Chapter 62: Kushina Names the Rasengan
Elder Setsuna had passed away without causing any ripples in Konoha. Those aligned with the Third Hokage merely responded with cold smiles and disdain.
*At the training ground*
"Big sister Mikoto, I actually wanted to ask you about this jutsu," Uzumaki Kushina said, wiping the sweat from her forehead and smiling warmly as she looked at Mikoto, seeking advice on her technique.
Understanding Kushina's intentions to comfort her, Uchiha Mikoto gave her a gentle smile. "Don't worry, Kushina. Grandfather passed away peacefully and happily, with a smile. Isn't that the best way to go?"
Before Kushina could say anything, Mikoto looked at Kushina's hand and teased, "Kushina, this jutsu may be hard for others, but it should be a lot easier for you. You're skilled with sealing techniques, and your chakra control is already exceptional. Plus, you have no need to worry about chakra reserves."
The A-rank, hand seal-less jutsu that Uchiha Yosuke developed might be difficult, but it fit Kushina's abilities perfectly.
As Mikoto spoke, she extended her right hand, and a blue, spherical chakra formed in her palm. "This is the jutsu Yosuke created."
Mikoto's pride was evident as she spoke. While many shinobi create techniques, A-rank jutsu without any hand seals are exceedingly rare.
Kushina's eyes lit up at the sight of the jutsu. "What a beautiful technique," she murmured.
Even as a ninja, Kushina couldn't help but appreciate its appearance. With her face illuminated by the blue glow of the chakra sphere, she asked curiously, "What's the name of this jutsu?"
"A name?" Mikoto was momentarily surprised, then smiled, locking eyes with Kushina. "Yosuke hasn't named it yet. How about you come up with one, Kushina?"
"Me?" Startled at the suggestion, Kushina shook her head in quick denial. "How could I name this technique?"
Smiling, Mikoto raised the glowing chakra sphere in her palm and said, "Yosuke mentioned that his inspiration for creating this jutsu came from watching you."
"Me?" Kushina's eyes widened in surprise.
"Of course," Mikoto laughed. "Yosuke said it was the sight of your Tailed Beast chakra that gave him the idea."
Mikoto's lack of judgment when discussing Kushina's status as a Jinchuriki was something Kushina deeply appreciated. In the Uchiha clan's territory, Kushina could sense a different kind of acceptance—prideful but unprejudiced.
To the Uchiha, strength was everything, and they revered the power of the Sharingan above all. The Tailed Beast chakra might be formidable, but in their eyes, it could never surpass the Sharingan's strength.
"Because of me…" Kushina murmured, memories of the Tailed Beast incident at the Tenchi Bridge flashing through her mind. She recalled everything vividly.
"You see, Kushina, giving this jutsu a name would mean a lot to Yosuke," Mikoto gently encouraged her friend, catching Kushina off guard.
"Mikoto, you're being so sneaky!" Kushina joked, feigning annoyance. "Aren't you afraid I'll steal him away?"
They both laughed, enjoying the playful moment. As they watched the gentle whirlwind created by the spinning chakra in Mikoto's palm, Kushina's eyes softened. "Since it spins, let's call it the Rasengan."
"Rasengan…" Mikoto looked at the swirling pattern on Kushina's outfit, representing the Uzumaki clan, and smiled warmly. "I'm sure Yosuke thought of this jutsu as a way to protect you on the battlefield."
Mikoto's words made Kushina blush deeply, caught off guard by her friend's affectionate teasing.
"Mikoto, you're being too much!" Kushina exclaimed, diving at her friend as they both broke into laughter.
After a while, they lay on the soft grass, breathing heavily but smiling. Kushina's face beamed, savoring the precious bond of friendship they shared.
"Mikoto, you're really such a perfect partner. Even teasing me now," Kushina laughed, playfully scolding Mikoto for bridging the distance between them with her gentle, sincere words.
"Better watch out, or some other woman might take Yosuke away!" Kushina teased in return.
But Mikoto merely brushed her hair back, serene as she said, "It's fine. Yosuke will always come home in the end."
Kushina blinked, astonished by Mikoto's calm assurance. "Wow, Mikoto. You really were born for greatness!"
Both of them came from strong backgrounds, yet Kushina was still surprised by Mikoto's depth.
Mikoto laughed and explained, "Over the years, I finally understood something that Yosuke once said about our grandfather. He said, 'You can't lead a family without turning a blind eye to certain things.'"
Intrigued, Kushina asked, "What does that mean?"
With a soft chuckle, Mikoto explained, "Yosuke was describing our grandfather's wisdom, but now I see how it applies to me, too. Yosuke is destined for great things, and the women in his life will undoubtedly be exceptional as well. I simply need to prove my own worth."
Hearing Mikoto open up like this, Kushina couldn't help but feel envious. "Yosuke is lucky to have you, Mikoto."
Mikoto, however, simply smiled, eyes half-closed. "No, I'm the lucky one. And besides, Kushina… you're pretty amazing too."
"Mikoto!" Kushina shouted playfully, her heart full as they continued sharing their thoughts and dreams, laughing under the open sky.