Chapter 253: The Past of Ise’s Parents

Ise's left hand supported his chin, while his right hand continued to move nimbly with a fine brush.

The most annoying student... but also the most diligent.

Ise is a walking contradiction.

On one hand, Ise is very meticulous—he can spend two hours just perfecting a small seal pattern—yet on the other hand, Ise often makes silly mistakes that could cause the entire sealing system to collapse.

But Reiji knows that behind all of that, Ise possesses something that other students lack: a stubborn spirit that could rival a rock.

Other students prefer to conduct research in the small buildings in the Research Area.

Not because they are forbidden from using the main building, but because they are reluctant.

This building is too closely associated with Reiji—too sacred, too intimidating.

Reiji's presence in their eyes is not just that of a teacher, but a legendary figure, almost like a small god in the world of seals and spells.

However, Ise is different.

He is the only one brave enough to occupy this room.

Although... most of Ise's courage comes from Reiji himself forcing him to do so.

Reiji chuckled softly to himself.

He still remembers Ise's confused expression the first time he was told to enter this room and conduct research.

The man stood in front of the door for five minutes, staring inside as if he were about to enter a holy altar.

And when Ise finally stepped in, his movements were like a thief afraid of making the floor creak.

However, gradually, Ise began to get used to it.

It even seemed like a second home to Ise now.

Perhaps because Ise's background is also unusual—different from most members of the Uzumaki Clan.

Ise does not have the bright red hair like most Uzumaki.

Ise's hair is jet black, thick, like a starless night.

A color that often leads to questions, discussions, and sometimes even being considered "less pure."

However, the truth is, Ise does have Uzumaki blood.

Ise's father is a ninja from the Uzumaki Clan, while Ise's mother hails from Amegakure—a doctor known for her meticulousness.

They met under unusual circumstances: the father was injured while on a secret mission and got lost in Amegakure territory.

Ise's mother helped the man, nursing Ise's father's wounds for weeks.

From there, their relationship grew.

Slowly.

And quietly.

Until it eventually turned into an undeniable love.

But time never favors ninjas.

Ise's father had to return to Uzushio, complete his mission, and the man promised to come back to officially bring his wife with him.

However, when Ise's father returned, he found his wife in a terrible condition—severely injured from a ninja battle that was never mentioned in official history.

Where Ise's father then took his wife to Uzushio, and fortunately, the woman managed to survive.

But only for a few months.

Ise was born in the autumn—amidst a thunderstorm that shook the sky.

At the sound of Ise's first cry, Ise's mother took her last breath.

Where Ise grew up without a mother's embrace, and not long after, Ise also lost his father who fell in a high-risk mission.

Even so, the Uzumaki Clan welcomed Ise well.

Perhaps not with completely open arms, but still with care and a sense of responsibility.

Where Ise was not hungry, not lacking in shelter, but... there was always a distance.

A distance that is invisible, yet so palpable.

That is what shaped Ise.

Where Ise became accustomed to being alone, accustomed to silence, accustomed to not being too close to anyone.

Ise does not demand attention, but he also does not shy away from solitude.

Like a shadow that faithfully follows but never dominates the light.

Reiji, at first, was not very interested in Ise, even though Ise and Fuso were the parents of Nagato.

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