When a hundred Jonin appeared on the outskirts of the Land of Whirlpools, almost everyone realized that disaster was upon them.
The combined forces of the Four Great Shinobi Villages swept through like a tidal wave. Land of Whirlpools, though steeped in history, had a small population—how could everyone be a jōnin? Against such fierce shinobi, even a brief encounter claimed countless lives in their prime.
Fortunately, Land of Whirlpools' unique nation-village system meant its true strength lay deep within its core—Uzushiogakure itself.
Although the citizens of the Land of Whirlpools had relaxed their vigilance due to years of peace, they still had the resolve to protect their country in a crisis. Many able-bodied adults shepherded their families into the village's center and set their own homes ablaze—each flame a signal that the enemy was at the doorstep.
Inside Uzushiogakure's heart, Clan Elder Uzumaki Ashina was jolted awake by frantic reports. He leapt up, listening intently while quickly weighing options.
"The enemy is far too strong for open combat. Our only choice is to defend to the death and hold out for reinforcements. Gather everyone at the ancestral hall and activate the sealing formation around Uzushiogakure!
"Also, release the outer scripture vault. They are invading Uzushiogakure solely for our Sealing Jutsu collection. The lower-level Sealing Jutsu in the outer vault might make them turn on each other.
"We must hold for five days. If we can send word out, Uzushiogakure still has hope.
"Also, call my son, Masahiko, and bring Kushina here. I have an important task to entrust to him."
A clansman hesitated. "Lord Ashina, many villagers are still flocking inward. What about them when the seal closes?"
Ashina's face wavered, then hardened. "If they don't reach the hall before the formation closes, we must leave them behind. Letting enemies in out of pity would be unforgivable!"
Though firm, the weight of his words visibly drained him; his countenance grew older in that moment. The clansman, ashamed for questioning him, hurried away.
Minutes later, a middle-aged man entered carrying a small, tearful red-haired girl.
"Father, you called for me because...?"
The girl was clearly frightened—outside flames flickered and distant screams echoed. Tears filled her wide eyes.
Ashina offered a forced smile and softly said, "Don't worry, Kushina. Uncle Masahiko will take you to stay with Great-Aunt Mito for a while."
Kushina, voice trembling, replied, "I don't want to go. I want to stay with everyone."
Ashina gently stroked her hair. "This is just temporary, my dear. The Land of Whirlpools is in danger now. Once peace returns, I promise to bring you home to us."
Sensing something was wrong, but too understanding to argue, Kushina nodded. "Please don't forget me, great-grandfather."
"I won't," he promised.
After urging Kushina to wait outside, Ashina turned to his son, Masahiko. "You know we can't hold out without Konoha's help."
Masahiko nodded immediately. "I understand. I'll seek aid—even if I die afterward."
Ashina nodded in gratitude. "Take Kushina... and this." From a hidden door he produced an unassuming scroll and handed it to Masahiko.
"This scroll contains the true essence of our Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Jutsu. It must never fall into enemy hands. If you die, give it to Kushina to deliver to your Aunt Mito in Konoha.
"With this scroll, even if just one of us survives, our clan can rise again.
"Kushina is one of the most gifted in our new generation—maybe strong enough to be the next Jinchūriki under your Aunt Mito's guidance. We once planned for her to inherit the Nine-Tails, but this... situation came too soon.
"You and your cousins will escort her. You two are the future of the village. Live on—do you understand?"
Masahiko, overwhelmed at the gravity, felt tears welling up, but composed himself.
He took the scroll with solemn care, bowed deeply, and departed without another word, carrying Kushina on his back. His cousins rushed to shield them.
Ashina watched them disappear, the last softness leaving his eyes. Then he strode toward the Uzumaki Clan shrine, resolution firm: even if his old body gave out, he would hold until reinforcements arrived.
Outside the village's rear, Masahiko sprinted through dense woods, Kushina safely on his back. They avoided the main road, knowing enemy shinobi would control it.
One cousin volunteered to act as a decoy, carrying a stone transformed with the Transformation Jutsu to resemble Kushina, drawing enemy attention while the others slipped through the forest.
That forest led to the coast linked to the Land of Fire—not far away. No boat needed; they could wade through and reach it in a day. The Uzumaki were strong, their chakra robust—they could manage it.
They just needed to press on—a chance at survival.
But before they made it through, they were spotted by three to five jōnin.
"Yare yare—we actually found something." the jōnin chuckled.
Seeing this, Masahiko quickly said to his cousins around him,
"Finish them quickly—don't give them time to call reinforcements!"
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