Tsunade fell silent for a moment, then gave a decisive order.
"No more waiting. Everyone, move out."
"I've already sent word to Orochimaru. He was on the front lines in the Land of Rain, and once he receives his orders, he'll head straight for the Land of Whirlpools."
"He should arrive a day or two after us. We'll get there first, set up defenses, and stabilize the situation."
Under the blazing midday sun, the entire team officially departed Konoha.
An Anbu special operations squad, elite reinforcements from three clans, and a personal letter of guarantee from Mito Uzumaki.
They all shared one destination-the Land of Whirlpools.
Two days later, along the coast of the Land of Whirlpools.
This was Maki's first look at the Land of Whirlpools in its entirety.
Snow-white walls stretched along the lengthy coastline. Patrolling ninja could be seen everywhere atop them, keeping a tight watch.
Inside the walls stood clusters of distinctive buildings with red roofs and white walls.
At the very center of the village stood a striking round tower, an Uzumaki Crest flag flying high above its roof.
The sea wind howled, snapping the flag taut.
Tsunade walked at the head of the group.
Seeing the Konoha Anbu uniforms and the accompanying members of the three clans, the ninja at Uzushio Village's coastal checkpoint let them through without obstruction.
The Uzushio Village Council Hall occupied the first floor of the central tower.
The room was small, its walls hung with portraits of past Uzumaki Clan heads. The atmosphere was solemn and dignified.
Takehaya Uzumaki had been waiting at the entrance for some time.
His features bore a striking resemblance to Mito Uzumaki's.
The same arched brow bones, deep-set eyes, and tightly pressed thin lips gave him the clan's characteristic composure and cool severity.
"Princess