Hokage's Office
If one looked closely, they could see a slight bulge on her abdomen, now four months along.
"Tsunade-sama, would you like some soup?" Shizune asked, carrying a bowl of chicken soup.
Tsunade, who had been resting her head on one hand at her desk, snapped out of her daze.
"I'm not that fragile. You don't have to take care of me like this every day…"
"But Danzo-sama gave strict orders that you need proper nourishment during this period."
Tsunade's expression darkened slightly, but she still took the soup and sipped it slowly.
"That guy hasn't come by in the past few days?"
"He seems to be busy. Even Jiraiya-sama received deployment orders—he's likely not in Konoha right now."
Shizune hesitated for a moment before cautiously adding,
"Tsunade-sama, you really shouldn't be at odds with Danzo-sama. I think he's… quite responsible, and besides, this situation isn't good for the child."
"You talk too much." Tsunade muttered, rubbing her stomach with a troubled expression.
She didn't want things to be this way, but their relationship was stuck in an awkward limbo.
Acting too close was impossible.
Then there was Yakushi Nono, the woman Danzo had assigned to assist her.
Though flawless in both her conduct and work, and someone Danzo trusted wholeheartedly, Tsunade found herself inexplicably irritated every time she saw her.
...
A sudden knock on the door made Tsunade sit up straight, instantly regaining her authoritative presence.
"Come in."
Uchiha Mikoto entered the room, carrying a large stack of documents.
"Hokage-sama, these are the latest task plans from the Administrative Department."
Shizune took the documents and placed them on the desk.
Tsunade asked casually, "Mikoto, why have you been delivering these reports yourself lately? Isn't Itachi around?"
"Itachi received an important mission and left Konoha three days ago. For now, the only senior official in the Administrative Department is Nono-sama. Besides…" Mikoto glanced at Tsunade. "The departure paperwork was approved by you, Hokage-sama."
Noticing Mikoto's curious gaze, Tsunade looked away.
"There's too much work—I must have forgotten… Itachi, that kid, excels in everything…"
Mikoto's expression softened with motherly affection.
Since Itachi returned to Konoha to serve, he had become her pillar of support. Unwilling to stay alone in her empty home, she had transferred to the Administrative Department to keep herself occupied.
"Hokage-sama flatters him."
"No need to be so modest. Itachi's achievements are well-known… Ugh—"
Shizune panicked and rushed forward to rub Tsunade's back, helping her recover from the sudden nausea.
Mikoto watched with a strange expression. This scene felt all too familiar.
"…Hokage-sama, perhaps something sour would help."
"Yes! Pickled plums!" Shizune hurriedly pulled a small box from a drawer and handed one to Tsunade.
Tsunade's face flushed with embarrassment as she suppressed her nausea. Shame burned inside her.
"…This is something every mother goes through," Mikoto said gently. "It may be difficult now, but watching your child grow little by little makes it all worthwhile."
Tsunade's gaze flickered with a rare hint of maternal longing. Her hand unconsciously moved to her abdomen.
But Mikoto wasn't as calm as she appeared.
This was a massive revelation.
The Fifth Hokage was pregnant?!
Her shinobi instincts kicked in, and countless pieces of intelligence flashed through her mind.
All of Konoha's administrative affairs had been handled through Itachi, the Deputy Minister.
Even with Itachi away on a mission, Nono had sent her, Mikoto, to deliver reports instead of coming herself.
And Tsunade never spoke of Yakushi Nono, almost as if the Minister of the Administrative Department didn't exist.
The two clearly didn't get along.
...
Back at the Administrative Department, Mikoto's thoughts refused to settle.
The more she analyzed the situation, the more convinced she became that her assessment was correct.
She arrived at Nono's office and knocked before entering.
Inside, Yakushi Nono was immersed in reviewing documents, exuding an air of calm efficiency. She didn't seem like someone caught up in petty rivalries.
Mikoto started doubting her own theory.
"Mikoto, is something wrong?" Nono asked, noticing her odd expression.
"Nothing, I just came from the Hokage's office… Tsunade-sama doesn't seem to be feeling well."
"She's unwell? Is she sick?" Nono finally put down her pen, her brows knitting together in concern.
"She's been experiencing nausea."
"…I see. Itachi's absence means you have more responsibilities to handle."
Nono sounded satisfied with Mikoto's performance. As the former wife of the Uchiha clan head, Mikoto had both skill and insight, often managing affairs even more efficiently than Itachi.
But Mikoto barely registered Nono's words.
Why had Nono been so concerned at first, but immediately relaxed when she heard it was nausea?
The only explanation was that she already knew Tsunade was pregnant.
And she likely knew who the father was.
"Mikoto? Mikoto?"
"…Apologies, I was lost in thought."
Nono studied her curiously. "You seem distracted today."
"I'm just worried about Itachi."
"Don't be. With Danzo-sama overseeing things, they won't be in any danger."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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