Isamu taught Senba and Uzumaki Kushina day after day for three full years.
During those three years, both children improved at astonishing speed.
Senba's strength had already reached the level of a Chunin, and he had even awakened the Two-Tomoe Sharingan.
Kushina was slightly behind him, possessing only Elite Genin-level strength—
But even that was already exceptional for someone her age.
The Second Great Ninja War had also completely ended two years earlier, concluding with Konoha's victory.
It was also during that same year that Kumogakure Ninja infiltrated Konoha under the pretense of forming an alliance and attempted to kidnap Kushina because of her unique constitution.
That night—
The blond-haired Minato Namikaze successfully rescued her.
And from that moment onward, the two truly began growing close to one another.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Senba and Uchiha Mikoto had also developed rapidly.
Although they had not formally become engaged yet, they were already extremely close.
Konoha Year 45.
Nine-year-old Senba finally welcomed his graduation season from the Ninja Academy.
Graduation should have been a joyful occasion.
Yet Senba couldn't feel happy at all.
Because his grandmother—
Uzumaki Mito—
Had already reached the end of her life.
At the same time, Isamu also received information from Danzo.
The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki transfer ceremony was about to begin.
Quietly, Isamu changed into the dark robe bearing the Uchiha fan crest that Uchiha Madara had once given him.
"Are you really going, Isamu?"
White Zetsu looked at him worriedly.
"If you appear there, Konoha's Ninja will very likely surround you."
"Why don't you reconsider?"
"Tsunade isn't in the Village."
"As Uzumaki Mito's grandson-in-law, if I can't even be there for her final moments…"
"Then that would truly make me heartless."
"Besides, with Danzo covering for me, what exactly is there to worry about?"
Isamu calmly adjusted his clothes while answering indifferently.
"But—"
Before White Zetsu could finish speaking, Isamu interrupted him directly.
"No 'buts.'"
"I've already decided."
"And once I decide something, I won't change it."
"If you're afraid of dying, then stay in Root."
"I can go alone."
White Zetsu fell silent for a moment.
Then he sighed helplessly.
"…Fine."
He knew Isamu's personality too well.
Once he made a decision, nobody could change his mind.
Just like Uchiha Madara.
Soon afterward, Isamu headed toward Hokage Rock.
Behind the mountain was a hidden stone cave—
The location where the Nine-Tails transfer ceremony would be held.
"Stop!"
"Who goes there?!"
The moment Isamu approached the cave entrance, two Anbu directly under the Hokage blocked his path.
"I am a Root Ninja."
"I have urgent business with Danzo-sama."
Isamu replied calmly.
"No matter who you are, Hokage-sama has already given strict orders."
"No one is allowed near the cave today."
"Any intruder can be executed immediately."
"Leave at once."
"But my matter with Danzo-sama is extremely urgent."
"Can't you make an exception?"
"I said no."
"Even if the sky collapses today, nobody is entering!"
Hearing their refusal, the corner of Isamu's mouth twitched slightly.
These idiots really are guarding tightly.
Konoha's Anbu truly only know how to guard against their own people.
Against outsiders, they're useless.
Seeing there wasn't much time left before the transfer began, Isamu pretended to turn around and leave.
The next instant—
He and White Zetsu silently used the Mayfly Technique and passed underground directly through the defenses.
While moving underground, Isamu noticed guards stationed every few steps.
Looking at them, he revealed a look of disdain.
No wonder Obito and Pain could invade Konoha so easily in the future.
Relying on idiots like these to guard the place—
How laughable.
Soon, Isamu arrived at the ceremony chamber.
At that moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo, and several Anbu were already present.
Senba stood beside Uzumaki Mito with a sorrowful expression.
Meanwhile, the red-haired Kushina nervously waited nearby.
"At least I'm not late."
A calm voice suddenly echoed through the cave.
Wearing a dark blue robe, Isamu slowly emerged from the ground, intentionally announcing his arrival.
The moment he appeared, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the surrounding Anbu instantly became vigilant.
Weapons were immediately raised.
Danzo stared at Isamu's face for two seconds before suddenly realizing who it was.
This wasn't Isamu's original appearance—
But rather the face he used while teaching Senba.
A face Danzo had seen many times before.
"Master?!"
Senba looked shocked upon seeing Isamu suddenly appear there.
However, before Senba could say more, Danzo immediately dragged Isamu aside for questioning.
"What exactly are you doing?!"
"Do you even understand your current identity?"
"The Nine-Tails transfer ceremony is not something you should participate in!"
Danzo whispered angrily.
"What do you mean I shouldn't participate?"
"You should understand very well what happens to a Jinchuriki after the Nine-Tails is extracted."
"I have no interest in the transfer itself."
"But as Uzumaki Mito's grandson-in-law…"
"Am I not even allowed to see her one final time?"
Isamu coldly shot back.
"This…"
Danzo froze briefly.
Honestly, he couldn't refute that logic.
As Mito's grandson-in-law, it truly would be unreasonable to forbid him from coming.
Still—
Appearing here so suddenly was simply too reckless.
"Well… it's not that you can't come."
"But your identity is extremely sensitive right now."
"Couldn't you at least have discussed this with me beforehand?!"
Danzo complained helplessly.
"Fine, fine."
"I'll discuss it with you next time."
Isamu waved him off carelessly.
Though he said that aloud, inwardly he didn't care in the slightest.
Without Uzumaki Mito's terrifying sensory abilities suppressing him anymore—
Konoha would no longer have anyone capable of stopping his movements.
Seeing the newcomer talking privately with Danzo, Hiruzen and the others gradually lowered their weapons.
As long as he wasn't an enemy, that was enough.
"Danzo."
Hiruzen frowned seriously.
"You understand how important today's ceremony is."
"Yet you casually allowed an outsider inside?"
"You should give me a proper explanation."
Danzo immediately became awkward.
"This… Hiruzen, listen to me…"
"I can explain…"
He completely failed to think of an excuse on the spot.
After all, allowing an outsider into such a confidential ceremony was undeniably reckless.
"Forget it."
"I'll explain myself."
Isamu lightly patted Danzo's shoulder before stepping forward.
Looking directly at the now elderly Hiruzen Sarutobi, he calmly spoke.
"Brother Sarutobi."
"It's been a long time."