The night air was thick with the scent of burning wood and blood as masked ANBU operatives sprinted through the streets of Konoha. The Root raid had already left tensions high, their forces scattered throughout the village in search of Danzo's hidden strongholds. But now, another crisis had erupted—one that demanded immediate action.
Flashes of chakra signatures surged in the Uchiha district, flickering like dying embers in the wind. The ANBU, already spread thin, sensed the commotion and changed course, heading toward the heart of the disturbance. When they arrived, the scene before them was nothing short of devastation.
The once-proud Uchiha district lay in ruins—rooftops caved in, debris scattered across the stone pathways, and the scent of blood soaking the very air they breathed. Several Uchiha clan members were slumped against the shattered remnants of their homes, groaning in pain. Some were barely conscious, their breaths shallow, while others lay motionless, their bodies bearing the marks of brutal combat.
Amidst the wreckage, a lone figure stood, swaying unsteadily on her feet.
Mikoto Uchiha.
Her once-pristine kimono was torn and soaked in crimson, her body riddled with wounds. One of her arms hung limply at her side, her shoulder clearly dislocated. Blood trickled down her forehead, yet her gaze remained fierce as she struggled to stay standing.
Izumi Uchiha lay a few feet away, unconscious. Her chest rose and fell erratically, a testament to the severe injuries she had sustained in the battle. Her dark hair was matted with dirt and blood, and her left leg was twisted at an unnatural angle.
The ANBU squad leader, clad in a wolf mask, stepped forward. "What happened here?" he demanded, his voice sharp and urgent.
Mikoto, gritting her teeth against the pain, forced herself to speak. Her voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.
"...Orochimaru."
The ANBU operatives stiffened at the name. They exchanged brief, knowing glances before immediately activating their communication seals. One of them vanished in a blur of speed, heading straight for the Hokage Tower to relay the information to Tsunade.
The squad leader knelt beside Mikoto, carefully placing a stabilizing hand on her shoulder. "You did well holding out this long. We'll take it from here."
Mikoto tried to protest, but darkness clawed at the edges of her vision. Her knees buckled, and the ANBU barely caught her before she collapsed completely.
"Get them to the hospital. Now."
Two ANBU swiftly lifted Mikoto and Izumi, flashing away with them toward the medical facility.
The Konoha Hospital was a whirlwind of movement as medics rushed between rooms, tending to the injured from both the Root raid and the attack on the Uchiha district. At the center of it all stood Tsunade Senju, the Fifth Hokage, her hands glowing with healing chakra as she worked tirelessly to stabilize her patients.
Beside her, Kushina Uzumaki assisted, her fiery hair tied back, her expression one of fierce determination. Though not a professional medic-nin, her Uzumaki lineage granted her immense chakra reserves, allowing her to aid in the healing process where needed.
As soon as the ANBU arrived with Mikoto and Izumi, Tsunade snapped into action. She gestured sharply toward an empty bed. "Put her here. Kushina, help me with Mikoto first—she's lost too much blood."
Kushina nodded and pressed her hands over Mikoto's abdomen, sending a steady stream of healing energy into the wound. The blood flow slowed, but the damage was extensive.
Tsunade clenched her jaw. "Damn it... they went straight for the vitals."
She focused her chakra into her fingertips, knitting torn muscle and ruptured tissue back together. Sweat formed on her brow as she worked, but she pushed through, her years of experience guiding her hands with unwavering precision.
As Mikoto's breathing steadied, Kushina turned to look at her dear friend, a pained expression on her face. "Mikoto... what have they done to you?" she whispered.
Tsunade placed a reassuring hand on Kushina's shoulder. "She'll live. But the damage is severe. She'll need time to recover."
Kushina exhaled sharply, her hands balling into fists. "And Sasuke? Where is he?"
Tsunade's gaze darkened. "He's been taken. By Orochimaru."
Kushina's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding against her ribs. "That snake... he's taken too much already."
Tsunade turned her attention to Izumi, who was still unconscious. Her injuries, while not as severe as Mikoto's, were significant. Tsunade ran a diagnostic scan, her brow furrowing.
"She has a fractured leg and internal bleeding. But she'll make it."
As she began healing Izumi, Kushina's mind raced. First, the Root rebellion. Now, Orochimaru had made his move. And worst of all—Menma had sided with Danzo.
A clash between her sons seemed inevitable.
Kushina clenched her fists. I won't let my family tear itself apart.
She turned to Tsunade, her voice unwavering. "I'm going with them."
Tsunade paused, her golden eyes locking onto Kushina's. "Kushina..."
"I won't stand by while Menma walks down this path," Kushina said, her voice fierce. "And I won't let Orochimaru take Sasuke without a fight."
Tsunade sighed heavily, knowing there was no stopping her once she had made up her mind. "Fine. But you listen to my orders. No reckless charges."
Kushina smirked, her old fire returning. "No promises."