Uchiha's Taijutsu Supreme

"Please, Clan Leader Fuma."

The Anbu escorting him slightly bowed and was about to step back when he suddenly heard a familiar voice echo in his mind.

"Shiranui Gensaku, give up on training in taijutsu and focus on mastering water-style jutsu instead. One day, you'll surely reach the rank of jonin."

This was advice from Fuma to a former client within Anbu, likely the father of Shiranui Genma in the original timeline.

After helping Gensaku reach the rank of special jonin, Fuma hadn't taken on any more missions from him due to financial constraints. Nevertheless, they maintained a respectful relationship.

Time had changed their statuses significantly, yet Fuma didn't mind offering some "aftercare service" to this former valued client.

Fuma gave Gensaku an encouraging smile, waved his hand, and proceeded to step slowly into Uzumaki Mito's residence.

A few breaths later, Gensaku, standing in the distance, silently removed his mask, his eyes reflecting a flicker of emotion.

"He's still as kind-hearted as ever, Fuma-senpai..."

"Every time, whether it was taijutsu practice or enemy tactics, he never hesitated to share his knowledge with anyone who sought his guidance. Status or rank never mattered to him…"

"Maybe… that's what they call the Will of Fire…"

For these mid-sized shinobi clans within Konoha, achieving jonin status was enough to earn a distinguished place in their family records.

......

Uzumaki Mito sat gracefully in the main seat, exuding a dignified air tinged with elegance as she smiled at Fuma.

Hiruzen and Danzo sat in secondary seats, serving tea as if they were attendants, silently observing.

"Quite a charming environment…"

Though Mito's home wasn't large, it was adorned with many intriguing details.

On the main wall hung the crest of the Uzumaki Clan, and other photos of Mito with Tsunade and Hashirama lined the walls. The bookshelves were packed with numerous scrolls, each one valuable enough to astonish the shinobi world.

[How to Master Mokuton] [Why Ninjutsu Requires Hand Seals] [Complete Guide to Uzumaki Sealing Techniques] [Psychological Analysis of the Uchiha Clan]…

These were all authored by important figures to Mito, such as Hashirama, Tobirama, and Uzumaki Ashina.

"These priceless ninjutsu notes, to a lonely woman, are merely mementos of loved ones…"

Fuma sighed inwardly before offering a slight bow, speaking respectfully:

"Greetings, Lady Mito. May I ask what you called me here for today?"

Mito gently waved her hand, indicating for Fuma to sit, and spoke slowly:

"No need for formality, Fuma. Strictly speaking, you should call me Grandmother, as this is also your home."

"If Tsunade were back from her training, our first meeting would have been at a family gathering. I'm sure she's mentioned it to you…"

Fuma nodded courteously, responding, "I apologize. I've been overwhelmed with clan leader duties, and on top of that, the Third Hokage assigned me a rather challenging task, so I haven't been able to pay you a visit…"

"And even now, I come empty-handed. Please excuse my lack of courtesy…"

The Third Hokage's eyes gleamed as he chuckled and spoke:

"You're a capable man, Clan Leader Fuma. Don't blame me as Hokage for adding to your responsibilities."

"However, as Tsunade's fiancé, you really should have visited Lady Mito sooner…"

"Next time, don't forget to bring a gift to make amends."

Fuma chuckled softly and replied, "A single gift could hardly suffice. As the princess of the Land of Fire, I've prepared quite the substantial dowry for Tsunade."

Mito shook her head with a gentle smile, personally pouring Fuma a cup of tea as she teased, "Don't worry. I'll prepare a generous wedding gift for Tsunade as well."

Danzo, his face expressionless, continued mechanically washing the teaware. This casual family conversation seemed somewhat beyond his comfort zone.

After several rounds of tea, the initially stiff atmosphere eased, and everyone's expressions grew serious—it was time to discuss the main matter at hand.

"Fuma, I called you here today to discuss the matter of the Nine-Tails."

"The Uchiha Clan is one of Konoha's pillars, and the Sharingan has a unique power to control tailed beasts. As the Uchiha Clan leader, I hope you'll be involved in this decision-making."

Mito spoke softly, setting the tone for the conversation.

Fuma's brows knitted together as he replied, "As for the Nine-Tails, your opinion should take precedence. The Uchiha Clan has never been particularly interested in tailed beasts."

Mito's expression stiffened momentarily, surprised at how naturally Fuma could deny any interest. His response was so smooth, it was almost on par with Tobirama's legendary poker face.

As for the Nine-Tails, an exclusive "companion" to Asura, Fuma didn't have much interest.

The tides of the shinobi world were ever-shifting, and whoever became the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki would soon become a target for all major powers, potentially facing formidable opponents at any moment.

If Kushina were to assume this role, not only would it prevent her from utilizing the Nine-Tails' power, but it would also serve as a hindrance for both her and Minato.

In Fuma's view, the identity of the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki didn't matter as much as the likelihood of it going berserk within its host.

Fuma glanced briefly at Danzo beside him, seemingly sensing something.

At that moment, Danzo's inner thoughts were a chaotic mix of excitement, greed, and exhilaration.

Having devoured "Satori" from the Box of Ultimate Bliss, Fuma had acquired a unique ability to perceive emotions in others.

"It seems that Danzo has his own ambitions regarding the Nine-Tails…"

Fuma silently poured tea for everyone and remained quiet.

If Danzo were to become the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki, it would be an ideal outcome for Fuma. If Danzo were to lose control one day, Fuma would have a perfect excuse to eliminate him and claim the Nine-Tails' chakra.

Mito coughed softly, as if she hadn't heard Fuma's words, and continued:

"The Nine-Tails' power is immense, so finding a suitable jinchuriki is an urgent issue."

Fuma quietly sipped his tea, contemplating Mito's intentions.

"It seems she has her heart set on Kushina…"

If Mito had already settled on a jinchuriki, there'd be no need to consult Fuma. The only explanation was that she was still undecided and hoped to persuade him to let Kushina reconsider.

Fuma shook his head and responded bluntly, "My student Minato and your clan member Kushina, I'm sure you've heard of them…"

"At their age, it's likely they'll want a child in two or three years…"

Fuma's words tactfully conveyed his refusal.

Danzo, sitting nearby, smirked and chimed in, "Yes, Lady Mito. Clan Leader Fuma's considerations are very thorough. Giving birth while being a jinchuriki is no small challenge."

Mito nodded, a trace of resignation appearing in her eyes.

To be a jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, one would need either the resilient physique of the Uzumaki or Senju clans or a vast reserve of chakra combined with unwavering willpower.

Danzo met those criteria.

But if given the choice, Mito preferred not to have Danzo take on the role of jinchuriki.

As a jinchuriki herself for many years, Mito understood all too well the immense challenge posed by the fox within her.

Though she possessed impressive strength and skill, her bond with the Nine-Tails had only afforded her limited abilities, unable to unlock its true potential.

As for Danzo, the situation would be even less favorable.

The atmosphere grew tense once more. Danzo relished Fuma's apparent concession, the Hokage observed quietly, and Mito pondered why the Uchiha would willingly forgo the Nine-Tails' power.

"If Danzo becomes the Nine-Tails jinchuriki, he'll likely serve only as a temporary vessel, maybe even a mere pawn."

Mito shook her head, clinging to the hope of finding a path where tailed beasts could be tamed through compassion.

But given the current situation and Fuma's stance, Danzo appeared to be the only viable option.

"Hey, old woman…"

"Your grandson-in-law is a cunning one, even I can sense it!"

Inside Mito, the Nine-Tails unexpectedly initiated contact, as if wanting to negotiate.

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