8

Jiraiya and Kushina continued to make small talk until Teuchi finally brought them their orders. 

"Itadakimasu." Kushina clapped her hands together before picking up a set of chopsticks.

For some time, neither said a word, only focusing on the food in front of them. Eventually Kushina broke the silence after nearly finishing half her bowl.  

"Hey Jiraiya-sama, do you have any students right now?" Kushina asked curiously, she wondered if he had made contact with Minato yet. 

"Hmm? Why? Do you want to become my student?" Jiraiya retorted.

"I wouldn't mind." Kushina shrugged. "You're strong and I can tell you're going to become much stronger in the future. I'd prefer my sensei to not be a basic Jonin."

Jiraiya can understand why considering Kushina can contend against Tsunade at her young age. By the time she graduates, it's a great possibility she'll be stronger than any potential Jonin instructor outside of a very select few. A regular Jonin wouldn't be able to teach Kushina much. 

"I see, to answer your question brat, no I don't have any students currently. Although I'll admit, there's this one kid in the academy who I've had my eye on recently. Both of you are the same age or close to it." Jiraiya answered. "Still I wouldn't worry much about your potential Jonin instructor. Sensei will take care of it when the time comes."

"Yeah you're probably right, I'm just eager to become a shinobi. If I had been born in a shinobi village, I would've been famous by now. I'm so glad my probation period is over." Kushina sighed, honestly she's grateful the probation was only a month and not longer. She knows very well Hiruzen cut her a break not only because of her abilities but her connection to Mito. 

There's no way Mito was going to allow him to put Kushina on a long-term probationary period. 

"I bet, you do realize that usually last at least six months for most people?" Jiraiya said.

"Oh believe me I'm highly aware, Jiraiya-sama." Kushina had finished her first bowl. 

She beamed brightly at Teuchi when he placed a second bowl down the moment she finished the first. 

"So when do you plan on joining the academy?" Jiraiya asked.

"Tomorrow, the sooner I start the quicker I can graduate and become a shinobi." Kushina replied before focusing on her second bowl of ramen. 

"Nervous?" Jiraiya wondered.

After swallowing some noodles, she shook her head. "No, if anything I'm pretty excited to actually start making myself more known. I would be a liar to say I don't want a famous reputation one day." She smirked.

"Heh, well at least you're honest. Just don't try to rush to the front lines too quickly, gaki." Jiraiya chuckled before saying the second part in a bit of a serious tone.

'That's where most of the action is happening, plus there is no way the Sandaime is going to keep me from the front lines for long knowing my abilities. Worst comes to worst I'll just influence his mind a little if he takes too long.' She thought while outwardly nodding to the white-haired toad summoner. 

Another thought came into her mind, it's very possible Jiraiya might end up believing her to be the Child of Prophecy. She doubts Tsunade told him exactly everything. 

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"Reveal yourself to the Uchiha Clan in the future? Kushina-chan, are you sure that's a smart idea?" Mito asked out of a bit of concern for her adoptive granddaughter.

Today is the day Kushina starts the academy, right now it is only Mito and Kushina left at the breakfast table since Tsunade and Nawaki have already headed out for the day.

"Yes, sooner or later people will notice my doujutsus. It's better to be upfront and honest about it when I have the power to protect myself from retaliation. You know I was not born in Konoha or the Land of Fire, I wasn't even born in Uzushio. It'll be much harder for me to be accepted as Hokage if I don't build good relationships with the other clans outside of having many great military accomplishments. The opinions of the civilians can be won over easily over time." Kushina explained.

Mito said nothing for a moment before speaking again. "You're going for both the Uchiha and Hyuga clans aren't you?" It's easy to guess considering all of Kushina's doujutsus. Mito and Tsunade both acknowledged that Kushina's Byakugan is incomparably more powerful than any Byakugan from the Hyuga Clan they've come across. The girl can release powerful shockwaves of chakra and force from just turning on her Byakugan. 

"Yeah, I want Konoha to become stronger, for that to happen I must convince and help each clan grow stronger. The Hyuga Clan is full of untapped potential that they are wasting like idiots. The Uchiha Clan relies too heavily on their Sharingan, fooling them to believe they are greater than what they really are. It's the same for the Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Aburame, Inuzuka and Kurama clans. It'll take years, perhaps nearly 2 decades but I will make it happen." Kushina's resolve was shining brightly through her amethyst eyes. 

A small burst of her Conqueror's Haki was accidentally released due to her strong will towards her goals. 

Mito blinked in surprise as she felt and saw not only a small gush of force escape from Kushina's body, her and Kurama both felt as if her presence felt somewhat more dominating. While not powerful enough to affect them mentally, they can still feel her dominant aura exuding. 

Not understanding they're feeling the will of a supreme king. 

'Hmph what a terrifying human brat, as much as I hate humans, even I have to acknowledge the strength of her will. Mito may not understand, but I can tell this brat can physically manifest her will somehow.' Kurama thought from inside of Mito's seal. The fox has been around since the times of the Sage of Six Paths, with its wisdom and intelligence it's easy for Kurama to quickly figure out what it sensed from Kushina. 

Kurama can tell Kushina is going to be 10 times the monster Hashirama and Madara were in their prime.

"Kushina-chan?" Mito called out, confused on what she just saw and sensed.

"Ah! Sorry Mito! That was an accident." Kushina sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. She felt embarrassed by her minor slip of control of her haki. 

Seeing as the girl apologized and made no indication of explaining what happened, Mito didn't press about it and nodded. "Well, I can see that you're not going to change your mind even if I tried to convince you. Just make sure to ask for help if you need it, you know you have my support." 

"I will." Kushina said. "I should head out, can't be late on my first day." She stood to her feet.

"Do you have the note from the old monkey?" Mito asked.

"Yes, it's sealed." The red-haired Chakra Goddess showed the seal on her wrist. 

"Are you sure you don't want me to walk with you there?" Mito had offered yesterday and wanted to offer once more.

"I'm sure, it's not necessary plus I don't plan to walk there the whole way. However, thank you for the offer Mito." Kushina smiled at the older woman.

"I see, well I'll see you when you return." Mito replied in a grandmotherly tone.

Kushina surprised her by giving her a hug before leaving out. "See you later!"

Mito watched as Kushina left, she thought back to Kushina's earlier words. 

"It seems Konoha will be in great hands in the future Hashirama-kun." She said to herself.