Paying Respects

Jiraiya looked at Akaseki speechlessly. He didn't know why, but Akaseki always managed to be extremely cautious while saying things that sounded incredibly snide!

"That's not it... cough, cough, it's not just because of that. Originally, the First Mizukage Byakuren was wavering between Hozuki and Tora. Tora's stance leaned toward being closed-off and conservative, an isolationist policy that sought to minimize Kirigakure and the Land of Water's external interactions as much as possible, retaining only maritime interests. Hozuki Gengetsu, on the other hand, leaned toward openness and actively participating in affairs on the continent."

"Originally, because the flames of war in the ninja world were on the verge of erupting at that time, Byakuren began to clearly lean toward Tora. During the Five Kage Summit, he even brought Tora along, treating him as his successor. He hoped that a closed and conservative policy would allow Kirigakure to avoid being dragged into the great war and keep itself out of trouble."

Although it wasn't explicitly stated at the time, the "guards" brought by the five First Kage to the Five Kage Summit were all "successors," which could be considered a mutual understanding. Only the Mizukage's guard failed to become the Second Mizukage...

"At the Five Kage Summit, only the First Hokage did not give up hope for peace and urged the various villages to lay down their arms. Under the sincerity of the First Hokage, the disputes gradually subsided, and Byakuren's thinking also shifted, ultimately leading to Hozuki Gengetsu becoming the Second Mizukage."

In the end, three hidden villages were persuaded by the First Hokage. Only Sunagakure was resentful, but they didn't dare to challenge the other four hidden villages simultaneously.

"However, not long after the First Hokage passed away, the Second Mizukage Hozuki Gengetsu and the Second Tsuchikage Mu killed each other, which plunged both Iwagakure and Kirigakure into chaos."

"Iwagakure was better off; they had Ōnoki, who was a disciple of both the First and Second, and a guy who was highly skilled and very shrewd, quickly stabilizing the internal and external situation."

"The situation in Kirigakure was more peculiar. In the end, without Hozuki Gengetsu's final testament, Tora forcibly ascended to the position of Third Mizukage. Not only did this cause a sharp turn in Kirigakure's policies, but he also claimed the Hozuki Clan was rebelling, sparking a civil war."

"Because of the closed and conservative policy and its isolated location overseas, we previously had little understanding of the situation in the Land of Water. We only recently learned that the long-standing civil war in Kirigakure not only failed to subside but intensified. The Third Mizukage's purge of the Hozuki Clan gradually escalated into a conflict against all clans with bloodline limits!"

"Over a dozen years have passed, and the civil war in Kirigakure has been stop-and-go, with more fighting than peace. The Land of Water has effectively become a miniature Warring States period, and now it has shrunk to the point where they can't even look after those island nations on the sea."

"Kirigakure is not only unable to protect them, but the war has also produced a large number of rogue ninjas wandering the seas. Now these small countries have begun to seek cooperation with other hidden villages, and the Land of Waves is one of them..."

Hearing this, Akaseki and the other two understood what Teacher Jiraiya meant—this might become an attempt for Konoha to intervene in the small overseas nations.

Moreover, it wasn't just the direct cause; Teacher Jiraiya had also explained the origins behind the current situation in simple terms, pointing directly to the unique circumstances of the Land of Water and Kirigakure.

On one hand, it was naturally to remind the three of them that although this seemed like a B-rank mission, they might come into contact with rogue ninjas from Kirigakure. Given the situation in Kirigakure, it was not uncommon for jonin or even entire ninja clans to go into exile.

On the other hand, Akaseki felt that Teacher Jiraiya was intentionally bringing up these background details to make him think more about this aspect...

"Alright, the three of you go buy your supplies... rest afterward, and we'll start moving again in the afternoon." Jiraiya said, glancing at Akaseki and Minato.

Ranwu was still a bit confused upon hearing this—why did they need to rest again?

Afterward, the three of them went to the market to purchase supplies for the sea voyage. Minato said at this moment: "Teacher Jiraiya definitely wants us to think more so that Konoha won't follow in Kirigakure's footsteps in the future."

Akaseki: ...

Oh, so there are two of you! I thought he was talking specifically to me!

"What kind of look is that? What are you surprised about? Did you not understand?" Ranwu looked at Akaseki speechlessly.

"Cough, cough, the supplies are bought. Let's... split up to rest and see you in the afternoon." Akaseki said after a couple of awkward coughs.

Minato expressed his agreement and also let out a yawn.

Ranwu: ???

"Why are you two so weak?" Ranwu asked, puzzled.

At two in the afternoon, Team Jiraiya and Team Torifu Akimichi gathered at the village gate.

Konoha only had one "village gate"; the other directions were protected by barriers and early warning systems.

Setting off from Konoha, they headed east and arrived at the seaside three days later.

"The envoy from the Land of Waves Chamber of Commerce will be waiting for us at the port on May 6th. We can move freely around the port for two days. Torifu, let's..." Jiraiya wanted to ask Torifu to go find some entertainment.

"No, I'm going to the Land of Whirlpools... a day and a half is enough for a round trip. You look after these three brats." Torifu said somewhat seriously.

Hearing the name "Land of Whirlpools," Jiraiya could probably guess that Torifu was going to pay his respects to the Uzumaki Clan.

"What's there to look after with these brats... then you six go play at the port yourselves. Torifu and I are going away for a bit." Jiraiya prepared to go with him.

After all, Uzushio Village and Konoha were ironclad allies, and both Jiraiya and Torifu Akimichi knew friends from the Uzumaki Clan.

However...

Half a year ago, the Second Hokage had just passed away, and Hiruzen Sarutobi had only recently taken over. While Konoha was in chaos, Uzushio Village was attacked.

By the time Hiruzen received the news, it was already too late. Furthermore, most of the jonin were heading toward the northeast to guard against Kumogakure, and Konoha was short-handed. By the time the support squad arrived, Uzushio Village had already been wiped out.

On the surface, Konoha didn't even know who the attackers were!

Of course, in reality, although the other party had hidden their identities, the high-ranking officials of Konoha knew exactly who they were...

The destruction of Uzushio Village added fuel to the fire for the brewing of another great ninja war—the previously considered strongest village, Konoha, had not only lost the Second Hokage, but they hadn't even reacted when their ironclad ally was wiped out. Naturally, the other hidden villages would start getting restless!

"Teacher Jiraiya, Senior Akimichi, is it the Land of Whirlpools of the Uzumaki Clan? I would like to go pay my respects as well." Minato took the initiative to speak up.

"This..." Torifu hesitated slightly.

"I want to go too!" Akaseki followed up.

"Why are you joining in on the fun?" Jiraiya shook his head.

Jiraiya guessed that Minato wanted to go because of Kushina—he knew Minato usually paid close attention to her and knew about what happened three days ago. As for Akaseki...

"The Uzumaki Clan was not only an ally to Konoha but also relatives to the Senju Clan. Now that the Senju Clan is gone and the Uzumaki Clan has been wiped out, how can I, as a member of the Uchiha Clan, not go pay my respects!" Akaseki said as if it were a matter of course.

"What do you mean the Senju Clan is gone? I... also want to go." Ranwu said as well.

Jiraiya: ...

Here it comes again, here it comes again, Akaseki's snide remarks are back!