Reborn in Konoha; I Think I’m Cultivating Immortality

The sun was setting, casting its golden glow across Nawaki's resolute face. His eyes, still wet with tears, seemed particularly clear under the soft light.

"Nawaki… you heard everything?" Hui asked, feigning surprise.

"Yes, I heard it all. Brother Hui, Grandpa Tobirama, please let me be the village's new Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. The burden Grandma Mito carried…it's my turn to bear it now," Nawaki said firmly. 

Though fear and uncertainty lingered in his heart, an inexplicable sense of strength compelled him to speak these words.

"Do you really want to become the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki? Nawaki, you must understand that once you do, your carefree life will be over. You'll face rigorous training, lose friends, and will constantly have to suppress the Nine-Tails' chakra. You—"

"I know! That's why I'm the best choice, better than Mina-nee or Kushina!" Nawaki interrupted Tobirama, his voice filled with conviction. 

"I'm a man. How could I let the girls stand in front and shoulder a pain I can bear myself?"

Nawaki's passionate words took Tobirama by surprise and left him momentarily speechless.

"Besides, no matter how fearsome the Nine-Tails is, it's something Grandma Mito bore all her life. As her grandson, it's my duty to continue her legacy. So, Brother Hui, Grandpa Tobirama, even though I'm still young, please trust me. I'm Nawaki, the future Emperor of Trees!"

His declaration moved both Hui and Tobirama deeply…until his final sentence, which earned a side-eye from Tobirama and a wry smile from Hui.

"Very well. Since you have this resolve, we will honour it. Nawaki, you will be the new Nine-Tails Jinchūriki of Konoha," Tobirama said, his tone serious.

Hui's lips curled into a faint smile, satisfaction glimmering in his eyes.

Who were Hui and Tobirama?

One was the demigod of the ninja world and the other was an existence firmly at the pinnacle of Super-Kage level.

Both Hui and Tobirama had already sensed Nawaki's presence when he approached. As such, this moment was more of a test than a genuine decision-making process.

Nawaki had passed their test.

The decision to choose Nawaki wasn't made lightly. 

Though his chakra could suppress the Nine-Tails, it wasn't as potent as Mina's or Kushina's. 

Furthermore, his life force wasn't as robust as theirs, making him the weaker candidate on paper.

However, Nawaki's greatest strength lay in his unique mindset, cultivated over years spent near Hui. 

This upbringing had instilled in him a perspective that surpassed his peers and made him the best candidate to become a perfect Jinchūriki and someone who could potentially befriend the Nine-Tails.

"Summon Uzumaki Mina and Suihei. Let them see Mito one last time," Hui instructed an ANBU member.

Not long after, Uzumaki Suihei and Mina arrived, their faces filled with worry and apprehension.

When they saw Mito lying weakly on the bed, they immediately broke into tears.

"Sister…" Suihei called softly, gripping Mito's hand. His voice trembled, and despite being a man in his fifties, he seemed fragile in this moment.

"Grandma Mito…" Mina choked through her tears, large drops streaming down her beautiful face.

"Don't cry. I'm going to reunite with Hashirama. It's a happy occasion," Mito said weakly, her voice barely audible.

Her words tightened Suihei's chest, but he forced a smile—a smile that looked more painful than tears.

"You're right, Sister. It's a happy occasion," he said, his voice still shaky.

"Mina, I hear Konoha has lots of new food. Be careful not to turn into a little piglet," Mito said, making Mina freeze momentarily. Her lighthearted remark alleviated some of the sadness in the room.

Mito then turned to her son and daughter-in-law. "Don't grieve for me. I'm going to tell Hashirama he has a wonderful grandson."

Finally, she looked at Nawaki. "Come here, Nawaki. Let Grandma take a good look at you."

"Grandma…" Nawaki, who had been holding back his emotions, burst into tears as he approached her.

"Nawaki, promise me you'll grow up happy and strong. I've heard from Tobirama and Hui about the decision. I believe in you. You'll be different from me," Mito said gently.

"I promise, Grandma Mito. I won't let you down," Nawaki spoke firmly. An unfamiliar feeling rose in his heart, a sense of hope or perhaps, the weight of a promise.

Turning to Tsunade and Hui, Mito smiled faintly. "Tsunade, Hui… It's a shame I won't see your wedding. Tsunade will be so beautiful, and Hui will be so handsome."

"Grandma Mito…" Tsunade murmured, her head lowered. She had already come to terms with Mito's impending death, but her heart still ached.

"Mito-sama, don't worry. The world is a mysterious place. Who knows what the future holds? Anything is possible," Hui said meaningfully, his words making Mito pause before smiling again.

"You always know how to surprise people," she said.

Finally, she turned to Tobirama. "Tobirama, I leave these children in your hands."

"Don't worry," Tobirama replied stoically, his tone calm and composed. Years of experiencing life and death had made him understand Mito's state of mind.

Mito gazed at everyone one last time before speaking. "Very well… Tobirama, Hui, Nawaki, let's begin."

She closed her eyes lightly.

Her words made everyone freeze, and they realised something.

Tsunade's parents and Tsunade herself looked at Nawaki, their eyes filled with shock and concern.

"Nawaki, he…"

"Remember, this is the village's secret. And… this is Nawaki's choice. Please trust him," Tobirama interrupted sternly.

Nawaki's father looked at his determined eyes, and after a long pause, sighed deeply. "I understand. Nawaki, no matter what happens, I'll always be your father and believe in you."

Taking his wife and Tsunade with him, he left the room, as did the others.

Only Mito, Tobirama, Hui, and Nawaki remained.

"Let's begin," Tobirama said.

Hui nodded, and the two began forming seals. And the room shifted, transforming into a sealing array.

"Nawaki," Hui said.

Nawaki nodded, stepping into the array's center and lying down.

"Release!"

"Seal!"

Tobirama and Hui spoke simultaneously.

A massive wave of red chakra surged from Mito's body into Nawaki's. The process was lengthy but surprisingly smooth. The Nine-Tails didn't resist at all.

At last, the sealing was complete.

"Hashirama… Won't you welcome me like you did that day!," Mito smiled and took her last breath.

The First Nine-Tails Jinchūriki of Konoha, the wife of the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, had passed away.

And five-year-old Nawaki became the new Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.

join my patreon for 95+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/HyppoTL

[tl/n: Mito didn't have much presence in the story but this definitely made me tear up. Have a great day/night and don't forget to donate some powerstones!]