Uzumaki Mito was somewhat surprised by Uchiha Yato's sudden change in demeanor.
Without hesitation, Uchiha Yato bent his knees and dropped heavily to the ground with a thud!
His once-proud posture instantly became one of deep humility, as if crushed by an invisible weight, his entire body pressed low in prostration.
Trembling slightly, he raised his head, his eyes already red and wet with tears. His voice, choked with emotion, carried a clear sob as he spoke slowly, "All these years... I truly cannot thank you enough for your care and guidance."
Each word seemed to carry boundless gratitude and deep affection.
"Though you never spoke of it, how could I not know?"
"You silently protected this worthless fool, watching me grow and mature step by step."
"The effort and love you poured into me—I will never forget it."
At this point, Uchiha Yato's tears finally spilled over, streaming down his cheeks and dripping onto the floor.
Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself before continuing solemnly, "Please rest assured—the tasks you have entrusted to me, I will fulfill them with all my strength, even if it means walking through fire. I will never falter or betray your expectations!"After speaking these words, Uchiha Yato lowered his head once more, his forehead pressed firmly against the cold ground, expressing his deepest reverence and determination through this most devout posture.
Indeed, though these two shared no blood relation, they were the closest of "grandparent and grandchild."
Uzumaki Mito was well aware of the immense effort Uchiha Yato had expended to prolong her life. Yet, out of care and protection for him, she chose to bury this secret deep within her heart, never speaking of it.
For she understood that should this truth come to light, it would only bring Uchiha Yato tremendous psychological pressure.
Time flowed silently by. In the mere three months after Uchiha Yato's departure, Uzumaki Mito, after much contemplation, finally resolved to let go of all past entanglements completely.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Yato also knew full well why his past transgressions—whether against Danzo or those committed in his youth—had never been harshly pursued.
Even the Second Hokage, renowned for his iron-fisted methods and who had once contemplated killing him, ultimately took no further action.
In truth, behind all these seemingly coincidental events lay their silent mutual guardianship. Each had protected the other in their own unique way, shielding them from harm with utmost care.
Until the very end of Uzumaki Mito's life, the emotions surging within them could no longer be restrained.
They simply wished for the other to know the long-hidden sincerity of their feelings.
This way, no matter the outcome, at least neither would depart this world burdened with regret.
As these heartrending words were spoken, it wasn't just the two of them whose eyes grew moist.
Tsunade and Uzumaki Kushina were also moved to tears.
One was Uzumaki Mito's biological granddaughter, the other a child she had raised.
The love Uzumaki Mito held for these two was no less than what she felt for Uchiha Yato.
And they, too, had long since been entrusted with tasks by Uzumaki Mito.
The words spoken to them were much the same.
Only the one to be cared for had now become Uchiha Yato.
Uzumaki Mito's condition had already been deteriorating for some time.
It was only through Tsunade's meticulous treatment and Kushina's life-force assistance that she had endured until now.
(Details about the life-force assistance will be explained later—please be patient.)
All of this had been done so she could see Uchiha Yato one last time before he returned to the village and entrust him with certain matters.
Now, in Uzumaki Mito's final moments, after explaining everything to the Third Hokage and Uchiha Kei, Uchiha Yato decided to reside in the Senju Clan Grounds for a time.
Both men understood the reason behind his choice.
Naturally, no one would dare provoke Uchiha Yato at such a time.
Anyone foolish enough to try would find him piloting a Gundam to their doorstep for a thorough discussion on Ninjutsu and taijutsu.
When night fell, only those most closely related to Uzumaki Mito by blood were permitted inside the residence.
Save for a select few with urgent business, nearly everyone else conducted their affairs elsewhere.
Then, in the room where Uzumaki Mito rested, a figure emerged suddenly from beneath the floorboards.
A pale, humanoid being exuding an overwhelming aura of life-force appeared before her.
Gazing upon this creature, Uzumaki Mito felt no complex emotions stir within her heart.Quietly observing this humanoid creature, another figure emerged from its gaping, blood-filled maw.
The appearance of this individual visibly stirred Uzumaki Mito's emotions.
Then came the voice:
"With such potent life energy, it's shameful you couldn't outlive me."
The speaker was none other than our proud and invincible Uchiha Madara.
Uzumaki Mito smiled faintly. "So you truly are alive."
"Though I don't know what schemes you're pursuing now, seeing an old friend before the end brings me joy."
These words struck a chord with Madara.
One by one, the elders from the Warring States period were departing.
Now, the last of Madara's close old friends stood at death's door.
Perhaps clinging to past sentiments, or confident in his plans and strength, he showed no fear of exposure.
Madara said, "If my plan succeeds, we may meet again."
Mito replied, "I've always doubted your schemes. Why not abandon them? Hashirama has waited alone in the afterlife long enough."
At the mention of Hashirama Senju's name, complex emotions surged within Madara.
He ultimately remained silent.
Madara didn't linger long. After exchanging a few words with Mito, he turned to leave.
At the threshold, he paused: "If I fail... wait for me down there."
Mito simply smiled wordlessly in response.
As Hashirama's wife, she understood Madara perfectly.
She trusted that this Uchiha who had survived from the Warring States era wouldn't cross the final line.
Addressing Tsunade outside the door:
"Summon the Third Hokage. It's time for the final ritual."
Tsunade could no longer contain her grief upon hearing this.
Not wishing her grandmother to see her distress, she nodded hastily and departed.
Mito added, "Don't tell Yato. That child would weep."
Uchiha Yato, stationed as the guard before the residence, permitted no entry.
He'd known of Madara's visit—none could enter without his consent.
Seeing the Third Hokage's party approach, Yato recognized the final hour had come.
This "final ritual" marked the transfer of the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki.
It signaled the curtain call for the last kunoichi of the Senju clan from the Warring States era.
Yato could only gaze toward Mito's direction, murmuring inwardly:
"Farewell, grandmother."
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Hey there's 60 chapter ahead here : patreon. com/Pain1231
Dont forget to remove the space okay!