Since the slots for the Twelve Guardian Ninja had been decided, Fumori Masaki sent the list to the capital. Soon, a reply came from the capital, requesting the six members of the Twelve Guardian Ninja to immediately depart for the capital, as the Daimyo was eager to see the full roster of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
"He's really impatient. I heard that the other five people were all recruited by that guy named Tobi. I wonder what kind of ninja they are," Uchiha Kagami said.
"Most of the powerful ninja outside the Five Great Shinobi Villages are concentrated in the black market. These people, for various reasons, left their original villages or found chakra cultivation methods. They honed their strength in such a cutthroat place, so they shouldn't be too bad. They can't compare to the top ninja of the villages, but they shouldn't be too far off from the core ninja," Mitokado Homura said from the side.
"There's also a possibility of a freak like Hanzō the Salamander appearing, who, despite coming from a weak ninja village, gained immense power through various opportunities," Shimura Danzo said. "However, such wild ninja powerhouses are extremely rare, almost nonexistent. If there really are any powerful ninja, they might be defectors from some ninja village, possessing some inherited techniques, which would make their journey a bit easier."
"Would the Daimyo recruit such a defector? Our ninja villages don't accept any defectors," Koharu Utatane replied. A rogue ninja's record is tainted; if they can defect once, they can defect a second time. Ninja villages wouldn't trust such people. Furthermore, harboring defectors from other ninja villages could easily provoke hostility from those villages. While it might be acceptable for weaker villages, accepting defectors from the Five Great Shinobi Villages is almost impossible, at most, there might be some private cooperation.
"We have all sorts of concerns, but the Daimyo might not. Besides, as long as they disguise themselves, go by an assumed name, and don't interact too much with people, no one will know their true identity," Akimichi Torifu said.
"We'll find out who Tobi recruits when the time comes," Fumori Masaki looked at everyone. "If we don't overturn the table, the Daimyo's side will want to maintain influence within the Twelve Guardian Ninja. Tobi will have to recruit some capable individuals, otherwise, they won't be able to suppress our Konoha ninja. Regardless of who they are, let's treat them as enemies for now."
The others nodded. The current ninja villages were no longer just about accepting and completing missions like in the past. The improvement in their comprehensive abilities led to higher demands, and the existence of the monarch was already hindering their interests. Suppressing monarchical power was a thought deep in the hearts of every Konoha high-ranking official.
Fumori Masaki sent the notification to each ninja selected for the Twelve Guardian Ninja, requesting them to settle their affairs within two days and then depart for the capital to meet the Daimyo.
To protect Asuna's safety, Fumori Masaki had taught her many self-defense methods these days. Akemi and Kushina were not just watching; they also helped Asuna in their own ways. For example, Akemi planned to let Asuna take the Wind Wings with her, saying they might come in handy sometime.
The Wind Wings were the first flight combat ninja tool in the ninja world, apart from traditional flying summoned beasts. They offered a huge advantage to most ninja who lacked flying capabilities. Akemi didn't think any of the Twelve Guardian Ninja in the capital would possess flying means, and even if they did, Asuna bringing them would at least level the playing field.
However, the Wind Wings were quite bulky and couldn't be carried around normally. If they were to be used at any time, it would be best to use the summoning jutsu's sealing formula. By injecting chakra, the Wind Wings could be summoned to the body, allowing for rapid donning.
Since they needed to be worn the moment they were summoned, it wasn't enough to just engrave the summoning formula on the wrist. It needed to be engraved on the parts of the body where the Wind Wings would be worn.
This way, they could be quickly donned after being summoned.
Such a summoning formula could not be engraved by just anyone. It required someone with a very high level of research in sealing jutsu. Fortunately, Kushina had inherited all of Mito's knowledge, and at a young age, she was already a master of sealing jutsu.
"Wait... be gentle, it tickles," In her room, Asuna uncomfortably allowed Kushina to engrave the summoning formula on her body. Because the Wind Wings required many positions, Kushina's hands moved around a lot.
"Just bear with it," Akemi said, watching from the side. "This is so you can use the Wind Wings quickly. Asuna, you've used them yourself, so you should know what they feel like, right?"
"That thing is indeed very useful," Asuna nodded. "If used well, it can greatly increase a ninja's strength. It allows for both offense and retreat, and there are very few methods for striking and pursuing."
"Well, there you have it. Just wait patiently," Akemi said.
"How much longer, Kushina?" Asuna turned her head and asked.
"Very, very soon. By the way, Asuna, your figure has gotten even better, is it because of your Sage Mode training?" Kushina asked while busy.
"Why are you asking...?" Asuna's cheeks flushed slightly. "That's because of the spring water in Shikkotsu Forest. It helps with sensing natural energy and also promotes physical development. Slug Sage said that natural energy inherently has the property of strengthening cell activity, which is why that spring water has this effect."
"That's truly enviable. You can't take the spring water out of there, can you?" Kushina asked.
"No. Once it leaves the environment of Shikkotsu Forest, it quickly turns into ordinary spring water. It can only function in an environment rich in natural energy," Asuna shook her head.
"That's such a shame. I wonder when Father will be able to lower the threshold for Sage Mode training," Kushina said with some regret. She knew that Fumori Masaki was conducting related research, but she wasn't very clear about the specific progress.
"It will definitely happen in the future, Kushina, just wait and see. Your natural assets aren't bad to begin with, and you're still young, so you still have a chance," Akemi said with a smile.
"That's for the best," Kushina said, then patted Asuna's back. Tadpole-like markings quickly connected, crisscrossing and presenting a strange aesthetic beauty on Asuna's body. She nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, the usage method is exactly the same as a normal summoning formula."
"I always feel a bit eerie," Asuna said, looking at the interconnected markings on her body in the mirror, expressing her thoughts.
"There's no helping it. Sealing jutsu markings are just like that. To put it plainly, markings closely related to sealing jutsu all look a bit eerie, or rather, mysterious," Kushina shrugged.
"Anyway, this is good," Asuna, after receiving Kushina's confirmation, put her clothes back on, wrapping herself tightly. The eerie markings were mostly invisible, and even if seen, they would only be mistaken for ordinary summoning markings.
"Now, let's try it out and see if it works well," Akemi said, looking expectant.
Asuna looked and felt that she should try it. If it didn't work, wouldn't all that effort have been for nothing? She took a deep breath, injected chakra from the markings on her hand, and then it quickly spread through the connections. With a puff of smoke, Asuna was already wearing the Wind Wings.
"Mhm, mhm, every part is connected well. There shouldn't be any problems with actual use," Akemi checked carefully and nodded.
Although she couldn't fly in the room, Asuna briefly used the Wind Wings' thrusters and found them smooth to operate, indicating there were indeed no issues.
"I will maintain the summoning contract for three Wind Wings with you. If any new models are developed in the future, I will also save them for you. I'll let you know then so you can familiarize yourself with them," Akemi said.
"Thank you, big sister," Asuna said.
"We're family, there's nothing to thank me for. Sigh, to think you'll be leaving home, and I don't know when you'll be back," Akemi sighed softly.
Asuna knew the mission she was entrusted with. She believed that once the conspirator was found and eliminated, she should be able to return. Given her father's serious attitude, it shouldn't take too much time. She thought ten years should be about right.
"I'll be back as soon as possible. Father won't let the Daimyo be so pleased," Asuna could only say that for now.
"Exactly, exactly! That scoundrel Daimyo, he has no real ability himself, so he has to resort to these methods. If he were in front of me right now, I'd definitely punch him!" Kushina said indignantly.
The Uzumaki clan was both a ninja clan and a noble family. Kushina had always been indifferent to the ways of nobles. After the Uzumaki clan relocated to Konoha Village, the former Daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools held no awe-inspiring status. Coupled with the Kazamori family's upbringing, the monarch's identity held no deterrent whatsoever.
Asuna smiled, indicating that she appreciated Kushina's good intentions. She understood that Konoha Village still had to play along with the Daimyo for now. They probably wouldn't completely turn hostile until the conspirator was found. Of course, if something unexpected happened midway, that would be another matter.
"I need to say a proper goodbye to the people I know. I won't be able to see them for a long time," Asuna said. The two also nodded, letting Asuna leave the room. During this time, they planned to prepare a lavish dinner for Asuna to send her off.
Asuna already knew that Mizuki would be going to the capital with her to serve as one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, which touched her deeply. Since they were going together, there was no need for a farewell. So, she first went to see the other two people she was closest to: Yamanaka Risa, and the other was—
Asuna looked at Hatake Sakumo's house not far away, adjusted her breathing, and suppressed her emotions. This departure would be a long journey, and she had many things to say to Hatake Sakumo now.
After adjusting her state, Asuna took a step and walked towards Hatake Sakumo's house, staying for a while before leaving.
That evening, at the Fumori household, the other family members prepared a sumptuous meal for Asuna, leaving everyone satisfied. Then, Fumori Masaki took Asuna into a room, gave her some instructions, and then let her leave.
The next day, the six members appointed to the Twelve Guardian Ninja had gathered outside. Asuna and Mizuki were good friends, and Fujimura Yuuki and Uchiha Ken had cooperated for quite some time during the war. However, Aburame Shibi and Hyuga Hizashi were not very familiar with each other, which prompted Asuna to subtly observe them.
Aburame Shibi wore the very traditional attire of the Aburame clan, his body completely covered. It was said that the Aburame clan's secret technique involved nurturing destruction insects within their bodies, which made ordinary people keep their distance from the clan. Another issue was that for some reason, Aburame clan members had a very low presence, just like their destruction insects, they were very inconspicuous. Even though a living person was standing right there, they were easily overlooked, which made people very curious.
The Aburame clan members themselves couldn't explain why. They thought it might be due to their secret techniques related to the destruction insects, but there was no concrete evidence. Not only others, but even they themselves were very concerned about their low presence. Aburame clan members were meticulous and sensitive.
As for the other person, Hyuga Hizashi, he was just like the Hyuga clan members in everyone's impression, adhering to traditional etiquette, with an elegant demeanor in every movement. To Asuna, Hyuga Hizashi's temperament was as cool as a clear spring, not cold, but rather the refreshing coolness of spring water in March.
Fumori Masaki and a group of Konoha's high-ranking officials watched the six members of the Twelve Guardian Ninja at the gate and said, "On this journey, you must be careful, and remember, no matter what happens, the village is your strongest backing. If there is anything beyond your capabilities, do not hesitate to ask the village for help!"
The six nodded, respectfully bidding farewell to the Konoha high-ranking officials, and then set off for the capital. On this journey, there were only the six of them. From now on, in the capital, they would need to help each other. They knew their identities well; as members of Konoha Village, it was impossible for them to embrace the Daimyo, and the Daimyo would not be indebted to them for it.
In the capital, without the constant support of Konoha Village, it would be the six of them against the entire noble faction of the capital. They had to find allies they could cooperate with to prevent themselves from being isolated and helpless, and also to guard against the Daimyo's schemes targeting their homeland. They also had to maintain a balance among themselves. Their responsibilities were truly immense.