Pitiful Kurama

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At this moment, forming an alliance didn't seem like a bad deal.

As for the ancient grudges between the Senju and Uchiha clans, those were long buried in the past.

If things continued as they were, the Senju clan would eventually vanish. What was the point in clinging to old rivalries?

It was meaningless.

Senju Tobirama's wariness and prejudice against the Uchiha were trivial matters to Uzumaki Mito .

"I have two requests. First, I want the Flying Thunder God Technique, Senju Tobirama's Water Release jutsus, and all the sealing techniques in your possession," Uchiha Jiri stated again.

She didn't even mention money.

Once the Uchiha's pharmacy opened, the clan wouldn't lack funds.

If they secured the gold and shells from Sky Island, money would never be a concern.

Asking for monetary compensation would be the most worthless choice.

Ninjutsu and sealing techniques, on the other hand, were far more valuable.

Although the teleportation ability of the Space-Time Gate made Flying Thunder God seem redundant for the clan's contractors, it wasn't entirely useless.

It could mask the Space-Time Gate's true capabilities or be taught to non-contracted clan members. Either way, it was a worthwhile asset.

"This..."

Mito Uzumaki frowned slightly. "The Flying Thunder God Technique and Tobirama's Water Release aren't an issue, but as for the sealing techniques, I cannot give you the Reaper Death Seal or Adamantine Sealing Chains."

"The first is self-explanatory. As for the second, without Uzumaki bloodline traits, you wouldn't be able to use it effectively even if I taught you."

Moreover, revealing the technique could potentially expose vulnerabilities in the Uzumaki clan's defenses.

"Is that so? Fine. Those two can be excluded."

"Agreed."

Uchiha Jiri didn't dwell on this point. After a brief pause, she turned to look at Kaito, silently seeking his opinion.

When Kaito nodded in agreement, she approved the terms.

She then added, "Lastly, I'd like Tsunade to take my son, Kaito, as her apprentice and teach him all her medical knowledge and techniques. Do you have any objections?"

"Huh?"

Both Tsunade and Uzumaki Mito were taken aback.

Mito asked curiously, "Didn't you say your son has a natural talent for medicine? That he's already accomplished incredible feats, like creating the Life Elixir and nutrient pills? Why does he need Tsunade as a mentor?"

"Or do you have ulterior motives? Perhaps you're eyeing the Hokage position?"

This was the most plausible explanation Mito could think of.

"Not entirely," Uchiha Jiri shook her head. "The Hokage position is indeed a fixation for many in the Uchiha clan, and it remains one of our long-term goals.

"But I understand that only with sufficient strength, influence, and supporters could an Uchiha ever become Hokage.

"A mere connection to the Hokage's lineage means nothing.

"Besides, with Sarutobi Hiruzen's greed for power, relying on his favor through Tsunade's mentorship to secure the Hokage seat is nearly impossible."

She continued, "The main reason is that my son's medical knowledge deviates from mainstream practices."

"As you've seen during his diagnosis of you earlier, his methods are uncommon."

"Furthermore, he hasn't mastered any medical ninjutsu, which he needs."

"Also, we hope that under Tsunade's mentorship, he can benefit from her guidance and the status of being her apprentice, allowing him to grow in peace for a few years."

"Do you have any objections?"

Relying solely on Tsunade's lineage to become Hokage?

What a joke.

Neither Jiri nor Kaito harbored such intentions.

When the Uchiha reached a level where they could dominate the ninja world, the position of Hokage would naturally be offered to them.

"I see. I must've misunderstood," Mito said with a nod. "Indeed, being Tsunade's apprentice wouldn't be particularly advantageous for pursuing the Hokage seat.

"This request can be accepted. Tsunade, what do you think?"

"I have no objections," Tsunade replied, glancing at Kaito with interest.

"He's really a handsome little brat," she thought, intrigued by his unconventional medical skills. With no reason to refuse and limited leverage in their hands, she agreed.

"Then it's settled," Uchiha Jiri said, nodding in satisfaction before signaling to Kaito. "Hand over the Life Elixir to Mito."

"Got it," Kaito replied, retrieving a vial of Life Elixir from his pouch and handing it to Mito Uzumaki.

Instantly, both Mito and Tsunade's gazes locked onto the vial, filled with an intense yearning.

The elixir radiated an overwhelming yet gentle life force, captivating them.

Mito quickly accepted the vial, examining it with Tsunade. She marveled, "This is truly an extraordinary creation."

It was hard to believe that a six-year-old child had crafted such a miraculous potion.

But there was no time for distractions. Taking a deep breath, Mito uncorked the vial.

Immediately, a rich, enticing wave of life essence force spread through the air.

"Creak..."

The wooden floor and table began sprouting buds.

"Hiss!"

Both Mito and Tsunade inhaled sharply at the sight.

"A quick reminder: once opened, it's best to drink it right away. It will evaporate otherwise," Kaito advised.

"Understood. Thank you," Mito said, nodding at him before downing the elixir in one gulp.

Moments later, an immense, gentle wave of life energy spread from her stomach, coursing through her body and nourishing every cell.

The deathly aura within her vanished like melting ice, and her vitality surged.

Her complexion grew visibly rosy, and her once pale hair regained its vibrant red hue.

This was despite the Yin Seal maintaining her appearance.

Had it not been for the seal, the transformation would've been even more apparent: her aged features rejuvenated, and her withered body brimming with vitality.

"What is this..."

Inside Mito's sealing space, the Nine-Tails stirred.

It had been completely isolated from the outside world during this time and knew nothing of what had transpired.

It could only sense Mito's rapidly recovering vitality.

As her life force surged, the seal's strength also skyrocketed.

In mere minutes, the Nine-Tails felt as though the sealing space had returned to its peak condition from the day it was first imprisoned.

Mito's life force, too, had reached its prime.

"Damn it! Uzumaki Mito, what did you do?!"

"Your vitality... it's restored?! Let me out! Release me! I don't want to stay trapped any longer!"

The Nine-Tails roared, thrashing against his cage in desperation.

If Mito were truly rejuvenated, she might live for decades more.

And that meant he would remain imprisoned for just as long.

Kurama couldn't bear such a fate.

He had been waiting for the day Mito's life came to an end.

Even though he knew Konoha would likely prepare another Jinchūriki, there was always the chance he could finally escape.

he couldn't let that slim hope slip away.

But his struggles were futile. Bound tightly by Adamantine Sealing Chains, he couldn't move an inch.

His pitiful, desperate cries were almost laughable.

No wonder the Nine-Tails harbored such hatred for Uzumaki Mito and Senju Hashirama.

Who wouldn't, after enduring such torment?

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