Chapter 243 - 243 (1/2)

Year 48, on September 22nd, Shikamu Nara was born. Inoichi Yamanaka and Choza Akamichi were the first to go congratulate him.

The next day, the roles were reversed, as everyone was congratulating Inoichi for Ino's birth.

All 12 besides Naruto and Hinato were already born.

On October 5th, the 3rd's wife, Biwako Sarutobi went to Kushina's place.

Kushina's pregnancy wasn't actually widely disclosed, and it was known by only a small number of people.

This meant that her pregnancy couldn't show to people. Therefore, the 3rd told her to try to stay at home until she gives birth. This way, she would only go out one time, going directly to the designated birth site.

While her character was of one that would escape, Kushina did change after marrying Minato, somewhat maturing to help him preserve his image as Hokage.

But after such a long time stuck at home, Kushina had enough. As she opened the door for Biwako, she took the chance to walk into the street, and go directly to the place chosen for Naruto's birth.

Along her way, Biwako urged her to get back and wait for the night again and again, just to be answered by Kushina's smile as she walked slowly.

In the middle of the day, Kushina encountered Mikoto holding Sasuke in her hands. The two women had a good relationship already, and being that they were sharing this experience of motherhood, the two stopped and chatted a little.

As for Biwako Sarutobi, she was watching quietly from across the street, her face pale as she tried her hardest to keep herself from panicking.

After Kushina reached her destination, Biwako immediately opened the barrier outside the house, and then told Kushina that they would live in this room until the child is born.

Meanwhile…

In the Wind Country's desert, Ryo was testing Korin's ability of controlling her body.

After several months of actively evolving her spirit by practicing the Yamanaka clan's techniques, Korin was finally able to control most her power, and able to maintain her ”Biju” state for about 5 minutes.

She was confident that, during these 5 minutes, she could beat even the Kyubi.

As Ryo was far away preparing for the fight, an uninvited guest appeared on the Hokage Mountain of Konoha. He was dressed in black, with a yellow and black mask hiding all his face besides his eye which faintly showed through the hole in the mask.

”Long time no see, Konoha!” Obito sighed, and then scattered several White Spores around the village, before finally disappearing.

In the Uchiha's district, in the underground bunker of the Naka Shrine, Obito stood before a stone tablet, activating his Mangekyo to read it.

As he read through it, he felt the whole area was familiar. In fact, since he had his memories sealed by the dying Madara, he would get a headache whenever seeing anything familiar.

”Fugaku san, what brings you to the Naka Shrine so suddenly?” Obito suddenly heard a guard's voice.

When hearing movement outside, Obito immediately disappeared.

Just as he left, Fugaku pushed the door in. After confirming that there was no one around, he also opened his Mangekyo, staring at the tablet for the hundredth time.

After leaving Konoha, Obito returned to the Wave Country, to his temporary stronghold of choice. There, White and Black Zetsu were awaiting him with two ”Assistants”.

Sasori had deep hatred to Konoha, and Kakuzu did also have his fair share of trouble with them. Black Zetsu relied on this and successfully convinced them to help.