After the Uzumaki Clan relocated to Konoha Ninja Village, the village gave them what little land remained of the Senju Clan's holdings to live on. Between the losses suffered in the defense of the Land of Whirlpools and the clan's already small population, their numbers had dwindled, but there was still enough room to house everyone.
Mito's house stood at the center of the clan's grounds, and it was where Kushina had always lived. Kushina had come here as a candidate to become a jinchūriki, and Mito was deeply fond of her. Keeping the girl by her side was also a way of looking after her.
After leaving the graduation ceremony, Kushina went straight home. "I'm home," she called, taking off her shoes and arranging them neatly. Someone came out to greet her: Mito's eldest daughter, Misaki. Since returning to Konoha Ninja Village, her family had been living here. The house was large enough that they rarely disturbed Mito as she recuperated.
"Welcome home, Kushina," Misaki said with a smile. "How was the graduation ceremony?"
"It was all right," Kushina answered. "How is Grandma Mito doing?"
"Fairly well." Misaki's expression dimmed slightly despite herself. Her mother's health had grown steadily worse over the past few years, and even the best medicines from the Medical Department had done little to help. She had a vague feeling that the day her mother left this world, just as her father had, was not far off.
Collecting herself, Misaki told Kushina that Mito had asked to see her as soon as she returned. Kushina's heart tightened a little at that. Though Misaki was Mito's daughter, Kushina was, in a sense, Mito's successor and knew a little more. Misaki might not even know about the decision Mito had recently made.
"I understand." Kushina could guess