Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Naruto
Chapter 114: Naruto
In the end, Ryūzetsu agreed to attend the Academy.
As for the issue of Sasuke...
Uchiha Kagami hadn't expected Yunma to be so straightforward. He not only weaned the baby but also directly dropped Sasuke off at Kagami's house without a second thought—regardless of whether Kagami was home or not.
After some thought, Kagami had a house built next to his own and entrusted Uchiha Mikoto with taking care of the child.
...
Meanwhile, Kabuto Yakushi and Yamato were found and brought into the fold. Kabuto frequently traveled between Nonō Yakushi's orphanage and the Uchiha clan compound, helping to care for the children.
Kagami approached Nonō to discuss a more permanent arrangement.
"Lord Kagami."
Even with her years of experience as a spy, facing Uchiha Kagami directly was a completely different ordeal.
Nonō felt as if her body was bound by invisible ropes, stiff and unyielding like a statue, making even the simplest movements extraordinarily difficult.
Kagami emitted no overt pressure, yet her natural instincts as a former operative heightened her awareness of danger.
In this moment, she felt like a helpless rabbit sitting before a massive, ferocious dragon.
Her tension was understandable.
"Nonō Yakushi," Kagami began.
"While I admire your talent for infiltration, I value your care for children even more."
Relaxed in his chair, Kagami casually crossed one leg over the other and rested a hand on his knee.
"The orphanage will be managed by someone suitable. I plan to select a group of children to be raised within the Uchiha clan's compound.
You'll live there and look after them."
Nonō understood that this wasn't a request; it was an order.
When dealing with Danzo, she could negotiate terms, but in front of Kagami, she had no choice but to obey.
"I understand, Lord Kagami."
"Good. Now as for Kabuto…"
"He's a talented child," Kagami said with a hint of approval.
"All you need to do is focus on your responsibilities. Don't overstep. Do you understand?"
"I understand!"
Kagami nodded.
"Good. Leave now and send the next person in."
...
When Mikoto entered, she looked exhausted.
Any other woman in her position—essentially under house arrest and now separated from her younger son—would likely have collapsed under the pressure.
If not for Itachi's reassurance that Sasuke would be unharmed, she might have confronted Kagami in desperation.
"Lord Kagami…"
Kagami tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his tone calm and detached.
"Sasuke needs a mother's care. He's already lost his father; don't make him lose his mother as well.
I'll tell you this: Sasuke is a promising disciple. He's different from the other two.
He has a bright future.
For Sasuke's sake, you know what to do."
Mikoto's body trembled, tears slipping from the corners of her eyes.
Her current state of dishevelment made her seem all the more pitiable.
As she reached for her waist, her hand gripped the sash.
Kagami frowned slightly.
A subtle wave of intent emanated from him, instantly freezing Mikoto in her tracks.
...
"Do you know who I am?"
There was a trace of killing intent in his voice as Kagami stood.
"Don't think you can pull a stunt like this. It's disgusting."
With those sharp words, he turned and left.
Once outside, he paused, feeling like something was off.
In his mind, his words were meant to tell Mikoto to simply focus on taking care of Sasuke without mentioning Fugaku or Itachi.
But from her perspective, it might have come across... differently.
Whatever. There was no point in explaining.
Kagami quickly shifted his attention to another matter:
Obito.
He held little regard for the Four Great Nations Alliance, but the Akatsuki was another matter.
If Obito was determined to grow stronger in secret, tracking him down would be no easy task.
With Izanagi and dual Kamui, Obito's survival skills rivaled those of Orochimaru.
As for going to the Rain Village now to seize the Rinnegan…
Kagami wouldn't stoop to that.
What he truly looked forward to was Uchiha Madara's full return and a chance to finish their unfinished battle.
When it came to other enemies, Kagami didn't mind resorting to underhanded tactics.
But against Madara, he wanted nothing less than a fair, decisive victory.
...
Soon, the end of the month arrived.
Regardless of whether Obito planned to act, Kushina's impending childbirth put the village on high alert.
Minato had chosen the Uchiha clan compound as the delivery site.
A newly built courtyard housed Nonō Yakushi, Mikoto, Yamato, Kabuto, and the infant Sasuke.
Before entering the delivery room, Kushina nervously gripped Mikoto's hand.
"Mikoto, does giving birth hurt a lot?"
Mikoto gently patted Kushina's forehead, soothing her with a soft voice.
"It's nothing to worry about. Just think—Naruto is eager to meet his mom."
"Alright…"
For once, Kushina looked vulnerable. She glanced at Minato, who was visibly tense.
"Minato, I'm a little scared…"
Even the strongest of individuals fear death, and Kagami's warning had left a mark on them.
What scared Kushina more than her own demise was the thought of Naruto growing up without a mother.
Minato forced a reassuring smile, hiding his own concerns.
"It's going to be fine. I'll be right here with you!"
A surge of crimson chakra leaked out, carrying an ominous aura.
During childbirth, the seal always weakened.
"Get her into the delivery room and reinforce the seal!" Biwako Sarutobi ordered urgently.
Minato, however, turned to Kagami, who was lounging in a nearby chair.
"Kagami, please—use your Sharingan!"
"...What are you, a Pokémon trainer?"
Kagami sighed, shaking his head. The three tomoe in his eyes spun into view.
His chakra projection entered the Nine-Tails' seal.
Inside, the chains binding the fox had loosened, and the beast was struggling fiercely.
Sensing another presence, the Nine-Tails froze momentarily.
...
"Madara!!!"
"Shut up. Are you Hashirama? Why is that your first line?"
Their gazes locked.
The fox's eyes reflected the same three-tomoe Sharingan, and the beast calmed down entirely.
Dominance in nature.
When strength outmatches the opponent, control is simple.
Outside, sensing that the Nine-Tails was calmer than even under her own seal, Kushina let out a relieved breath.
She mustered a strained smile and thanked Kagami.
"Thank you, Kagami."
Kagami yawned.
"Just hurry up and have the baby. I need to get back to sleep."
"...You brat! Don't make it sound so easy!"
Minato followed Kushina into the room, etiquette be damned under the current circumstances.
The full moon shone brightly overhead.
Kagami leaned back in his chair, looking up at the glowing orb.
It was like a giant eye watching over the shinobi world.
Lowering his gaze, he became lost in thought.
...
At the eaves, Jiraiya and Sakumo squatted on opposite ends, while several large toads stood ready on a nearby clearing.
If Obito dared show up now, it would truly be a bold move.
Mikoto held Sasuke, who had suddenly started crying loudly. She glanced toward the room with growing concern.
Within, the time-space barrier was set, and Minato held Kushina's hand tightly.
At long last, the sound of a baby's cry filled the air.
Almost instantly, Sasuke stopped crying, as if he too was listening.
Naruto was born.
The rocking motion of Kagami's chair came to a halt.
He sensed a fleeting presence observing them.
Was it… the Sage of Six Paths?
A cold smile played at Kagami's lips.
That old man… The only difference between him and Jiraiya is their power.
Both are simply slaves to their prophecies.
...
That night, nothing happened.
End of Chapter
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