There was a deep connection between Mito Uzumaki and Kushina Uzumaki.
Decades ago, as the first Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails in Konoha, Mito, nearing the end of her life, needed to select a successor for the role.
Thus, Kushina, whose Uzumaki bloodline was among the most exceptional, was brought to Konoha.
At that time, Kushina was still a child, filled with anxiety and apprehension about the fate awaiting her.
The elderly Mito held Kushina's hand, offering care and guidance with the wisdom of someone who had walked the same path.
Now, upon hearing that the successor she had entrusted so many years ago had a child of her own—and that this child stood before her—Mito felt immense relief and joy as she gazed at Naruto Uzumaki.
"This child... possesses the same unique constitution as I do. Not only that, but he also carries Hashirama's strength. Hmm? This is the chakra of the Nine-Tails... Does that mean... Kushina has already..."
Realizing that Kushina had passed away, Mito couldn't help but feel sorrow.
As Mito studied Naruto, he was also observing her.
"So this is the previous Jinchūriki of Kurama before Mom... She has the same red hair as Mom, and she's so beautiful. The Uzumaki clan really does produce stunning women. But still, Mom is the most beautiful of all!"
"Wait... she's also the wife of the First Hokage? The First Hokage was the reincarnation of Asura in the past life, and I'm the reincarnation of Asura in this life. This is all so confusing. Anyway, she's a senior who helped Mom, Tsunade's grandmother... So, does that make her my great-grandmother?"
After confirming Naruto's lineage, Mito's expression softened. "Child, your name is Naruto, correct? Who is your father?"
Naruto responded earnestly, "My father is Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage of Konoha!"
Mito's eyes lit up in understanding. "Oh, the Namikaze family... That reserved little boy? I remember him faintly. He seemed so frail and delicate. Who would have thought he had the makings of a Hokage? Speaking of which, what happened to your parents? And why, as the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, are you wearing the headband of Amegakure?"
Naruto's gaze darkened slightly. "That's... a long story. But I have a way to let you understand everything quickly!"
Sizzle!
Naruto's eyes lit up with the three tomoe of the Sharingan.
"Hmm?!" Mito's gaze sharpened. "The Sharingan? It seems you've been through quite a lot, child."
Naruto spoke calmly, "Great-grandmother, would you mind if I use the Sharingan to transmit information? With your abilities, if you resist, the ocular power won't take effect."
Mito closed her eyes in contemplation. "It's fine. Let me see for myself."
Naruto nodded. "Forgive me, then!"
Sizzle!
Genjutsu: Sharingan!
Mito's mind raced as she quickly processed the vast influx of information.
"So that's how it is... It's truly unbelievable... But there's one thing I'd like to confirm."
FWOOSH!
Golden chakra erupted around Mito, forming a radiant cloak.
Naruto exclaimed in surprise, "That's Kurama's chakra!!"
Mito explained calmly, "In my time, I also engaged in a tug-of-war with the Nine-Tails and extracted a portion of its chakra. I carried it with me until my death, so even after being revived by Edo Tensei, I can still use it!"
In this mode, Mito began sensing her surroundings. After confirming, her expression grew more solemn.
"I sense no malice from you, which proves that the things you showed me with your genjutsu are true."
Sigh. "I truly wish you were lying. I didn't want to believe that the peaceful era we worked so hard to create would end in such tragedy. In the end, it seems our efforts fell short..."
Mito sighed deeply, dispelling the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.
Her gaze toward Naruto was now filled with complete trust.
She spoke gently, "Kushina... She's within your chakra, isn't she? Could you let me see her?"
Naruto smiled and raised his hand. "Of course. To be honest, Mom has been wanting to see you too."
Drip.
As their fists connected, ripples spread across the mental landscape.
In Naruto's spiritual world, Mito saw Kushina Uzumaki!
In Mito's presence, Kushina seemed to revert to her younger self. Overwhelmed with emotion, she exclaimed, "Grandma Mito! I never thought I'd get to see you again in my lifetime—uh, I mean, after my lifetime!"
Mito's heart ached as she replied, "Not in our lifetime, dear. We're both already among the deceased. But seeing you so spirited even after death brings me great comfort. You've endured so much, Kushina..."
Tears welled up in Kushina's eyes. "My life may have been short, but it was filled with happiness. When I first arrived in Konoha, it was you who gave me the courage to face reality. Your teachings allowed me to carry love and hope in my heart, leading me to meet the love of my life and giving me a son I can be proud of."
Mito spoke with heartfelt sincerity, "Though I couldn't witness his growth myself, seeing him now fills me with both pride and sorrow. If only our generation had been more capable, we wouldn't have left such a heavy burden for the next. Kushina, take a good rest. Leave the rest to your grandma."
The meeting in the spiritual world came to an end.
Mito's gaze toward Naruto grew even warmer. She took his hand and said gently, "Child, you wish to learn the Sage Arts of the Shikkotsu Forest, correct? I am willing to vouch for you."
Naruto bowed deeply in gratitude. "Thank you so much, Grandmother Mito!"
Mito chuckled affectionately. "Calling me 'great-grandmother' makes me feel so distant. Since we're of the same clan, and I regard Kushina as a daughter, why don't you just call me 'Grandma' instead?"
Such warmth and kindness naturally fostered a sense of closeness.
Naruto called out eagerly, "Grandma Mito!"
Mito beamed with joy. "Ah, what a good child you are. I'll summon Katsuyu now. Let's find a spacious area to proceed."
They moved to an open field outside Amegakure.
Mito released the Yin Seal on her forehead!
It turned out that Mito was not only the first ninja to summon Katsuyu but also the creator of the Yin Seal and the first human to master the Silent Sage Mode of the Shikkotsu Forest!
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Mito formed hand seals and pressed her palms to the ground.
Summoning Technique!!
Sizzle!!
A massive summoning array appeared, and a storm erupted.
Naruto shielded his face with his hand as his clothes fluttered in the wind. He exclaimed in awe, "So powerful! Even stronger than when Granny Tsunade and Sakura summon Katsuyu together! Could she summon Katsuyu-sama's entire body?!"
Orochimaru, standing nearby, spoke solemnly, "Summoning Katsuyu-sama's full form is impossible. But for Lady Mito, summoning one-fifth of her body is more than enough!"
BOOM!!!
With a massive cloud of smoke, Katsuyu descended!
Her colossal form, even at one-fifth, was more imposing than a Perfect Susano'o!
Mito greeted warmly, "Sister Katsuyu, it's been a long time!"
Rustle, rustle, rustle.
Looking down at the figure below, Katsuyu's drooping eyes glistened with moisture. She called out tenderly, "Sister Mito, it's so wonderful to see you again."
Mito waved her hand. "I have a secret to share with you."
Rustle, rustle, rustle!
Katsuyu's enormous body bent down, bringing her head closer to Mito.
Mito covered her mouth and whispered, "Here's the plan... [Thus it is.]"
Katsuyu responded cheerfully, "Understood~! Let Naruto come with me to the Shikkotsu Forest~!"
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