After Zetsu and Uchiha Obito departed, Sora went directly to Orochimaru's hideout.
"Master Orochimaru, I've brought you excellent experimental materials," Sora announced.
Orochimaru's interest was instantly piqued.
He knew that if Sora described something as "excellent experimental material," it must truly be extraordinary.
Sora summoned the large snake that had swallowed the White Zetsu clones. The serpent regurgitated all ten of them.
Orochimaru immediately began examining the White Zetsu bodies with great fascination.
The more he inspected them, the more excited he became.
"Extremely active cells. Their cellular structure appears highly compatible. Their body composition is clearly not human—they lack many organs that humans possess. What exactly are these beings?"
Seeing Orochimaru's satisfaction with the White Zetsu clones, Sora felt pleased.
These White Zetsu clones were arguably the finest experimental material in the entire shinobi world, without exception.
At present, Orochimaru had not yet developed his Living Corpse Reincarnation technique, nor had he researched cell transplantation and related technologies.
With White Zetsu clones available for experimentation, Orochimaru's research might progress much more smoothly.
Though Orochimaru typically maintained a composed demeanor, Sora could sense his excitement in this moment.
"Sora, I am very pleased with these experimental materials," Orochimaru said appreciatively.
Sora smiled in response. "You should be, Master Orochimaru. There's no need to conserve them. If you run out, just let me know, and I'll acquire more for you."
Orochimaru asked curiously, "Where did you obtain these specimens?"
Sora told Orochimaru about her deal with members of the Akatsuki organization.
"Uchiha Obito is still alive? And he's joined a mercenary group?" Orochimaru remarked with surprise. "This is truly unexpected."
Sora felt no need to hide information from Orochimaru, so she simply shared the truth about "Uchiha Madara."
After hearing this, Orochimaru stared at Sora in astonishment.
Following a moment of stunned silence, Orochimaru exclaimed, "This shinobi world grows more fascinating by the day.
Uchiha Madara, who was presumed dead, is still alive and even planning for resurrection after death.
It seems, Yahiko, that you formed the Owl Organization because of the Akatsuki, didn't you?"
Sora replied, "Yes, that's the reason. What comes next will be quite exciting. It would be a shame not to participate."
Orochimaru smiled. "Indeed, it would."
Sora added, "Master Orochimaru, you should know that these White Zetsu clones were once humans."
Orochimaru's eyes reflected deep interest. "They were originally human? That makes them even more valuable for research."
"I can see you're eager to begin studying them, so I won't keep you any longer," Sora said.
Orochimaru, impatient to start his work, dispensed with his usual politeness. "Very well, I'll begin my research immediately."
Sora headed home.
Now in her tenth month of pregnancy, Uzumaki Kushina was almost nine months along, with only about a month remaining.
Sora wondered how many witness points this significant event would earn her.
...
Three days after Uchiha Obito and Zetsu's departure.
Uzumaki Miyuki had already been moved to a location outside Konoha Village, where a cave had been prepared for her delivery.
Numerous ANBU guards were stationed at the cave entrance, which was also sealed with a barrier technique.
The security measures were impressively thorough.
Fifteen days passed.
Sora took Uzumaki Kushina to Orochimaru's hideout and asked Kakashi to temporarily stop accepting missions.
"Sora, why are you suddenly asking me to stay with Lord Orochimaru for a while?" Uzumaki Kushina asked doubtfully as she sat on the bed, watching Sora install a television in the room.
Sora explained, "Miyuki is about to give birth. I would be worried if I weren't with you. But I feel at ease knowing Master Orochimaru is here and Kakashi is protecting you."
Uzumaki Kushina sighed helplessly. "There's no need to be so cautious."
Sora shook her head. "You're more than eight months pregnant now, so we must be extremely careful. Don't worry, I'll stay with you until Miyuki delivers her baby."
With Uzumaki Kushina in the third trimester of pregnancy, Sora didn't want her to experience any emotional distress because of Uzumaki Miyuki's situation.
Sora temporarily resided at Orochimaru's hideout with Uzumaki Kushina and Kakashi.
Another half-month passed.
Sora, who had just returned to Orochimaru's hideout after buying groceries, was immediately informed that Uzumaki Miyuki had gone into labor. She was requested to go and provide protection.
Sora quickly handed the food to Kakashi. "Kakashi, guard Kushina here. Don't concern yourself with anything happening outside, no matter what."
Kakashi promised solemnly, "I understand, sensei!"
Sora rushed to the cave outside Konoha where Uzumaki Miyuki was about to give birth.
Namikaze Minato also hurried to the site, nodded toward Sora, and entered the cave.
Sora stood outside with the ANBU ninja, waiting.
Inside, Namikaze Minato approached Uzumaki Miyuki's bed.
The Eight Sign Seal was visible on Uzumaki Miyuki's abdomen.
Sarutobi Biwako instructed, "Minato, keep watch over Miyuki's seal."
Namikaze Minato replied seriously, "I understand."
He placed his hands on Uzumaki Miyuki's belly, maintaining the Eight Sign Seal.
Uzumaki Miyuki began to give birth, crying out in pain.
Outside the cave, Sora's brows furrowed upon hearing her cries.
It sounded excruciating. Would her Kushina also experience such pain?
She felt concerned.
Namikaze Minato, while maintaining the seal, worried aloud, "This is the first time I've heard Miyuki cry out in such pain. Is everything alright?"
Sarutobi Biwako, who was delivering the baby, responded sternly, "Everything is fine. Your priority is to monitor the Nine-Tails' seal!"
Namikaze Minato looked at the suffering Uzumaki Miyuki, his concern only growing. "But... this..."
Sarutobi Biwako scolded him, "As the Fourth Hokage, don't be so flustered! Men would have died from such pain long ago, but women are strong!"
The Nine-Tails within Uzumaki Miyuki wasn't struggling, but the natural leakage of its chakra was causing the seal to weaken.
Minato, believing the Nine-Tails was actively resisting, struggled to maintain the seal's integrity.
"You can do it, Miyuki!"
"Come on, Naruto!"
Namikaze Minato encouraged both Uzumaki Miyuki and her unborn son.
Outside the cave, Sora maintained her Observation Haki.
After years of diligent practice, her Observation Haki had evolved from the first stage to the second.
In this advanced state, she could not only detect the location and number of enemies beyond her line of sight over a greatly expanded range, but also sense incoming attacks and predict her opponents' next moves.
Sora felt the exact moment when Uchiha Obito, Zetsu, Kakuzu, and Hoshigaki Kisame approached the area.
She took a deep breath, looked up at the darkened sky, and murmured:
"The night is beginning to boil..."
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion