Naruto: After Seclusion Becoming Naruto Grandfather

The samurai of the Land of Iron looked at Mifune expectantly, their hearts brimming with hope. They longed to hear of a victory by their ancestors over the ninja god who now commanded the world's attention—Uzumaki Chito.

As descendants of warriors overshadowed by the dominance of ninjas, the samurai often carried a deep sense of inadequacy.

Even the most skilled among them, those whose strength rivaled elite jōnin, approached encounters with even mid-level ninjas cautiously, wary of the unpredictable and mysterious nature of ninjutsu.

In this climate of self-doubt, the idea of their ancestors achieving victory against someone like Uzumaki Chito became a powerful beacon of hope.

Seeing their expectant expressions, Mifune let out a quiet, helpless sigh.

He understood their feelings all too well. When he had first heard the story from his master, he had held similar hopes.

Back then, Uzumaki Chito had not yet achieved the godlike status he held today, but even so, Mifune had yearned for a different outcome to the tale.

However, as the leader of the samurai, Mifune recognized the danger of relying on external validation.

Samurai were meant to be one with the sword. Their strength lay in their sincerity and belief in their own blade. With unwavering conviction, they could cut through even the toughest iron with mortal steel.

But if a samurai doubted their sword, relying on others to affirm their worth, it signified the decline of their path.

"The samurai of the Land of Iron cannot afford to remain silent any longer," Mifune thought, his resolve hardening.

Taking a deep breath, he broke the silence. "Uzumaki Chito won."

The words hung heavy in the air.

Mifune continued, his voice steady, "Though he had no prior experience with swordsmanship, Uzumaki Chito's exceptional talent allowed him to grasp our techniques during the battle. Using the very skills of the samurai, he secured a decisive victory, earning the respect and submission of the Iron Country's leader at the time."

As Mifune finished speaking, a wave of disappointment washed over the gathered samurai. Their hope had been dashed, leaving behind an aching sense of loss.

Yet, despite their initial despair, they could not deny the magnitude of Uzumaki Chito's power. This was the man who had forced the Five Kage to convene in fear.

Gradually, they steadied themselves, pushing aside their disheartenment. Even so, the air remained thick with an unshakable gloom.

Breaking the silence, Okisuke voiced a lingering question. "If we lost, why do you call Uzumaki Chito a helper?"

Mifune paused, his expression softening into one of quiet admiration.

"Though we were defeated," he began, "Lord Uzumaki Chito believed he had won as a samurai, using the swordsmanship of the Land of Iron. In his eyes, there were no losers in that contest."

Mifune's gaze grew distant, his tone tinged with reverence. "But for the sake of ending the chaos of war, he had to claim victory and subdue the Land of Iron. Even so, he felt a debt to us, and so he made a solemn promise.

"He vowed that the descendants of the Land of Iron could one day seek his aid in a matter of their choosing. As long as it did not go against his principles, he would fulfill this promise to the best of his ability."

The weight of Mifune's words hung in the room. Slowly, the samurai's eyes began to brighten, like stars piercing the dark night sky.

Tears welled in some of their eyes as the realization struck them.

"We still have Uzumaki Chito's promise!" one of them exclaimed, voice trembling with emotion.

"This is incredible!" another shouted, overwhelmed with hope.

"We can finally hold our heads high in this world!"

Even Mifune, who was known for his composed demeanor, felt a surge of emotion as he observed his men.

These were warriors who had endured countless trials and hardships to attain greatness. They were men who could face death without flinching, yet here they stood, openly weeping.

The sight spoke volumes about the weight of their struggles and the years of suppressed frustration they had carried.

However, the moment was abruptly interrupted by Okisuke, who barked, "Enough! A samurai should not display such weakness!"

He turned to the rest of the group, his voice firm. "Even if we have Uzumaki Chito's promise, it is ultimately we who must stand tall."

"No matter how noble his intentions, Lord Uzumaki Chito cannot protect the Land of Iron forever. The true strength to rise must come from within."

Okisuke's words hit home, and the room fell silent once more.

He was right. While Uzumaki Chito's promise could shield them temporarily, such protection would not last indefinitely.

A year, five years, perhaps even a decade—beyond that, they would once again face the cold reality of their place in the ninja-dominated world.

"What are we to do, then?" one samurai asked, despair creeping into his voice. "Is it our fate as samurai to forever live under the shadow of ninjas?"

At that moment, Mifune's voice cut through the growing despair like a blade.

"No!" he declared, his eyes flashing with steely determination.