Uzumaki Kushina finally understood what Sora had meant by "successful."
Just as Sora was about to explain further, Uzumaki Miyuki spoke first, addressing Kushina directly. "Kushina, this was entirely my own choice. Lord Hokage asked me to learn sealing techniques from you and Lady Mito."
She continued, "After I demonstrated my talents in fuinjutsu and my Uzumaki clan physique, they realized I was more suitable to become the next Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. That's when they told me about the position."
Miyuki's voice grew more earnest. "I agreed to become the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. After all, there's nothing wrong with it. Lord Hokage promised to keep my Jinchūriki identity secret and provide me with a better life."
Her eyes softened with vulnerability. "Kushina, you know what? Since the fall of Uzushiogakure, I've lived as a refugee. I had no power, and as an Uzumaki, I was coveted by many people. Whenever someone discovered I was from the Uzumaki clan, my situation would become dangerous. Each day was filled with fear."
"Now that Konoha has given me stability, I want to repay the village. Besides, I know that Sora has been working tirelessly to resolve your situation. Kushina, you're my only friend, and by becoming the Jinchūriki, I can help both you and the village. Isn't that the best outcome for everyone?"
Tears welled in Kushina's eyes. "Miyuki..."
Sora breathed a silent sigh of relief. It was fortunate that Miyuki was helping conceal the full truth. At the same time, he recognized that he now owed her a significant debt.
Uzumaki Mito turned her attention to Namikaze Minato. "Minato, I'm counting on you to take special care of Miyuki from now on."
Minato responded with conviction, "I absolutely will!"
Mito offered a few final words of wisdom to the four young shinobi before saying, "The future belongs to you all, and it's time for me to join Hashirama. Now, you should attend to your duties."
As Sora prepared to leave, Mito suddenly called out, "Sora, don't forget our agreement."
Sora replied solemnly, "I won't forget."
Kushina was visibly upset, so after saying goodbye to Miyuki, she and Sora returned home.
Back at their residence, Kushina curled up on the sofa, hugging her knees to her chest with her head bowed.
Sora sat beside her. Just as he was about to offer words of comfort, Kushina suddenly raised her head, fixing him with red-rimmed eyes.
Under her intense gaze, Sora felt an unexpected pang of guilt.
Kushina's voice was thick with emotion. "Sora, you and Miyuki have known each other for a long time, haven't you?"
Sora's expression froze.
Looking at Kushina's tearful face, he sighed and decided to tell her the truth. "I found Uzumaki Miyuki and brought her to Konoha..."
Kushina's pupils contracted in shock. She had assumed Miyuki and Sora had met after Miyuki's arrival in the village.
She had guessed that Sora had approached Miyuki after learning of her Uzumaki heritage. But now she realized that Sora had actively sought out Miyuki and personally brought her to Konoha.
Sora revealed everything to Kushina.
She was stunned into silence.
Uzumaki Mito, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo...
For her sake, Sora had faced such immense pressure alone.
Kushina embraced Sora tightly. "Sora... thank you. Please don't hide things from me anymore. I deserve to know. We should be honest with each other."
Sora gently stroked her head. "I'm sorry, it was my fault. I should have told you sooner, but I saw how you and Miyuki had become friends. I know how deeply you feel things, so I wasn't sure how to tell you. I was afraid you'd think I was manipulative and heartless."
Kushina rested her head on Sora's shoulder. "No, I would never think that. It's just... Miyuki became the Jinchūriki instead of me. She's my dear friend, and I feel terrible about it. Sora, could you..."
Before she could finish, Sora immediately refused. "No!"
His tone became firm as he addressed her. "If you feel indebted to Miyuki, we can find other ways to make it up to her."
"What Miyuki said was true. Without my intervention, she would have continued living a life without dignity or security. When I found her, she was surviving on charity in the Land of Grass. She was terrified when I identified her as an Uzumaki."
"If I hadn't brought her to Konoha, her future would have been bleak. The Uzumaki physique—or any special bloodline trait—makes its possessor a target in the shinobi world. Those with such gifts who wander without protection rarely meet good ends."
"So I made an arrangement with Miyuki, and she agreed to it from the beginning. Now that the Hokage has approved Miyuki as the replacement Jinchūriki, it's impossible to propose another change."
"It's now certain that Miyuki will become the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. There will be no further alterations to this plan, and I will never allow any more changes!"
Sora's tone left no room for argument.
This plan had been developing for nearly ten years and was finally about to succeed. Sora would not permit any complications at this critical juncture, and he absolutely refused to let Kushina become the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
Kushina sighed deeply.
She knew that once Sora made up his mind, it was nearly impossible to change it.
She stood up from the sofa. "Sora, what would you like for dinner?"
Seeing that Kushina had stopped pursuing the matter, Sora smiled. "I'll go with you."
Kushina shook her head. "I'll go by myself this time. I want to visit Miyuki while I'm out."
Sora nodded. "Alright, I'll wait for you at home. Let's have beef curry rice and miso soup for dinner."
"Okay, just wait for me here."
Kushina left home and headed to Miyuki's residence.
When she arrived, she happened to see Namikaze Minato leaving Miyuki's room.
"Miyuki, see you tomorrow," Minato called back.
"See you tomorrow—oh, Kushina?" Miyuki noticed Kushina standing a short distance behind Minato.
Minato acknowledged Kushina with a brief nod before departing.
He knew that Kushina disliked him as much as she disliked Sora, so a simple nod seemed the appropriate greeting.
Miyuki quickly approached Kushina. "Kushina, why aren't you at home with Sora? What brings you here? Come inside."
She welcomed Kushina into her home.
After pouring a glass of water for her guest, Miyuki asked, "Kushina, why did you come to see me?"
Kushina set down her glass and looked directly into Miyuki's eyes. "Miyuki, I'm here to apologize to you. I'm sorry."
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