Itachi and Izumi

Tsunade had no time to pay attention to any of that; all she could think about was how to teach Jiraiya a lesson.

Jiraiya desperately fled, he kept turning back to plead, "Tsunade, please forgive me this once. I really know I was wrong."

The horrific experience of having six ribs Teuchi by Tsunade was still vivid in his mind, and he never wanted to go through it again!

For some reason, Jiraiya always felt compelled to make sarcastic remarks whenever he saw Tsunade. Perhaps it was because he had special feelings for Tsunade that he couldn't express in words, so he could only try to get her attention in this way.

"Now you know you were wrong? Too late!" Tsunade relentlessly chased after Jiraiya, as if she wanted to pursue Jiraiya to the ends of the earth.

Just then, Jiraiya tripped over a stone, lost his balance, and fell heavily to the ground.

Seeing this, Tsunade seized the opportunity to rush forward, disregarding that she was still wearing a kimono, and quite boldly straddled Jiraiya. She tightly grabbed Jiraiya's collar, her eyes flashing with anger, and then raised her fist without hesitation, delivering two powerful punches.

"Let's see if you dare to talk nonsense again!"

Jiraiya frowned in pain, but dared not retaliate, only pleading, "I won't, I won't, Lady Tsunade, please spare my life!"

Hearing Tsunade's pleas for mercy, Jiraiya's anger subsided slightly. She released his grip, stood up, straightened her kimono, and then looked at Jiraiya lying on the ground, coldly snorting, "If you dare do this again, you'll be sorry!"

Jiraiya struggled to his feet, rubbed his slapped cheek, dusted himself off, and sighed helplessly.

This temper... it really hasn't changed at all, exactly the same as when he was a child.

"Tsunade, don't be angry. Let's go to the birthday party together."

He was also going to attend Koki's birthday party, and by the way... Thinking of the Toad Sage's prophecy, Jiraiya's eyes darkened, and his expression became unusually serious.

Tsunade rolled her eyes at him and said irritably, "Who wants to go with you! I can find my way to the Uchiha myself."

"Don't be so heartless. We're all going to celebrate Koki's birthday. It'll be more lively if we go together," Jiraiya said with a grin.

Tsunade hesitated for a moment, then thought that it was indeed the case, and did not object further.

So the three of them walked together toward the Uchiha.

Along the way, Jiraiya continued to make witty remarks from time to time, which made Tsunade both annoyed and amused.

"Tsunade, do you think that Koki will grow up to be as beautiful and powerful as you?"

"You're so good at saying nice things."

"I'm telling the truth."

"Of course, that child has always been very likable."

Koki was caught off guard and pulled into the room by a strong force. She was swayed and then forced to sit down in a chair.

He stared blankly at the large pile of unidentified items on the table and the enormous, almost exaggerated mirror, a wave of helplessness and confusion washing over him.

Koki spoke weakly, her voice tinged with pleading, "Maybe we shouldn't bother with dressing up?"

Upon hearing this, the woman's eyes widened, her mouth agape in an exaggerated "O" shape, and she screamed at the top of her lungs, "How can this be? This was Madam Mikoto's personal instruction!"

Once Mikoto was mentioned, this woman would start talking non-stop, as if she had opened a floodgate.

"Chief Fugaku and Mrs. Mikoto are such kind people! My son works in the Military Police Force, and his salary is several times higher than before! My old mother is being taken care of so well now; she receives regular pay and rice and is even able to enjoy her retirement in a nursing home. And as for myself, I'm living a more and more comfortable life..." The woman's words came out like a machine gun, without any sign of stopping.

Koki listened helplessly, but her gaze couldn't help but fall on the heavy makeup on her face. She sighed inwardly, "Our family has been so good to you, please don't repay kindness with enmity!"

Sigh, it's probably too late to leave now. It's not that I can't accept it, but...

His eyes unconsciously drifted to the two little ones beside him who were staring intently at him.

The two little ones stared wide-eyed, their curious gazes like two blazing rays, fixed intently on him.

Staring directly at by those two innocent, big eyes, Koki felt extremely uncomfortable, as if thousands of ants were crawling all over his heart.

Just then, a soft footstep came from outside the door, and then the door was gently pushed open, revealing an adorable little girl who looked like she had stepped out of a fairy tale.

She looked about the same age as the weasel, with a delicate face like a finely crafted porcelain piece, smooth and white with a hint of pink, as if water could flow out if you pinched it gently.

She wore a light blue dress with layers of skirts that resembled blooming flowers, embroidered with delicate pink flowers. Over the dress, she wore a thick cloak, the edges of which were trimmed with fine, snow-white fur. As she ran, the fur fluttered in the wind, like light snowflakes dancing in the air.

At that moment, she was looking around the room with her beautiful eyes, curiously observing everything. When her gaze fell on Koki, a smile as bright as a spring flower bloomed on her face. "Koki!"

Like a joyful little bird, the girl opened her arms and flew towards Koki's embrace, Koki caught steadily.

He glanced at his younger brother furtively and teased, "Little Izumi's here too. Is he here to play with our Itachi?"

"Mmm!" The girl nodded vigorously, looking extremely obedient.

Koki hugged Little Izumi, gently pinched her cheek, and said with a smile, "Have you been studying hard lately?"

Little Izumi stuck out her tongue playfully and said, "Of course!"

Three years ago, after Koki rescued Izumi at a bustling market, Izumi's parents have been visiting her home to express their gratitude ever since.

After that, Izumi became a frequent visitor to the house, often coming to find Itachi to play with. Every time she came, she would pull Itachi outside and talk to him for a long time.

Whenever Koki sees the heartwarming moments between these childhood friends, she feels genuinely happy for her younger brother.

"Alright, little one, stop clinging to Lord Koki." The woman beside him gently reminded him.

"Oh." Uchiha Izumi responded obediently and stepped aside.

She blinked her bright, lively eyes and softly asked Koki, "Koki, could you let Itachi...?"

At this point, she glanced at Little Kabuto beside her, "And him, are you coming out to play with me? I just saw Nonō bring a lot of kids over too."