Uzumaki Mito.
The wife of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
Princess of the once-great Whirlpool Country.
And the current Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.
A true legend. A Kage-level powerhouse.
---
"Grandma, let me rest properly first! I'm so exhausted today."
Tsunade flopped into a cushion with a pout on her face. The usually proud and powerful young woman now looked like she'd been run ragged.
Uzumaki Mito gave a soft sigh, then placed her hand gently on Tsunade's shoulder. A flash of warm, glowing blue chakra passed from her palm, soothing her granddaughter's tired body and slowly releasing the tension in her muscles.
Tsunade let out a satisfied breath. Her shoulders slumped, and she leaned into her grandmother's embrace with an expression of both weariness and comfort.
"What happened that wore you out so badly?" Mito asked gently. "Did Hiruzen send you on some difficult mission?"
Although she rarely stepped out of her residence, Uzumaki Mito was far from clueless. Her understanding of the inner workings of Konoha far exceeded what most people assumed.
As she spoke, her fingers moved softly through Tsunade's blonde hair with a tenderness only a grandmother could offer.
"It's... nothing, really," Tsunade muttered, not meeting her gaze.
She had been gone from the village for more than half a month. She hadn't even gone home upon returning. The last thing she wanted right now was to talk about the little demon that had made her job so exhausting.
"I heard about the boy you were escorting," Mito said, her tone still as gentle as ever.
Her hand rested on Tsunade's back as she continued.
"That child's identity isn't simple. His father, Xingye Zhu, personally accompanied your mother's dowry when she married into Konoha. He's a highly intelligent man. Honestly, that whole family is known for their intelligence."
She smiled softly as her gaze turned nostalgic.
"The boy's grandfather was once the second prince of the Land of Fire. But rather than chasing political power, he became fascinated with trade. Many mocked him back then, but look at them now—they've risen to become the wealthiest noble family, even without holding any political office."
She paused for a moment before asking casually, "After spending so much time with him… what do you think of Jaxon?"
Though her tone was light, her eyes were sharp—curious.
"Hmph! That brat is the worst! The most infuriating, arrogant, annoying little gremlin I've ever met!"
Tsunade puffed out her cheeks in frustration. Every mischievous child she'd encountered in her life felt like a saint compared to him.
Mito chuckled softly. "That bad, huh? Come on, tell Grandma what makes him so terrible."
Tsunade sat up, clearly eager to rant. She opened her mouth to launch into a tirade, but…
Nothing came out.
Her brows furrowed. She opened her mouth again—still nothing.
She could remember being annoyed. Infuriated even. But now that she tried to list why...
She couldn't put her finger on a single clear reason.
"I... I don't know! He's just bad, okay? Annoying and unpredictable!"
Mito let out another soft chuckle and tapped her forehead lightly.
"You've been spoiled over the years," she said with affection. "Don't forget—he's still your employer. And you two are distant relatives, after all. He's a child, Tsunade. A little mischievous maybe, but not malicious."
She gave her granddaughter a knowing smile. "He reminds me of your little brother, Nawaki, honestly."
Tsunade frowned and pouted, but she didn't argue.
In her mind, she'd already labeled Jaxon as a "nuisance-class lifeform."
"I know, Grandma. I'm gonna take a bath and then sleep. No more lectures!"
Embarrassed, she stood up and made a hasty retreat. All she wanted was a bit of comfort from her grandmother. Instead, she'd gotten a full lecture and a gentle scolding.
She huffed her way down the hall.
---
The next morning...
"Young Master Jaxon, Lady Tsunade has an important matter today. She seems to be ill and unable to attend. I will be taking her place to protect you."
The voice startled Jaxon.
He had just stepped outside, stretching and adjusting his clothes when the sudden announcement made him spin around in surprise.
Standing there in a white mask, white hair rustling gently in the morning breeze, was a calm and silent figure—his sword resting casually at his hip.
Sakumo Hatake.
There was no mistaking it.
Even if the mask covered his face, Jaxon instantly recognized the aura and posture. And those eyes…
Those calm, expressionless, soul-sucking dead fish eyes. The same look his son Kakashi would become famous for.
Jaxon blinked, then narrowed his gaze.
"She's from the Senju Clan," he muttered. "There's no way she's sick. Even if I'm not a ninja, I know that much."
"My apologies," Sakumo said in a perfectly neutral tone. "That's the information I was given."
Jaxon waved it off.
"Never mind. It's not important."
He had originally requested Tsunade as a form of petty revenge for the assassination attempt. But honestly, having someone like Sakumo around wasn't bad either. After all, he was the father of the future protagonist.
Maybe he'd learn something useful.
Konoha Village really was a unique place. So many powerful people clustered in one area. Just walking through the streets in the morning was a scene unmatched by even the capital of the Land of Fire.
The early bustle, the smell of food stands, the sound of shinobi training in the distance—it was all vivid and alive.
Jaxon wandered toward a food stand and casually picked up a sticky rice cake from the vendor's tray. Just as he bit into it, one of his distant attendants arrived and discreetly handed coins to the vendor.
Jaxon didn't even glance at the servant.
"Go inform the Hyuga Clan," he said, speaking around a mouthful of rice cake. "Tell them this Young Master will be joining them for lunch today."
The servant nodded.
"Also," Jaxon added, "send word to all the major ninja families in Konoha. Let them know I'll be visiting each of them over the next few days."
"As you command, Young Master."
The servant vanished into the crowd as quickly as he had appeared.
Behind him, Sakumo spoke for the first time with a touch of curiosity.
"You intend to visit the various clans?"
"Yes," Jaxon replied, licking his fingers clean. "Is there a problem with that?"
"No," Sakumo said. "But I will notify Hokage-sama of your plans."
Jaxon shrugged. "Feel free."
He honestly didn't care.
Everything he did now had its own purpose. If the village wanted to keep tabs on him, fine. Let them. He was learning more from them than they were from him.
Then suddenly, Jaxon turned and asked something entirely unrelated.
"Are you married?"
Sakumo blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"Married," Jaxon repeated, chewing another bite. "Wife? Kids?"
Sakumo was silent for a moment before answering plainly, "No."
Jaxon nodded thoughtfully, his expression unreadable.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
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