Does Lord Mito Want Her Kin?

Seeing the expression on Uchiha Ko's face, Uzumaki Mito suddenly furrowed her brows, only to smooth them out a moment later. "Little Tsunade, you've eaten enough, haven't you? How about this: you go report to that monkey first, and I'll send this little one to meet up with you in a bit."

Tsunade was stunned, suddenly realizing that her grandmother had something to discuss with Uchiha Ko and was trying to send her away. She glanced at Uchiha Ko, then nodded and left.

"Alright, Grandma, I'm heading out." With that, she finished the last bite of her meal, placed the bowl gently on the table, and left briskly.

Once she saw her granddaughter walk away, Uzumaki Mito took Uchiha Ko's hand and smiled kindly. "Little Ko, come, let's go inside to talk."

Uchiha Ko nodded upon hearing this; he knew Grandma Mito must have sensed he had something on his mind, which was why she had sent Tsunade away.

Once inside the room, Uzumaki Mito cast a barrier-type ninjutsu to seal the space, ensuring that the conversation at this very moment could only be heard by the two of them.

"Speak, Little Ko. Is there something you wish to tell me?" As she spoke, Uzumaki Mito sat down slowly and personally brewed a pot of tea.

Uchiha Ko's gaze no longer wavered; he felt that if he didn't speak now, he would be plagued by guilt for the rest of his life. Beside him, Uzumaki Mito sensed the shift in his inner emotions and couldn't help but frown.

Finally, Uchiha Ko spoke: "Grandma, I would like to ask, what is the combat strength of the Uzumaki Clan like?"

He finished and looked directly into Uzumaki Mito's eyes, his expression filled with seriousness.

Uzumaki Mito was taken aback, then shook her head. "Our clan specializes in sealing techniques and medical ninjutsu. We are a peace-loving people; relying on these alone is more than enough for self-preservation." She didn't understand why Uchiha Ko would ask this.

However, seeing how serious Uchiha Ko looked, she felt she had no choice but to be honest.

"Grandma—no, Lady Mito, I want to ask: if someone were to take advantage of the chaos of war to launch an attack on the Land of Whirlpools while Konoha is busy fighting in the Land of Rain, would Konoha provide aid to the Land of Whirlpools?" As soon as Uchiha Ko finished speaking, he felt a powerful force rushing toward him.

Adamantine Sealing Chains! It was Uzumaki Mito's Adamantine Sealing Chains. At this moment, there was a cold indifference in her eyes. "Little Ko, who told you to say these things?"

Uchiha Ko was instantly bound by several thick chains, completely immobilized everywhere except for his mouth.

The Nine-Tails inside Uzumaki Mito's body shivered. Damn, I thought four chains were fierce enough, but this kid actually managed to anger this old woman Mito. Tsk tsk.

Uzumaki Mito suddenly said, "My Uzumaki Clan of the Land of Whirlpools loves peace and has never invaded any country. Why would we be attacked? What benefit is there in attacking the Land of Whirlpools?"

She was truly furious at this moment. As the former princess of the Land of Whirlpools, Uchiha Ko's words had undoubtedly touched her reverse scale. Furthermore, she believed that attacking the Land of Whirlpools was a thankless task, especially since the Land of Whirlpools and Konoha were allies!

"Hah, Lady Mito, please listen to me. The Uzumaki Clan specializes in sealing techniques, right? Back when Lord Senju Hashirama distributed the Tailed Beasts, the sealing techniques of other nations were far too crude compared to the Uzumaki Clan's, and they would frequently go out of control. If things continue like this, do you think they will be content?" Uchiha Ko said hurriedly.

Uzumaki Mito's eyes flashed. She was merely blinded by anger, not stupid. Hearing Uchiha Ko's words, her heart stirred. She felt he was about to say something shocking, yet she sensed no malice from him.

Thus, Uzumaki Mito retracted the Adamantine Sealing Chains. She looked at Uchiha Ko and said, "Little Ko, tell me everything you want to say."

She had regained her composure; after all, Uchiha Ko's words did carry a certain logic.

"The Uzumaki Clan and Konoha are allies, and with Lady Mito here, Konoha doesn't have to suffer the damage caused by jinchuriki breaking their seals. The Uzumaki Clan certainly wouldn't help the other four nations. So, if the other four nations were to send ninjas to attack the Land of Whirlpools to plunder your sealing techniques while Konoha is at war in the Land of Rain, would the Land of Whirlpools be able to withstand it?" Uchiha Ko's gaze was as sharp as a hawk's.

Uzumaki Mito sighed. "Naturally, they couldn't withstand it. But the Land of Whirlpools and Konoha are allies; surely Konoha wouldn't just sit by and watch?"

"The Third Hokage has just ascended to the position of Hokage; his standing is not yet stable. He is the Hokage of Konoha, so naturally, he must prioritize Konoha's interests. To secure his position, he needs a victory! Do you really think he would abandon the front lines to help the Land of Whirlpools just for the sake of his ties to Lord Senju Hashirama?" Uchiha Ko's words were like a thorn piercing Uzumaki Mito's heart.

Nine-Tails: Well, Mito, I think this kid makes a lot of sense. After all, not everyone is as naive as that guy.

The Nine-Tails' voice echoed in Uzumaki Mito's mind. Since Mito had never abused it and had lived in peace with it, it didn't have much of a grudge against her.

Hearing Uchiha Ko's words now, it felt that what he was saying was highly likely to be true.

Uzumaki Mito's face turned pale. She realized she had likely thought of the relationship between Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools too simply, and had thought too highly of Sarutobi Hiruzen. If such a situation were to occur, then the Land of Whirlpools...

"The sealing techniques are a minor issue. Lady Mito, do you think they would just leave after plundering them? No. You know the constitution of the Uzumaki Clan better than I do!" The final straw that breaks the camel's back is often the truth.

Uzumaki Mito's state of mind was in chaos. She felt a sense of panic and asked, "Little Ko, tell me, what should I do?"

Her gaze was filled with panic and hope. Since Uchiha Ko had raised the problem, he must have a way to solve it!

Uchiha Ko did not feel angry about Uzumaki Mito's previous actions. If he were in her shoes, he wouldn't believe someone who claimed his clan would be wiped out and was trying to sow discord between him and his village either.

Besides, he was prepared for this; he had come to repay a debt of gratitude, so he didn't dwell on it too much.

Uchiha Ko pondered for a moment, then said, "Lady Mito, do you still hold weight in the Land of Whirlpools?"

Uzumaki Mito nodded. Although she had married Senju Hashirama and become a person of Konoha, her talent remained the best among the Uzumaki Clan.

The Uzumaki Clan also admired strength, so they would still give her face when she spoke.

"Does Lady Mito miss her clansmen?" Uchiha Ko asked.

Uzumaki Mito's eyes brightened. "You mean?"

"Lady Mito is the village's jinchuriki and cannot leave easily. We can send word to the Uzumaki Clan that Lady Mito's time is running short and she wishes to see her relatives one last time. I believe many clansmen will come to visit." Uchiha Ko smiled.

"At that time..." Before Uchiha Ko could finish, Uzumaki Mito's eyes lit up. "At that time, I can use sealing techniques to trap them, or use the war as a pretext to keep them from leaving Konoha!"

Uchiha Ko nodded and smiled. "Yes, but doing this might lead the Uzumaki Clan to misunderstand that Lady Mito wants to annex them to serve Konoha's interests." Uchiha Ko pointed out the drawback.

If the Uzumaki Clan joined Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen would certainly be pleased. But if it were just the Land of Whirlpools, then sorry—we are allies, but we are not obligated to help you unconditionally.

This is political struggle, not the simple "you helped me once, so I must help you" dynamic.

Uzumaki Mito nodded. "It doesn't matter. As long as I can save their lives, I can accept it even if they curse me!"

Afterward, Uzumaki Mito looked at Uchiha Ko. "Your head is quite sharp, kid. Thank you."

"Lady Mito, you are too kind. Without your help and kind words, this humble one likely wouldn't have caught Lady Tsunade's eye and become her trusted aide. Your kindness is far greater!" Uchiha Ko bowed.

The Adamantine Sealing Chains hadn't caused any real harm, and besides, did she really think being a trusted aide was dangerous? A trusted aide 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 Lady Mito's doing.

Uzumaki Mito smiled. "Your wisdom reminds me of two old friends. They were just like you—taking one step and planning three ahead."

Uchiha Ko raised an eyebrow, wondering who they were.

Following that, Uzumaki Mito said, "Senju Tobirama and Uchiha Izuna."

Uchiha Kō hurriedly shook his head. "No, that's not the case at all. How could a junior like me compare to those two heroes of the Warring States period?"

"My judgment of people has never been wrong," Uzumaki Mito smiled. She wasn't boasting; back then, she had bet on Senju Hashirama because she saw potential in his character and talent, and as it turned out, she had bet correctly.

Uchiha Kō stopped speaking. Anything he said now would be wrong, so it was better to listen humbly.

Seeing him like this, Uzumaki Mito couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, little one, I've done as you asked. Now, come with me to see Tsunade."

After saying this, she dispelled the barrier, took Uchiha Kō by the hand, and walked toward the door, quickly leaving the Senju Clan Compound.

Upon seeing this, the Anbu immediately performed a Body Flicker Technique; he had to report this to the Hokage!