Chapter 97: The Arrangement of the Uzumaki

Hana was clearly a little afraid of Lady Chiyo. As soon as she saw Chiyo step out, she became even more nervous. Rasa didn't expect Chiyo to come out and snatch a disciple. However, this didn't affect his plans.

"I didn't expect you, Lady Chiyo, to want to take Hana as your disciple. I was originally planning to entrust Yashamaru with teaching her medical ninjutsu."

Chiyo didn't bother to hide the disdain in her gaze as she spoke.

"Don't be ridiculous. While Yashamaru does have some talent in medical ninjutsu and is considered one of the best in our Sunagakure, compared to this little girl, he's far behind. Letting Yashamaru teach her would be a waste of her potential."

"I see. In that case, why not have Hana study under both you and Elder Ebizō?"

Unexpectedly, Chiyo's expression immediately turned serious.

"Do you think medical ninjutsu is something to be taken lightly? A person's energy is limited. If she truly wants to become a medical ninja as exceptional as Princess Tsunade of Konoha, she must not be distracted."

This was beyond Rasa's expectations and didn't align with his original thoughts. However, Chiyo had a point. Medical ninjutsu was one of the most scientifically advanced and practical professions in the world of Naruto.

Sealing techniques were important too, but they weren't as commonly used as medical ninjutsu.

Rasa knew he would need an outstanding medical ninja in the future. After thinking for a moment, he looked down at the slightly nervous Hana and asked,

"Hana, do you want to become Lady Chiyo's disciple and train as a medical ninja, or do you want to study under Elder Ebizō and become a sealing technique ninja?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he could clearly sense Hana's reluctance toward becoming a sealing technique ninja. However, at the same time, she seemed somewhat intimidated by Chiyo, leaving her unsure of what to choose.

Rasa found it odd that, as a member of the Uzumaki clan, Hana had no interest in mastering sealing techniques. After some thought, he gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't be nervous. Lady Chiyo may seem strict, but she's actually a very kind old lady!"

Despite his words, Chiyo still wore her usual stern expression, making Hana even more nervous. However, deep down, she truly had no interest in sealing techniques. Encouraged by Rasa, she finally made her decision.

"I choose to become Lady Chiyo's disciple and train as a medical ninja."

"Hmm! Since you've made your choice, I respect it."

Seeing that Hana had finally decided to walk the path of a medical ninja, Rasa nodded in satisfaction. Looking at Chiyo, whose face was still as stern as ever, he thought for a moment before saying,

"However, 'teacher' sounds too formal. Hana, from now on, just call Lady Chiyo 'Granny Chiyo'!"

!

At that moment, both Chiyo and Ebizō's expressions changed slightly.

Hana noticed this but didn't understand the reason. Still, she obediently called out,

"Granny Chiyo!"

!!!

Chiyo's body trembled slightly. Looking at the nervous little girl in front of her, she seemed to see the shadow of another child— The same red hair, the same innocence, the same loss of parents.

Was this Heaven's way of compensating her?

For a brief moment, Chiyo's gaze wavered, but she quickly regained her composure. However, when she spoke again, her tone had softened considerably.

"Training in medical ninjutsu is extremely difficult. You must be prepared."

"I... I'll do my best!"

"Good."

Seeing this, Ebizō's eyes grew slightly misty.

He knew that, although his sister still hadn't fully moved on, at least there was a glimmer of hope now.

With gratitude, he looked at Rasa.

"Thank you."

Then, turning to Hana, he said,

"I thought you were planning to train this child as a Jinchūriki, Kazekage?"

At those words, Rasa immediately understood why Hana was so resistant to sealing techniques. As expected, she tensed up the moment she heard it. Noticing this, Rasa saw an opportunity to express his thoughts and spoke up,

"I have no intention of creating more Jinchūriki in the future."

Chiyo and Ebizō were both visibly shocked. So to ease things up, Rasa explained,

"There's no denying the immense power of the Tailed Beasts, but first, our village is not in dire need of their strength at the moment. Second, the process of creating a Jinchūriki is too dangerous and painful for the host. As the Kazekage, I will not put children through such suffering."

Of course, the real reason was that Rasa no longer valued Shukaku's power. If it were the Nine-Tails, that would be a different story. But the three people before him had no way of knowing that.

Chiyo and Ebizō, after their initial shock, now looked at Rasa with admiration. Hana, on the other hand, was full of awe.

"You truly are different from the previous Kazekage. With the village in your hands, we can finally be at ease."

Ebizō sighed. Chiyo, however, asked with curiosity,

"What about Bunpuku? How is he doing now?"

"I've arranged a place for him. He's eating and drinking well. Well, he should be able to live another ten years, at least. If you two elders wish to see him, I can bring him back."

"No need. As long as he's with you, I'm at ease. To be honest, both of us owe Bunpuku a great deal. We don't even have the courage to see him."

With that, Chiyo turned to Rasa, knowing the real reason he had come.

"Come with me. Hana, you too."

"Alright!"

---

Inside a dimly lit laboratory.

Various instruments were scattered around. In bubbling test tubes, five Sharingan floated alongside a pale, severed arm.

Hana, stepping inside, was seeing such an eerie sight for the first time.

Chiyo wasted no time and got straight to the point.

"I have to say, the things you brought me are truly unbelievable. Mangekyō Sharingan, the First Hokage's cells—these are treasures I never even dared to dream of. Each one is unique, and thanks to them, my research has progressed smoothly."

"Any findings?"

"I conducted comparisons between a blinded Sharingan, a normal Sharingan, and a Mangekyō Sharingan. Based on the residual energy in them, I've confirmed that the ocular power you mentioned does exist. Unfortunately, the Hashirama cells you brought have lost their vitality. However, following your suggestion, I studied Hana's Uzumaki lineage and discovered that the Uzumaki Clan's power has an unusual effect on Sharingan."

Hana blinked in surprise. Her cells were studied? When did that happen?

Then, she suddenly remembered that when she first arrived here, they had drawn a vial of her blood.

"Does that mean my idea is feasible?"

Rasa asked but Chiyo shook her head cautiously.

"It's still too early to tell. I need more time to continue my research."

"I understand. Thank you for your hard work."

After speaking, Rasa turned to Hana and asked,

"Have you sensed that strange chakra approaching the village or entering it lately?"

Hana immediately understood what he was referring to and shook her head.

"No. At least, as far as I am aware, I haven't sent anything as such."

Seeing that she was still a little nervous, Rasa thought for a moment and reassured her,

"Don't worry. From now on, Sunagakure is your home. As the Kazekage, I swear I will never go against your wishes. If I ever break that promise, you can have Granny Chiyo punish me."

Chiyo, playing along, said with a smirk,

"Rest assured, I won't go easy on him."

Hearing this, Hana finally relaxed completely and nodded obediently.

"Hai!"