Uchiha Clan Compound, Itachi's Residence, Living Room.
Sasuke, resting his head on Uchiha Mikoto's lap, yawned sleepily and rubbed his eyes. "Mom, why aren't Dad and Big brother back yet?"
"They're still at a meeting," Mikoto replied gently, stroking his hair. "If you're tired, go ahead and rest."
"No, I want to wait for Big brother," Sasuke said, forcing his eyes open to glance at the door. The street outside was empty; his brother had promised to practice shuriken with him tonight. No matter how late, he would wait.
A short while later, Sasuke drifted off to sleep. Kushina appeared beside Mikoto using the Body Flicker Technique.
She had been watching from the shadows for some time, envious of Mikoto. She longed for Naruto to rest on her lap like that, mother and son waiting warmly for Minato to return home. But that was just a dream now—everything had changed.
All of it was destroyed by that masked man in black—Danzo.
Kushina's hatred for Danzo ran deep.
Seeing her friend looking desolate and sorrowful, Mikoto felt a pang in her heart. She knew Kushina must have seen Naruto and realized he wasn't doing well. She must be heartbroken.
"Kushina, I'm truly sorry. Because of the Nine-Tails incident, our Uchiha clan has been ostracized. We can only watch helplessly as Naruto suffers. It's not that we don't want to help—we simply can't," Mikoto said apologetically. "The best we could do was arrange for Sasuke and Naruto to be in the same class, hoping they could support each other. As for us adults..."
"It's okay, I understand," Kushina said, forcing a smile as she sniffled. "At least Naruto enjoys being with Sasuke. At least... Sasuke is his only friend. At least Naruto sees Sasuke as someone to strive toward. That's enough."
"Mikoto, I know the difficulties your clan faces. You don't need to blame yourself. I don't hold it against you. This is all Danzo's fault."
"Kushina..."
"It's fine," Kushina said, smiling brightly. "At least I've seen Naruto. Even though he's not doing well, at least he's alive."
"As for the rest... I'll make Danzo pay," she added through gritted teeth.
And Konoha—whatever you took from Minato and me, you'll give it back!
Our assets confiscated, our son bullied... If it weren't for the restrictions of the Reanimation Jutsu suppressing me, I would have unleashed a Tailed Beast Bomb on Danzo and Konoha already!
"Oh, right, Mikoto. Later, I'll write down the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques, Minato's Flying Thunder God, and the Rasengan. Please give them to Itachi. When Naruto grows up, please have him teach these to Naruto. Consider it my gratitude to Itachi and a way to make up for Naruto," Kushina said.
"This..." Mikoto hesitated. "Kushina, our Uchiha clan is barely holding on. Your request might be impossible to fulfill. If our clan is wiped out, these techniques will fall into Konoha's hands. Wouldn't it be better to teach them directly to Naruto or Kakashi?"
"Don't worry. As long as Itachi is around, the Uchiha clan won't be destroyed. At worst, I'll risk my soul to help you eliminate Danzo and give your clan a chance to survive. How about that?" Kushina offered.
"Ah? Let's not go that far," Mikoto said, alarmed. "Kushina, please don't do anything rash. I promise to give these to Itachi. When Naruto is old enough to train, I'll have Itachi teach him. You can count on me."
"Thank you, Mikoto," Kushina said.
"By the way, Mikoto, I remember Jiraiya also knows the Rasengan, and Kakashi was Minato's student. Even the Third Hokage is an option. Why not give these techniques to them?" Mikoto asked, puzzled.
"Mikoto, you're too kind-hearted. You don't understand how cruel people can be," Kushina replied. "If the Third truly cared about Naruto, he wouldn't have taken our assets and left my son to suffer alone.
If Kakashi had any conscience or sense of duty as a student, he wouldn't have stood by and done nothing.
As for Jiraiya-sensei, he's too perverted. I'm afraid he'd be a bad influence on Naruto."
"Besides, it's been so long since the Nine-Tails incident. Not a single former comrade or friend has stepped forward to care for Naruto. Who can I trust now?" Kushina said bitterly. "Jiraiya-sensei is still gathering material elsewhere, Kakashi remains as indifferent as ever. And the Third... he just watches as Naruto is mocked, bullied, and tormented without saying a word."
"Do you think I can entrust the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques to them?"
"When I was reanimated by Itachi and on my way to see Naruto, I thought that if Konoha or Kakashi had even a shred of decency, I would have gladly handed over the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques and Minato's training insights as thanks for caring for Naruto all these years.
But when I saw Naruto and his living conditions...
I was devastated.
Even the average orphan in Konoha hasn't suffered as much as my son.
The son of a hero, the child of the Hokage—living worse than a stray dog.
If they remembered even a fraction of what Minato did for them, Naruto wouldn't be in this state."
"If this isn't all orchestrated by Danzo with the Third's tacit approval, then why is Naruto suffering so much?"
"After considering everything, you're the only friend I can trust, Mikoto. And Itachi—I've watched him grow up; I know him well.
Moreover, with the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques and Minato's Flying Thunder God, Itachi will improve rapidly. That way, Naruto's suffering will lessen. I'm sure Itachi won't refuse this request," Kushina said.
"Alright," Mikoto agreed, seeing her friend's determination.
"Honestly, Mikoto, I have selfish reasons. Naruto's only friend is Sasuke. And only the Sharingan can suppress the Nine-Tails. Itachi, with his Mangekyō Sharingan, is the most suitable person. I believe you and Itachi can take good care of Naruto. You're the only ones I can rely on now," Kushina said.
"I understand," Mikoto replied.
"Thank you," Kushina said, sniffing. When she first came to Konoha, only Mikoto and Minato were willing to befriend her.
Now that she's gone, only Mikoto is still willing to care for her child.
Compared to that, the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques and Minato's Flying Thunder God are insignificant.
Kushina believed that the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques, Flying Thunder God, and Rasengan were exactly what the Uchiha clan needed. Her gift was like delivering coal in the snow.
Konoha's actions and Naruto's experiences had completely disheartened Kushina. She now understood that few would offer help in times of need, while many would kick you when you're down.
Everything she was doing now was for Naruto's better future. It was a mother's love for her child—the only thing she could do.