In the blink of an eye, half a year had passed.
Land of Birds, at Kazuyama Gekkō's private residence.
"Hey, I didn't bring you here to feast and lounge around."
"Pakura's nearly nine months along. Her condition's stable, but you can't just let her control her diet..."
Kazuyama's voice cut off abruptly—because the person in front of him had clenched their fists.
"Kazuyama, can you not be so dramatic?"
"This is completely normal. You're just overly anxious because you care too much."
"Look at Pakura—she's already put on weight. I'm doing this for her health."
Tsunade pointed toward Pakura, who was resting nearby, her face full of helplessness.
Over the past six months, Kazuyama had been pampering her nonstop, feeding her all kinds of delicacies. The result? Pakura had ended up with an excess of nutrition. Luckily, as a ninja, chakra came in handy. While protecting herself, she could also maintain her figure to some extent.
Otherwise, Pakura would've broken down in tears by now.
"Are you sure it's okay?"
"Forget it, Tsunade. Why don't you just stay? I won't go back to the village either. You can help us out..."
Tsunade cut him off again, shooting him a sharp glare.
"Don't even start. If it weren't for you, Shizune and I would be relaxing in the Land of Hot Water right now."
"I never should've accepted that kunai of yours!"
"Hmph! You completely ruined my plans."
Tsunade could only sigh.
Back then, she'd accepted Kazuyama's technique-marked kunai just in case she needed to reach him. But what happened?
One day, a shadow suddenly dropped from the sky and whisked her and Shizune away in an instant.
By the time they realized what was going on, Kazuyama was already smiling, pointing at his wife, Pakura.
That's when Tsunade realized—she'd been dragged here to play doctor.
She'd been furious. But after being treated to fine food and drink, she'd grudgingly let it slide.
And now this brat actually wanted her to deliver the baby?
"We still have a trip to finish!"
Tsunade called out to her apprentice, but to her surprise, Shizune was happily chatting away beside Pakura.
That smile on her face caught Tsunade completely off guard.
Shizune and Pakura were laughing together. Shizune, still a child herself, had become very attached to the soon-to-be mother.
"Lady Tsunade, can we stay a bit longer?"
"I want to be here when Sister Pakura's baby is born."
It was rare for Shizune to ask for something, and seeing her expectant face, Tsunade couldn't bring herself to say no. She nodded.
With Tsunade's approval, Shizune jumped up on the spot, clearly thrilled.
Watching Tsunade get swayed by Shizune, Kazuyama couldn't help but feel delighted.
"Hmph, don't get cocky, brat."
"The Land of Birds may be nice, but its medical equipment can't compare to the village."
"Tomorrow morning, you're taking us back."
Kazuyama nodded. No problem.
It's just a trip back to the village—piece of cake.
The next day, Konoha Hospital.
News of Kazuyama's return with Tsunade sent shockwaves through both Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The two Hokage immediately intercepted him at the hospital entrance.
"Come on, what are you two blocking me for?"
"It's only been half a year."
"The village didn't fall apart without me, did it?"
Kazuyama looked at them, clearly annoyed.
"Kazuyama, you're a Jōnin of this village. You've been on break for half a year." Fınd the newest release on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡✶𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚✶𝙣𝙚𝙩
"You even skipped out on the Ninja Academy classes. Principal Hatake's been subbing for you."
"This can't continue."
As a Jōnin and a teacher, Kazuyama knew he shouldn't have been away for so long.
From one man to another, it was understandable—he wanted to stay with his wife.
But Minato was the Hokage now, and duty to the village came first.
Kazuyama scratched his head. If he could, he'd honestly rather travel and relax. Work was no fun.
But when he thought about the powerful enemies that might show up in the future, his mood soured.
Sure, he was at Kage-level now—but those guys would be far beyond that. What a headache.
"Alright, alright, I get it. But Minato, nothing major happened while I was gone, right?"
He still tried to make excuses. After all, who wants to work when they can chill?
Minato smiled. "Just the usual stuff. But the students do miss their fun teacher."
Hiruzen suddenly spoke, and what he said made Kazuyama grimace.
"Hmph. Leaving like that gave Danzō plenty of room to talk."
"Now that you're back, don't leave again."
"The ANBU are starting a special training program. You'll be the instructor."
"No backing out. This is both mine and Minato's decision."
What?! Special training?
"And what, you've gotten used to shirking responsibility for Yamato?"
"Hmph, you irresponsible brat."
Hearing Yamato's name, Kazuyama suddenly froze.
Right—he had a student named Yamato. Where was that kid now?
"To make sure Yamato's talent doesn't go to waste, I've assigned him to Kakashi."
"As for your little brother, Hayate, he's with Obito."
"The two squads are locked in constant sparring matches now."
Kazuyama gave a sheepish laugh. He'd totally forgotten about Yamato.
Great. No escape now.
"Of course, we won't ask you to start immediately."
"We'll wait until you become a father."
Minato and Hiruzen laughed together.
Kazuyama nodded. He had no other thoughts right now—just hoping Pakura would give birth safely.
In the days that followed, Pakura was admitted to the hospital.
Kazuyama stayed by her side constantly, while his friends came one after another to offer their congratulations.
Konoha Hospital, outside the delivery room.
Kazuyama paced anxiously in front of the door.
The hallway was packed with loved ones and close friends.
Fugaku Uchiha gave Kazuyama an exasperated look, but his words made Mikoto cover her mouth and giggle.
After all, Fugaku had been the same way when Itachi was born.
"Sensei, don't worry. Lady Tsunade is inside, right?"
"She'll make sure everything goes smoothly."
Rin smiled and tried to reassure him—just as he was about to speak, a baby's cry rang out from the delivery room.