"Oh, everyone's here?" Fang Yuan greeted as he entered the room, waving casually.
"Fang Yuan's here," Minato Namikaze said, his expression relaxing slightly.
"You're always so slow," Kushina muttered, glaring at Fang Yuan, clearly annoyed.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and his two elderly companions exchanged glances, their faces impassive. They disliked Fang Yuan—or perhaps it would be more accurate to say they distrusted him.
Fang Yuan first nodded slightly to Minato, then rolled his eyes at Kushina, provoking an angry glare from her. As for the three old men, he simply ignored them.
Once Fang Yuan had settled in, Sarutobi Hiruzen cleared his throat and announced, "Minato, now that Fang Yuan is here, we can proceed with Kushina's delivery arrangements."
After all, this concerned Konoha's most crucial strategic asset: the Nine-Tailed Beast. The Third Hokage and the two Elders couldn't afford to take this lightly. In their view, Jinchūriki shouldn't even be allowed to marry, let alone become pregnant. As living weapons, they should remain isolated until their successors took over.
But... but what could they do when her husband was the Hokage?
Throughout the meeting, their faces remained sour, their expressions frosty.
Minato Namikaze spoke up, "What are your plans, Third Hokage?"
"The delivery cannot take place in Konoha. It's too dangerous," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, glancing at Kushina. "If the Nine-Tailed Beast loses control, the consequences would be unimaginable..."
"Old man Third Hokage, I can control the Nine-Tailed Beast!" Kushina protested, her voice tinged with defiance.
"Kushina, childbirth inherently weakens a woman. Combined with the influence of the Nine-Tailed Beast's chakra, you'll have little strength left," Utatane Koharu said sternly, clearly displeased with Kushina's attitude.
Minato Namikaze remained impassive. Without hesitation, he offered, "We can find a place outside the village."
Hearing her husband's agreement, Kushina pursed her lips but said nothing more.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled warmly. "Rest assured, Minato. I will arrange for the Anbu to prepare in advance, establish barriers, and secure both internal and external defenses."
"At the same time, I'll have my wife, Biwako, stay with Kushina to ensure everything goes smoothly."
"Tch!"
Fang Yuan, standing nearby, couldn't help but let out a cold snort.
In the end, your wife still had her heart ripped out by Uchiha Obito...
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned slightly, turning to glare at the restless figure. "Fang Yuan, do you have any objections?"
"Me?" Fang Yuan pursed his lips. "No objections. You can arrange things as you see fit."
Minato Namikaze deliberately stood up, bowing deeply to Sarutobi Hiruzen in gratitude. "We are truly grateful to Lady Biwako!" He quickly intervened to prevent a potential argument between the Third Hokage and Fang Yuan, knowing the Third Hokage had always disliked Fang Yuan for various reasons.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded slightly, pleased with Minato's respectful demeanor. He then turned his attention away from Fang Yuan, a man known for his deep scheming, ruthless methods, and lack of respect for authority.
Next, Minato turned to Fang Yuan:
"I hope Fang Yuan-kun will be present when the time comes."
"I'm fine with that!"
Fang Yuan shrugged, indifferent. He had little interest in this discussion. His gaze, however, lingered subtly on the pregnant Kushina, piqued by curiosity.
"Then let's settle it for now!" Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe. "Kushina's delivery is about two weeks away. I'll have the Anbu prepare in advance."
Minato Namikaze nodded in agreement.
Fang Yuan rolled his eyes. The retired Hokage still firmly controlled the Anbu. That old man has no shame.
"Now, Kushina, please step outside," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, turning to her. "We need to discuss other matters."
"Huh?" Kushina protested, clearly displeased. "Why do I have to leave?"
"Kushina, please go. We need to discuss important matters concerning the villages," Elder Mitokado Homura interjected impassively, having been silent until now.
Kushina's temper flared. She pointed directly at Fang Yuan. "Then why doesn't Fang Yuan have to leave?"
Fang Yuan, eyeing Kushina's ample chest, said with a hint of resignation, "If you need me to leave, I will. Just call me back when you're ready, Minato."
"Fang Yuan, wait a moment. This concerns Pakura, the Scorch Release ninja from Sunagakure," Sarutobi Hiruzen said gravely. "You captured her yourself and have interrogated her extensively. We still require your report on her status."
Hearing this, Fang Yuan could only shrug at Kushina, as if to say: "See? He won't let me go."
Kushina opened her mouth to protest, but Minato Namikaze quickly took her hand. "Kushina, you should go home now. You need rest."
"You..." Kushina glared at her husband, clearly displeased. But seeing Minato's gentle expression, her anger faded.
"Hmph!" She snorted coldly, clutching her swollen belly as she turned to leave. As she passed Fang Yuan, a fragrant breeze wafted past, making his nose itch.
Fang Yuan knew Kushina well. Before her pregnancy, she had been slender, almost bony, with a flat chest. But now, she radiated a mature, voluptuous charm.
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