shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 13: Uzumaki Mito

Under Senju Tsunade's guidance, Uchiha Tsukiko arrived at Uzumaki Mito's residence.

Inside the traditionally decorated room, Mito sat with grace and dignity. Though advanced in age, her presence was as unwavering as a mountain, exuding an aura of immense wisdom and power.

Tsukiko respectfully bowed before her, and Mito responded with a warm yet commanding smile.

Her gaze lingered on Tsukiko, filled with contemplation and careful evaluation.

After a long pause, she finally spoke.

"Tsukiko, I have heard that you have awakened Wood Release and seek to learn the techniques of Senju Hashirama. As his wife, I am delighted to see someone inheriting his legacy."

Tsukiko humbly lowered his head. "Lady Mito, it is an honor to meet you. Indeed, I wish to inherit Hashirama-senpai's Wood Release and use it for the betterment of Konoha."

Mito nodded slightly, a glimmer of approval flashing in her eyes. "You carry the blood of both Senju and Uchiha. To awaken Wood Release at your age proves your immense talent. Since Hashirama, few—if any—have been able to inherit his power. You are the first to manifest it in generations. I hope you will hone it well and carry on his legacy."

Her voice held both recognition and expectation, and Tsukiko could feel the weight of responsibility settling upon him.

This was not just an acknowledgment of his potential—it was a statement of trust.

In this moment, Tsukiko realized that his power was more than just his own—it carried the hopes of an entire legacy.

As the conversation continued, Mito shifted the topic to his family history.

Her previously formal demeanor softened, as if recalling old memories.

"Tsukiko, your grandmother, Senju Tohka, was one of Hashirama's younger sisters. She was a kind and strong-willed woman. Although she did not awaken Wood Release, her skills in medical ninjutsu and combat were outstanding."

Tsukiko listened quietly, absorbing every word.

He knew he came from a prestigious lineage, but never before had he heard such detailed accounts of his ancestry.

Mito continued, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

"Tohka was deeply devoted to Hashirama. She was not just his supporter but also one of his closest confidants. Later, she married your grandfather and gave birth to your mother, Senju Kazuha. She frequently visited me, and we would talk about the future of our clan and the village's stability. She always hoped the Senju's legacy would never fade. Do you understand?"

Tsukiko nodded solemnly, feeling a newfound reverence for his grandmother.

Mito sighed, her tone turning sorrowful.

"As for your mother, she was one of our clan's most talented kunoichi. Her strength, intellect, and determination made her one of Konoha's finest jōnin. Unfortunately… she perished in a mission, far too young. It was a great loss—both to the Senju and the village."

Her gaze softened, and for the first time, Tsukiko saw warmth in her expression.

"You might not realize it, Tsukiko, but you and Hashirama are more connected than you think. Your grandmother was his direct niece, making you a close descendant of his bloodline. Your ability to awaken Wood Release is proof of that connection."

Tsukiko's heart trembled.

To be directly related to Hashirama—it was more than just inheritance.

Mito stood up slowly, walking to a wooden cabinet.

She carefully retrieved an ancient scroll and placed it before Tsukiko.

"This is Hashirama's record of Wood Release techniques. I have kept it all these years. But since his time, no one in our clan has been able to awaken it—until now. It belongs to you."

Tsukiko reached out with trembling hands, feeling the weight of history in the scroll.

"Lady Mito, I swear I will cherish and master this inheritance."

Mito smiled, a mixture of relief and expectation in her eyes.

"I believe in you, Tsukiko. You are a descendant of Hashirama. Use this power not just for yourself, but to protect the village and all that you hold dear."

Tsukiko deeply bowed, his heart filled with resolve.

This was more than just a technique—it was a legacy.

After bidding farewell to Uzumaki Mito, Tsukiko clutched the scroll tightly, his heart pounding with excitement and anticipation.

This scroll held the secrets of Hashirama's unparalleled Wood Release.

The night was deep, and the cool breeze rustled the trees as Tsukiko returned to his home.

Sitting at his desk, he lit a small lamp, casting a gentle glow over the ancient scroll.

He carefully unrolled it, his breath hitching as the intricate calligraphy and diagrams unfolded before his eyes.

The Wood Release techniques described within were nothing short of legendary.

Wood Release: Birth of the Trees

A technique that allows the rapid creation of forests, used for both offense and defense.

Wood Clone Technique

Unlike shadow clones, these wooden clones have physical substance, making them ideal for battle and infiltration.

Wood Release: Wood Pillar Prison

Creates massive wooden walls to trap enemies.

Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence

A devastating jutsu that summons a vast, living forest, capable of crushing enemies under its massive roots and branches.

Wood Release: Great Forest Technique

Enables the user to generate sharp, durable wooden spikes for combat.

Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique

Summons a giant wooden dragon that absorbs chakra from opponents.

Wood Release: Wood Human Technique

Summons a massive humanoid construct, capable of going toe-to-toe with Tailed Beasts.

Wood Release: Laughing Buddha Jutsu

A technique that manifests a colossal wooden statue, its thousand arms capable of raining down devastating attacks.

Tsukiko's heart pounded faster with every technique he read.

**This was Hashirama's power—**the power that shaped the entire Shinobi World.

Now, it was within his grasp.