Chapter 235: Naruto!

Time flows differently in the mountains; while half a year had passed in the outside world, Uzumaki Raiden, immersed in training to perfect his Sage Mode at Mount Myōboku, barely felt its passage.

Life in Mount Myōboku had become routine for Raiden. Aside from his own training, he focused on mentoring Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi. Guiding these two prodigies brought him a sense of satisfaction—both of them displayed remarkable talent, excelling rapidly in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and sealing techniques.

At just nine years old, Itachi had already mastered shadow clones, summoning techniques, and intermediate-level sealing jutsu under Raiden's tutelage. Though his summoned toads were still small, his progress was astonishing.

Itachi's proficiency in shuriken and kunai throwing was self-taught, prompting Raiden to assign Shisui to refine his skills further.

As for Shisui, beyond learning summoning and sealing jutsu, Raiden imparted his own philosophy and understanding of the shinobi world. Though he knew his views weren't absolute, he believed his guidance could shape Shisui's perspective positively.

While Shisui's thoughts were still developing, Itachi, having grown up under Raiden's influence, exhibited a more stable and mature outlook.

In the Stone Forest of Mount Myōboku...

A gentle breeze rustled through the towering stones, bringing a refreshing coolness to the landscape.

Atop a twin-peaked stone pillar, Shisui and Itachi sat cross-legged, eyes closed, immersing themselves in the feeling of unity with nature.

Though too young and with insufficient chakra reserves to practice Sage Jutsu fully, they had already begun meditation—the first step in their training.

Below, Raiden gazed up at them with a faint smile, while on his shoulder, Fukasaku watched the two prodigies with a look of admiration.

"Raiden, your disciples' talents are truly frightening!"

"Compared to Jiraiya, you and your apprentices can all be called monsters," Fukasaku remarked with a hint of awe.

Throughout their stay at Mount Myōboku, Fukasaku had been astonished by the boys' rapid progress. They grasped ninjutsu with ease, their physical growth was remarkable, and even meditation—usually difficult for children—came naturally to them.

If not for their limited chakra reserves, Fukasaku had no doubt they could have attempted Sage Jutsu already.

"Their talent is exceptional," Raiden nodded. "Konoha's future depends on gifted youth like them."

Fukasaku couldn't help but shake his head. Hearing such words from Raiden, who was still quite young himself, made him chuckle. He flicked Raiden's ear playfully.

"Talking like an old man at your age makes it hard to take you seriously," Fukasaku teased.

Before Raiden could respond, a sudden pop sounded from his other shoulder, followed by a puff of white smoke.

"Oh?"

"A messenger toad?"

Raiden looked down to see a small red toad perched on his shoulder, carrying a blue scroll around its neck.

"A blue scroll... so it's just routine communication," Raiden muttered as he removed the scroll.

Despite his training retreat, Raiden maintained regular correspondence with Namikaze Minato. They exchanged letters every two days to stay updated on important developments, with blue scrolls used for family matters and red ones for urgent official business.

Recognizing the scroll's color, Raiden expected routine news—but upon reading it, his expression grew serious.

"Kushina's due date: 10/10!"

The short message sent a wave of tension through Raiden. After a moment of processing, he exhaled deeply and tucked the scroll into his robes.

"Only four months left... It looks like I'll have to end my training earlier than planned."

"Kushina's childbirth is a major event. I need to make the necessary preparations."

He smirked slightly. "And Itachi's little brother should be born soon too."

With that, Raiden left the stone forest, quietly preparing for their return to Konoha. When Itachi and Shisui finished their training later that evening, the three of them departed Mount Myōboku without delay.

Inside the Hokage's Office...

Ever since learning about Kushina's due date, Minato had been unable to contain his excitement. The news filled him with boundless energy, and he tackled his duties with renewed enthusiasm.

Sitting across from him, Nara Shikaku couldn't help but notice the change.

"Minato, you're in unusually high spirits today," Shikaku observed, flipping through mission reports. "What's the good news? Care to share?"

Minato, beaming, stood up and announced proudly, "Kushina's going to give birth soon! The due date is 10/10—I'm going to be a father!"

Shikaku chuckled, flipping through the calendar. "10/10, huh? That's in four months. Funny thing—my wife's due date is even earlier, in September."

He leaned back in his chair, smiling. "So, have you picked a name for your son?"

Minato grinned. "Yeah! Jiraiya-sensei helped me choose it—Naruto!"

Shikaku laughed. "Naruto, huh? Good name! I've already decided too—my son's name will be Shikamaru."

Their conversation quickly shifted to their expectations and dreams for their children. The room filled with warmth as they envisioned their futures as fathers.

The atmosphere was calm, content, and hopeful.

Suddenly, a plume of white smoke filled the office, cutting their conversation short.

Minato's eyes brightened as he sensed the familiar chakra presence, and he smiled knowingly.

As the smoke cleared, Raiden, Shisui, and Itachi emerged.

"Minato, Shikaku," Raiden greeted with a confident smile. "Long time no see."

"I'm back!"

(End of this chapter)