After finishing some pressing tasks in his office, the Third Hokage made his way to the Uzumaki settlement. He arrived just in time to overhear the elder's astute words and couldn't help but offer his praise.
"Lord Hokage," Masaaki said, standing to salute him. "This time, we owe everything to Konoha's help. Without it, my Uzumaki clan would have been wiped from this world."
The Third Hokage waved his hand dismissively. "Our villages have been allies for generations. The Uzumaki provided so much help when Konoha was founded. Now that our ally is in trouble, how could Konoha possibly stand idly by?"
The two sat and chatted for a while, and the topic soon turned to Mito.
The Hokage explained, "Yesterday, the Land of Lightning responded to our condemnation letter. They completely denied their actions and even threatened to retaliate against Konoha. Lady Mito, therefore, decided to make a move to deter them. Konoha had already prepared for war, but I could not stop her. However, there is no need to worry. Her strength far surpasses my own, and she will surely return safely."
After explaining that matter, he moved on to the main topic: the Uzumaki clan joining Konoha.
Kyuushin originally intended to excuse himself, but the Third Hokage stopped him. "It's fine. Kyuushin can listen."
Seeing Masaaki's surprised expression, the Third Hokage laughed heartily. "Lady Mito has always praised Kyuushin's talent, and I have seen it with my own eyes. What's more, he possesses a rare calm demeanor. His future achievements will be immeasurable. If I were not so old, I would want to personally mentor him."
Masaaki was taken aback. His little grandson, whom he had only known as a mischievous child, had somehow become a genius praised even by the Hokage after coming to Konoha. He quickly understood the implication. The Third Hokage's words meant that both he and Mito thought highly of the boy. Allowing him to listen in on this discussion was a clear sign that they intended to support Kyuushin as the next head of the Uzumaki.
Masaaki had been worried on the way here. With only the old and the young remaining in the Uzumaki Clan, even if they joined Konoha, their position might not be maintained once he and Mito passed away. But the Hokage's intentions were clear. With his support, the Uzumaki clan would surely be able to get through this most difficult period. Thinking of this, his worries about the future gradually subsided, and his conversation with the Third Hokage became more pleasant.
The two leaders' thoughts quickly aligned, and the discussion progressed rapidly. In a short while, they had roughly ironed out the details. Kyuushin listened from the side, summarizing the agreement in his mind.
Firstly, the Uzumaki Clan would fully join Konoha, existing as a major clan within the village from then on, with a promise of protection. Secondly, Miyo Uzumaki, Kushina's mother, would be appointed as the Vice Director of the Konoha Hospital, and another clan member would become the Vice Captain of the Konoha Sealing Jutsu Squad. Other Uzumaki with corresponding talents could serve in any department. Thirdly, the clan was required to send eligible children to the Ninja Academy, with no fewer than two per class, who would enjoy all the benefits of a Konoha ninja upon graduation. Finally, the Third Hokage cordially invited Masaaki to become a high-level Advisor to Konoha.
Kyuushin considered the terms and felt that the Uzumaki joining Konoha was not a bad thing. In the foreseeable future, the Uzumaki bloodline would not be cut off. Moreover, the clan's heritage in sealing jutsu was a great asset to Konoha, ensuring their status would not be lower than other established clans. He had always felt that the Uzumaki, with their vast chakra and robust physiques, were too limited by only developing along the path of sealing jutsu. After joining Konoha, they could obtain more resources and might be able to forge other paths.
After the discussion concluded, both sides were satisfied. The Third Hokage felt that bringing the Uzumaki Clan into Konoha, a feat even the First Hokage failed to achieve, was a great political accomplishment. As for Masaaki, although joining Konoha meant less freedom, their safety was guaranteed, and their future status would be secure.
After the main business was settled, the Third Hokage did not rush to leave but chatted with Masaaki for a while longer before bidding farewell.
Once the Hokage had left, Masaaki grew curious about Kyuushin's experiences in Konoha. Kyuushin recounted everything that had happened, though he did not reveal anything about the Gene Lock. It wasn't that he didn't trust his grandfather, but he felt it was difficult to explain and thought Mito would surely mention it later.
After listening to Kyuushin's narration and looking at his grandson now, Masaaki couldn't help but exclaim, "You've really grown up!" At the same time, he remembered the true purpose of Kyuushin's journey to Konoha. He hesitated, wondering if he should say something, but finally just sighed helplessly. Kyuushin watched his grandfather, at one moment relieved, at another sighing, and didn't quite understand his train of thought.
At that point, some of the other Uzumaki clan members had gathered, presumably having learned of the Hokage's visit. Masaaki let them in, seeing it as a good opportunity to reassure them. Soon, the few surviving adult Uzumaki were present: four women and one man, the only adult ninja left. The one leading them was Kushina's mother, Miyo Uzumaki. Kyuushin had memories of the other three women but wasn't very familiar with them; they specialized in medical ninjutsu and had likely survived by protecting the children. The lone male clan member had lost his left arm, which had apparently saved him by preventing him from performing a final, suicidal jutsu. He was surely the one skilled in sealing jutsu destined for the Konoha Sealing Squad.
Seeing everyone present, Masaaki explained the general content of his discussion with the Third Hokage.
"The matter is settled," he concluded. "The dead cannot be resurrected. What is most important now is to properly nurture the next generation. Although our clan has suffered a heavy blow, our bloodline is not severed. I believe that in a few more decades, the Uzumaki will surely rise again. The burden on us is heavy. Before the next generation grows up, we must not fall. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Elder!" everyone responded in unison.
Seeing that the matter was concluded, Kyuushin prepared to return to the Senju compound. Kushina, however, stayed behind with her mother. Before he left, Miyo Uzumaki pulled him aside to thank him for taking care of Kushina, having clearly heard the story of their journey.
Kyuushin returned to the Senju Ancestral Home and, feeling like he had nothing else to do, thought about making up for the morning training he had missed.
Just as he walked onto the training ground, a voice called out.
"You're back so early today. Is everything settled?"
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