As distant relatives of the Senju Clan, the Uzumaki clan is known for their extraordinary longevity and unique Chakra nature, often excelling in sealing techniques. In this regard, no other clan in the Ninja World can compare to the Uzumaki. However, this does not mean the Uzumaki clan is invincible.
Due to the secrecy surrounding ninja clans' techniques, most clans specialize in a single type of jutsu. For instance, the Uchiha Clan predominantly uses Fire Style, with few exceptions. Similarly, while the Uzumaki clan excels in sealing techniques, their abilities in offensive ninjutsu are limited. As powerful as sealing jutsu can be, it cannot replace other forms of combat.
Another limiting factor is the Uzumaki clan's population. Because of their long lifespans and tenacity, the Uzumaki do not feel pressured to have many children. Most families stop at one or two children unless a child dies prematurely and the parents are still young. Furthermore, as the Land of Whirlpools is a small nation, it cannot support a large population. The Uzumaki, who do not relish combat and avoid expansion, have little incentive to increase their numbers.
Moreover, not every member of the Uzumaki Clan becomes a ninja. As the primary inhabitants of their nation, many Uzumaki are nobles or commoners. These factors prevent the Uzumaki from becoming a ninja powerhouse like the Senju or Uchiha.
In the current conflict, the Uzumaki Clan naturally aligns with the Land of Fire due to their ties with the Senju. When the Hidden Mist attempted a surprise attack, it was the Uzumaki who thwarted their plans. Though they are not as powerful as the Mist ninjas, the Uzumaki's sealing and barrier techniques significantly contributed to the battle, helping the Land of Fire's army repel the Mist forces.
Despite being one of the Five Great Nations, the Hidden Mist underestimated the Uzumaki's sealing techniques, falling into their traps and struggling to break free. Before they could fully counterattack, the Land of Lightning faced setbacks and was forced to retreat. To maintain their alliance, the Mist forces moved north, leaving only a small contingent to continue harassing the Uzumaki.
This alleviated much of the pressure on the Land of Whirlpools. The Uzumaki knew their limitations well; they never intended to face a Great Nation alone. No single ninja clan in this era could defeat an entire Hidden Village by themselves.
However, the Uzumaki made a critical mistake by establishing a ninja village, thinking it would be like other nations. In reality, the Hidden Villages in the Five Great Nations are coalitions of multiple ninja clans, whereas the Uzushio Hidden Village is just one clan. This disparity set them on a dangerous path, sowing the seeds of their eventual downfall.
Fortunately, these seeds would not sprout for some time. At this moment, the Uzumaki Daimyo received a message from Mito, requesting that they send some of their finest ninjas to assist Konoha in the ongoing war.
Although the Uzumaki clan was unwilling to abandon their sovereignty and fully integrate with Konoha, they were more than happy to assist. The close relationship between the two villages ensured Konoha's strength, which in turn protected the Land of Whirlpools. Konoha's alliance with the Land of Rice Fields also reassured the Uzumaki that Konoha posed no threat to them.
Thus, the Uzumaki Daimyo ordered the dispatch of a ninja troop to Konoha. With the pressure on their battlefield easing, they could afford to send reinforcements.
The selected ninja were all elite members of the Uzumaki clan, each a pure-blooded descendant with vibrant red hair—a sign of their powerful Chakra.
With the assistance of the Land of Fire's army, the Uzumaki ninja arrived in Konoha, where they were taken to meet Mito. Though they had never seen her before, they had all heard of her. Mito's immense Chakra was legendary, unmatched by anyone in the Uzumaki Clan for many years. In the next two decades, only one person would emerge with a similar Chakra level: Uzumaki Kushina.
"It is an honor to meet you, Mito-sama. My name is Uzumaki Toru. Please command us as you see fit," said the young man leading the Uzumaki troops as he bowed respectfully to Mito.
"Toru... I know of you. You are indeed one of the most promising of the younger generation," Mito replied with a gentle smile. Though she lived in Konoha, she maintained regular communication with the Uzumaki Clan, especially since her daughter married into the family. She was familiar with most of the clan members.
"You flatter me, Mito-sama," Uzumaki Toru responded humbly.
"Thank you for coming all this way. On behalf of Konoha, I am deeply grateful," Mito said. "Your task here is straightforward: you are to create barriers around the camps and use sealing techniques to hinder the enemy's movements as needed. You will primarily provide support from the rear."
Uzumaki Toru nodded. He knew that this was the most they could do. The Uzumaki Clan was not skilled in direct combat; they were gentler compared to ninjas trained for killing.
"Since we have multiple battlefields, you will be sent to various camps. You can decide where you are most needed," Mito continued. "However—" she gestured toward Fumori Masaki, who stood beside her, "I need you to select the three most skilled among you to join him on the most dangerous battlefield."
"The most dangerous battlefield?" Uzumaki Toru asked, glancing at Fumori Masaki. The two exchanged respectful greetings.
"Yes," Mito confirmed. "We recently received news that the first Raikage has died from severe injuries sustained in battle. His successor, the second Raikage, is a calm and intelligent leader. We have learned from prisoners that he intends to use this opportunity to shift the balance of power within the Hidden Cloud. His disciple, Sora, is also in our custody, and this has influenced his thinking.
Given that the war faction in the Hidden Cloud is strong enough to challenge the Raikage's authority, he plans to decisively weaken them, allowing the second Raikage to assert control and potentially bring an end to the conflict. Both sides would likely accept such an outcome."
Fumori Masaki has been summoned back to lead this critical battle. It could determine whether the conflict with the Hidden Cloud will end. Knowing this, Mito has decided to provide all the support she can.
"I understand," Uzumaki Toru said, selecting two others from his group—a man and a woman. "This is Uzumaki Jun," he said, introducing the woman, "and this is Uzumaki Takuya." Both bowed to Mito.
"Very well. Please rest briefly before we head to our destination. You can relax fully once we arrive," Mito said, apologetically.
"We understand, Mito-sama. The urgency of war comes first," Uzumaki Toru replied.