“Little Akira.” Uzumaki Mito looked at Akira with a gentle expression.
“Can you promise me something?” “Of course.” Akira met the gaze of the woman who looked no older than a young adult, despite actually belonging to his grandmother’s generation.
Mito lovingly stroked Kushina’s head, her eyes filled with affection.
“I hope that, in the future, you’ll treat Kushina well.” At that moment, Akira noticed something surprising.
Kushina had fallen asleep.
A look of astonishment flashed across his face.
There’s a technique like this?
“There’s no need to let Kushina know about this.” Mito raised her eyes to meet Akira’s.
“I believe you’re a smart child.” “The moment you saw me, I knew…” “You recognized me, didn’t you?” Akira’s heart skipped a beat.
How could this old lady’s insight be so terrifying?
All he’d done was show a brief flicker of surprise—surprise that Uzumaki Mito looked so incredibly young.
As expected…
The woman who had become Senju Hashirama’s wife was no ordinary person.
“You don’t need to worry.” Mito smiled reassuringly.
“I have no ill intentions, nor do I wish to pry into your secrets.” “Ever since I became the Nine-Tails’ Jinchūriki, I’ve been able to sense the goodness and malice within people’s hearts.” “You’re a bit mischievous…” “But overall, you’re a good child.” Otherwise, she would never have entrusted Kushina to him.
“In the near future…” “Kushina will become the Nine-Tails’ Jinchūriki as well.” “A Jinchūriki’s heart must be filled with love.” “I’m sure you understand what I mean.” Akira fell silent for a moment.
Then he quietly asked, “Does that mean…” “…you don’t have much time left?” “Hm?” Mito blinked before breaking into a playful smile.
“Oh, not at all.” “I’m simply finding someone my little girl can rely on ahead of time.” Akira couldn’t help rolling his eyes.
Then why make it sound so serious?
I thought you were about to pass away soon.
“For the past few months, every time Kushina came home…” “The topic of conversation was almost always you.” After gently laying the sleeping Kushina aside, Mito stood up.
“Come outside with me.” Akira glanced once at the peacefully sleeping Kushina before following her.
“Is there something you wanted to tell me?” Why leave the house just to talk?
“You possess a unique Bloodline Limit, don’t you?” Standing beneath the moonlight, Mito gazed up at the night sky, nostalgia filling her eyes.
The moon is beautiful tonight…
How long has it been since I last admired it like this?
I’m getting old.
Even my memories are beginning to blur.
“How did you know?” Akira looked genuinely surprised.
He was certain he had never shown it.
“No need to be nervous.” Mito smiled.
“I mean you no harm.” “On the contrary.” “I’m glad you’re strong.” “It means you’ll be better able to protect Kushina from those who would harm her.” “As for how I figured it out…” “Your chakra feels different from everyone else’s.” “Combined with a few things Kushina accidentally let slip…” “I came to a reasonable conclusion.” “Would you mind telling me what your Bloodline Limit is?” Akira was silent for a long while.
He felt that this old woman was someone he could trust.
In fact…
Among everyone in Konoha, she might be the only one truly worthy of that trust.
She was one of the few people who viewed things without letting power cloud her judgment.
Finally, Akira nodded.
“Alright.” He extended his hand.
Five-colored strings emerged from his fingertips.
Within moments…
They formed a tiny figurine of Kushina.
“Oh?” A flash of surprise crossed Mito’s eyes.
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen a Bloodline Limit like this.” “Strings…” “That’s right.” Akira nodded openly.
“My ability allows me to create all kinds of strings.” “But don’t underestimate it.” “I’m actually very strong.” “Is that so?” Mito smiled knowingly.
“How about this old woman tests your abilities?” “Uh…” Akira coughed awkwardly.
“I think I’ll pass.” “You’re from Lord Hashirama’s era.” “I’d only be making a fool of myself.” He had absolutely no intention of underestimating the woman before him.
What did being a perfect Jinchūriki represent?
It meant she could forcibly draw upon the Nine-Tails’ chakra whenever she wished.
And Kurama wouldn’t dare resist.
If he did…
A barrage of Adamantine Sealing Chains would teach him a painful lesson.
“What a slippery little fellow.” Mito chuckled and shook her head.
“In that case, you should head home.” “Remember…” “Just stay true to yourself.” “And if you ever run into trouble…” “Come find me.” “This old woman still carries a little influence within Konoha.” “I understand.” Akira nodded solemnly.
“Then I’ll take my leave.” After watching him disappear into the distance, Mito calmly spoke.
“You can come down now.” “So you found me…” Tsunade jumped down from the rooftop, looking somewhat embarrassed.
She had been certain she’d hidden herself well.
“And who do you think I am?” Mito cast her granddaughter a sidelong glance.
“Keep today’s events a secret.” “Understood?” “But why?” Tsunade looked utterly confused.
“If someone possesses great power, shouldn’t they show it?” “What’s the point of hiding it?” “Does he intend to spend his whole life pretending to be mediocre?” “If that’s the case…” “Even if Kushina agreed, I wouldn’t.” “What do you know?” A trace of pain appeared in Mito’s eyes.
“He’s guarding himself against Hiruzen and the others.” “My teacher?” Tsunade became even more confused.
“Why would he guard against them?” “You’ll understand someday.” Mito sighed softly.
“Just remember what I told you today.” With that, she ignored the dazed Tsunade and walked back inside to carry the sleeping Kushina to bed.
There were many things she simply chose not to say.
Did people really think she knew nothing?
The small schemes happening now only existed because she was still alive.
But once she died…
What then?
Her thoughts drifted back to the young boy who had just left.
I hope…
You grow strong enough.