Tsunade really had taken on an extraordinary disciple.
As Mito Uzumaki quietly observed Ren Takashi, she found herself genuinely impressed. For once, Hiruzen had done something right—though she strongly suspected that his reason for having Tsunade take on a student like Ren wasn't entirely pure. More likely, it was another long game of manipulation for his own benefit.
But even so—this time, his selfish move might've backfired in a good way.
With Ren's talent and sheer comprehension ability, Mito believed that his future achievements could very well surpass not only Tobirama but even her late husband Hashirama.
No matter what plans Hiruzen had for this boy, Mito was now determined to shield him. Once she passed, if the bond between Ren and Tsunade was strong enough, she wouldn't have to worry about the future safety of Tsunade or her brother, Nawaki.
From this point forward, she would shelter Ren from Danzo and Hiruzen's machinations, give him time—three years, maybe five.
That would be enough.
At his current rate of growth, Ren would soon reach a point where no one could touch him.
"Heaven hasn't forsaken the Uchiha… or the Senju," Mito mused, the trace of a smile on her lips.
"Hehehe, you flatter me," Ren said, scratching his cheek sheepishly. "I've still got a lot to learn from you."
And that wasn't just courtesy. Mito didn't only have seal knowledge—she was the living archive of the entire Senju clan's heritage.
If he could get her to pass on more, he'd never say no.
The Flying Thunder God Technique, for instance? Perfect for someone like him.
He'd been sitting on that unused "space-time talent" for too long. It was time to put it to work.
"You've got to be kidding, Ren-niisan!"
Beside him, Kushina puffed her cheeks in protest. "Before you showed up, Grandma used to say I was a seal genius."
"But ever since you came? Nothing! I'm not even special anymore!"
She crossed her arms and huffed, clearly disgruntled.
"Hahaha… sorry about that."
Ren offered an awkward chuckle. What was he supposed to say? Sorry for being overpowered?
"It's alright, Kushina."
Mito chuckled and ruffled the girl's hair. "I wasn't lying—you are a seal prodigy, one of the best I've seen in the Uzumaki clan in years."
"But Ren? He's an outlier. A monster. Comparing yourself to him will just make you miserable."
"People like him show up maybe once in a century."
Kushina blinked. "Really…?"
Mito nodded.
"Alright, that's enough for today," she said gently. "Kushina, you start the Academy tomorrow."
She turned to Ren. "I'll be counting on you to watch over her."
"Absolutely."
Ren nodded immediately. "I'll go in person tomorrow. Just to make sure nobody gives her a hard time."
"Perfect." Mito looked satisfied. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it," Ren said with a wave.
With that, the clone poofed into smoke.
"Hmph… using shadow clones to learn like that feels like cheating," Kushina mumbled.
"But why's he working so hard? He's already smart enough to coast…"
Mito just smiled, gently brushing Kushina's bangs aside.
"Because he's shouldering responsibilities others can't see. He's a good child, Kushina."
"You should spend more time with him—learn from him. Stick close."
Kushina blinked again, tilting her head.
She didn't know it, but Mito had already made up her mind. If Ren continued on this path, she intended to guide him into becoming Kushina's future partner—someone who could fill the emotional void that would inevitably come from being the Nine-Tails' vessel.
In terms of talent, temperament, and even Sharingan compatibility, there was no better match.
More importantly, over the past week, Mito had already noticed something budding between them.
That spark.
So she nudged it, encouraged it—subtly, of course. Better she guide Kushina herself than let Hiruzen or Danzo arrange a political marriage later.
"Got it, Grandma!"
Kushina grinned and nodded.
Then her eyes sparkled with an idea. "Wait! Can I learn the Shadow Clone Technique too?"
"I mean… if school ends up being boring, I could do what Ren does—have a clone sit through class while I keep learning seals with you!"
Not to mention… she wanted to train beside Ren more. She didn't want to fall too far behind.
"Oh?"
Mito raised a brow but could clearly read Kushina's real thoughts.
Still smiling, she nodded. "Of course. I'll teach you."
"In fact, the Uzumaki clan is especially well-suited for shadow clone techniques—and even the Multi Shadow Clone Technique."
And so, Mito began teaching her.
To no one's surprise, Kushina quickly mastered both techniques.
And the girl? Immediately went wild with it.
"I'm gonna cheat my way to greatness too! Hehe!"
She split into dozens of clones, bouncing with joy.
Pop.
Mito whacked her lightly on the head.
"Child. What did I just say?"
"Shadow clones don't just copy knowledge—they pass back fatigue, too."
"Split too many, leave them active too long—and your brain might overload."
"You will collapse. Maybe even die."
Kushina shrank back, suddenly a little less bouncy.
"Got it, Grandma…"