Spatial Seal

"To Lady Mito."

"Thank you for everything you've done for Konoha."

As a member of Konoha, Kawafune could not say he held much respect for the Third Hokage. He looked honest and kind, but he was merely a conspirator lacking courage.

However, he was filled with respect for the ageless goddess before him, who had willingly become a Jinchuriki for the village. Despite enduring so much pain, she still loved the village her husband had founded and devoted her entire life to it.

"I merely did what little I could. This is Hashirama's life's work."

As Uzumaki Mito spoke, a nostalgic look appeared on her face. She clinked cups with Kawafune, covered her face with her long sleeve, and drained the wine in one gulp.

"Now it is the age of you young people."

"I hear a great war is imminent. Who knows how many of Konoha's ninjas will be buried in foreign lands."

"No era can avoid war. This is also something Hashirama never wished to see."

As a Jinchuriki, Uzumaki Mito could only sigh. Unless absolutely necessary, she could not possibly go into battle. She was Konoha's nuclear weapon.

Tsunade refilled her grandmother's cup.

"Because war is about to begin, I proposed assigning Medical Ninjas to mission squads, but Teacher Sarutobi did not approve it."

Disappointment was evident in her tone.

"The Third Hokage must have his own considerations. I think it is only a matter of time before your proposal is approved."

Kawafune was merely comforting her. For various reasons, the proposal would ultimately be reconsidered and still fail to pass. It would not be implemented until Tsunade became Hokage herself and began that reform.

"Not enough personnel? They can be trained. That day will come sooner or later."

"With fine wine before us, why seek out troubles?"

Seeing Tsunade's grim expression, Kawafune comforted her again. He raised his cup and clinked it against hers, then drank first.

"Thank you, Kawafune-kun."

Tsunade forced a smile and raised her cup, finishing it as well.

After that, they did not discuss such heavy matters again.

Using knowledge from his modern world, Kawafune had the grandmother and granddaughter laughing heartily, and the atmosphere gradually grew more harmonious.

Nawaki and Kushina had already eaten their fill. The two chattered excitedly around the Eight-Faced Han Sword.

They accidentally knocked over a cup on the table, drawing Uzumaki Mito's displeasure.

She rose and picked up the Eight-Faced Han Sword. Drawing it half an inch from its sheath, she saw that it was indeed a fine blade.

"Kawafune-kun, carrying a sword on your back every day must be rather inconvenient."

"Today, I shall give you a little trinket."

With a smile on her face, she slowly walked over to Kawafune.

"Hold out your right hand."

Kawafune had no idea what Uzumaki Mito intended to do, but obediently extended his right hand.

Uzumaki Mito held the sword in one hand and formed seals with the other. A powerful surge of Chakra gathered, followed by a strange ripple.

"Seal."

Once she finished forming the seals, she pressed the sword against Kawafune's palm. Another strange ripple passed through the air, and the Eight-Faced Han Sword vanished into his palm.

A large character for "sword" appeared on Kawafune's palm.

What incredible Sealing Jutsu. As expected of one of the Uzumaki Clan's finest.

"Use Chakra to stimulate the seal, and you can release your sword."

Uzumaki Mito treated it as a trivial matter. After all, ninja weapons were generally sealed inside Summoning Scrolls for convenience.

At least, Kawafune had never seen one sealed onto the surface of a person's body. Even someone as powerful as Orochimaru merely hid the Kusanagi Sword within his body.

Unable to wait, he immediately gave it a try. As he stimulated the seal with Chakra—

With a raise of his hand, the Eight-Faced Han Sword appeared in his grasp.

This... this was the power of space. Kawafune could feel it.

"Lady Mito, your Sealing Jutsu may well be unparalleled beneath the heavens."

Kawafune flattered her at the right moment. The application of spatial power was not something ordinary ninjas could ever come into contact with.

"Not worth mentioning. I was merely inspired by Tobirama."

Uzumaki Mito was long past the age of showing her emotions on her face. She calmly returned to her seat.

"My Strength of a Hundred Seal also owes much to Grandmother's help."

Tsunade was quite disdainful of Kawafune's flattery. What a handsome young man who had never seen the world.

Drawing parallels, Kawafune released his hand, and the Eight-Faced Han Sword vanished again as if by magic.

"Thank you for this generous gift, Lady Mito."

At that moment, Uzumaki Mito seemed distracted, her gaze blank. She did not react at all to Kawafune's words.

At that moment, she was immersed in the sealed world within her body.

There was an enormous cage, with water still dripping onto the ground, making a constant drip, drip sound.

Within the cage was the massive silhouette of a fox. From the shadows, it opened its mouth and spoke.

"Mito, that man's aura gives me a very dangerous feeling."

Scarlet eyes shone through the cage, as though they wanted to devour someone.

"An aura that can make even you, Nine-Tails, feel fear?"

Uzumaki Mito was displeased that the Nine-Tails had dragged her in here. She stood far from the cage, unwilling to approach.

Her evaluation of Kawafune rose another level. For a ninja, personal strength was the foundation of survival.

"Ridiculous. It merely poses a slight threat. Who have I ever feared?"

The Nine-Tails' pride and malicious nature would not allow it to show weakness.

"Then you are not afraid of those eyes either?"

Uzumaki Mito's words deeply wounded the Nine-Tails' pride, and it let out an earth-shaking roar from within the cage.

"They are nothing but toys."

As its words fell, Uzumaki Mito left on her own and returned to her body.

"It was merely a minor trick. There is no need to thank me."

"In the future, I'll have to trouble you to look after Tsunade."

She had heard Kawafune's words earlier and only responded now. Because of what the Nine-Tails had said, she felt that this man was strong enough to help Tsunade.

With war approaching, she feared that even someone as strong as Tsunade might encounter an accident.

"Grandmother~"

Tsunade let out a coquettish cry, dissatisfied with her grandmother's words. Did her strength really require someone else's protection?

Seeing this rare feminine side of Tsunade, Kawafune's heart grew hot. In that instant, he had even decided what their future child would be called.

"Of course. I will do everything in my power."

With a smile at the corner of his lips, Kawafune gave a handsome grin and readily agreed.

The banquet came to an end. None of the three had drunk much; they could not even be considered tipsy.

After bidding Uzumaki Mito farewell,

Tsunade and Nawaki brought Kushina to see Kawafune out.

"Come to my place for drinks when you have time."

Naturally, Kawafune was speaking to Tsunade. Nawaki was still too young.

"Alright."

Tsunade did not decline and agreed readily.

"I want to come too."

Kushina had a lively personality. Having been cooped up at school for so long, she wanted to join in the fun as well.

"Of course you can."

Kawafune was still familiar with Naruto's mother. He reached out and patted her red hair.

"It's so pretty. What a shame mine is silver."

He teased the little girl until she was nearly blushing.

"See you tomorrow, Big Brother."

Nawaki discreetly gave him a look, hoping Big Brother would understand.