Birth of a ninja clan in Konoha

While the battles on the front lines raged, Konoha remained relatively peaceful.

The morning sun first illuminated the towering Hokage Rock, and as if a switch had been flipped, Konoha bustled to life in short order.

The joyous laughter of children, the calls of vendors, and the scolding of housewives filled the air.

However, at this time, the atmosphere within the Senju clan's compound was exceptionally heavy, not only for the Uzumaki clan members residing there but also for Mito.

Everyone had wept upon hearing the news of Uzushiogakure's destruction. What fueled their anguish even more was the revelation that all their clansmen had been slaughtered by the Mist shinobi. 

From that moment forward, they were rootless individuals, forced to begin anew in Konoha.

Having lived in Konoha for an extended period, they understood that the village was already surrounded by enemies and could not spare the resources to rescue Uzushiogakure. 

Consequently, their resentment towards Konoha was minimal. However, their hatred for the Kirigakure shinobi was palpable; every individual present at that moment seethed with it.

Yet, despite their fury, they were powerless. They had been sent to Konoha precisely because they lacked fighting prowess. If they sought vengeance, they could only rely on Konoha's strength.

Taku looked at Mito, whose face was etched with sorrow, and opened his mouth, as if wanting to speak.

Mito's sensory abilities were acute. Detecting Taku's expression, she suppressed her grief and looked up at him, noticing his hesitation.

Mito still cared for Taku, who was now the new head of the Uzumaki clan (as the only known surviving adult male of the Uzumaki clan, he had automatically assumed the position). After all, she knew her time was limited, and the future development of the Uzumaki clan within Konoha would depend on Taku's decisions.

"Speak freely. There are no outsiders present."

Taku was initially hesitant, but he finally met Mito's gaze, noticing the signs of aging upon her, gritted his teeth, and said, "I propose that the adult women of the Uzumaki clan marry. On one hand, this will ensure the continuation of the Uzumaki bloodline, and on the other hand, it will also allow the Uzumaki clan to establish a firm footing in Konoha."

Mito regarded him with a profound gaze, and the women who were either ready for marriage or had been married also looked up at him, some of them visibly moved.

Although Mito had treated them kindly during their time in Konoha, this was not their home, and they felt a sense of unease living there.

Mito observed Taku's blushing face and then turned her attention to the expressions of the women, realizing she could not object to this matter.

She then stated, "You are free to act as you see fit. If you wish to remain here, the Senju family will ensure you are provided for.

However, since you desire to marry, you should wait until the war concludes. I believe none of you wish to become widows so soon after marriage."

She paused for a moment, then added, "If there are children, those willing to take them may do so, and those who are not may leave them here. The Senju family will raise them."

She looked at the embarrassed expressions of the moved women and chuckled. "Alright! Do not be embarrassed. It is indeed difficult for the Uzumaki family to remain isolated from other shinobi. This is also a positive step. While you are young, bear more children to expand the Uzumaki family. It would be wonderful if there were more individuals like Kushina."

Hearing her words, Taku nodded in agreement. After all, their relatives had just perished, and arranging immediate marriages for them would be insensitive. Utilizing this time for a gradual transition was appropriate.

Just as he was about to leave, Mito suddenly asked, "Have you identified any potential partners?"

Taku was momentarily stunned, then nodded slowly, raising his hand and pointing to a boy of approximately six years old.

Mito recognized the boy; he was the grandson of the great elder, a mature and steady child.

But she followed up with another question: "Are you certain? Why not Kushina?" Hearing her question, the niece-in-law, who also understood her meaning, nervously grasped Kushina's hand and looked at Mito with pleading eyes, worried that further inquiry might cause Taku to reconsider.

After all, this was no longer Uzushiogakure, and Taku was the new patriarch of the Uzumaki clan.

Mito ignored her and simply fixed her gaze on Taku.

"She is not suitable. Although her potential is greater, she is a girl. And…" Taku answered without hesitation, glancing in the direction of the Yuta family compound.

Mito nodded with satisfaction and waved her hand, dismissing him.

After the crowd dispersed, Kushina's mother anxiously questioned Mito, "Aunt, since the choice has been made, why did you mention Kushina? What if Taku changes his mind?"

Mito gently patted her hands and said meaningfully, "Do not fault an old woman for being inquisitive. If I did not ask today, the candidate might change in the future. But since Taku has announced the candidate before everyone today, then even for Taku's sake, the high-level officials of Konoha will not alter the selection. Only in this way can I depart with peace of mind. Do not worry! I understand what is happening."

"So, Aunt asked that question today with such a plan in mind. It seems I still have much to learn. I almost thought Aunt wanted Taku to change his mind and allow Kushina to become the new jinchūriki." Kushina's mother felt a pang of guilt.

"By the way, what are your plans for the future? Are you not going to find someone to marry? After all, there are so few of the Uzumaki clan remaining."

Now it was Kushina's turn to be nervous. She tightly held her mother's hand and looked at her with a worried expression.

Kushina's mother sensed her daughter's anxiety, offered her a reassuring smile, and then shook her head at Mito.

"Forget it. Since hearing of Uzushiogakure's destruction, I have no other aspirations. Now, I simply wish to raise Kushina and continue assisting my aunt in caring for these orphans."

"Very well, in that case, I will not persuade you further. Simply remain here with peace of mind."

The two women spoke for a while longer, and then Kushina's mother took Kushina away.

Looking at the empty house, Mito's mood suddenly turned somber. "Gone, all gone! I am the only one left of my generation." Mito's lonely voice echoed in the empty dwelling.

At this time, in the area where the Uzumaki clan resided, Taku returned and summoned the grandson of the great elder, the boy he had just pointed out to Mito, into his home.

Looking at the somewhat reserved child before him, Taku gently placed his hand on the boy's head and asked softly, "Enma, are you wondering why I chose you?"

Enma shook his head gently, then finally nodded.

"Why?" Enma asked softly.

Taku shook his head and smiled bitterly. "There aren't so many whys. I know this is somewhat unfair to you, but you are a smart child. Consider this: although Kushina is still a member of the Uzumaki clan, she will marry in the future. Only if you become the candidate for the new generation of jinchūriki will Konoha invest significant resources in training you, and you will become the pillar of the Uzumaki clan in the future. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Enma also felt a sense of mission at that moment and nodded firmly.

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