Uzumaki Mito.
Having lived since the Warring States era, she'd witnessed Konoha's rise. She was the wife of the First Hokage, quietly safeguarding her husband's legacy for decades.
When she stepped forward, Hiruzen Sarutobi already knew: no matter what happened today, he could not lay a hand on the Two-Tails Jinchūriki.
For decades, she'd almost never interfered in Konoha's affairs. But when she acted, there was no room for discussion. She was the village's last living symbol of its founding will. In many ways, her words carried the weight of the deceased First Hokage.
A cold sweat ran down Sarutobi's back as he struggled to meet her gaze. With her presence, his role as Hokage felt more uneasy than ever.
"You just said… that the Senju Clan's head lacks the will to contribute to Konoha?" she asked. "Why does this old woman exist at all, if not for Konoha's sake?"
The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki of Konoha. That being the First Hokage's wife had already declared the importance of her role.
"I…" Sarutobi stammered, unable to find any rebuttal against her calm authority.
"I am tired. Hokage-sama, please return to your duties," she said softly. "I will watch over the Jinchūriki well—after all, I am one myself. You need not worry."
It was a clear eviction order—and he found he had no right to refuse. Sarutobi forced a wry smile.
In truth, he felt guilt toward both the Uzumaki and the Senju. And in her presence, he felt every secret laid bare.
He stumbled from the courtyard, relying on aides to help him carry the two groaning advisors away from the Senju estate.
Yet, as the day ended, his resolve only hardened:
The lingering prestige of the Senju still overshadowed him…
Uzumaki Mito—how much longer can you protect the Senju?
Even dead, you'd think I could do nothing?
Back in his office, Sarutobi sat smoking, deep in thought. He just needed a single pretext—a reason to silence Uzumaki Mito.
The Second Great Ninja War still simmered in stalemate. Konoha itself showed no particular fanfare over Yukika's return with the Two-Tails. The reason was simple: Sarutobi had ordered a total news blackout—sealing off every detail of Yukika's mission and all information about Yugito and the Eight-Tails' rampage.
Clearly, he didn't want Cloud Village to know that Konoha had caused the Outburst, nor did he wish the villagers to see a teenager handing them a Jinchūriki as a celebrated feat. He especially didn't want the Senju's name to become a hot topic and derail his own plans.
But to his frustration, the Raikage still appeared—leading a full delegation, apparently not for peace talks but for complaints. Strangely, after their reception, he simply stayed at the waystation with no further word. None could guess his intent.
That night…
Outside the guest quarters, shadows flickered. One figure pushed through a door.
"Any findings?"
Inside, the Third Raikage sat eyes closed in meditation, his sturdy frame silent…