Chapter 33: Arrival at the Land of Whirlpools

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Early chapters: patreon.com/Reborn_noob

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Watching Yuta pack his gear, ready for departure, Kiko couldn't shake a feeling of unease.

This mission felt different. Yuta and his team were potentially facing the combined might of much of the ninja world, with Konoha only sending a relatively small support contingent. 

Even with Yuta's resourcefulness, the odds seemed overwhelming.

Yuta, having finished packing, noticed Kiko's worried expression and stepped towards her to offer comfort. "Don't fret. This mission isn't a direct confrontation with those forces. Our trip to Whirlpool Country might actually be an escort operation."

Hearing Yuta's words, Kiko frowned in confusion. "Escort? I thought you were going to support Whirlpool Country?"

Yuta placed his hands on Kiko's shoulders, his expression relaxed. "Do you think the Third Hokage is foolish enough to send such a small group to Whirlpool Country to die? Our primary objective this time is to extract a few key members of the Uzumaki clan."

Yuta lowered his gaze for a moment, a hint of sadness in his voice. "After all, Mito-sama is no longer young."

Kiko, intelligent and perceptive, immediately understood Yuta's implication. Their main task was likely to ensure the safety of the next Jinchūriki.

Relief washed over Kiko at the realization that Yuta and his team wouldn't be directly engaging the forces targeting the Uzumaki clan.

Seeing Kiko's worry subside, Yuta turned serious. "I might be gone for an extended period this time, so be extra cautious at home. Also, remind Ganta and the others not to casually mention their bloodline limit to outsiders. I'm concerned the Third Hokage might target them."

"Yes! I understand." Kiko replied solemnly. She was aware of the Konoha high council's interest in bloodline limits. Though she didn't know the specifics, she had occasionally overheard Tsunade's frustrated remarks about the Third Hokage's inaction regarding the First Hokage's remains.

If they knew her husband had become a wielder of a powerful bloodline limit and could pass it on to their children, they would undoubtedly plot against their family.

"Alright, I'm leaving now. No one knows when those forces will make their move." Seeing that Kiko grasped the gravity of the situation, Yuta released her shoulders, turned, and headed out.

Three days later, determined to reach the Land of Whirlpools as swiftly as possible, Yuta and his team pressed onward with minimal stops for rest, food, or even restroom breaks.

Their relentless pace far exceeded the normal travel speed of even seasoned jonin. After traversing the final stretch of forest, the vast expanse of the ocean lay before them.

…

In the early morning, a vibrant red sun crested the horizon, casting a brilliant crimson glow across the entire island.

Several ninjas from Whirlpool Country, including the Uzumaki clan head, had arrived at the shore before dawn.

Suddenly, one of them pointed towards the sea and exclaimed, "It's a ship! A ship from the Land of Fire, flying the Konoha flag! People from Konoha are coming!"

On the tranquil sea, a medium-sized ship sailed steadily, its sails gently billowed by the light breeze. The wind wasn't strong, but fortunately, the ship was also equipped with a propeller for propulsion even in calm conditions. The pristine white waves parted, leaving a churning trail in the ship's wake.

Besides the sailors, ninjas wearing Konoha forehead protectors were visible on deck. For this mission to support Whirlpool Country, Mito had dispatched a significant portion of the Senju clan's experienced ninjas.

"Captain, we've sighted the island of Whirlpool." As the mission's captain, Yuta naturally had a private cabin.

At that moment, a Senju clan ninja stood outside his cabin door and reported in a low voice.

The cabin was small and functional. Yuta had been reviewing the intelligence recently gathered from the Land of Whirlpools. He rose upon hearing the knock and the report.

"Give the order: everyone prepare to land."

The ninja outside the door acknowledged the command and departed. Soon, in less than thirty seconds, all the well-drilled ninjas had assembled on the deck, causing the ship's sailors to hastily clear the area.

Yuta stood at the bow, surveying the escort team under his command, a silent sigh escaping him. The situation appeared more dire than he had anticipated. The moment Whirlpool Country received word of Konoha's approaching envoy, they had wasted no time in urging their arrival.

Had it not been for Mito's persistent pleas and Konoha's unwavering commitment to securing the next Jinchūriki, the village might have indeed been forced to witness the destruction of Whirlpool Country without intervention.

Yuta's own presence in this era had inadvertently contributed to the current crisis. Had it not been for the "Three Character Classic" he had introduced, which had bolstered the prestige of the various daimyo, the ninja villages might not have felt such an urgent need to enhance their own power to counter potential daimyo influence, and they might not have turned their attention to the Uzumaki clan so quickly.

"I won't belabor the details of this mission," Yuta began his pre-landing briefing, a confident glint in his narrowed eyes. "I want to emphasize one crucial point: remember, this is primarily an escort mission. Our priority is to extract as many people as possible."

"Naturally, we will return after securing the designated individuals. It's quite possible we won't encounter any hostiles, but do not let your guard down. We cannot predict when the enemy will strike Whirlpool Country. We must maintain extreme vigilance and avoid losing our lives in a place like this."

"Yes, Captain!" the assembled ninjas responded in unison.

The island grew larger in their view, and the figures standing on the beach became clearly discernible. Their distinctive red hair confirmed their identity as members of the Uzumaki clan. But…

"They are all women and children. It seems they have resigned themselves to perishing alongside their loved ones."

Seeing the composition of the group awaiting them on the shore, Yuta understood the Uzumaki clan's desperate plan.

"I am Yuta, a ninja from Konoha. I have come to visit the Uzumaki clan on the orders of the Third Hokage and at the request of Lady Mito."

In the makeshift reception area near the shore, as the two groups met, Yuta offered a gentle smile and introduced himself first.

"I am the patriarch of the Uzumaki clan. It is an honor to meet the Silver Fox of Konoha." The patriarch offered a polite laugh and extended his hand, gesturing for Yuta to take a seat. 

However, his outward composure did not entirely mask his underlying tension.

The Silver Fox of Konoha was one of the most renowned ninjas of the era. Aside from the Kage of the major villages and the "demigod" of Amegakure, the Twin Stars of Konoha were among the most famous and formidable ninja. 

Their kind demeanor should not be mistaken for weakness. Those with narrowed eyes were often the most terrifying when angered—his sister Mito was a prime example.

The clan leader's emotions were a mixture of sorrow and hope. He was deeply saddened by the Uzumaki clan's desperate plight, but the arrival of the Konoha Silver Fox, he believed, demonstrated the Third Hokage's sincerity. 

Furthermore, hearing Yuta mention his sister just now suggested a strong bond between their families. With Mito's protection, perhaps their Uzumaki clan members would not face undue hardship upon reaching Konoha Village.

"Patriarch, the honor is all mine." Yuta offered a slight bow, showing his respect for the clan leader.

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I know that the attack on the Whirlpool village is earlier than canon. It is not a mistake; there is a reason for it, and Yuta somewhat indirectly caused it.