Planning

Puffing on his pipe, Hiruzen went through the paperwork in front of him. The preparations to accommodate the entire Uzumaki clan were giving him a headache. Construction for the new compound was still in the planning phase, and they had a lot of work to do.

Not to mention the fact that they would receive an influx of Uzushiogakure villagers.

Although it would only strengthen the village, in the end, preparations and integration would be slow and difficult.

His lips rose into a small smile as he released a cloud of smoke from his mouth.

'Seems like we'll gain a powerful ally in this war... Konoha's prospects are looking great.'

Although the Uzumaki clan's merging would initially cost them resources, it was merely an investment. In the future, they would also become a source of income and contribute to the village in more ways than one.

Previously, all they did was sell fuinjutsu to them at lower prices, in between other things. Now, they would become one, meaning their resources were technically the village's. They would serve a great purpose in the impending war.

As he was thinking to himself, someone burst through his door without any warning. Catching their breath, the Jonin spoke in a worried manner.

"L-lord Hokage! The Uzukage was assassinated!"

"What!?"

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When the news broke, Uzugakure descended into mass panic. Not only had their leader --who had lived for over a century-- died, but now, they were told to pack their belongings and head to Konoha.

As expected, many were furious. Some didn't mind, while others panicked. The village's emotions were all over the place, with people not knowing what to do next.

Because of the mysterious death of their leader, the Uzukage's right-hand man was placed as his temporary replacement. His first orders were to continue as if nothing happened, and assured that they would hold the funeral in the land of fire.

Although they put on a brave front, the leaders of the village were all feeling tremendous pressure. From the battle's remains, they quickly deduced that the person who infiltrated the leaf a while back had done the same to them; The trees were solid proof.

With the other four ninja villages preparing to eradicate them, they couldn't help but believe that they were somehow connected to their leader's death.

This led to Konohagakure suspecting the other nations of having a hand in it all. Although the idea was sounded out, there wasn't definite proof, so it was quickly dismissed.

Needless to say, the following week was quite hectic. With possible extinction looming over the heads of the Uzumaki clan, everyone got to packing. Konohagakure had already sent in the ships, and everything was proceeding smoothly.

------

On the last day of the operation, inside a secret bay of the land of Whirlpools.

The entire Uzumaki clan, as well as a multitude of Uzugakure citizens, were all boarding ships that pertained to the leaf village. The scene was less than beautiful, with families torn to shreds, children crying, and other unsavory displays of anguish and fear.

These people had lost their leader and were now disoriented. They didn't know what to do or what the future held for them. Heading to Konoha was a huge risk, yet they had no other option.

"You're sure that all of this is necessary?" Holding her son tightly, a dark-haired woman looked at Jun with a worried expression. From their aura, one would assume that they were ordinary civilians.

"Why did we have to mask our appearances?"

"Trust me. It's for your own good." Nodding, Jun had a solemn expression on his face. "If I didn't do this, you would be in great danger."

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Special thanks to Frozoka Swaggins, God Erebos, Daniil, Bradley, Garim, and MrOtter!

Don't forget to drop some stones!

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