At the border of the Land of Iron, Tobirama handed over the documents issued by the Iron Country to the guards to verify his Hokage identity. After confirming the authenticity of the documents, the guards nodded and asked the group to wait. Shortly after, a samurai team arrived. Except for the leader, the rest were fully armed, wearing thick armor and masks.
The Samurai Army of the Iron Nation is the only unit of samurai in the entire Ninja world that uses chakra. Although they don't use ninjutsu, they manipulate chakra to enhance their weapons and strength. For example, they use lightning chakra to stimulate cellular activity or wind chakra to increase the cutting power of their blades. In ninja terms, they are a group of highly skilled taijutsu users.
A samurai captain, dressed in traditional clothing rather than armor, approached and greeted them coolly. "Welcome to the Land of Iron, Hokage-sama. My name is Saito, a captain in the samurai group. I will escort you to the city."
"Thank you," Tobirama replied with a slight nod.
"It is my duty," Saito said with a formal bow, then turned to lead the way.
As the group left the border guard station and traveled deeper into the Land of Iron, the temperature steadily dropped. At first, there was only a light dusting of snow, but soon it became a thick blanket. The harsh environment made it an ideal training ground for the samurai.
Fumori Masaki recalled that in one of the fillers, there was a country perpetually covered in snow, called the Land of Snow. If that was real, it must not be far from the Iron Nation, at least within the same region.
"Masaki, it seems the samurai of the Land of Iron are truly formidable," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, nudging him lightly and nodding toward Saito, who was lightly clothed despite the cold.
"Indeed," Masaki agreed, using his unique perception to assess Saito's physical condition.
Saito's physique was well-honed from rigorous training. His posture and gait revealed mastery of his body and skills.
"Even though the others aren't as strong as him, they're still not to be underestimated," Masaki observed, glancing at the armored samurai.
Reflecting on the past, Masaki wondered if recalling his memories from the another world more quickly would enable him to prevent the destruction of his clan. He remembered the love and protection of his parents, uncles and aunts, who had helped him survive during the battles that had erupted between family members.
Even some of his uncles, though not ninjas, still protected him. The last intelligence he received indicated that some remnants of the clan members who were still alive were fleeing to the Land of Iron.
The samurai moved in perfect formation, displaying a level of coordination rare among ninja teams. Unlike ninjas, who traditionally fought solo or in small groups, samurai had always fought as part of a unit, and their teamwork was impeccable. Their ability to work in large, well-coordinated teams made them dangerous even to skilled ninjas. Though they might not always win, they could at least wear down their opponent, giving the next group a better chance at victory.
Saito, with his keen senses, overheard their conversation but chose to stay silent. He appreciated that these ninjas were knowledgeable enough to respect the samurai of the Iron Nation. Though the Iron Nation had no desire to conquer other lands, any country that tried to invade it would pay a heavy price.
Tobirama, noticing that Saito didn't seem offended, allowed the conversation to continue as they entered the town. Civilians, curious about the Hokage's group being escorted by the samurai, stared at them. Some who recognized the ninja pointed them out to their companions.
Ninja appearances were rare in the Land of Iron, and the Five Kage Summit was a significant event. The sight of the Hokage's entourage would undoubtedly become a topic of conversation for the locals.
As Saito led them through the main city, the atmosphere grew more tense. Samurai patrols were frequent, and the silence was heavy. Yet, neither Tobirama nor his companions were fazed by the situation. They followed Saito calmly through the corridors to a designated room.
"This will be your room," Saito said, sliding the door open to reveal a traditional-style room. "Raikage-sama and Mizukage-sama have already arrived and are staying in separate rooms. Our samurai are providing strict protection, so no one will be allowed near your quarters, nor will anyone be able to leave without permission. Please rest assured."
"Does this mean we can't leave?" Hiruzen asked.
"Your methods as ninja are many and varied. This precaution is necessary to ensure security. I hope you understand," Saito responded, his tone polite but firm. "If you need anything, you may speak to our attendants, who will deliver your requests. Of course, everyone who enters will be thoroughly checked."
Hiruzen scoffed, "As if we would."
"Good. We wouldn't want to trouble you," Saito said with a faint smile before bowing and exiting the room.
After he left, Hiruzen sighed. "I see what you meant sensei, when you said the samurai of the Iron Nation hate us. They may be polite, but there's always a sense of disdain in their words."
"Don't take it to heart. A ninja must endure. If you can't tolerate this, you won't be a good ninja," Tobirama advised, sitting down.
Both Hiruzen and Masaki joined him. The strict security measures meant there was little to worry about in terms of danger, but it also left them with nothing to do. Hiruzen, feeling bored, asked, "Sensei, do you know anything about the strongest samurai in the Iron Nation?"
"The strongest samurai?" Tobirama mused. "During the Warring States period, there was an extraordinary samurai named Shinosuke. If my brother is called the God of Ninja, then Shinosuke was known as the God of Samurai."
"The God of Samurai? Is that really possible?" Sarutobi asked, intrigued despite his skepticism.
"In terms of physical prowess, few could match him—even my brother," Tobirama said.
Though limited to taijutsu, Shinosuke's skills were legendary, and even Masaki found himself curious about the Iron Nation's warriors. He asked if Tobirama could share more stories about them.
Seeing an opportunity to impart some knowledge, Tobirama agreed and began recounting tales of the samurai, a topic that kept them engaged until the maid came to deliver their meals. Even after eating, the stories continued, filling the quiet hours with conversation in a place where entertainment was scarce and they were unable to leave.