"Shin, what's going on here?"
Mikoto, seeing Tanaka-sensei scolding Kai, asked Shin for an explanation.
"Well, it's a bit complicated, but I'll give you the short version."
Shin cleared his throat.
"Kai likes Akiko, but Akiko seems to have a thing for Minato. So, Kai, in a fit of jealousy, punched Minato."
"Wow, Kai likes Akiko? Poor Akiko," Kushina said, shaking her head.
"By the way, your match ended so quickly. Who won?"
Mikoto asked curiously.
"I did, of course. Nawaki is no match for me. I could take him down with one hand tied behind my back."
Shin glanced at Nawaki, but he wasn't exaggerating. He really could defeat Nawaki with one hand.
"You're so mean, Shin! You bribed me! If you hadn't, I would have crushed you!" Nawaki protested.
"Yeah, right. You'd be the one getting crushed," Kushina scoffed. If Shin used his full strength, Nawaki wouldn't stand a chance.
"It's satisfying to see Kai get scolded," Shin said with a smirk.
Kai was severely reprimanded and forced to apologize to Minato.
Minato readily forgave him.
"He forgave him just like that? Shouldn't he at least try to get even?" Shin remarked.
"Uzumaki Shin!!!" Kai roared.
"What? Want to fight me? I'll break your other leg."
Kai, who had been fuming, felt a phantom pain in his leg and backed down.
The other students were surprised. Why was Kai so afraid of Shin?
Shin was good, but he wasn't that much better than Kai. What was going on?
"Alright, no fighting! If I catch you brawling, you'll be punished!" Tanaka-sensei warned.
"That concludes today's test. Class dismissed. Minato-san, go get those injuries treated."
Cheers erupted as the students celebrated their early dismissal.
"Shin, don't forget you owe me Yakiniku," Nawaki reminded him.
"Don't worry, you'll get your meat. Let's go."
Shin, Kushina, Mikoto, and a hopeful Nawaki headed towards a Yakiniku restaurant.
At the Senju compound, the Sandaime Hokage stood outside Uzumaki Mito's residence.
"Mito-sama, Sarutobi Hiruzen requests an audience."
"Ah, it's little monkey. Come in."
Hiruzen blushed at the nickname. Thankfully, they were alone; it would have been embarrassing otherwise.
"Mito-sama, you summoned me?"
Hiruzen hadn't come of his own volition; Mito had sent for him.
"Hiruzen, I called you here to discuss the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki." Mito had stopped calling him "little monkey," much to his relief.
"I'm old, Hiruzen. I don't know how much longer I can hold on. We need to choose a new Jinchūriki soon."
Hiruzen was silent for a moment. "What are your thoughts, Mito-sama?"
"The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki should ideally be an Uzumaki. Only their constitution can properly suppress the Kyuubi. Otherwise, it might go on a rampage or even break free from the seal."
Mito's voice was grave. The Nine-Tails was a force to be reckoned with. Without Hashirama, Konoha would struggle to contain its power.
Hiruzen was also cautious when it came to the Nine-Tails. Its importance was undeniable, and the Uzumaki were the most suitable candidates for becoming its Jinchūriki.
"Do you have anyone in mind, Mito-sama?"
"I can only offer suggestions. The final decision is yours, Hiruzen."
"First, I recommend Uzumaki Shin. He's the most suitable candidate. Then there's Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Akiko."
"What about Uzumaki Kai? He seems quite talented."
Mito shook her head. "He is talented, but he's also consumed by hatred and jealousy. He's not suitable to be the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."
Any Uzumaki was technically suitable, but Kai's personality made him a poor choice.
Hiruzen frowned. He had gathered information on the Uzumaki survivors. Uzumaki Hikaru was out of the question; he was an adult and harder to control. Hiruzen didn't trust him.
As for Shin, his performance at the Academy wasn't as impressive as Kai's. Why was Mito recommending him?
'Is this for the Senju Clan?' Hiruzen wondered.
Shin was close to Tsunade and was practically considered a Senju. Perhaps Mito was trying to secure an advantage for the Senju.
Hiruzen's guess was completely off the mark. Mito recommended Shin because of his immense life force, which could suppress the Nine-Tails completely. He would be the safest choice.
"The Kyuubi is volatile, filled with hatred. I think a female Jinchūriki would be better. Perhaps we can use love to tame the beast. Uzumaki Akiko seems like a good choice."
Hiruzen lowered his head.
Mito looked at him, disappointment clouding her eyes. Hiruzen had changed.
His thoughts were transparent to her.
She understood why he wasn't choosing Shin or Kushina. It was because of their close ties to the Senju Clan.
"Mito-sama, what do you think?" Hiruzen asked, a flicker of guilt in his eyes.
The Nine-Tails was too important. He couldn't allow any single clan to control it.
"You've already made up your mind, Hiruzen. Do as you see fit. I'm tired. You may leave."
Mito waved him away, her disappointment evident.
"Then I'll take my leave. If you need anything, Mito-sama, please don't hesitate to send for me."
Hiruzen bowed and left.
Outside, his guilt was overwhelming, but then his expression hardened.
"Forgive me, Mito-sama, but the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is too important. No single clan in Konoha should have control over it."
Shin and Kushina were too close to the Senju. Kai's personality was unsuitable. That left Akiko.
Hiruzen didn't want to see the Senju Clan rise to power again.
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