Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 400: Itachi Uchiha

When one person leaves, another arrives—that is life.

It had been a long time since Mito had left, and Kawakaze and the others had returned to their normal lives. However, they still occasionally thought of the kind woman, and it never failed to bring a hint of sadness.

Today, the setting sun once again bathed Konoha in a golden light.

"Mikoto is in the hospital, isn't she?" Kawakaze started the conversation at the Hatake Clan's dinner table.

"Yes, she should give birth in the next two days."

"Fugaku looked embarrassed when he came to see me."

Tsunade let out a light laugh. The Clan Head truly cared for his wife.

"Well, you are the Hokage," Kawakaze pointed out, tossing a peanut into his mouth with a contented look. "It's only natural for him to be embarrassed when the Hokage is the one delivering the baby."

"What's the big deal?" Tsunade teased. "If I want to win him over, I have to put in some effort."

At this point, there was no such thing as "winning him over" between them. Those words would only tarnish their relationship.

"Sounds good. He's about to be a father."

Sakumo took a drink. A newborn was a sign of Konoha's continued prosperity.

"I'll go join the fun that day," Kawakaze said casually. "Anyway, everyone's gotten along well over the years."

Nayuki had handled social matters adeptly, acting like the true head of the household.

"Fugaku has been staying at the hospital these past few days," she noted.

"He's afraid he'll miss it," Tsunade said, feeling both amused and touched. It seemed all the men around Kawakaze were deeply devoted to their wives.

"That's normal. He practically worships Mikoto," Kawakaze remarked. He still couldn't understand how the Fugaku from the original story had been willing to let his wife follow him to death.

"You're doing quite well in that regard. Keep up the good work."

Tsunade shot Kawakaze a flirtatious glance—the old married couple still putting on an act.

"Ugh."

Kakashi and Ginji both grimaced in disgust.

"Never been hit before, huh?" Minato muttered wisely.

"You looking for a beating?" Tsunade shot him a glare, making the two younger ones quickly bury their heads in their bowls.

"Hahaha."

Sakumo and Nayuki laughed heartily. The warm, harmonious atmosphere of the family filled the room.

"You're too kind, Lady Hokage," Kawakaze said smoothly, clinking his glass against Tsunade's.

...

Two days later, in the afternoon, Tsunade was in the Hokage's office handling some business when a call from the hospital came—Mikoto was going into labor.

Outside the delivery room, Fugaku was visibly tense.

"Don't worry, just wait to become a father," Tsunade said, patting his shoulder. Kawakaze was already by his side, watching with amusement.

Shisui sat quietly nearby, observing the adults without saying a word.

"Please, Lady Tsunade."

Fugaku bowed slightly. Even though he had been the one to call for her, his nerves were impossible to hide.

"I'm going in," Tsunade said with a wry smile before stepping into the delivery room.

Kawakaze casually pulled out a chair and patted the empty seat beside him, making a 'pop' sound. "Come sit."

"I can't sit still."

The moment Fugaku's bottom touched the seat, he immediately stood back up, restless as an ant on a hot pan.

"Don't you trust Tsunade?" Kawakaze gave him a look. "I've been there before. Sit."

Fugaku let himself be pushed down again. "I trust her, of course I do." But his eyes kept darting toward the delivery room.

"Do you want a son or a daughter?" Kawakaze suddenly asked, as if uncovering some great mystery.

"It's a son. I've known for a while now," Fugaku answered distractedly, his attention fixed on the door.

Kawakaze sighed. He had momentarily forgotten that in the Naruto world, there were countless ways to determine a baby's gender before birth.

"Stop staring at the door. Giving birth isn't like drinking water—it's not that quick."

"That's not necessarily true. Some births happen fast," Fugaku muttered. He had done his research, even if it made him seem a little obsessive. Who goes around asking new parents how long their labor lasted?

"Forget it. What did you name the baby?" Kawakaze asked, deciding not to argue the point. There was no such thing as a 'quick' birth anyway.

"Itachi. Itachi Uchiha."

Fugaku's expression finally softened. He was clearly pleased with the name.

Kawakaze frowned. The name Itachi didn't exactly carry the best connotations. "Does it have any special meaning?"

"Er... not really. It's just the name of a senior I admired as a child. I hope my son grows up to be as strong and respected as he was."

Fugaku smiled sheepishly. He hadn't put too much thought into it beyond that.

Kawakaze was speechless. So you just copy names when naming your kids?

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh," Fugaku said, completely missing the sarcasm. But he had no intention of changing the name. A name alone wouldn't decide the fate of his son.

Time passed slowly, their conversation growing more absentminded by the minute.

"Has my disciple not come out yet?"

Orochimaru's voice cut through the air, his arrival so silent that no one had noticed him approaching.

Kawakaze flinched. "Damn, I was wondering who that was—you nearly gave me a heart attack."

He hadn't expected Orochimaru to show up. It didn't really fit his usual aloof demeanor. So he was actually serious about this...

"Lord Orochimaru."

Fugaku greeted him with a respectful nod. Orochimaru's words from a previous dinner conversation suddenly resurfaced in his mind. He had almost forgotten about them.

"For Itachi, becoming your disciple would be an honor."

Fugaku blinked in confusion before realizing what he meant. If Orochimaru hadn't casually mentioned it back then, he wouldn't have even remembered.

"Forget about blessings," Orochimaru continued, his lips curling into a small smirk. "Just don't complain later when I'm too strict."

Having learned from Nawaki's case, he knew better now—strict teachers produced the best results.

"You can teach as you please. Mikoto and I will never interfere," Fugaku assured him. He had endured hardships in his own youth and had no objections.

"Haha, that's good," Orochimaru chuckled—a rare and genuine laugh. He was clearly in a good mood.

Kawakaze, on the other hand, wasn't about to let that slide. "Don't go ruining someone's life."

He just couldn't stand seeing Orochimaru so pleased with himself. The idea of Itachi becoming his student was too amusing. The image of the original Itachi taking down Orochimaru with a single glance was legendary.

"And who are you to talk about being a sensei?" Orochimaru's laughter cut off, his eyes narrowing at Kawakaze.

"You're one to talk—you're the laziest mentor ever."

"Which of my disciples isn't outstanding?" Kawakaze shot back confidently, puffing out his chest.

Orochimaru scoffed and waved a dismissive hand. "I don't even want to deal with you."

He turned and sat opposite them, knowing better than to argue with someone so shameless.

"Actions speak louder than words," Kawakaze said smugly, as if he had just won a battle.

"Right, Fugaku?" He turned to his friend for validation.

Fugaku coughed awkwardly, sneaking a glance at Orochimaru, who was watching him with unreadable intent. He wisely chose not to respond.

Just as he was searching for a way to change the subject, the door to the delivery room finally swung open.

"Congratulations, both mother and child are safe," Tsunade announced, peeling off her bloodstained gloves with a beaming smile.

"Thank you, thank you!"

Fugaku didn't wait another second. Forgetting everything else, he rushed into the delivery room without hesitation.

My son, you've come just in time—I love you!!!