Chapter 8: An Unexpected Visitor
When Uzumaki Kushina heard that Mito knew Kagenori's whereabouts, she immediately sprang forward with urgent energy. "Grandma Mito, where is he?"
"In the ninja hospital," Mito replied gently. "It seems he was injured during training and has been unconscious for several days. You could—"
Before she could finish, Uzumaki Kushina was already dashing toward the door. "I'm going out for a bit, Grandma Mito! I'll be back soon!"
Mito watched the girl's retreating form with affectionate eyes, a knowing smile touching her lips.
Earlier, when Sarutobi Hiruzen had visited to inquire about Kushina's adjustment, Mito had specifically asked about Kagenori. Learning he'd been hospitalized from training injuries—unconscious for days—had surprised her. What kind of training could cause such severe consequences?
More notably, she detected a shift in the Hokage's attitude. Previously, he'd dismissed Kagenori as insignificant. Now, he seemed to be taking the boy seriously.
Though uncertain what had changed, Mito considered this development positive.
In her heart, she carried guilt regarding both children. Kushina had been brought to Konoha primarily to become the next Jinchūriki. And Kagenori, with his Senju bloodline—as the former wife of the Senju clan head, she'd failed to protect him.
She understood why Sarutobi had placed Kushina in Kagenori's class alongside Namikaze Minato. The Hokage intended for the promising civilian-born ninja—soon to be Jiraiya's student—to form bonds with Kushina, tying her loyalty to Konoha.
As Hokage, Sarutobi had every right to execute this strategy. But personally, Mito preferred Kagenori for the role. Not only did he carry Senju heritage, making him almost family, but his status as an outcast meant he belonged to no faction—a cleaner slate than even Minato.
A determined glint shone in Mito's eyes. Her time grew short, but she would ensure Kushina's happiness. If the girl and Kagenori developed genuine connection, she would support them however possible.
Uzumaki Kushina hurried through Konoha's streets toward the ninja hospital, her heart pounding with purpose. At the reception desk, she asked for Kagenori's room number.
The medic-nin's response came with a disdainful sneer. "Oh, that little traitor? Last room down the hall."
The contempt in the woman's voice stung, but Kushina pressed forward, following the directions to the isolated ward.
She found Kagenori lying motionless, his limbs wrapped in bandages. The room felt stark and lonely—no flowers, no fruits, not even a water glass beside the beeping medical equipment.
The sight squeezed Kushina's heart. Forcing a cheerful tone, she announced, "I came to see you, Kagenori!"
Receiving no response from the unconscious boy, she quickly departed again, this time heading for a flower shop.
Though physically unconscious, Kagenori's mind remained acutely aware. The aftermath of the system's forced training had left every muscle and organ screaming in agony—a pain beyond anything he'd imagined possible.
Yet the memory of Thunder Breathing's power made the suffering feel worthwhile. At just nine years old, he'd wielded such incredible techniques. What would he achieve as an adult?
He'd regained mental awareness yesterday and had spent the time mentally rehearsing the sword forms, longing to practice them physically.
When Uzumaki Kushina entered his room, surprise rippled through his conscious mind. They'd been desk mates for merely a day before he declined her friendship. Why would she visit him in the hospital?
The door opened again as Kushina returned with a bouquet of lilies. She found a vase, arranged the flowers with careful attention, then sat beside his bed.
"I didn't know what flowers to bring," she confessed to his sleeping form. "The florist recommended lilies when I told him my friend was in the hospital. They symbolize blessings, purity, and good fortune. Aren't they pretty?"
She leaned closer, her voice softening. "Grandma Mito said being your friend might make people dislike me, but I should be prepared." Her tone strengthened with determination. "I've made up my mind! I want to be friends because you're the only one who didn't laugh at me—who helped push away that boy grabbing my hair."
Taking a deep breath, she declared with all her might, "I'm going to do everything I can to become your friend! Just you wait!"
Inside his motionless body, Kagenori's heart beat with sudden, fierce intensity. For the first time in five years in Konoha, he felt a warmth spreading through him—the unfamiliar, precious warmth of someone caring.