After suppressing the Nine-Tails, Mito Uzumaki turned her attention to calming Kushina Uzumaki once again.
The matter of the Nine-Tails was not something that could be resolved quickly.
They needed time—time for Kushina to grow, to fully inherit Mito's sealing techniques. Only then would there be enough leeway to safely pass the mantle of Jinchūriki to her.
But becoming a Jinchūriki...
It was both a form of protection—and a kind of burden.
Mito thought back to the Nine-Tails' unique ability to perceive emotions.
Ever since she had seized control of its power, she had gained this rare sensitivity herself.
It brought clarity to her heart, a mirror that reflected others' intent. But this clarity was something only experience and strength could support.
She could help Kushina gain the Nine-Tails' power—but to sense so much malice at such a young and innocent age... it was simply too cruel.
After spending some time comforting Kushina, the Senju compound finally returned to its usual quiet.
...
Ninja Academy
Uchiha Kaien sat at his desk, zoning out.
Or rather, he was pretending to zone out—using it as cover while he accessed his system.
"Open system panel."
[Host: Uchiha Kaien]
[Current Status: Kekkei Genkai (Two-Tomoe Sharingan) – Potential Overdrawn, Inherited Illness Triggered, Body in Ongoing Weak State]
[Ninjutsu: Clone Technique, Substitution Technique, Transformation Technique, and various basic elemental jutsu]
[Chakra: 600]
[Spirit: 60]
[Body: 15]
[Strength: 20]
[Agility: 30]
[Chakra Attributes: Fire, Lightning, Wind, Water, Yin]
[Traits: Affinity, Mimic Voice, Vivid Performance, Illusion Immunity]
Compared to a year ago, Kaien's system panel had become quite impressive.
Among the four traits listed, all except Mimic Voice had proven extremely useful, making life much easier for him.
The combo of Affinity and Vivid Performance was practically a cheat code when it came to farming affection.
Unfortunately, only those destined to become elite jōnin could generate affection points worth collecting.
The rest simply didn't meet the system's threshold, so Kaien didn't bother interacting with them.
One hidden perk of the system was its ability to identify whether someone had a unique trait.That made it much easier for him to "invest" his time wisely.
"What a beautiful day," Kaien said, squinting contentedly.
If there was one thing he wasn't happy about, it was how the lottery kept giving him Spirit points.
At this rate, he'd unlock his three-tomoe Sharingan soon enough.
But while a two-tomoe Sharingan could still be shown off, a three-tomoe at age seven?That would definitely draw the wrong kind of attention.
With his spirit stat so far ahead of his physical attributes, Kaien could already feel the strain.If this kept up, his body might start to break down.
He had already triggered a hereditary illness by awakening his Sharingan too early.If he pushed further... would his body even survive it?
It was probably time to let Orochimaru know about the condition.
That way, Orochimaru could start researching it—and potentially help him manage it.
He couldn't rely on the lottery alone.
If he drew one more Spirit-boosting item, it'd be game over.
How he wished for the power of the Sage of Six Paths...
Even just the Yang power would do.
Compared to that, the illness brought by the two-tomoe Sharingan was nothing.
But of course, that was just wishful thinking.
Still, life had to go on.
A happy heart was the key to growing strong and tall!
"If only the teacher wouldn't show up, today would be perfect."
Shikaku Nara nodded in full agreement.
Ever since Kaien casually mentioned his "minimal-effort philosophy," Shikaku had found an unexpected kinship with him.
Their dynamic was surprisingly natural and laid-back.
"Speaking of which," Minato said, "Jiraiya-sensei and Orochimaru-sama have been pretty busy lately. Haven't seen them around these days."
"It's a diplomatic thing," Kaien replied before Shikaku could. "You've heard about the Uzushio incident, right?"
Minato Namikaze scratched his head sheepishly.
Truth was, he hadn't. He'd been so absorbed in training that he'd completely missed the news.
"I'm begging you, Kaien. Fill me in. I'll take over your homework for today!"
"Hm... well, since you're so sincere about it, I'll make an exception."
Kaien nodded with satisfaction.
No homework for today—what a win.
"Our ally, the Land of Whirlpools, was attacked overnight by unknown enemies. Their losses were devastating—almost to the point of annihilation. I'd guess Orochimaru-sensei and Jiraiya-sama are currently tied up with that."
Kaien leaned in close, whispering the intel into Minato's ear.
This was classified.
If he hadn't pestered Fugaku for bits and pieces of info, then used his own intelligence network to put the pieces together, he never would've figured it out.
Kaien's breath brushed against Minato's cheek as he spoke, his lips barely inches away.
The warm puff of air sent a wave of heat up Minato's spine.
Even so, he kept his focus on the intel.
Still, the redness creeping up his ears betrayed the turmoil inside.
Whether it was the gravity of Kaien's words—or something else entirely—was anyone's guess.
Meanwhile, Shikaku watched the scene unfold from the higher row of seats, utterly unfazed.
He really has no clue how dangerous his charm is, Shikaku thought.
He almost felt sorry for Minato.
Almost.
This wasn't just anyone doing Kaien's homework—this was their iron-willed class rep, Minato Namikaze.
The same Minato who never bent the rules.
[Affection +1 from Minato Namikaze]
Daily affection collection? Nice.
Kaien gave Minato a satisfied look.
What a reliable little sheep.
Just then, as Minato tried to get a grip on himself, the classroom door opened with a soft creak.Their homeroom teacher, Taiga Yamakawa, stepped in.
But today, someone was with him—a little girl with long, vivid red hair.
Her naturally tousled hair gleamed like fresh tomatoes in the sun.
A delicate, round face and plump little legs added to her adorable, almost edible look.
"Everyone, this is Kushina Uzumaki.
She'll be joining our class from today, so be nice and help her settle in!"
But before Yamakawa could even finish, the nervous little girl had already started her introduction.
"Hi everyone! I'm Kushina Uzumaki, and—my dream is to become the first female Hokage of Konoha!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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