Chapter 24

"What if it's normal? Isn't that expected?

Ame no Kuni has an abundance of water and it seeps into our ground naturally. It's a normal occurrence," Rasa replied, unable to comprehend his girlfriend's thoughts and considering it to be a regular phenomenon.

"It may be normal, but it's also not normal.

If we rely on Ame no Kuni's water source for an extended period, we will become dependent on them. We'll be under their control," Karura explained, emphasizing the potential risks and expressing her concern.

Karura glanced around to ensure no one was listening, then whispered to Rasa, "I have a feeling that Kazekage-sama will find a way to gain control over Ame no Kuni. The most direct approach would be to directly attack and seize a portion of their territory."

Rasa's face turned serious as he observed the people around them, who were busy measuring the groundwater sources. After confirming that no one was paying attention, he shot Karura a disapproving look and said, "Don't talk nonsense. We have a friendly alliance with Ame no Kuni. We won't engage in such actions."

However, Karura noticed a flicker of panic in Rasa's eyes, indicating that her guess had hit close to the mark. Military matters like these would be recorded in the upper ranks of the Shinōbi Army, and Rasa must possess some knowledge, but he couldn't disclose it to her.

"Rasa, this is an opportunity. We must seize it. It is crucial for the future Kazekage," Karura whispered into Rasa's ear, embracing him tightly.

Without waiting for Rasa to react, Karura instantly performed the Sand Body Substitution Jutsu and swiftly escaped.

"Hahaha," the Suna Shinōbi standing nearby jeered at Rasa, his face flushed with amusement.

They were all aware of Rasa and Karura's relationship. In their eyes, the two were a perfect match, destined to be together. Karura, a young girl from a prestigious clan with powerful Secret Jutsu and the direct descendant of the Kazekage, possessed the Magnet Release. Both of them possessed exceptional strength, surpassing their peers.

Rasa let out a sigh of relief when he realized that no one had overheard his conversation with Karura. Their discussion involved Sunagakure's plans for the coming years, including sending Kage-level Shinōbi to face grave danger.

At the port of Kaze no Kuni, a team of Suna Shinōbi stood guard, maintaining order and security.

"I'm finally back. I didn't feel it when we left, but now I understand the discomfort of sailing at sea," Ebizo commented while standing on the bow, tapping his aging arm and leg in complaint.

"Hehe, Elder-sama, you seem quite worn out. The busiest time is yet to come," a special Jonin clerk standing nearby replied with a soft smile.

Ebizo glared fiercely at him, causing the clerk to quickly falter and remain silent.

Indeed, as Ebizo gazed upon the large ships in the port, memories of the powerful clashes that occurred on the island of Uzu no Kuni came flooding back to him.

He is aware that the Shinōbi World will soon be thrown into chaos.

"Go and inform Uzumaki Akisawa and Uzumaki Homura. Let them know that they will be disembarking soon and must organize the children of the Uzumaki Clan. Sunagakure is ready to receive them," Ebizo commanded, his gaze fixed on the approaching port.

"Yes, Elder-sama," the young Suna Shinōbi swiftly descended to carry out the instructions.

Meanwhile, a swirl of iron sand rose into the air as Yasuke led a group of Suna Shinōbi, floating towards the port. As the leader of the Suna Shinōbi forces, he needed to deploy defenses in advance.

On another large ship, Uzumaki Akisawa spoke with determination to her companions. "We must rely on ourselves from now on. Despite Sunagakure's kindness, we need to establish our own value."

"Sunagakure's Medical-Ninjutsu is primarily based on Chiyo's pharmacy. Their Sealing Jutsu derives mainly from the One-Tails Shukaku. The water source for their greenery projects comes from the Chakra source used in Jonin training," Uzumaki Homura, the ambassador to Konoha, explained. Although his name carried a certain level of prestige, he was indeed a knowledgeable representative.

"Right, I have decided that the Uzumaki Clan will focus primarily on Medical-Ninjutsu. My Sealing Jutsu can stop bleeding, Kagura Shingan can sense patients, and my immense Chakra can sustain us in battle for extended periods. In the early stages, we can sustain ourselves by selling Chakra, or we can offer Water Release Ninjutsu directly to Sunagakure," Uzumaki Akisawa, as the leader of the two, quickly made her decision.

They despise war and yearn to integrate into Sunagakure, seeking their own value. The foundation of their plan lies in the essential Medical-Ninjutsu passed down from Shōdai Hokage and Uzumaki Mito.

"I agree, but I believe we should offer our clansmen the opportunity to choose. We can advocate for change, but it's important to respect their individual decisions. The Daimyo once mentioned that if we desire a good life, we must be willing to relinquish the clan system and transform the Uzumaki Clan into a small family," Uzumaki Homura suggested after contemplating Uzumaki Akisawa's proposal, recognizing its merits and offering some refinements.

"Absolutely, let's discuss it together. It's impossible for everyone to agree completely. Nonetheless, we owe a debt of gratitude to Shōdai Hokage and Princess Mito for their generosity and support. We are grateful to our ancestors," Uzumaki Akisawa responded with heartfelt emotion, a smile gracing her face.

Uzumaki Mito had once provided Uzu no Kuni with numerous "research" materials. While they may not have held much significance at the time, the Uzumaki Clan had stored them away, recognizing their potential value. Now, their foresight and the advantageous connection with influential figures were paying off. The knowledge and advancements in Medical-Ninjutsu achieved by Senju Hashirama and Uzumaki Mito surpassed what others could fathom, proving to be invaluable to the Uzumaki Clan.

The significance of influential figures cannot be underestimated when examining the Five-Great Ninja Villages. Despite the relentless pursuit of Medical-Ninjutsu by all villages after the Second Shinōbi World War, none can compare to Konoha. Senju Hashirama and Uzumaki Mito laid the foundation for Medical-Ninjutsu, and Tsunade elevated it to unparalleled heights, leaving other villages struggling to catch up. Only Suna Shinōbi, thanks to the formidable Chiyo and her expertise in pharmaceuticals, managed to narrow the gap with Konoha in Medical-Ninjutsu, albeit reluctantly.

However, the Uzumaki Clan possesses a rich lineage of Ninjutsu passed down from their ancestors, offering a vast and diverse array of abilities. Within their clan, some individuals have dedicated themselves to studying Medical-Ninjutsu. While they may not possess a prodigy like Tsunade, their expertise is sufficient to sustain themselves.

"Sunagakure needs us, and we are among the first group seeking refuge. As long as we maintain a reasonable approach and don't push too far, they will be willing to sacrifice certain benefits," Uzumaki Homura tactfully reminded his companion.

They understand the importance of maintaining a delicate balance in their actions to avoid overstepping boundaries, as they learned from their previous mistakes. Drawing excessive attention can lead to hostility from other Hidden Villages, such as Kirigakure.

"Yes, but we must exercise caution without becoming overly paranoid. As long as we don't encroach upon their authority, they won't scrutinize us too closely. Sunagakure is not a large village, and their Shinōbi Clan operates within the framework of the Elder system. It's in our best interest to adhere to their customs," added the Uzumaki Clan member who follows Uzumaki Masahiko, someone well-informed due to his connections.