After leaving Shigeru's house, Kushina felt a slight itch on her scalp, almost as if something was growing. Tsunade kept yawning, feeling the strain of staying awake while trying to eavesdrop, a terrible combination. On top of that, she hadn't slept well and had overindulged on chicken soup, which left her feeling overly full.

It was nighttime at the Senju clan's ancestral home. Kushina sat beside Uzumaki Mito, cheerfully chatting, "Grandma Mito, I made a new friend today. He invited me and Sister Tsunade for dinner."

Ever since arriving in Konoha, Kushina had rarely shown such a happy smile. Uzumaki Mito wrapped her arm around Kushina with a warm smile. "That boy named Hyuga? I've heard Tsunade mention him quite a bit lately."

"Do I really nag that much?" Tsunade scratched her head, clearly irritated, and had barely laid down after coming home when Uzumaki Mito caught her, insisting she spend more time with Kushina to help her settle into both the family and Konoha.

"Hyuga Shigeru? Is he the genius you mentioned, the one who learned medical ninjutsu so quickly?" Naoshu asked, intrigued.

"Yes," Kushina nodded energetically. "The beef and potatoes Shigeru made were amazing! Sister Tsunade had five bowls!" She held up her hand to emphasize the number.

"Kushina!" Tsunade's eyes widened. "Didn't you eat three bowls yourself?"

"I couldn't help it," Kushina admitted, blushing as she nestled further into Uzumaki Mito's embrace.

Naoshu blinked, looking between his sister and the bashful Kushina. Could it really be that good? Even Kushina, who usually didn't have much of an appetite, had finished three bowls.

Uzumaki Mito chuckled as she watched her granddaughter and Kushina tease each other. However, her smile slowly faded as she recalled something. "Didn't the boy write to you about his bloodline condition? He said he couldn't see."

Tsunade, who had been half-asleep, nodded absentmindedly, yawning again. "Yeah, his eyes are still covered. I'll ask for leave for him tomorrow so he can rest at home."

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"Tsunade," Uzumaki Mito's tone became sharp, "you had a blind child cook for you? And you ate five bowls?"

"It was delicious!" Tsunade stretched but froze mid-motion. Realization hit her, and she glanced up nervously. Uzumaki Mito, who moments ago had been smiling kindly, now wore a stern expression, her clouded eyes locked on Tsunade.

Uh-oh.

Tsunade's heart skipped a beat. Kushina, sensing the tension, instinctively scooted away, distancing herself from Tsunade.

"Sister, how could you let someone with injured eyes cook for you?!" Naoshu exclaimed.

"Shut up!" Tsunade snapped. "He wanted to cook to prove he could live independently. I didn't ask him to."

Turning back to Uzumaki Mito, she hurriedly explained, "Grandma, you have to believe me. Shigeru even comforted Kushina after dinner. She almost called him 'brother'!"

"I didn't!" Kushina quickly denied, her face reddening further.

"Senshu, Kushina, go to bed," Uzumaki Mito said, exhaling deeply. She had them leave before continuing. Tsunade groaned internally.

This is all your fault, Shigeru!

As Kushina left with Naoshu, she whispered worriedly, "Tsunade-san will be okay, right? Grandma Mito looks scary when she's mad."

"Don't worry," Naoshu reassured her. "At worst, she'll just get scolded. This happens a lot. Grandma's always telling my sister to act more ladylike, but Tsunade never listens."

Tsunade, meanwhile, had already resigned herself to being scolded, hoping it wouldn't last too long. She was used to these moments, where she'd pretend to be contrite while silently hoping the lecture would end quickly, knowing full well she wouldn't change her ways afterward.

While Tsunade was being lectured, Shigeru lay in bed, slowly moving his right hand. A glass floated before him, following the movements of his hand. With the onset of the second phase of his Tenseigan's awakening, Shigeru could now tap into some of its power even during this initial phase. Though he couldn't fully harness its strength, the ability to control gravity and repulsion brought him a deep sense of satisfaction.

Much like the Rinnegan, the Tenseigan allowed him to manipulate these forces. In its Chakra Mode, he could even theoretically control celestial bodies, though such feats were far beyond his current capabilities. For now, his body wasn't strong enough to fully handle the Tenseigan's power. It was like strapping a rocket to a tricycle — fully unleashing the Tenseigan would likely tear him apart.

Over time, Shigeru knew he would adapt and learn to master the Tenseigan's immense power. Luckily, these eyes were his, meaning he wouldn't suffer the same fate as Nagato, who had been used to sustain the Rinnegan's power, ultimately breaking down his body.

At this moment, the most practical ability Shigeru had was his control over gravity and repulsion. He imagined he could become a puppet master, able to outperform the puppet troops of Sunagakure.

"Thump... thump..." The sensation of his eyes developing was especially noticeable in the stillness of the night. Lying there, Shigeru quietly felt the changes.

In the Hokage office, the lights finally went out. The Third Hokage, having finished his work for the day, prepared to go home. Just as he left his office, an ANBU member whispered to him, "Hokage-sama, Lady Mito has requested to see you."

The Third Hokage paused, understanding the reason for her summons—it was most certainly about Kushina. He made his way to the Senju compound, knowing this meeting could only concern the future of Konoha's next Jinchuuriki.

Once there, Uzumaki Mito was waiting. "Mito-sama," the Third Hokage greeted her respectfully as he approached.