The bustling streets with their throngs of people, the countless shops lining the roads, the cries of street vendors, and the playful shouts of children—all marked this as a peaceful and beautiful place.
Twilight descended upon the sky, casting an orange-yellow glow across the land. There was no heavy traffic, no light pollution from neon signs, not even tall buildings or power grids. It seemed like a backward little village, yet the crowds were unusually dense.
Amidst the bustling crowd, a red-haired woman with a large belly moved slowly through the street. Even pregnant, she still needed appropriate exercise, which was beneficial for both the child and the mother.
An elderly woman walked ahead of her, leading the way. The two of them strolled slowly down the street, but not far behind them, countless figures followed closely. They wore animal masks to conceal their faces, revealing only their eyes, and were clad in identical uniforms, indicating their allegiance to the same organization, secretly safeguarding the two women's safety.
"It's wonderful that the village is so peaceful."
"Yes..."
The red-haired woman touched her belly, her face filled with maternal love and hope.
She was going to be a mother very soon. She would give birth and meet her adorable child. Their family would soon welcome a new member, and then they would live happily ever after, never separated. Just thinking about it made her happy!
Kushina cradled her belly, beginning to imagine her future life. Her husband was the Hokage, so her child should also aim to become the Hokage, right? This was the child of her and Minato; he would surely be outstanding.
Her delightful thoughts about the future continued until she encountered an old friend on the street.
"Ah, Mikoto!"
Mikoto Uchiha was slowly strolling along the street, holding her child, who was not yet three months old, and doing some shopping. The child in her arms had the same black hair as her and was sleeping peacefully.
Perhaps because she was also about to become a mother, Kushina suddenly developed a fondness for cute little children. Looking at the adorable child, a smile appeared on her face.
"So cute! Is it a girl?"
Mikoto smiled slightly. Her son was indeed very cute; his older brother had said so too.
"It's a boy."
Kushina smiled and poked the child's face with her pinky finger. As the softness transmitted through her fingertip, she felt the most tender part of her heart being touched.
"Does he have a name?"
"Yes, he's called Sasuke."
The elderly woman beside them, Sarutobi Biwako, the Third Hokage's wife, also spoke up when she heard the name. It was the same name as the Third Hokage's father. Mikoto explained that it was in hopes that Sasuke would become an excellent, outstanding, and powerful ninja.
Woken by the voices of the three adults, Sasuke's tiny brows furrowed, seemingly displeased, as he struggled in Mikoto's arms.
Unfortunately, this only increased the three adults' affection. Kushina immediately reached out and rubbed Sasuke's head. Sasuke looked at the unfamiliar, beautiful woman... If Mikoto hadn't been holding him, he probably would have burst into tears.
"Kushina, you're due soon, aren't you? In that case, it's probably best to pick a name first."
Mikoto comforted Sasuke, who was on the verge of crying, and changed the subject. Upon hearing this, Kushina patted her belly and spoke proudly.
"I've already picked one. The name is Naruto."
Kushina really liked this name.
"Naruto and Sasuke will be classmates and comrades in the future," Kushina poked the now quiet Sasuke's little face. They were good friends, and she hoped their children would also be good friends. "You two must get along well, little Sasuke."
Speaking of children, Kushina quietly lowered her voice, a worried expression on her face, and leaned in to ask Mikoto a question that had been on her mind for a long time...
"By the way...it's going to hurt a lot, isn't it?"
After two seconds of stunned, Mikoto realized what Kushina was talking about. She also broke into a sweat... That fiery red pepper, the hot-tempered wife who could beat her Hokage husband without him being able to fight back, actually had something she was afraid of. It truly surprised her.
At this point, Sarutobi Biwako, who was standing beside Kushina, quickly pulled her away.
"Alright, it's time to go, Kushina. It's getting late; you need to hurry back."
Allowing herself to be dragged away, Kushina chuckled as she bid farewell to Mikoto.
Sarutobi Biwako reprimanded Kushina. Although Kushina's identity as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was still a secret, she shouldn't be so careless.
"Your childbirth is a secret. Even if you meet acquaintances on the way, it's best to avoid them as much as possible."
Kushina agreed with a bitter smile. She knew what she had to do and that Lady Biwako was looking out for her; it was just that with labor imminent, she felt a bit overwhelmed.
"And...leaving the village is also top secret! Even if the contractions start, you must endure them!"
"Ah... Yes!"
Both for secrecy and to ensure that the Nine-Tails wouldn't escape when Kushina's seal weakened, the Third and Fourth Hokages had arranged a residence and a barrier outside the village for Kushina to give birth.
They had to ensure the Nine-Tails was absolutely secure; any mistake would have unimaginable consequences!
Kushina watched the sun gradually disappear from the sky, touched her belly, and fantasized about the wonderful life ahead. Under her and Minato's guidance, Naruto would surely become an excellent ninja!
They would definitely give Naruto a happy home!
With these thoughts, Kushina followed Sarutobi Biwako on the way home. To create the illusion that she was still in the village, she was currently living in the village center with Minato.
Passing through the bustling streets, some passersby who knew she was the Fourth Hokage's wife showed her immense respect. Kushina smiled and responded to each of them.
Although it was dinner time, she had no appetite for the food sold by street vendors or from the countless shops. Only when she passed a certain shop did she slightly swallow her saliva.
Ichiraku Ramen... I'll ask Minato to take me there to eat later. It seems a bit crowded inside right now.
Watching the enticing aroma waft from the small ramen shop, Kushina wiped her mouth and thought to herself.
As Kushina departed, among the diners at Ichiraku Ramen, a certain young man raised his head and looked back at the receding scarlet pepper.
Fang Wuwei wiped the soup from his lips, his spiritual power, however, locked onto Kushina, who was leaving in the distance. She was still able to go out for a walk, so the Nine-Tails' attack probably wouldn't happen for a few more days.
"Master! This is so delicious! It's my first time eating such delicious ramen!"
A rapid slurping sound came from beside him. Ikenouchi Maki slurped her ramen loudly, making sounds that made Fang Wuwei want to punch her. She was not at all elegant.
On the contrary, the Old Man Teuchi, who was cooking the noodles, laughed heartily. The customers' approval was the greatest encouragement to him, and it was what he loved to hear most. He liked people like Ikenouchi Maki.
Glancing at the rather ungraceful Ikenouchi Maki beside him, Fang Wuwei silently picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip.
There was still some time until the Nine-Tails' attack... He would give her extra training during this period.
Poor Ikenouchi Maki, inexplicably, had countless training missions added to her schedule. For now, she was ignorantly enjoying her noodles.
Hmm... This tea isn't good. It's not as good as the one Kuzuha brews.
Fang Wuwei put down the teacup and sighed.