Since it was Monday, there were noticeably fewer people strolling on the streets; both Ninja and ordinary people were hurrying along.
In such an environment, two figures stood out.
They walked unhurriedly down the street, chatting and smiling, a stark contrast to the Ninja rushing across the rooftops nearby.
However, those who saw them cast respectful gazes their way, and some even raised a hand in greeting as they passed.
"Hokage-sama, good morning!"
"Hello."
Minato habitually raised his hand and responded with a smile.
The young man who received the Hokage's greeting was visibly excited; after bowing deeply to Minato, he turned and ran off, completely ignoring Ren beside him.
"Hey, that's too much."
Ren looked back at the young man's retreating figure and said, somewhat speechlessly.
"The preferential treatment is too obvious."
Although Ren was also a respected Konoha Jonin, his reputation as a Jinchuriki seemed to be even greater than that.
Aside from those familiar with him, the rest of Konoha Village regarded Ren with a mix of respect and fear.
There was nothing that could be done about this; after all, even ordinary people knew a thing or two about what a Jinchuriki represented.
Although Ren had a good reputation in Konoha, just to be safe, ordinary people would subconsciously keep their distance from him.
"It's alright, I believe you will soon gain everyone's approval."
Minato raised his hand and patted Ren's shoulder, comforting him.
"I'm not made of glass."
Ren rolled his eyes, looked up at the Hokage Rock in the distance, and said.
"What they think doesn't matter; anyway, once I become Hokage, they will surely be ashamed of their current thoughts."
"You little rascal."
Minato was first stunned, then burst into an amused laugh.
Indeed, he was used to counseling people, but he had forgotten that Ren would not cater to others' evaluations; the identity of a Jinchuriki could not stop him from becoming Hokage.
While conversing, the two arrived at Konoha Hospital; looking at the constant stream of people entering and exiting, Ren looked around and mumbled.
"I remember, Shikaku told me which room theirs was?"
A week ago, Shikaku had moved into the hospital with his wife, who was awaiting childbirth; by his calculations, it should be in the next day or two.
"Not sure."
Minato shook his head, just about to say something else when he was interrupted by a sudden voice.
"Minato, Ren!"
"Hmm?"
The two subconsciously looked up and saw a window on the second floor of the hospital, near the edge, open, with a figure waving at them.
That iconic pineapple hair, who else could it be but Nara Shikaku.
"Shikaku, what's the situation?"
Minato looked up and asked.
"My child is born!"
Shikaku shouted, then turned away from the window for a moment, only to reappear holding a small infant.
"Look!"
Looking at the boastful Nara Shikaku, both Minato and Ren, as well as passersby whose attention was drawn, showed smiles filled with deep blessings.
"Shikaku, how can you take the child to the window to catch a cold? Bring him back quickly!"
"Uh…"
The smile on Shikaku's face instantly froze; he quickly turned around and ran back with the infant in his arms.
Everyone who saw this scene chuckled, then turned their heads and went about their business; there were no idle people coming to the hospital.
Ren pondered for a moment, then turned to Minato and said, somewhat hesitantly.
"Brother Minato, since we're already here, why don't we go up and take a look for ten minutes? Otherwise, it doesn't feel right…"
"Alright."
Minato nodded in agreement.
After all, they had already greeted him; it wouldn't be good not to go up and see them. Besides, there were still twenty minutes until work, and he could just use Flying Thunder God to get there when the time came.
Of course, neither of them would be so foolish as to go empty-handed; they turned around and bought some supplements and other items from the gift shop next to the hospital, each carrying two boxes as they entered the building.
Unexpectedly, as soon as they reached the second floor, they saw a familiar figure coming towards them.
"Eh?"
Ren was startled when he saw her, then quickly said.
"Auntie Maiko!"
The moment his voice fell, the figure in front paused, then turned to look, revealing a gentle and elegant face; it was indeed Kana Maiko, whom they hadn't seen in a long time.
"You rascal, what are you doing here?"
Kana Maiko had just finished speaking when she noticed Minato beside him. Her surprise deepened, and she then said.
"Minato, aren't you at work at this time? What are you doing at the hospital?"
Since Kana Maiko was of Tsunade's generation, it was perfectly fine for her, being a generation older than Minato, to address him in such a manner.
"Maiko."
Minato bowed slightly and said respectfully.
"Ren and I came to visit Shikaku's family."
"I see."
Kana Maiko's eyes showed understanding, then she raised her hand and waved to the two, smiling.
"Then come with me; I'm just about to go examine Yoshino to see how she's recovering."
The birth of the Nara clan head's wife was naturally a big event in Konoha Hospital, so Kana Maiko was the one responsible for the delivery at the time.
"Alrighty."
The two followed Kana Maiko, and not long after, the few of them stopped in front of a hospital room.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
First, a knock on the door, followed by Shikaku's voice from inside.
"Coming, please wait a moment."
The next moment, the door opened, and seeing the three people suddenly appear before him, Shikaku was momentarily stunned. He looked up and just opened his mouth when Ren said with a chuckle.
"Shikaku, I know you're surprised, but don't be surprised yet. How about we go in first?"
Shikaku then came to his senses and quickly stepped aside, allowing the people at the door to enter the room.
Meanwhile, on the bed inside the room, Nara Yoshino, dressed in a hospital gown, immediately exclaimed in surprise when she saw the people walking in.
"Hokage-sama, Director Maiko, and Ren, why are you all here?"
"Judging by this, Sister Yoshino doesn't welcome us."
Ren placed the gifts aside, then turned around, making a move as if to leave.
Just then, Kana Maiko suddenly reached out and grabbed Ren by the collar, saying exasperatedly.
"You brat, it's early in the morning, don't make me hit you in front of so many people."
"…Oh."
Ren obediently walked back, but his restless gaze quickly fixed on the crib not far away.
Ignoring the others chatting beside him, he took two steps forward and looked curiously at Shikamaru, who was opening his eyes and looking around, feeling a bit emotional.
Newborns are indeed quite ugly…