Sasuke's impending birth (parts one and two)

"Comfortable."

Tsunade squinted, sat down on a rock in the water, and gently swung her legs.

Qingyu opened the sealed scroll and took out the prepared fish grill, salt, and some simple seasonings.

"We'll have grilled fish for lunch."

Qingyu said.

Are there fish in this river?

Tsunade to look at him, her brown-gold eyes filled with curiosity.

"Yes, when I widened the stream Water Release, I also attracted the fish from downstream."

Qingyu took out several Kunai from his Ninja Tool Pouch, tied them with silk thread, and casually tossed them aside.

The Kunai fell into the river, drawing a silver arc in the water.

A moment later, they were pulled up, with a palm-sized fish hanging from the end of each thread.

"Good."

Tsunade's eyes lit up.

Then she saw Qingyu pull out the hilt of the Sword of the Thunder God, infuse it with Chakra, and Chakra lightsaber appeared.

"I wonder what Second Granduncle will think if he sees how you treat his accessories?"

Tsunade was speechless.

Before long, Qingyu had finished removing the fish scales and internal organs.

He marinated it with salt and seasonings, then slowly roasted it over a fire.

The aroma began to fill the air.

A short while later, Qingyu handed a grilled fish to Tsunade.

Tsunade took it and blew on it.

The fish meat is snow-white and tender, with a crispy outer skin.

"Tasty."

Tsunade licked her lips and let out a satisfied sigh.

"The cooking time was perfect, and the fish was very tender."

"Sister Tsunade, the way you eat fish looks even better than your usual dignified self."

Qingyu also picked up a grilled fish and took a bite.

Stop being so talkative.

Tsunade glared at him and continued eating her fish.

The two ate grilled fish quietly by the river.

Occasionally, a few fish leap out of the river and fall back into the water, creating ripples.

After finishing her meal, Tsunade leaned against a rock, her feet still soaking in the water, too comfortable to move.

Her toes gently swirled in the water, creating tiny Uzumaki, and her fair insteps were faintly visible in the ripples.

"Oh, right."

She suddenly spoke.

"Uchiha Fugaku brought Mikoto to see me this morning."

"Fugaku?"

Qingyu was tidying up the fish grill when she heard this and looked up.

"Um."

Tsunade nodded.

"Mikoto is pregnant again, Fugaku brought her here specifically to let me see her."

Qingyu paused for a moment.

Is Mikoto pregnant?

"How many months?"

He asked.

"Only two months."

Tsunade said.

"Fugaku was so happy he was talking a lot more than usual, and he even asked if I could prescribe some medication to help with the pregnancy."

"Mikoto was very quiet the whole time, sitting there with her hands on her stomach, not saying much, but you could tell she was happy."

Qingyu's heart stirred.

Two months.

If we start counting backwards from December, Sasuke's birth time would be around July or August of next year.

This is actually close to the birth date in the original work.

In other words, at this point in time, Uchiha Mikoto is already carrying the future Sasuke Uchiha inside her womb.

"What about Kushina and Minato?"

Qingyu inquired.

What happened to these two?

Tsunade was puzzled.

Upon hearing this, Qingyu understood that Naruto was probably not conceived yet, or rather, he had just begun to conceive.

Unlike ordinary people, many ninjas would get on the bus first and then buy their tickets later.

That is, the wedding will be held after the child is born.

That's how Sarutobi Asuma's daughter was born.

However, with Qingyu interfering, this future is now practically impossible.

"Nothing."

Qingyu shook her head.

Perhaps it really is fate.

Sasuke was actually born before Naruto.

Although Indra's first incarnation was Asura's elder brother, for some reason, his subsequent Reincarnation all seem to be a few months older than Asura's Reincarnation?

Qingyu pondered to herself.

It doesn't matter.

By the time Sasuke is born, the war may have just ended, or be nearing its end.

In the original story, Sasuke was born after the Third Shinobi World War.

Qingyu immediately became curious about what kind of traits he would collect.

It is highly likely a trait related to Indra's Chakra.

If one could collect traits related to Indra, it would likely greatly enhance his Sharingan and Eye Power.

"She got pregnant before the war was even over; Fugaku was in a hurry."

Tsunade shook her head, her tone not carrying much blame.

The Uchiha Clan's situation in Konoha has always been delicate.

As the clan head, Fugaku needed to solidify his position within the clan; each additional offspring meant more power.

Especially with the examples of geniuses like Qingyu and Shisui before him, Fugaku's expectations for the next generation will only be higher.

"Konoha needs new blood right now."

Qingyu spoke.

He always felt that there were still too few ninjas.

Looking at the development of Ninjutsu, many Ninjutsu have been continuously improved.

Just as Tsunade further refined the "Yin Seal".

Orochimaru also improved many of Senju Tobirama's Ninjutsu.

The Ninjutsu displayed during the Third Shinobi World War was far greater than that of the Warring States Era.

"No, that's not right either."

Qingyu then denied what she had just thought.

Too many ninjas will inevitably lead to a shortage of missions to allocate, resulting in a number of ninjas taking leave from their regular duties, which will put financial pressure on the village.

Because the current ninja village, in essence, is just a collection of mercenary organizations.

The real money-making jobs are all in escort and infiltration missions.

However, these demands will eventually reach saturation.

"Nothing."

Qingyu shook her head.

"I was just wondering if Fugaku's son would be as outstanding as his older brother in the future."

"Those with Uchiha bloodlines have never lacked talent."

Tsunade said casually.

She looked at Qingyu.

Someone like Qingyu must have combined the strengths of both the Senju and Uchiha, inheriting their advantages.

Ultimately, he displayed astonishing talent.

"It won't be easy for his son to catch up with you."

As Tsunade spoke, she lifted her foot out of the water.

Water droplets slid down her fair skin from the back of her feet and dripped onto the hay.

Qingyu's gaze lingered on those fair, jade-like feet for a moment before shifting away.

"Let's go, it's time to head back."

Tsunade stood up and put on her shoes.

"Um."

Qingyu responded and followed her.

A gentle breeze blew by the river, casting long shadows of the two walking side by side.

As Qingyu walked, she pondered in her mind.

Sasuke will be born in six months.

Six months is neither a long nor a short time.

If he can fully master Wood Release within these six months, and combine it with Flying Thunder God and Mangekyō, then when Sasuke is born, he might be able to directly collect some unexpected traits from that child.

"But before that—"

Qingyu raised her head and looked at the distant sea.

The enemy hasn't been completely defeated yet.

A few days passed in the blink of an eye.

During this period, the combined forces of Iwagakure and Kirigakure have caused trouble for Konoha, but have not caused too many casualties.

The Pact between Ōnoki and the Third Mizukage was originally an agreement based on their own ulterior motives, and once the war went poorly, cracks began to appear in their cooperation.

"Have you heard? Iwagakure is already shrinking its area of effect."

What about Kirigakure?

"I don't know."

The atmosphere at the Konoha Camp was a little more relaxed than before.

Because Iwagakure and Kirigakure are not truly united.

Both villages have preserved a great deal of their strength, which has given Konoha more breathing room.

Because Konoha also has Sunagakure as an ally.

Two villages vs. two villages.

As for Cloud Village, they have a grudge against Iwagakure and are mostly dragging Iwagakure down with them.

They actually reduced their suppression of Konoha.

However, Qingyu did not let her guard down.

He didn't think that Cloud Village would let go of Konoha, such a lucrative target.

"You recently got new ninja tools?"

Qingyu looked at Kakashi.

"That's right."

Kakashi nodded.

He showed Qingyu his newly bought Kunai, which was made of Chakra Metal.

"It looks pretty good."

Qingyu said.

For ninjas, war meant more than just danger; it meant something else entirely.

Money.

Wartime subsidies are several times higher than peacetime subsidies, and mission rewards also increase accordingly.

Even the most routine patrol missions now pay nearly double what they used to be.

Not to mention that after defeating Iwagakure and Kirigakure, the resources from those post-war missions will be redistributed among Konoha and its allies, resulting in an even greater number of missions and rewards.

While Qingyu and Kakashi were talking, several young Genin sat together by the campfire, quietly discussing how to spend the money after returning to the village.

"I need to buy that new set of ninja tools first."

"I plan to send it home; my mom is waiting for my brother's tuition fees."

"Me? I'll go get a good meal first!"

Listening to the others' discussion, Qingyu also decided to say goodbye to Kakashi first.

"I have something to do, I'll be going now."

Qingyu said.

Kakashi nodded.

Then Qingyu's figure flashed and disappeared from the spot.

"It is— the Flying Thunder God Technique!"

Kakashi was surprised.

Qingyu's skill in Body Flicker Technique has improved again.

In front of the Camp Tent in the Yūhi Kurenai.

"Red."

Qingyu tapped on the curtain.

"Qingyu?"

The curtain was lifted a crack from the inside, and Yūhi Kurenai peeked out with half her head out.

Her hair was freshly washed and was draped over her shoulders.

"Come in."

She stepped aside, and Qingyu bent down and crawled inside.

Yūhi Kurenai sat down on the bed and looked up at him.

"What brings you here so late?"

Qingyu knelt down in front of her, took out the "White Snake's Power" that Orochimaru had given her, and placed it in her hand.

"For you."

Yūhi Kurenai paused for a moment, looking at the glass test tube in her hand.

"What's this?"

Yūhi Kurenai held up the test tube to the light and examined it.

"An extract from the White Snake."

Qingyu said.

"It can increase Chakra reserves and recovery. This is my diluted version; you should have no problems taking it."

Qingyu said.

Although the effect on the human body will be smaller after dilution.

But its advantage lies in safety.

Orochimaru's body is extraordinary, and so is Qingyu's.

He dared not give Yūhi Kurenai the original "White Snake's Power" directly, lest something go wrong.

Upon hearing this, Yūhi Kurenai's eyes widened.

Although she wasn't medical-nin, she had Tsunade's disciples around her and, through constant exposure, understood the value of such things.

This type of thing is almost always associated with Forbidden Jutsu.

Because a secret medicine without side effects is extremely rare!

Indeed, in Yūhi Kurenai's eyes, these were no different from secret medicines.

Increase Chakra levels and improve recovery ability.

For a ninja, this is almost the most fundamental foundation.

"Qingyu —where did you get this thing from?"

"Given to me by Orochimaru- sensei."

Qingyu did not conceal the source, but she also did not elaborate.

Yūhi Kurenai's hand, gripping the test tube, tightened slightly.

"You really want to give me something this precious?"

"What would I do with it if I didn't give it to you?"

Qingyu smiled and sat down next to her, leaning against the tent wall.

Yūhi Kurenai looked at Qingyu and felt moved.

She wasn't the kind of girl who knew nothing.

The good stuff Qingyu has is never short of people who want it.

Might Guy, Kakashi, Hyuga Ginka —weren't they all his comrades?

But the first person Qingyu thought of was her.

"Qingyu."

Her voice lowered, trembling slightly.

"Um?"

"You... don't you have anything you want me to say?"

Yūhi Kurenai looked up at him, her face flushed.

Qingyu raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Express?"

He pretended not to understand.

Yūhi Kurenai bit her lower lip, glared at him, then took a deep breath, suddenly leaned forward, and quickly kissed him on the lips.

"Is that enough?"

The Yūhi Kurenai shrank back.

Qingyu touched her lips, then smiled.

"Not enough."

"What----"

Before Yūhi Kurenai could finish speaking, Qingyu had already reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into his embrace.

He lowered his head and covered her lips with his, silencing her from saying anything more.

This time, it won't be a one-off event.

Yūhi Kurenai's eyes widened suddenly, then slowly closed.

The two began a heated verbal battle.

After a long while, Qingyu finally released her.

Yūhi Kurenai leaned against his chest, breathing rapidly.

"Qingyu ----you----"

Yūhi Kurenai looked at Qingyu with a wronged expression.

Qingyu is such a bad guy, she can hardly breathe!

What's wrong with me?

Qingyu looked down at her, her voice tinged with amusement.

"You're going too far."

Yūhi Kurenai said softly, but did not get up from his arms.

"Yeah."

Qingyu raised her hand and brushed the stray hairs from her forehead behind her ear, her fingertips brushing against her earlobe.

Yūhi Kurenai's body trembled slightly.

"Then I won't give it to you anymore."

"Snort."

Yūhi Kurenai hummed softly.

"Okay, I was just kidding."

Qingyu spoke up.

"How could I forget my Hong when there's something good?"

Qingyu smiled slightly.

After all, Yūhi Kurenai was his first woman.

Rin Nohara's relationship is ambiguous; he's just one step away from making the final declaration.

As for Tsunade, in Qingyu's view, there was also something ambiguous about her.

However, Qingyu believes it was only a matter of time.

He's determined to be a rebellious younger brother who offends his sister!

The next day.

As soon as Qingyu stepped out of the Camp Tent, she saw Nara Shikaku looking for her.

"Qingyu, I was just looking for you."

Nara Shikaku strode over and unfolded the map in his hand.

"There has been unusual activity along the coastline southeast of the camp over the past three days."

His finger pointed to a bay on the map.

"Our patrol team discovered traces in that area that did not belong to Konoha or Kirigakure, as well as several deliberately concealed campsites. The other party was very vigilant and did not leave much behind."

"Cloud Village?"

Qingyu frowned.

"Uncertain."

The Nara Shikaku.

"But regardless of which side it is, we can't let them operate under our noses. Take some men to investigate and find out their intentions and scale."

"Good."

Qingyu nodded.

He thought for a moment, then spoke again.

"I'm taking Yūhi Kurenai with me this time."

Nara Shikaku glanced at him, didn't ask any further questions, and simply nodded.

"Having one more person is good; her strength has improved quite a bit recently."

Qingyu walked out of the Camp Tent area and headed towards Yūhi Kurenai's Camp Tent.

Halfway there, I saw Yūhi Kurenai already standing outside the tent.

"What's wrong?"

Yūhi Kurenai was curious.

"I have a mission."

Qingyu said, and then explained it to Yūhi Kurenai.

"Let's go then."

Yūhi Kurenai felt happy.

Actually, she also wanted to do missions with Qingyu.

Qingyu glanced at her, made sure she was in good condition, then turned and walked towards the southeast of the camp.

Yūhi Kurenai followed behind him, her steps light and quick, clearly in a good mood.

"Let's go first, Kakashi and Hyuga Ginka will follow."

Qingyu said.

"Good."

Yūhi Kurenai naturally Qingyu said.

Ten minutes later.

The two had already left the camp. Along the way, Qingyu kept making marks so that Kakashi and Hyuga Ginka could keep up.

Qingyu's Sensory Barrier had already covered an area of several kilometers around.

There's a rocky area ahead.

Qingyu said in a low voice.

"Are you rolling your Byakugan?"

Yūhi Kurenai joked.

How could Qingyu sense something so far away?

I didn't Byakugan.

Qingyu shook her head.

Moreover, his Byakugan can't see that far.

Although she possesses Byakugan, Qingyu's Byakugan Purity is not yet at this level.

"It is perception."

Yūhi Kurenai was aware of this, but she was just joking.

After all, in Konoha, the Byakugan's reputation for sensory perception is known to all.

Most of the Sensor Ninja are from the Hyuga Clan.

The remaining tasks were handled by the Aburame Clan and Inuzuka Clan.

The two slowed their pace and continued along the coastline.

Qingyu suddenly stopped.

"Someone's there."

Yūhi Kurenai immediately lowered her body, placing her right hand on the Kunai at her waist.

What time and direction?

"Two o'clock, about 800 meters away."

Qingyu's Sharingan silently appeared, and the three Tomoe slowly rotated.

"Three people, moving very fast, are heading in our direction."

Should we fight?

Yūhi Kurenai asked.

"Let's find out who the other person is first."

Qingyu continued to extend her perception in that direction.

The three strands of Chakra are getting closer and closer.

Qingyu frowned slightly, because he recognized one of the Chakra.

The amount of Chakra was enormous, far more abundant than that of an ordinary Jonin.

The other two streams of Chakra followed closely behind that Chakra, like guards.

"Wrong."

Qingyu suddenly pulled Yūhi Kurenai behind a rock and lowered her body.

"What's wrong?"

Yūhi Kurenai tensed up.

"The person who came is no ordinary person."

Qingyu's gaze pierced through the gaps in the rocks, looking towards the distant sea.

Sea fog is rising, as if driven by something, surging from the sea towards the shore.

Within that grayish-white mist, three figures were rapidly crossing the sea.

The leader was tall, with short, blond hair that billowed backward in the wind.

He wore a white cloak and iron wrist guards, exuding an overwhelming presence.

Qingyu frowned.

"The Fourth Raikage?"

Qingyu pondered to herself.

The man who became famous Shinobi World for his speed and strength during the Third Shinobi World War.

"How could it be him?"

Qingyu was somewhat surprised.

"Qingyu, what do we do?"

Yūhi Kurenai's voice rang in my ears, making me a little nervous.

Right now, it's just her and Qingyu; Kakashi and the others haven't caught up yet. It wouldn't be good if she slowed Qingyu down.

"Don't panic."

Qingyu spoke.

"You've already taken what I gave you yesterday, haven't you?"

"I took it."

Yūhi Kurenai nodded.

After taking it, her Chakra increased significantly.

"If the enemy comes later, I will release a mist to complement your Genjutsu."