The harbor of Uzushiogakure was quiet at dawn.
Mist clung low to the water as ships waited at the docks, sails furled, hulls marked with the spiral crest. Shinobi moved in steady lines, checking supplies, sealing crates, securing ropes.
Malenia stood at the front of the pier.
Her armor was already fastened, blade resting at her side. She looked over the gathered force—25 shinobis, 20 combat jonin and 5 medics.
People of Uzushiogakure watched from bridges and rooftops. Some bowed. Others simply stood in silence.
Malenia raised her hand once.
The gangplanks were pulled in. Seals activated along the hulls. The ships began to move, cutting through the water as the tide shifted to carry them forward.
As Uzushio slowly receded behind them, the spiral banners remained visible for a long time.
..............
After hours, they reached the land of fire harbours.
They got off and sealed the ship in a scroll. As they moved ahead to Konoha, they saw the tragedies of war affecting normal people.
The first town they reached was in a mess
Broken fences. Burned fields. Civilians were watching silently from behind half-collapsed homes.
Malenia ordered the column to halt.
She focused on checking if there was any shinobi still here, then she sensed 5 shinobi's chakra a little away from them.
Malenia ordered her shinobi to assist them, and then she suddenly vanished.
Medical-nin moved forward first. Other shinobi quickly used water jutsu to put out the fire.
Five Iwa nin could be seen talking happily with each other, having done a very kind deed.
They looted the village for supplies cause why not. Its their enemy territory anyway. But before they could continue, a chain pierces through one of the Iwa shinobi's hearts.
He died instantly. Seeing this other shinobi immediately stiffened their weapons, ready for the upcoming attack.
Then a voice rang out, "Your hands are soaked in ash, not honour." A figure emerged from the shadows, her crimson hair flowing slightly in the wind under her helmet. Her tall figure was draped in a cape that flickered behind her. The golden armour shone in the sunlight.
She looked down at them and said, "
"Come. Let your weapons confess."
"Show me the strength you used on defense less people."
Her killing intent washed over them, the Iwa shinobi's were terrified, their body not daring to even move a single muscle.
Malenia looked at their trembling figure and said, "As expected, weaklings. But don't expect any mercy from me."
"You burned their homes. I will burn your names from history."
Then she vanished again and appeared in front of the enemy. She swung her sword horizontally towards him. The blade cut through his body like cutting butter. The shinobi body was divided into two.
Others looked at their teammate dying instantly. Then they ran. They ran with their tails between their legs. Malenia looked at them with disappointment on her face. Then golden chains emerged from her back, instantly piercing through all of their legs and then dragging them back towards their death.
Shinobi's eyes were filled with despair as they cried for mercy. Malenia then brought down her sword, decapitating them without taking another glance.
Then she picked up the supplies they looted from the village and returned to the burnt village and returned all of it to the villagers.
By nightfall, injured civilians were treated, food had been distributed, and the Uzushio force moved on.
...............
Then the next morning, they finally arrived at the front of konoha gates.
The figure who welcomed them was none other than Tobirama Senju with his anbu's behind him. There also stood Mito Uzumaki, looking at Malenia with a kind smile.
Malenia stood in front of Tobirama, looking down at him. Tobirama's eyes twitched "This woman is still growing taller.' Then he escorted Malenia to the Hokage's office. Two Shinobi followed her, and the rest of them were escorted by anbu to their temporary quarters in the Senju compound.
.................
Hokage's Office
The room was quiet
Tobirama Senju stood over the long table, hands braced on its surface. Scrolls were spread out in precise order: border routes, supply lines, Kumo patrol movements marked in sharp ink.
Malenia stood across from him, arms folded, expression unreadable.
"The Raikage hasn't moved," Tobirama said, eyes tracing the eastern border. "Which makes him the most dangerous variable in this war."
He lifted a marker and tapped the map—the Kumo–Fire Country border.
"Kumogakure is watching. Waiting. If they decide to strike while Konoha is occupied with Suna, it becomes a two-front disaster."
He finally looked up at her.
"That's where you come in."
Malenia's gaze followed the map, instantly understanding.
"You want us as a deterrent," she said.
"Yes," Tobirama replied without hesitation.
He slid a scroll across the table.
"Uzushio forces will be deployed openly along the Kumo border. There are already 30 Jonin deployed there. Intercept any forward Kumo movements."
A pause.
Malenia considered this in silence.
"You're using our rising popularity to scare them," she said.
Tobirama's mouth twitched—almost a smile.
"Uzushio defeated Kirigakure," he said plainly. "Captured a Mizukage. Holds a tailed beast."
He met her eyes.
"No village ignores that."
Malenia exhaled slowly.
"So if Kumo attacks," she said, "they'll be declaring war not just on Konoha—"
"But on Uzushio as well," Tobirama finished.
The room felt heavier.
Malenia straightened.
"Very well," she said. "We'll move to the Kumo border."
She turned to leave, then paused.
.....................
Ez another chapter. So far, regular updates :)
already forgot I had a Patreon sigh*
Yu guys better complete 10 reviews on this book.