The Uzumaki Cemetery.
Masahiko personally presided over Gensuke's funeral.
Gensuke loved to rule, but never acted as a Daimyo; he was more like the "Patriarch" of the Land of Whirlpools. He didn't mind dealing with common people's affairs, relocation, planting, and of course, the economy. He did everything by himself and never relied on anyone but the Patrol Team that protected him. Yuriko was the Patriarch of the clan, so the two had to work together, although they always quarreled.
Initially, it was decided that Yuriko was the one who will be hosting the funeral, but later, when Masahiko saw how many civilians were carrying in grief when they heard of Gensuke's death, he suddenly realized how he indeed made a good name and reputation for the country over the years and decided to preside it personally.
"He's the Daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools, and he's worthy enough for a funeral hosted by the country's greatest elder." Masahiko sighed, then took the lead to approach and put a few flowers in his open coffin, then stood aside, watching civilians and ninjas orderly approaching.
The funeral was presided over by him but Masahiko still didn't say a word. After all, the flower offering took an entire day. Masahiko, at that moment, couldn't help but say, "The entire country came for you today, Gensuke, you don't need my reorganization, when you have all of these people." Although it was late, Masahiko hoped that this will make Gensuke rest in peace.
Masahiko murmured softly and directly declared that the funeral was over and asked the patrol team members to help them out of the field.
Although the funeral was just over, Masahiko had a lot of things to do.
Even though he was old, Masahiko thought that Gensuke could still fill the position for at least five more years, or even ten, after which Nagato could grow up and take over the position of Daimyo.
But now Gensuke suddenly passed away, Nagato was less than 11 years old, it would be too ridiculous to let him take over as a Daimyo.
"Then should I let Kushina's father take it over?" Masahiko hesitated.
Things are really getting ridiculous. Masahiko doesn't even know Kushina's father's name; unless it's within his small circle, he really doesn't know much and doesn't really care much too. Nanako is his disciple, so he really cares a lot about her. Kushina is Naruto's mother; in fact, she's the mother he always wanted. When he first watched her in the anime, he felt so emotional. However, Kushina's father and Nanako's son; he just knew that there was such a person… Masahiko can't just make him a Daimyo based on that, he will never be relieved.
"I need to hear my disciples' opinions."
Kenichiro… Masahiko ignored him and directly went to his two female disciples to ask for their opinions.
"Sensei, Incheon would be a great Daimyo. Gensuke has been training him for the past two years." Nanako didn't shy away and directly recommended her son, yet Yuriko didn't show any objection.
(T/N: Incheon: a beautiful city in Korea.)
Masahiko nodded, "It seems that he has been preparing for a long time… inform him to be ready. The position of the Daimyo cannot stay empty."
Nanako nodded, then hesitated for a moment before saying, "After the funeral, Kushina went straight to her room and locked herself in. Sensei, could you please comfort her?"
"Was her relationship with Gensuke that deep?" Masahiko was slightly puzzled. Gensuke, as a Daimyo, is usually very busy. He shouldn't have much time to spend with Kushina.
When he came to the door, he first shouted, "Kushina, I'm gonna open the door."
After he waited for a few seconds, Masahiko opened the door's lock with gravity and walked in.
Kushina was sitting on the bed with her hands on her knees, her eyes were reddish, she didn't look sad, but seemed like she had something troubling her.
"What's the problem?" Masahiko asked.
"Grandpa, am I being selfish for staying in Konoha all the time to be with Minato?"
Masahiko was startled; he really didn't expect her to ask such a question.
"As the princess of the Land of Whirlpools, I should have my own responsibilities. My grandfather dedicated his entire life to this country, but I…"
"As the princess of this country, you do have your own responsibilities, but you can't sacrifice your own happiness."
Masahiko shook his head, "Being a Daimyo was very hard on Gensuke, but this is the life he has always wanted, he chose to live it, and he didn't regret it in the end."
"If you marry Minato, you will be happy, and you will also make the relationship between Konoha and the Uzumaki closer."
"If this is considered selfish, then Mito is the most selfish person. As the princess of the Uzumaki, she married Hashirama and lived happily since then. Surely the clan would have needed her at times, but they got me. In fact, I also helped to build this strong bond between the Uzumaki and Konoha. Otherwise, this country would have disappeared a long time ago."
Kushina looked puzzled, "But she married the Senju Patriarch. How is marrying Minato would help to strengthen that bond? Also…" Her eyes were bright and scary, "Why can't I just marry Minato and stay here?"
"What?" Masahiko was taken aback, then with a dumbfounded expression, he thought, "She really dared to think of this."
"Then he must work harder, and you too!" After pondering, Masahiko still encouraged her.
Kushina was very quiet for a moment, then she eagerly asked, "Grandpa, I want to know what happened a few years ago."
"You found something wrong with that story?"
Masahiko asked with a smile. That story had many flaws; the biggest one was how Masahiko didn't retaliate after finding out that it was a Kumogakure Shinobi.
Kushina nodded, and Masahiko continued to speak.
"This matter is related to the story I've told you when you were a little girl."
"Do you mean the Kyuubi?" Kushina has known about the Kyuubi for so many years.
Masahiko nodded, "After all, Mito is old, Konoha needs to find the next Kyuubi's Jinchuriki. Your body is just right, so I told you that story."
"Is that so?" Kushina sighed, "Then who kidnapped me…"
"It was an Anbu."
Kushina's expression changed, Masahiko smiled and comforted, "Don't worry, Minato didn't know about this, it was completely arranged by Hiruzen and Danzo."
Kushina breathed a sigh of relief, and Masahiko continued, "Because the ultimate goal of this matter is to bring you and Minato together, I didn't pursue it, but I still warned them."
Kushina fell silent, then after a long time, she clenched her fist, as if she had made up her mind.
Masahiko was startled and said, "Don't tell me that you're still thinking of bringing Minato back?"
Kushina shook her head and then nodded, "I'm going to bring both Minato and the Kyuubi here!"
Masahiko sighed deeply, then smiled and nodded, "Then, you will really have to work harder. I really hope to see that day."
He really wanted to see it… it would be really interesting and exciting to see what kind of expression Hiruzen would have when that happens. As for the plot, Naruto would be born smoothly in the end. He can't ask for much more, but for now, one step at a time.