Uchiha Akaishi Tour

Chapter 41 Sacrifice

Jiraiya stared speechlessly at Akaishi. He didn't know why, but Akaishi was always very cautious and would say things that sounded sarcastic and strange!

"That's not it... cough cough, it's not just because of that. Originally, the First Mizukage, Byakuren, was wavering between Hozuki and Tora. Tora's views leaned towards closed-off conservatism and isolationism, wanting to minimize Kirigakure and the Land of Water's external exchanges and retain only maritime interests, while Hozuki Gengetsu leaned towards openness and actively participating in mainland affairs."

"Originally, because the ninja world war was about to break out, Byakuren began to clearly favor Tora. He also took Tora with him to the Five Kage Summit, as if he were his successor. He hoped that the closed and conservative policy would allow Kirigakure to avoid being drawn into the war and remain unscathed."

Although it wasn't explicitly stated at the time, the "bodyguards" accompanying the five First Kage during the Five Kage Summit were all "successors," which can be considered as a form of mutual understanding. Only the Mizukage's bodyguard failed to become the Second Kage...

"At the Five Kage Summit, only the First Hokage did not give up hope for peace and strongly urged the villages to cease hostilities. With the First Hokage's sincerity, the conflict gradually subsided, and Byakuren's thoughts also changed, ultimately leading to Hozuki Gengetsu becoming the Second Mizukage."

In the end, the three hidden villages were persuaded by the First Hokage. Only Sunagakure was resentful, but dared not challenge the other four hidden villages at the same time.

"However, shortly after the death of the First Hokage, the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hozuki, and the Second Tsuchikage, Mu, perished together, plunging both Iwagakure and Kirigakure into chaos."

"Iwagakure is better off. With Onoki, who is both a first and second generation disciple and a very shrewd and capable fellow, they quickly stabilized the internal and external situation."

"The situation in Kirigakure was more special. In the end, without Hozuki Gengetsu's dying wish, Tora forcibly took over as the Third Mizukage, which not only caused Kirigakure's policies to take a sharp turn, but also claimed that the Hozuki clan had rebelled, thus starting a civil war."

"Because of the closed and conservative policies, and the fact that we are isolated overseas, we previously knew very little about the situation in the Land of Water. We only recently learned that the long-standing internal strife in Kirigakure has not only not been quelled, but has intensified. The Third Mizukage's purge of the Hozuki clan has gradually escalated into a conflict with all bloodline families!"

"More than a decade has passed, and the civil war in Kirigakure has been intermittent, with more battles than others. The Land of Water has become a mini-Warring States, and now it has shrunk to the point that it can no longer even take care of the island nations at sea."

"Not only can Kirigakure not protect them, but the war has also created a large number of wandering ninjas who are now roaming the seas. These small countries are now seeking cooperation with other hidden villages, and the Land of Waves is one of them..."

Upon hearing this, the three of them understood what Jiraiya meant—this might be an attempt by Konoha to intervene in small overseas countries.

Moreover, Jiraiya also explained the origins of the current situation in a simple and easy-to-understand way, pointing directly to the special circumstances of the Land of Water and the Hidden Mist Village.

On one hand, it was a reminder to Akaishi and the other two that although this mission seemed to be a B-rank mission, they might come into contact with rogue ninja from Kirigakure. Given the situation in Kirigakure, it was not uncommon for Jonin or even entire ninja clans to go into exile.

On the other hand, Akaishi felt that Jiraiya-sensei was deliberately bringing up these backstories so that he would think more about them...

"Alright, you three go buy your things... then rest for a bit, we'll be on our way again this afternoon." Jiraiya said, glancing at Akaishi and Minato.

Lan Wu was a little confused when she heard this—why do we still need to rest?

Afterwards, Akaishi and the other two went to the market to purchase supplies for sea travel. Minato then said, "Jiraiya-sensei must want us to think more about how to prevent Konoha from following in Kirigakure's footsteps in the future."

Akaishi:……

Oh, so it was about you two too. I thought it was specifically for me!

"What kind of look is that? What are you surprised about? Didn't you understand?" Lan Wu looked at Chi Shi speechlessly.

"Ahem, we've bought everything. Let's... split up and rest. See you this afternoon," Akaishi said after coughing awkwardly twice.

After agreeing, Minato yawned.

Lanwu: ? ? ?

"Why are you two so weak?" Lan Wu asked, puzzled.

……

At 2 PM, Jiraiya's team and Akimichi Torifu's team gathered at the village entrance.

Konoha Village has only one "entrance," while other directions are protected by barriers and warning systems.

Starting from Konoha, they headed east and arrived at the seaside three days later.

"The envoy from the Land of Waves Merchant Guild will be waiting for us at the port on May 6th. We can now move around freely at the port for two days. Torifu, shall we..." Jiraiya wanted to ask Torifu to go out and have some fun.

"No, I'm going to the Land of Whirlpools... A day and a half should be enough for a round trip. Look after these three brats for me," Toruka said somewhat seriously.

Upon hearing the name "Land of Whirlpools," Jiraiya could roughly guess that the wind was being taken to pay homage to the Uzumaki clan.

"What's the point of looking after these little brats... You six can have fun on your own at the port. I'll be leaving with Torifu for a bit." Jiraiya prepared to go with them.

After all, Uzumaki Village and Konoha Village are an ironclad alliance, and Jiraiya and Akimichi Torifu both know friends of the Uzumaki clan.

but……

Six months ago, the Second Hokage had just died, and Hiruzen Sarutobi had taken over as Hokage. Konoha was in chaos when Uzushio Village was attacked.

By the time Sarutobi received the news, it was already too late. In addition, most of the Jonin were still in the northeast to guard against Kumogakure, and Konoha was short-handed. By the time the support team arrived, Uzushio Village had already been destroyed.

Even publicly, Konoha doesn't know who the attacker is!

Of course, although the other party was hiding their identity, the Konoha leadership was fully aware of it...

The destruction of Uzushio Village added fuel to the fire that was brewing for another Shinobi World War. Konoha, which was previously considered the strongest, not only lost its Second Hokage, but also had its Iron Alliance destroyed before it could even react. Of course, other hidden villages would be eager to make a move!

"Jiraiya-sensei and Akimichi Jonin, is the Land of Whirlpools of the Uzumaki clan? I'd like to go and pay my respects." Minato then spoke up.

"This..." Akimichi hesitated for a moment.

"I want to go too!" Akaishi added.

"Why are you getting involved?" Jiraiya shook his head.

Minato wanted to go, and Jiraiya guessed it was because of Kushina—Jiraiya knew that Minato usually paid close attention to Kushina, and he also knew about what happened three days ago. As for Akaishi…

"The Uzumaki clan is not only an ally of Konoha, but also related to the Senju clan. Now that the Senju clan is gone and the Uzumaki clan has been wiped out, how can I, as a member of the Uchiha clan, not go to pay my respects?" Akaishi said matter-of-factly.

"What do you mean the Thousand Hands Clan is gone? I... want to go too," Lan Wu said.

Jiraiya: ...

Here it comes again, here it comes again, Akaishi's weird and sarcastic remarks are back!