When Fujimoto Tōma stepped into the hospital room, he saw Yamanaka Inoichi seated beside the bed, quietly keeping his wife company.
Yamanaka's wife looked exhausted, but the people of this world were built differently. Even after childbirth, she was already propped up against the pillows, holding her newborn with both arms, eyes glued to him as if she'd never get tired of looking.
"Tōma, you're here," she said warmly. "Come take a look at Ikawa."
"Yamanaka Ikawa?" Tōma asked as he leaned in.
The baby was fast asleep. Sparse, pale-blond hair covered his head, the same color as Ino's, while his facial features already carried a hint of Inoichi's sharpness.
Yeah. No room for doubt there.
Tōma had seen newborns before. Naruto had looked like this too. Healthy. Properly formed.
Not like babies from his previous life, who all looked half-finished, wrinkled, and fragile.
Which explained a lot. You didn't send four-year-olds to the battlefield unless their bodies could actually handle it.
"This world really is built different," Tōma thought quietly.
"Yes," Inoichi said, smiling so wide it looked permanent. "That's his name."
They'd chosen it long ago. Simple. Solid. No unnecessary meaning layered on top.
They'd briefly considered naming the boy after Tōma, but that idea had been scrapped quickly. Too obvious. Too awkward. Especially considering Tōma was already their son-in-law.
After chatting a little longer, Tōma excused himself. Yamanaka's wife still needed rest, and this wasn't a place to linger.
As he stepped out, Yamanaka Ino followed.
"You're not staying with your mom?" Tōma asked.
"My dad's got it covered," Ino said, sticking her tongue out. "I tried to hold my brother, but they said I'd drop him. So I'm officially useless in there."
Tōma laughed. "Looks like your position in the family just took a hit."
"Impossible," Ino snorted, pumping a fist. "Once he's older, I'll teach him the authority of an older sister."
She laughed again, clearly not bothered by suddenly having a little brother.
After a brief pause, Tōma spoke again.
"…You know, we could have one too."
Ino blinked. "Huh?"
Then she rolled her eyes. "We're not married yet."
"Fair," Tōma admitted.
They were both seventeen. According to their engagement, there was still a year to go.
Still, biologically speaking, this world didn't waste time with half-measures.
He shook the thought away.
"Ino," Tōma said instead, "do you want to attend the Five Kage Summit?"
She hesitated. She wanted to go. Anyone would. But after a moment, she shook her head.
"My dad's going back to work. Mom just gave birth. I don't trust anyone else to help out."
"Alright," Tōma said simply.
"When are you leaving?" Ino asked.
"Today," he replied after a moment.
Her eyes widened slightly. Then understanding dawned.
Tōma reached out and gently ruffled her hair.
"Ino—"
She stepped forward and hugged him, pressing her lips against his before he could finish.
It wasn't their first time. He wrapped an arm around her naturally.
When they finally parted, she rested against his chest, face warm.
"Travel safe," she murmured.
"I will," Tōma smiled. "You know my strength."
"…Actually," Ino said thoughtfully, "I don't."
He froze.
She was right.
Outside of Naruto and Sasuke, almost no one truly knew how strong he'd become.
Seeing his expression, Ino laughed softly.
"I know you're the strongest," she said. "Just don't get careless."
"I won't."
They lingered a little longer before separating. After straightening his clothes, Ino watched as Tōma vanished.
She sighed quietly, eyes dimming for a moment.
The gap between them was real.
Still… she turned back toward the hospital.
She'd find her own way to support him.
Back in the Hokage's office, Tōma leaned into his chair, waiting.
Naruto and Kakashi would arrive soon.
His thoughts drifted back to Ino. Warm. Dangerous.
"…Focus," he muttered.
Just then, a massive chakra signature approached the building.
Not Naruto's.
Tōma's eyes sharpened.
The window slid open.
A figure landed lightly inside.
"Huh. You came back fast," Tōma said.
The man before him had horns curving from his head, purple markings around his eyes, and slit pupils like a serpent's. His clothes were neat. No scales. No grotesque distortions.
Uchiha Sasuke. In full control of Ryūchi Cave Sage Mode.
"The White Snake Sage said you were looking for me," Sasuke said.
"That can wait," Tōma replied. "How's your control?"
Sasuke considered. "My eyes fully recovered days ago. My Susanoo isn't perfect yet, but it's close."
Tōma raised an eyebrow. "That's a big leap."
"It's not just Itachi's power," Sasuke added. "The First Hokage's cells… they suit me."
"That tracks," Tōma nodded.
"And Sage Mode," Sasuke continued, clenching his fist. "This is it. It's… strong."
Tōma believed him.
"Can you turn it off?" he asked, glancing at the horns.
Sasuke closed his eyes.
Moments later, the transformation faded. He stood there as usual.
"Well done," Tōma said.
Sasuke smiled faintly.
Tōma explained the Five Kage Summit.
Sasuke went quiet for a moment.
"…You waited for me?" he asked.
"More or less," Tōma replied vaguely.
Sasuke's chest tightened. He didn't press further.
At that moment, the door opened.
"Fire Hokage-sama," Nara Shikaku said, then froze.
"Kakashi and Naruto are here."
Kakashi glanced at Sasuke and chuckled. "Guess I'm not needed."
"Hey! Sasuke!" Naruto grinned.
Sasuke returned the smile.
"Alright," Tōma said, standing. "No more delays. Naruto. Sasuke. You're my escorts for the Five Kage Summit."
"Yes!" they answered together.
Shikaku resisted the urge to sigh.
...
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