Around seven o'clock, the rain finally stopped.
In the small courtyard, several trees brought from Uzushiogakure stood untrimmed, their branches stretching beneath the eaves. Droplets slid down and landed softly on the leaves, creating a slow, rhythmic tapping sound that blended with the night air.
Listening for long enough, it almost felt like the world's heartbeat had slowed.
Lanterns bearing the Uzumaki clan's spiral emblem glowed faintly in the dark. It was an old Uzumaki tradition — red lanterns were lit whenever a clan member's life neared its end.
The air after the rain was cool and fresh.
On the bed, Uzumaki Mito adjusted her blanket and smiled faintly.
At the low table nearby, Kushina carefully poured two small cups of fragrant wine. The sweet aroma filled the quiet room.
One cup went to Mito, the other to Uchiha Hayashi, who sat beside her with a calm, respectful posture.
Mito raised her cup to drink but began coughing violently instead. Kushina quickly set her own cup down and patted her back gently, eyes filled with worry.
Hayashi's hand tightened around his cup as he watched silently.
After a few moments, Mito regained her breath. She gave a soft chuckle, lifted the cup again, and finally took a slow sip.
"Don't give me that look," she said, smiling as she glanced between the two of them. "I'm not dead yet."
She laughed lightly. "Come now, drink up. This wine was left behind by Hashirama — buried deep under the old cellar. You won't find anything like it anywhere else."
She frowned playfully. "There used to be more of it, but I'm sure Tsunade must have sneaked off with some. If you don't drink it now, you'll lose the chance forever."
Hayashi chuckled and obeyed, downing his cup in one motion. He had long grown used to Mito's casual, straightforward attitude.
Mito looked nostalgic. "You know, I didn't even like alcohol at first. But Hashirama and Madara would always drink together, get drunk, and then Madara would carry him off somewhere. I tried it once out of curiosity… and found it wasn't so bad."
Her voice softened as she reminisced.
"Grandma, should you really be drinking in your condition?" Kushina asked, hesitant.
Mito smiled. "It's fine. I want to do everything I've ever wanted to do while I still can."
At that moment, Kushina's eyes turned red, though she stubbornly held back her tears. Without speaking, she refilled Mito's cup.
"It's been three years since you left Uzushiogakure, hasn't it?" Mito said after a sip. "Are you used to Konoha now? …And perhaps someone in particular?"
"Grandma!" Kushina protested, cheeks flushing. "You're teasing me again!"
Her red hair swayed like flames as she waved her fists in mock frustration.
Mito chuckled. "Look at that temper — just like me when I was young. The way you defend that boy makes this old woman envious."
Kushina froze mid-motion, her embarrassment fading into quiet sorrow. "But after all… you're my only family."
The words struck Mito deeply.
That face — the red hair, the stubborn spirit — was like seeing her younger self.
When Hashirama had died, she'd felt that same grief. Now, it was her own time to say goodbye.
She reached out, gently patting Kushina's head. "Kushina, no one lives forever. I can't stay by your side much longer… but I'm happy I got to see you grow."
After a pause, Mito smiled softly. "Go to Tsunade and bring me the scroll I left with her, will you?"
Kushina nodded, sensing that Mito wanted to speak to Hayashi privately. She quietly left the room.
Silence filled the air once more.
Mito slowly lifted her blanket, motioning for Hayashi to help her sit up. The young Uchiha did so carefully, supporting her frail shoulders.
She walked toward the table, her long Uzumaki robes flowing gracefully — like a water lily unfolding its petals in the night breeze.
"Hayashi," she began, her tone calm yet heavy, "do you know what Tailed Beasts are?"
"Yes," he replied.
The concept wasn't hidden from shinobi. The First Hokage's division of the Tailed Beasts among the villages was well-documented in history.
"People seek to harness that power," Mito continued. "By sealing a beast into a person, they create what we call a Jinchūriki."
Her gaze turned sharp. "Do you know why Kushina came to Konoha?"
Hayashi hesitated, then answered quietly, "To become the next Nine-Tails Jinchūriki?"
Mito nodded. "That's right. She will inherit the burden from me."
"Being a Jinchūriki is painful," she said, her eyes distant. "A raging creature sealed inside your body… and a life shadowed by fear, suspicion, and loneliness. Tell me, Hayashi — do you hate me for letting Kushina bear this fate?"
He shook his head firmly.
The power of the Nine-Tails was immense. If mastered, it could protect her — and others. How could he resent Mito for that?
Mito smiled faintly. "You remind me of Hashirama… kind-hearted, yet strong. That's why I'm telling you this."
"Even though this is one of Konoha's top secrets, I trust you. With your bond to Kushina, you would have learned it eventually anyway."
Her gaze softened. "As a Jinchūriki, I can sense the nature of a person's heart. I know you're different, Hayashi. You're talented, and your future strength will not be ordinary. I believe you'll protect her."
"Jinchūriki are often more sensitive than others," she said quietly. "They long for warmth and love — things even a great village cannot give. Konoha can guard her body, but not her heart."
She smiled gently. "So when I'm gone, please… continue to look after her."
Hayashi bowed his head. "I will."
---
When Hayashi stepped out into the night, he found Kushina sitting on the corridor steps, knees drawn to her chest as she stared at the distant lights of Konoha.
The cool air still carried the scent of rain.
From here, the carved faces of the Hokage Rock were visible, watching silently over the village.
Hayashi sat beside her.
"Actually," Kushina said softly, voice trembling, "I lied earlier… I'm scared."
"In Uzushiogakure, I watched so many of my relatives die. I thought I could be strong, but I can't. I killed Grandma Mito — if it weren't for me, she might've lived longer…"
Tears welled up and streamed down her cheeks.
Without a word, Hayashi wrapped his arms around her. She didn't resist — she simply cried, her sobs echoing quietly through the empty courtyard.
Time seemed to pause in that embrace.
---
A week later, Uzumaki Mito passed away peacefully in her small courtyard.
Kushina became the Second Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.
And with her passing, an era came to an end.
______
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