Yugito ignored Mabui and instead opened the gift bags Ryosuke had sent. Inside were shoes, clothing, sour dates, and medication.
She was puzzled—it looked like ordinary household items, yet somehow not typical everyday items; these were clearly intended for home use. Picking up the bottle labeled "Maternity Health Supplements," a strange feeling arose in her mind.
"Is this… to help me have children more easily?" she thought. The preparations were surprisingly thorough.
Mabui, curious, approached and saw the contents as well. She was impressed—Ryosuke had prepared everything to ensure their smooth pregnancies. With these, they could give birth to children carrying the Uchiha bloodline. Pride swelled in their hearts. They wondered if Ryosuke would ever regret doing this.
The shopkeeper also delivered Ryosuke's purchases to the orphanage. She handed them to the head, Yakushi Nono, the medic. Seeing the items, Yako felt both joy and worry. She cared deeply for the orphans, but now she also had her own bloodline to think of—her own partner. She had never imagined leading a life like ordinary women did, but now she could.
Yet worry lingered. Managing the orphanage while pregnant would become increasingly difficult as her belly grew. Luckily, she still had help from Kabuto, whom she had previously requested Ryosuke bring from the Root base. He was still a child but had grown capable of handling some of the responsibilities. Yako considered hiring more help, as her meticulous management had saved some money for this purpose—but she knew she would need to discuss this with Ryosuke, since the funds were his, not hers.
Tsunade felt restless and uneasy, troubled by the pregnancy growing inside her. She hadn't confirmed it medically yet, but with the way Ryosuke had… "filled" her, plus her nausea, the probability was high. Even someone as bold as her knew that pregnancy was a serious matter.
Tsunade hadn't intended to bear Ryosuke's child—it was originally just a means to protect Konoha and manage him. Although she thoroughly enjoyed their intimate moments, having a child would make their bond inseparable. Truly, they would become a family. Just the thought made her blush.
Meanwhile, Shikaku, working nearby, noticed Tsunade's unusual demeanor and asked with concern:
"Lady Tsunade, if you're too tired, you can leave early. I'll handle the remaining tasks."
The remaining work was mostly minor details, manageable by Shikaku without Tsunade's direct oversight. He didn't want her to be exhausted. He guessed that her fatigue wasn't merely physical—being a medical ninja, it might also be linked to Ryosuke, Konoha's strongest man. Beeut he knew better than to interfere; Ryosuke's temperament wouldn't allow anyone meddling. Previously, he had even threatened envoys to prevent budget reductions.
Within days, the Daimyo sent a formal apology to Konoha and restored funding, showing humility. This wasn't just out of respect for the Uchiha clan—it was specifically because of Ryosuke Uchiha. This gave Tsunade more time to handle personal matters. Since Tsunade's ascension as Fifth Hokage, the Uchiha clan had caused no trouble. The village was unusually peaceful.
Tsunade sighed and, trusting Shikaku, said:
"Alright, I'll leave the remaining matters to you. I'll head off early."
Shikaku had proven himself capable, helping Tsunade quickly restore order in Konoha after her years away.
Wanting a brief respite, she walked through Konoha, greeting villagers along the way. Their smiles lifted her mood. This place was home, and seeing it thriving made her feel better.
At a corner, she heard commotion and discovered a gambling house. Drawn in, her spirits lifted—she hadn't gambled since returning to Konoha, and her urge was palpable. Sometimes, a game of chance could ease any worry.
As she entered, the patrons froze in surprise. "Lady Tsunade! The big fat sheep!"
They initially saw an opportunity to win big, but reconsidered—Tsunade was now the Fifth Hokage, Konoha's highest ninja authority. They hesitated, regretful they might not be able to profit.
Tsunade frowned at their apprehension. The house should be lively!
"Lady Tsunade, you're the Fifth Hokage… isn't it inappropriate to come here?" someone timidly said.
Tsunade's annoyance flared. "Enough chatter. I'm not coming here as the Fifth Hokage today—I'm coming as a gambler. Understand?"
The patrons relaxed and regained excitement. Tsunade's honesty and fairness meant she might lose, but she wouldn't cheat or intimidate. Smiles returned to their faces—they could still try to win her money.
"Lady Tsunade, please take a seat at the table."
"Make way, she has no money," someone joked.
Tsunade confidently sat, filled with determination—today she intended to win big. A rare chance like this had to be seized.
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