Chapter 21

By the end of the first week, after the main hustle and bustle and the influx of guests had died down a bit, I got a chance to talk to Grandpa about the impending war and a conversation I overheard almost a year ago.

Ryuji and I were sitting alone playing another game of shogi in his room, while the rest of the household went about their business, including Mom—Tomoko-chan dragged her out shopping. So, once again victorious, I made sure no one was eavesdropping and, putting on the most serious expression, asked Grandpa to set up a barrier.

"M?" Uzumaki didn't immediately catch on to what I was asking, busy examining the board and pondering the moves that led to his defeat.

"We need to talk, and I wouldn't want anyone to accidentally overhear," I said.

"Alright, Ryu-kun," he folded a few almost imperceptible hand seals and placed his hand on the floor, emitting a small burst of chakra.

In the next moment, chains of symbols ran across the floor in different directions, and the room was enveloped in a misty barrier.

"Now no one can hear us or see us, not even with the Byakugan," Grandpa informed me, instantly transforming before me into a focused and ready shinobi, who had seen quite a lot in his lifetime. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Is the Uzumaki clan aware of the impending war?"

"Yes, we know about the clashes that have begun on the border between Ivy and Suna. Konoha has provided us with enough information."

"And about the buildup of military power in Kiri and Kumo, amassing their forces in border garrisons?" Judging by the slightly surprised expression, it seemed that Konoha hadn't bothered to convey this piece of information to the Uzumaki.

"No, we didn't know about that," Grandpa confirmed my observation. "Where are you going with this?"

"With a very high probability, the first target for these forces will be Uzushio," I sighed deeply, delivering yet another shocking piece of news to the unprepared listener. "And you can't count on any allied assistance—Hokage and the elders have decided to trade you for the opportunity to test their future opponent and the desire to preserve their shinobi for a close encounter with Ivy and Suna if the war gets too close to the Fire Country's borders or disturbs more valuable allies."

"But... why... we've helped so many..." Grandpa clearly wasn't prepared for this.

"After the first Great War, shinobi and the loss of a huge number of strong fighters, including the first two Hokage, the Senju lost much of their influence in the village and are unlikely to influence anything except rushing to help you themselves and perish together," I interrupted Grandpa, who was clearly taken aback.

After that, there was a few minutes of silence, during which Ryuji collected himself and began to ponder something.

"How did you find out?"

"Just because I'm still little doesn't mean I don't understand anything," I smirked and recounted the conversation I accidentally overheard word for word.

"In simpler terms, our demise will allow Leaf to significantly reduce their losses, gain the opportunity to get their hands on a bit of our knowledge and wealth, and also significantly thin out the forces of the two great villages," Grandpa muttered. "But disclosing such information can be considered treason to our clan, and if Konoha finds out about it, you'll be in trouble. Why did you still decide to tell me?"

Apart from the desire to prevent the destruction of the village of Kushina, the disappearance of such a colorful and ancient clan, the loss of centuries-old knowledge of fuinjutsu and kekkei genkai, and simply the death of a huge number of beautiful women with luxurious crimson hair, whom I have a certain weakness for? Probably the desire to find out how simply disclosing information will affect future events on a global scale. But I won't tell anyone about it, ever.

"Firstly, I'm not betraying, just fulfilling the terms of an allied agreement, even if our Hokage decided to unilaterally terminate this agreement without notice," I clarified. "And secondly, I like it here WAY more than in Konoha, and I really don't like the fact that so many wonderful people can die solely because of the decision of a few old farts seeking benefit only for themselves!"