"Good child, you finally came back. Does that mean your practical assignment has been completely finished?"
Ran nodded. "I've resolved the Uzumaki Clan's issues. As for the successors, they still need more experience, so I plan to take them back to the Land of Whirlpools and teach them."
Before Ashina could speak, Tobirama gave a thumbs-up. "Not bad. You're an outstanding child, far better than that Nawaki. If he had your spirit, Big Brother would have a lot less to worry about."
Ran repeatedly waved his hands. "No, no. I just study myself to death. I'm naturally slow-witted, so all I can do is work harder."
But Tobirama did not see it that way. "Sometimes, being too modest isn't a good thing. Everyone has seen your abilities. The Uzumaki Clan had declined until only a few shinobi and a pile of old people remained."
"You managed to revive even a clan like that. That shows how capable you are."
Ran did not continue praising himself along those lines. He understood that while he had played a role in the Uzumaki Clan's recovery, he was not responsible for all of it.
Without the massive funding Mito had provided, and without the establishment of a new clan territory, his going there would have been useless.
They had lacked spirit and had no sense of belonging to the village.
After gaining a clan territory, they had a home. They were also willing to strive for a better future.
That was when Ran's role could truly shine through.
While Tobirama and Ran were talking, Ashina carefully studied his grandson.
Compared to when he had first arrived in Konoha a year and a half ago, he had lost some of his childishness and gained a more mature air.
He had also become steadier, without that