"Lord Mito, greetings."
"Thank you for everything you've done for Konoha."
As a member of Konoha, Hatake Keiji couldn't say he respected the Third Hokage much. He appeared honest but was, in fact, a conspiracy theorist lacking the courage to act.
However, he held deep respect for the ageless goddess, Mito, who had willingly become the Jinchuriki for the village. Despite her suffering, she still loved the village her husband had founded and devoted her life to it.
"This is just a small contribution. This is the fruit of Hashirama's labor."
As Mito spoke, she revealed a nostalgic expression, clinking her cup with Hatake Keiji's. She covered her face with her long sleeves and took a long drink from her cup.
"Now, it is the era of you younger ones."
"I've heard a great war is about to break out. I wonder how many of our Konoha ninjas will end up dying away from home."
"War is unavoidable in any era, and that is what Hashirama was reluctant to see."
As a Jinchuriki, Mito could only lament. Unless absolutely necessary, she would never engage in battle. To Konoha, she was like a nuclear weapon.
Tsunade refilled her grandmother's cup.
"Because war is about to break out, I suggested adding a medical ninja to the mission teams, but Sarutobi-sensei did not agree."
Her voice carried a hint of disappointment.
"Third Hokage has his plans. I think it's just a matter of time before your suggestion is approved."
This was Hatake Keiji's attempt to comfort her. Due to various reasons, the proposal had ultimately been rejected. It wasn't until Tsunade herself became the Hokage that she was able to implement the reform.
"You mean well, but medical technology is still underdeveloped, and medical ninjas are scarce."
"If we assign a ninja who only knows medical techniques to a mission team, wouldn't that affect the combat effectiveness?"
Mito, being an experienced person, pointed out the major flaw of the proposal in a single sentence.
Tsunade fell silent at her words. She was still too young and didn't think things through completely. Compared to the Third Hokage, she seemed like a newborn.
The Third Hokage had not only used her proposal to test the reactions of the various factions but had also suppressed her thoughts before expressing them. She hadn't lost anything; instead, she had gained valuable information. Tsunade still had several years of learning ahead of her.
"If manpower is insufficient, we can train them. This day will come eventually."
"Since we have good wine, why trouble ourselves with worries?"
Seeing Tsunade's unhappy expression, Hatake Keiji tried to cheer her up, raising his cup to hers and taking a sip first.
"Thank you, Keiji-kun."
Tsunade forced a smile and picked up her cup to drink.
The heavy topics were set aside.
Using his knowledge of modern techniques, Hatake Keiji made Mito and Tsunade laugh, and the atmosphere gradually warmed.
Shōmu and Kushina had already finished eating and were now chirping around the Eight-Edge Han Sword.
He accidentally knocked over a cup on the table, which annoyed Mito.
He stood up, took the Eight-Edge Han Sword, held it in his hands, drew it by half an inch, and indeed, it was a fine sword.
"Keiji-kun, carrying this sword around every day must be inconvenient."
"Today, I have a little gift for you."
He smiled, slowly walking over to Hatake Keiji's side.
"Extend your right hand."
Hatake Keiji didn't know what Mito was going to do but obediently extended his right hand.
Mito held the sword with one hand, formed a seal, and gathered powerful chakra. Then, an odd wave of energy followed.
"Seal."
After the seal was completed, she pressed the sword onto Hatake Keiji's palm, and with a strange wave of her hand, the Eight-Edge Han Sword vanished into his palm.
A large "Sword" character appeared in Hatake Keiji's palm.
Such a powerful sealing technique! No wonder Mito was the strongest of the Uzumaki clan.
"By stimulating the seal with chakra, you can release your sword."
Mito felt as though she had done something insignificant. After all, ninja weapons were often sealed in summoning scrolls for easier carrying.
Hatake Keiji had never seen a weapon sealed on the body's surface. Even the legendary Kusunagi Sword, wielded by Orochimaru, was only hidden inside his body.
Unable to wait, Hatake Keiji tried it out by stimulating the chakra.
He raised his hand, and the Eight-Edge Han Sword appeared in his hand.
This... this was the power of space, Hatake Keiji could feel it.
"Lord Mito, your sealing technique is probably unparalleled in the world."
Hatake Keiji complimented her just in time. The use of space abilities was not something ordinary ninjas could access.
"Nothing special, I was inspired by Tobirama."
Mito was no longer at an age where she could easily show joy. She calmly returned to her seat.
"My Hundred Healing Jutsu is also thanks to my grandmother's help."
Tsunade had little patience for Hatake Keiji's flattery, considering him just another handsome guy who hadn't seen much of the world.
In the same vein, Hatake Keiji released the Eight-Edge Han Sword, and it disappeared once again, like a magic trick.
"Thank you very much for your generous gift, Mito-sama."
At this point, Mito seemed distracted, her gaze blank. She had no reaction to Hatake Keiji's words.
She was now immersed in the sealed world inside her body.
Inside a massive cage, drops of water hit the floor with a "drip-drip" sound.
Inside the cage, a massive fox figure opened its mouth wide, speaking in the language of humans from the shadows.
"Mito, this man's aura gives me a very dangerous feeling."
Crimson eyes peeked out from the cage, as though choosing which person to devour.
"Is it the kind of aura that even you Nine-Tails fear?"
Mito was displeased that the Nine-Tails fox had dragged her into this conversation, standing far away from the cage and unwilling to approach.
Her opinion of Hatake Keiji had risen to a new level. As a ninja, powerful personal strength was the foundation of survival.
"Ridiculous, just some threats. Who am I really afraid of?"
The Nine-Tails fox's arrogant and vicious nature wouldn't allow it to show weakness.
"So, you're not afraid of those eyes?"
Mito's words deeply wounded the Nine-Tails' pride, and a deafening roar echoed from within the cage.
"It's just a toy."
With that, Mito left on her own, returning to her normal state.
"It's just a small matter, no need to thank me."
"Tsunade, please take care of me from now on."
She had heard Hatake Keiji's words and only now realized what had been said. Because of the Nine-Tails' comments, she thought that this man's strength could help Tsunade.
Once the war started, even with Tsunade's strength, she would be wary of any unforeseen accidents.
"Grandmother~"
Tsunade grumbled, dissatisfied with her grandmother's words. Did she need someone else to take care of her strength?
Seeing Tsunade's rare little "girly" moment, Hatake Keiji felt a surge of excitement. He immediately thought of names for his future children.
"Of course, I'll do my best."
Hatake Keiji smiled and flashed a beautiful grin, agreeing cheerfully.
The banquet came to a close. The three of them had little tolerance for alcohol and didn't even feel a hint of drunkenness.
They said their goodbyes to Mito.
Tsunade, Shōmu, and Kushina escorted Hatake Keiji to the door.
"Come over for a drink sometime."
Hatake Keiji was naturally speaking to Tsunade, since Shōmu was still young.
"That sounds great."
Tsunade agreed without hesitation.
"I'll go too."
Kushina, a lively person, had spent a long time at school and also wanted to join in the fun.
"Of course."
Hatake Keiji, familiar with Naruto's mother, reached out to ruffle her red hair.
"It really is beautiful, though mine is silver."
The little girl blushed and smiled.
"See you tomorrow, brother."
Shōmu gave Hatake Keiji a mysterious glance, hoping he would understand.