Jiraiya and Orochimaru followed Tsunade in silence, their steps aligned in a formation they had used on the battlefield dozens of times before.
But this time, there were no enemies ahead—only old wounds that had yet to heal.
Tsunade knew why the dock was empty.
She knew why not a single Uzushio shinobi had come to greet them.
Tsunade knew all too well.
A few weeks ago, when the Uzumaki Clan sent envoys to Konoha, they did not ask for mercy.
They brought evidence, strategies, and determination—pleading for help as old allies.
But the leaders in Konoha… they chose silence.
They chose to close the door.
"If we intervene, we will open a new front," said one elderly advisor who could barely stand upright. "It's too risky."
Risk.
That was more important than family.
And now, even though the Uzushio Village had managed to withstand the onslaught of three major villages—Sunagakure, Kirigakure, and Iwagakure—they must have lost a lot.
But it turned out they hadn't; from the rumors circulating, not a single one had died, which left Tsunade confused, and that was why she wanted to uncover the truth.
Also, after that victory, they made an announcement that shook the ninja world:
The Uzumaki Clan severed all ties with Konoha.
It was a declaration of independence.
A statement that the wounds of betrayal would not be forgotten.
For Tsunade, it was not just a political decision.
It felt like seeing her own blood rejected by the land from which Tsunade came.
Where Tsunade was the granddaughter of Mito Uzumaki, the wife of the First Hokage.
The Uzumaki blood flowed within Tsunade.
Where Tsunade had never boasted about it, but she had never been ashamed either.
But today, that blood felt like a burden.
Like a stigma that Tsunade could not erase, and could not take pride in.
They walked along a narrow path that connected the dock to the interior of the island.
Trees grew thickly on both sides, creating a dark and quiet natural corridor.
The leaves trembled in the wind, and only the sound of their footsteps filled the air.
After walking for quite a while, they finally arrived in front of a large wooden gate.
The entrance to Uzushio Village.
The wood was thick, layered with beautifully crafted iron plates.
The door creaked open slowly, emitting a heavy sound that sent chills down their spines.
From behind the gap in the door, a man appeared.
Or more precisely, an Anbu man.
The man wore all black, complete with arm guards and the signature Anbu flak jacket.
On his face was a plain red mask, unadorned, with only two black eye holes staring at them emotionlessly.
The Anbu stood straight at the door and then spoke.
His voice was cold, almost lifeless.
"If you have come for revenge, then we are ready."
"If you have only come to spout nonsense about peace, you'd better turn around and leave."
Instantly, the atmosphere grew colder.
Even the wind stopped.
Tsunade paused for a moment.
Jiraiya lowered his head slightly, while Orochimaru merely crossed his arms, his eyes staring straight as if trying to pierce through the Anbu's mask.
But Tsunade stepped forward.
Where Tsunade stood tall, her hands clenched at her sides.
Tsunade's brown eyes locked directly onto the Anbu's eye holes.
Behind that gaze, there was anger, sadness, and boiling determination all in one point.
"We know," Tsunade said loudly.
"We know we have disappointed you."
"But we did not come to deliver nonsense."
"We came to listen, to talk, to mend."
"I beg you… allow us to meet the Clan Head."
"I plead… as family."
"As an Uzumaki."
________________________
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