Bab 17: Uzumaki Hishin

The way to the Uzumaki Clan was through the land of Waves. Araki and Kushina took a small break there before they searched for a boat.

Usually, no one could enter the Uzushio Village through boats. But, since Kushina was a Pure-Bloodied Uzumaki and had lived her life in Uzushio, she knew how to pass through the special seals placed around the village.

After reaching the Uzushio Village, she could ask an Uzumaki Clan Member to escort the boatman back to the Wave. In this manner, they wouldn't need to divulge the method of unlocking the seal.

With Kushina's instructions, they swiftly reached the island where the Uzumaki Clan resided.

Araki was a little surprised when he could feel a massive chakra from all the residents in this village. The lowest he could sense was Low-Chunin level Chakra, and the greatest was nearly thrice of the Hokage's Chakra.

"Strong… Really strong." He couldn't help but mutter it under his breath. It was like everyone was strong here.

Kushina didn't hear his words and led him to the Clan Head's Compound. She asked an Uzumaki Clan Member to escort the boatman as well. The Uzumaki Clan Member naturally knew of Kushina's identity, he immediately obeyed her and led the boatman away.

As Araki started walking towards the Uzumaki Clan Compound, he noticed that all the residents of this village seemed to be filled with Red-heads.

The people of the village greeted him with surprised looks. They wondered who this young boy who was walking with Kushina was.

Soon enough, they reached the Uzumaki Clan Compound. From the outside, it seemed much smaller than the Senju Clan Mansion.

However, as he entered the Uzumaki Clan Compound, he felt a little strange as it was quite a lot larger than he initially thought. The corridors and halls seemed to be never-ending. Just how massive was this compound?

Soon enough, Kushina turned around and entered a particular room. Araki really wanted to ask her just how she knew that this was the correct room. To him, all the rooms looked exactly the same.

Inside the room, he saw a man who seemed to a middle-aged man in terms of age. His red coloured hairs were bright, and they seemed to be glowing similar to how Kushina's hairs were.

"Senju Araki greets you, clan head." Araki knew that the essential etiquettes of what he must do in front of a Kage. Mito had made sure to drill it into his head.

The Village Head of Uzushio smiled and nodded his head, he then said, "I see… You are Mito-sama's grandson. You need not bow to me. And since you are my daughter's friend, you can call me Uncle Hishin."

Kushina also held his hand and said to Araki, "Yeah, you don't need to bow to my father. Just tell him what you wanted to say. I will then show you the whole Uzushio."

"Mhm~ Alright." Not even waiting for the village head to say anything, Araki nodded his head. Well, he was also looking forward to taking a round of this village

Uzumaki Hishin, the village head of Uzushio was a little helpless as he saw his daughter speaking up for Sneju Araki. He wasn't displeased because he knew the identity of this young man here—the grandson of Uzumaki Mito and the inheritor of Senju Hashirama's Mokuton.

"Alright, please tell me what you want to speak." Uzumaki Hishin said while gesturing him to take a seat.

Two servants entered and laid two cushions on the ground for Senju Araki and Uzumaki Kushina. They were soon dismissed as well.

Araki took a deep breath and said, "Uncle Hishin, I am sure you are not unaware of the alliance of the Three Great Villages against Uzushio."

"Yes. I am indeed aware. However, there is no way they can enter the Uzushio or even attack it." Uzumaki Hishin was quite indifferent as he stated it. He seemed to hold utmost faith in the seals devised by him.

Araki took a deep breath inside and searched for ways to explain in his little mind. After figuring it out, he said, "Uncle Hishin, I am not that good in Fuinjutsu, but grandma did teach me the basics. And from what I could observe, the seals around Uzushio focus on misdirection. Moreover, the whirlpools at specific areas do make it very hard to pass through. Yet, you forget that as long as even one of the Great Villages knows of the way, they can easily enter Uzushio."

Though his words worried Uzumaki Hishin, after some time, he shook his head, "That can't happen. How would even one of the Great Villages know of the way to enter Uzushio? Other than a selected shinobi from Konoha, no one else knows."

"Oh, I see…" Araki remained silent for a short period before asking, "Has there been any Uzumaki who recently went missing from the village?"

At this, Uzumaki Hishin narrowed his eyes and wondered why Araki would ask this question.

"There is. However, why does that matter?" Uzumaki Hishin asked with a monotonous voice.

"Are you utterly sure that they haven't been caught by Kumo, Kiri, or maybe Iwa and being forced to show the way to Uzushio?" Araki asked the village head with a neutral tone as well.

"The Uzumaki Clan Members will never betray the Clan." Uzumaki Hishin said decisively. It was as if he believed that the Uzumaki Clan Member would rather die than divulging any vital information about the Clan.

"Alright, I believe you, Uncle. But what if Konoha divulges that information?" As Araki said that, it made Uzumaki Hishin's eyes widen with surprise.

For some time, he remained silent before speaking in a low voice, "… they are our allies. They wouldn't do something so sinful."

"Do you genuinely believe that, Uncle Hishin? You should be aware that the only thing a shinobi value is profit. As long as the offer is appropriate, Konoha won't even bat an eye before sending the information." Even though Araki was the younger one in terms of age, he seemed to be the mature one here.

Uzumaki Hishin let out a sigh, "Can we do anything about it? The seals placed around the village are special. Even though I can modify the seals, if the Konoha does betray us, other than give them a small setback, it wouldn't change the overall situation.."

There was something Uzumaki Hishin didn't state. Even without someone divulging the way to Uzushio, with a sensor, the Three Great Villages could lead the army to Uzushio. Due to this reason, he had asked all the Clan Members to prepare defensive and attacking seals.

However, he didn't plan on informing this to Araki or Kushina. Worrying his daughter about the village who was going to live in Konoha wasn't his plan. He knew his daughter's character, she would try to defend the village with all her might as well. Even if it wouldn't be that helpful.

If the Uzushio was indeed destroyed, Kushina would probably be distressed for some time, maybe for some months or years. But, she could at least preserve her life. This was enough of a reason to not involve her.

However, things rarely went according to one's plans...