Chapter 63: Companions! Bonds!

Chapter 63: Companions! Bonds!

*Uchiha Clan Compound.*

"Yosuke, let's call this jutsu the Rasengan."

Seeing the sweat-drenched Mikoto's beaming smile as she returned, Uchiha Yosuke was momentarily stunned, then laughed and said, "Of course, that works."

Mikoto smiled back but teased him, "But you should know, this name was actually chosen by Kushina. I hope you don't mind."

At Mikoto's words, Yosuke realized he hadn't named the jutsu after creating it. He had originally thought of letting Mikoto name it, but it ended up as Rasengan—courtesy of Kushina.

"Of course, I don't mind at all," Yosuke replied with a smile, raising the scroll in his hand.

"These scrolls are something only Elder Setsuna could view, Mikoto. You should train diligently; the outside world is growing more dangerous, and this Rasengan jutsu suits you well."

Uchiha Mikoto was skilled in Fire Release and genjutsu, with decent swordsmanship as well. Although she was proficient in various techniques, none truly stood out. However, the Rasengan could become her secret weapon.

"The silent, instant-cast nature of Rasengan, combined with the dynamic visual prowess of the Sharingan, allows for a lethal strike by targeting weak points…"

Yosuke explained the advantages of the jutsu to Mikoto, noting how it suited the Uchiha. Unlike Chidori, which had a loud sound, Rasengan was silent and quick to activate, making it highly compatible with the Uchiha's abilities. With the Sharingan's perception, Rasengan could deliver a decisive blow, as most jutsu defenses couldn't withstand its power.

While Chidori wasn't inferior, the silent, non-elemental Rasengan was adaptable, even allowing chakra nature transformation in the future.

…

Meanwhile, as Yosuke and Mikoto focused on strengthening themselves by inheriting Elder Setsuna's legacy, Kushina walked back to the Senju compound. Her mind replayed the words "Rasengan" and "swirling vortex" over and over.

"A spiral representing a vortex…" Kushina muttered to herself, lost in thought, unaware that Mito had approached her.

"Kushina," came the kind voice, pulling her from her reverie. Seeing Grandma Mito, Kushina immediately blushed, flustered as she greeted, "Grandma Mito."

With a smile, Mito observed her and said, "It seems our little Kushina has something on her mind."

Blushing even more, Kushina began explaining the events of the day to Mito. Now more cautious, especially knowing some within the village wished to harm the bloodline of the First Hokage, she was careful. Though she trusted Mikoto, she didn't want her carelessness to lead to trouble.

Listening to her explanation, Mito chuckled softly, stroking Kushina's red hair and said, "Rasengan, huh? That's a wonderful name."

Kushina, cheeks still red, pointed to a distant spiral tower outside the window and explained, "Grandma, I thought of this name because the jutsu spins. I remembered the spiral tower, and the jutsu is like a big sphere, so I came up with it."

Mito laughed, looking at the flustered Kushina. Following her gaze to the spiral tower, Mito said, "A vortex is flat, while a spiral is three-dimensional. Climbing up a spiral staircase, even though you're ascending the same path, the view changes as you rise. Though we may be within a vortex, climbing it allows us to find 'love.' In doing so, the vortex transforms into a spiral."

Kushina looked puzzled, unable to fully grasp Mito's words. "Love, huh?"

Mito nodded at the confused Kushina and said, "Yes. Love isn't something you gain just by waiting. To harness the power of the Nine Tails, you must understand love."

This "love" didn't solely refer to romantic love.

Mito saw the confusion on Kushina's face and chuckled. "That Yosuke you spoke of seems like a fine person."

Kushina blushed furiously, her face both shy and embarrassed. "Grandma, what are you saying!"

Mito only shook her head with a soft smile, her wise old eyes reflecting a keen insight.

"Kushina, the Senju's current power isn't enough to keep the Nine Tails safe, not even… But with an Uchiha like Yosuke by your side, the Senju could still protect you."

Mito didn't hide the reality of their situation. With an Uchiha ally, the Senju could safeguard Kushina. When she grew stronger, she would in turn protect the clan, just as Mito now protected the Senju with the Nine Tails' power.

As for Yosuke himself, Mito had gleaned enough through her own observations and information from Tsunade to see that Yosuke harbored no ill will toward the Senju, Tsunade, or Kushina.

The Uzumaki's unique ability to sense good and evil was vague but allowed Mito to feel that Yosuke had no malice toward them.

Kushina, feigning an air of indifference, scoffed, "As if, with Yosuke!"

Though she put on a strong front, the blush on her cheeks didn't escape Mito's notice, who smiled warmly.

In Mito's eyes, the bond between Yosuke, Mikoto, Kushina, and Tsunade was a budding friendship that would serve as a vital bridge. This bond could initiate a honeymoon period between the Uchiha and the Senju, uniting them against those with malicious intentions within the village.

As for the possibility of things going too far? Mito couldn't help but smile; strong women possessed a certain pride. Especially as the Princess of Uzushio, Kushina would never interfere in another's relationship.

Yosuke, however, might have found amusement in this reasoning, given his understanding of human nature.

Under normal circumstances, things would likely unfold as Mito anticipated, with even Tsunade being an unlikely candidate to bridge such gaps. But in situations of guilt or self-reproach?

When it came to the intricacies of human nature, Yosuke's knowledge—built upon the insights of countless others before him—far exceeded what Mito had learned in her single lifetime.

The wisdom of one could hardly compare to the experience of thousands.