Naruto: reborn as an Uzumaki

That afternoon, after lunch, I put my mother to sleep. Given her condition, it was easier to carry her while she was unconscious. Afterward, I wrote a letter to Konan, letting her know we were heading to the Leaf Village.

Konan was the only one who would check on my mother in our absence, as the villagers never seemed to care.

I prepared enough food for the journey, sealing it in a scroll to keep it fresh, and later that day, we set off.

The constant rain that the Hidden Rain is known for had stopped that afternoon, almost as if the weather knew we were leaving. It made the trip easier as I carried my mother through the village, her frail body resting against mine.

I was half-expecting Pain to stop us. But there was no interference. "I guess he doesn't see me as much of an information threat," I murmured as I began running through the countryside.

"Living outside the village because of the villagers' treatment probably helps. Still, I'll keep what I know of Pain's abilities to myself. Jiraiya's death... Naruto's growth depends on it." The last part of my murmur felt heavy, but I shook it off, focusing on the road ahead.

I ran day and night for four straight days, stopping only when my mother needed care. My Uzumaki heritage gave me almost limitless stamina, and I pushed through the fatigue, determined to reach the Leaf Village as soon as possible.

As I drew closer, I activated my Sharingan, scanning for potential threats or, better yet, Leaf shinobi. If I could find one, they might help me get to Tsunade faster.

It was on the fifth day, while leaping through the trees in the forest surrounding the Leaf Village, that I spotted him. White hair, a flak jacket with the Uzumaki swirl, and strong chakra. It had to be Kakashi Hatake.

I followed him quietly, trying to decide how to approach when he suddenly stopped and turned. "If you need something, you should just ask. You've been following me long enough to know I'm not your enemy," he said, his tone calm but direct. His eyes glanced toward my mother. "She doesn't look good."

"You're Kakashi Hatake, right?" I asked, stepping forward. "My name is Kenshin Uzumaki, a genin from the Hidden Rain. This is my mother, and I need to get her to the Leaf Village. I believe the Hokage is the only one who can help."

Kakashi studied me, his expression unreadable. "And I'm supposed to believe you? The Hidden Rain isn't known for being cooperative. How do I know you're not lying?"

His skepticism was understandable, but I couldn't afford to waste time. "Look, I know the Rain Village has a bad reputation, and I get why you'd be cautious, but I don't have any other choice. My mother is dying. If there's even a chance Tsunade can help, I have to take it. I've lost too many people already."

Kakashi's gaze remained cold, and I felt my desperation rising. "I'm connected to the Leaf, too," I added quickly. "My father was a shinobi from here."

His eyebrow twitched slightly. "And what does that prove?"

I sighed, frustration building. "Nothing, I guess. But I don't intend to harm the Leaf. If you won't help, fine. I'll make it there myself." I turned to continue toward the village, hoping he'd understand my resolve. Through my Sharingan, I could feel Kakashi following close behind.

"You've got something to say, then say it," I called back.

Kakashi caught up with me, his pace quickening. "I'm curious about your Sharingan," he said, his tone probing. "Who did you take it from?"

I stopped, meeting his gaze sharply. "I didn't take it from anyone. It's mine. My father was Uchiha. My Sharingan is his legacy." My voice was cold, matching the bite of his question.

He didn't press further, though the air between us remained tense. For the rest of the journey, we traveled mostly in silence, with Kakashi occasionally asking me more about my background.

His skepticism never fully disappeared, but he didn't stop me either. He finally agreed to help, on the condition that a Jonin would monitor me while I was in the village.

I had no problem with that. Earning their trust, or at least easing their suspicions, was the least I could do if it meant saving my mother.

The next afternoon, we finally approached the gates of the Leaf Village. The sight of the large wooden gates gave me hope. We quickened our pace, and as soon as we reached the entrance, Kakashi took charge.

"Izumo," Kakashi called to the gatekeeper. "Take them to the hospital, now. I'll bring the Hokage as soon as I can." Without another word, Kakashi disappeared, likely heading to Tsunade's office.

Izumo helped me carry my mother through the village, straight to the hospital. We were met by Tsunade, Shizune, and Kakashi not long after.

As I laid my mother on a bed, I felt the weight of my exhaustion crash down, but I remained by her side, praying that Tsunade could do something, anything, to keep her alive.

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Everyone, thanks for your support and power stones. I had to rewrite this chapter because the previous version was unsatisfactory and some of you pointed out it's flaws. As always, please give me your power stones if you want to support me and let me know if you have any helpful suggestions/criticisms about this book.