In the afternoon, sunlight filtered through the dense canopy and cast flecks of light across the clean streets.
After a hearty barbecue at the Akimichi Clan's Yakiniku Q, Senju Mori and the others walked side by side, preparing to head to Uzumaki Chihaya's residence.
As a clan with very close ties to Konoha, the Uzumaki had their own property within the village, and it occupied quite a good location.
Their place lay in the eastern part of Konoha's central district, very close to the Senju clan lands. Although it was not occupied every day, the estate covered a large area.
Measured by building scale and grounds, it could easily be considered a small clan compound within the village—more than enough to host the Uzumaki who had come for this occasion.
"Uncle Chihaya."
Mori smiled as he called out at the gate.
Compared with the formal "Uzumaki Clan Head" he had used yesterday at the village gate in his capacity as Hokage, this private form of address had naturally shifted between the two of them.
Uzumaki Chihaya looked up at the voice, a flash of understanding and relief in his eyes, and laughed as he welcomed the two inside.
"Mori, Rei — it looks like you've already gone to see Hiroki and Azusa?"
"Yes. The elders were very kind to me, and they even gave me a Senju clan scroll."
Uzumaki Rei answered with a smile, expertly fetching a tea set and quickly pouring steaming tea for the three of them.
Chihaya's gaze lingered on the calm, happy expression on his daughter's face, and the last of his worries melted away. He soon began chatting with them with a cheerful demeanour.
After some polite small talk, Mori grew serious and got to the point.
"Uncle Chihaya, my visit today is partly to bring Rei to see you, but I also have an important request for you and the Uzumaki present."
"Oh?" Chihaya set down his cup and assumed a solemn expression.
"I want to ask you personally to take the lead and have the strong hands you brought assist Konoha in a comprehensive inspection of our barrier's operational status, and to reinforce all barrier nodes throughout the village."
Mori's gaze was earnest and his tone grave.
"Although Kumogakure was recently defeated and badly damaged, their hatred for Konoha will only have grown; they may take desperate measures. The Tsuchikage and Mizukage recently fought a great battle that ended in mutual annihilation… just this month alone, Advisor Sōgo's defense unit has captured several suspected foreign spies, now being interrogated by the intelligence department. They were likely scouts sent by Kumogakure and Iwagakure."
"The brutal Great Ninja Wars have only just ended. What seems like a brief peace now is actually roiling underneath; beneath the façade of calm lies danger on every side."
"The safety of Konoha is my primary duty as Hokage, and the lifeblood of this village I can only entrust to our most trusted allies and family."
He emphasized the word "family" particularly heavily and clearly.
Hearing this, Chihaya was moved; his face broke into a hearty smile and he responded without hesitation.
"Of course!"
"Konoha and Uzushio are inseparable; the Senju and Uzumaki have always watched each other's backs. Regarding the barrier, the Uzumaki clan has an unshirkable duty!"
As he spoke, a tinge of reminiscence crossed his face, as if many old memories had surfaced.
"Come to think of it, these barrier trace back to Konoha's founding—Lord Ashina led his people in establishing them. It's already been over twenty years since Lord Hashirama founded Konoha."
"Time passes, and even the sturdiest things inevitably change. It's indeed time to give the barrier a proper round of maintenance."
Seeing that Uzumaki Chihaya agreed so readily, Senju Mori shifted the topic toward something even more important.
"Also, regarding Chisawa… he has already spoken with me at length. He is willing to take up the responsibility of becoming the Uzumaki clan head."
"In the near future, I will visit Uzushio in my capacity as the Third Hokage of Konoha. At that time, before the Uzumaki clan's shrine, I hope to formally confirm him as the next clan head."
"The future of Konoha and Uzushio, and the bond between the Senju and the Uzumaki, must continue as we walk forward together."
Uzumaki Chihaya leaned forward slightly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. After letting out a long breath, he spoke with deep emotion:
"I'm not young anymore. After worrying about the clan for decades, I am truly exhausted. Once things settle down within the clan, I should step back and finally enjoy a proper life."
"Mori, Chisawa's strength is not lacking. He will be a capable clan head — the only issue is that he is too gentle. While that isn't exactly a flaw, it sometimes allows others to take advantage of him."
"After he succeeds me, I'll need you to look after him."
Mori smiled lightly and replied without hesitation:
"Uncle Chihaya, what are you saying? Chisawa is a dear friend I wholeheartedly trust. His gentleness is not a flaw — it is, in fact, the most precious quality for the leader of a clan."
"The shinobi world has been ravaged by war; people long for stability. What Uzushio needs now is not an aggressive pioneer, but someone cautious who can unite hearts and preserve centuries of tradition."
"Chisawa's mild nature is exactly what will maintain internal unity and keep friendly relations with Konoha — and with the entire shinobi world."
"As for your worry that others might try to exploit him…"
A faint yet confident smile curved Mori's lips.
"Rest assured: as long as I remain the Hokage of Konoha, as long as the bond between the Senju and the Uzumaki remains—"
"Anyone who tries to use his kindness to harm Chisawa, or sabotage Uzushio's interests, will first have to consider whether they can withstand Konoha's wrath."
He lifted his teacup in a solemn gesture toward Chihaya, speaking as if describing a future that was certain to come.
"I promise you: Chisawa will be a clan head supported by all his people. And Konoha — and I, as its Hokage — will forever be his strongest backing."
"This is not only my personal promise, but the unchanging oath of the Senju clan to the Uzumaki."
"Good! Good! Good!"
Chihaya echoed the word three times, relief and joy filling his expression.
"With those words, I have no more worries."
After chatting a bit longer and discussing details regarding the upcoming visit and the barrier reinforcements, Mori and Rei prepared to take their leave.
Chihaya personally escorted them to the door.
"All right, you two are newlyweds — no need to spend your time keeping this old man company."
He waved with a warm smile. "Rei, take good care of Mori — and of yourself."
"Father, you can rest assured," Rei answered softly.
Mori bowed respectfully. "Uncle Chihaya, please, no need to see us out. We leave the matter of the barrier in your capable hands."