Beneath the setting sun, half-sunken behind the western mountains, golden light carrying traces of summer warmth spread out, dyeing all of Konoha in a layer of gold.
Since the Peace Alliance, and since the Third Shinobi War had officially entered the broader phase of peace negotiations, this was another evening belonging to Konoha.
The people of Konoha continued to live their peaceful lives as always.
At this hour of dusk, everyone was heading home—some returning with groceries, others preparing to entertain guests. With dinner approaching, the bustling streets had begun to grow quiet.
Naruto...
You have to be born safely!
On this most ordinary evening, on this most ordinary street, Kushina rested a hand on her swollen belly as she slowly followed Biwako Sarutobi forward. They headed down increasingly secluded paths toward the secret place where she would give birth.
"Oh!"
Just as they were about to pass the last house on the street and enter a small archway ahead, a surprised cry interrupted Kushina's progress.
"Wah..."
Hearing that cry, Kushina instinctively stopped. She raised her head and turned toward its source. The moment she saw who it was, a bright smile immediately appeared on her face. Bending down slightly, she could not help but ask, "A daughter?"
Standing before her was her friend, Mikoto Uchiha. Mikoto appeared to have just bought groceries and was preparing to head home, a beautiful infant cradled in her arms. Kushina's involuntary question had been directed at that pretty baby, who looked unmistakably like a girl.
"It's a boy."
At Kushina's words, Mikoto merely smiled softly and replied.
"He's so cute!"
Kushina seemed not to have heard Mikoto's explanation at all. Gazing at the beautiful baby with a trace of fondness, she could not help but sigh.
"What's his name?"
Only after admiring how