Longing is the Emotion Furthest from Understanding.

Konoha.

Hokage Office.

"Kushina Uzumaki..." he whispered, "Mito Uzumaki's time is running out. The mantle of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki must eventually fall to her."

"She must take root in Konoha. She needs people to protect and burdens she cannot set down—only then can she truly become a barrier for Konoha, rather than a mere vessel for a Tailed Beast."

"If you can become the bond that anchors Kushina, the power of the Nine-Tails will truly be at Konoha's disposal."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared deeply into the image within his crystal ball, lost in thought.

As Konoha's most seasoned voyeur, Hiruzen Sarutobi spent his time not only peering into women's bathhouses but also keeping a close watch on the village's affairs and the talented students at the Ninja Academy.

Today was Kushina Uzumaki's first day at the academy. With Mito Uzumaki's time drawing to a close, he estimated that the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki would need to be determined within a few years at most.

As a member of the Uzumaki Clan, Kushina Uzumaki was undoubtedly the best candidate to seal the Nine-Tails.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frequently used the Telescope Technique to observe whether Kushina Uzumaki could find a bond of her own.

A Nine-Tails Jinchuriki who possessed such a bond meant they had something to hold onto.

Whether for the sake of control or as a trump card for Konoha, it was entirely beneficial.

The strength Bai Lin displayed today had truly moved him.

Although Bai Lin had revealed little and used no ninjutsu, his raw speed alone was not to be underestimated.

"Bai Lin, is it? A true successor to the Will of Fire..." the Third Hokage murmured, his knuckles tapping lightly against the desk. "What an interesting brat."

He had been watching this youth for some time. He was of impeccable background, raised in Konoha, and deeply beloved by the villagers.

His conduct was upright, his temperament steady, and every word and action carried the bearing of a leader, as if he were born to stand at the summit.

Had he not shown a complete lack of ninja talent from the start, he would have been the perfect candidate to inherit the position of Hokage.

"The ninja world is no longer peaceful." He looked out the window, where the eaves of the Hokage building seemed to sag under the weight of an approaching storm. "Sunagakure and Amegakure are restless. The ambition of Hanzo of the Salamander is becoming increasingly obvious. Twenty years of recuperation have long left other hidden villages eyeing the Land of Fire with covetous eyes."

"The ninja world is about to enter a chaotic era. Konoha has no shortage of geniuses, but..." the Third Hokage's voice was low and solemn, "since you possess the Will of Fire, do not let me down by hiding such strength."

"Let me see just how much capacity you have, you brat. Let me see if you can shoulder the future of Konoha and what kind of path you will carve through the coming fires of war!"

With that thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi pulled a scroll from the side and wrote down the name of Bai Lin.

What others did not know was that, alongside the newly written name of Bai Lin, the names of Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru were also inscribed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke in a low voice to the empty office: "Send someone to Bai Lin. Once he and Kushina Uzumaki part ways, have him come to the Hokage Office."

"Yes, Lord Third." A dark shadow emerged silently from the corner, kneeling on one knee to accept the order before dissolving back into the shadows, as if it had never been there at all.

Late at night.

Due to the time, Bai Lin did not accompany Kushina Uzumaki on a tour of the entire village, covering only a small area.

Kushina Uzumaki lived quite far from the village center in a secluded residence.

Senju?

Was Kushina Uzumaki living with Mito Uzumaki and Tsunade?

As Bai Lin walked her to the gate, he recognized the estate as Tsunade's residence.

"Alright, Kushina Uzumaki, it's getting very late. I'll leave you here."

Bai Lin had no intention of continuing the idle chatter and turned to leave.

"Um..."

"Could I speak with you for a moment longer?"

Kushina Uzumaki spoke suddenly, her voice as thin as a mosquito's hum. Her fingers subconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes, and her red hair fell over her shoulders, obscuring most of her face. "Brother Bai Lin, thank you for today... for standing up for me, for telling me so much, and for showing me around Konoha."

"I just wanted to tell you that today was the happiest day I've had since coming to Konoha."

"Mm, I'm glad you're happy." Bai Lin nodded. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going."

"Brother Bai Lin," Kushina Uzumaki said, hurriedly grabbing his sleeve as he turned to leave, "are we friends now?"

Bai Lin paused. It was finally time for his "Will of Bai Lin" to shine.

"Since you have become a villager of Konoha and are a classmate of Minato, then naturally, we are friends."

Kushina Uzumaki's eyes lit up instantly. "Re-really? Then can I come to see you often in the future?"

Bai Lin frowned, feigning hesitation.

"Is it not allowed?" Seeing his frown, the light in Kushina Uzumaki's eyes dimmed instantly. Her fingers subconsciously released his sleeve, her red hair drooping even lower, her voice filled with deep disappointment. "Am I too much of a burden?"

"Admiration is the emotion furthest from understanding."

"You and I have only just met. You don't necessarily know what kind of person I am; you likely feel that I am simply different from those who bully and mock you."

"In my heart, helping villagers is an obligation I must fulfill. In you, I only saw the fragility and hesitation of a young girl, which is why I chose to help you."

"My ambition is too vast for Konoha to contain; my gaze is already fixed upon the entire ninja world."

"As you are, you are destined to lack the qualifications to stand by my side consistently. Being too close to me is not a good thing."

Bai Lin did not avoid her gaze, his eyes calm yet piercing.

"I can change!" Kushina said immediately, her voice tinged with tears. "I can become stronger, I can give everything for you! As long as you are willing to treat me as a friend!"

"I will definitely become very, very strong, strong enough to walk side by side with you!"

"Hmm." Bai Lin's tone softened as he reached out to gently ruffle her red hair. "Since that is the case, then let me see a different Kushina."

"In the future, whenever you are bored, you can come find me. I want to see you truly walk by my side every single day."

"Also, your red hair is beautiful."

Kushina's tears finally fell, not out of sadness, but out of extreme joy and determination.

She nodded vigorously, her red hair swaying with the movement like a burning flame. "I definitely will! Brother Lin, just you wait! I will show you that I am not just a little girl who only knows how to cry; I am Kushina of the Uzumaki Clan!"

"Good, I'll be waiting." Bai Lin withdrew his hand and turned to leave, then added, "Remember to train hard. I don't feel like things are very peaceful lately; war is about to begin."

Watching Bai Lin's figure disappear into the night, she pushed open the courtyard gate and walked inside.

Mito Uzumaki had been waiting under the veranda. Seeing her red-rimmed eyes and determined gaze, she paused, then asked with a smile, "Nana, it seems you have found that bond deep within your heart!"

"Grandma!" Kushina threw herself into her arms, her voice choked with emotion but full of excitement. "I want to become stronger! I don't want to be bullied anymore! Please teach me how to become strong!"

I want to walk side by side with Brother Lin!