"Grandma! I want to be Hokage!"
As Tsunade spoke these words, determination shone in her eyes.
When did this change begin?
Mito didn't know, but through constant subtle influence, Tsunade was bound to make this decision.
Just as Mito didn't know why Tsunade had always resisted being Hokage.
But that wasn't important anymore.
The goal had been achieved.
"I understand..." Mito said softly.
The child before her had grown up, and it was time for her to leave.
A Jinchuriki dies when a Tailed Beast is extracted, and even the resilient vitality of the Uzumaki Clan is no exception.
Despite her reluctance, Tsunade had grown up now.
As she had hoped, it was Tsunade's turn to protect the Senju, protect everyone, and protect Konoha.
Mito gave Tsunade a smile filled with relief, happiness, and regret, then reached out to gently caress Tsunade's head.
Even if she were to die now, there would be no regrets.
Only...
"Tsunade..." Mito said softly.
"Nawaki is too mischievous; remember to discipline him, don't spoil him too much."
"As the elder sister, you must be a motherly role model."
"Smile more. No matter how difficult the situation, always keep a smile on your face."
"You are the Hokage of the Village, and everyone's sun. Use your smile to bring everyone sunshine-like warmth and reassurance."
"The Village is Hashirama's life's work, the meaning of his entire existence, but Tsunade, you must remember, the Village is not something overly important."
"Compared to the Village, everyone is a more precious treasure."
"As long as everyone is still here, the Village can be rebuilt at any time..."
"Don't be like your grandfather; he's a monster who doesn't understand people's hearts."
"Really, at a time like this, I shouldn't talk about that fool anymore."
Her increasing age had been enough for the girl of yesteryear to gradually comprehend many things in the world.
She had long held different views on some matters.
But essentially, she was still the bright and kind girl she used to be.
"Finally, some personal matters."
"Tsunade, don't always be so fierce; be gentle with others..."
"That way, boys will dare to approach you."
"But keep your eyes open; don't be like Grandma and get married in a muddle. This is the one thing you absolutely must not compromise on with anyone. Only then can you find your true happiness."
"Grandma..."
This kind of last will and testament made tears well up in Tsunade's eyes.
"Don't cry, Tsunade. Grandma is just going somewhere to settle a score. He left me alone for so many years and asked me to take care of everyone. Now it's just over."
Although she said this, Mito's eyes also glistened with tears.
Rather than seeing that heartless dead man, she was more reluctant to leave Tsunade, Nawaki, and Miki, Hitomi, and Chiri, whom she had raised herself.
So, it would be very sad.
"Don't be sad, Tsunade. Parting is for a better reunion."
"When we meet again, I hope Tsunade has grown into an outstanding woman."
"Grandma, I don't want to!" Tsunade said, "Even without the Nine-Tailed, I can become an excellent Hokage!"
Foolish child, what foolish words.
Mito simply caressed Tsunade's head and smiled, saying nothing more.
Instead of watching Tsunade grow for a few more years, it's better to give her the Nine-Tailed to accelerate her growth.
In this Ninja World, the words of the weak are nonsense.
And now, even if the Nine-Tailed is given to Tsunade, Tsunade can establish herself in the Village.
Even if she becomes a Jinchuriki, she won't simply become a weapon to be used at the Village's whim.
Because they are strong!
And after she leaves, no one will be able to stop their progress!
"The wind has started to blow..."
"Tsunade, fly with them..."
"Become the sun, shoulder to shoulder with her..."
"Then, change this tragic world."
"Let your name resound in heaven. By then, I will surely hear it, the news of my beloved granddaughter, carried by the wind."
It was impossible to stop, Grandma's resolve.
Watching Mito's calm, smiling demeanor, Tsunade was powerless to stop her.
Even though she had always known this would happen, all she could do was delay, for a tiny bit of selfishness, repeatedly wearing down everyone's patience.
She just didn't want it, didn't want Grandma to die, wanted Grandma to stay by her side forever.
But this world was too cruel. She could no longer pretend to be a naive little girl and live self-indulgently.
"Grandma! When we meet again, I will definitely be an outstanding woman!"
"That's my granddaughter, the future Fourth Hokage."
"Then, it's a deal, okay?"
"Mhm!" Tsunade, with tears in her eyes, nodded heavily.
Just then, the paper door of the Japanese-style room slid open, and Miki entered, sat down, and said, "What are you two chatting about?"
Perfect timing...
Mito looked at Miki, who had just entered, and nodded to herself.
"Really, Mushi-Hime," Mito said, "Eavesdropping again!"
"Don't mind it, Mito, it's definitely the last time," Miki said, looking at Tsunade's tear- and snot-streaked face.
Tsunade froze, then pulled up her sleeve and roughly wiped her face.
"I knew it wasn't that simple," Miki said. "So, you've just been worrying about this kind of thing all along?"
Tsunade paused at her words and said, "What do you mean 'this kind of thing'!?"
"Mito..." Miki turned to Mito and asked, "How old are you this year, anyway?"
On Mito's youthful, girlish face, a playful smile appeared, and she said, "It's a secret!"
"Really..." Miki said, "Is it fun to tease Tsunade?"
Mito nodded, then happily said, "Because Tsunade usually doesn't listen to me, you see. She always thinks I'm old, nagging, out of touch with the times, that there's a generation gap. She always says annoying things, runs off after a couple of sentences, isn't cute at all anymore, doesn't cling to me anymore. It's too hard for me!"
Miki said, "So you put on this act? What will you do next? Play dead? Do you want me to arrange your funeral in advance? By the way, shouldn't Tsunade be handling this?"
"I trust you with it. Tsunade is too impetuous and unreliable," Mito said seriously. She truly believed this.
Watching the conversation between the two, Tsunade was a bit bewildered.
"Wait! What exactly is going on!?"
"Why would you think this powerful woman would die so easily?" Miki said, "The monsters in this Ninja World who could take your grandma's life are all lying in their coffins!"
"But, Jinchuriki die when the Tailed Beast is extracted, don't they!?" Tsunade asked incredulously.
"That's right," Miki said, looking at Mito's excessively youthful face. "Clean up your own mess, Mito."
"I won't!" Mito playfully winked at Miki, clapped her hands, and disappeared.
Shadow Clone.
Tsunade's eyelid twitched.
She looked at Miki.
"You're not an Insect Clone, are you?"
Miki shook her head and said, "I just took care of something."
"Tell me, what's going on now?" Tsunade asked.
"Crying like a little kitten," Miki said in a detached, soft voice. "How kawaii~"
A vein throbbed on Tsunade's forehead.
"Extracting the Nine-Tailed does kill."
"But that's an entire one."
"However, the Nine-Tailed is divided into Yin and Yang. Mito and I discussed it, and theoretically, with sealing technique, the Nine-Tailed can be torn into two halves, Yin and Yang."
"So, I'll give you half, and the other half remains in her body. Mito definitely won't die."
Miki said, "Don't cry, good girl. Your grandma wouldn't abandon you. Happy now?"
Tsunade was dumbfounded.
She stared blankly at Miki.
Her teeth gnashed in anger, and she clenched her fists.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner!!"
"You never asked," Miki said softly. "Worrying all by yourself, you've gone silly, haven't you? Next time, remember to learn your lesson. Discuss things with me."
"Shine!!!" With an angry roar, Tsunade charged forward.
Then, Tsunade went numb.
Physically numb.
"So weak..." Miki said softly, "You haven't improved at all."
Danzo's poison is so effective.
Tsunade's eyes blazed with fire. She was poisoned; she'd research an antidote when she got back!
Next time, it wouldn't be so easy!
Miki stared at Tsunade, who was on the ground with fire in her eyes.
It was so fun to tease her!
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