That morning, after dropping Kyuushin and Kushina at the Academy, Mito didn't return to the Senju estate. Instead, she went to the Hokage's office. Ever since the First Hokage passed away, Mito had rarely appeared in public, preferring to offer her counsel from behind the scenes. She had been instrumental in establishing the Konoha Hospital and the Sealing Corps, though few knew of her involvement. Later, when the Third Hokage took office during a time of unrest, she had secretly met with the leaders of the major clans to endorse him, ensuring a smooth transition of power.[1]
In terms of strength, having fully mastered the power of the Nine-Tails, she was virtually unrivaled in her era. Mito was undoubtedly the last steadfast pillar supporting the great tree of Konoha. However, even her power had its limits. In an age where the average lifespan was less than thirty, she was already over sixty years old. Even with the renowned longevity of the Uzumaki bloodline, it was time for her to prepare for the end. The Nine-Tails sealed within her was Konoha's most vital strategic asset, a trust bestowed upon her by the First Hokage. She had to ensure its power was passed on completely. This was the primary reason Kyuushin and Kushina had been brought to Konoha, and why Mito had once again stepped into the Hokage's office.[3][5]
Through the Third Hokage's Telescope Jutsu, they watched the day's events unfold. They saw Kushina's "bold declaration," the classmates' mockery, Kushina's takedown of a male classmate, and Kyuushin chatting cheerfully with two young girls.
"What is the background of those two girls?" Mito asked curiously.
"If I remember correctly, they should be Ryuka's great-granddaughters," the Third Hokage replied after a moment of thought.
"Ryuka? Is that old fossil still alive?"
The Third Hokage looked slightly embarrassed. "He is, but I hear he's on his last legs." He asked with curiosity, "Did you have dealings with him, Lady Mito?"
"Many years ago, when Hashirama and I were married," Mito recalled, "he came with his clan leader to try and stop the wedding, but Hashirama beat them all away." She sighed. "Who would have thought such a scene would occur back then."
Later, when they saw the genin block the children's path, the Third Hokage grew worried. "Lady Mito, is this truly alright? If they come to believe the village rejects them, it might be difficult for them to develop a sense of belonging."
Mito shook her head. "If they cannot handle this kind of rejection, how can I confidently entrust the Nine-Tails to them?"
It wasn't until the genin drew a kunai that Mito's expression changed. The Third Hokage was annoyed; this had escalated beyond a simple schoolyard squabble to an insult from a ninja to a civilian. The subsequent turn of events exceeded his expectations. He watched, surprised, as Kyuushin, who had been at a disadvantage, instantly turned the tables and effortlessly defeated the genin.
He was about to offer praise when he saw Mito's face contort, and a powerful Chakra erupted from her body, instantly making him feel as if he had been plunged into an ice cellar. Before he could recover, Mito had already leaped towards the children's location. Though he didn't know what had happened, the Third Hokage quickly followed.
Mito, anxious, had subconsciously drawn on some of the Nine-Tails' power. Her already incredible speed increased, leaving the Third Hokage far behind. As she arrived, she heard Kyuushin say he was going back to complain, so she announced her presence. She immediately began using her Chakra to probe Kyuushin's internal condition. After a moment, she released him.
"Strange," Mito shook her head. "The situation is much better than last night." She looked at him with an inquisitive gaze.
Hearing her words, Kyuushin pondered for a moment before speaking. "Perhaps my physique has improved. This morning during my exercises, I felt much stronger than before. My previous state seems to temporarily enhance my physical abilities, and even after it fades, some of the strength remains. My guess from last night was correct; as my physique strengthens, the side effects are slowly decreasing."
Mito's eyes narrowed. Her vast knowledge allowed her to immediately grasp the implications of what Kyuushin was saying. She recognized the immense value of such a state for a ninja—a secret technique that could both enhance immediate combat ability and possess infinite potential. A ninjutsu of this caliber was likely unparalleled throughout the Five Great Nations. If Kyuushin could grow up successfully, he would undoubtedly become another towering pillar for the village.
At that moment, the Third Hokage finally caught up, sighing in relief when he saw Kyuushin was unharmed. The burst of Chakra from Mito, though brief, had shown him a glimpse of the First Hokage's power, a feeling that still made the current Hokage tremble. If something had truly happened to the boy under his watch, his small frame likely wouldn't have withstood her wrath.
Mito, not wanting the Third Hokage to learn of Kyuushin's secret just yet, turned to him. "I will take the children back first. We can discuss other matters later." The Third Hokage had wanted to speak with them, but he could only agree.
On the way back, Mito's kind smile returned. "The Third Hokage and I already know what happened," she told Kyuushin. "That ninja will receive the punishment he deserves."
Kyuushin nodded, while Kushina asked curiously, "What kind of punishment will it be?"
"In Konoha, ninjas are forbidden from attacking ordinary people without cause. Since you are Academy students, the situation is even more serious. Stripping him of his ninja qualifications is the minimum; he may even face jail time."
"Oh," Kushina said, satisfied with the fairness of the judgment.
Mito then turned to Kyuushin. "What is your dream? Can you tell your grandmother?"
Kyuushin felt a little awkward. For an adult soul, answering such a question felt strange. But since Mito had asked, he hesitated before replying, "To become a great ninja like the First Hokage."
"Hahaha," Mito laughed happily. "That won't be easy, you know."
"I will work hard to train," Kyuushin replied earnestly.
"I will also train hard! I won't hold Kyuushin back," Kushina added with determination. If Kyuushin hadn't stepped forward today, she likely would have just been bullied. Back in Uzushiogakure, she was carefree and no one dared to challenge her, so she had never seriously considered the need for training. But arriving in Konoha had been a harsh awakening. First, they were ambushed, and her companion almost died. Today, she was almost bullied by a genin. She now understood the importance of strength. Moreover, she noticed that Kyuushin's strength had already surpassed hers, a blow to her pride as the "big sister."
"Good, good. Since you two are so determined, Grandma will definitely teach you well," Mito said, pleased. "Oh, and don't tell anyone else about this special ability of yours, understood?"
"Understood."