Hayato Ren touched his lips, murmuring nostalgically to himself.
"Still so reckless... She hasn't even given me a response yet..."
In one of the Senju clan's residences.
Kushina was tossing and turning on her bed, resembling a silkworm cocoon.
"Is this a confession? This must be a confession, right?"
"Should I accept Hayato? If I agree right away, would it make me seem too frivolous? But that scoundrel already took my first kiss..."
"How should I face Hayato? This is so annoying. I shouldn't have gone to his place in the first place..."
While Kushina was restlessly turning in bed, the other protagonist of this incident had long fallen asleep.
Three days later, instead of Kushina, Hayato Ren was visited by Tsunade.
He initially thought Tsunade had come to check his progress in practicing Super Strength, but upon seeing the sorrowful expression on her face, Hayato Ren's heart sank. Could today be the day Kushina becomes the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki?
Just as Hayato Ren suspected, after Tsunade arrived at his home, she stared at him for a long moment before speaking in a hoarse voice.
"Come with me. Kushina is waiting for you."
Hayato Ren wanted to ask where they were going, but seeing Tsunade's lifeless demeanor, he didn't dare to inquire further.
After following Tsunade for quite some distance, the surrounding population suddenly vanished.
Anbu figures continuously moved through the forest, clearly indicating tight security.
Soon, the figures of four elders came into Hayato Ren's view.
They were the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Shinobi World's Scapegoat King Shimura Danzo, and the two Konoha advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
Upon seeing Tsunade and Hayato Ren, Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly approached with a kindly smile.
"Tsunade, Hayato, you've both arrived."
In her bad mood, Tsunade merely nodded.
Hayato Ren bowed slightly and responded respectfully.
"Hello, Hokage."
Seeing this, a pleased glint flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes. He walked over to Hayato Ren, patting his shoulder, and said.
"No need to be so formal between us. Your teacher is my student, after all. Just call me Grandpa Third from now on."
Watching Sarutobi Hiruzen's attempt to win people over, Shimura Danzo's expression immediately darkened.
Given Hayato Ren's current status, he normally wouldn't be allowed at such an occasion, but Uzumaki Mito had specifically requested his presence.
According to Uzumaki Mito, the Jinchuriki must use "love" to tame the Nine-Tails.
And Hayato Ren happened to be the perfect anchor point connecting Konoha and Kushina, especially since Kushina originated from Uzushiogakure and her sense of belonging to Konoha remained uncertain.
Moreover, taking a step back, given the relationship between Hayato Ren and Kushina, controlling Hayato Ren would indirectly mean controlling the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki.
Otherwise, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't have been so amiable in trying to win Hayato Ren over.
Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen was about to engage Hayato Ren in casual conversation, Shimura Danzo coldly interrupted from the side.
"Alright, since everyone is here, let's go. We shouldn't keep Lady Mito waiting."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then took Hayato Ren's hand and led him into a valley.
There, Hayato Ren immediately spotted Kushina standing beside an elderly woman seated in a chair.
Although the old woman appeared very kind and gentle, both Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo regarded her with deep respect.
Her identity was unmistakable—the wife of the First Hokage, Tsunade's grandmother, and the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki: Uzumaki Mito.
Uzumaki Mito gestured for Hayato Ren to approach.
After glancing at Tsunade, Hayato Ren walked up to Uzumaki Mito and knelt down.
"Lady Mito, it's a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to your guidance."
Uzumaki Mito studied Hayato Ren carefully before smiling warmly.
"You must be Hayato, right? You're quite handsome—no wonder Kushina has been talking about you so much in front of me."
At these words, Kushina's face flushed bright red, and she tugged at Uzumaki Mito's hand, whining softly.
"Grandma~ We agreed not to mention such things!"
Uzumaki Mito patted Kushina's hand and smiled.
"Alright, alright, I won't say any more. Our Kushina has grown up and learned to be shy."
Then, Uzumaki Mito turned a serious expression toward Hayato Ren.
"You're a clever boy. You must have guessed why we're here, right?"
Hayato Ren nodded.
Uzumaki Mito let out a deep sigh.
"Kushina has had a very difficult life these past years. She lost her parents at a young age, moved from Uzushiogakure to Konoha, and faced ostracism here. Now, she must also become the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki. On her own, she won't be able to control the Nine-Tails. So, can I trust you?"
Hayato Ren nodded firmly, his tone resolute.
"Don't worry, Lady Mito. As long as I have breath in me, I won't let Kushina suffer any hardship."
Uzumaki Mito nodded in approval and handed Hayato Ren a storage scroll.
"This contains all the Sealing Techniques of our Uzumaki Clan. I'm entrusting it to you now."
Hayato Ren didn't immediately take the scroll but instead glanced toward Tsunade in the distance.
Noticing his hesitation, Uzumaki Mito teased lightly.
"Why are you looking at Tsunade? This is a matter of the Uzumaki Clan. Besides, with Uzushiogakure gone, even if I teach you, Kushina won't hold anything back."
As she spoke, a flicker of sorrow passed through Uzumaki Mito's eyes.
Though she was one of Konoha's founders, Uzushiogakure was the place where she had grown up.
Its destruction had struck her deeply. Had it not been for that, Uzumaki Mito might have held on for a few more years.
Hearing Uzumaki Mito say this, Hayato Ren could only accept the scroll.
"Since you've accepted my gift, you must treat Kushina well from now on. Otherwise, I won't let you off even from heaven, cough cough..."
Before Uzumaki Mito could finish her words, she began coughing violently.
Kushina immediately reached out to gently pat her back, her face full of concern.