Path Of War-Chapter 321: Tell Me

Rin soon remembered that Kushina was the wife of her former sensei, Minato Namikaze.

According to Rin's understanding, Kushina was formerly a kunoichi from the Uzumaki clan. As a child, she had been forced to leave her home and relocate to the Hidden Leaf Village due to war, where she attended the ninja academy.

She quickly gained notoriety, declaring her ambition to be the first female Hokage. Her fiery personality earned her the nickname "Red Hot-Blooded Habanero," a way for her to protect herself from the taunts of her classmates.

"But how do I know that?" Rin paused to reflect on her memories.

She had no idea that Arthur was the source of this information.

Eventually, Kushina discovered that her unique chakra made her a candidate to become the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails. Although this revelation terrified her, she found guidance in Mito Uzumaki, the previous Jinchūriki, who taught her the importance of control.

As Kushina grew older, her role was shaped by relationships and significant events. She met Minato Namikaze, who supported her during her kidnapping by Cloud ninjas and eventually won her heart. Their bond deepened, leading to their marriage and the birth of their son, Naruto.

Despite being a Jinchūriki, Kushina confronted the challenges of her situation bravely. She was secretly protected during her pregnancy, but tragedy eventually struck when Obito Uchiha attacked and released the Nine-Tails from her body. In her final moments, motivated by her love for Naruto, Kushina made the ultimate sacrifice, willingly imparting her chakra.

Rin paused, paying her respects. "I feel privileged to be here with you," she murmured.

Yet, she understood that this moment of reverence was overshadowed by her mission. For reasons she couldn't fully grasp, Arthur required Kushina's DNA.

Rin concentrated her chakra and scraped as much as she could from the tomb. Once she gathered everything, she carefully secured it in a scroll.

However, her work wasn't done yet. She returned upstairs and began to open more tombs. She recognized the clan names on each one, some of which had histories she had studied while in the Leaf, although their first names eluded her memory.

After collecting DNA from several tombs, Rin released the genjutsu she had cast. The area showed no signs of disturbance.

Happy of her accomplishment, she felt a sense of success. She had secured what was needed in this cemetery, but there were more destinations ahead.

Leaving the structured environment of the Kage tombs, she then made her way across the village to another cemetery—this one marked by a darker history.

It lay within the Uchiha clan district.

As she arrived, Rin sensed the emptiness that pervaded the area; the infamous massacre of this clan was almost universally known.

Thoughts of Sasuke Uchiha crossed her mind, and she wondered if things might have turned out differently if Kakashi hadn't been his sensei. But dwelling on hypothetical what-ifs was pointless now.

She needed to focus on her task.

Once again employing the same genjutsu, she began the painstaking process of excavating graves, working swiftly but methodically as she gathered whatever DNA she could find. Hours slipped by until night finally fell.

By the time she finished, she was drenched in sweat and dirt. She repaired the gravesites using her skills to restore them to their original appearance.

After concluding her work, she left the Uchiha cemetery and returned toward the village gates. Upon passing the village's protective barriers, she was teleported out and reappeared in the throne room, where Arthur awaited her in a relaxed position, ready to hear her report.

"My lord!" she exclaimed, smiling as she pulled out the scrolls containing her findings. "I've finished the mission!"

"Well done," Arthur replied in a calm and encouraging tone.

Though she wanted to tell about her experience with Tsunade, hoping for guidance or solace, she hesitated. An inner voice warned her against broaching that topic.

If she had said or done something inappropriate, he would have chimed in by now. But since he hadn't brought it up, perhaps things were best left unsaid.

Instead, she said, "I hope I can continue to be of assistance and appreciate the opportunity to serve you."

"I'm looking forward to..." His simple words were sufficient to keep her heart warm. "Go find Brie for your cloak and leave the scrolls here."

Rin followed his instructions, leaving the scrolls behind. She was overwhelmingly excited to don the same uniform as her peers.

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By the time she departed, Arthur stood up from his chair to collect the seven scattered scrolls. It was clear there was DNA from both Kushina and some Uchiha, but who were the others? How much DNA had Rin brought back with her?

Elsewhere in the plaza, Rin navigated the labyrinth of corridors until she reached the laboratory.

The door opened automatically as she approached. Inside, Brie was hunched over a desk scattered with containers and tools, seemingly deep in another cloning experiment.

Rin recognized the items and understood this was likely something Arthur needed her to do. "Are you busy?" she inquired.

Brie jumped slightly, causing a small metal tool to clatter to the floor.

"Don't surprise me like that!" she exclaimed, brushing her hair from her face.

"I'm sorry. I thought you heard me come in."

Brie picked up her tool and asked, "What do you need, Rin?"

"Well, I was sent for my cloak by lord Arthur."

After a moment of consideration, Brie said, "Oh right, I forgot that lord Hoshikaze visited earlier with one. It should be over there."

She gestured toward the lab's corner. Rin rushed over, excitement bubbling within her. The cloak felt heavier than she had anticipated when she lifted it from the hook. It featured the same layers as Tayuya's: a hood to conceal her face and a white skirt; the male versions extended to their legs.

"Did you just get back from a mission?" Brie asked with curiosity.

"Yes," Rin replied. "How'd you know?"

"They told me you'd be successful in whatever mission you were on and to save the cloak for your return."

Rin felt a warm sense of validation. The doubts she had about Arthur's faith in her melted away.

"In any case," Brie continued, "what was the mission?"

Reflecting on the grueling work she had undertaken, Rin hesitated. "To be honest, it was like grave robbing."

Brie's interest piqued. "What did you gather?"

"I had to unearth several hundred tombs," Rin clarified. "It was a lot of effort. One grave had over five hundred Uchihas buried in it. It made me think there wasn't much room for burials in Leaf Village."

Rin noticed a change in Brie's expression, as if she had come to a realization.

"What's the matter?" Rin asked.

Brie took a deep breath. "I think I understand what lord Arthur's been planning," she said slowly.

"Really?" Rin pressed, eager for more information. "What is it? Wait! Maybe I shouldn't know." A part of her yearned to know, so she didn't back away. "Okay, wait! Tell me!"

Leaning in and lowering her voice, Brie whispered, "I think he's planning to revive the entire Uchiha clan and bring them to his new country..."

Rin's eyes widened in shock. "What? How's that even possible?"

"He revived you, didn't he?" Brie gestured toward her. "While it may seem unlikely, it's possible to bring an entire clan back from the dead."

Rin shook her head, trying to process the implications. "You really believe that's what he's going to do?"

"Yeah, judging from the work I've been doing!"

"And what have you been up to?"

Brie giggled softly. "I'm sorry, love, but I can't share that information. Since it's on lord Arthur's orders, I'm sure you understand."

While Rin felt overwhelmed, she knew not to go against Arthur's orders. The idea of an entire clan coming back was almost unfathomable.

Weakly, she said, "I hope it works out."

As Rin decided to leave, she turned to ask, "Do you know where everyone is?"

"They went on a mission similar to yours. If you're sensible, you'll take breaks instead of pushing yourself. You just returned."

Rin frowned; resting felt wrong given the circumstances.

"I can't do that," she insisted. "I must strengthen myself. I want to go on missions with Tayuya and the others."

"Rin, you've already done a lot to prove you're strong," Brie said gently, her expression softening. "Why don't you just unwind for now?"

"But if I don't train, I'll fall behind," Rin argued, crossing her arms.

"Listen to me. You have time. Tayuya and the others are doing well on their own. And let me remind you that they were a group before they joined lord Arthur."

Rin considered Brie's words. Deep down, she acknowledged that Brie was right. The missions would always be waiting for her. But the fear of missing out and being left behind nagged at her.

Finally, she relented. "All right, all right."

"Good," Brie replied. "If you feel up to it, you can assist me in the lab later."

"I suppose so."

Brie's demeanour brightened. "It will be simple. Just organizing a few supplies here and there."

Rin felt disheartened; she had always preferred to help others in combat.

"I'll give it some thought," she decided, moving towards the door.

"Then, have it your way."

As Rin turned to glance at the scientist, who was already engrossed in her work once more, she wondered what secret project Arthur had her working on.

With those thoughts, she left the lab and pondered in the corridors.

If Arthur truly intended to resurrect the Uchiha clan, it wouldn't be an easy task. Moreover, if he succeeded, what would it mean? How would it change things? Would it lead to new conflicts or create peace?

What would Itachi and Sasuke think of this? Would Obito also become involved if word got out?

She paused at a window and gazed out at the barracks. The sun hung low in the sky and cast shadows.

"Kakashi," she thought to herself. "I hope you're prepared for what's about to happen."

Her mind swirled with questions after hearing such revelations.

Never before had anyone attempted what Arthur was doing in this world's history. He was certainly exceeding everyone's expectations, but the significance of it was monumental.

Perhaps the most pressing question was how he planned to accomplish all of this.

Rin shook off her doubts and turned away from the window, continuing through the corridors until she finally reached her room.

It was anything but simple; it was lavish and hers, thanks to Arthur's generosity.

As she lay back in her cozy bed, reminding herself to relax for just a moment, she thought, 'I need to continue training.'

Then she yawned, realizing how exhausting the day had been. Maybe tomorrow would be a better time to focus on that.

Eventually, her mind quieted, and she drifted off to sleep.