Sasuke's body, already weakened, collapsed completely after awakening his Mangekyo. The repeated strain of using Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi drained him to the point of unconsciousness.
No matter how hard Itachi shook him, Sasuke would not wake. In the end, it was Uchiha Chiga who arrived and placed his hand on Sasuke's chest, his power restoring clarity to the younger Uchiha's fading consciousness.
Sasuke's eyes opened slowly, hazy and bloodshot. His lips trembled as he whispered, "My eyes… I awakened them. I finally did it…"
Yamato leaned closer to Chiga, whispering with her usual lack of restraint. "Master, were you as silly as him when you awakened your Mangekyo back then?"
Chiga's golden eyes narrowed slightly. A faint light flickered in them, sharp enough to make Yamato freeze. Realizing she had overstepped, she clamped both hands over her mouth and widened her eyes like a guilty child.
For a moment, Chiga said nothing, but inwardly he reflected on the truth. Every Mangekyo Sharingan he had witnessed, including his own, had awakened in despair—born from moments of grief, rage, or unbearable loss. Sasuke's path was softer, cushioned by allies who had staged a battle for his sake. For that reason alone, Sasuke should count himself fortunate.
Sasuke also understood. The instant he saw Chiga's figure, he knew who had restored his strength. Gratitude replaced his pride, and he quickly rose to his knees. Bowing his head, he spoke with genuine sincerity. "Chiga-sama, thank you. I owe this to you."
Chiga waved dismissively. "Don't thank me. Thank your brother. Everything he has done was for you."
Itachi placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, his expression gentle, though exhaustion lingered in his eyes. "There's no need for gratitude between us, Sasuke. I saw how you risked yourself for me just now, and I am proud of you."
The brothers exchanged a look, their bond rekindled. Chiga turned away, deciding to give them space, and departed with Yamato at his side. Only Madara remained nearby, his expression unreadable as he observed the scene like an intruder who no longer belonged.
---
In the days that followed, Chiga returned to his usual rhythm. His mornings were filled with work, his afternoons spent in the office, often drinking tea with Kurenai and Yūgao, and his evenings given to the quiet comforts of family life.
That peace was broken when Minato appeared before him one evening, his face pale and urgent. "Chiga! Hurry! Kushina is going into labor!"
The sudden shout startled even Yamato. Chiga raised a brow, glancing at the Fourth Hokage. "Your child is about to be born, yet you rush to me? Why?"
Minato scratched the back of his head sheepishly but still looked desperate. "I don't know. I just… feel more at ease if you're there."
Chiga exhaled slowly, then stood. "Very well. Where is she?"
"I've already taken her to the hospital."
"Then let's go."
Both men shared mastery of space-time techniques. In an instant, they vanished and reappeared outside the hospital's delivery ward.
This time was different from Naruto's birth. There was no secrecy, no hidden chamber, no lurking threat. The Shinobi World had been unified under Chiga's rule. In Konoha, his authority was absolute, and no one dared to cause trouble.
Crowds had gathered at the hospital entrance. Almost every notable figure of the village was present.
Naruto paced restlessly, his hands shaking as he turned in circles. Sasuke stood nearby, his own body still recovering, yet he attempted to calm his anxious friend. For once, the normally composed Uchiha spoke gently.
Obito stood guard at the door, arms folded like a stone sentinel. He took Rin's instructions seriously and barred anyone from entering. His stern expression made him seem less like a shinobi and more like a deity at a temple gate.
Inside the delivery room, Tsunade led the process, assisted by Shizune, Sakura, and Rin. Sweat glistened on their foreheads as they worked tirelessly to ease Kushina's labor.
At the door, Orochimaru lingered, his tongue briefly brushing his lips. He had initially volunteered to assist with the delivery, even offering Kabuto as his assistant. The proposal had been shut down immediately. Tsunade had coldly declared that if Orochimaru helped deliver a baby, the child might crawl out of the wrong end.
When Chiga and Minato appeared, the gathered crowd stirred. Naruto rushed forward, but instead of clinging to his father, he stopped before Chiga, bowing deeply.
"Chiga-senpai! You're finally here. Mom has been inside for so long, and still no word. I… I'm so worried."
Chiga placed a firm hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Calm yourself. She will be fine."
With that, his figure blurred and vanished, reappearing silently inside the delivery room.
Kushina lay on the bed, drenched in sweat, groaning through waves of pain. Tsunade and the others were focused, using both skill and medical ninjutsu to ease the process. None of them noticed Chiga's arrival.
He watched quietly for a moment, then sighed. With a snap of his fingers, the air shifted.
Snap.
A sharp cry filled the room. A newborn baby girl, blonde-haired with bright eyes, materialized in Chiga's arms.
Kushina gasped, her pain vanishing as her body returned to its natural state. The vitality of the Uzumaki clan restored her immediately.
Tsunade and her assistants froze, their hands still mid-motion, staring at the scene in disbelief. Chiga cradled the baby with ease, warm energy flowing from his hands into the infant. The cries softened to laughter, and the baby reached for his face with tiny fingers, her ocean-blue eyes glowing with trust.
Chiga smiled faintly and passed the child into Kushina's arms. Gratitude welled in her gaze, though her relief faltered when the baby began to cry again. No matter how she rocked or soothed her daughter, the wailing grew louder.
The baby stretched her arms toward Chiga, sobbing until Kushina, frustrated and defeated, reluctantly handed her back. The instant she was in Chiga's embrace again, the crying ceased, replaced by soft giggles.
Kushina couldn't help but pout in jealousy, though she smiled nonetheless.
At that moment, the door burst open. Minato rushed in, golden light trailing behind him. He grabbed Kushina's hand, his eyes soft with emotion. "Kushina, you've done so well. Where's our child?"
Kushina's lips curved, though her tone carried both pride and exasperation. "In Chiga's arms."
---