Kazuki's sensory ability was far superior to that of ordinary people, so he naturally sensed that Mito was now in her twilight years. If she hadn't become the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Mito could have probably lived for ten more years.
Didn't you see that during the Boruto era, Koharu and Homura were both still alive, and they could even come out and boss people around?
Mito had been on the battlefield back then, unlike Koharu and Homura, who were supplied with good food and drink. Since the end of the First Great Ninja War, Koharu and Homura had not been on the battlefield. It's not that they got stronger, it's already good enough if their strength didn't decline.
As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Mito always had to consume a large amount of Chakra to suppress the Nine-Tails, which led to her body deteriorating. Otherwise, with the Uzumaki clan's longevity, Mito wouldn't have been in such a state.
"You're back."
Mito seemed not to have sensed Kazuki's complex emotions, greeting him with a gentle expression.
"Yes, I'm back, Grandma Mito."
Kazuki led Kushina to sit not far from Mito. Minato, Mikoto, and Rinka were not here. It was obvious they had all gone home. It was enough to come to Mito's place and say hello.
After all, Nawaki and Kushina were Mito's relatives. As for Kazuki, he was half a relative, but the others were different. A certain sense of boundary needed to be maintained.
"Sit down. It seems you have grown again after some time."
Mito silently sensed Kazuki's aura and was astonished to find that his temperament had undergone a huge change compared to before. This was very similar to Nawaki and the others, but Kazuki's strength had probably increased by more than one level compared to before.
Seeing Kazuki become so powerful, Mito felt increasingly at ease. With Kazuki guarding Konoha, no matter what choice Kazuki would make in the future, Konoha would be safe.
"Yes, there has been significant progress."
Kazuki looked at Mito with a complex expression and said, "You must have heard about the Uzumaki situation."
"Yes. Nawaki already told me earlier. Thank you for rescuing these children. If possible, I hope they can live peacefully in Konoha in the future." Mito said with great relief.
"As for now, I won't go see them yet. Let Kushina go see them on my behalf later. I'll have to trouble you later as well."
If nothing unexpected happens, Kazuki will become the next Hokage. For the Uzumaki clan to develop steadily in Konoha, they cannot do without Kazuki's help.
They didn't need too much special care. As long as Kazuki was willing to treat everyone equally, that would be enough.
When their numbers increased in the future, the Uzumaki could gradually become ninjas.
Mito then looked at Kushina. With Kushina present, protecting the Uzumaki clan was not a problem at all.
"Yes. I will take appropriate care of them." Kazuki nodded slightly.
"However, these Uzumaki clansmen need to be thoroughly vetted first."
"It's hard to guarantee they don't harbor hatred towards Konoha, and Kirigakure might have left some contingencies on them."
Mito naturally understood what Kazuki meant. She could almost certainly conclude that Kirigakure was under Madara's control, which seemed to be no difficulty for Madara.
Mito was not surprised by this and said, "Let everything proceed according to the rules. After all, Uzushiogakure was only an ally of Konoha before. If we go too far, it's hard to guarantee that other ninjas in the village won't have thoughts."
The village was still at war now, and they couldn't even take good care of their own ninjas. If too many resources were poured into the Uzumaki, it was hard to guarantee that the ninjas in the village wouldn't harbor resentment, which would be extremely detrimental to the Uzumaki clan in the future.
Immediately after, Mito looked at Kushina and Nawaki, who were beside her, and said, "Kushina, Nawaki, you two go out first. I have something to tell Kazuki privately."
"Yes."
Nawaki didn't think too much and invited Kushina, "Kushina, I'll take you to meet your clan members."
"Okay, I understand."
Kushina didn't refuse when she heard Nawaki was taking her to meet her fellow clan members. It was a pity that Kazuki wasn't personally taking her.
However, since Mito had something to discuss with Kazuki, Kushina wouldn't cause trouble.
After the two left, Mito finally spoke with emotion, "In one year, Nawaki has grown a lot, not just in strength, but mainly in his mindset and maturity. As his grandmother, I am very pleased. Thank you for guiding Nawaki this past year."
"No need, grandma, you've always taken good care of me too." Kazuki shook his head slightly.
Then he said to Mito, "Grandma Mito, would it be convenient for me to meet the Nine-Tails?"
"You can." Mito nodded in agreement without any hesitation.
As Kazuki's Sharingan flashed, his consciousness arrived in the place Nine-Tails was sealed.
Unlike before, though the Nine-Tails was still bound, the binding force was much weaker than before.
"Kazuki." Nine-Tails sensed Kazuki's arrival instantly.
However, the moment he saw Kazuki, Nine-Tails' eyes widened. He sensed the strong aura of Hagoromo on Kazuki.
Indeed, Kazuki is Hagoromo's Chakra reincarnation.
"Hello, Nine-Tails."
Kazuki gazed at Nine-Tails for a long time. His eyes underwent a huge change, transforming into the Rinnegan.
"Rinnegan!"
At this, Nine-Tails completely lost composure.
How old was Kazuki? He seemed to be less than twelve, right?
And he had already awakened the Rinnegan? Did the Sage of Six Paths awaken the Rinnegan at this age?
"When I awakened these eyes, I sensed that I could seemingly summon something, but it appears to have been summoned prematurely."
Kazuki covered his eyes and said meaningfully, "I strongly suspect that someone awakened these eyes before me."
"Madara, it must be Madara." Nine-Tails immediately lost composure.