Chapter 26 : Seven Ninja Swordsmen

The Third Mizukage contemplated for a moment.

"Mizukage-sama, Suien-sama and others, they have already moved ahead."

At that moment, a Jōnin approached to report the latest situation.

"When did this happen?"

The Third Mizukage inquired with a furrowed brow.

"Just an hour ago, they boarded a ship and left first."

"Lord Suien and the others mentioned that they could handle such a small country without your assistance, Lord Mizukage!"

The Jōnin quickly added while glancing at the Third Mizukage.

"Lord Suien stated that they plan to infiltrate directly and deal with the remaining leaders of the Uzumaki clan first!"

Hearing this, the Third Hokage frowned.

He refrained from speaking in the end. It should be fine if the seven of them exercise caution, right?

In his view, being the renowned Uzumaki clan, it's best to proceed with vigilance.

The lion fights the rabbit with full force.

Even though the Seven Ninja Swordsmen are skilled, they may underestimate the Uzumaki clan and suffer consequences.

"Let's hope that they don't encounter any mishaps this time!"

As the Third Mizukage frowned, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, also displayed a concerned expression.

In his office, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu entered along with Shimura Danzō.

He anticipated that another issue had arisen.

"Why have you all gathered here?"

At that moment, Danzo, who always wore black attire and bore a permanent scar on his face, directly inquired.

"Kirigakure is preparing to attack the Land of Whirlpools!"

"Hiruzen, based on the latest intelligence, the Third Mizukage has already gone there with the tailed beast and seven of Kirigakure's ninja swordsmen!"

Mitokado Homura added as well.

"Deploying such a number of trump cards indicates Kirigakure's strong determination to conquer the Land of Whirlpools!" Utatane Koharu added thoughtfully, narrowing her eyes.

"Well, what are your thoughts? Why haven't you given your support? After all, they are our allies."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed after listening to them, as if lamenting the fate of the Land of Whirlpools.

Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu all shook their heads in agreement.

"Hiruzen, I informed you not because you're Hokage, but because you must be aware to give the appropriate orders."

"Yes, Hiruzen, we already expected this outcome, didn't we?"

"We'll turn a blind eye and rescue a few Uzumaki clan orphans when the situation permits."

It seemed that Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu had already made up their minds. They straightforwardly presented their decision to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Observing the determined expressions of the three, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew they wouldn't waver in their stance.

"However, the Uzumaki clan is an ally established by the First Hokage, Hashirama-sama. They've always provided significant assistance to Konoha."

"Moreover, Mito-sama is still part of the Uzumaki clan."

The three turned their gazes to Uzumaki Mito, who was, after all, the wife of the First Hokage.

"Alright then, Hiruzen, I will personally go to the Land of Whirlpools and offer refuge to the Uzumaki clan."

After pondering for a while, Danzo made his decision.

"The two of us will apologize to Mito-sama in person. Yet, considering Mito-sama's ties to Konoha, she should understand the challenges we face!"

"We're doing this for Konoha's sake!"

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura chimed in as well.

Sarutobi Hiruzen remained somewhat hesitant. Issuing this order might be easy, but if problems arose in the future, the blame wouldn't rest solely on him.

Danzo noticed Sarutobi Hiruzen's hesitation and decided to use a stronger argument.

"Hiruzen! Over the years, Konoha has managed to regain some strength. We cannot be dragged into another war quagmire!"

"According to the intelligence, apart from Kirigakure, Kumogakure's shinobi have also joined the siege on the Land of Whirlpools. Right now, Konoha needs recovery!"

"We cannot plunge Konoha into war again due to the Land of Whirlpools!"

Danzo's words seemed to touch Sarutobi Hiruzen. His expression settled, and he spoke slowly:

"Very well, I'm not informed about this matter. You may proceed."

Having said that, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked out of his window at the bustling activity in Konoha.

The three from Danzo's group exchanged glances and left Sarutobi's office quietly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen gazed at the head of the First Hokage on the Hokage Rock, seemingly lost in thought.

"Lord Hashirama, forgive me, everything I do is for the sake of Konoha."

......

"Suien, how should we proceed later?"

At this point, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had arrived in the Land of Whirlpools.

Utilizing the ship and their exceptional travel abilities, they swiftly reached their destination and disembarked.

Jūzō Biwa took out a map he had brought along, studied it, and carefully considered their path.

The group assembled around Jūzō Biwa, each retrieving their weapons from scrolls and sitting down.

Although the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were equals, they all recognized Jūzō Biwa as their captain due to his superior strength.

This wasn't for any other reason but because he was the strongest and had exceptional leadership abilities among them.

"We will soon pass through the mountain path here and infiltrate."

"We can approach the Uzumaki clan's territory directly from here. It's said their high-ranking members reside there."

"Let's be cautious and avoid detection. This operation will focus on infiltration initially, and then we'll unleash mayhem after gathering favourable information!"

While discussing this, the group wore a bloodthirsty smile.

"Alright, let's ascend the mountain!"

The seven warriors armed themselves and headed towards the woods with their belongings.

But as they turned, a fiery-haired figure met their eyes in silence from ahead!

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