Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 21: Engagement First
Raised in modern society, Raiken decided to get engaged first and wait until both he and Mikoto reached the age of 18 before marrying.
His idea was accepted by the Uchiha Clan, especially by Hikaku, since Mikoto was only 16 years old.
After that meeting, Raiken met with Kushina and told her about Mikoto, who would soon become her future sister-in-law.
"What? Mikoto is your future wife?" exclaimed Kushina.
"Do you know her, Kushina?" asked Raiken.
"Yes! She's my first friend," Kushina replied with a smile.
"Your first friend? But she's older than you," said Raiken, surprised.
"I know. It started three years ago when the other kids isolated me. Mikoto was the one who came and offered her hand in friendship," said Kushina. "Brother, treat her well—otherwise, I'll beat you up."
"Hahahahaha," Raiken laughed. "It looks like I made the right choice picking her as my future wife."
"Yes, Mikoto is a good woman," said Kushina with a nod.
"Do you have any friends that you like in the academy?" Raiken asked curiously.
Kushina paused for a moment. She thought about Minato but then remembered how he did nothing when others bullied her. With that, she shook her head and said, "Nope, no one."
---Fugaku---
The news that Mikoto was already engaged to someone outside the clan spread quickly, both within and outside the Uchiha Clan. The one who was most affected, unexpectedly, was Uchiha Fugaku, because his father had told him that Mikoto would most likely become his future wife.
Uchiha Hikaku had been searching for a candidate who could become a husband for his granddaughter. Secretly, he had asked Yashiro opinion about who among the young men in the clan was most suitable to become the next clan leader—indirectly hinting that Mikoto would likely marry whoever was chosen.
So, Yashiro, Fugaku grandfather told him to act like a leader if he wanted to marry Mikoto. If his hunch was correct, then the next clan leader would marry the granddaughter of the current clan head.
Like many other young men in the Uchiha Clan who secretly liked Mikoto, Fugaku decided to take things seriously. He didn't just give 100% to his duties—he gave 200%.
He could feel that Uchiha Hikaku gaze had softened when looking at him, so he believed his time would come. Mikoto was only 16, maybe next year, or when she turned 18, Hikaku would formally propose the match.
But today, the clan received the news that Uchiha Hikaku granddaughter would marry the clan leader of Uzumaki Clan.
At first, some were angry. It was half taboo to marry someone outside the clan. But after the elders, including Fugaku own grandfather, supported the idea, the opposition faded.
It wasn't just Mikoto and Raiken who would marry—in the future, more Uchiha members would likely marry into the Uzumaki Clan. This marriage would combine their bloodlines and produce descendants with great potential.
But regardless of the reason, Fugaku couldn't accept it.
"Grandpa," greeted Fugaku as he entered the room, his face clouded with frustration.
"Fugaku," said Uchiha Yashiro, looking at his grandson. "Do you have something on your mind?"
"Yeah, Grandpa. Didn't you say the clan leader would choose the next patriarch as Mikoto husband?" asked Fugaku.
"Yes, I said that," replied Yashiro. He picked up his tea, took a sip, then cleared his throat. "It's impossible for Mikoto to become the next clan leader, and Hikaku wouldn't let his granddaughter become an ordinary member. At the very least, she should be the wife of the clan head."
"But… why the Uzumaki Clan?" asked Fugaku.
"Yesterday, Raiken—the young clan leader of the Uzumaki—came to propose an alliance between our two clans. Not only that, but he also shared a secret about our eyes," said Yashiro.
"Our eyes? You mean the Sharingan?" replied Fugaku.
"Yes. The Senju and Uzumaki come from the same lineage, they're both descendants of the Sage of Six Paths. The Uchiha, too, descend from the Sage. The difference is, they inherited the Sage body while we inherited his eyes," said Yashiro.
Fugaku mouth shaped an "O" in shock. "Is that really possible?"
"We found it ridiculous at first, but after our meeting, we realized—even if it's a lie—the marriage between the Uchiha and Uzumaki would benefit us. Our descendants would have the chakra reserves that we, compared to the Senju and Uzumaki, lack," said Yashiro. "And don't worry—the descendants won't carry the Senju or Uzumaki name."
"Then… they'll carry the Uchiha name?" asked Fugaku.
"No. They'll carry the name Otsutsuki. According to Raiken, that was the name of our true ancestor," said Yashiro. "I know this is hard for you. I saw your attitude and your dedication—how hard you worked to win Mikoto. But now, Mikoto is engaged to Raiken."
"Grandpa…" Fugaku clenched his fists. "I understand. I'll accept it."
Even though Fugaku had the qualities of a leader, he was still vulnerable. In the original timeline, he allowed the higher-ups to suppress the clan. Eventually, the Uchiha were massacred. And now, in this timeline, he had let the one he loved marry someone else.
---Nawaki---
Nawaki was the last of the Senju to bear the clan name, the only grandson of the legendary Senju Hashirama. Alongside his older sister Tsunade, he was one of the very few younger generation members permitted to publicly carry the Senju name. That alone made him a symbol of his clan lingering legacy.
His future was closely watched by the higher-ups of Konoha. Even among the other clan leaders, there was growing interest in the boy. One of the key reasons for this was the possibility that Nawaki—or perhaps his descendants—might awaken the Wood Style, the famous Kekkei Genkai that once belonged only to his grandfather, the First Hokage.
However, not everyone welcomed his existence.
Danzo, in particular, saw Nawaki as a threat.
The boy, though only twelve, constantly proclaimed his dream of becoming Hokage. It annoyed Danzo. Unlike Tsunade, who focused more on her medical practice and had a temper that distanced her from politics, Nawaki had charisma. He had the idealism that reminded others of Hashirama himself. And worst of all, he was beloved by many.
If given time, Nawaki could become the next Hokage. That alone would jeopardize everything Danzo had built from the shadows. With Nawaki as Hokage, the Elders power could be diminished. The Council could be reshuffled. Danzo himself could lose everything. Unlike Hiruzen, Nawaki couldn't be controlled.
A new Hokage, especially a Senju, could easily replace the entire Council. Many ninja would support such a move—not out of loyalty, but out of ambition. After all, if the Council seats were open, they might get a chance at them.
Danzo knew he had to act, and soon.
But for now, Nawaki was still a child.
At that moment, Nawaki happened to meet Raiken for the first time. Kushina was the one who introduced them.
"This is Senju Nawaki, the grandson of Lady Mito," said Kushina with a smile. "Nawaki, this is my brother—Uzumaki Raiken."
"Hello, Raiken-sama," Nawaki greeted politely. He used the honorific "sama" because he had heard of Raiken position as the new clan leader of the Uzumaki.
"Hello, Nawaki. Why didn't I see you yesterday?" Raiken asked casually.
"Oh, we were out on a mission with Orochimaru-sensei," Nawaki answered.
"A mission already?" Raiken raised an eyebrow. "How did it go?"
"It went well. It was our first C-rank mission," Nawaki said proudly.
"Good job," Raiken replied, nodding in approval. He could see the spark in Nawaki's eyes—the same spark he imagined once burned in the heart of Hashirama.
Raiken's impression of Nawaki was positive. He was a bit rough around the edges, but that was expected for someone his age. Still, he had the makings of a future leader. And while Raiken didn't yet know the full extent of the boy ambitions, he could tell Nawaki had inherited more than just the Senju name—he had inherited their will.
Kushina stood beside them.
For a moment, it was peaceful.
But far away, hidden in the shadows of Konoha, Danzo was already drawing up his plans. The Root leader knew that Nawaki bright future needed to be extinguished before it outshone his own.
--- Extra Info [Age of The Character]---
Raiken - 16 years old
Mikoto - 16 years old
Fugaku - 17 years old
Nawaki - 12 years old
Kushina - 11 years old
Nawaki - 12 years old
Tsunade - 24 years old
A/N: I tried to search cannon info about their age, and Nawaki is older than Minato and Kushina. While Tsunade after a bit of searching, she is 12 years older than her brother.
Extra Notes - You can read up to 21 advanced chapter on my patreon.
-patreon.com/zorojurown