"Mabui-sama, is there really a need to rush like this? We haven't received any updates from Konoha yet. If we move in recklessly, won't we risk disrupting Raikage-sama's plans?"
"You didn't see how smug those Konoha shinobi were just now! I swear, I could've slapped both of them!"
Along the road stretching from the Land of Fire's border to Konoha, a small squad sped forward. Mabui's expression was tense, her anxiety deepening with every passing second. The unease in her chest was growing stronger and stronger.
Beside her, Samui frowned, clearly puzzled.
Hadn't they only just returned from Konoha not long ago? Even if they went again under the guise of a diplomatic delegation, it was hard to imagine any good coming from it. Konoha's stubborn, unyielding attitude was suffocating enough on its own.
"Pick up the pace! And if anyone dares to speak carelessly during the negotiations, I'll charge them with treason!"
Without offering any explanation to Samui, Mabui called out sharply to the ninja following behind.
She was anxious—how could she not be?
It had already been three days, and there was still no word from the Raikage.
If everything had gone according to plan, they should have already returned to Kumogakure by now. But there hadn't been a single sign of movement.
There was only one possible explanation—something had happened to the Raikage.
Without him, Kumogakure had lost both its mind and its symbol. Three days of silence was still tolerable, but if this continued and others began to notice something was wrong, chaos would soon follow.
A Kage's presence was vital to their village.
And if word spread to other shinobi villages that the Raikage had met with misfortune, war would be inevitable. There was no doubt about it—that would be the only outcome.
Worse still, Kumogakure had no one ready to succeed him.
Killer Bee could be considered, but he was still bedridden, his strength all but gone.
How could such a weakened Kumogakure possibly face a war that could break out at any moment?
For Mabui, there was only one course of action—to head to Konoha immediately and confirm the situation for herself. At the very least, she needed to know whether the Raikage was still alive, and then prepare for the worst.
Kumogakure's upper ranks had already entered Level One Combat Readiness, ready to respond to any situation.
She could only hope that Raikage-sama was safe and unharmed.
With a bitter smile, Mabui-sama shook her head. A pang of regret struck her—she shouldn't have handed that scroll to the Raikage.
What if it had all been a trap set by Konoha?
She didn't dare think further.
Her grim expression made the squad members behind her swallow nervously before quickening their pace to keep up.
...
"Sasuke should be born soon, right?"
Konoha Hospital.
Hakken looked curiously at Mikoto Uchiha's rounded belly.
With her due date approaching, Mikoto had been staying at the hospital, ready to deliver at any time.
As Itachi's friend, it was only natural for him to stop by for a visit.
After all, Itachi was undergoing special training alongside the ANBU members, growing stronger every day. That left him little time to accompany his mother.
And Fugaku was busy handling clan affairs, too preoccupied to visit the hospital himself.
"Hmm, the doctor said it should be any day now."
A warm, maternal glow lit up Mikoto's face. In this moment, she was the very image of a mother's grace.
"But if you name him that, are you sure the Third Hokage won't mind?"
Hakken raised an eyebrow.
As far as he knew, Hiruzen Sarutobi's father was named Sasuke Sarutobi. Wasn't that basically implying that the Third was the grandson of the Uchiha clan head?
No wonder the Uchiha massacre happened—using another man's father's name for your own son.
Who else would be doomed if not you?
Of course, the tangled logic of this world's relationships might simply be beyond his understanding.
"Fugaku said he already spoke with the Third, so there shouldn't be a problem."
Mikoto gently stroked her belly with one hand and ruffled the boy's hair with the other. "Hakken, don't push yourself too hard with training. In Auntie's eyes, you and Itachi are still just kids."
The boy didn't shy away from Mikoto's hand. His eyes were free of any impropriety as he lightly touched her belly in return.
Mothers were truly incredible.
There was no room for impure thoughts here.
But joking aside, the fundamental issues behind the Uchiha clan's downfall still hadn't been resolved.
Indeed, the Uchiha clan had problems—and serious ones.
Lacking Konoha's trust, it was all too easy for them to face dire consequences. Guiding the Uchiha properly was now the most important task of all.
Still, this was the period just before the Nine-Tails' attack, so tensions between the Uchiha and Konoha weren't yet as severe as they would become. There was still room for change.
Sasuke was about to be born, and Naruto's birth wasn't far off either.
The difference was, Hakken had become Naruto's older brother.
So if Sasuke and Naruto fought one day, would he side with Naruto against Sasuke—or help Sasuke fight Naruto?
Or should he help Sasuke fight Itachi?
Or maybe lend Itachi a hand when he fought Naruto?
Or perhaps, when Sasuke and Naruto fought, he and Itachi could just find a nice spot to relax, grill some meat, and watch the show.
Things were getting complicated.
Rolling his eyes, Hakken decided it wasn't worth overthinking.
Fate had already changed—he'd deal with it when the time came.
If all else failed, he'd just beat up Naruto, Sasuke, and Itachi one by one.
His eyes brightened. That last idea actually didn't sound bad. Maybe he should try it.
What on earth is this child thinking?
Mikoto looked at Hakken in puzzlement. From the way he was staring at her belly, she couldn't shake the feeling that things weren't quite so simple—almost as if her child was destined to get beaten up… or maybe both of them.
A woman's intuition at this stage was downright terrifying.
"Commander, the Kumogakure envoy has arrived. Hokage-sama requests your presence."
"Oh."
At the doorway, an ANBU ninja entered respectfully.
He was one of the guards Hakken had arranged to protect Mikoto. Carrying such a large belly wasn't easy, and unlike Konoha's Elders, he wouldn't dare to exploit her or cut corners with her care.
Nor would he ever force her into any duties.
"Understood."
Taking a deep breath, Hakken rose and turned to Mikoto. "Aunt, I have some matters to handle. Please get plenty of rest."
Such a polite child.
Mikoto smiled softly. Honestly, she felt grateful and happy for Itachi to have a friend like him.
...
"Hakken, just as you suggested, I'm entrusting this round of negotiations entirely to you."
Inside the Hokage's office, Minato clapped Hakken on the shoulder.
"I have no specific demands—just handle it as you see fit."
"And don't worry about anyone criticizing you. Even if the outcome isn't perfect, don't be afraid. Move forward with confidence."
"Remember, I'll always be right behind you, supporting you."
...
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