For the Land of Whirlpools...
Today was an important day. The clan leader and the others had received notice that the first group of refugees would arrive in the Land of Whirlpools today. The ninjas stationed along the coastal line had already sent back word—they had spotted the large ships of the Land of Whirlpools.
"Stand tall, look lively!" A Uzu-nin addressed his squad. "Don't lose in spirit to the other teams. From this moment on, you are all squad leaders!"
"Yes!!" The citizens responded to the supervisor's words, immediately straightening their backs and lifting their heads. Though they were just ordinary people...
From this moment on, they were citizens of the Land of Whirlpools, representing the nation's dignity. They absolutely could not let others look down on them. Even an elderly man in his sixties or seventies, with white hair, straightened his posture, trying to appear more spirited and taller.
"Remember your tasks for today," the Uzu-nin said, looking at their small teams. "First, take them to receive their clothing. Then, lead them to bathe—make sure they wash thoroughly."
"The bathhouses already have hot water prepared. Everyone will go in batches according to your team numbers."
"After washing, if anyone has health issues, take them to the medical department immediately."
"This is extremely important," the Uzu-nin said with a serious expression. "If problems arise later, the squad leaders will be held responsible."
Jun-sama had already warned them—after a great disaster, there would surely be an epidemic. Though it was winter now, they still had to be cautious. If things weren't handled properly, it could lead to major problems.
"Yes!" All the citizens stiffened their expressions, mimicking the ninjas' manner of responding.
"Lastly, housing assignments. Each of you has a list of available residences. Assign them according to the situation."
"Separate men and women. Distribute the elderly among the younger ones. If there are families, they can apply for a small house to live in together."
"But remember, everything must be properly recorded. If problems arise later, the higher-ups will come to me, and I will come to you." The Uzu-nin spoke sternly. There could not be the slightest mistake in this, as no one could guarantee that there weren't spies from other villages among the refugees.
"Yes!!"
"After this is done, there won't be much else. Just help them get familiar with the environment. Make sure no one bullies the newcomers—this is a matter of principle."
"Yes!"
"Now, stand properly. The ships are about to arrive." Seeing that everyone had remembered, the Uzu-nin nodded in satisfaction. "Don't let others look down on us."
...
The refugees sat on the deck, their eyes filled with both anticipation and fear...
Anticipation for a new life, fear of the unknown. They weren't sure if the ninjas' promises of three meals a day were true, or if there really were houses to live in and fields to farm...
But in their desperation, they had no choice. Their only hope was... to fill their stomachs and avoid starvation.
"We're here, we're here!" A child spotted a small island and asked excitedly, "Is that the Land of Whirlpools?"
"Yes," a nearby ninja nodded with a smile. "We've arrived. When you disembark, someone will guide you. Just follow their instructions."
"Huh?" The child tilted his head in confusion. "Aren't you coming with us?"
"Of course we're going down," the ninja said. "But we have other missions, so we won't be staying with you."
"Don't worry, as long as you don't break the rules, nothing bad will happen." The Uzu-nin smiled. "Even if you accidentally do, the punishment won't be too severe—just a minor penalty."
"I see..." The child frowned, then asked in a low voice, "What about us? What can we do?"
The Uzu-nin looked down at the dispirited child and ruffled his hair. "Don't worry, you'll find things you like to do. And the Princess will take care of you."
This child was an orphan. Perhaps because he was too young, he wasn't as afraid of ninjas as the others. After relaxing and realizing he wasn't in danger, he had run around the deck, gradually becoming familiar with the Uzu-nin on the ship.
"Shijō," the Uzu-nin said, gazing at the approaching Land of Whirlpools. "What's your dream?"
"Me?" Shijō froze, then frowned as if pondering his dream. Finally...
"Does wanting to eat my fill count?"
"Haha!" The Uzu-nin laughed. "Of course it does! But if that dream comes true, do you have any others?"
"Other dreams?" Shijō thought for a moment, then shook his head blankly. "No."
"Then go find one!" The Uzu-nin looked at Shijō seriously. "Why do people live vivid, meaningful lives? It's because we have our own dreams."
"What's your dream, Mister?" Shijō raised his head and asked curiously.
Mister...
"Of course I have one!" The Uzu-nin said helplessly. "My dream is for the Land of Whirlpools to grow stronger, stronger than any other nation. And also..." He flicked the child's forehead.
"Call me Big Brother! Or Keita-nii!"
"Ow!" Shijō rubbed his forehead. "That hurt."
Just then...
"We're here, the Land of Whirlpools is here!" Other Uzu-nin shouted. "Everyone, please disembark in an orderly fashion as directed by the Uzu-nin."
Uzumaki Keita, hearing they had finally arrived, immediately regained his serious expression. "Stay put. Remember, no running around."
Then he turned and left—he still had other missions...
...
Watching the refugees disembark one after another, the citizens of the Land of Whirlpools grew slightly restless. Seeing their gaunt figures and hollow expressions, the citizens felt a pang of sorrow. If not for Jun-sama back then, perhaps...
They might have ended up the same way.
"Quiet!" The Uzu-nin frowned and barked at the commotion.
Immediately, the crowd settled down.
The refugees saw a group of ninjas and civilians standing tall and confident before them. The sight of these people, brimming with energy and self-assurance, made the refugees hesitate, too afraid to step forward. They looked helplessly at the Uzu-nin who had brought them...
What was going on?
However...
"Clan Leader." The Uzu-nin had all gone to report to their superiors, paying them no mind. Someone would come to arrange things soon anyway.
"You've worked hard." The clan leader smiled. "How is Jun?"
"Jun-sama is doing well," the Uzu-nin replied respectfully.
"Good. You may rest now." The clan leader said. "Leave the rest to us."
He accepted the roster from the Uzu-nin with a smile.
"Um..." The Uzu-nin hesitated, as if there was more to say.
"Is there something else? Speak freely." The clan leader frowned. "We don't stand on ceremony now!"
"There's a little girl... Jun-sama seems particularly concerned about her." The Uzu-nin said carefully. "He specifically asked for her to be assigned to learn medical ninjutsu."
"Huh...?"