"I'm glad to hear that. Usually visiting couriers get turned around in the village for hours. I get why they do it, but sometimes I wish they wouldn't."

She sighed, but paused to tap a finger on one of the sorted piles.

"You're right, you shouldn't. And that's where the original alliance came from. But the Uzumaki and the other clans and people were scattered all around the world when the village was attacked. Some of the younger villagers and shinobi were born and raised in other countries or hidden villages before they came here with their families or on their own. Right now, Konoha and Uzushio are allies again because of me and the ties I've held with each Hokage since rebuilding the village. First my husband, now my husband's student. So far, what shinobi Konoha has sent have all been treated with respect, whether on a mission, taking time to relax, or staying long-term to help me out."