Chapter 49: Before Departure, Grandma’s Gift

In the early morning, the fragrant aroma of rice porridge with a hint of meat wafted through the Uzumaki family's courtyard.

Inside the dining room, Raiden Uzumaki sat cross-legged at the table, pouring milk into his glass. At the head of the table sat an elderly woman with gray hair, Uzumaki Mito, while Kushina sat beside Raiden, absentmindedly staring at her rice porridge, lost in thought. Across from them, Nawaki sat upright, curiously observing Raiden.

"It's rare for our family to sit together for breakfast like this," Mito said, her tone warm. "Even though Tsunade isn't here, this is the most complete it has been in years." Her gaze shifted to Raiden. "You're leaving on a mission this afternoon. When you're away, remember to eat on time. You're still growing, and it's important not to neglect your health. Have you prepared everything?"

Raiden, who was gulping down his milk, nodded as he set his glass down. "Yes, Grandma. I've prepared food, water, and ninja tools. Everything's ready."

Mito smiled gently, watching him eat with gusto. "Eat slowly, there's more if you want."

On the other side of the table, Nawaki frowned, clearly displeased. "This brat. He told me to stay off the battlefield, but now he's heading out himself. The Hokage is really cunning!" Nawaki had only learned about Raiden's deployment that morning, and the news had upset him. As his contemporaries fought on the battlefield, Nawaki couldn't help but feel left behind, his frustration dimming his appetite.

Meanwhile, Kushina glanced worriedly at her younger brother, her own breakfast untouched. The dining room was unusually quiet, save for the sound of Raiden eating. The rest of the family watched him silently.

Finishing his meal, Raiden stood and bowed slightly to Mito. "Grandma, I'm done. I need to join the others now. Take care." He patted Kushina lightly on the shoulder. "Sister, don't worry. I'll be back after the war." Turning to Nawaki, he added, "Goodbye, Brother Nawaki."

As he headed toward the door, Mito's voice stopped him. "Raiden, wait."

Raiden turned to see Mito slowly rising from her seat. Her breath was slightly labored, prompting Kushina to rush to her side for support. Concerned, Raiden quickly strode over and gently took Mito's arm.

"Grandma, you should take care of yourself," he said softly, his tone tinged with worry.

Mito patted his head reassuringly. "Don't worry, child. Birth, old age, sickness, and death—these are part of life. Now, give me your hand."

Puzzled, Raiden extended his left hand. A radiant red light suddenly emanated from Mito's palm, causing Kushina to shield her eyes and Nawaki to squint in curiosity. When the light faded, a purple circle surrounded by black seals appeared on Raiden's wrist, with a crimson kanji for "sword" in the center. At the same moment, a complex sealing technique surfaced in Raiden's mind—something he was sure he had never learned before.

Before Raiden could ask, his chakra began flowing uncontrollably into the seal until nearly 90% of it was drained. As the seal stabilized, the black markings faded, and the purple circle turned sky blue. However, the kanji in the center grew even more vivid, shifting from red to deep crimson, tinged with purple.

"Grandma, what is this?" Raiden asked, examining the seal in confusion.

"This is a treasure passed down through our Uzumaki clan," Mito explained with a weak but proud smile. "It's called Sakegari no Tachi. It contains our clan's strongest sealing technique, capable of permanently sealing enemies it strikes. The seal on your wrist is its vessel. You can summon it now."

Following Mito's instructions, Raiden bit his finger, smeared his blood on the seal, and performed the necessary hand signs. "Release!"

A burst of red smoke erupted from the seal, and when it cleared, Raiden found himself holding a crimson gourd composed entirely of chakra. The gourd felt weightless yet solid.

"This is the handle of the sword," Mito instructed. "Hold it and draw Sakegari no Tachi."

As Raiden gripped the red mist extending from the gourd, he immediately noticed how much chakra it consumed. Only a small portion of the sword emerged before his chakra reserves were nearly depleted. "Damn it! This sword eats chakra like crazy," he muttered, biting his lip in frustration.

Activating his Yin Seal, Raiden accessed his stored chakra, allowing him to fully draw the weapon. When the sword finally emerged, it radiated a brilliant crimson light, its entire form composed of pure chakra. The blade emitted an intense, fiery aura, standing almost as tall as Raiden himself.

"Wow!" Nawaki exclaimed, his earlier frustration forgotten as he stared in awe. Kushina, equally stunned, remained speechless.

"This child truly has the ability to wield it," Mito murmured, satisfaction evident in her voice.

Raiden, however, was astonished. "Isn't this the Totsuka Blade?" he thought, recognizing the legendary weapon from his previous life.

Mito, noticing his amazement, performed another set of seals. "Whirpool Shackles, Seal!" she chanted, placing her hands on the blade. The chakra weapon began solidifying, transforming into a sleek black sword with a metallic sheen.

"This form consumes no chakra and is incredibly durable, suitable for physical combat," Mito explained. "The spirit form, however, retains its sealing capabilities but requires immense chakra to wield. This is my gift to you."

Raiden nodded, his eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you, Grandma. I'll treasure it."

With Mito's guidance, Raiden spent the rest of the morning mastering the seals associated with Sakegari no Tachi. By the time he finished, it was already noon. After bidding an emotional farewell to Mito, he made his way to the village gates.

At the gates, Hyuga Hiashi, Uchiha Fugaku, and Shinki were waiting for him. "Finally!" Fugaku called out, wrapping an arm around Raiden's shoulder as they prepared to set off for the Land of Rain.

Their journey had begun.

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