In short, this exam had to be taken seriously.
Faced with Julian White's grave stare, Nawaki Senju nodded without hesitation.
"Don't worry. I'm not unreasonable. Since you've explained everything so clearly, I'll do exactly as you say."
With the important matters settled, Julian finally felt a weight lift from his chest. Even the Great Wall began with a single brick. There was no need to rush. Taking the first step mattered more than anything else.
A clear chime rang out.
The host has gained profound recognition and presence within the heart of a major story character. The system is now officially activated.
Julian forced himself to suppress the surge of excitement and was about to examine it when Nawaki suddenly cried out.
"Ah, I almost forgot the whole reason I came today. Grandma asked me to invite you over for dinner. Tsunade is already waiting for us."
Just imagining Tsunade's temper made Nawaki shudder from head to toe.
"Grandma Mito…" Julian murmured. To avoid drawing any attention, he restrained the urge to study the system and let out a quiet sigh. "It really has been a long time."
Julian's grandfather had once been a member of the Uzumaki clan, assigned to Konoha as part of Mito Uzumaki's ceremonial guard. Before his mother passed away, she often took him along to visit Mito.
Life, however, was never predictable.
During the First Shinobi War, everyone in his family except his pregnant mother was conscripted. None of them returned.
His mother, consumed by grief, passed away when he was eight years old.
He had been far too young to do anything. So much had happened, so much had changed, yet in truth only two or three years had gone by.
The past flowed away like water. Time vanished without warning. The changes came so quickly that before he could react, everything was already over.
If he had truly been just an eight year old child with no memories of a previous life, and if Nawaki had not been by his side to comfort him, Julian did not know how he would have survived.
He snapped back to the present when he heard Nawaki shouting again, urging him to hurry.
Julian smiled faintly, shook his head, and called back, "All right. I'm coming."
Yes. Now that the system had finally awakened, what meaning was there in remaining trapped by the past?
Mito Uzumaki's residence stood within a quiet grove on the hillside behind the village. Dense trees surrounded the courtyard, wrapping it in a deep and calming stillness.
The estate covered a vast area. Its architecture was simple yet imposing, free of lavish decoration, carrying instead the steady dignity of the Warring States era.
The house itself had largely been constructed using Hashirama's Wood Release. Tall pillars and clean eaves looked as though they had grown naturally from a single massive trunk.
Inside, a clear north to south axis ran through the orderly rooms. Broad wooden beams still carried traces of Hashirama's chakra, supporting the entire structure.
Corridors linked each section, creating an open and spacious flow. There was little furniture, but every piece was practical. All of it was made from untreated wood, releasing a faint, pleasant scent. Sunlight filtered through children's paper cuttings, casting mottled patterns across the floor and quietly marking the passage of time.
Outside lay a wide garden filled with seasonal flowers and fruit trees. Genin on D rank missions tended to it, bringing a modest source of income to the village.
Their skill varied greatly. Some areas were neatly arranged, while others looked as though they had been chewed apart by dogs.
"So much time has passed, yet nothing has changed," Julian murmured.
"Less thinking, more walking. We're already late," Nawaki cut in. "You're still a kid. Don't overthink everything."
Before Nawaki could finish, Tsunade's shout echoed from inside the house.
"Hurry up. I've already started. How long do you think Grandma is supposed to wait?"
"We're coming. Don't panic," Nawaki replied quickly, pressing his palms together in apology and bowing repeatedly. "I just had to find Julian first."
"You little brat. Dinner's already been served and you're still dawdling. The food's getting cold. Move it. Tomorrow's exam celebration has already begun."
Tsunade slung an arm over Julian's shoulders, casually letting her full weight lean against him. Her posture was bold and unrestrained.
"Sorry, sorry. Nawaki and I got carried away talking. But we're here now."
Julian slipped out from under her arm and jogged ahead toward the house with familiar ease.
It was a small gathering. Aside from Mito and Tsunade, only the two boys were present.
Inside, Mito Uzumaki sat waiting beside a low table.
Her deep crimson hair, thick and unmistakably Uzumaki, was arranged into two neat, dignified buns. On her forehead rested a violet diamond mark, the Strength of a Hundred Seal. She wore a simple white kimono, her expression gentle.
Every movement carried quiet authority and a calming elegance.
Her red hair remained lush, her skin smooth and unlined, betraying none of her years. Only her tranquil eyes held a depth that surpassed age itself.
Her composure and measured speech reflected a confidence shaped by countless trials.
Rather than a jinchuriki, the wife of Hashirama, or the princess of the Uzumaki, she felt more like an independent force unto herself.
Anyone who had ever met her understood immediately. She was a true powerhouse, worthy of respect. Her calm presence spoke more clearly of the centuries she had endured than any scar ever could.
Julian straightened his clothes, stood tall, and greeted her respectfully. "Grandma Mito, it's been a long time."
Mito smiled and gestured to the cushion beside her. "Sit. It's just a simple meal. I hope you don't mind."
"How could I? Without your care back then, I don't know how I would have made it."
She shook her head lightly and said nothing more, motioning for Tsunade and Nawaki to sit as well. "Let's eat first. We can talk afterward."
Nawaki immediately stuffed his mouth. "All right, let's eat. I'm starving."
"Slow down. Don't choke," Mito said with a smile, adding another piece of meat to his bowl.
Tsunade took a bite of sweet and sour ribs, followed by a sip of sake. "Grandma's ribs are the best."
Her tone was relaxed and familiar, completely devoid of the intimidating presence she would one day possess.
A bit of oil clung to her lips. Mito gently wiped it away with a napkin.
In that moment, she looked less like a leader and more like a loving grandmother doting on her grandchildren.
Chopsticks moved, laughter rose, dusk deepened, and warm lamplight filled the room. Plate by plate, the food slowly disappeared.
No servants appeared afterward. The four of them cleaned up together.
Grandma washed the dishes. The three children wiped tables, swept the floor, and took out the trash. Quiet, satisfying chores that embodied peace.
In the often turbulent world of shinobi, moments like this were exceedingly rare.
At the thought of it, a faint smile curved at the corner of Julian's lips.