After arriving in this world, I felt as if my life force were about to overflow. Every muscle in my body throbbed with power.
"Ding! Congratulations, host, on successfully crossing over. Memory transfer complete. Reward: Body Control upgraded to max level."
Shengli Uzumaki stared at the four guards stationed on either side of the residence, recalling the memories of the Uzushio Ninja of the Land of Whirlpools.
The people who lived in this village belonged to the Uzumaki Clan, but other ninja clans coveted their Sealing Jutsu.
As a result, numerous countries and clans invaded the Land of Whirlpools, bringing about its destruction. Kirigakure was the mastermind behind it all.
Shengli Uzumaki couldn't help clutching his aching head.
A commotion came from outside. "Emergency! Quickly, inform the lord!"
A Genin came rushing over, panting heavily.
"Lord Shengli Uzumaki, the Uzukage has issued an emergency order. Kirigakure is invading the Land of Whirlpools, and a large army has already gathered at the border."
"Please go to the Uzukage Hall at once."
With the destruction of the country drawing closer, I'd taken over the body of the Uzukage's son. The clan faced imminent annihilation. What should I do?
Feeling the strength of my body and the knowledge in my mind, I knew I was the only one who could find a way to save the Land of Whirlpools.
One after another, the Jonin entered the hall of the Uzukage Hall. At the head of the group, a man in armor sat solemnly at the center of the round table, leading the assembly. He was our Uzukage, Uzumaki Ashina.
Shengli Uzumaki met the Uzukage's gaze and stepped forward to report.
"Father, Kirigakure has invaded the Land of Whirlpools and urgently summoned us. Have we discussed a strategy or found a way to deal with them?"
"Don't worry. No problem can trouble our Uzumaki Clan."
Uzumaki Ashina looked at his son, a hint of apology in his eyes. The enemy had several times our numbers, and we had to gather the entire clan to fight them. I couldn't protect the Land of Whirlpools—or you—properly.
The Jonin assembled in the hall, each radiating a distinct presence. They wore the Forehead Protectors of the Uzumaki Ninja Village and full armor. Grim-faced and filled with killing intent, they fixed their eyes on the Uzukage.
A Chunin hurried in and whispered a report in Elder Uzumaki Keimei's ear.
Elder Uzumaki Keimei clenched his fists, brimming with anger at Konoha, then rose to his feet.
"Reporting to the Uzukage: according to the latest intelligence, the Shadow Squad went to Konoha to request reinforcements. Lord Third Hokage said he couldn't come because he was still fighting Suna Ninjas."
Uzumaki Kyokei slapped the table in displeasure and shouted,
"Where is our Lady Mito? As long as the Nine-Tails enters the battlefield, victory will surely belong to the Land of Whirlpools!"
Elder Keimei reported to everyone in a weak voice.
"The Shadow Squad went to see Lady Mito. The Third refused, saying the Nine-Tails was rampaging."
Everyone present felt betrayed by Konoha.
Lady Mito should never have married into Konoha.
Uzumaki Ashina looked around at everyone, closed his eyes, and pondered for a long while before speaking loudly:
"The enemy has ten large ships stationed at the border. Once their forces finish gathering, they'll launch their invasion. They outnumber us several times over. Look at those behind us—our wives, parents, families, and friends."
"This is a battle we cannot lose. The hope of the entire clan rests in our hands."
A figure suddenly appeared on the ceiling of the hall, watching the discussion below. Not one of them noticed.
Shengli Uzumaki could only accept the perilous situation facing the Uzumaki Clan and rack his brain for a way to overcome it.
A sense of unease flickered inside me, then steadily grew. The clan's strongest fighters were all here. Where was this feeling coming from?
Members of the Uzumaki Clan were born with powerful chakra and exceptional sensory abilities. Their sensory skills could even develop into the Mind's Eye of the Kagura.
The unease grew stronger. I suddenly looked up and spotted its source. Shengli Uzumaki saw the horrifying sight: no one had sensed the enemy yet.
Shengli Uzumaki gripped a shuriken and flung it forward, forming Hand Seals with both hands.
"Shadow Clone Shuriken Technique!"
Shuriken filled the air, slicing through it. Before they could hit their target, everyone reacted swiftly and looked up, their faces filled with alarm.
The Uzukage Hall was heavily guarded. How had the enemy infiltrated it?
The shuriken passed straight through the enemy's body and embedded themselves in the ceiling with a series of clinks. The enemy was completely unharmed.
Shengli Uzumaki saw the enemy's body turn to liquid when the shuriken struck. He let out a slight breath.
The only options were Sealing Jutsu, Fire Release, or Lightning Release.
Relying on his memories, he formed Hand Seals and used "Adamantine Sealing Chains," a unique ability of the Uzumaki Clan that could restrain Tailed Beasts. He stepped in front of his father to protect him.
The Jonin fell back to the Uzukage's side to protect him, glaring at the enemy. Thankfully, the young lord had spotted the intruder.
The enemy looked at them. "I'm not one to brag, but allow me to introduce myself."
"I am Hozuki Gensei, head of the Hozuki Clan. There's an easy way to spare you further casualties and leave the Land of Whirlpools in peace."
"Just teach me all your knowledge of Sealing Jutsu, pledge the Land of Whirlpools' allegiance to Kirigakure, and pay one hundred million ryo each year. Then the ninja gathered at your borders will withdraw."
After hearing this, Uzumaki Ashina erupted with powerful chakra. His eyes glowed red, and his fiery red hair swayed in the surging chakra.
"Son, step aside. I'll deal with this arrogant brat."
Kirigakure had gone too far. How dare they come to the Land of Whirlpools alone? Did they think they could leave alive?
"You're the head of the Hozuki Clan. If we capture you, we'll get the information we need. Surrender!" He formed Hand Seals.
"Sealing Jutsu: Adamantine Sealing Chains!"
He charged forward, launching chakra chains from his back toward Hozuki Gensei.
Hozuki Gensei watched the chains fly at him, his eyes narrowing as he formed Hand Seals.
"Water Release: Water Gun Technique!"
This was a secret technique of the Hozuki Clan. The user shaped their hand like a pistol and fired bullet-like liquid from their index finger, powerful enough to pierce an enemy.
The bullets repeatedly struck the Adamantine Chains. The chains drew closer and closer to Hozuki Gensei, while the shots came faster and faster.
When the Adamantine Chains were just one centimeter away from Hozuki Gensei, they snapped in two.
The Uzumaki Clan members present immediately turned pale. The Uzukage's signature move, Adamantine Sealing Chains, had actually been countered by Kirigakure.
Shengli Uzumaki fixed his gaze on Hozuki Gensei. The man's mastery of Water Release was superb.
The bullets weren't powerful enough to break the Adamantine Sealing Chains outright. Instead, they'd repeatedly struck the same spot, weakening the chakra in his father's chains until they broke.
Uzumaki Ashina's chakra surged again. The Uzumaki Clan was renowned for its vast chakra reserves. The floor cracked inch by inch under the force of his chakra, and the Adamantine Chains grew back.
"Hozuki brat, when I was Uzukage, you were still drinking milk somewhere. I'll show you the might of a village leader!"
Watching the Uzukage's imposing aura erupt, Hozuki Gensei smoothed his hair, which the wind had ruffled. "Our Hozuki Clan can wield all Seven Blades."
He formed Hand Seals. "Summoning Technique: Seven Blades."
The Explosive Blade, Shibuki, and the Greatsword, Samehada.
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