Chapter 32: Tsunade — “Do You Think I’d Believe That?”

Not only Uzumaki Mito, but even the ever-pragmatic Tsunade was astonished by the dramatic changes they witnessed in Hikari and her son.

"If there really is a method to enhance life force and physical vitality…" Tsunade's thoughts raced, heart pounding. "Not only would my strength skyrocket… we could solve Grandmother Mito's problem completely!"

She was tempted to ask outright, but a wary glance at Uchiha Hikari made her pause. The last time she'd pressed too hard, Hikari had sharply corrected her. That memory still stung.

Hikari calmly sipped her tea, then spoke with a faint smile. "I didn't come empty-handed. My son—Gin—recently had a… breakthrough. He made advancements in medicine. He developed a method to restore vitality and repair the very foundation of life energy. He even devised a system to warm the optic nerves and chakra pathways."

Mito's eyes twitched ever so slightly. "…"

Tsunade blinked, lips parting slightly as her mind tried to process what she just heard.

A child had developed a way to regenerate the life source?

Neither woman said anything for a moment, but their expressions said it all:

"What kind of ridiculous excuse is that? If you don't want to reveal the truth, at least make your lie a little more believable."

Still, Mito wasn't concerned with the origin of the method—just that it worked. The proof was already sitting across from her, alive, radiant, and restored.

"Let's get to the point," Mito said, placing her teacup down with a soft clink. "The Nine-Tails sealed inside me has been consuming my life force for decades. If this continues, I have only a few more years left. So, what do I need to do to obtain this method of restoring life energy?"

There was no pretense in her voice—no veil of diplomacy. She knew Hikari wasn't someone you could manipulate. It was better to be direct and decisive.

"As expected of Lady Mito," Hikari said with a small chuckle. "Very straightforward. But let's not rush into negotiations. First, Gin should examine you. Once we understand your condition, we can talk terms."

Mito blinked, surprised. "You want your child to examine me?"

Her eyes moved from Hikari to Gin, her brow raising ever so slightly in disbelief.

Hikari noticed the skepticism and smiled knowingly. "Try it. See for yourself."

Mito narrowed her eyes slightly. After a moment, she gave a sharp nod.

"Very well. I'm curious to see how you're going to weasel your way out of this one."

She turned to Gin. "What do you need me to do?"

"Just place your hand on the table," Gin said confidently.

"Alright."

Mito laid her palm flat on the polished surface. Gin reached forward and gently placed his fingers on her wrist.

The moment he made contact, his chakra shifted, subtle and deliberate. Though young, Gin possessed incredible control. He moved through Mito's chakra network like a seasoned healer—calm, precise, analytical.

After several moments, Gin withdrew his hand and gave a small nod to his mother.

Mito and Tsunade both watched him carefully.

"I've finished the assessment," Gin said evenly. "There are no major structural issues with your body. Your systems are well-preserved and functioning. The only problem is rapid and excessive life force depletion caused by the tailed beast. That's the core issue."

Tsunade leaned forward slightly, intrigued despite herself.

"We can treat it with something called the Elixir of Life," Gin continued. "It replenishes the vitality lost due to the Nine-Tails. It won't stop future drain completely, but it will bring your levels back to normal. After that, you'll need regular maintenance—using high-grade nutrient pills I've developed."

Mito exchanged a surprised glance with Tsunade. "Elixir of Life…?"

She turned to Hikari. "Is that what you used to recover?"

Hikari shook her head gently. "Not quite. My condition was more severe. It took more than a lunar cycle to recover, even with Gin's help. The elixir accelerates healing, yes—but my body needed slow, deliberate regeneration."

"I see," Mito nodded. "Your injuries ran deeper."

Gin spoke again, calm and precise. "Just to clarify, the Elixir of Life won't make you immortal. It can't reverse the aging process or extend natural lifespan. It simply restores lost vitality—what was taken by external forces. Age-related decay remains."

"Of course," Mito said with a sigh. "I didn't expect immortality."

"The nutrient pills," Gin continued, "are an advanced evolution of standard military rations. They restore chakra, stamina, and provide gentle revitalization over time. Once our new pharmacy opens, they'll be available to select clans."

Gin then turned to his mother and gave a respectful nod. "Mom, you can proceed with the conditions."

"Thank you," Hikari said. She looked at Mito, her expression composed but firm.

"There are three conditions. First—beginning today, the Uchiha and Senju clans will form a formal alliance. I believe you've already seen how Tobirama's students operate. Their intentions are not only to suppress the Uchiha—but to isolate the Senju as well. We face a common threat."

Mito's expression darkened slightly. "Yes… I've seen it. I won't deny it. Very well—I accept the alliance."

A formal union with the Uchiha was risky… but doing nothing was riskier. And if Gin's medicine worked as claimed—and the Uchiha stabilized their internal reforms—then this boy might change everything.