Chapter 49
Mito's Perception
The Third Hokage, unusually, was not wearing the Hokage robes or the old-fashioned green armor, but instead wore a formal black suit with a solemn expression.
Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utahara, and Torifu Akimichi stood to the left and right of the Third Hokage, respectively.
"Call Orochimaru, and Shota-senpai, and bring them in. Farewell, Mito-sama."
The Third Hokage spoke.
"I'll go get them."
Zhuan Qin Xiaochun nodded slightly and pushed open the door.
Hearing the commotion, the members of the Hokage faction in the courtyard all turned around.
"The ceremony is about to begin. Please come in and say your final goodbyes to Lady Mito."
The group immediately formed a line and entered the hall. They saw a group of solemn Konoha officials, as well as Mito Uzumaki lying on the bed and Tsunade and Kushina weeping by the bedside.
"Alright, stop crying, there are so many people watching."
Mito patted Kushina's forearm and then glanced at Tsunade.
The latter, having lived with Mito for many years, immediately understood and pulled Kushina aside.
Mito Uzumaki then turned her head and looked at the group of people who had come with a peaceful gaze.
"Shota, Mai, you're both here."
"Lord Mito, we've come to see you."
Shota Senju, leaning on his cane, said shakily.
"Alright, stop being sad. You bunch of shameless old folks, you're all so old and still crying. What's there to cry about?"
Mito Uzumaki wore a smile on her face. Despite being in the final moments of her life, she exuded a magnanimous acceptance of life and death.
Just like her husband.
"I am very happy because I can finally see Hashirama. I want to tell him that many of his dreams have been realized, the village has grown and prospered, Tobirama and the monkey have managed it very well, and even Tsunade has grown into a beautiful young woman."
And these children, too, have grown up strong and healthy, like new buds, absorbing nutrients from the dust and fallen leaves under the protection of the branches. One day, they will be like him, with broad shoulders, carrying the future of the village.
As Mito Uzumaki spoke, her gaze naturally fell on Gen Uchiha and the others.
Shota Senju and the others also turned their gazes in that direction, and couldn't help but glance at Gen Uchiha a few more times.
However, at this crucial moment, they won't say anything.
They agreed to let Tobirama Senju take Kagami Uchiha as a disciple, so they naturally wouldn't treat Gen Uchiha too differently now. Even if some of the older Senju members were hostile to the Uchiha, they wouldn't hold a grudge against a junior.
At this moment, Uchiha Gen felt somewhat fortunate for his foresight.
Before coming here, knowing that the mission location was the Senju family mansion, Uchiha Gen used the excuse of needing to rest and went home to replace the ninja sword that Madara had used with the one he had bought before.
Otherwise, the seasoned con artists here might recognize him.
If something related to Ban were to appear, they might not be as calm as they are now.
"Children, come here."
Mito Uzumaki waved to Gen Uchiha and the others.
Currently, these three are the only grand-disciples of the Third Hokage.
Orochimaru nodded to his three disciples.
The three of them slowly stepped forward and stood respectfully in front of Mito Uzumaki.
"They're all good kids, Hiruzen. Your apprentice is a good teacher too."
"Lord Mito, you flatter me, but Orochimaru's teaching is indeed quite good."
"Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice."
"Um."
Mito Uzumaki nodded and turned her gaze to Gen Uchiha.
"I must thank you and that child for saving Kushina."
"Lord Mito, I cannot possibly ignore such a situation."
Uchiha Gen's gaze was sincere.
Mito Uzumaki looked into Gen Uchiha's eyes, a slight smile appearing on her wrinkled face.
"It's so similar, so very similar!"
Mito's remark sent chills down Gen Uchiha's spine.
Damn it, he should have removed the young Madara character card before coming here.
"Lord Mito, who do you think I resemble?"
"Your eyes look a lot like Hashirama's."
Standing by the bed, Tsunade craned her neck and looked Uchiha Gen up and down again.
He is quite handsome, but this doesn't seem like it...
Is Grandma hallucinating because she misses Grandpa so much?
Uchiha Gen felt relieved at this moment, but was also full of curiosity.
My eyes are like Hashirama's?
"Mito-sama, why do you think that way?"
"Child, your eyes are just like Hashirama's. I can see it. You are the same kind of people. You both believe from the bottom of your hearts that the world should not be like this. You have a sense of loneliness that you cannot integrate into this world and are not understood by people."
So Hashirama founded Konoha, determined to change the world. He wanted to end the war, bring peace, and allow children to grow up healthily.
You, like him, feel out of place in this world, don't you, child?
Mito Uzumaki leaned against the bed, her eyes smiling as she looked kindly at Gendo Uchiha.
Gen Uchiha was genuinely surprised this time, and looked up at Mito Uzumaki.
"My senses are somewhat special, and because of the Nine-Tails, I can distinguish between people's hearts and good and evil. That's why I was able to sense that innate quality in you, just like Hashirama's."
You all share the same deep belief that some ideals can definitely be realized.
Hashirama accomplished some things, but also caused some things to collapse. However, he had already planted the seeds, and as the village grows, future generations of successors will tirelessly strive for the ideal world he left behind.
"Child, can you tell me what the world in your dream is like?"
Gen Uchiha looked at Mito Uzumaki, as if he could feel the gazes from Hiruzen Sarutobi and other core members of Konoha behind him.
This appears to be a political vetting operation, whether pre-planned or impromptu.
The reviewer was Mito Uzumaki.
This old man possessed a unique ability to perceive the soul directly, coupled with his extensive experience of life, which gave him the powerful ability to see through people's hearts.
It's virtually impossible to lie to her.
"Lord Mito, the world in my heart may not be perfect in some aspects, but it can ensure that most people have food, clothing, old age, employment, and growth. Society is stable, and it has the ability to quell wars. Those who come dare not invade, and those who invade dare not come. Every child like me can receive an education, grow up, and then devote themselves to the great ideals of our ancestors."
At this moment, Gen Uchiha's tone was more resolute than ever before.
This is not only the world in his mind, but also the world he has seen with his own eyes and as a part of it.