Kuroya and Tsunade arrived at the Land of the Senju cn, a district filled with shops, houses, and all kinds of buildings. At first gnce, it looked quite simir to the Uchiha district; however, there was one key difference: while the Uchiha territory was dominated by members of their own cn, here most of the inhabitants were not truly Senju.

  — I never imagined I’d one day enter the Senju cn’s territory escorted by Lady Tsunade herself — Kuroya remarked.

  Tsunade frowned but said nothing; she saw no need to respond.

  Finally, they reached the main residence of the Senju cn. It was a sort of sizeable vil, just a little smaller than the Uchiha cn’s.

  — Not a bad pce, it’s quite cozy — he said while observing the main residence.

  Between the cold solemnity of the Uchiha cn’s residence and the almost homely warmth of the Senju cn’s, the difference between the two cns was evident.

  Tsunade, hearing Kuroya’s words, smiled gently. — Come on, go inside quickly, Kushina is in there — she said, urging Kuroya to enter.

  Kuroya nodded and went inside immediately, with Tsunade following closely behind. They quickly walked through the pce while Tsunade showed him around, until finally they reached the main hall, where Kushina was not alone.

  — Grandma Mito, what are you doing out of bed? You should be resting — Tsunade said with concern in her voice, approaching the elderly red-haired woman, Mito Uzumaki, wife of the First Hokage and the first jinchūriki of the Kyūbi.

  Wait, if she’s alive, then Kushina doesn’t have the Kyūbi inside her yet — Kuroya thought, a cold sweat running down his back.

  So that monstrous force and demonic presence are her basic form... Okay, let’s remember not to anger her.

  He thought as he stayed to one side so as not to disturb.

  Mito smiled sweetly when she saw Tsunade enter.

  — Oh, dear... You’re back already. I’m gd to see you — she said softly.

  Looking toward Tsunade, she noticed the young man by the door—. Well, you’ve brought company.

  Her eyes rested on Kuroya with curiosity and tenderness.

  — An Uchiha boy... It’s been so long since I saw one of your kind — she commented, observing him from head to toe, with a mixture of nostalgia and affection.

  — Come, don’t be afraid to greet this old dy — she added with a kind smile, gesturing for him to come closer.

  Kuroya, with a slightly awkward smile, approached. — Good day, Lady Mito, it’s an honor to meet you — he said while bowing.

  — Hoho, no need to call me that. Just "Mito" is fine — she said kindly, gently caressing Kuroya’s head —. I’ve heard about you from little Kushina. Thank you for looking after her on her first day of csses.

  Kuroya quickly shook his hands in denial, somewhat uncomfortable.

  — It’s nothing... I didn’t do anything special. It’s just... they were very noisy, so... you know\... — he trailed off mid-sentence, looking away.

  Mito let out a soft ugh, amused by his reaction.

  — I understand... But still, thank you for taking care of Kushina. I would love for you to continue doing so during her time at the academy. She’s a girl with a somewhat votile temper, but she also has a very sweet heart for those she cares about.

  — Grandma! Don’t say it like that... — protested Kushina, clearly embarrassed, while Mito continued ughing softly.

  Kuroya stayed silent for a moment, then pced his hand over his chest and nodded respectfully.

  — Don’t worry, Lady Mito. I will take care of her... and make sure she enjoys every day at the academy.

  — Thank you, boy — Mito said softly, gently stroking Kuroya’s head with an almost maternal tenderness —. I’ll let you have your meeting in peace — she added, slowly rising with Tsunade’s help and beginning to leave the room.

  Kuroya watched her silently, with mixed feelings. He knew Mito didn’t have much time left... Soon, the Kyūbi would be extracted from her body, and with that, her end would come.

  He would have preferred not to have met her; now it was harder knowing such a warm person would soon die. He thought for a moment, then turned his gaze to Kushina and could only sigh.

  The Senju and the Uzumaki... truly carried a difficult life on their shoulders.

  Kushina looked toward the door through which Mito had left with worry.

  Kuroya sighed softly and gently rested a hand on her head.

  — Hey... don’t worry. Everything will be alright.

  Kushina looked at him, surprised by the warmth in his voice, and her eyes began to fill with tears. Without saying a word, she clung to Kuroya’s body and cried silently, seeking comfort in that moment of calm.

  Kuroya was surprised at first, not expecting that reaction... but he didn’t stop her.

  He simply let her be, allowing her to let it out as he carefully wrapped his arms around her shoulders and gently stroked her head.

  — It’s okay... — he murmured in a low, calm voice —. You’re not alone, okay? I’m here. Everything’s going to be fine, I promise.

  Kushina’s tears continued falling silently. Tsunade returned a while ter, but seeing Kushina crying silently in Kuroya’s arms, she said nothing.

  She just watched them quietly for a few seconds, with a soft expression on her face.

  Could it be possible that someday, the Uzumaki Cn and the Uchiha Cn might come together?

  A curious idea... but interesting.

  It would be intriguing to see it happen... in its own time, she thought, as she quietly turned and headed to the kitchen to find something to help her rex her mind.