The White Snake lowered its head in shock at Madara Uchiha's words.
She was afraid he would see her reluctance.
Faced with such a killing machine, even uttering one more word would likely cost you your head the next moment.
" Ryūchi Cave welcomes you, Lord Madara Uchiha."
He nodded, glanced at Kushinadahime, and then at the Flower of Life in her arms.
Then he turned his gaze back to the White Snake.
"Take us to Ryūchi Cave, right now."
The White Snake shrank its neck and nodded quickly.
Kushinadahime along with the Flower of Life.
Kushinadahime wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered.
"Ban, I can walk by myself."
"Don't move."
Kushinadahime fell silent, pressing her face against Madara's chest, listening to his strong, powerful heartbeat.
Ban strode out of the house, leaving the old doctor behind.
The moonlight shone on him, casting his long, steady shadow on the ground.
He glanced down at Kushinadahime in his arms, then at the Flower of Life in his palm. A slight smile had crept onto his lips.
"Walk."
The White Snake suddenly swelled up, transforming into a giant snake large enough to carry a person.
Madara, carrying Kushinadahime, leaped onto the snake's back. The giant snake raised its head and swam eastward, crossing the moonlit wasteland and disappearing into the depths of the night.
Meanwhile, dozens of miles away in a courtyard, Shinsei was sitting by the bed.
Kaguya leaned against the headboard, her hand resting on her lower abdomen.
She had recovered from her initial shock, but her brow remained furrowed.
She looked at Shinsei, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke.
" Shinsei, if I give birth to these two children, my strength will be greatly reduced."
Are you able to protect them?
Shinsei rubbed his temples, not daring to refuse, yet wondering just how much Kaguya's strength would decrease.
"Of course I'll protect them. Are you alright? How much of your strength will be reduced?"
"A lot of."
Kaguya gently stroked her lower abdomen.
"When Ōtsutsuki Clan become pregnant, they transfer a portion of their power to the child."
By the time they are born, I might be less than 30% of what I am now.
I'm not sure exactly how long it will take to recover, but it will take at least one or two years.
Shinsei remained silent for a while.
He thought of the legendary Kaguya.
Hagoromo and Hamura were born after they ate the Chakra Fruit.
Now Kaguya tells him personally that having children will make her weaker.
This shows that legends are not necessarily entirely true, and it also shows that Kaguya's situation was more dangerous than he had imagined.
"Are you afraid of the Ōtsutsuki? Don't worry, I'll protect you."
Kaguya nodded, looking at Shinsei with a face full of admiration.
Shinsei felt a little uncomfortable with Kaguya's gaze; she was the legendary Rabbit Goddess, the Progenitor of Chakra.
He stood up and walked a few steps around the room. He thought for a moment, then stopped.
Let's move.
Kaguya looked at him.
Where to?
" Shikkotsu Forest, I'll take you there to rest and recuperate. It might be difficult to find the Ōtsutsuki forces anytime soon."
Kaguya lowered her head, her fingers gently twisting the hem of her dress. After a while, she spoke softly.
" Shinsei, you could have gone alone. Why did you take me with you?"
Shinsei paused for a moment. He walked back to the bedside, squatted down, and looked Kaguya straight in the eye.
Moonlight streamed in through the window, falling on her pale, thin face. Her eyes were bright, as if waiting for an answer.
"Because you are carrying my child, regardless of how the child came to be. Regardless of whether you are Kaguya or the Rabbit Goddess, you need someone to protect you now."
And I can protect you.
Kaguya looked at him, remaining silent for a long time.
Then she reached out and gently touched Shinsei's cheek.
Her fingers were cool, as light as moonlight. Shinsei didn't flinch, letting Kaguya's hand cover his face.
"Thank you."
Kaguya spoke gently, like a fragile woman caught in the whirlpool of love.
Shinsei stood up, took her hand off her face, and held it in his palm.
He suddenly remembered something.
Where did Madara and Kushinadahime go?
Madara must have found out about Kushinadahime's pregnancy too. What will he choose?
Could he have also thought of the Three Great Sage Lands?
"Never mind," Shinsei said softly.
He gripped Kaguya's hand tightly and began packing. Regardless of whether Madara went or not, he had to take Kaguya with him.
The Shikkotsu Forest was far away, and the road was difficult to travel. But he was no longer alone.
Kaguya was with him, along with her two unborn children.
He had to take them to a safe place.
The moonlight shone into the courtyard, casting the shadows of two people packing their belongings.
In the distance, a very faint blue hue had already appeared on the horizon.
The night is almost over.
But the storm that was about to hit them had only just begun.