Mokuton Phantom in Naruto

The journey back to Hoshigakure was eerily quiet. The group moved through the dense forest without encountering enemies or obstacles. The tranquility felt unnatural, and Tadashi couldn't stop glancing toward the horizon, his hand never far from a kunai.

"It's too quiet," he muttered, walking alongside Keiko.

"Maybe it's just luck," she replied, trying to sound hopeful.

Tadashi shook his head, his face worn with exhaustion and bitterness.

"In the end, the ninja world is about power. The great villages used us like pawns in their game."

Aiko, leading the group, heard her father's words and clenched her fists. He wasn't wrong. The betrayal of Uzushiogakure was proof enough. But dwelling on it wouldn't change their reality. Hoshigakure was the only refuge they had now.

Meanwhile, back in Hoshigakure, Ryuusei woke early, as usual. He went through his morning training alone, practicing the exercises his mother had taught him. Yet, his mind wandered. He couldn't stop thinking about his parents and what might be happening in Uzushiogakure.

They must be fine, he told himself, gripping his kunai tighter. Mom is strong. And Dad, too.

On the way to the academy, he chatted with Seiryu, who, as always, seemed full of energy.

"Hey, Ryuusei! Did you notice they increased our star energy training time?" Seiryu asked, walking alongside him.

Ryuusei smiled, momentarily distracted from his worries.

"Yeah! Finally, we can push our limits. I feel like I'm getting closer to full chakra control."

"You're already a beast," Seiryu teased, laughing. "I can barely last two hours, and you just stand there like it's nothing."

Ryuusei laughed along, but inwardly, the same question gnawed at him. Why doesn't the star energy affect me like it does everyone else? Was it his Uzumaki heritage? Or something more?

The day at the academy passed quickly, filled with intense training and lessons on advanced chakra techniques. As usual, Ryuusei excelled, but his mind remained divided between the present and the lingering worry for his family.

That evening, while Ryuusei and Seiryu were discussing their next training goals, a village messenger approached.

"Ryuusei, your parents are back," the man said, smiling.

Ryuusei didn't wait to hear more. He sprinted home, heart pounding in his chest. Bursting through the door, he found Aiko and Kousei seated in the living room, alongside several unfamiliar faces.

"Mom! Dad!" Ryuusei cried, rushing to embrace them.

Aiko smiled, though the fatigue in her eyes was unmistakable.

"We're okay, Ryuusei," she assured, stroking his hair. "But we have a lot to talk about."

Once the initial excitement settled, Aiko gathered everyone in the living room. Tadashi and Keiko Uzumaki sat side by side, their expressions stern but relieved. Misaki, the young girl they had rescued, hovered quietly nearby, her wide eyes taking in her new surroundings.

"Ryuusei," Aiko began, "these are your grandparents, Tadashi and Keiko Uzumaki. And this is Misaki, a survivor from our clan."

Keiko immediately stood, wrapping Ryuusei in a warm embrace.

"Look at you! So grown up already," she said, squeezing him tightly.

Ryuusei chuckled, slightly embarrassed but comforted by the affection.

"It's nice to meet you, Grandma."

Tadashi, however, remained seated, arms crossed and face stern.

"I'm your grandfather, Tadashi," he said, voice gruff. "It's a shame it took so long for us to meet. You never visited Uzushiogakure."

Ryuusei blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness.

"I… didn't know I could. Mom never mentioned a visit."

Aiko quickly intervened, her tone firm but calm.

"Father, he's just a boy. It wasn't his choice."

Tadashi grunted but didn't press further.

Misaki, shyly stepping forward, gave a small bow.

"I'm Misaki. Thank you for welcoming me."

Ryuusei offered a reassuring smile.

"Welcome. I hope you'll feel at home here."

Despite the relief of reunion, unanswered questions still clouded Ryuusei's mind. His grandparents were clan elders, why would they abandon Uzushiogakure to live in a small village like Hoshigakure? He had asked himself this countless times, and now, face-to-face with the survivors, the answers still felt incomplete.

Later that evening, unable to hold back his curiosity, Ryuusei approached Aiko.

"Mom…" he hesitated. "What really happened in Uzushiogakure? Why did everyone come here?"

Aiko's eyes darkened, sadness and determination mingling in her gaze.

"That's a conversation for another day, Ryuusei," she said softly. "For now, just know that we're together and safe. That's what matters."

Ryuusei nodded reluctantly, knowing he wouldn't get more answers tonight. He chose to trust his mother, for now.

Meanwhile, in the Hoshikage's tower, Eizen sat behind his desk, listening intently as Ginga delivered the mission report.

"Aiko and Kousei successfully rescued Tadashi, Keiko, and a girl named Misaki," Ginga summarized, holding a scroll filled with notes. "But Uzushiogakure was completely destroyed. The invaders were well-organized and overwhelming."

Eizen leaned back, fingers steepled beneath his chin.

"And Konoha? Any sign of their forces?"

Ginga shook his head.

"None. It's clear they abandoned Uzushiogakure."

Eizen sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a moment of contemplation.

"This confirms our suspicions. The great villages are playing a dangerous game, and we won't be their pawns."

Ginga nodded, face grim.

"What's our next move? We've taken in more Uzumaki. That could attract unwanted attention."

Eizen stood, walking to the window. Outside, the star mist shimmered like an ethereal veil over the village.

"There won't be further moves against the Uzumaki, not for now," he concluded. "Konoha was their ally, at least publicly. They'll need to maintain appearances, which means they'll investigate the attack. That buys us time."

"But for how long?" Ginga asked quietly.

Eizen didn't answer. His gaze remained fixed on the distant horizon, where the ashes of Uzushiogakure had barely settled. He knew peace was temporary. The tides of power were shifting, and sooner or later, Hoshigakure would find itself caught between the waves.