Chapter 27: The Thousand Hands Clan

Sometimes, one couldn't help but admire just how intelligent the members of the Uzumaki Clan truly were.

They had even developed powerful Sealing Techniques like the Yin Seal, capable of preserving youth and prolonging life.

When it came to maintaining their appearance, Uzumaki women could unleash dozens of times more brainpower than even the most brilliant shinobi. Vanity, after all, was a powerful motivator.

"Sit, Jaxon. You've traveled a long way," said Uzumaki Mito, gesturing gracefully toward the cushion in front of her. She observed the boy with a curious glint in her eyes.

He was only three years old, yet he exuded a maturity far beyond his years. His sharp, contemplative gaze, calm posture, and deliberate speech reminded her more of a seasoned strategist than a child. Even the Nara Clan, known for their intellect, would be hard-pressed to match him in mental agility.

He didn't fidget, didn't mumble, didn't act like a child should. Every word he spoke was measured. Every expression on his face seemed calculated.

To an old woman like her, someone who had lived over sixty years and seen generations come and go, this child was unsettling—yet fascinating.

"May I ask, young master Jaxon, what brings you to our Senju Clan today?" Mito asked with a polite smile, folding her hands neatly in her lap.

"I merely wished to visit," Jaxon replied with practiced sincerity. "Ever since I learned about the legendary ninja of Konoha, I've admired Senju Hashirama, the First Hokage. He was a symbol of unity, of power, of peace. Though this place is different from what I imagined, I'm grateful to finally see the village with my own eyes."

He paused briefly, lowering his gaze in humility.

"Seeing this world, seeing the strength of ninja firsthand... it's breathtaking. Terrifying, even. To wield such immense power—it truly inspires awe. It's a shame I can't possess power like that myself. Otherwise, I would've liked to experience the bonds that only ninja share."

Uzumaki Mito chuckled lightly, covering her mouth with her hand. There was a grace in the way she laughed—elegant, refined. But when her laughter faded, she stood and regarded Jaxon with renewed seriousness. The kindness in her eyes gave way to something more guarded. Thoughtful.

She studied him again from head to toe—this time not as a polite elder observing a guest, but as a veteran kunoichi analyzing a potential threat.

"I'm getting old," she said slowly. "Even sitting for a short while makes my back ache. Little Jaxon, why don't you stay for lunch? Let Tsunade and the others accompany you."

"Grandma...!" Tsunade groaned at the suggestion. The irritation in her voice was impossible to miss.

But one glare from Mito silenced her. The young blonde huffed, folding her arms, but said nothing more.

"Lady Mito," Jaxon said, rising to his feet and offering a slight bow, "May I speak with you alone for a moment?"

Tsunade looked ready to protest again, but Orochimaru placed a hand on her shoulder, silently advising her to stay out of it. Meanwhile, Jiraiya had already wandered into the hall, his eyes occasionally drifting toward Tsunade but otherwise uninterested in the internal affairs of the clan.

Mito raised a thin brow at Jaxon's request. It was unexpected. But curiosity outweighed suspicion for now.

"Very well," she said at last. "Come."

---

Inside a private chamber, the air was calm, the ambiance slightly dim. Uzumaki Mito sat cross-legged on a cushion, her eyes closed as though meditating.

The room shimmered faintly with chakra—a Sealing Barrier had been activated. It was an Acoustic Barrier, simple but effective, designed to keep their conversation entirely private. Few could wield such techniques now, but Mito had mastered them in her prime.

"Speak," she said, voice even and composed. "Since you wished for a private discussion, tell me what you want."

Jaxon didn't hesitate. "Lady Mito, I came here today with a purpose. You may find it hard to believe coming from someone my age, but I assure you—I speak the truth."

He paused for a breath, then said, "I need you to write a letter. One addressed to your brother in the Whirlpool Country. A personal letter—one he would unquestionably believe."

Mito opened her eyes slightly, her expression unreadable. "What do you need such a letter for?"

"To save the Uzumaki Clan," Jaxon said calmly. "I understand how that must sound, but please, hear me out."

Mito's serene expression vanished instantly, replaced with a sharp, piercing glare. Her chakra flared subtly—not enough to cause damage, but enough to show that her patience was wearing thin.

"Save the Uzumaki Clan?" she repeated coldly. "Do you think we need saving? Be careful what you say next, boy. Even if your father were Xingye Zhu himself, I would not tolerate such nonsense!"

Despite the killing intent that flooded the room, Jaxon stood his ground. He didn't flinch.

"To be precise," he said, "this all stems from a decision made by the First Hokage. Back then, he distributed the nine Tailed Beasts to other villages. But those villages never fully mastered the art of sealing. They lack the means to truly control the Tailed Beasts and turn them into obedient Jinchūriki."

Mito remained silent, her frown deepening.

"And when power slips out of their control, who do you think they will turn to?" Jaxon asked.

"The Uzumaki Clan," he answered his own question. "A clan known for their powerful sealing arts and immense chakra reserves. The moment they realize they can't tame their monsters, they'll come hunting for those who can."

"You're saying they'll attack Whirlpool?" Mito narrowed her eyes. "That's absurd."

"Is it?" Jaxon asked, his voice still steady. "Everyone knows Konoha and the Uzumaki have a long-standing alliance. But will that always protect them? What if the Third Hokage—once he secures full control—decides that the Uzumaki are no longer worth the risk? Would Konoha truly come to your aid?"

Mito scoffed. "Your argument is weak. Konoha would never abandon the Uzumaki. We've supported each other for generations."

Jaxon nodded. "Yes. That's what everyone believes—for now. But look at the political landscape. The Third Hokage is consolidating power. The clans are uneasy. If Whirlpool becomes a liability, Konoha may choose silence over sacrifice."

"You presume much for a child," Mito said with quiet anger.

"I speak not as a child," Jaxon replied, "but as someone who sees the storm before the clouds gather. I know you have no reason to trust me. But if you value your clan—your homeland—write the letter. Let them prepare."

There was a long silence.

Mito sat unmoving, her expression hard as stone. Yet her fingers, resting on her lap, twitched ever so slightly.

It wasn't that she believed him—at least not fully. But something about his words had stirred an old unease in her heart. She had witnessed the cruelty of the shinobi world before. She had seen alliances crumble.

And this child... no, this strange, precocious boy... was forcing her to confront that possibility again.

"You're right about one thing," she said finally. "The shinobi world is full of uncertainty. But letters don't win wars. Warnings don't always lead to preparations."

"I understand," Jaxon replied. "But if nothing else, let it be a thread. One thread that might help your people weave a net strong enough to survive what's coming."

Mito stared at him long and hard, then slowly rose to her feet.

"I will consider it," she said. "Now go. I have things to think about."

Jaxon bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lady Mito."

As he turned to leave the room, Mito watched him with narrowed eyes.

For the first time in many years, she felt an unfamiliar chill—like the quiet before a storm.

And in the center of it all stood a boy far too calm for his age.

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

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