Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Uzumaki Raiden walked to school with a heavy heart. The events of the morning had left a deep imprint on his mind. He wasn't even sure how he had reached the school gate, as if he had walked there in a daze.

However, as soon as he arrived, Raiden straightened himself, adjusting his mindset before stepping into the school with renewed determination.

Entering the classroom, Raiden moved to his usual seat and sat down. Just as he settled in, someone leaned in close to him, whispering conspiratorially.

"Raiden, have you heard? The village is planning to send young genin and chunin to the battlefield," said Shikadai Nara, his voice low.

"I know. I heard about it," Raiden replied nonchalantly, resting his cheek on his right hand while casually flipping through a book with his left.

"I heard from my dad that the Third Hokage is planning to select a group of students from the ninja academy to send to the battlefield. Our third-year class is also in the selection pool."

Raiden raised an eyebrow at this, feigning indifference. "Really? Are you sure about this?"

"Absolutely. It's not just our family but also the Akimichi clan. My dad says our class is the main focus for selection. If nothing changes, our entire class might end up on the battlefield."

Shikadai's words were shocking. Raiden sat silently, mulling over the implications.

"So, it's already been decided. They must have realized last night, after summoning the genin and chunin, that they still didn't have enough manpower for the frontlines," Raiden thought.

"Our class must have been chosen in advance. In terms of ability, most students here are at a level comparable to the upper half of the fourth grade, with a few even reaching the standard of a full-fledged ninja. Their strength is notable, but sending the most talented children to the frontlines? Is Konoha really this desperate? I don't recall the Second Shinobi War being this severe…"

Raiden's thoughts swirled, concluding that the Third Hokage must have been forced into this decision. For the Hokage, sacrificing the future generation might be the only way to secure Konoha's present.

"Hey, Raiden, are you even listening?" Shikadai tugged on his sleeve, interrupting his thoughts.

"I'm listening," Raiden replied, nodding.

"Then why are you so calm? Aren't you worried?" Shikadai asked anxiously.

"Is worrying going to help?" Raiden glanced at him.

Shikadai paused, his expression thoughtful. "No, I suppose not."

"Exactly. Instead of worrying, why not go home and practice a few more techniques? If we really do end up on the battlefield, those extra techniques might save your life," Raiden said, patting Shikadai on the shoulder.

Shikadai fell silent, clearly lost in thought.

While the two were talking, the classroom door opened, and a middle-aged man entered, followed by a masked ninja.

It was their homeroom teacher, Kimura Kudai, a civilian-born ninja who had been their entrance examiner when they first joined the academy.

"Anbu?" Raiden thought, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the masked figure behind Kudai. "Could it be that what Shikadai said is true?"

Shikadai, sitting beside him, began trembling slightly at the sight of the Anbu.

"Relax. Don't be nervous," Raiden whispered, placing a reassuring hand on Shikadai's shoulder.

Kudai addressed the class with a smile. "Students, we have a special announcement today. Morning classes will be suspended.

"This masked ninja is a direct messenger from Hokage-sama. Today, we'll conduct a special test. Students who pass the test will be granted genin status immediately.

"Not only that, but those who pass will also have the opportunity to be personally mentored by the Third Hokage himself."

The classroom erupted in excitement at this announcement.

"Becoming a genin? And a disciple of the Hokage? That means we don't have to attend school anymore! Awesome!"

Raiden, however, felt a surge of anger. He realized the Third Hokage was using himself as bait, enticing these naïve children to graduate early without fully understanding the consequences.

Unable to hold back, Raiden stood up. "Kudai-sensei, if we pass this test, does that mean we'll be sent to the battlefield?" he asked loudly.

Kudai hesitated, caught off guard by the directness of the question. Before he could respond, the students broke into chatter.

"Go to the battlefield? But we're just kids!"

"Cowards! I'm not afraid. This is a chance to prove myself!"

"I could make a name for myself and bring money to my family!"

Raiden clenched his fists as he listened to their discussions. These children, who should have been carefree, now displayed desires and ambitions far beyond their years.

Just as Kudai was about to respond, the Anbu spoke up. "Uzumaki Raiden, you're correct. Those who pass today's test may be sent to the battlefield.

"But isn't that why you're here at the academy—to become ninjas? Glory, achievements, money, and status—all of it can be earned on the battlefield. If you lack the resolve, why did you join in the first place?"

The Anbu's words stirred the students, with many now eagerly expressing their willingness to go to war. Even Shikadai, who had been trembling earlier, now joined the chorus.

Raiden's expression darkened. "Who are you?" he demanded coldly.

The Anbu replied, "I'm a ninja directly under Hokage-sama. My identity is confidential."

Before the Anbu could say more, Raiden dashed forward, aiming a punch at his stomach. The Anbu dodged swiftly, countering with a palm strike that forced Raiden forward, his fist smashing into the blackboard with a loud boom.

"Raiden, what are you doing?" Kudai shouted in shock.

Ignoring him, Raiden turned to the Anbu. "Using genjutsu on children? You're no Anbu of the Hokage. Who are you really?"

The Anbu's mask betrayed no expression. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.

Raiden wasn't interested in arguing. He lunged again, but this time the Anbu formed a quick "Rat" seal. Black markings appeared on Raiden's back, binding him in place.

"Clever. You applied this curse mark when you struck me earlier," Raiden thought. Despite being restrained, his expression remained calm.

The Anbu approached, intending to capture him. But as he reached out, Raiden smirked. "Seal: Reverse Binding!"

The black markings on Raiden's body shifted, turning against the Anbu. In seconds, the ninja was immobilized, trapped in his own technique.

"Impossible!" the Anbu gasped as the seals wrapped around him like a cocoon.

"Your sealing technique is still far behind," Raiden said coldly, delivering a chakra-infused punch to the Anbu's stomach. A sealing array flared up, locking the Anbu's chakra completely.

"Teacher Kudai, this man is not who he claims to be. I suggest delivering him directly to the Hokage," Raiden said calmly.

Though Kudai was still processing the situation, he quickly secured the restrained ninja and left with him, leaving the classroom in stunned silence.

Raiden returned to his seat, shrugging off Shikadai's barrage of excited questions.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed heavily. He had already confirmed the Anbu's true identity: a Root agent under Danzo. The revelation left him with a difficult decision.

"This is troublesome," the Third Hokage muttered, gazing out the window.

"Genius," he mused, thinking of Raiden. "I need to find a way to cultivate such talent."

(End of Chapter)

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