Around seven o'clock, the rain finally stopped.
The trees transplanted from Uzushiogakure in the small courtyard, due to lack of care, had branches and leaves growing haphazardly, reaching under the eaves of the corridor.
As a result, the rainwater dripping from the eaves occasionally made a soft, rhythmic sound as it hit the leaves. Listening to it for a long time, it almost felt like one's heartbeat slowed in sync with the rhythm.
Lanterns had already been lit in the courtyard, each bearing the Uzumaki clan symbol.
This was an ancient tradition of the Uzumaki—whenever a clan member was nearing the end of their life, red lanterns would be lit.
After the rain, the air was no longer as humid. Mito Uzumaki tucked her quilt around herself as she sat in bed.
At the table in front of her, Kushina carefully poured two small cups of sake, the rich aroma quickly filling the room.
Kushina handed one cup to Mito and the other to Tatsumi.
Mito raised her cup, about to take a sip, but suddenly coughed. Kushina quickly moved closer, gently patting Mito's back.
Tatsumi held his cup, his expression filled with concern.
After a brief moment, Mito managed to drink. A look of satisfaction crossed her face as she let out a contented sigh.
She glanced at the worried expressions of Tatsumi and Kushina and couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm not dead yet. Why are you two making those faces?"
She raised her cup slightly toward Tatsumi. "Kid, drink up. This was left behind by Hashirama back in the day. It's been buried underground for decades—you won't find a sake like this anywhere else."
Then, she sighed. "I don't know why there's so little of it left… Tsunade must have secretly taken some. If you don't drink it now, you won't get another chance in the future."
Tatsumi had witnessed Mito's carefree nature more than once. He nodded, then raised his cup and downed the sake in one gulp.
Mito chuckled. "Speaking of this sake… I didn't like drinking it at first. But Hashirama and Madara used to drink together until they were dead drunk. Then, Madara would carry Hashirama home, and he wouldn't return all night."
She laughed softly, reminiscing. "I got curious, tried a sip, and realized it was actually quite good."
"Grandma… are you sure it's okay for you to drink?" Kushina asked hesitantly.
"My body is just fine," Mito said with a smile. "While I'm still here, I want to do everything I've always wanted."
She gestured for another pour, and though Kushina's eyes turned red at the mention of death, she held back her tears and refilled Mito's cup.
Mito swirled the sake in her cup. "Kushina, it's been three years since you left Uzushiogakure, hasn't it?"
Kushina nodded.
"Are you used to life in Konoha?" Mito asked, her tone teasing. "And that certain someone?"
"Grandma!" Kushina's face turned bright red. "You're always teasing me! I'm not talking to you anymore!" She huffed, shaking her fists in mock frustration, her red hair swaying like a fiery peony.
Mito laughed. "Look at that reaction. Just one sentence and you're already defending him… This old woman is envious."
Kushina, already blushing, suddenly fell silent. After a brief pause, she murmured, "But after all… you're the only family I have left."
Mito stilled, looking at Kushina's face—red hair, delicate features, and that same fiery spirit. She was exactly like Mito had been in her youth.
But now, Kushina sat in front of her, sadness etched in her expression.
When Hashirama passed away, Mito had felt this same pain. In the blink of an eye, it was now her time to go.
After a moment of silence, Mito gently patted Kushina's head. "Kushina, no one lives forever. I can't be with you forever. But I'm grateful to have spent this time with you."
Then, she smiled. "Kushina, can you fetch the scroll I left with Tsunade?"
Kushina nodded.
She knew Grandma Mito wanted to speak to Tatsumi alone.
Once Kushina left, the room grew quiet. Mito lifted her quilt slightly, signaling for Tatsumi to help her up.
She stood, her long Uzumaki clan robes flowing like the petals of a blooming water lily. She walked slowly to the table and gestured for Tatsumi to sit beside her.
"Tatsumi, do you know what a Tailed Beast is?"
"I do," Tatsumi replied.
The term 'Tailed Beast' was well-known among shinobi. The First Hokage had sealed and distributed them, and this was recorded in history books.
"People try to harness the power of the Tailed Beasts by sealing them inside a person. That person becomes a Jinchuriki," Mito explained.
Then, she continued, "Do you know why Kushina was brought to Konoha?"
"To become the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?" Tatsumi hesitated before answering.
"That's right," Mito said. "She is to succeed me as the second Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails."
She sighed. "Being a Jinchuriki is painful. A wild beast is sealed inside you, and you must endure the cold stares and whispers of others. Do you resent me for making Kushina bear this burden?"
Tatsumi shook his head.
The Nine-Tails represented immense power. If one could master its power, they could protect themselves. There was no reason for him to resent Mito.
Mito smiled knowingly. "Do you know why I'm telling you all this? These are village secrets, but what I believe in more than anything is love. Given your bond with Kushina, you would have found out sooner or later."
"As a Jinchuriki, I have the ability to sense malice. And I can tell… you're different from most people. You are talented, and I believe your future strength will be formidable. You will have the power to protect Kushina and keep her from harm."
"Most importantly," she continued, "Jinchuriki are more sensitive than ordinary people. They lack love and struggle to feel a sense of belonging. If they are to live happily, they need someone who truly cares for them."
"Konoha can protect Kushina's safety, but it cannot fill the emptiness in her heart."
"So I ask you, after I am gone… will you continue to look after Kushina for me?"
---
When Tatsumi stepped out of the small house, Kushina was sitting on the steps of the corridor, hugging her knees, silently gazing at the night sky.
The air was cool, carrying the lingering freshness of the earlier rain. From the courtyard, the Hokage Rock was visible in the distance.
Tatsumi sat down beside her.
"Actually… I was lying," Kushina murmured. "I'm really scared."
She hugged herself tighter. "Back in Uzushiogakure, I saw so many people die. I thought I could be strong, but I'm not… It's my fault. If it weren't for me, Grandma Mito could have lived longer."
Tatsumi didn't say anything. He simply reached out and pulled her into a gentle embrace as she trembled, tears spilling down her cheeks.
At that moment, time seemed to stand still.
---
A week later, Mito Uzumaki passed away peacefully in her small courtyard.
Kushina became the second Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails.
An era had come to an end.
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