Published at 24th of September 2024 8:26 am

Chapter 163 The Red Whirl Girl: 1 The Girl from Uzushio

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

The Village Hidden in the Leaves was always alive with activity, a bustling metropolis compared to Uzushio, the small, remote island village that Kushina Uzumaki had called home for most of her young life. Stepping off the ship that had brought her to Konoha, she felt a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling in her chest. The buildings loomed tall, and the streets were crowded with shinobi and civilians, all moving with purpose.

But Kushina wasn’t here for sightseeing.

She had been chosen, after much deliberation, to become the new vessel for the Nine-Tails, the fearsome demon fox that had once nearly destroyed the village. Her clan, the Uzumaki, were known for their longevity and extraordinary chakra, and Kushina’s unique abilities had made her a prime candidate. But even as her teachers back home praised her strength, she knew this was not going to be an easy life.

“I’ll become a kunoichi that no one can underestimate,” she whispered to herself, her determination burning as bright as her vivid red hair. It was a promise to herself—and a vow to her village.

As she made her way through the gates of Konoha, her bright red hair flowing behind her like a wild flame, people began to stare. It wasn’t often that someone from Uzushio came to Konoha, and her vibrant hair made her stand out even more. She could hear the whispers, see the glances.

“Isn’t that the new transfer?”

“Her hair looks like fire…”

“Do you think she’s the new Jinchuriki?”

Kushina gritted her teeth, trying to ignore the whispers. She had always hated how people reacted to her appearance. It wasn’t her fault her hair was so red, and it definitely wasn’t something she could control. She had learned to fight—both with words and fists—because of the teasing back home. But here, in Konoha, she would have to prove herself in a new way.

Her thoughts were interrupted as a tall, silver-haired shinobi appeared in front of her. He looked slightly bored, but his eyes were sharp, and his forehead protector bore the symbol of Konoha.

“You must be Kushina Uzumaki,” he said, his tone neutral.

She nodded, standing up straight. “Yes, that’s me.”

“I’m Jiraiya, one of the village’s top shinobi. I’ll be your guide for the day.” He motioned for her to follow, his long cloak swishing as he turned. “Welcome to Konoha, kid. Hope you’re ready for some fun.”

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The Academy was larger than Kushina expected, with open training grounds and several buildings that housed classrooms and sparring areas. As they walked through the grounds, Jiraiya filled her in on what her life in Konoha would entail. She would be training alongside other genin her age, and though she was here for a special purpose, she would be treated like any other shinobi—at least, that’s what they said.

Kushina wasn’t naive. She knew that her presence in Konoha had everything to do with the Nine-Tails sealed within the village and little to do with her personal skills or ambitions. But that didn’t matter to her. She was determined to show everyone that she wasn’t just a tool to be used. She was going to become a great kunoichi, just like her mother had always told her she could be.

As they neared the training grounds, a group of kids about her age were gathered, practicing various jutsu and techniques. Jiraiya gestured toward them.

“Those are your new classmates. Go introduce yourself.”

Kushina took a deep breath, bracing herself. She walked toward the group, her red hair catching the attention of a few of the students who stopped what they were doing to stare. A tall boy with dark hair and sharp features smirked as she approached.

“Hey, look, it’s the new girl with the funny hair,” he said loudly, drawing laughter from the group.

Kushina’s temper flared. She was used to this kind of teasing, but it didn’t make it any easier to handle. Without thinking, she balled her fists and stomped right up to the boy, glaring up at him.

“And who do you think you are, huh?” she snapped, her voice dripping with anger. “You’ve got something to say to my face?”

The boy blinked, clearly surprised by her directness, but before he could respond, a voice called out from behind the group.

“Leave her alone, Raido.”

A blonde boy with a broad grin and a confident swagger stepped forward. His blue eyes twinkled with mischief, and his hands rested casually in his pockets as he approached Kushina.

“Don’t mind him,” the boy said, shooting Raido a look that silenced him. “He’s just jealous ‘cause you’ve got cooler hair than him.”

Kushina raised an eyebrow, not sure what to make of the blonde boy, but the anger in her chest simmered down slightly.

“I’m Minato,” the boy said, holding out a hand to her. “Nice to meet you, Kushina.”

For a moment, Kushina hesitated, but then she reached out and shook his hand. Minato’s smile widened.

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Minato said, his voice friendly and sincere. “You’re from the Uzumaki Clan, right? That’s pretty cool.”

Kushina felt her guard drop, just a little. “Yeah… and I’ve heard about you, too. You’re the top student here, aren’t you?”

Minato laughed lightly, scratching the back of his head. “I wouldn’t say that, but I do my best.”

Despite herself, Kushina found herself smiling slightly. There was something about Minato that put her at ease, even though she had only just met him. He was different from the other boys—more kind, more genuine.

Maybe life in Konoha wouldn’t be so bad after all.

But before she could dwell on that thought for long, a voice echoed through the training grounds.

“All right, students! Line up for sparring practice!”

Kushina's heart raced as she turned to face the training instructor. This was it—her first chance to show everyone what she was made of. She wasn’t just here to be some vessel for the Nine-Tails. She was here to prove she could be one of the strongest kunoichi Konoha had ever seen.

She stepped forward, her eyes blazing with determination.

“I’ll show them,” she whispered under her breath, a grin forming on her lips. “I’ll show them all.”

And so, the whirlwind that was Kushina Uzumaki’s life in Konoha began.

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To Be Continued...

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