Kushina listened intently as Tsunade explained everything. Afterwards, she looked at Sarutobi Ryo with wide, disbelieving eyes.
I thought whatever name Sarutobi Ryo came up with would be reasonable, she mused. But once again, Sarutobi Ryo had completely surprised her.
"Young Master Ryo," Mikoto said, bowing respectfully, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "Isn't this name...a bit too much to live up to?" She knew this child was destined to become a powerful ninja.
Sarutobi Ryo reassured her repeatedly, and Uchiha Mikoto finally relaxed a little.
Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that the name was simply too grand. The pressure on this child will be immense, she thought. I'll need to raise him carefully.
Being a mother won't be easy, Mikoto realized. She wanted to teach the child well, so he could live up to the name that Young Master Ryo had given him. With so much care and hard work, I'll probably age quickly.
Mikoto sighed quietly.
She didn't realize that she had become increasingly beautiful recently, like a flower constantly being watered. Even her pregnancy seemed to enhance her allure. Mikoto assumed it was due to hormonal changes, completely unaware of the real reason.
After confirming the pregnancy, Tsunade stood up to leave.
Kushina and Mikoto accompanied her to the door.
Once Tsunade was gone, Kushina couldn't help but sigh, "I really didn't think Sarutobi Ryo would come up with such a fitting name..." She found it quite surprising.
"Kushina, you're being stubborn," Mikoto said with a chuckle, gently nudging her friend. "Young Master Ryo always thinks about the village, he's been kind to the Uchiha clan, and now he's even become Itachi's adoptive father..."
Mikoto listed many reasons, making Kushina feel that perhaps she was biased. But she couldn't bring herself to argue with her close friend.
"Alright, alright, I get it..." Kushina nodded, thinking that maybe she needed to reconsider her opinion of Sarutobi Ryo.
"By the way, Kushina, when are you and Minato finally getting married...?" Mikoto closed the door and smiled as she walked back inside with her friend.
----
Outside on the street, Tsunade's face was serious. She understood Sarutobi Ryo's hopes for the child.
But there was a problem...
"Hey, Sarutobi Ryo, there's something I need to tell you..." Never one for subtlety, the straightforward Tsunade decided to speak directly.
"It's true that Uchiha Mikoto is pregnant, and hormone changes can cause people to act irrationally during this time..." She glanced at Sarutobi Ryo beside her. "You should probably stay away from her, or at least avoid being alone with her..." After all, she's pregnant, and to avoid any suspicion, it's best not to be alone together.
"Okay."
Seeing Sarutobi Ryo's casual nod, Tsunade realized he hadn't understood her point.
"What I'm saying is... the way Uchiha Mikoto looks at you isn't right... You need to be careful..."
"Meow~." Just then, a cat meowed from atop a nearby wall.
"Humph! It's not even night yet, what's all the commotion about, you stupid cats..." Tsunade scolded, and the startled cats scurried away.
"..."
Sarutobi Ryo stopped walking, his face suddenly turning serious.
Tsunade, noticing his expression, was surprised.
"Lord Tsunade, I must strongly advise you, Madam Mikoto was deeply devoted to her late husband, Fugaku, and even tried to take her own life because of it..." Sarutobi Ryo declared. They were a loving couple, and you shouldn't spread such rumors. I, Sarutobi Ryo, don't like to hear such things. You're wasting your breath!
Tsunade immediately bristled, ready to retort angrily.
But before she could speak, Sarutobi Ryo continued, "Or are you... the one who...?!"
Sarutobi Ryo glared at Tsunade.
You wish! I would never...!
Tsunade wanted to argue, but she knew that the more she explained, the more complicated it would become. Gritting her teeth, she simply snorted and stormed off.
Watching her angry retreat, Sarutobi Ryo's gaze deepened...
----
That night.
Tsunade had Shizune buy some food and drinks, and she began to eat and drink at her ancestral home. The more she ate, the angrier she became, eventually getting drunk.
In her drunken stupor, she began to rant and scold Sarutobi Ryo.
After venting her anger, she stumbled back to her room and collapsed into bed.
Shizune watched Lord Tsunade's drunken antics and sighed. She occasionally does this, but I wonder what Young Master Ryo did to upset Lady Tsunade so much.
Shizune quietly closed the door and went to her own room to rest.
The night grew darker, the hours slowly passing.
Until...
A dark figure silently appeared.
Bathed in moonlight, the shadow stared at the bedroom window.
Tsunade's even snores echoed from within.
The shadow knew that her constitution would only allow for a temporary state of drunkenness.
Slowly approaching, the figure pushed open the door.
With a creak, the door opened...
Tsunade, who had been sleeping on the bed, suddenly opened her eyes and threw a punch as the figure approached.
Of course, she didn't use her Super Strength. If she had, the house would likely collapse. Or, it would be like when Jiraiya was hit, resulting in severe injuries and near-death.
To Tsunade's surprise, even though she had lessened her strength, the figure easily caught her fist.
Clap.
"?!"
Tsunade was shocked.
"Who?!"
She couldn't imagine anyone being able to match her in taijutsu.
Tsunade no longer held back and kicked out with full force.
At full strength, even without using Super Strength, Tsunade's power was at its peak in the official data books. This means Tsunade is strong enough to arm wrestle members of the Raikage Clan without using Super Strength. Of course, if the Raikage cheats and uses Lightning Release Chakra Mode, then Tsunade will also cheat and use Super Strength.
Under such a full-force attack, no ordinary ninja could withstand it.
But the figure still directly blocked her kick.
"Bastard!"
Tsunade knew that the intruder had ill intentions.
This time, she would have to use her Super Strength.
As for the damage to the house, that could be dealt with later.
Luckily, before she could throw a punch, the figure spoke, "Lord Tsunade... it's me..."
"You!?"
What are you doing here in the middle of the night?
*
**
***
[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter 297 (Vol 2 Ch 239) (+100 Chapters Ahead!)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 314 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
Today's Chapter releases includes the +2 bonus chapter(s)!
Want to support my work and get early access to chapters? Check out my Patreon! 👇
➡️ patreon.com/Boundless_Beacon
]