Chapter 34: The Flower in the Cracks
Uzumaki Mito felt thoroughly exhausted. Kagenori was an exceptionally cunning child. Though he'd clearly recognized her awareness of his disguise and completely shifted his attitude, his words remained impeccably guarded.
"Kagenori," she said wearily, "can't we speak openly? No third party will learn of our conversation today. Since you resent me regarding Kushina's situation, share your thoughts honestly. Currently, I'm merely Kushina's elder—and yours."
Tilting his head slightly, Kagenori regarded her calmly. "Lady Mito, as Kushina's elder, you never asked if she wished to become a Jinchūriki. So why would my opinion matter?"
"Regardless of my thoughts, Kushina will still replace you as Konoha's Nine-Tails vessel, correct?"
"So... what meaning would it hold?"
Mito's eyes flickered. Indeed, as Kagenori stated, Uzumaki Kushina becoming the next Jinchūriki was practically inevitable. Thus, neither his opinions nor Kushina's held significance.
But...
Meeting his gaze intensely, she insisted, "It holds meaning because your opinion matters to Kushina."
Kagenori stared silently for a long moment before finally answering, "I wish for Kushina's everlasting happiness."
His meaning was unmistakable. Becoming a Jinchūriki meant lifelong pain and isolation. Mito had managed reasonably well—as the First Hokage's wife mastering powerful sealing techniques, the Nine-Tails rarely broke free. But other villages' Jinchūriki suffered immensely.
They constantly battled their tailed beasts for physical control—an agonizing process. When their overwhelming power ran amok, innocent lives were lost, breeding fear and disgust toward Jinchūriki. The ultimate agony came during tailed beast extraction—a soul-rending pain preceding certain death.
By wishing Kushina eternal happiness, Kagenori clearly opposed her becoming a vessel.
Mito sighed. "But... becoming a Jinchūriki is Kushina's destiny..."
Kagenori's expression darkened. "Destiny? A pretty label imposed because she's powerless to refuse. You understand better than I, Lady Mito—destiny is forced upon her. Please don't speak to me of destiny."
Studying him intently, Mito asked, "Since you want Kushina's happiness, do you intend to change this outcome?"
He lowered his head again. "I'm merely an ordinary Konoha ninja. Such matters aren't my concern. The Hokage and others will arrange things appropriately."
Mito's head throbbed. There he went again—couldn't they converse properly?
She recognized the pointlessness of continuing. Moreover, Kagenori would never lower his guard around her—she understood why: Uzumaki Kushina. So long as Kushina remained the second Nine-Tails vessel, he'd never open his heart voluntarily. Nor would he open it to Konoha. Perhaps... he might even grow hostile toward the village.
Finally, she posed one last question. "Kagenori... is Konoha important?"
He redirected it back to her. "Lady Mito, is Kushina important?"
Her expression turned melancholy. Was Kushina important to her? Of course. But compared to Konoha? Konoha mattered more.
If that was Mito's answer, then Kagenori's became obvious. He possessed things more important than Konoha. Perhaps, in his heart, Konoha held no importance whatsoever—because in his eyes, Uzumaki Kushina held no importance to Uzumaki Mito.
Seeming weary, her voice softened. "Kagenori, I love Kushina deeply. Believe it or not, I sincerely hope you find happiness in Konoha."
Bowing, he replied, "Lady Mito, I naturally believe you love Kushina. You're her only relative, after all. And rest assured—I live well in Konoha, ever grateful to the village."
Utterly exhausted, she waved dismissively. "Good. Go now. During your absence, Kushina anticipated your visit daily. I'll detain you no longer."
As Kagenori closed the door behind him, Mito released a long sigh. Though merely a child, his speech rivaled seasoned schemers'. Aside from his visible agitation at "Kushina's destiny," everything else remained flawlessly impenetrable.
"What a little fox," she murmured, smiling wryly—both frustrated and impressed.
Outside, Kagenori found Kushina crouched near the doorway, intently studying something. Approaching, he squatted beside her. "What has you so captivated?"
She pointed between floor cracks where a small wildflower grew. "Kagenori! Flowers growing here—much prettier than others!"
Observing the blossom thriving between stones, his eyes glimmered. "Indeed remarkable. Such vitality—blooming in this environment. How could it not be beautiful?"
While he marveled, Kushina climbed onto his back, excitedly pointing beyond the mansion. "No time for admiring! Time waits for no one—let's go!"
Smiling, he secured her legs. "Alright! You've always treated me before—today I received my first mission payment. My treat!"
Typically, genin on missions with teachers shared portions of their rewards. But Orochimaru had claimed none, letting Kagenori keep the entire C-rank mission's 60,000 ryō payment.
Pumping her fist from his back, Kushina declared, "Then I'm eating lots!"
"No problem!"
Carrying her, Kagenori departed Uzumaki Mito's mansion with light steps.