Naruto: I Am Uchiha Shirou [67]

"However, Grandma, this seems unfair to Kushina."

Inside the house, Tsunade let her guard down in front of her grandmother and voiced her dissatisfaction directly.

"Kushina might not have grown up in the village, but over the past few years, you must have noticed how deeply she wishes to make this place her home. It's precisely because she doesn't want to be seen as an outsider—because she wants to call this place her hometown—that she aspires to become Hokage."

At this point, Tsunade said coldly.

"This so-called 'test' is disgusting. When Kushina first came here, why was she ostracized at the Ninja Academy? Was it just because she was an outsider?"

Tsunade knew full well it was merely a ploy orchestrated by those in power.

"Tsunade!"

Uzumaki Mito frowned as she noticed Tsunade becoming increasingly critical. She couldn't help but realize that her granddaughter's disapproval of the Third Hokage and his inner circle had grown into latent hostility.

"The family has investigated Nawaki's incident countless times—it was an accident! Don't bring it up again. As for Dan Kato, from the perspective of the Third Hokage, it's understandable. After all, no one would want the princess of the Senju clan, already powerful, to find an even stronger partner."

Although Uzumaki Mito shared some dissatisfaction with Sarutobi Hiruzen and his administration, she had inherited the First Hokage Senju Hashirama's love for the village. She was determined not to let her granddaughter's resentment grow into hatred for it.

"Tch!"

Seeing her grandmother's worried expression, Tsunade pouted in frustration, collapsing onto the couch and waving her hand dismissively.

"Fine, fine, I get it—it's all for the village. Just like how Kushina was ostracized at the Academy. It's like how the Inuzuka clan trains their ninja dogs. They isolate them, make them feel lonely, and then approach them later to build trust."

Tsunade bluntly revealed the facade, leaving Mito shaking her head helplessly. Mito couldn't help but wonder where Tsunade had inherited her stubborn temper.

"But Grandma!"

After venting her grievances, Tsunade suddenly grew serious, locking eyes with her grandmother.

"During the test, what if Kushina makes the wrong choice?"

The pointed question rendered Uzumaki Mito silent for a moment. After a long pause, she replied hoarsely:

"If she truly makes the wrong choice, then Kushina is not suited to be a ninja. The Senju clan can still accept her. And besides, haven't you already prepared a fallback for Kushina?"

Hearing this, Mito raised her head slowly, smiling at her granddaughter.

"That Uchiha boy you found—he's Kushina's fallback, isn't he?"

Tsunade's increasingly mature demeanor comforted Mito, easing the burden on her shoulders. However, when Tsunade heard mention of Uchiha Shirou, she scoffed dismissively.

"Even if she can't become the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, Kushina still has me. Don't worry, Grandma."

By teaching Kushina the Rasengan, Tsunade intended to deepen her bond with Uchiha Shirou. Even if Kushina couldn't become the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, she could serve as a bridge between the Senju and Uchiha clans in the future.

Tsunade was sincere in her care for Uzumaki Kushina.

"But I firmly believe Kushina won't betray the village!"

Tsunade's resolute smile reassured Mito, who responded with a gratified smile of her own.

The test's most crucial point was determining whether Kushina would betray the village. If she did, the Senju clan would not allow her to become the Jinchuriki.

From the start, the so-called ostracism at the Academy had been a calculated move—a dual-purpose tactic.

If Kushina had harbored hatred due to the ostracism, she would have been disqualified immediately, and the choice of Jinchuriki would fall into the hands of the Third Hokage's inner circle. If she remained unaffected, the prolonged isolation would fuel her desire for connection, aligning with Tsunade's earlier analogy—like the Inuzuka training their ninja dogs.

Mito and Tsunade had underestimated the Third Hokage. As a ninja renowned as a hero, he wouldn't tolerate such a dangerous betrayer. In the worst-case scenario, he could simply appoint Namikaze Minato, who had Jiraiya's backing, while simultaneously undermining Tsunade and the Senju clan's reputation.

...

At the Uchiha Compound

"Thank Kushina?"

Lying on his bed, Uchiha Shirou narrowed his eyes, recalling the meaningful look Tsunade had given him earlier. What was her intention behind those words?

"Is it because Kushina agreed to learn the Rasengan?"

By using the Rasengan, Kushina would be linked to him in the eyes of others, symbolizing a deep bond. This bond could also serve as a bridge between the Uchiha and Senju clans.

"But it's been so long—why is Tsunade telling me to thank Kushina now?"

A sudden realization struck Shirou, his eyes widening. No—Tsunade's reminder was intentional!

In the dimly lit room, the faint rustle of summer stirred the heat, accompanied by the sound of someone enjoying an ice pop. Behind the bed, a pair of Sharingan eyes gleamed blood-red.

"Shirou… if you… want… I wouldn't mind… gulp…"

Amid the sultry heat, Shirou felt beads of sweat form on his brow.

A puff of smoke heralded a Transformation Jutsu, revealing a red-haired figure. Shirou's eyes lit up with excitement, though he couldn't help but sigh.

As the night deepened and the summer heat lingered, a playful voice teased,

"Shirou-kun, do you really like Kushina that much?"

"Sister Mikoto, must you always use the Transformation Jutsu at critical moments?"

Shirou muttered, exasperated.

Mikoto smirked mischievously, her eyes sparkling with cunning.

"Do you dislike it, or do you want me to transform into someone else next time—perhaps Tsunade-sama?"

Caught off guard, Shirou could only sigh in frustration. However, he couldn't help but notice Mikoto's unusual behavior lately.

"Sister Mikito, don't worry—I'll be fine."

Hearing his reassurance, Mikoto nestled against him, her expression softening.

"Shirou, if you want a child, I can give you one."

Startled by her sincerity, Shirou couldn't help but smile.

"Sister Mikoto, wait for me."

"Mm."