Nothing happened that night.
Before dawn had fully broken the next day, there was already movement downstairs at the inn.
"Get up," Jiraiya said as he pushed open the door. "I found a boat. Pack up and we're leaving."
Everyone followed Jiraiya to the shore.
A fishing boat was docked at the pier. Its owner was a taciturn old man who merely lifted his chin to signal for them to board.
"Most of the large ships nearby have been requisitioned by ninja from other countries, so we'll have to make do with this little fishing boat," Jiraiya explained.
Tsunade shook her head. "It's fine. I'm in contact with Uncle Luju. Uzushio Village is safe for now, so we still have time."
"That's good."
Mirai also let out a sigh of relief, no longer feeling quite so tense.
He stood by the rail, watching the white wake trailing behind the stern as the sea wind stirred his Kurenai hair, considering what to do next.
The Land of Whirlpools was a small country. Facing the allied forces of three great nations and several smaller ones, this would not be an easy battle.
If necessary, he might have to reveal some of the Nine-Tails' power.
The fishing boat was not fast, but eventually the outline of an island appeared ahead of its bow.
The Land of Whirlpools.
The island was not large, and its terrain was flat. From afar, they could see only a cluster of gray-white buildings standing atop the central hill, ancient in style and surrounded by layer upon layer of houses.
By the time the boat docked, a line of people was already waiting at the pier.
At their head stood a tall, middle-aged man,
wearing the Land of Whirlpools' traditional white robe, its lapels embroidered with Kurenai whirlpool patterns.