It was a bright, sunny morning.
Through Zou Hyuga's behind-the-scenes arrangements, Vortex Shizuko entered Konohagakure through the main gate, curiously surveying the greatest war machine in the shinobi world.
Both the lifelike Kage Rock in the distance and the bustling streets nearby caught her eye.
They left a profound impression on Vortex Shizuko. By comparison, Kusagakure, where she had once lived, seemed like the countryside. Its residents did not wear the same confident expressions as the people of Konoha.
The people who lived in a great nation, sheltered by the strongest military force, were fortunate.
Yet comparing her hometown, Uzushio Village, with Konoha only deepened Vortex Shizuko's melancholy. After all, the Uzumaki Clan had once had the opportunity to join Konoha, but their ancestors had rejected it.
Their ancestors' decision might have been right, but the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools was also a fact.
Especially when she saw that Konoha, which had betrayed their alliance, was still thriving.
Passing through the bustling streets, Vortex Shizuko turned into the Hyuga Clan's grounds and followed Zou Hyuga into the Small Courtyard.
Flowers and plants filled the Small Courtyard, along with barely perceptible sensory formulas, a testament to its owner's caution.
Once seated inside, Vortex Shizuko saw another side of Zou Hyuga: a cheerful, somewhat irreverent member of the Hyuga Branch Family, an ANBU serving under the Hokage.
Vortex Shizuko did not know why Zou Hyuga had multiple identities, nor did she understand whether the Konoha High Command had ordered this.
Zou Hyuga had not taken her to meet the reigning Hokage. He had merely settled her here.
She had many questions, but she would not pry unless he chose to explain.
After all, in the shinobi world, knowing too much rarely ended well.
"I smell a woman. What are you