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Akio personally presided over Genkai's funeral.

The governmental structure of the Land of Whirlpools differed quite a bit from the Five Great Nations. While there was a Daimyō in the country, there were no real ministers or officials, and certainly no one suitable to conduct a funeral. Genkai, rather than a formal Daimyō, was more like the clan head of Uzushiogakure. He managed civilian affairs like relocation, planting, and economics all by himself. The only ones who could assist him were the elite of the patrol unit, Izuko, and Kushina's father.

Originally, it was planned for Izuko to lead the funeral. But when the news of Genkai's death spread and Akio saw many civilians crying in grief, he realized just how respected and beloved Genkai had become over the years.

"As the first Daimyō of the Land of Whirlpools, it's only right that I personally preside over the ceremony," Akio sighed inwardly. He stepped forward to lay a bouquet for Genkai, then stood aside, silently watching as civilians and shinobi alike offered their flowers in an orderly manner.

Although Akio was the host, he didn't speak a single word throughout the entire ceremony. The flower offering alone lasted the whole day until nightfall.

"Half the country came to see you off. I acknowledge you too, Genkai…" Though belated, Akio still thickened his skin to wish for Genkai's peace in the afterlife.

He whispered softly, then officially announced the end of the ceremony and instructed the patrol unit to lead the attendees away.

Though the funeral had concluded, Akio still had more pressing matters to attend to.

In his mind, Genkai should have lived another five, maybe even ten years as Daimyō. By then, Nagato would be old enough to take over the role.

But with Genkai's sudden passing, and Nagato not even eleven yet, appointing him as Daimyō now was far too unrealistic.

"So, should I appoint Kushina's father instead?" Akio hesitated.

Ironically, he didn't even know the man's name. Akio rarely paid attention to anything outside his small circle. He cared about Nanako because she was his student. He cared about Kushina because she was Naruto's mother and someone he had raised from a young age. But as for Kushina's father—Nanako's son—he only knew of his existence. Handing the Daimyō position to him out of the blue felt reckless.

"I'll ask the other disciples for their opinion."

He skipped over Intō entirely and went directly to his two female disciples.

"Sensei, Ninagawa should be able to handle the role. Genkai had already begun grooming him for it over the past two years," Nanako said bluntly, recommending her own son. Izuko didn't object either.

Akio nodded. "So Genkai had already made preparations… Alright then. Have him get ready. The Daimyō position can't be left vacant for long."

Nanako responded with a nod, then hesitated before speaking again, "After the funeral, Kushina locked herself in her room. Would you mind comforting her?"

"They were that close?" Akio was a little surprised. As Daimyō, Genkai had always been busy, and he hadn't thought he and Kushina had spent much time together.

Standing at Kushina's door, Akio called out first, "Kushina, I'm coming in."

After a few seconds of silence, he used gravitational force to unlock the door and entered. Even though it was a girl's private room, as her great-grandfather, Akio still felt he needed to show some restraint.

Kushina was sitting on the bed hugging her knees, her eyes a little red, but she didn't seem devastated. Rather, she appeared deep in thought.

"What's on your mind?" Akio asked, a bit puzzled.

"Great-Grandpa, is it selfish of me to want to stay in Konoha for Minato?"

Akio was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected that question.

"There's nothing selfish about pursuing someone you love."

"But as the princess of the Land of Whirlpools, I have a responsibility. Grandfather devoted his entire life to the country, but I…"

"You do have responsibilities as a princess, that's true. But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your own happiness."

Akio shook his head. "Genkai worked hard as Daimyō because it was the life he chose for himself—something he truly wanted. He never regretted it, even at the end."

"If you marry into Konoha, you'll find your own happiness. And at the same time, you can strengthen the bond between Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools."

"If that is considered selfish, then I must be the most selfish one of all. As the elder of the Uzumaki Clan, I only started contributing to the country's growth when I was nearly a hundred years old. Before that? Without me, the alliance between Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools probably wouldn't even exist. The country might've been wiped out in a sudden war long ago."

Kushina suddenly looked up, her eyes glowing brightly. "Then why not have Minato marry into our country instead?"

"What?" Akio was taken aback and couldn't help but laugh. Kushina really did dare to dream big.

"Well, do your best then. Good luck!" After a moment of silence, Akio still gave her a word of encouragement.

Then Kushina hesitated before asking again, "Great-Grandpa, I want to know what really happened that time Minato saved me."

"You figured something was off?"

Akio chuckled. That whole incident had many flaws, the biggest being that when the Kumogakure ninja kidnapped Kushina, Akio hadn't retaliated against the Hidden Cloud at all.

Kushina nodded, and Akio continued.

"It all starts with that story I used to tell you when you were little."

"The Nine Tails?" Kushina had already learned about it over the years.

Akio nodded. "Mito was getting too old. Konoha needed a new Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, and your body was a perfect fit. So, they staged the entire event."

"I see…" Kushina sighed. "So the kidnapper that time…"

"Was an ANBU operative."

Kushina's expression changed several times. Akio smiled and reassured her, "Don't worry. Minato didn't know anything about it. The whole thing was orchestrated by Hiruzen and Danzo."

Kushina breathed a sigh of relief, and Akio continued, "Since the outcome was positive—it brought you and Minato together—I didn't pursue the matter further. But I did warn Hiruzen about it."

Kushina fell into deep thought. After a long moment, she clenched her fists, as if making a decision.

Akio blinked. "What now? Still thinking about luring Minato to move here?"

Kushina shook her head—then nodded. "I'm going to bring both the Nine-Tails and Minato back here!"

Akio laughed and nodded approvingly. "Then do your best. I'd love to see that day come."

He truly was curious—if that day ever came, Hiruzen's expression would be priceless. As for the storyline? As long as Naruto could be born safely, they could just take things one step at a time.

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