In the afternoon, sunlight filtered through the dense tree canopy, casting dappled light spots on the clean street.
After a hearty meal at Akimichi's BBQ Q, Senju Mori and Uzumaki Mio walked side-by-side, heading towards Uncle Chihaya's residence.
As a Ninja Clan with a very close relationship to Konoha, the Uzumaki Clan naturally had its own properties within Konohagakure, even in a rather good location.
Its location was in the eastern part of the central Konoha area, very close to the Senju Clan's territory.
Although uninhabited on weekdays, this mansion occupied a considerable area.
In terms of building scale and area alone, it could completely be considered a small clan territory for the Uzumaki Clan within Konoha Village, more than enough to accommodate the Uzumaki clansmen who had come this time.
"Uncle Chihaya."
Senju Mori smiled and spoke from the doorway.
Compared to calling him "Uzumaki Clan Head" when they met at the Village entrance yesterday, in his capacity as Hokage, the address had naturally changed when they met privately.
Uzumaki Chihaya looked up at the sound, a flash of understanding and relief in his eyes, and laughed heartily as he welcomed them inside:
"Mori, Mio, it seems you've already met Hiroshi and Azusa?"
"Yes, both elders treated me extremely well and even gave me the Senju Clan's heirloom scrolls."
Uzumaki Mio responded with a smile, skillfully retrieving the tea set from the side, and quickly poured steaming tea for the three of them.
Uzumaki Chihaya's gaze swept across his daughter's serene and happy expression, and the last trace of worry in his heart vanished, and he soon began to chat with the two with a smile.
After some pleasantries, Senju Mori's expression became slightly serious, and he cut to the chase:
"Uncle Chihaya, this visit is, firstly, to bring Mio to see you, and secondly, there is an important matter I wish to entrust to you and all the Uzumaki clansmen who have come with you this time."
"Oh?" Uzumaki Chihaya put down his teacup, his face showing seriousness.
"I want to ask you to personally lead the skilled clansmen you've brought to assist Konoha in comprehensively inspecting the barrier's operational status and reinforcing all barrier nodes within the Village."
Senju Mori's gaze was earnest, his tone solemn.
"Kumogakure, though severely wounded by its recent defeat, harbors even greater hatred for Konoha, and there's no guarantee they won't take desperate measures. The Tsuchikage and Mizukage fought a great battle not long ago, ultimately perishing together..."
"Just this month, Advisor Sogo's Defense Department has caught several individuals suspected of being spies from other Villages. They are currently being interrogated in the Intelligence Department and are very likely scouts sent by Kumogakure and Iwagakure."
"The brutal Ninja World War has just ended. The Ninja World now appears to have entered a brief period of calm, but in reality, under the facade of peace, dangerous undercurrents are surging, full of hidden perils."
"Konoha's safety is my primary responsibility as Hokage, and the Village's lifeline, I can only entrust to my most trusted allies and family."
Senju Mori emphasized the word "family" with particular weight and clarity.
Upon hearing this, Uzumaki Chihaya's heart was immediately touched, and a hearty smile instantly bloomed on his face, as he unhesitatingly agreed:
"That is natural!"
"Konoha and Village Hidden in the Whirlpools are as close as lips and teeth; the Senju and Uzumaki Clans have always watched out for each other. Regarding the barrier, my Uzumaki Clan is duty-bound!"
As he spoke, a reminiscent expression appeared on his face, as if he was recalling many past events.
"If I think about it carefully, this barrier was established by Clan Head Ashina leading his clansmen at the founding of Konoha. From the time Lord Hashirama founded Konoha until now, more than twenty years have passed."
"Time flies, and even the most solid things inevitably change. It is indeed time for a thorough maintenance."
Seeing Uzumaki Chihaya's cheerful agreement, Senju Mori subtly shifted the topic to an even more important matter.
"Additionally, regarding Chizawa... he has had a deep conversation with me and is willing to shoulder the responsibility of being the Uzumaki Clan Head."
"In a few days, I will officially visit Village Hidden in the Whirlpools as the Third Hokage of Konoha. At that time, I hope to formally confirm his identity as the next Clan Head in front of the Uzumaki Clan's shrine."
"The future of Konoha and Uzushiogakure, and the friendship between the Senju and Uzumaki, must continue to progress hand in hand."
Uzumaki Chihaya leaned forward slightly, a glint in his eyes. After letting out a long sigh, he said with considerable emotion:
"I'm not young anymore. After decades of hard work for the family, I am truly exhausted. Once the situation within the clan stabilizes, I should step down and truly enjoy life."
"Mori, Chizawa's strength is not weak, and he will be a competent and good Clan Head. His only flaw is that he is too kind-hearted. While this isn't a major drawback, it can sometimes lead to him being taken advantage of."
"In the future, after he takes over as Clan Head, I'll need you to look after him."
Senju Mori smiled slightly and said without hesitation:
"Uncle Chihaya, what are you saying? Chizawa is a close friend whom I respect. His kindness is certainly not a flaw; on the contrary, it is the most precious quality for a Clan Head."
"After enduring wars, the Ninja World yearns for stability. Uzushiogakure doesn't need an ambitious pioneer, but rather a cautious person who can unite hearts and uphold a thousand-year tradition."
"Chizawa's gentleness is a crucial cornerstone for maintaining internal unity and friendly relations with Konoha and even the entire Ninja World."
"As for your concern about him being taken advantage of..."
Senju Mori's lips curved into a faint yet confident smile.
"Please rest assured, as long as I remain Konoha's Hokage, and as long as the friendship between the Senju and Uzumaki endures."
"Then, anyone who attempts to exploit that kindness to harm Chizawa, or to damage Uzushiogakure's interests, must first weigh whether they can withstand the wrath of Konoha."
He raised his teacup, saluting Uzumaki Chihaya, his tone as if stating a future that was certain to come to pass.
"I assure you, Chizawa will be an excellent Clan Head, supported by all his clansmen, and Konohagakure and I, as Hokage, will always be his staunchest backing."
"This is not just my promise, but the unchanging vow of the Senju Clan to the Uzumaki Clan."
"Good! Good! Good!"
Uzumaki Chihaya said "good" three times, his face filled with relief and joy:
"With your words, I have no more worries."
After some more casual conversation and detailed discussion of the upcoming visit and barrier reinforcement details, Senju Mori and Uzumaki Mio prepared to take their leave.
Uzumaki Chihaya personally saw them to the door.
"Alright, you two are newlyweds, no need to always accompany an old man like me."
Uzumaki Chihaya smiled and waved his hand, his tone affectionate: "Mio, take good care of Mori, and take good care of yourself too."
"Father, rest assured."
Uzumaki Mio responded softly.
Senju Mori also bowed respectfully: "Uncle Chihaya, please stay. Thank you for your efforts regarding the barrier."