The bleak autumn wind swept through the woods by the sea. A noble red-haired girl stood on the seawall, gazing at the churning waves.
"Some things just can't be helped..."
Beneath her feet, concrete wave breakers crowded the shore like a sturdy line of defense against the surging tide—much like the barrier she had built around her heart.
After speaking with her grandfather, the girl had fortified herself mentally and accepted the truth: what was decided had been decided.
Still...
"If I weren't a princess..."
The girl lowered her head and gave a quiet laugh. Chances were, she would be like most of the unfortunate people in the world, unable to control her own life.
The sea breeze lifted her skirt and fluttered her simple, classical dress as she gazed wistfully into the distance.
What kind of man would the God of Shinobi be? Would he understand love—and would he love me?
Once I married him, everything would be settled. Even if he didn't understand love, what could I do about it...
All I need to do is hold fast to my belief in supporting and protecting the person I love...
There was no such thing as love in a political marriage.
To survive in this era of the Five Great Villages, the Uzumaki Clan needed a reliable ally to face the hostility of the other villages. Senju Hashirama was a suitable choice.
The princess of the Uzumaki, Uzumaki Mito, turned and headed back toward the village. Her walk was over for the day. Closing her eyes, she swept her awareness over the village grounds, as she habitually did.
She had barely taken a few steps when Uzumaki Mito abruptly stopped. She opened her eyes, turned, and looked up at the sky.
Mind's Eye of the Kagura
Sixty-seven kilometers away,