Kushina returned home in a daze.
Her whole body felt faint and tingly, an unfamiliar numbness lingering on her skin—
especially on her lips and waist, where that bastard had come too close.
She could still feel the warmth he left behind.
How… how dare he?
I'm the Hokage's wife…
"Kushina? What's wrong?"
Minato suddenly teleported into the room, concern etched on his face.
He had been worrying about her pregnancy and had used Flying Thunder God to return early—
only to find her standing stiffly, legs slightly trembling, her cheeks flushed.
"I—I'm fine!"
Kushina pressed her lips together, hiding everything.
Minato stepped close and gently rested his hand on her round belly.
"Don't mind the Third. He's only thinking of Konoha's safety."
He assumed she was upset about being dismissed earlier.
Kushina didn't respond.
Instead, she blurted urgently:
"Minato… Evan's kekkei genkai—his ability to foresee the future.
Is it real?"
Minato blinked.
"…Why are you suddenly asking that?"
"So it is real? Absolutely accurate?"
Kushina pressed.
Seeing her unusually serious expression, Minato hesitated… then sighed.
"Ever since Konoha discovered his ability—and since he admitted it himself—
he has made six predictions.
All six came true."
Kushina's expression changed drastically.
Everything Evan had said echoed in her mind:
Konoha will face disaster.
I will die.
Minato will die.
Many villagers will die.
Naruto will become a jinchūriki.
If everything he predicted was true…
Half a month.
Only half a month before her due date.
"Kushina, are you feeling unwell?"
Minato asked gently.
But Kushina shook her head.
Instead, she asked:
"Minato… does Konoha have any enemies right now? Any threats at all?"
Minato found her behavior strange, but he still answered:
"No. The war is over.
At present, Konoha has no clear enemies."
"So there's no one…?"
Kushina murmured helplessly.
Then the only person who knew the enemy's identity
was Evan.
And if she wanted to save Minato—save Konoha—
she had to ask him.
A troubled expression crossed her face.
"Kushina? What's wrong?"
Minato's brows creased in worry.
"Are you anxious about Naruto's birth?"
Kushina exhaled shakily… then asked something else:
"Minato… what do you think of Evan?
Do you know him well?"
"Hm? Evan? Why the sudden question?"
Minato scratched his head.
"I only met him near the end of the war, during a joint mission.
His parents died in the war—he grew up alone.
Then during the Wind Country campaign, his jonin leader and teammates died.
He was the only survivor."
"It was after that Orochimaru accepted him as a disciple.
That's when his strength began to show."
Minato paused, remembering.
"He's like Kakashi—traumatized by losing comrades.
It made his personality extreme.
But after interacting with him… I found he's actually very gentle."
Kushina pressed her lips tight.
Minato truly admired Evan.
But she had seen Evan's other side.
His real nature.
A boy who could kill his own team.
A boy who could corner her, the Hokage's wife, with fearless arrogance.
A boy who had dangerous intentions toward her.
There was no way Minato knew that.
Kushina lowered her gaze, sinking deep into thought.
Seeing her quiet, distant expression, Minato grew more anxious.
"Kushina… what's wrong?
Are you afraid something will happen during Naruto's birth?"
Kushina sighed softly.
Then asked him:
"Minato… if Konoha produced another incredibly strong shinobi—
as strong as the First Hokage—
but his personality was twisted and unpredictable…
would that be good or bad for the village?"
Minato blinked, startled by the strange question.
He thought for a long moment.
"…It would still be good.
Such strength would protect Konoha.
As for his personality, we could guide him.
Influence him.
Teach him right."
Kushina breathed out in relief.
Yes…
Power like the First Hokage overshadowed everything.
Morality?
Temperament?
Those could be managed.
With Evan's unparalleled ability
plus Minato's leadership—
Konoha would be unstoppable.
Even if the Nine-Tails broke loose.
Even if some unknown enemy attacked.
With Evan's help, Minato would survive.
The village would survive.
Naruto… wouldn't have to become a jinchūriki.
Konoha would be saved.
But—
But he… has those thoughts about me.
What should I do?
Should I… just give in to him?
No, no—
at least not before the baby is born…
But then—
He's astonishingly talented…
Young, powerful, handsome…
Surely many girls like him.
So why… why is he interested in a pregnant, married woman like me?
And when she thought of that brief, searing sensation on her lips—
A shiver ran through her.
That strange, tingling warmth
swept through her whole body again.
A feeling she had no words for.
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