After leaving the Hokage Building, he went to visit Orochimaru, but only found Anko there.
Anko said Orochimaru had gone out with a man in black, but she didn't know where they went exactly.
Probably off to do some experiments with Danzo. Rumor had it that children had started disappearing around the village...
Not something he could interfere in anyway...
After going home and resting for the night, he slept in late and only got up when the sun was high in the sky. After washing up and getting dressed, he grabbed a quick bite at Ichiraku Ramen before leisurely heading to Minato's house.
Kiyosuke knocked on the door and was surprised when Rin answered.
Kushina was staying at home to rest and take care of her pregnancy. Ever since becoming pregnant, she wasn't as brash as before—much more careful and gentle now. You'd never guess she used to be the infamous Red-Hot Habanero.
That's why Minato had asked Rin to come over and help take care of her. After all, as Hokage, his work kept him busy, and he couldn't be there for his wife like he used to.
And as a medical ninja, Rin was perfect for the job.
As for Kiyosuke, he was there for protection.
"Minato really knows how to pick people," he muttered as he stepped inside.
Seeing Kushina sitting on the couch, killing time with a novel, he said,
"Yo, long time no see, Kushina-san!"
Kushina looked up and smiled when she saw him.
"Well if it isn't Kiyosuke! It really has been a while. Minato told me you went off to train. Looks like your strength has increased a lot."
"Of course. Minato-san asked me to protect you and had Rin look after you too. He's clearly very devoted to his wife."
Kushina chuckled.
"Minato, seriously... Having someone of your strength guard me is total overkill. I may be pregnant, but I'm not that fragile."
She was an Uzumaki, after all—skilled in sealing jutsu, and possessing chakra strong enough to suppress the Nine-Tails. She wasn't weak, even with a child growing inside her. She could protect herself just fine.
"I just don't have any suitable assignments right now."
Kiyosuke didn't bother with formalities and pulled up a chair to sit.
"My abilities are too flashy. Most ANBU missions aren't really a good fit for me. I'm technically in the ANBU now, but this is actually my first real mission."
Back then, Minato had brought Kiyosuke into ANBU to intimidate a few people and make things easier for Kakashi. Ironically,
Still, it all worked out—Kakashi fit into the ANBU like a fish in water. He was already a squad captain now.
Of course, part of that was due to Kiyosuke's support.
Meanwhile, Kiyosuke had barely started and already taken a long leave. Even if Minato wanted to give him more opportunities, Kiyosuke hadn't given him the chance. The only thing he could do was quietly take on missions.
He hadn't helped with anything yet and had already collected several months of pay.
So this time, Kiyosuke accepted the assignment to protect Kushina without complaint.
This was a long-term mission—definitely not something that would be over in ten days or even a month.
It wouldn't be complete until Kushina gave birth.
Kiyosuke knew the real challenge wasn't during her pregnancy, but at the time of delivery.
When the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails gives birth, the seal weakens. The suppression of the Nine-Tails drops to its lowest, and it can easily break free.
And at that moment, Obito—under Madara's control—was likely to strike.
Shisui's Mangekyō had been taken by Black Zetsu, likely to control Obito. Obito would never pass up such a golden opportunity to steal the Nine-Tails. There wouldn't be a better chance than this.
Thankfully, there was still plenty of time.
...
Rin brought over some hot tea. Kiyosuke took a sip and asked,
"So, Rin, how's it feel to be spending time with Kushina-san?"
"It's great," Rin replied.
She'd let her hair grow long and had turned even more goddess-like. Obito, that idiot, would probably drool if he saw her now.
Yes, on the day Kushina gave birth, Rin would definitely be there.
"I like working at the Konoha Hospital, but it's nice to get a break like this too," Rin said with a smile as she sat down.
Kiyosuke put down his tea and said,
"Oh, that's nice to hear. Kushina-san, mind if I use your backyard for some training?"
"You really can't sit still, huh? If that's the case, forget training. I'm bored—come with Rin and me for a walk around the village," Kushina said as she stood up.
Kiyosuke's expression stiffened. Shopping with girls...? Kill him now.
He shook his head frantically, but when he saw Kushina's red hair start to lift slightly behind her head, he caved instantly. It wasn't that he was scared of her, it's just... angering a pregnant woman was never a good idea.
Shopping with girls was pure torture, no matter how old they were.
Kushina and Rin, in particular, were unstoppable.
Kiyosuke ended up summoning shadow clones just to help carry everything.
"Shopping with girls is such a hassle," one clone muttered under his breath.
"Totally. I'd rather be back training at Ryūchi Cave."
"Exactly!"
"Kiyosuke!" Kushina turned around and said with a smile,
"Shopping with girls is an essential skill for any guy. If you don't learn it, you'll never get a girlfriend."
"I'll just find a girl who doesn't like shopping."
Kiyosuke said it with confidence.
"As if such a girl exists! You're dreaming, kid."
"I'm sure she's out there," Kiyosuke grinned.
...
"Oh my, Kushina! What a coincidence!"
A voice called out, and Kushina turned to see her friend Uchiha Mikoto walking over with her son. She was pleasantly surprised and smiled brightly.
"Mikoto! It's you!"
She glanced at Mikoto's swollen belly and said,
"Looks like your baby's going to be born a little earlier than mine."
Mikoto beamed with happiness.
"I hope it's a girl. Then Itachi can have a little sister."
No, no, no... There's no way the reincarnation of Indra could ever be a girl.
Kiyosuke shook his head inwardly. Not just Indra—even Asura's reincarnations had never been girls.
If either of them had been born female, this cycle of conflict would've ended a long time ago.
"Hello, Itachi!"
Kushina greeted the boy beside his mother.
Itachi gave a polite bow.
"Hello, Kushina-san."
"What a well-mannered child. It'd be even better if you called me 'neesan' instead."
Mikoto: "…"
Itachi: "…"
Kiyosuke laughed.
"Kushina-san, are you starting to feel old?"
"I'm only eighteen, okay?"
Kushina smiled sweetly.
"Itachi calling me 'neesan' isn't weird at all."
"Heh-heh."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing at all."
"I think it does mean something. Come on, spill it."
"No hidden meaning. Just... laughing."
"Heh-heh!"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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