Chapter 5

Don't think that Sarutobi Hiruzen's position as the Third Hokage was solely secured by the will of Senju Tobirama. Without the support of Uzumaki Mito, he wouldn't have been able to maintain his seat.

Uzumaki Mito, reclining in her chair, slowly opened her eyes as Hiruzen entered. "Monkey, you're here."

Hiruzen approached quickly, offering his support as Mito sat up. Once she was settled, he stood back, hands respectfully at his sides.

"Kushina is the next Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails for this village," Mito began, her tone serious. "She is the princess of the Uzumaki clan and holds the same stature as I once did. She deserves the right to live her life freely. Only then will she see Konoha as her true home and integrate fully."

The Third Hokage bowed his head. "Mito-sama, I understand. Kushina is part of Konoha now, and we will not restrict or interfere with her life."

He knew this was Mito's way of reminding him that constant monitoring and overbearing control would only isolate Kushina further, hindering her connection to the village.

"I'm glad you understand," Mito said, but a sigh escaped her lips, laden with unspoken sorrow.

Kushina's current experience reminded Mito of her own life, except she had been luckier. When she married into the Senju clan, the Uzumaki clan was still powerful, and Hashirama treated her with unwavering kindness. Even as a Jinchūriki, no one dared disrespect her.

But Kushina's situation was different. The glory and power of the Uzumaki clan were gone, and Konoha's support was limited to financial aid. After all, Konoha had reaped the benefits of the Uzumaki clan's vast resources; to not offer at least financial assistance would have been shameless.

Kushina needed more than just money. She needed freedom.

"These are my recommendations," Mito continued, gesturing to a scroll on the table. "Konoha has taken much from the Uzumaki clan. Compensate Kushina, and see that she has the liberty she deserves. And ensure the village's oversight remains minimal."

"Yes, Mito-sama." Hiruzen took the scroll with the utmost respect, then helped Mito back to her room before taking his leave.

The next day, the influential figures of Konoha, the "Konoha F4," met in the Hokage's office. The Third Hokage laid the scroll on the table.

After reviewing it, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged glances but said nothing. Only Shimura Danzo, the Hokage's assistant, voiced his discontent.

"No, I can't support this decision. Compensation is acceptable, but full monitoring of Kushina's activities is essential. The Jinchūriki cannot be allowed to interact with too many people."

At this time, Danzo was merely the Hokage's assistant, not yet the leader of Root. His power was still limited, as Root had not yet formed into its notorious branch.

"This is Mito-sama's order," Hiruzen said firmly, cutting off further debate. "If you want to challenge it, you're welcome to bring your concerns to her yourself."

Danzo scowled, words of protest dying in his throat. Mito Uzumaki's name alone quelled any dissent. His desire for control was strong, but even he would not dare oppose Mito openly. He fell silent, glaring but conceding defeat.

Mitokado Homura shook his head. "Danzo, Mito-sama's dissatisfaction is clear. She cares for Kushina deeply. We must tread carefully."

"Hmph, I hope you won't regret this," Danzo muttered before leaving the room.

After Danzo's departure, Koharu glanced at Hiruzen. "I heard Tsunade has a promising student. Is it true?"

Hiruzen nodded. "Yes, his name is Hyuga Shinki. Mito-sama herself did not oppose Kushina interacting with him."

In Konoha's intricate web of politics, invoking Mito's name was often the safest move.

The files on Shinki were quickly brought in and reviewed. Koharu and Homura read through them, understanding why neither Mito nor Hiruzen opposed Kushina's interaction with Shinki. His standing was complicated. Because of the caged bird seal, Shinki was only half a free agent in the clan's eyes.

Koharu set the file down and sighed. "Mito-sama is insightful as ever. She knows how to nurture a bond based on mutual respect and empathy."

The path to making Kushina feel at home was straightforward: friendship and genuine connection. Overbearing control only bred resentment.

Later that day, Kushina sat in the courtyard, her eyes darting to the gate. Noticing her distraction, Mito moved closer and put an arm around her.

"What's troubling you, my dear?" Mito's voice was warm, coaxing Kushina to open up.

Kushina's cheeks flushed. "It's nothing, Grandma Mito. I just remembered Tsunade promised Shinki-kun yesterday that she'd help buy him groceries. But after you... scolded her, she didn't even get up for lunch."

Mito's eyes glimmered with amusement. "Are you worried that Shinki won't have anything to eat?"

"No, no," Kushina said quickly, but her fidgeting hands gave her away. "I just think... he'll be disappointed if Tsunade doesn't show up."

Mito smiled, sensing how much Kushina already cared for her new friend. "Well, Tsunade might not go, but you could help her keep her promise, couldn't you?"

"Me?" Kushina's eyes widened in surprise. "I don't know my way around Konoha yet. I've never been to the market."

Mito pretended to sigh regretfully. "It's a shame. I suppose Tsunade will have to break her promise, then."

Kushina bit her lip, her expression conflicted. The idea of letting Shinki down tugged at her heart. After a moment of internal debate, she took a deep breath. *You can do this, Kushina,* she told herself.

"Grandma Mito, I'll go buy the groceries and bring them to Shinki-kun," she said with newfound determination. "But... could someone show me the way?"

Mito's smile deepened. "Of course, my dear. I'll have someone accompany you and bring you back safely."

She patted Kushina's hair lovingly. "And remember, learn the route so you can visit your friends anytime."

Kushina's eyes widened with surprise. "I can? I'm really allowed to go out and visit friends?"

"Yes, my dear. Konoha is your home, and you're free to go wherever you wish," Mito affirmed, embracing her tightly.

Overcome with emotion, Kushina burst into tears. Mito held her, her own eyes glistening with the weight of hope and bittersweet memories.

After preparing for her outing, Kushina left, guided by an attendant. Once the house was quiet, Tsunade stepped inside, her expression conflicted.

Mito glanced at her granddaughter. "Tsunade, sometimes it takes a gentle push for people to realize they can stand on their own."

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Gimme Power Stones or give me death, or something like that