"Of course."
Chiri Uchiha nodded firmly and pointed to herself:
"It was only after I recovered—and after combining that experience with the legend—that I started to truly believe it."
"Before, I didn't pay it much mind."
"But this time, when Genqing healed me, my life force and even my life essence improved."
"And as a result, my damaged left eye started recovering under the nourishment of my enhanced vitality."
"Even without the eye-nurturing medicine Genqing created, my condition was already improving."
"What's more, my blind right eye… even that showed signs of recovering and regenerating."
She paused, then added:
"This proves how greatly a strong and vital body can benefit the Sharingan."
"If someone were to possess both the Sharingan and a 'Sage Body'…"
"They might awaken it more easily, even evolve it to the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"And thanks to the body's resilience, the Mangekyō wouldn't deteriorate as easily—even recovering over time."
"That's why I want to test the effects of intermarriage between our three clans. What do you think?"
This was one reason.
But she had another, more personal motive: Chiri wanted to see if Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan could be achieved without needing to take a sibling's eyes.
If possible, it would break the curse that haunted the Uchiha for generations.
No more infighting, no more eye-snatching bloodshed.
And perhaps… even lead to the birth of the Rinnegan in the next generation.
Although Chiri knew the odds were slim.
After all, Madara only awakened the Rinnegan by combining Indra's and Asura's chakras—by literally implanting Hashirama's flesh.
And even Genqing wasn't sure if those exact chakras were absolutely required.
"Is that so?"
Mito Uzumaki nodded thoughtfully.
"It's plausible. But what if, after intermarriage, a child born into the Senju or Uzumaki clan awakens the Sharingan?"
"What then? You can't just send them back to the Uchiha and change their surname."
"And if a child born to the Uchiha awakens Uzumaki or Senju traits—Sage Body, Adamantine Sealing Chains, or sensory abilities—do we send them to our clans?"
"You'll need a policy in place."
It was a valid concern. Bloodline techniques weren't something to be passed around carelessly.
"Simple: wherever the child is born, that's their clan."
Chiri replied without hesitation.
"I believe by then, our three clans will be united in trust and friendship. No more feuds, no more barriers."
"True peace between us. Don't you agree?"
And in the end, they'll all be Genqing's people anyway…
"Fine. We'll go with that."
Mito knew Chiri had deeper plans, but no matter how she looked at it, Senju and Uzumaki would not lose out.
And she needed Uchiha support to save her people.
"However, we can't force marriage."
"Let's hold regular joint gatherings between our clans and let the younger generation decide freely."
"As long as marriage numbers between clans stay balanced, it's fine. Agreed?"
"Agreed," Chiri nodded.
She was more worried about Uchiha women marrying out too frequently.
After all, everyone knew the Uchiha were blessed with handsome men and beautiful women.
"Let me know in advance when you're ready to move on the rescue. I'll assign personnel to assist."
Chiri promised calmly.
"Deal."
Mito nodded, relieved.
With Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki forces combined, they could repel any strike team—even if all four great nations tried to raid the Land of Whirlpools.
After all, none of them would risk sending a full army that far.
The two women continued chatting, while Tsunade resumed her in-depth discussion with Genqing about medical techniques.
At noon, Mito invited them to stay for lunch. Afterward, Chiri and her group took their leave.
But news of their departure reached the Hokage's office almost immediately.
Hiruzen Sarutobi rushed to Mito's residence—not daring to bring Danzo or the others, fearing they'd cause trouble and get punished.
As soon as he entered, he sensed Mito's life force had more than doubled.
She looked… revived. And he didn't like it.
Still, he kept his expression composed:
"Lady Mito, how did your discussion go? I hope there weren't any issues with the Uchiha."
"And… your life force seems to have returned significantly. Did Chiri do that?"
"She did."
Mito replied frankly:
"We made a few trades. She and her people helped extend my lifespan."
"In exchange, she requested the Flying Thunder God Technique, Tobirama's Water-Style jutsu, and some low- to mid-level sealing techniques."
"And lastly, she asked for her son, Genqing Uchiha, to become Tsunade's student."
She made no effort to hide any of it.
If Hiruzen disapproved? Too bad.
"WHAT?!"
Hiruzen's face turned pale.
"Flying Thunder God? Tobirama-sensei's Water Jutsu? Even sealing techniques?!"
"And now her son is apprenticing under Tsunade?!"
"Is she aiming for the Hokage seat?"
"Also, I heard her son was born with weak health—barely fit to be a ninja!"
"He's fully recovered," Mito said simply.
"And if Chiri could recover from something even more severe, why would her son be any different?"
Hiruzen frowned.
"So you're telling me Chiri is completely recovered now?"
"Yes."
Mito nodded firmly.
"Not just her body. Her Sharingan's ocular power has fully returned."
"I'd advise against provoking her. Honestly, even I may not be a match for her anymore."
That was a lie.
Mito had completely recovered. She just didn't want to reveal it.
Letting the enemy underestimate her was part of the strategy.