"Sorry for the trouble, Clan Head Fugaku." The Daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools bowed deeply to Fugaku.
"Rest assured, Your Excellency. Now that I'm here, I'll bring these Uzumaki Clan members back to Konoha. Orochimaru is joining me on this trip as well.
"Judging by the time, he should arrive soon."
They had just emerged from the underground passage when a figure flashed past. Orochimaru appeared atop a building in the Imperial Palace.
"Your speed never fails to impress, Fugaku."
Fugaku smiled. "Your timing is perfect. These are the Uzumaki Clan members we need to take with us."
"I'm counting on you both. Now that the Uzumaki Clan has somewhere new to go, it's time for me to give my life for my country."
"Your Excellency, you could come back to the Land of Fire with us and rebuild the Uzumaki Clan," Fugaku urged.
The Daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools shook his head. "I am this country's supreme leader. I bear the chief responsibility for its fall. Anyone else may leave, but I cannot.
"Only my death can rekindle the fire in the hearts of the Uzumaki who survive and drive them to grow stronger."
Fugaku nodded and said no more. The daimyo had already resolved to die; nothing Fugaku said would change his mind.
Fugaku glanced over the children from the Land of Whirlpools. They were all young, and many still seemed too bewildered to do anything but cry.
He saw no hatred in their faces. Instead, fear filled many of their eyes.
If these children could not overcome that fear, they would struggle to develop the heart of a strong shinobi. Without it, they would likely end up ordinary.
"Fugaku, we should go. Once the Cloud and Mist Allied Forces reach this place, leaving will be