The villagers' enthusiastic support did not wane.
After the Uzumaki clan members were settled, batch after batch of villagers came, piling food, drinks, and necessities at their doors. Eventually, the Third Hokage had to step forward and temporarily halt the villagers' well-intentioned efforts, otherwise the entire street would have been blocked.
The Third Hokage also announced the news he had just received: "In response to the enemy's actions, Elder Danzo has led a team of ninja and successfully destroyed five of their strongholds. But this is not the end. Konoha will not rest until we have secured justice for our allies."
As soon as this news was announced, the villagers immediately cheered.
"Long live Konoha!"
The celebratory sounds reached inside the residences, but almost all of the Uzumaki clan members were already resting. Several days and nights of continuous travel had left them utterly exhausted. Most of them were holding on by sheer willpower, and once settled, they immediately collapsed into a deep sleep.
This residence was originally the property of the Senju clan and had been left vacant for some time. The arrival of the Uzumaki was a good opportunity to use it as a place of resettlement.
The first group to arrive in Konoha were mostly core Uzumaki clan members. With the exception of a few adults, the majority were children, the oldest not exceeding ten years of age. Miyo Uzumaki, Kushina's mother, was the highest-ranking person in this group aside from the elder. Because she was proficient in medical ninjutsu, she had been entrusted with caring for the children and thus survived the disaster.
From her, Mito learned more details of the attack. She learned that before the ambush, the elders had used their connections to begin construction on an underground shelter as a place of refuge. The Clan Head, taking precautions, had constructed a series of large-scale sealing formations around the village and implemented a strict curfew. But unfortunately, most of these actions did not have much effect. The shelter was not fully completed; otherwise, there might have been more survivors.
Mito listened silently, offering no opinions. Seeing Miyo's deep fatigue, she let her go to rest. She then went through every room, checking on the children, and only quietly left after confirming each one was healthy.
By this time, it was deep into the night. She sighed silently. Although her words to the elder during the day had seemed hard-hearted, seeing the younger generation of her clan now, the pain in her heart was no less severe. No one can get used to pain. No matter how many times it's felt, when it strikes again, it is still agonizing.
She walked out of the residence and was surprised to find the Third Hokage waiting for her at the door.
"Mito-sama, how is the situation?" he asked in a low voice.
"The children are well cared for. Besides being exhausted, they are all healthy."
"That's good, that's good." The Third Hokage rubbed his hands together, then revealed the information he had just received. "After the condemnation letters were sent, currently only the Land of Lightning has responded, but..."
The Third Hokage shook his head before continuing. "The Land of Lightning completely denies that this incident was their doing and, in turn, condemns Konoha for fabricating trouble. Furthermore, they claim they will retaliate against Konoha for the attack on their strongholds."
"How audacious!" Mito roared. She was already in a foul mood, and this provocation ignited a surge of fury that she could no longer suppress. A powerful chakra burst forth from her, making her clothes flutter and her long red hair rise as if alive. The sheer pressure of her aura intimidated the Third Hokage, forcing him to take several involuntary steps back.
He bowed his head and said, "Mito-sama, please calm your anger. The Land of Lightning's actions will not make Konoha back down. I have already arranged for our forces to gather. If they truly intend to come, Konoha will not fear war!"
Upon hearing this, Mito gradually withdrew her aura. She nodded and then shook her head. "This matter originated from the attack on the Land of Whirlpools. Konoha has already done enough. If we drag the village into the quagmire of war over this, it would be a losing proposition. The Land of Lightning is so arrogant, probably because they think Konoha has no one left. They must have forgotten who trembled at Konoha's feet when Hashirama was still alive. Although Hashirama is no longer here, I am still here. While I am not as capable as he was, I believe I am enough to teach them a lesson."
"Mito-sama, you intend to..."
Mito nodded firmly. "I have decided to go to the Land of Lightning. You need not stop me."
Although the Third Hokage was surprised, he dared not stop her, only saying, "Danzo is currently in the Land of Frost; he can accompany you."
Mito wasted no more words, immediately leaping into the air, leaving only a sentence behind. "Please tell the two little ones at home that I've gone out for a bit and will be back in a few days. Also, please take good care of the Uzumaki survivors."
"Yes!" The Third Hokage bowed in response. When he straightened up, she had already disappeared.
Early the next morning, Kyuushin and Kushina, without even doing their morning training, prepared to have Grandma Mito take them to the Uzumaki clan's settlement. Yesterday, after settling them, Mito had sent them back early. They arrived in the front hall but were surprised to find that waiting for them was not Mito, but the Third Hokage.
Upon seeing them, the Third Hokage spoke directly, without waiting for them to bow. "Grandma Mito needs to go out for a few days. Don't worry. If anything happens, you can find me at the Hokage's Office. Also, you two should continue school tomorrow. Don't fall too far behind in your lessons. Your classmates are also quite worried about you."
The two nodded in agreement. Seeing this, the Third Hokage arranged for an Anbu to take them to the settlement. Upon arriving, Kushina went to find her mother, while Kyuushin went to his grandfather's residence.
Uzumaki Masaaki, compared to his haggard appearance yesterday, looked much better after a night's rest. Seeing Kyuushin arrive, he was very happy. In the attack, several of his sons and daughters had been killed. Now, in his direct family line, the only one left was Kyuushin. He also felt some relief that he had sent Kyuushin to Konoha. He had only learned yesterday that Konoha's timely aid was all because Kyuushin had conveyed his words to Mito.
Speaking of which, the Third Hokage's news that Grandma Mito had already gone out surprised Kyuushin. As far as he knew, she rarely appeared before the world after the First Hokage's death, let alone traveled. He voiced this question to Masaaki.
Masaaki pondered for a moment, then sighed. "Big Sister... I'm afraid she's gone to avenge our clan members."
"Ah?" Kyuushin was a bit dumbfounded.
"You know about the condemnation letter Konoha issued, right? Two days have passed, and other countries should have responded by now. It's likely that one country's response angered her. Coupled with seeing our condition yesterday... although she said she didn't care, I know she cares deeply in her heart. With both factors combined, it's only natural for her to act impulsively," Masaaki explained.
"Alas, we truly owe her so much. At her age, she still has to rush into danger for our sake," Masaaki sighed.
"Elder Masaaki, you truly live up to Lady Mito's words as the wisest man in the Uzumaki Clan!" A voice came from outside the door.