Uzumaki Mito sighed.
"Of course we wouldn't be able to withstand it… but the Land of Whirlpool and Konoha are allies. Would Konoha really stand by and do nothing?"
"The Third Hokage has just taken office. His position isn't stable yet."
"He is the Hokage of Konoha—naturally, he must prioritize Konoha's interests."
"To secure his position, he needs a decisive victory."
"Do you really think he would abandon the front lines and help the Land of Whirlpool just out of respect for Lord Hashirama?"
Uchiha Shin's words pierced Mito's heart like sharp needles.
The Nine-Tails spoke within her.
"Well… Mito, I think the kid makes sense. Not everyone is as naïve as that man."
Because Mito had never mistreated it and had always coexisted peacefully, the Nine-Tails held no strong resentment toward her.
At this moment, it found Uchiha Shin's reasoning highly plausible.
Mito's face turned pale.
Perhaps… she had been too idealistic about both Konoha and the Land of Whirlpool.
And too optimistic about Hiruzen Sarutobi.
If such a situation truly occurred—
Then the Land of Whirlpool…
"Sealing techniques are only a part of it, Lady Mito."
"Do you think they would leave after seizing them?"
"No."
"The Uzumaki clan's physique—you understand it better than I do."
The final straw that breaks the camel's back is often the truth.
Mito's composure shattered.
For the first time, panic flickered in her eyes.
"What should I do, Uchiha Shin?"
Her gaze carried both urgency and hope.
Since he had pointed out the problem—
He must have a solution.
Uchiha Shin did not feel anger over her earlier actions.
If he were in her place, hearing someone speak of his clan's destruction and sow discord with the village—
He wouldn't have believed it either.
Moreover, he had come prepared—and to repay kindness.
So he held no resentment.
After a brief moment of thought, he spoke:
"Lady Mito, do your words still carry weight within the Uzumaki clan?"
Mito nodded.
Though she had married Senju Hashirama and become part of Konoha, her talent remained among the very best of the Uzumaki clan.
The Uzumaki respected strength.
Her words still held influence.
"Do you miss your clan?"
Uchiha Shin asked.
Mito's eyes lit up.
"You mean—?"
"Lady Mito is Konoha's Jinchūriki. You cannot leave freely."
"So we send a message to the Uzumaki clan—saying your time is limited, and you wish to see your family one last time."
"I believe many clan members would come to visit."
Uchiha Shin smiled.
"And then…"
Before he could finish, Mito's eyes shone.
"And then we use sealing techniques to detain them—or use the war as a reason to keep them from leaving Konoha!"
Uchiha Shin nodded with a smile.
"Yes."
"But doing so may cause the Uzumaki clan to misunderstand—thinking that Lady Mito intends to absorb the clan into Konoha."
"To make them serve Konoha instead."
He pointed out the drawback.
If the Uzumaki joined Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi would undoubtedly be pleased.
But if it remained the Land of Whirlpool—
Then they were merely allies, not an obligation.
This was political strategy—
Not simple reciprocity.
Mito nodded.
"It doesn't matter."
"As long as they survive, even if they curse me, I can accept it."
She then looked at Uchiha Shin.
"You're quite sharp, you know. Thank you."
"You overpraise me, Lady Mito."
"If not for your help and kind words, I doubt I would have caught Lady Tsunade's attention or become her trusted subordinate."
"Your kindness outweighs everything."
Uchiha Shin cupped his hands.
As for the Adamantine Sealing Chains—
They hadn't really harmed him.
And being a trusted subordinate wasn't dangerous.
A subordinate stays by the commander's side—how dangerous could it be?
He didn't believe Tsunade had recruited him on her own.
It must have been Mito's influence.
Mito smiled.
"Your mind reminds me of two old acquaintances."
"They were like you—thinking three steps ahead for every one taken."
Uchiha Shin raised an eyebrow.
He wondered who she meant.
Mito spoke:
"Senju Tobirama and Uchiha Izuna."
Uchiha Shin quickly shook his head.
"N-no, I'm not worthy of comparison with such heroes of the Warring States."
"I'm rarely wrong about people."
Mito smiled.
She wasn't boasting.
Back then, she had chosen Senju Hashirama because she believed in his character and talent.
And she had been right.
Uchiha Shin said nothing more.
Anything he said now would be unnecessary—better to listen quietly.
Seeing his reaction, Mito chuckled.
"Alright, little one. I'll do as you suggested."
"Now come with me to see Tsunade."
She dispelled the barrier, took his hand, and led him outside.
Soon, they left the Senju compound.
An ANBU observing them immediately used the Body Flicker Technique.
He had to report to the Hokage!
His speed was astonishing.
In less than ten seconds, he arrived at the Hokage's office and knocked on the door.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Come in!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi had just changed into his battle attire and was about to head downstairs to announce the deployment.
Unexpectedly, someone knocked.
"Report, Hokage-sama! Lady Mito is holding Uchiha Shin's hand and heading toward the troops!"
The ANBU spoke loudly, catching Hiruzen off guard.
"What? What did you say? Lady Mito… she…"
Hiruzen immediately looked in the direction from the Senju compound to the assembled forces below the Hokage Tower.
Sure enough—
Two figures were walking side by side, hand in hand, toward the army.
He quickly ordered the ANBU to summon Shimura Danzō and the council elders.
Uzumaki Mito—
The wife of the First Hokage.
A legendary figure.
Even though she lived in retirement, she was not someone they could ignore.
In fact, her support might be crucial in the future.
Hiruzen understood this clearly.
He immediately opened the door and hurried downstairs.
The three thousand vanguard ninja widened their eyes at the sight of Hiruzen rushing down in such haste.
Even the clan heads of the Uchiha and Hyūga frowned.
Although Hiruzen had only recently taken office, his decisions had been precise and meticulous.
Even they could find no fault.
So why was he so hurried now?
Following his gaze—
They saw a woman leading a young man, slowly approaching.
The moment they recognized the woman—
All three thousand vanguard ninja immediately dropped to one knee in respect.
This was—
The wife of the First Hokage, the God of Shinobi, Senju Hashirama—
Uzumaki Mito!
A legendary figure—
And the most honored woman in Konoha!