Kyuushin, of course, was aware that unlocking the genetic lock for the first time would have side effects, but he hadn't thought that far ahead in the heat of the moment. When Mito questioned him, he stammered, unsure of how to explain.
It was Kushina who, wiping away her tears, spoke up and recounted what had transpired. As it turned out, when she heard Kyuushin's cry, she immediately saw him collapse in agony. Not knowing what to do, she had rushed out the door, shouting for help. Soon after, Mito arrived, likely alerted by a nearby Anbu operative who had heard the commotion.
"I heard the report and rushed here immediately, then began to treat you," Mito said, her brow furrowed in thought. "As soon as I started, I knew you had been poisoned. But the strange thing was that the toxins seemed to be produced by your own internal organs. Therefore, I could only use my Chakra to protect your organs first, while preparing to purge the toxins from your body."
"The second strange thing," she continued, "was that after the toxins in your body reached a certain threshold, they actually began to be broken down by your own system. It was as if your body had adapted to them. I have lived for a very long time, and this is the first time I have ever encountered such a situation."
Although Uzumaki Mito was famous for her sealing techniques and for being the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, her medical ninjutsu was also quite proficient, as she had just clearly explained the side effects of unlocking the genetic lock. Kyuushin was secretly alarmed, but fortunately, he wasn't a naive child.
He feigned confusion and said, "I don't know what happened either. I was doing my evening practice, and when I was practicing the Shadow Clone Jutsu, I tried to create more clones. At a certain point, I realized I didn't have enough control."
"Then," he went on, "I felt like there was a restriction inside my body. After I tried to break through this restriction, I could indeed create more clones. But after the restriction closed again, I immediately felt pain, so I called out to Kushina."
Mito frowned. "You removed a restriction on your body?" The phrase seemed to resonate with something she had heard before. "Tell me in detail, what did it feel like after you removed it?"
Kyuushin pretended to think for a moment. "I just felt that my Chakra control became incredibly smooth. Before, I needed to form hand signs to use the Shadow Clone Jutsu, but after removing the restriction, I could use it without any signs, and the number of clones was far greater than before."
"My senses also became much sharper," he added. "I could hear the breathing and heartbeats of people around me. Other than that, there was nothing else." In truth, the first stage of the genetic lock primarily enhanced combat abilities; other improvements were merely incidental. Since no combat had occurred, there was no way to explain that aspect. The power of the genetic lock did not exist in this world, so as long as he feigned ignorance and presented this ability as his own unique talent, there was nothing he couldn't say. The world was full of talented ninja; anyone who reached the rank of Jonin possessed some special talent, did they not?
He had been a little uneasy, but after careful consideration, he realized his position. With the oldest and possibly strongest person in Konoha as his backer, displaying a certain level of talent was perfectly acceptable, especially a talent with such significant drawbacks. As long as he gained Mito's approval, there was no need for excessive concealment. Besides, he couldn't hide it now even if he wanted to. He knew that Mito possessed the ability to sense the good and evil in people's hearts. Though he didn't know the specifics of this power, it was best to lie as little as possible.
Mito nodded at his explanation. "It is indeed a powerful ability, but the side effects are also very significant. This ability will be temporarily sealed. You are not to use it again without my permission."
Kyuushin nodded in agreement but added a patch to his story. "When I was attacked before, at the very last moment, I noticed that things around me slowed down. I think that might be when the ability awakened. And Grandma Mito, you mentioned that this potent poison can be broken down by the body itself. Could that be related to my physical constitution? If my body can withstand this poison, could I keep this state active?"
Mito was taken aback by his words. "It's not impossible, but this ability is still far too dangerous. You are still young. At the very least, wait until you graduate from the Academy before considering such a thing." After speaking, she gave him a peculiar look. "Your precocious nature is just like your grandfather's."
Then she prepared to stand up. "Get some rest. I will check on you again tomorrow." The side effects of the genetic lock came and went quickly; Kyuushin felt he had already recovered about seventy to eighty percent. Hearing that Mito was leaving, he quickly got up to help her.
After Mito left, Kushina came closer. Kyuushin looked at her red, tear-stained eyes and laughed. "Why are you always crying whenever I see you? This isn't like the big sister I remember." When Kushina was in Uzushio, she was the undisputed leader of their generation, boisterous and always leading them on adventures—climbing mountains, crossing rivers, and getting into all sorts of mischief. Kyuushin, as her strategist, was always the one providing the ideas.
"Hmph, it's all your fault, and now you're making fun of me! See if I don't hit you!" Kushina, embarrassed and angered, immediately started to playfully hit him.
Leaving their squabble aside, just as Mito left the house, an Anbu approached her to report, "Lord Hokage is waiting for you in the reception room." Mito nodded and walked quickly towards the room.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was just over forty at this time, in the prime of his life as a ninja, with a robust physique. He was dressed in casual clothes, smoking a pipe and drinking tea. Seeing Mito enter, he immediately stood and bowed respectfully. "Lady Mito."
After Mito was seated, he approached with a bag of tea leaves. "These are from the Daimyo of the Land of Tea. I heard they are excellent, but I drink tea like a cow chewing on peonies, so I brought them specifically for you to taste."
Mito accepted them. "You are very thoughtful." After some pleasantries, she got straight to the point. "I invited you here because I have something I'd like your input on. I already know about the attack on Kushina and the others. I heard the information was leaked by spies from Uzushio, is that correct?"
The Third Hokage bowed slightly. "That is correct. The order to retrieve them from the Land of Whirlpools was issued directly by me. Only I and the Anbu on the mission knew about it, and there were no issues with the Anbu."
Mito nodded. "Normally, I wouldn't interfere, but the frequent appearance of spies within the Land of Whirlpools concerns me."
"The Uzumaki clan leader also mentioned this issue in his reply, but only in passing. If the Land of Whirlpools needs assistance, as allies, Konoha will certainly do its utmost."
"Clan Leader Uzumaki Ashina is rigid and stubborn. I only believe seventy percent of what he says in his letters. Instead, it was Kyuushin's grandfather, the Third Elder Masamori, who sent me a message through the boy that made me realize the situation is not good."
"What did he say?" the Hokage asked.
"He said that the camellias in his hometown had bloomed, and he hoped I would have the chance to enjoy them with him again."
The Third Hokage carefully pondered the sentence, then said, "That statement does seem a bit unusual."