After saying a few words to the nearby Anbu and asking him to pass a message to the Minato couple, Takeshi accompanied Hyūga Iroha to his hospital room.
It was a two-person ward. Sharing the room with Iroha was also a member of the Hyūga branch family, but he was significantly older than Iroha.
When he saw Takeshi arrive, the man lying on the hospital bed was stunned at first. Then, upon recognizing Takeshi's appearance, he quickly remembered his identity and hastily propped himself up.
"Takeshi-san!"
"Lie down, lie down quickly."
Seeing that the Hyūga clan members were so well-mannered, Takeshi didn't dare to act high and mighty. He quickly gestured for the man to lie back down.
After a brief conversation, Takeshi learned the man's name—Hyūga Dekai.
He wasn't injured during the Third Shinobi World War but was ambushed by an unidentified person while carrying out a mission on the border not long ago.
"Although the large-scale war has ended, conflicts between villages still continue. Besides, Kirigakure and Kumogakure haven't signed peace treaties with us yet."
Hyūga Dekai said helplessly.
He could tell that the person who ambushed him was most likely a Kumogakure ninja, but since the two villages were technically at war, there was no way to hold them accountable.
"Yeah, that Fourth Raikage guy sure is stubborn."
Takeshi couldn't help but admire the man's persistence.
Anyone with a clear head could see that continuing the standoff with Konoha would lead to nothing, but the Fourth Raikage simply refused to back down and insisted on maintaining a state of war. This left Sakumo with no options.
Knowing Takeshi had come to talk to Iroha, Dekai didn't say much more and soon ended the conversation.
Only then did Takeshi have the opportunity to ask Iroha about the circumstances of his injuries.
"Our team was ambushed by Kirigakure. The leading jōnin was killed on the spot, leaving only a few of us—chūnin and genin—to hold them off."
A pained expression flashed across Iroha's face.
"In the end, only Uchiha Yōwan and I were left hiding behind cover. We waited and waited, but no reinforcements came. So we decided to make one final stand."
He pointed to his right arm and forced a smile, speaking as if it were no big deal.
"I was lucky—just lost a leg and an arm. Yōwan had it worse... not even his body was recovered."
"Can it be healed?"
Seeing a childhood friend who used to play with him at the academy reduced to such a state, Takeshi couldn't help but ask Hyūga Tetsu, who was standing nearby.
"It can, but it'll take a long time. Full recovery will probably take about a year."
Tetsu's reply allowed Takeshi to breathe a sigh of relief.
As long as he could recover.
"Hmph, you brat... made me worry for so long. I'm just glad you can recover. By the way, your eyes..."
Looking at Iroha dressed up like his own father, Takeshi suddenly felt a sharp pain in his face.
"My eyes are fine. Just might have a scar on my face."
Reaching up to touch the bandages on his face, Iroha smiled, grateful that his Byakugan was unharmed.
If he had really lost one of his Byakugan, the clan probably would've abandoned him completely.
Being from the branch family, unable to fulfill his duties, he'd probably be relegated to odd jobs around the clan—just a little servant.
Ninjas are just tools. When a tool is no longer useful, it gets thrown away.
"In any case, I'm really glad you're alright."
Feeling that it was about time, Takeshi glanced at the clock hanging on the wall and bid Iroha farewell.
"I'll come see you again when I have time."
"I always thought the White Reaper would be some cold and ruthless guy."
Watching Takeshi's departing back, Hyūga Dekai remarked.
"And he doesn't look anything like someone from the Shimura clan."
Hyūga Tetsu and Hyūga Iroha exchanged glances and smiled, but said nothing.
...
Back at the earlier location, Takeshi immediately saw Minato helping a blushing Kushina out of the consultation room.
A pregnant Jinchūriki—this was no small matter.
As soon as Sakumo received the news, he reported it to the village's higher-ups.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, Mitokado Homura, and Koharu Utatane—the three advisors—rushed to Sakumo's office immediately.
As for Danzo, he was busy with his own affairs and merely replied to Sakumo that he was aware.
"During childbirth, the seal suppressing the Tailed Beast weakens. Something similar happened to Lady Mito back in the day."
Puffing on his pipe, Sarutobi Hiruzen showed a rare serious expression since his retirement.
"Therefore, a ninja well-versed in sealing techniques must be present during the delivery to ensure the seal isn't broken."
Sakumo nodded.
"Then let's leave it to Minato. Kushina's taught him quite a bit about sealing."
At present, the only people in the village skilled in sealing arts aside from Kushina were Minato and Danzo.
As for Takeshi?
His seal work was full of holes. At best, it could deal with ordinary shinobi.
Even Takeshi himself wouldn't feel confident being put in charge of that task.
And since Danzo hadn't even attended this meeting, it was clear he had no intention of getting involved. That left Minato as the only suitable choice.
"For the village's safety, it would be best to set the delivery room outside the village. That way, we can establish tight sealing barriers in advance and dispatch Anbu for protection."
Mitokado Homura nodded in agreement and offered his suggestion.
"Who'll assist with the birth?" Koharu asked.
"Let's have Biwako do it. Her medical skills are only slightly inferior to my useless disciple's."
Sarutobi Hiruzen proposed.
"Biwako, huh? Yes, she's a good fit."
The two advisors exchanged glances and approved of the suggestion.
Seeing that most of the plan was now finalized, everyone turned their attention to Sakumo. Mitokado Homura was the first to speak.
"Forth, your Anbu forces still aren't fully recruited, right? In that case, let Hiruzen's Anbu handle the perimeter security."
Sakumo nodded. The man was right—his own Anbu corps was still understaffed, and he couldn't spare anyone else to ensure Kushina's safety.
"I'll speak to Minato about it when the time comes."
Lighting his pipe, Hiruzen took a long puff and took the responsibility onto himself.
...
Border of the Land of Rain.
"Kyōsuke, while we're away, I'll be leaving the organization in your hands."
Yahiko's expression was serious as he looked at Kyōsuke in front of him.
"Yeah, don't worry, boss."
Glancing at Nagato in the distance—who now had to rely on Konan's help just to walk—Kyōsuke didn't waste any words and nodded firmly.
"Mhm, I trust you."
Yahiko reached out his hand, and the gesture made Kyōsuke recall the moment he had joined the Akatsuki.
"Make sure you bring Nagato back safe and sound, Yahiko!"
Gripping Yahiko's hand in return, Kyōsuke showed the exact same expression he once did back then.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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