Smiles on their faces Kazuha, Tsunade, and Nawaki, walked through the streets of Konoha, making their way back to the Senju clan compound.
Having just finished eating their lunch.
"Ah, thanks as always nee-chan." Nawaki spoke.
"Yeah, thanks Tsunade-nee." Kazuha added.
Tsunade smiling happily in response. "Of course, you're both welcome." She spoke.
Tsunade then began gently rubbing both the top of Kazuha and Nawaki heads.
Both of them brushing her hands from their heads when she did.
Eliciting a small laugh from Tsunade.
One which both Nawaki and Kazuha chose to ignore.
After which the three of them made small talk until they arrived back at the Senju clan compound.
The three easily being let in by the guards on the duty.
But as soon as they were one of the clans maids walked up to the three of them.
"Good even hine, Nawaki, and Kazuha." She spoke. "If you'll please follow me. Lady Mito wishes to see you all immediately." She spoke.
When she did all three of them followed the maid without any hesitation.
For Mito rarely ever called for the three of them together.
So when she did the trio knew it was easier.
That's why none of them objected.
Thus Tsunade, Nawaki, and Kazuha all soon found themselves at the entrance to one of the clan compound private meeting rooms.
When they did the maid opened it, and all three stepped inside.
Upon doing so they saw Mito sitting in one of the rooms chairs.
But the small group also noticed two others.
The first being the current Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
But the second was a young girl neither Nawaki or Tsunade recognized, though Kazuha did.
For the girl was a young Kushina Uzumaki.
But Kazuha didn't let his recognition show on his face.
Thankful for the years of shinobi training he has had up until now aiding him in this endeavor.
For he definitely didn't want to answer how he knew Kushina if anyone ever figured out he did.
Since Kazuha had made a vow to take the secrets of his past life with him to the grave in his new one.
Given he didn't want to be responsible for the destruction of the entire world.
Due to the knowledge in his head, if anyone ever got a hold of it.
"Tsunade, Nawaki, Kazuha, welcome back."
"Thank you." Tsunade replied.
"Yes, thank you." Kazuha added.
"Thanks grandma." Nawaki replied. He then pointed to Kushina. "So, who is this red headed girl?" He bluntly asked.
Earning him a punch atop his head from Tsunade.
"Ow!" Nawaki cried. Moving his hands to rub his head, before turning to glare at Tsunade. "That hurt sis. What was that for?"
"Watch your mouth you little brat." Tsunade replied. "You can't just talk to our guest like that. Especially in front of the Hokage. Who you haven't even greeted." She explained.
Tsunade then turned to Hiruzen. "My apologies sensei. It looks like I will need to pound manners into this rude little brother of mine, again."
"No, no, it's quite alright." Hiruzen replied. "I understand Nawaki, as I have no doubt both you and young Kazuha are, is curious about who this young girl is." He spoke.
Hiruzen then turned his gaze to Kushina. "So why not let her tell you all herself. Go on child, introduce yourself."
"Hello. I'm Kushina Uzumaki. And one day I'll grow up to be the strongest kunoichi in the world. Dattebayo!"
"Pfft!" Nawaki laughed. "What's with that? Dattebayo?" He spoke.
"Huh? What's that you brat?" Kushina asked. A smile on her face that didn't reach her eyes, some of her somehow floating behind her.
Seeing this Nawaki felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Come here!"
"No, help me!" Nawaki shouted.
But no one in the room gave him any attention.
Since Nawaki had brought it on himself.
So as Kushina grabbed him and began beating him up Nawaki was left to take it.
"She's quite feisty huh." Kazuha mused to Tsunade.
"She is, but that makes me like this girl all the more." She replied. "Though I am wondering why she is here and not Uzushiokagure?"
Referring to the island based hidden village created by Konoha allies, the Uzumaki clan.
"Sensei, grandma, can you please explain what's going on here?" Tsunade asked.
"You see Tsunade, since Uzu and the Uzumaki clan are our long time allies we've decided to help them set up a branch family of their clan here in the village, of which Kushina will be clan head of." Hiruzen explained.
Though Kazuha knew he was leaving out various important parts to his explanation.
Namely one big one.
"That's sound wonderful hokage-sama." Kazuha said. "But I have to ask, why Kushina? Isn't she a bit young for this? Unless she's not the only Uzumaki that is here from Uzu?"
"Unfortunately, she is." Hiruzen replied. "And yes, she is young, but like yourself young Kazuha she is exceptionally bright and talented. That's why she was selected for this endeavor." He explained.
"Okay." Kazuha replied.
Deciding not to push too hard right now.
Since all would be revealed in time.
Moving on.
Having finished beating Nawaki black and blue Kushina dropped his body to the ground, then turned back to everyone else.
A proud smile on her face. "That's right. You're looking at the new head of Konoha Uzumaki clan! Dattebayo!" She exclaimed.
Turning around Kazuha gave a slight bow to Kushina. "In that case it is a pleasure to meet you clan head Kushina. I hope we can get along."
"Not sure, but you just made a good start. Kazuha right?"
"Yes." Kazuha replied. He then offered his hand to Kushina.
Who then took it and shook it.
"Oh, it's so wonderful you're all getting along." Mito said. "Especially since Kushina will be staying with us for a while."
"What?!" Nawaki cried.
"Understood." Kazuha replied.
"Got it." Tsunade said.
Everyone once again annoying Nawaki.
"Kazuha, if you don't mind could you show Kushina around the compound."
"No problem." Kazuha replied.
"Also Nawaki, please accompany them?" Mito asked.
"Huh, grandma, please no. Don't make me go anywhere with this red haired de-" Nawaki began.
Only to instantly get punched again by Kushina.
Straight out of the door of the room in fact.
"You must really have a death wish." Kushina sweetly spoke.
Skipping out of the room after Nawaki.
Kazuha simply following along behind them.
Closing the door as he left.
"Ah, youth." Hiruzen mused.
"Yes." Mito agreed.
The pair having nostalgic smiles on their faces.
Despite this Tsunade now wore a serious expression on her own face.
"Okay, so grandma, sensei, if you could feel me in on what's really going on here. Since there's no way Uzushiokagure would simply send that young girl here just to set up a branch of the Uzumaki clan in the village. So spill it? Is she what I think she is?" Tsunade spoke.
When she did Mito quickly weaved a hand sign.
"The privacy barrier is now up." She spoke a second later.
Hiruzen nodding at her words.
Once he did he then turned his full attention to Tsunade.
"To answer your question my student, yes it's as you suspect. Kushina Uzumaki is the next candidate to be the Jinchuriki of the Nine tails." Hiruzen spoke.
Leading Tsunade to narrow her eyes even further.