"Lord Uzumaki!" Mui knelt on one knee before Naruto, respectfully opening a message: "The Daimyō of the Land of Grass has sent a plea for aid. How should I respond?"
Three days had passed—enough time for Suzuki Jirō to reach Hozuki Castle, and for word of the Grass Village's destruction to spread. Wuwei, far from foolish, had quickly put the pieces together. The disappearance of Grass Village, Naruto's presence, and the girl Karin—he connected the dots.
So, Mui submitted to Naruto. Once a Jonin of Grass Village himself, Wuwei had left over a decade ago to rule Hozuki Castle and pursue his research on the Purest Bliss Box. That obsessive quest cost him his son six years earlier—and quietly distanced him from Karin and her mother's suffering. Were it not for that, Naruto would have eliminated him already. With Grass Village gone, Naruto wouldn't mind wiping out Hozuki Castle as well.
Rather than risk it, Naruto accepted his façade of loyalty. Extra subordinates wouldn't hurt—especially with grander plans ahead.
Naruto nodded, then spoke calmly: "As lord of Hozuki Castle, you know best how to reply."
The Daimyō of Grass would be anxiously awaiting news. Without its shinobi, the Land of Grass was vulnerable—especially with the ambitious Land of Rain next door and the Land of Water watching. The last time they tried annexing Grass, the Second Shinobi War broke out.
"His lordship wishes to rebuild Grass Village. What do you think, my lord?" Mui asked, cautious.
Naruto's response was cool: "I don't ever want to hear that name again."
Mui breathed out—smart. Naruto disliked "Grass Village," but renaming it was fine. Like the Land of Field's village, called Otogakure.
Naruto clapped, signaling Karin on the plaza to stop training. Drenched in sweat, she happily dropped her weights and guzzled water. She'd begun formal training under Naruto just days ago—because a member of the Uzumaki clan can't be weak.
Naruto taught chakra control, and his own Wind Style—though Karin, as a Water-Earth chakra type, couldn't learn it. Instead, he taught her Taijutsu, Master Roshi style. To train, she carried a weighted snail shell (a more 'girlish' alternative to a turtle shell).
"How are you feeling today, Tomie?" Naruto asked, using the code name he'd given Karin—while he went by "Uzumaki."
"It's hard, but I'm getting used to it." She spun around him, glowing with pride. Under Naruto's guidance, she'd matched a week's worth of training in just three days—even while recovering. Uzumaki clan's massive chakra and vitality made Taijutsu the most natural path.
Imagine: boundless chakra, regenerative bites, endless stamina—all Uzumaki as elite taijutsu warriors. Even without full mastery, dozens of 'Lee-level' shinobi would be terrifying enough.
Naruto summoned Mui. "Lord Mui?"
"I'm here, my lord."
Since Naruto freed Go of Mui's obsession, Wuwei's loyalty had soared.
"I'm leaving—heading back to Konoha." Naruto paused. "In a while, I'll send some of my men here."
"They'll be… unusual. Keep this confidential. No leaks."
"Understand?" Naruto intended to station some Uchiha in Hozuki Castle.
"Yes, Lord Uzumaki." Mui knew his role—not to ask unnecessary questions.
Hozuki Castle's barrier system rivaled even that of the sealed Land of Whirlpools, strong enough to hold against anything short of Uchiha-led or Five Great Nation-level invasions. The Uchiha needed experience—and if Naruto approved, he could take them on a reconnaissance mission into another country where he'd spotted something… interesting.
Naruto wouldn't go himself—it would be a waste of time now. The Uchiha were perfect for the task.
If they can handle half my strength, they'll do fine.