Along the way, they basked in the warm sunlight and enjoyed the peaceful moment. Uchiha Chen and Mikoto chatted about everyday matters, while Sasuke lay quietly in his mother's arms, curiously taking in everything around him. A gentle breeze brushed their faces, bringing a touch of coolness. The whole scene felt exceptionally warm and harmonious.
As they walked, they came to one of the village streets. Time passed, and just as Uchiha Chen began to wonder whether he'd remembered the day wrong, a cheerful call reached Mikoto's ears—a familiar voice. Uchiha Chen turned and saw a beautiful figure walking toward them...
Her vivid red hair blazed like flames, whipping freely about as though it might set the very air alight, revealing the boundless passion within her.
Her rounded pregnant belly lent her figure a glow of maternal warmth, making her seem even more tender. This lively, warm presence was like a blazing fire as it came into Uchiha Chen's view.
A barely noticeable spark of fervor flashed in his eyes, but when Kushina turned to look at him curiously, he quickly buried the feeling deep inside, keeping her from noticing.
Meanwhile, in a dark and sunless space, scorching chakra gathered like lava welling up from deep underground, forming an enormous sphere. Bound tightly in layer upon layer of chains atop it was the mighty Nine-Tails.
Seeing Uchiha Chen outside, pretending to be utterly innocent, the Nine-Tails was about to tell Uzumaki Kushina that it had become a target of the Uchiha Clan. But it suddenly changed its mind. On the immobile fox's head, a sinister grin split open, revealing sharp, gleaming fangs.
Nine-Tails: "Looks like this Uchiha has his eye on me. But maybe that's not such a bad thing. Who knows, I might get released someday. Anything's better than being trapped in this seal, unable even to move."
The Nine-Tails slowly closed its mouth, a thought crossing its mind.
"Hmph! Uchiha, you who covet my power—you'd better let me out soon. Otherwise, once I break free, I'll crush your body to dust with my own hands!"
The Nine-Tails thought coldly, clenching its sharp claws as murderous light gleamed in its eyes. It seemed ready to burst out of the seal at any moment and slaughter everyone there.
But the self-important Nine-Tails had no idea that it had only guessed half the truth. Yes, Uchiha Chen had his eye on them—Kushina and the Nine-Tails—but it wasn't the fox he wanted. It was her!
If the Nine-Tails ever learned this harsh truth, would it blush with embarrassment over having gotten the wrong idea? Perhaps not. The thick fur on its face would conceal any hint of a reaction, leaving no way to glimpse its true thoughts.
Outside the seal, Uchiha Chen knew nothing about any of this. Naturally, he had no idea that he'd successfully led a sealed fox astray. Even if he did find out, he probably wouldn't care much. After all, compared to having a fox inside someone's body, the fiery, passionate Blood-Red Pepper was far more appealing.
After all, who knew whether, when the Fourth Hokage and his wife were getting intimate, there might be a third party—or rather, a third beast—there offering commentary?
At that moment, Uchiha Chen stood outside the seal with an innocent look on his face, quietly listening to Mikoto and Kushina talk.
Kushina: "Wow! How adorable! What's his name?"
Mikoto: "This is Sasuke. By the way, you're due soon, aren't you, Kushina? We should probably settle on a name first."
Kushina: "Don't worry, I've already picked one. His name will be Naruto."
As she spoke, Kushina gently stroked Sasuke's head.
Kushina: "He'll be classmates with Sasuke one day. You two will have to get along, okay?"
She poked Sasuke's tender cheek, then seemed to remember something. A worried look crossed her face as she leaned in to whisper to Mikoto.
"By the way, giving birth really hurts, doesn't it?"
Mikoto let out an "Eh?" at that. "Kushina, you're actually afraid of something? That's a surprise."
The two of them exchanged smiles.
Then Kushina glanced at Uchiha Chen out of the corner of her eye. Realizing they'd left him standing there by himself, she turned to Mikoto with a slightly awkward smile. "Mikoto, who's this handsome young man beside you?"
Mikoto glanced at me awkwardly. "Kushina, this is my younger brother. I only adopted him a few days ago. His name is Uchiha Chen."
She beckoned me over, then introduced me to Kushina. "Chen, this is Kushina, the Fourth Hokage's wife and one of my closest friends. You can call her Big Sister Kushina."
Uchiha Chen: "Hello, Big Sister Kushina. I'm Uchiha Chen, but you can call me Chen. I hope you stay healthy and give birth to a strong, healthy baby."
At my blessing, Kushina's eyes crinkled with a smile.
Kushina: "Thank you for the kind words, little brother Chen. I'll take your blessing to heart and give birth to a healthy baby. And I hope you'll keep getting stronger and become a powerful ninja soon!"
At that moment, innocent Kushina didn't understand what Uchiha Chen truly meant. She thought he was simply wishing her a safe delivery and a healthy baby.
But Uchiha Chen had something more in mind. He didn't just hope the child she was about to give birth to would be healthy. He also hoped that, one day, Kushina would bear him—a child for him and the Uchiha Clan—strong and exceptional.
Watching Kushina gently stroke her belly, her face glowing with maternal love, Uchiha Chen silently said to her, Don't worry, Kushina.
After today, I'll make sure you get to see Naruto grow up healthy and happy. Only then, you won't be by his side as the Fourth Hokage's wife, but as my wife, Uchiha Chen, accompanying Naruto through the rest of his life.
After chatting a little longer, the two groups went their separate ways. Even from far away, they could still clearly hear the Third Hokage's wife, Biwako Sarutobi, scolding Kushina: "This is classified, after all, so when it's time to give birth, don't scream too loudly."
"Ah! Yes!"
Hearing this, Kushina could only scratch her head awkwardly and give a couple of helpless replies.
As the voice gradually faded, Uchiha Chen and Mikoto ended their leisurely stroll, satisfied, and slowly headed home.
When they stepped inside, they found everyone gathered in the house. Itachi quietly came over and took Sasuke from Mikoto's arms. Soon, only Fugaku, Mikoto, Izumi, and Uchiha Chen remained in the room.
Uchiha Chen quietly walked to the door and gently shut it. Then he turned around, his expression more serious than ever, and looked straight at the three of them before speaking.