review until you gain complete trust."
"I understand."
Uzumaki Zhili answered without hesitation, and even breathed a sigh of relief, as if his hanging heart had finally dropped halfway.
"I am willing to accept any arrangement and review. As long as I can be given a place to stay."
Uchiha Shaoyu also spoke slowly at this time, with a calm voice.
"Miss Zhili, welcome to Kumogakure. Someone will communicate with you in detail about the specific placement and responsibilities later. I hope you can find the stability you want here and contribute to the growth of Kumogakure."
He specifically emphasized his contribution.
It is both a requirement and a commitment - as long as you are valuable, you will get the corresponding position.
Uzumaki Zhili bow deeply.
"Yes, Master Lord Raikage, Shaoyu. Thank you... for giving me this opportunity."
Seeing Uzumaki Zhili being taken down for arrangement, Third Raikage turned to Shaoyu and grinned.
"I really didn't expect that even Uzumaki Clan's bloodline would be delivered to my door. Shaoyu, your plan was very successful. It turns out that smart people do things differently."
Uchiha Shaoyu smiled.
"Lord Raikage That's ridiculous. It's just good luck. Otherwise, precious things like Kekkei Genkai ninjas would not be so easy to see even during war times."