The Night is Boiling
After Zetsu and Uchiha Obito departed, Chi Yu went directly to Orochimaru's underground hideout.
"Orochimaru-sensei," Chi Yu said with a calm smile, "I've brought you some excellent experimental materials."
At the mention of "excellent materials," Orochimaru's golden eyes lit up with interest. If Chi Yu described something in such a way, it meant they were beyond ordinary.
With a single summoning, Chi Yu called forth a massive serpent. The creature opened its jaws wide, vomiting out ten pale bodies—White Zetsu clones.
Orochimaru's attention sharpened immediately. He crouched beside one of the bodies, running his long fingers across its skin and peering into its odd, hollow anatomy.
"Their cells… extremely active," Orochimaru muttered, his voice dripping with fascination. "Their tissue demonstrates remarkable adaptability. The structure is… almost human, yet incomplete. So many vital organs are absent. Just what are these beings?"
Seeing Orochimaru's growing excitement, Chi Yu felt satisfied. In truth, White Zetsu was arguably the finest experimental material in the entire shinobi world—second to none.
At this point in time, Orochimaru had not yet developed the Impure World Reincarnation (Edo Tensei) nor delved deeply into cell transplantation. But with access to White Zetsu specimens, his path to groundbreaking discoveries might advance far more quickly.
For someone as composed as Orochimaru, Chi Yu could clearly sense that his "sensei" was genuinely elated.
"Chi Yu," Orochimaru said softly, a rare smile curling across his lips, "I really do like these experimental materials."
"As long as Orochimaru-sensei is pleased," Chi Yu replied smoothly, "there's no need to hold back. If you run short, tell me—I'll procure more."
Orochimaru's slit pupils narrowed. "And where, exactly, did you acquire these?"
Without hesitation, Chi Yu recounted his dealings with the Akatsuki.
"Uchiha Obito is alive?" Orochimaru's tongue flicked across his lips in surprise. "And he's joined a mercenary group? How… intriguing."
Chi Yu saw no reason to hide further. He revealed the truth of Uchiha Madara as well.
Orochimaru fell silent, his expression unreadable, before breaking into a hushed laugh. "This world grows more entertaining with every revelation. Madara, a man who should be dead, still lingers in the shadows. Even in death, he schemes for his own return. Tell me, Chi Yu, is this why you involve yourself with the Akatsuki?"
Chi Yu inclined his head. "That's right. The times ahead will be extraordinary. It would be a waste not to participate."
Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "I couldn't agree more."
Chi Yu leaned closer and added, "Remember this, Orochimaru-sensei—these White Zetsu were once human."
A gleam of hunger flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. "Once human? Fascinating. That makes them all the more valuable."
"I imagine you're eager to begin," Chi Yu said lightly, turning away. "I won't disturb your research."
"Good. Then I'll begin at once," Orochimaru replied, his tone stripped of all formalities as he set upon the bodies.
Chi Yu left for home.
Miyuki Uzumaki's pregnancy was entering its final month. The birth of their child would be a major event—and Chi Yu wondered how many Witness Points it might generate.
---
Fifteen Days Later
Miyuki Uzumaki had been relocated to a heavily fortified cave outside Konohagakure, guarded by Anbu and reinforced with barriers. Every precaution had been taken.
Chi Yu, meanwhile, had moved Uzumaki Kushina and Kakashi into Orochimaru's hideout for safety.
"Chi Yu, why am I suddenly staying here?" Kushina asked one evening, sitting on the bed while Chi Yu adjusted a small television he'd installed in the room.
"Miyuki is close to giving birth," Chi Yu explained. "I can't be at both places at once, and I'd worry leaving you alone. With Orochimaru-sensei nearby, and Kakashi guarding you, I'll have peace of mind."
Kushina sighed. "You're being overcautious."
"You're also eight months pregnant," Chi Yu countered firmly. "I won't take chances. Don't worry—I'll stay by your side until Miyuki delivers safely."
---
The Day of the Birth
Half a month later, Chi Yu was returning from errands when word reached him—Miyuki's time had come.
He handed the groceries to Kakashi. "Guard Kushina. Don't leave her side, no matter what happens outside."
"Yes, Sensei!" Kakashi answered solemnly.
Chi Yu rushed to the cave.
Inside, Minato Namikaze was already at Miyuki's bedside, maintaining the Eight Trigrams Sealing Style that suppressed the Nine-Tails within her. Biwako Sarutobi assisted in the delivery.
"Minato, focus on the seal," Biwako instructed sharply.
"I understand," Minato replied, though his gaze flickered with concern at Miyuki's cries of pain.
Outside, Chi Yu frowned as he listened. So painful… will Kushina suffer like this when her time comes?
Inside the cave, Minato's face was taut with worry. "This is the first time I've seen Miyuki in such agony. Is she truly—"
"She's strong," Biwako cut him off. "Your only duty is to ensure the Nine-Tails stays bound. A man would have collapsed long ago, but women are far stronger than you give them credit for."
Though the Nine-Tails did not actively struggle, chakra leaked under the strain, loosening the seal. Minato reinforced it, teeth clenched.
"You can do this, Miyuki! Endure!" he encouraged, as Biwako urged her through the delivery.
---
Outside the Cave
Chi Yu stood among the Anbu guards, his senses extended. His Observation Haki, which had evolved into its second stage, now allowed him not only to perceive chakra signatures across great distances but also to anticipate enemy intent.
Suddenly, he felt them.
A chilling wave of intent, closing in fast—Uchiha Obito, Zetsu, Kakuzu, and Hoshigaki Kisame.
Chi Yu exhaled slowly, his eyes lifting toward the roiling night sky.
"The night… is boiling."
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