11. Inheriting The Uzumaki Legacy

On that day, deep within Konoha's Forest of Death, a separate area stood out.

In a clearing, there was a unique platform. Though some might call it an altar, that wouldn't be entirely accurate. It was more of a low-standing platform, not very elevated.

Nine distinct pillars encircled the platform. These rock formations were covered in intricate seals that extended down to the ground, converging at the platform's base.

Upon the platform were two small beds, with two figures lying atop them—one older, one younger. The elder was Uzumaki Mito, and the younger was Uzumaki Kushina.

Both were dressed in thin, pure white garments, exposing their lower abdomens as they lay in stillness.

Surrounding the platform were only a handful of individuals, led by the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

No other figures could be seen in the distance.

The Anbu ninja, responsible for securing the outer perimeter, were discreetly stationed, ensuring the safety of this plan, extending their vigilance across the entire Forest of Death.

Ishigami Hara and Nawaki stood near the platform. Ishigami Hara's face remained calm, betraying no visible emotion. In contrast, Nawaki was in tears, silently grieving, his expression filled with sorrow.

Ishigami Hara made no attempt to comfort Nawaki. The loss of a loved one isn't like a passing storm but a persistent weight that remains. Only the individual can find their way through such pain.

Of course, Ishigami Hara was not idle. After mastering extensive sealing techniques from the Uzumaki clan, he had sealed Uchiha Izuna within himself earlier, according to his needs.

It wasn't quite a seal, though. More precisely, he had cut off Uchiha Izuna's external senses. Izuna could still communicate with him but was unable to act beyond that—certainly unable to trigger the kind of emotional Chakra outbursts he had before.

After all, today was the handover of the Jinchūriki, and Ishigami Hara wanted to avoid attracting attention because of Uchiha Izuna. Thus, it was better to impose restrictions early.

"Let's begin."

On the platform, Uzumaki Mito glanced at the two of them. Her eyes softened when she looked at Nawaki, and they held a hint of encouragement when they met Ishigami Hara's gaze.

"Grandma!"

Nawaki broke down in tears and instinctively stepped forward, but Ishigami Hara gently held his shoulders.

Shaking his head slightly, Ishigami Hara said, "Don't disappoint Mito-sama. You need to be strong."

After speaking, he glanced at the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the others, then turned to Nawaki. "Hokage-sama and the others are here. You represent the Senju. Your grandmother is watching you—show your strength."

Ahead, Sarutobi Hiruzen observed the interaction and spoke to the tall, thin man beside him. "Orochimaru, aren't you going to console them?"

Orochimaru, with his pale complexion and vertical pupils, briefly looked at Ishigami Hara and Nawaki, then shook his head slightly. "There's no need."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said, "Alright, keep an eye on the perimeter."

"Understood," Orochimaru replied calmly. He gave Nawaki one last glance before vanishing swiftly.

Eight members of the Sealing Squad were positioned around the platform. Upon hearing Uzumaki Mito's signal, they began their preparations. Once everything was in place, they each leaped onto one of the stone pillars surrounding the platform.

At this moment, Ishigami Hara patted Nawaki on the shoulder, saying nothing further, and in a swift motion, jumped onto one of the pillars himself.

Those familiar with the situation could see that Ishigami Hara was leading the Sealing Squad, as his position stood out among the eight.

It had been half a month since Ishigami Hara had learned the Adamantine Sealing Chains. During this time, he hadn't slacked off at all, diligently following the training regimen Uzumaki Mito had laid out for him. Under her guidance, Ishigami Hara absorbed a wide variety of sealing techniques. His reputation as a prodigy had begun to spread within Konoha's upper circles.

Originally, Ishigami Hara wouldn't have had the chance to be involved in such a significant event as the transfer of a Jinchūriki, let alone play a pivotal role. However, thanks to Uzumaki Mito's arrangements, Ishigami Hara had become a key player in this crucial task.

Naturally, some objections were raised, notably by the two advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. But their protests were silenced after Ishigami Hara demonstrated his mastery of the Adamantine Sealing Chains*

Both advisors were knowledgeable and fully understood the power of such a sealing technique. Ishigami Hara's ability to master it made him more than qualified to participate.

As expected, Shimura Danzō eyed Ishigami Hara with growing interest.

Ishigami Hara, however, remained oblivious to Danzō's intentions and ignored any attention directed his way.

He now carried a confidence born from his progress.

It must be said that Uzumaki Mito had been exceptionally kind to Ishigami Hara. Perhaps it was because they met during the twilight of her life, or due to his immense talent and aloof nature, but she grew very fond of him. In fact, her affection extended to treating him like a close family member, partly because of his orphaned status.

For these reasons, Uzumaki Mito had come to regard Ishigami Hara as her own, elevating his status to a level comparable to Uzumaki Kushina.

In other words, after Uzumaki Mito's passing, Ishigami Hara would be considered one of the heirs of the Uzumaki clan within Konoha, sharing similar rights to those granted to Kushina.

This meant he was entitled to reside within the Senju clan's land and held a minor inheritance of the Senju's legacy.

This inheritance was bestowed upon him by Uzumaki Mito herself.

Thus, Ishigami Hara was no longer just an ordinary civilian shinobi. He now possessed a prestigious status, akin to Nawaki's in Konoha. While perhaps not as unique as Nawaki's position, the invisible legacy left to Ishigami Hara carried no less significance, and it held the promise of greater potential in the future.

Because of this, even someone like Shimura Danzō would need to tread carefully before attempting anything against Ishigami Hara. Public opinion carried considerable weight.

Though Uzumaki Mito hadn't left anything tangible to Ishigami Hara, her actions on his behalf spoke volumes. Despite their lack of familial ties, the fact that she did this for him was something Ishigami Hara deeply appreciated.

As the Sealing Squad and Ishigami Hara performed their seals in near-perfect unison, they each pressed their hands against the stone pillars. A vast seal immediately spread across the ground, merging seamlessly with the existing seals.

The pattern seemed to come to life, twisting and weaving. In mere moments, it extended toward Uzumaki Mito and Uzumaki Kushina.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed across the clearing, followed by an overwhelming surge of blood-red Chakra pouring from Uzumaki Mito's body.

Everyone present knew— the transfer of the Nine-Tails had begun.