37 Chapter 36 : Uzumaki

[Kimimaro: Never underestimate it. The Bloodline Limit List is just the start; there'll be other lists to follow. As long as I can remain on that list, perhaps surpassing me is only your delusion.]

"Hmph, if you can make it, so can I. We'll see about that," Guren retorted, unyielding.

They debated over Orochimaru's best choice while being cautious not to reveal too much information that might displease Orochimaru.

[Orochimaru: Cease this bickering. Focus on improving your own abilities.]

The loyalty felt genuinely gratifying. One could strive for favor without resorting to confrontation.

The matter reached its conclusion, yet it piqued the curiosity of ninjas worldwide.

"This conversation's a bit peculiar."

"It's like they're fighting for something out of the ordinary."

"Could it be tied to one of the Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru-sama?"

"Only one answer—it's the Sannin, after all."

"If only I could pledge myself to Orochimaru-sama."

"..."

With conventional logic, everyone believed that Kimimaro and Guren were vying for some benefit under Orochimaru's tutelage, leading to their dispute.

Some even speculated that joining Orochimaru might prove advantageous.

How they'd react upon learning Guren and Kimimaro contended for Orochimaru's allegiance remained unknown.

"I must admire the ignorant ones," Uchiha Ran thought, privy to the truth, appreciating Orochimaru's manipulation.

A missed opportunity not to be a master manipulator himself.

Boom!

While Orochimaru was under discussion, a golden bell chimed.

An elegant, three-dimensional figure materialized, spinning gracefully through the air.

The figure bore long, fiery red hair; their eyes mirrored the same crimson as their locks. With flowing eyes and a slender bridge adorned by narrow, brown-framed glasses, an air of intelligence radiated.

Dressed in a purple crop top, baring the midriff, black hot pants, black stockings, and black shinobi sandals, determination etched their youthful face.

This thirteen-year-old girl exuded an intellectual maturity.

After spinning, the figure transformed into an avatar and shot onto the leaderboards.

16th place: Uzumaki Karin (Uzumaki lineage, senior member)

Names on the list appearing didn't astonish many.

The iconic red hair aligned with the Uzumaki clan.

"Who'd have thought the resilient and unique Uzumaki clan still thrived?"

"Unlike Uzumaki Naruto, they're the genuine Uzumaki clan!"

"Fiery red hair—no mistaking it!"

"No forehead protector; perhaps they're a rogue."

"Expressed concisely."

"Isn't that foolish? They're unaware of the Uzumaki's bond with Konoha. Is their offer even valid?"

"You're naive. The Uzumaki clan's least likely to align with Konoha."

"Huh? Why? The Senju-Uzumaki connection and Uzushiogakure and Konoha's affiliation was well-known."

"But Konoha's no longer has Senju Hashirama."

"..."

Discussions resonated across the ninja world.

Iwagakure.

Onoki's aged face bloomed into a smile. He decided to recruit Uzumaki: "The old monkey's reaction should be a sight to behold."

Kumogakure.

Raikage's aide, Darui, brightened. "Raikage, Uzumaki Karin could be recruited."

"Will it work?" Secretary Mabui countered, "When the Land of the Whirlpool fell, Iwa, Kumo, and Kirigakure's shinobi were key."

"It's not about their joining our village," Darui replied with a sly grin. "It's about keeping them from going to Konoha, thus unsettling the balance."

"Disturbing the peace?" Fourth Raikage Ai displayed interest. "Elaborate."

Kirigakure.

Genji contemplated before saying, "Terumi Mei, bring this girl into our fold."

Terumi Mei faltered but, upon seeing Genji-sama's determination, pondered and finally stated, "Genji-sama intends to plot against Konoha?"

Genji didn't deny it.

"Just to manipulate Sarutobi Hiruzen's ineffectual leadership."

The revered Third Hokage was reduced to ineffectiveness.

Sunagakure, however, remained silent.

At this juncture, many mulled over Uzumaki's emergence.

Within Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen aged rapidly, his apprehension mounting.

With his astuteness and experience, he anticipated what might transpire.

Dependent on who made the first move.

Simultaneously, a message appeared in Jinchuriki's chat.

[Uzumaki Naruto: Hey, Uzumaki, she and I share the same last name~]

[Uzumaki Kushina: Foolish son, she belongs to the maternal clan, red-haired like his mother. Your father loved my red hair most (back then).]

[Uzumaki Naruto: Red hair's really cool. Little Sakura also has red hair. Could she be from the Uzumaki clan too?]

[Haruno Sakura: Idiot!! My name's Haruno, my hair's pink, not bright red! That'd be ugly!]

Ugly?

A tic-tac-toe formed on Uzumaki Kushina's forehead.

Uzumaki Mito's eyes twitched.

Tsunade deemed stricter apprentice selection necessary.

Uchiha Ran sighed, "First Hokage's wife, Tsunade's grandmother, and Fourth Hokage's disposition—all from the red-haired Uzumaki clan."

These words left Haruno Sakura utterly stunned.

[Haruno Sakura: My forehead's wide. Red hair doesn't suit me. Haha!]

This was a hodgepodge.

[Senju Hashirama: Amusing, Naruto lad. How come you act as if Konoha never had an Uzumaki clan? It's quite comical.]

[Uzumaki Naruto: Well, Grandpa First Hokage, I hadn't seen any Uzumaki clan members until today. If red hair means Uzumaki clan.]

[Senju Hashirama: How's that possible? Mito's part of the Uzumaki clan; Konoha was there...]

[Senju Tobirama: Big brother, enough!]

Pure Land.

Before Senju Hashirama could finish, Senju Tobirama's interruption came.

"Tobirama?"

Senju Hashirama turned, perplexed.

Senju Tobirama refrained from explaining, addressing Uzumaki Mito, "Sister-in-law?"

Uzumaki Mito kept her eyes shut.

Reading her silence, Senju Tobirama found his answer.

"Monkey, I've underestimated you."

Senju Tobirama's eyes darkened.

With his intellect and observation skills, he'd followed the Golden List for so long—how could he not deduce certain things?

The Uzumaki clan seemed extinct.

This clan, Senju's strongest ally, needed to weaken for Senju's influence to wane—erasing Uzumaki seemed the best way.

But Senju couldn't sit idle, watching the Uzumaki vanish. Their disappearance equated to Senju's significant weakening.

Thus, over the years, Senju...

[Senju Tobirama: Tsuna, how many Senju clan members still live?]

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