Chapter 34: A Shift in Destiny

After two days of travel, Kaito and his group finally crossed the Land of Tea and arrived at another port.

To save time, they didn't bother haggling and directly bought a large ship over twenty meters long. The money they had gathered from the ruins of the Village Hidden in the Whirlpools was more than enough to see them through for a long time.

"Big Sis Ruri, are you sure we don't need any sailors? A ship this big can't be easy to control," Kaito said, worried.

"Don't underestimate me. The Village Hidden in the Whirlpools is a seaside village, too. I went out to sea with my father many times when I was a child. You can all relax," Ruri said, full of a confidence that was a far cry from her previously fragile state. Her injuries had almost completely healed, a testament to the power of her Uzumaki bloodline.

"Are you sure you won't get lost?"

"I bought nautical charts. It'll be absolutely fine!"

Seeing the children excitedly run onto the deck, Kaito had no choice but to hoist the supplies they had purchased and follow them aboard.

"Mm, the wind is perfect today." Ruri stood at the bow, gripping the helm. She smiled and shouted, "Are you all ready?"

"Ready!"

"Then, let's set sail!"

The sails were raised, and the large ship slowly pulled away from the port.

Gazing at the receding coastline, Kaito breathed a sigh of relief.

Once they were out at sea, the chances of being found would drop significantly. All they had to do was wait until Konoha had chosen the second jinchuriki for the Nine-Tails. After that, the Leaf would have no reason to continue searching for scattered Uzumaki clan members. Only then would they be truly free.

"Kaito, what are you doing just standing there? Get over here," Ruri called out, keeping one eye on the compass and the other on the sea. "I'll teach you how to handle the ship."

"Alright, I'm coming!"

"Me too, I want to learn, too!" Kushina and the other two small children rushed over to join the fun.

Kaori just smiled, heading off on her own to clean the cabin and make the beds.

"You can learn, but no messing around, okay?"

"Okay!"

Across the vast ocean, the clear, bell-like sound of joyful laughter occasionally drifted by, carried far away by the sea breeze.

"Hiruzen, this is the latest report from the Land of Grass. Take a look."

In the Hokage's office, Danzo handed over an intelligence report. "The Land of Rain has withdrawn its troops. They clashed with a Stone ninja unit from the Land of Earth that was trying to cut off their rear. The result was a major defeat for the Stone. The Land of Rain's main force successfully returned to their country with the spoils they plundered from the Land of Grass."

"Hiruzen!" Danzo's tone grew heavy. "This shows that the Land of Rain's power cannot be underestimated. They have already grown into a serious threat to us. And this… this is the consequence of your compromise and inaction!"

"…" The Third Hokage held the report, reading it for a moment before sighing. "The problem with the Land of Rain isn't as serious as you think. The climate there is harsh and resources are scarce. Their strength and foundation are a far cry from the Five Great Nations. If they step out of line, they will only bring about their own destruction."

"You're right, Hiruzen, but that's only if they aren't given enough time to develop," Danzo said, his face cold. "If we give the Land of Rain another ten, no, five years of peace, they will possess the power to shake the Five Great Nations. Therefore, we must strike them a heavy blow before then!"

The Third glanced out the window before turning back to Danzo. "You don't need to mention the Land of Rain again. I have my own plans. You may leave. I have other matters to attend to."

"…" Danzo's face was grim as he turned and left the office.

The moment the door closed, a suspicious look crossed his face. The recent ANBU personnel movements have been strange. What exactly is Hiruzen up to? It seems I need to strengthen my intelligence network.

After Danzo's departure, an ANBU operative appeared abruptly before the Third Hokage.

"Is the mission complete?"

"Yes, sir. We have found a total of four Uzumaki clan members. Three are a family—a mother, father, and daughter—and the other is an orphan."

"Good. Bring them here. Be discreet."

"Sir!"

A short while later, the four Uzumaki clan members were brought before the Third, their faces etched with fear.

The two adults appeared to be in their twenties. They held the hand of a little girl who was about five years old. The other was a boy who looked to be around ten.

Carefully observing the two children, the Third spoke in a gentle tone. "Please, sit. I am Konoha's Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. The Leaf Village and your Village Hidden in the Whirlpools have been allies for generations, so you have no need to worry. You are safe here."

His reassuring words seemed to calm the four, who were clearly civilians. Their expressions eased considerably.

"I am deeply saddened by the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools," the Third said earnestly. "As Hokage, I give you my solemn promise that I will do everything in my power to protect you. Please, settle here. Think of Konoha as your own home."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage! You are truly a good person! We are willing to stay here."

"Excellent." The Third then asked, "Do you know of Lady Mito? She is the wife of the First Hokage and also a member of the Uzumaki clan."

"Of course, we've heard of her! Lady Mito is the pride of the Uzumaki clan!"

"Mm. She is the pride of our village as well." The Third paused, his expression darkening. "Alas… she is getting on in years now. I feared the news of the destruction of your nation would be too great a blow for her, so I have not yet told her. But she has every right to know. Therefore, I have a small favor to ask."

"Lord Hokage, please, ask anything."

"I would like you to accompany me to see Lady Mito. With you there, perhaps her grief will not be so heavy."

"Yes, of course. No problem."

After allowing them to change into clean clothes and compose themselves, the Third led them to Mito's residence. They found Uzumaki Mito sitting on her bed, her face covered in wrinkles.

"Hiruzen, what is this?" Contrary to what he expected, Mito simply gave him a questioning look.

"Lady Mito…" With a solemn expression, the Third relayed the news of the Land of Whirlpools' destruction. "I ordered the ANBU to conduct a thorough search. For now, they are the only ones we could find."

"…" Mito closed her eyes and let out a long, slow sigh.

When she finally opened them again, she seemed even more frail, the wrinkles on her face appearing deeper than before.

She glanced at the four red-haired survivors and beckoned with her hand. "Children, come here. Let grandmother have a look at you."

"Go on."

Urged forward by the adults, the two children slowly walked to Mito's side, allowing her to take their hands.

After a moment, Mito released them, her voice laced with fatigue. "From now on, you will live here in Konoha. Remember this: to live in peace is a blessing."

With that, she dismissed them all, leaving only the Third behind.

"Lady Mito, are they suitable?"

"Sigh." Mito shook her head. "The two children… their aptitude is too poor. The probability of failure would be very high."

"Then… I will have the ANBU continue the search!"

"There is no need, Hiruzen. In fact, there is another suitable candidate right here in Konoha."

"Another suitable candidate?" A thought seemed to strike the Third Hokage, and his expression suddenly changed. "Do you mean…"

"Mm. As descendants of the Hokage, it is now time for them to fulfill their duty."

In his heart, Hiruzen knew this was the best solution, so he did not try to argue.

With a look of profound respect, he bowed deeply to Mito. "On behalf of all of Konoha, I thank you for your wisdom and selfless dedication!"

"This village was Hashirama's life's work, Hiruzen. You must protect it."

"I will! I will protect it with everything I have, including my own life!"

"Remember those words."

Mito turned her head to look out the window, where a butterfly was dancing among the flowers.