"Good morning, Tsunade. Morning, Hiruko."
"Morning, Rihito."
When Rihito Sato stepped into the classroom and exchanged greetings with Tsunade and Hiruko, a subtle shift occurred between the three of them.
It wasn't something tangible, just a strange kind of unspoken understanding.
Like they now shared a secret no one else knew.
That faint sense of superiority... maybe this was what people meant by bond?
The school day passed quickly.
Hiruko left with a large bag full of balloons, ready to begin Phase One of the Rasengan training. Sensibly, he didn't stick around Rihito and Tsunade.
Meanwhile, Tsunade led Rihito toward the Senju Clan compound.
It was a quaint, traditional courtyard residence, lush trees bordering its quiet walkways, giving the place a vibrant serenity.
There, Rihito finally met Mito Uzumaki.
In the middle of the courtyard, she stood under a tree in a simple kimono. Her red hair was tied into two round buns, and her expression was serene and warm as she gazed at Tsunade and Rihito.
Tsunade lit up when she saw her.
"Grandma Mito! Look! This is him, my deskmate! The genius I told you about!"
Mito smiled fondly, patting Tsunade's head to calm her excitement before turning her eyes toward Rihito.
The moment her gaze landed on him, he felt the air itself turn heavier.
Taking a breath, he bowed slightly and spoke in a calm, clear voice.
"Lady Mito Uzumaki. It's an honor to meet you. I'm Rihito Sato, Tsunade's classmate. Thank you for having me."
Despite her seemingly gentle demeanor, Rihito couldn't help but feel tense in her presence.
After all, this ordinary-looking woman with red hair in two buns…
Was the strongest force in the Hidden Leaf right now.
After the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, sacrificed himself, Madara Uchiha never caused trouble again for over thirty years.
And no one believed that was because he feared the so-called "strongest Hokage", Hiruzen Sarutobi.
No. The real reason Madara stayed quiet…
Was standing right in front of him.
Mito Uzumaki, heir to the most powerful sealing techniques of the Uzumaki Clan, and a perfect Jinchūriki of the Nine Tails.
She could lock the Nine Tails down in eighteen different ways if she wanted.
In short: if you could go toe-to-toe with Madara Uchiha, or worse, become his love rival, you were no ordinary kunoichi.
Her strength was unquestionable. Even the greatest would hesitate to challenge her.
Mito examined Rihito for a long moment from head to toe, then gave a gentle smile.
"You know, Tsunade talks about you often at home."
Her voice was warm, tinged with amusement.
"She says you're an excellent student with precise chakra control, clever with trap mechanics, and even self-disciplined in reaction training. Quite the impressive list."
Rihito's cheeks flushed faintly at the praise. It felt like… being complimented by his future mother-in-law.
He snuck a glance at Tsunade. She was standing with her hands on her hips, practically beaming with pride.
Hey, your grandma's praising me. Why are you the one looking so smug?
Still, he responded politely.
"You flatter me, Lady Mito. I'm not nearly as exceptional as you make me sound."
Mito chuckled lightly.
"That's not flattery, child. I can see it for myself. Tsunade tells me you even created a non-seal jutsu on your own. Would you mind showing it to me?"
Rihito didn't hesitate. He raised his right hand, and a soft blue Rasengan formed instantly, glowing gently in his palm.
Mito's eyes lit up.
"She wasn't exaggerating. This does qualify as an A-rank technique. To develop something like this at your age… Rihito, you're a true genius."
Rihito scratched his head sheepishly.
"Actually, this isn't even the final form I envisioned. Ideally, I'd like to combine the shape transformation with chakra nature. That should push its power far beyond what it is now."
Mito nodded thoughtfully.
"You're absolutely right. This is just the base form. If you integrate strong chakra natures like wind, fire, or lightning, its destructive power could reach S-rank."
Tsunade and Rihito exchanged smiles.
The higher Mito rated the Rasengan, the better the jutsu she'd offer in return.
"Rihito," Mito said gently, "would you be willing to record this technique in the village's forbidden jutsu scroll?"
Tsunade blinked.
"Wait, Grandma, doesn't the Rasengan fall short of the forbidden jutsu standard?"
Mito chuckled, patting her head.
"It does now. But it has tremendous development potential. Once combined with chakra natures, it'll easily hit S-rank. That qualifies it."
Rihito had no objections to others learning Rasengan. He nodded readily.
Even Mito was briefly surprised at how quickly he agreed.
So open-handed… That means he's already tied his heart to the village. This child carries the true Will of Fire.
Her eyes were full of appreciation as she gave a satisfied nod.
"Very good, Rihito. You're a fine child. Tsunade is lucky to sit beside you. I hope you two support each other and grow stronger together."
Tsunade stood tall, puffed out her chest, and slapped her hand against it.
"Don't worry, Grandma! We're going to grow into giant trees that shelter Konoha!"
Mito chuckled helplessly, then turned to Rihito with even more warmth in her eyes.
She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small scroll, offering it to him.
"As this is our first meeting, I don't have much to offer, but consider this a small gift. It contains knowledge of sealing techniques. Study it well."
Rihito was stunned.
He'd only come hoping to learn Tsunade's monster strength technique,
But now he was unexpectedly receiving seal arts knowledge from the strongest Uzumaki herself.
He accepted the scroll with deep respect and bowed low.
"Thank you very much, Lady Mito. I promise to study it seriously and live up to your expectations."
Mito gently touched his head.
"From now on, just call me Grandma, like Tsunade does. No need for titles."
Rihito froze for a second, then caught sight of Tsunade's slightly flushed expression.
He quickly responded:
"Yes, Grandma Mito."
"Good boy," Mito smiled. "It's getting late, and the food's getting cold. Come inside and try some of Grandma's cooking."
Delighted by Rihito's response, she took both his and Tsunade's hands and led them toward the inner house.
The three of them enjoyed a warm and joyful dinner together.
<150 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter>