The personnel appointment meeting ended, the cake had been divided, and Uzumaki Mito did not linger in the Hokage Building. She returned directly to the Senju Clan Compound.
Back at the compound, a sense of desolation washed over her, leaving Uzumaki Mito with mixed feelings.
However, when she saw Chishima Chiba and Tsunade returning from training, a smile returned to her face.
"You must be hungry. Let's eat first!"
Uzumaki Mito called the two over. Chishima Chiba and Tsunade obediently sat down beside her.
"Grandma, nothing went wrong at today's meeting, right?" Chishima Chiba asked before the meal was served.
"What could go wrong? A new ruler brings a new court. Other than the major personnel changes, everything else remains the same."
Hearing Uzumaki Mito speak so lightly, Chishima Chiba relaxed further and casually probed, "Grandma, how were Uncle Min You and the others assigned?"
"Min You and the others... Grandma has already arranged it. They'll teach at the Ninja Academy, so they won't be idle in the future."
Uzumaki Mito understood what Chishima Chiba meant. "Grandma understands these matters, so Chiba needn't worry. The only thing you need to do now is grow up quickly."
"Of course, Tsunade too. You can't slack off either."
In the past, Tsunade would most likely have retorted a couple of times before acting spoiled toward Uzumaki Mito.
But Tsunade was gloomy and obedient today. Her usual clever, lively energy was almost nowhere to be seen. "Grandma, don't worry. I'll train hard and won't slack off."
"Mm."
Uzumaki Mito nodded and said nothing more.
How could she, as Tsunade's grandmother, fail to notice her change? But Tsunade had to cross the hurdle in her own heart herself. The more others tried to persuade her, the more it would backfire.
Silence fell over the dining