Since Nawaki's death, Mito Uzumaki's vitality seemed to have been drained. The aging of her body accelerated noticeably, and she became much more silent.
In the vast compound of the Senju estate, she was often the only one sitting alone at home. Sometimes she would remain motionless for hours, giving the impression of someone lost in dementia.
Notably, her "Mind's Eye" ability appeared to have closed forever after Nawaki's death.
Mind's Eye, Mind's Eye—when the heart is nearly dead, the "eye" can no longer "see."
She had lost that extraordinary perception, that ability to see through people's hearts...
"Grandma Mito..."
When Kushina and Ryun appeared beside her, Mito Uzumaki finally snapped out of her dazed state.
"Good children, you're here..." Mito Uzumaki revealed a kind smile.
Nawaki was dead, Tsunade had gone to the Rain Country battlefield, and the only ones who could accompany her were Kushina and occasionally Ryun, who would visit the Senju clan grounds to talk with her or even cook. This was a request Mito Uzumaki had deliberately made.
"Grandma Mito, Ryun is eating with us today!" Kushina hugged Mito Uzumaki's arm and shook it gently, looking very happy.
"Is that so? That's wonderful. Grandma can enjoy Little Ryun's delicious cooking again..."
Ryun's culinary skills were far superior to Kushina's.
Although Mito Uzumaki felt it was somewhat impolite to have a guest cook, since the children had no objections, she didn't say much.
This wasn't Ryun's first time cooking in their home. The first time was unfamiliar, but the second time was easier, and gradually, Mito Uzumaki accepted it.
Despite being the same age as her grandson Nawaki, Ryun truly had culinary skills, and his dishes were genuinely delicious.
Most importantly, this thoughtful little boy was especially considerate of the elderly, making the food soft and easy to chew—perfect for those with weak teeth...
"Grandma, the Third Hokage came to the academy today and handed out Konoha forehead protectors to many people. Both Ryun and I graduated early!"
At the dinner table, Kushina cheerfully shared the news.
"That really is unexpected... Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't give any advance notice? To just announce graduation and have it happen immediately."
Mito Uzumaki was slightly displeased.
"Haha... It was indeed sudden, but there's no helping it. Konoha is in urgent need of manpower. Starting tomorrow, we'll be assigned missions!" Ryun said with a smile.
Konoha's higher-ups made decisions abruptly, hardly considering the children's thoughts. One day they were studying at the academy, and the next, they were being sent on missions.
The decision was somewhat rash, but in wartime, exceptions were made, and no one could object.
"Grandma, Ryun and I weren't put in the same team. We can't even do missions together!"
After some hesitation, Kushina decided to mention the team assignments. She really wanted to be in the same squad as Ryun.
"Is that so?"
Mito frowned, then spoke seriously.
"Later, go to the Hokage's office and tell Hiruzen Sarutobi to assign you two to the same team. Just say it's my request."
"!!!"
"Hahaha! I knew Grandma was the best!" Kushina was overjoyed.
The Third Hokage would bow deeply to Mito Uzumaki and address her respectfully as "Lady Mito." Knowing that her words carried weight, Kushina had deliberately shared this news.
After dinner, Kushina wanted to drag Ryun to the Hokage's office, but for some reason, Ryun showed no intention of leaving. Instead, he motioned for her to sit back down.
"Actually... I want to go to the Rain Country battlefield."
In the living room, Ryun calmly stated these words.
The moment he spoke, Kushina and Mito Uzumaki widened their eyes in shock.
"Wh-what nonsense are you saying!"
Kushina shot to her feet, instantly panicking.
"You're just a genin! What battlefield? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"
Her voice rose uncontrollably.
"I made an agreement with Orochimaru-sensei. After graduating, I would go to the Rain Country battlefield..."
Ryun had originally planned to tell Kushina earlier to give her more time to prepare, but Konoha's higher-ups had disrupted his plans by forcing early graduation.
Of course, it wasn't too late to tell her now. Delaying his departure for a few days wouldn't be a problem since this was his own decision, not something forced upon him.
However, Kushina's wish to be in the same team and go on missions together would have to wait.
"Then I'll go with you..."
Kushina could no longer maintain her usual restraint in front of Mito Uzumaki. She immediately sat next to Ryun and clung to his arm.
"Don't be ridiculous. What's a girl like you doing on a battlefield? Besides, you're too weak. You don't even have the ability to protect yourself!"
Ryun spoke seriously. This wasn't meant to discourage Kushina but was simply the truth.
"How am I weak? I got second place in the ranking battles! You were only third! How do I not have the ability to protect myself?"
Kushina's face flushed with anger, her eyes brimming with tears on the verge of falling.
Ryun's refusal to take her to the Rain Country battlefield hurt her deeply, but what upset her more was worry.
Nawaki's death had left deep psychological scars on both Mito Uzumaki and Kushina.
Hearing that another person close to her was heading to that dangerous place, how could they not be worried?
"Silly girl..."
Ryun shook his head and smiled, instinctively reaching out to pat her smooth red hair.
"The ranking battles were just child's play. You've been by my side for so long—don't you know my real strength?"
Hearing this, Kushina froze.
Using the ranking battles to measure strength was clearly something she had blurted out in her panic. But when she thought carefully about Ryun's true power, she couldn't help but feel a little reassured.
"You should already have the strength of a jōnin, right?"
Mito Uzumaki suddenly spoke.
Her tone was firm, as if she had long been aware of the boy's true power.
Over half a year ago, Ryun already had chakra reserves comparable to a jōnin. To say he lacked the techniques or means to wield that power was something Mito Uzumaki didn't believe.
After all, Ryun was Orochimaru's student, and this boy was deeply unfathomable. Even now, Mito Uzumaki couldn't see through him.
She only knew that this child was strong—far stronger than her deceased grandson.
And she was certain that Ryun's strength was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.