Elder Setsuna had passed away, leaving no ripple in Konoha. Those aligned with the Third Hokage could only act dismissively at the news.
...
Training Ground
"Mikoto, I still want to ask for your guidance on this jutsu," said Uzumaki Kushina, wiping the sweat off her brow with a bright smile as she looked at Uchiha Mikoto.
Mikoto, always perceptive and considerate, knew her good friend was here to console her. She responded with a warm smile.
Mikoto looked at her palm and teased, "Kushina, this jutsu might be difficult for others, but for someone like you, it should be much easier. With your expertise in sealing techniques, your chakra control is already precise. And when it comes to chakra reserves, you have nothing to worry about."
The A-rank, hand seal-less jutsu that Shirou had created was challenging, but its compatibility varied. For Uzumaki Kushina, it was almost tailor-made.
As Mikoto spoke, she extended her right hand. In an instant, a glowing blue sphere of chakra appeared in her palm.
"Kushina, this is the seal-less jutsu created by Shirou," Mikoto said, her expression brimming with pride.
Kushina's eyes sparkled as she saw the jutsu.
"What a beautiful technique," she exclaimed.
Even as a ninja, her first reaction as a woman was to appreciate its aesthetic. The radiance of the blue sphere cast a soft glow on her face. Her curiosity got the better of her.
"What's it called?"
"Name?"
Mikoto paused, then smiled, her gaze playful as she teased, "Shirou hasn't named it yet. Why don't you name it for him, Kushina?"
"Me?"
Kushina blinked, flustered. She quickly waved her hands.
"How could I name his jutsu?"
Mikoto laughed, lifting the glowing sphere slightly.
"Shirou once said this Jutsu's inspiration came from you, Kushina."
"From me?"
Kushina was taken aback, memories flashing in her mind.
Mikoto explained, "Yes, Shirou said the idea struck him when he saw the power of your tailed-beast transformation."
Hearing this, Kushina's expression softened. Unlike others, Mikoto showed no hint of unease or prejudice when speaking about the tailed beasts or jinchūriki. This was one of the reasons Kushina cherished her friendship with Mikoto.
Among the Uchiha, she felt less like an outcast. The clan's pride in their Sharingan made them regard even tailed-beast powers as inferior—a fascinating perspective to Kushina.
"So it was inspired by me…"
Kushina murmured, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips as she recalled those moments of chaos during her rampage.
"Exactly," Mikoto encouraged.
"That's why you should name it. Shirou would be happy."
Playfully, Kushina teased, "Mikoto, you're so cheeky. Aren't you afraid I'll steal Shirou away from you?"
Their laughter rang out as Mikoto waved her hand, the blue sphere in her palm spinning into a tiny whirlwind. Strands of their hair floated gently in the breeze before the chakra dissipated.
"'Spinning,' huh?"
Kushina mused aloud, looking thoughtful.
"Why not call it Rasengan(Spiralling Sphere)?"
"Rasengan…"
Mikoto repeated, her gaze softening as she glanced at the whirlpool insignia on Kushina's clothing.
She smiled knowingly.
"When Shirou created this technique, I think he was thinking about how to protect you on the battlefield, Kushina."
Mikoto's gentle tone, paired with her heartfelt observation, made Kushina blush furiously.
"Mikoto, you're terrible!" she shouted playfully, lunging at her friend.
After their laughter subsided, the two lay on the soft grass, looking up at the sky.
"You're such a perfect partner, Mikoto," Kushina said with a hint of envy in her voice.
Mikoto smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Don't worry. No matter where Shirou goes, he'll always come back home to me."
Her serene confidence left Kushina momentarily speechless. Sitting upright, she stared at Mikoto, blurting out, "Wow, Mikoto. You really are from a prestigious family!"
Both women understood each other well, but Mikoto's composure still amazed Kushina.
With a soft laugh, Mikoto explained, "For years, Grandpa lived modestly. I didn't understand it back then, but Shirou once said something about Grandpa that I only now truly comprehend."
"What did he say?"
Kushina asked curiously.
Mikoto's voice carried a tinge of nostalgia.
"He said, 'Those who can't turn a blind eye or a deaf ear aren't fit to lead.' At the time, it was Shirou's critique of Grandpa. Now I think it applies to me too."
Hearing this, Kushina couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration mixed with jealousy.
"Mikoto, Shirou is so lucky to have you," she said softly.
But Mikoto shook her head, her smile serene.
"No, I'm the lucky one to have Shirou. And, Kushina, you're incredible too."
"Mikoto!"
Kushina huffed, her cheeks reddening as she tackled her friend once more.
Amid their laughter, the two shared a rare moment of camaraderie, baring their deepest thoughts to each other.