Three days later, Mito had already finished discussions with the Uzumaki clan leader. After learning that Konoha did not intend to intervene in the war involving the Land of Whirlpools, Ashina was filled with grief and anger.
Over the years, he had made countless contributions to Konoha.
The great protective barrier of Konoha was set up with his help, and he even taught Konoha the methods for arranging barrier techniques. Whenever Konoha needed help with sealing techniques, he always responded immediately, without exception.
He helped, he taught, always afraid he hadn't done enough, worried about letting down his allies. Because of this, he gained a great reputation in Konoha and was respectfully known as the founder of Konoha's sealing arts.
And now? It wasn't Konoha's heart that had grown cold, it was his.
As the shinobi world united to attack the Land of Whirlpools, Konoha outright abandoned them.
The Land of Whirlpools was just a small, remote country, what had it done to deserve the wrath of the entire shinobi world? Was it really so unacceptable for a nation to be founded and ruled by ninjas?
However, upon learning that Mito would, in her personal capacity, send her granddaughter along with a large amount of strategic supplies to support them, he sincerely expressed his gratitude to her.
After all, she was his cousin, far more reliable than the loathsome Third Hokage.
---
Two days later, Tsunade and Shin arrived at Uzushio.
The Land of Whirlpools was unlike typical nations, it wasn't ruled by a daimyō, but by the leadership of Uzushio. It was a country founded by ninjas, a pioneering model.
In other words, Ashina was also the leader of the entire nation. Unlike other countries, where the ninja village was led by a Kage but the country itself was governed by a daimyō. Perhaps this was one reason why so many forces wanted to attack the Land of Whirlpools, because no one spoke up in their defense.
If everyone followed the Land of Whirlpools' example, what place would there be for the daimyō?
In the eyes of the daimyō of various countries, this kind of act was akin to rebellion. Not only did they not stop the aggression, they secretly fanned the flames and supported it. This was also one of the reasons why so many major shinobi villages were so enthusiastic about the campaign. Who wouldn't love a situation where they could benefit from both sides?
Upon seeing Tsunade, Ashina showed a rare gentle smile, and the other high-ranking members of Uzushio greeted her with great warmth.
Her reputation over the past year had become illustrious, she was known as Konoha's number one medical-nin, her medical skills unmatched. So many people had traveled vast distances to Konoha just to be treated by her.
On the battlefield, the role of a medical-nin was self-evident. Tsunade alone could significantly increase the survival rate of Uzushio's ninjas.
Not to mention that Mito had mentioned Tsunade was bringing large amounts of strategic supplies.
"This isn't the place to talk," Tsunade said to Ashina after the pleasantries. "Please lead us to a secure room so we can talk in detail."
"Of course," Ashina responded, immediately leading the way.
Following him were two elders of Uzushio. One was named Yuuichi, the other Yasuo.
Though the three were warm and hospitable, Shin could still sense the deep concern in their hearts. In their view, no matter how skilled Tsunade was, she was still just one person. No matter how many supplies she brought, they would only help hold out a bit longer.
They wouldn't be enough to decisively change the course of the war. Their warmth came from gratitude, from accepting the kindness. But when it came to the outcome of the war, they all held a pessimistic view.
Although the war had not yet officially begun, its result seemed already foreseeable. Still, they showed no signs of fear on their faces. Instead, they all wore expressions of resolute determination, ready to die without regret.
The Uzumaki clan, much like the Uchiha clan, were proud to their core, unyielding even in the face of death.
"Who is this?" Ashina asked with some hesitation when he saw Shin following them into the secret room.
Mito hadn't mentioned that anyone besides Tsunade would be coming. Moreover, Shin had concealed his true identity, acting all mysterious, which only added to his anxiety and slight displeasure.
"Let me introduce him," Tsunade said with a smile. "This is my fiancé, Shin. He's actually the main force behind this support mission. And he's here to lead the Land of Whirlpools to victory in this war."
Shin removed the mask from his face and nodded at everyone in greeting. But his attention focused on Yuuichi, especially when he sensed Yuuichi's awkward reaction upon seeing his face. At that, Shin suddenly smiled.
"What's wrong? Don't recognize me?"
From a distance, Shin had already felt that Yuuichi's aura seemed familiar, he was certain they had met before. But as a doctor, he had treated too many patients over the past seven years to remember them all clearly. So, he hadn't immediately recognized Yuuichi.
But once Yuuichi showed that awkward expression, he recalled everything.
This guy, wasn't he the Uzumaki clansman who came to Konoha five years ago under the alias Jotaru, seeking treatment for a very private male issue?
After all, that bright red Uzumaki hair was hard to forget. Especially when the person came for help with that kind of issue, and was already over fifty years old.
"D-Dr. Shin?" Yuuichi swallowed nervously and forced a stiff smile. "It's… been a while!"
"Yes, it's been a while. Five years, just like that," Shin said with a grin. "I remember back then…"
Cough cough cough… Yuuichi immediately coughed to interrupt, quickly changing the subject. "How did you recognize me?"
As he said this, he waved a hand in front of Shin's face, utterly surprised. A blind man... how had he recognized him? Was it the voice?
No, wait, how did Shin go blind? Wasn't he perfectly fine five years ago?
"You two have met before?" Ashina asked, puzzled by their strange exchange.
"Just once!" Yuuichi quickly replied.
"It's nothing that needs to be hidden," Shin chuckled. "He came to me for a consultation once."
"I see," Ashina now understood, but didn't press for details. Instead, he asked, "Tsunade just said you came to lead us to victory in this war. Could you explain in more detail?"
"Let me reintroduce myself," Shin said confidently. "I am Shin, the number one sensory ninja in the entire shinobi world."
"The number one… sensory ninja?" someone echoed, surprised.
"I'm also a great medical-nin."
Everyone turned their eyes to Tsunade, clearly looking to her for confirmation. She smiled and nodded right away, adding, "Half of my medical techniques were taught to me by him."
All three Uzumaki clan members gasped in shock.
"And of course, I'm also a great scientist," Shin continued. "This time, I've brought a large supply of field rations, healing salves, and antidotes."
With enough shock factor, it was easier to start serious discussions. He knew his words would now be taken seriously.
"And I'm the fastest man in the entire shinobi world," he added once more.
But suddenly thinking of something, he clarified, "I mean in terms of speed, don't misunderstand!"