Though Sarutobi Hiruzen had been appointed Hokage by Senju Tobirama, he could not have secured his position as Third Hokage without Uzumaki Mito's support.
Resting on a lounge chair, Mito slowly opened her eyes. "Hiruzen, you're here."
In front of Uzumaki Mito, Hiruzen dared not show the slightest arrogance. He hurried forward to help her sit up straight, only standing once she was comfortable.
"Hiruzen, Kushina is set to be the next Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails and is also the princess of the Uzumaki Clan. She deserves the right to control her own life. This will help her integrate better into the Konoha family and view it as her true home."
Respectfully, Hiruzen replied, "Lady Mito, now that Kushina has arrived in Konoha, she is one of our own. I will not restrict or interfere in her life."
He understood well enough that Mito was warning him not to excessively interfere with Kushina's life, as it would hinder her integration into Konoha.
"Good that you understand, sigh…"
Mito felt a deep sadness in her heart. Looking at Kushina now was like seeing her younger self, although she had been far more fortunate. When she married into the Senju Clan, the Uzumaki Clan was still strong, and Hashirama had treated her with great respect. Even after becoming a Jinchūriki, no one dared disrespect her.
The privileges and status she enjoyed were privileges Kushina could never expect. Konoha would, at best, offer Kushina financial support. After all, swallowing up the wealth of the Uzumaki Clan without giving Kushina a share would be too conspicuous.
But what Kushina needed wasn't just financial freedom; she needed personal freedom too.
"Here's a scroll with some plans I drafted. Konoha has taken too much from the Uzumaki Clan, so it should offer Kushina some compensation. I hope the Hokage's office will implement this soon. Also, avoid interfering in Kushina's life too much; that's all."
"Yes," Hiruzen replied.
With a respectful bow, Hiruzen put away the scroll, then supported Mito back inside before leaving.
The matter of compensation had already been discussed among the elders and him. Though reluctant, the elders had no choice but to concede when Mito was involved.
The next day, Konoha's Elder Council gathered in the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen took out the scroll Mito had given him and handed it to them. After reading it, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado remained silent, but Danzo Shimura, the Hokage's advisor, reacted strongly.
"No, I disagree with this decision. We can agree to compensate Kushina, but her safety requires full monitoring, and we can't allow too many people to interact with a Jinchūriki."
At this point, Danzo was only an advisor in title, with minimal actual power. His infamous foundation, "Root," hadn't yet developed, as it would only grow after the Second Shinobi World War.
"This is Lady Mito's order," Hiruzen said without arguing further. "If you have objections, you're welcome to voice them to her. Convince Mito, and I'll have no objection to restricting Kushina."
Danzo raised a hand in anger, wanting to say something, but the words stuck in his throat.
It was Lady Mito's command, after all.
Both Homura and Koharu shook their heads. Danzo's need for control was excessive. Were it anyone else making this decision—even Hiruzen—Danzo would have opposed them on the spot. But with Uzumaki Mito behind it, Danzo didn't dare show disrespect, though he might curse privately.
Seeing Danzo's temper subside, Hiruzen spoke up. "Danzo, Lady Mito is already displeased about what happened to the Uzumaki Clan. She cares deeply for Kushina, so consider this both a show of support for her and a warning to us not to overstep."
"Hmph, I hope you won't regret it."
Danzo, who had been involved in the handling of the Uzumaki Clan's matter, knew all too well that they had thoroughly disappointed Mito. That she hadn't reprimanded or punished him directly was already generous enough.
With no choice but to accept the terms Mito set, Danzo stormed out of the office.
Koharu turned to Hiruzen, "Hiruzen, I heard Tsunade recently took on a promising student. Is that true?"
"Yes. His name is Takashi. Here, look over his file. Lady Mito has permitted Kushina to interact with this child without opposition."
Whenever in doubt, Mito's authority was their safe harbor.
Once they reviewed Takashi's file, Koharu and Homura understood why Mito and Hiruzen had no objection to Kushina interacting with Takashi.
After all, he was practically family. Well, perhaps half-family, since the Caged Bird Seal limited his freedom.
Putting down the file, Koharu remarked, "Lady Mito really understands people, especially young girls' admiration for strength and natural compassion."
The best way to help Kushina integrate into Konoha was simple: let her make genuine friends, feel the warmth of family and friendship, and gradually see herself as part of Konoha. Imprisonment and surveillance would be the most incompetent strategy.
---
"Child, what's the matter?"
Seeing Kushina look restless all morning, and watching her frequently glance at the door around noon, Mito sat beside her and gently hugged her shoulders.
"Grandma Mito, it's nothing."
Kushina smiled sheepishly. "Yesterday at Takashi-kun's house, Sister Tsunade said she would buy groceries for him every day. But after you scolded her last night, she didn't go to work today and is still sleeping."
"Kushina, are you worried that Takashi won't have anything to eat?" Mito's eyes glinted with humor as she teased Kushina.
"No, no," Kushina quickly denied, shaking her head.
"I was just thinking Takashi might be disappointed if Sister Tsunade doesn't show up since they had already made plans."
Kushina clearly cared a lot for her new friend.
Feigning a stern expression, Mito replied, "Don't expect too much from Tsunade; she's sulking right now and didn't even get up for lunch."
"Ah… what about Takashi?"
Because Tsunade was annoyed and unwilling to go out, her promise to help Takashi with groceries would go unfulfilled. Takashi, with his limited vision, wouldn't be able to go out himself.
"Tsunade can't go, but you could, couldn't you?" Mito smiled, encouraging Kushina. "You could fulfill your sister's promise."
"I-I can't…"
Kushina instinctively shook her head. She wasn't familiar enough with Konoha to even know her way around, let alone find the market and deliver groceries to Takashi.
"Seems Tsunade will have to break her promise, then," Mito sighed, her tone full of regret.
Kushina's cute little face twisted with conflict. She didn't want Tsunade to break her promise or to see Takashi disappointed. But she didn't know her way around or how to shop in a market. Being a princess of the Uzumaki Clan, she had never needed to do such things, and since arriving in Konoha, she had barely stepped out of the Senju residence.
What should she do?
After seriously considering it for a minute, Kushina encouraged herself internally: Kushina, you can do this.
Looking up at Mito with determination, she said, "Grandma Mito, I'll go buy the groceries and take them to Takashi-kun. But you'll have to assign someone to guide me since I don't know the market or the prices."
The little princess had finally taken the bait.
Smiling, Mito nodded. "I'll have Kiyuu accompany you to the market and bring you back afterward." She ruffled Kushina's red hair affectionately.
"Sweetheart, remember to memorize the route. Then you'll be able to find your friend all on your own, won't you?"
Kushina's eyes lit up. "Grandma Mito, can I? Am I really allowed to go where I want? Even to visit friends?"
"Of course," Mito assured her, "I promise you can. Konoha is your home, so you can go wherever you like."
"Thank you, Grandma Mito!"
With a beaming smile, Mito hugged her tightly as Kushina shed tears of joy in her embrace.
After getting ready, Kushina left to run her errand.
Shortly after her departure, a conflicted-looking Tsunade entered the room.