"Kushina?"
Seeing the ninjas filing into the room, Uzumaki Jun felt relieved. As long as their spirits remained unbroken, Uzushio would not fall. But when he noticed the last figure a little girl with red hair, he asked in confusion, "Why are you still here?"
"I... I want to help too," Kushina said, clenching her small fists and lowering her head, not daring to meet Jun's gaze.
Hearing her words, Jun's expression darkened. "Nonsense. Go hide in the underground shelter immediately."
This was no joke. If anything happened to Kushina, not only would the clan leader hold it against him, but he himself would feel guilty and regretful.
After all, she was such an adorable little girl!
"Hurry up. Children shouldn't be involved in this," the clan leader said sternly. "War is no place for kids."
But Kushina stubbornly raised her head. "But Jun-nii is a kid too! Why can he join? I'm strong as well!"
"..."
The little girl had a point.
The meeting room fell silent. No one knew how to respond.
"Because I'm your brother, and the heir of this country," Jun said, forcing himself to sound firm. Suddenly, an idea struck him. "Besides, I'm already a genin of Uzushio."
Thankfully, he had officially become a genin not long ago. Even though his status meant he never went on missions, he was still a legitimate ninja. As a proud shinobi, how could he hide in the rear? Even if he was just a genin.
"But..." Kushina pouted unhappily, but she couldn't think of a counterargument. Instead, she resorted to stubbornness.
"No! I want to help too! This is my home, and I want to protect it!"
"Don't worry. Nothing will happen," Jun said softly, seeing the redness in her eyes. Though young, she understood the gravity of Uzushio's situation fearful, nervous, yet still wanting to contribute. This little girl was really...
Jun could only comfort her, speaking firmly.
"Jun-nii promises you, I will protect Uzushio and Uzushiogaku. No one will get hurt."
"But... but..." Kushina's eyes welled up, her lips trembling as she fought back tears. "I want to help too."
"Kushina wants to help?" Seeing her like this, Jun knew that if he refused, she'd sneak out on her own. He had no doubt after all, she was the "Red Hot-Blooded Habanero."
After a moment of thought, he walked up to her and gently patted her head. Her soft red hair felt nice.
Kushina's face turned bright red at his touch, especially in front of so many people.
Jun-nii, really... She shyly lowered her head.
Seeing his daughter like this, the clan leader smiled faintly, though the worry in his eyes remained. If Uzushio really fell... the younger generation must escape, especially Uzumaki Jun.
As long as he survived, the Uzumaki clan could rebuild. He believed it because Jun was their hope. Exchanging glances with the elders, they all silently agreed.
"Since Kushina wants to help," Jun said with a smile, "I, as the acting commander of Uzushio, hereby order Uzumaki Kushina to lead our people in the underground shelter, keeping them calm and ensuring no accidents occur."
At first, Kushina was thrilled to receive an order, but then...
She pouted. "But I want to stay with Jun-nii!" She wasn't fooled going back to the shelter was no different from before.
"No, this mission is very important," Jun said seriously. "Don't underestimate it, Kushina."
Keeping people patiently waiting underground for so long wouldn't be easy, especially knowing a war raged outside. If the shelter was discovered by Kirigakure ninjas...
The consequences were unthinkable.
"Really?" Kushina eyed him skeptically, as if saying, I'm young, but don't lie to me!
"Of course!" Jun smiled.
"Only Kushina can do this."
As the clan leader's daughter, no one was better suited to reassure the people.
"Then... okay!" After a moment, Kushina nodded firmly. "I won't let anything happen in the shelter."
Jun patted her head again and turned to his guard.
"Aniki, I'll leave it to you." He subtly signaled Uzumaki Aniki, remember my words. If anyone causes trouble in the shelter, eliminate them immediately.
He couldn't afford any mistakes. Uzushio had no room for error. Only then would there be hope.
"Your Highness, another Uzumaki girl is requesting to see you," another Uzushio ninja suddenly reported.
Another little girl?
"Who?" Jun asked, feeling awkward under his father's teasing gaze and the clan leader's disapproving frown.
"A civilian from our clan," the ninja replied.
A civilian? Not a ninja? Jun didn't recall knowing so many little girls. Who could it be?
When a girl around ten years old entered, Jun grew even more puzzled. Long red hair, a gentle aura, he didn't recognize her.
"What do you need?"
"Your Highness, I'm Uzumaki Kyoko," the girl said timidly, intimidated by the elders and the clan leader. But thinking of Uzushio's crisis, she gathered her courage. "I... I..."
Seeing her fear, Jun smiled reassuringly.
"Don't be afraid. We're all Uzumaki. In that case, Kyoko-nee is my elder sister."
She was a pretty girl, her red hair unmistakably Uzumaki.
Encouraged, Kyoko lifted her head. "I... I want to help too."
But seeing Jun frown, she quickly added, "My body is special. No matter how exhausted or injured someone is, biting me will heal them."
Huh?
This sounded familiar.
Wasn't this the ability of the Karin and mother duo? This was a rare Uzumaki trait, only appearing in those with overflowing life force. Even he, a genius, didn't have it.
And Kyoko...
Could she be Karin's mother?
The clan leader stepped forward, taking Kyoko's hand to examine her. After a moment, he nodded solemnly at Jun. To think such a talent existed among the civilians, this was heaven's aid.
This constitution was extremely rare, even among the Uzumaki. Among the younger generation, she was the only one discovered so far.
Seeing the clan leader's confirmation, Jun knew it was true. How enviable. Not only could this ability heal others, but it also enhanced survival. Their vitality surpassed even ordinary Uzumaki.
After a pause, Jun said, "Then we'll rely on you, Kyoko-nee." Every bit of strength counted, especially a healer for the reckless Uzumaki.
Their lack of medical ninjutsu was likely why Uzushio fell while Kirigakure had medics, the Uzumaki relied on their own resilience. In war, there was no time to wait for natural recovery.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Jun declared solemnly, "Now, we begin war preparations!"