Spring of Year 33, April 14th
A large group of red-haired shinobi arrived at the gates of Konoha as they were greeted by ANBU operatives in leather armor and white animal masks. The captain, wearing a deer mask, removed it and stepped forward.
"Envoys of Uzushiogakure, Hokage-sama is waiting for you."
Kenji smiled warmly.
"Kenji-kun!" a middle-aged Uzumaki kunoichi yelled out with delight. "Well, we can't keep Tobirama-sama waiting – let's hurry!"
Kenji nodded and shunshined toward the Hokage building, the ANBU and Uzumaki envoys following close behind.
Konoha had already received word of Uzushio delegation entering the Land of Fire, and Tobirama was prepared.
"Tobirama-sama!"
"Koshina!"
Tobirama already knew why they had come – but asked out of courtesy.
"What brings you to Konoha?"
"We heard that Konoha is at war with Kumo and Iwa! As Senju… no, as Konoha's ally, Father sent us to help! We brought 100 Jonin, 3,000 Chunin, and 2,000 Genin!"
"I see… Kyoto-sama has my and Konoha's gratitude."
"Hahaha! Don't mention it, Uncle!
"… Is it safe for Uzushio to send so many? What about Kiri?"
Tobirama's brow furrowed. He couldn't quite grasp the Uzumaki's confidence.
"Don't worry. We've set up traps and sentry points along the shorelines and strongholds. We also have spies tracking their movements. We'll know when they arrive."
"I see…" Tobirama massaged his temple, already feeling the headache coming on. The overconfident optimism in Koshina's voice furthered his doubt and worry.
Haaa–
"I'll prepare a task force to reinforce Uzushio, just in case."
"Oh! HAHAHA! Thank you! So – what can we do for you?"
Tobirama shook off his frustration and unfurled a map.
He pointed to two locations.
"Right now, Iwa and Kumo are the only active threats. Suna has reinforced its border but hasn't shown aggression yet."
"I see."
"I want you and Uzumaki clansmen to support Konoha on these two fronts. We've deployed 8,000 troops to each front. Sarutobi Hiruzen commands the Kusa front, and Shimura Danzo commands the Yugakure front. Split your forces into three groups: two combat units to reinforce Hiruzen and Danzo, and one to bolster Konoha's defenses. The last group only needs 10 Jonin skilled in Fuinjutsu."
"No problem! I'll arrange it right away!" Uzumaki Koshina declared with enthusiasm.
Tobirama allowed himself a rare smile.
"You don't need to deploy them immediately. Rest for three days – you've traveled far. And Koshina… enough formalities. Go join Mito-nee at the Senju compound. She's missed the clan dearly. Your clansmen should already be there with her."
Koshina's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with joy.
"Really? Then I won't bother you anymore, Uncle! Aunt Mito, here I come!"
With that, Koshina dashed out of the Hokage building.
Tobirama sighed, rubbing his temples.
'It seems all young Uzumaki are energetic… just like how Mito-nee used to be…'
He recalled the day Mito married Hashirama, the whirlwind she brought into the Senju household. Stubborn, spirited, and impossible to ignore.
Now, there were thousands of them.
***
The Senju compound was livelier than it had been in years.
Red-haired shinobi filled the courtyard – stretching, laughing, exchanging stories after their long journey from Uzushiogakure. The Uzumaki reinforcements had arrived, and with them came a wave of energy that rippled through the compound like a storm of memory.
Uzumaki Mito stood at the center, her crimson robes catching the breeze. Her hair still fiery as ever, but mixed with a sliver thread of silver. But her eyes still burned with the same fierce warmth that had once tamed the First Hokage.
She watched her kin with quiet pride, the years melting away as familiar voices and chakra signatures surrounded her.
"Aunt Mito!"
Uzumaki Koshina rushed forward, her crimson hair trailing behind her like a banner. She stopped just short of Mito, eyes wide with joy.
Mito smiled and opened her arms.
"Koshina-chan… you've grown."
They embraced tightly, and for a moment, the war outside the village felt distant.
"You brought them all," Mito said, her voice thick with emotion. "I can feel the clan's pulse again."
"Father sends his regards," Koshina replied. "He wanted to come, but… well, you know."
Mito nodded. "Kyoto never leaves the village unguarded. He's doing what he must."
From the porch, a small voice piped up.
"Grandmaaa! Who are all these people? Their hair is red like yours!"
Tsunade, who just returned from the Academy, stood with her arms crossed, trying to look unimpressed. Beside her, Nawaki, barely three years old, clung to her leg, staring wide-eyed at the sea of Uzumaki.
"They're Uzumaki, Nawaki," Tsunade muttered. "Our distant family."
"Family? Like us?" he asked.
Tsunade hesitated. "Kind of. Grandma Mito is also Uzumaki. So…. Yeah."
Mito turned and beckoned them over.
"Tsunade, come meet your aunt."
Koshina knelt as Tsunade approached with skepticism and curiosity hidden within her amber eyes.
"You're the one who punched through a training dummy so hard it exploded, right?" Koshina asked with a grin.
Tsunade blinked. "It wasn't that big a deal."
Koshina laughed and tugged Tsunade's shoulder. "You certainly got some Uzumaki in you, that's for sure."
Nawaki tugged at Koshina's sleeve. "Can you teach me sealing jutsu?"
Koshina turned back to Mito, who nodded.
"Maybe not today," Koshina said gently, "but soon."
Mito raised her voice, addressing the gathered shinobi.
"Alright you all must be spent from the long journey, let's rest for tonight. And prepare for tomorrow. We still have enough time to catch up later."
The courtyard filled with nods and quiet affirmations.
And as the sun dipped behind the compound walls, the Uzumaki and Senju stood together – not just as allies, but as family.