Ever since their daughter Ritsukimi learned to say "Dad," Kawaki had gotten into the habit of carrying her with him wherever he went.
It was something Ginji never got to experience as a child, so he could only inwardly grumble about his father's double standards.
It was another day just like any other. Kawaki carried Ritsukimi and walked Tsunade to the entrance of the gambling house.
"You go play."
"I'm taking the kid for a walk."
Kawaki clearly had no plans to go in and immediately started to turn around.
Partly because the gambling house environment wasn't suitable for children, and partly because he hated watching rigged gambling games.
"Go ahead, go ahead."
At this moment, Tsunade didn't even have the mood to pay attention to her daughter and husband. Under the ushering of the gambling house staff, she strode in with great self-satisfaction.
Just you wait — by the end of today, not a single scrap of armor will remain on them!
"Take this as a lesson, okay?"
Kawaki pointed at Tsunade's retreating back, trying to instill the proper values in Ritsukimi.
But how could a six-month-old like Ritsukimi possibly understand? She simply looked happily at Kawaki.
"Dada~ Dada~" she cooed in her sweet, babbling voice.
These two sweet, still somewhat unclear calls completely melted Kawaki's heart.
"There there, sweetheart. Daddy will take you to buy some pretty clothes."
Putting on a cheerful smile he didn't feel, Kawaki set off toward the maternity store.
Before even entering the door, he ran into Kushina coming out while carrying two big bags.
"Brother-in-law, bringing Ritsukimi shopping?"
Out of habit, Kushina still used that term. Even after officially marrying Minato, she'd never managed to change it.
"Yeah. What are you up to?"
Kawaki showed signs of joy, wondering if Minato had already planted a child in Kushina's womb.
It made perfect sense for a soon-to-be mother to purchase baby items.
"Oh, Mikoto is pregnant."
"I bought something to visit her."
Kushina nonchalantly lifted the bags, each filled with heartfelt gifts for her best friend.
"She's already expecting her second child."
"What have you and Minato been doing all this time?"
Kawaki's face dropped. So it was Hokage Uchiha who'd already sown his seed in Mikoto.
"We've been trying too."
"It's just... maybe our luck hasn't arrived yet."
Kushina stubbornly argued with her neck stretched forward, though her voice clearly betrayed a hint of disappointment at the end.
Didn't she long for a precious child born from her love with Minato?
They had both gone through checkups and everything seemed fine. If nothing came of it, then it must just mean their fates hadn't aligned yet.
"Alright, alright."
"You'll have one eventually. Don't pressure yourself. Go see Mikoto now."
Seeing Kushina looking so adorably pouty, Kawaki couldn't bear to press further about wanting kids anytime soon.
Still, he thought about how Sasuke was only a couple months older than Naruto. If things went without incident, the tadpole known as Naruto would soon complete his transformation.
"Yeah."
"Bye, brother-in-law."
Kushina pulled herself together, gave Ritsukimi a big smile, and turned to leave.
Once inside the shop, though, Kawaki couldn't shake the guilt from what he had said earlier. His eagerness to shop vanished.
He shouldn't have opened his mouth at all. What's meant to happen will happen!
Unaware of Kawaki's thoughts, Kushina directly headed to Fugaku's mansion.
Whether as the Fire Shadow's wife or Mikoto's closest friend, Kushina's visit surely warranted red-carpet treatment.
As soon as she walked through the door, the butler greeted her.
After exchanging polite greetings, the butler respectfully took the bags from her hands and led Kushina to outside Mikoto's bedroom.
"Mikoto, I'm here to see you."
Without waiting for the butler to announce her arrival, Kushina called out.
"You finally came! I've been so bored at home."
No sooner had Kushina spoken than Mikoto's voice was heard from inside.
Following a quick set of footsteps, the door opened and a barefaced Mikoto appeared before her.
"Congratulations—you're expecting again!"
The two best friends embraced. It had been a while since their last meeting.
"You didn't need to bring so much."
Scolding playfully, Mikoto lightly tapped Kushina's shoulder.
"It's not for you—it's for my godson."
Kushina grabbed the bags back from the butler and, carrying them into the room past Mikoto.
Ever perceptive, the butler quickly excused himself.
"Then I'll thank your godson for him."
Smiling playfully, Mikoto pulled Kushina over to sit by the table.
"Fugaku's busy, but what about Itachi?"
"He's not even around to keep you company?"
Kushina understood that Fugaku wasn't home, but where could a child younger than five possibly go?
"Orochimaru said Itachi is almost ready for training."
"As his mentor, he's been keeping Itachi by his side constantly."
Mikoto explained, clearly delighted and proud.
After all, not just anyone could become Orochimaru's disciple.
"Ahhh, I see."
Kushina nodded along, secretly feeling a pang of sympathy for Itachi.
A four-year-old facing off with a teacher like Orochimaru—how could Mikoto still look so happy?
If she ever had kids, there's no way she'd let Orochimaru anywhere near them.
"How have you been lately?"
"Still nothing?"
Unavoidably, the conversation turned toward children.
Mikoto meant well—she was genuinely concerned about her friend.
"Agh, it's driving me crazy."
"I barely stepped out to run an errand before running into Brother-in-law and getting scolded."
"What did I even do wrong?"
Kushina immediately exaggerated Kawaki's actions significantly and vented endlessly to Mikoto.
"Lord Kawaki only means well."
"Besides, Minato is his first disciple, so let him talk."
Mikoto didn't side with Kushina; instead, she took the elder's side.
This chapter isn't over!
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"Yeah yeah, what else am I supposed to do?"
Kushina looked helplessly frustrated, enviously rubbing Mikoto's belly.
"Enough about that though."
"Let's talk about something happier."
"That guy the other day—you know, my…"
Not wanting to keep upsetting Kushina further, Mikoto changed the topic to some juicy gossip.
At this, Kushina instantly perked up. The two women chatted nonstop until nightfall, only reluctantly parting ways when their energy finally waned.
That night, inspired by their conversation, Kushina gave Minato quite the workout.
The next morning, Minato—who was always punctual at work—arrived late.
Maybe perseverance paid off, or maybe it was just good timing.
One month later, Kushina was finally pregnant.
Minato, upon hearing the news, was so excited that he couldn't sleep the entire night.
Kawaki and Tsunade were also overjoyed, buying a lot of things and bringing them to Minato's home.
"Kushina, as the Jinchūriki,"
"When you give birth, the seal will weaken."
"The Nine-Tailed Fox isn't as tame as the Seven-Tailed Beast—you'll need to be extra cautious then."
Tsunade went over all the things Kushina needed to watch for during pregnancy, even detailing the dangers she might face during labor.
"Grandma already told me. I remember everything."
"Besides, with all of you watching over me, what do I have to worry about anyway?"
Kushina truly didn't take it seriously. What kind of trouble could the Nine-Tails possibly cause in Konoha?
"You~"
Tsunade chuckled and gave her a playful forehead poke.
"Don't worry, I'll personally guard you when the time comes, little sis."
Kawaki took full responsibility, though he couldn't help but wonder if Naruto would end up with whisker marks.
"Then thank you, Teacher."
Minato still felt awkward calling Kawaki "Teacher"—the whole generational thing had gotten way too confusing.
"It's not getting any earlier."
"You make sure to take good care of Kushina. We're heading out."
Noticing how dark it had gotten outside, Kawaki and Tsunade left hand in hand.
...
Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade
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