Kushina Uzumaki finally understood what Chinya meant when he said everything had succeeded.
Before Chinya could explain to Kushina Uzumaki, Miyuki Uzumaki spoke first. "Kushina," she said, "everything here was my own choice. The Hokage asked me to learn sealing techniques from you and Lady Mito.
After I demonstrated my talent in sealing techniques and given my Uzumaki physique, they decided I'd be the best candidate for the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—and told me everything about it.
I accepted becoming the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki because there's nothing wrong with it. The Hokage promised to keep my identity a secret while giving me a better life.
Kushina, don't you see? Ever since Uzushio fell, I've been wandering from place to place, never knowing peace. I had no strength, and as an Uzumaki, I was hunted by many. The moment someone found out who I was, I knew I wouldn't survive—so I lived in constant terror.
Now Konoha has given me a stable life, and I want to repay Konoha. Also, I know Chinya has been working hard for your sake. Kushina, since you're my only friend, and I want to become a Jinchuriki too, isn't this mutually beneficial?"
With tears in her eyes, Kushina Uzumaki looked at Miyuki Uzumaki: "Miyuki..."
Chinya quietly let out a breath of relief.
It would be best if Miyuki could help keep their secret.
Still, now he owed Miyuki Uzumaki a favor.
Mito Uzumaki turned her gaze toward Minato Namikaze: "Minato, from now on, I entrust Miyuki to you."
Minato replied firmly: "Of course!"
After giving the four a few words of instruction, Mito continued, "The future belongs to you young people. It's time for me to go find Hashirama. Well then, everyone, please get back to whatever you were doing."
As Chinya prepared to leave, Mito suddenly said, "Chinya, don't forget our promise."
"I won't forget," Chinya replied.
At that moment, Kushina felt terrible inside. After saying goodbye to Miyuki, she returned home with Chinya.
She collapsed onto the couch, hugging her knees tightly to her chest.
Chinya sat beside Kushina. As he was about to comfort her, Kushina suddenly lifted her head, her red-rimmed eyes fixed on him.
Chinya felt strangely uneasy under Kushina's gaze.
In a trembling voice, Kushina asked, "Chinya, have you known Miyuki all along?"
Chinya stiffened.
Seeing how upset Kushina looked, Chinya let out a sigh before honestly telling her, "Miyuki Uzumaki was someone I personally found and brought to Konoha..."
Kushina's eyes widened slightly. She had assumed Miyuki only met Chinya after arriving in Konoha.
She guessed that Chinya must have sought out Miyuki after discovering she was an Uzumaki.
But she never expected Miyuki had actually been found and brought to Konoha by Chinya himself.
And then, Chinya told Kushina everything—no secrets left between them.
Kushina Uzumaki stood there, stunned.
Uzumaki Mito, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo...
For her sake, Chinya had shouldered so much pressure alone.
Kushina hugged Chinya tightly. "Thank you, Chinya… From now on, please don't hide anything from me again. I deserve to know. We should always be honest with each other."
Chinya gently stroked Kushina's head. "I'm sorry. It was all my fault. I should've told you sooner, but when I saw how close you became with Uzumaki Miyuki, I realized how deeply you value relationships, so I didn't know how to bring it up—I was afraid you'd think I'm some ruthless person."
Kushina rested her head on Chinya's shoulder. "No, I would never think that of you. It's just… Miyuki took my place as the Jinchuriki, and she's such a good friend to me. I feel guilty about it. Chinya… could we…"
Before Kushina could finish speaking, Chinya immediately refused. "Absolutely not!"
Chinya said seriously to Kushina, "If you feel indebted to Uzumaki Miyuki, we can compensate her in other ways.
What Uzumaki Miyuki said wasn't wrong. Without me finding her, she really was living a life of displacement and without dignity.
When I found her, she was receiving food aid in the Land of Grass. And when I revealed her true identity as an Uzumaki, she was extremely terrified.
Had I not brought her to Konoha, her future would've been one of suffering and disgrace.
The unique physical constitution of the Uzumaki Clan—or rather, any special constitution or 'Kekkei Genkai'—if discovered wandering the Shinobi World—would lead to a tragic fate.
That's why I made a deal with Uzumaki Miyuki, and back then, she willingly agreed to it.
Now that the Hokage's approval has been obtained to change the Jinchuriki to Uzumaki Miyuki, there is absolutely no possibility of changing it again.
Miyuki becoming the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is already set in stone. There will be no changes whatsoever, and I absolutely will not allow any changes!"
Chinya's tone left no room for discussion.
He'd spent nearly ten years laying this foundation—a hard-earned success he wouldn't let slip away now. He would never allow Kushina Uzumaki to become the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Kushina softly sighed.
She knew that once Chinya decided something, there was no changing his mind.
Kushina rose from the sofa. "Chinya, what do you want for dinner?"
Seeing Kushina had dropped the issue, Chinya smiled. "I'll go with you."
Kushina shook her head. "I'll go by myself this time. I want to stop by and see Miyuki on the way."
Chinya replied, "Alright then. I'll wait at home. How about beef curry rice and miso soup for dinner?"
"Sounds good. Wait patiently for me at home."
Kushina Uzumaki left home and headed toward Uzumaki Miyuki's residence.
Just as she arrived, she happened to see Namikaze Minato exiting Miyuki's room.
"See you tomorrow, Miyuki."
"See you tomorrow," Miyuki responded. "Huh? Kushina?"
Miyuki noticed Kushina Uzumaki standing not far behind Namikaze Minato.
Namikaze Minato nodded slightly toward Kushina Uzumaki, then turned and left.
Namikaze Minato knew very well that both Kushina Uzumaki and Chinya held serious disdain for him. That's how he chose to greet her.
Miyuki Uzumaki quickly walked up to Kushina and asked, "Kushina, why did you come to my house instead of staying home with Chinya? Come in quickly."
Miyuki Uzumaki welcomed Kushina into her home.
Miyuki poured Kushina a glass of water before asking, "Kushina, what brings you here today?"
Kushina gently set the cup down and looked Miyuki straight in the eyes. "Miyuki," she said, "I came here to apologize. I'm really sorry."
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