Chapter 90 : Summoning Contract?

Mito was already up early, having prepared breakfast with the kind of punctuality that comes with age. She often had restless nights due to the Nine-Tails within her, leaving her with little sleep, but during the day, she would steal a few moments of rest.

Upon hearing Kazuhiko's words, a smile of genuine happiness graced her face. She lived here in solitude, and in the past, the Senju family had arranged for two members to help her – maids who would clean, launder, and cook every day. 

However, she had refused their assistance. Most of the time, she preferred to take care of these tasks herself.

Mito believed that one needed to keep busy when staying alone like this. After all, there was a need for personal purpose in these quiet days.

Tsunade was the only one who would come to keep her company, but most of the time, she would eat all her meals alone. 

Kazuhiko's words made her spring to her feet, opening the door with excitement.

"Clan Head, please come in. Breakfast is ready, I hope it suits your taste."

She stood in the doorway, waving with a cheerful smile, inviting him to join her for a meal. 

In that moment, Kazuhiko felt like he was seeing his grandmother from a previous lifetime. This exchange was reminiscent of the way she would call him in for dinner after his playful adventures.

Kazuhiko's eyes softened as he approached, saying, "Sure, Grandma Mito, I'm looking forward to this breakfast, and I've got quite an appetite today."

"Don't worry, I made extra. There's plenty for you."

Both Kazuhiko and Grandma Mito enjoyed their breakfast, chatting and bonding like any ordinary pair of grandparents and grandchildren.

Kazuhiko updated Grandma Mito on the recent developments in the Land of Whirlpools. He mentioned the elders who were still around, and each time he spoke a familiar name, it brought joy to her heart. 

When he told her about acquaintances who had passed away, it brought a moment of sadness.

They discussed who had married whom and who already had grandchildren, which led to sighs of nostalgia. Mito felt like an ordinary elder who had been away from home for many years, and 

Kazuhiko slowly recounted the changes in her hometown, eliciting moments of awe and wonder.

Mito, in turn, shared tales of Konoha's evolution. She proudly spoke of her husband, Senju Hashirama, and his role in founding Konoha. 

She recounted how she had witnessed Konoha's growth step by step. To her, Konoha was like a child, and she longed to revisit it. Yet, she knew that such a journey was impossible.

Apart from her age, the presence of the Nine-Tails within her made it clear that she couldn't leave for the Land of Whirlpools, even if she had wanted to.

As their conversation during breakfast came to an end, Mito suddenly looked around and, in a hushed tone, asked, "Kazuhiko, do you have your own summoning beast?"

Kazuhiko hadn't expected this question but shook his head in response.

Mito couldn't hide her delight and led Kazuhiko to a back room with a sense of pride. "I've been thinking about what to give you when you take on the role of Clan Head. I decided on this special gift."

She retrieved a scroll, about the length of an arm, tied with a cord from a hidden box. Kazuhiko could sense a faint chakra presence emanating from it.

Intrigued, he watched as Mito unrolled the scroll. It listed names, each written in blood, with a bright red handprint below. Kazuhiko recognized the nature of the scroll, even if he hadn't seen one before. 

"Is this a summoning contract scroll?" He asked without hesitation.

Mito proudly confirmed, "Yes, Clan Head. This is the Senju clan's summoning scroll, a truly valuable treasure. It will prove incredibly useful to you in the future."

She continued, "It will certainly benefit you in your future endeavors!"

Mito explained, "By signing this scroll, you can form a contract with Sage Katsuyu, who will become your summoning beast. Katsuyu is immensely powerful, capable of splitting into smaller forms for healing and harboring a unique chakra-based healing technique. Furthermore, Katsuyu's size makes it an effective ally in battle for both healing and support. It's truly an extraordinary boon. So, sign it without delay!"

Kazuhiko's eyes lit up at the prospect. He was already curious about the legendary Three Holy Lands. Having a summoning beast as a partner, one capable of healing not only himself but also his allies in critical situations, was an appealing prospect.

Furthermore, each of the Three Holy Lands held its own unique Senjutsu. Mount Myōboku and Ryuchi Cave possessed their own secrets, and now, with the Shikkotsu Forest, Kazuhiko could hardly contain his excitement.

After hearing Mito's words, he didn't hesitate, biting his finger to sign his name on the scroll.

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