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Chapter 20: Konan's Secret—It Won't Stay Hidden Much Longer!
From the moment Uchiha Obito handed over the detailed topographic and defense maps of the Land of Fire and Konoha, Oborotsuki had already guessed his true intentions.
"So you plan to use me as cannon fodder—let me tie down Konoha's main defensive forces so you can carry out your operation more easily…"
"I don't have Kamui's space-time ability. The moment you throw me into Konoha, I'll become the target of everyone—Minato Namikaze and the rest will surround and attack me."
"Meanwhile, you can just slip away with Kamui!"
"Heh, quite the clever calculation!"
In an instant, Oborotsuki saw through countless possibilities.
He understood exactly how vicious Obito's scheme was.
One plan fails, so he comes up with another!
Laughing coldly inside, Oborotsuki kept his face neutral as he casually flipped through the documents.
"The Land of Fire, huh…"
"So you can't tell me what the mission is yet, right?"
He looked up at the so-called "Lord Uchiha Madara," asking the question he already knew the answer to, then deliberately put the materials away in front of him.
"If there's nothing else, I'll head out now."
Oborotsuki shouldered his Decapitation Greatsword and turned to leave.
"Call Deva Path and Konan in."
Watching Oborotsuki's back, Uchiha Obito said calmly.
Oborotsuki's footsteps paused slightly. He glanced back but said nothing.
This guy really is wary of every single member.
…
Over the next few days, all members were collectively resting—no new missions.
Taking advantage of the downtime, Oborotsuki returned to the Hōzuki clan grounds in Kirigakure.
"Will you be staying the night this time?"
Mayumi asked gently while skillfully helping Oborotsuki remove his outer coat and hanging it up as usual.
"Yeah, but in a few days I might have to go on a longer trip."
"I probably won't be able to come back for several days."
Oborotsuki softly stroked her long red hair, then crouched down, pressing his ear gently to her belly to listen to the baby's heartbeat.
"It really does feel stronger and more powerful every day…"
"Little Karin is so full of energy!"
Red chimed in from the side with a smile.
When Oborotsuki was away, she and Mayumi got along very well.
Naturally, she now knew about the child in Mayumi's womb.
"I've calculated the time—less than two months left before Karin is born…"
Mayumi watched Oborotsuki's tender, careful movements and smiled with happiness.
During this time, she had felt his genuine care—not just for her, but for the baby inside her as well.
"So, Oborotsuki—when you're out working, you have to stay safe."
"Remember that Karin and I will always be thinking of you…"
Mayumi added softly.
Despite her serious tone, Oborotsuki felt a stir in his heart. He slowly stood up.
"You take care of yourself too."
"Lately, don't do any heavy work…"
No matter how strong the Uzumaki clan's vitality was, pregnancy still made them much more fragile than usual.
He didn't want anything to happen to his unborn daughter.
"Enough of that—Oborotsuki, you came back at the perfect time!"
"Otherwise I'd be drinking alone under the lamp again!"
Seeing the two exchanging affectionate looks, Red immediately brought out the sake.
She gave Oborotsuki a deep, meaningful glance.
That mischievous look made Oborotsuki's heart tighten slightly.
He instinctively looked at Mayumi.
"Red's complaining that I can't drink with her…"
Mayumi smiled knowingly and walked over, setting out bowls, chopsticks, and cups together with Red.
She even poured Oborotsuki a full, overflowing cup.
"No way!"
"Mayumi-nee is in a special condition—she can't drink. I know that."
Red quickly explained.
"No matter how exhausting it is outside, this place will always be your safe harbor."
"Now that you're home, just relax. Forget all your troubles, Oborotsuki."
Mayumi smiled gently.
"You two keep saying 'drink'… but I feel like the real goal isn't the alcohol, is it?"
Oborotsuki looked at the brimming cup in front of him and gave a wry smile.
Somehow, he suddenly felt like he was the prey…
But that was fine.
The remaining Pregnancy Card in his inventory didn't need to be used on Red—it would be a waste.
Better to save it for someone else.
Tsunade, perhaps… or others.
Even the sages of Mount Myōboku or Ryūchi Cave could be considered.
And if he opened his ambitions wider…
What if he used it on Kaguya Ōtsutsuki? Would it work?
Lost in thought, Oborotsuki picked up the cup and downed the entire drink in one go.
…
Time slipped by three or four days.
Akatsuki still had no new missions, and Obito remained silent.
Oborotsuki had more time to spend with Mayumi and Red.
Of course, he didn't forget about Konan.
Her body was growing more uncomfortable day by day, yet she still couldn't be sure what was happening.
She didn't understand why these changes were occurring.
To avoid trouble, she kept it hidden from everyone.
But how could any of this escape Oborotsuki's eyes?
That day, Konan arrived with lunch as usual.
Only this time, she was late—about an hour behind schedule.
"Ah… I'm starving! You're late today, Konan-senpai."
Oborotsuki yawned lazily as he walked over, sat down, and looked at the lunch box with anticipation.
"You should be grateful there's food at all. Stop complaining."
Konan said quietly.
"Konan-senpai, you're awfully quiet today…"
"But I like this one."
Oborotsuki casually grabbed an onigiri wrapped in seaweed and started eating.
"By the way, Konan-senpai, you haven't been feeling well lately, have you?"
"Is something wrong?"
Oborotsuki asked casually.
"Nothing. Just eat your food."
Konan shook her head, picked up an onigiri for herself, and used chopsticks to place a piece of fish on Oborotsuki's plate.
"No, something's definitely up."
"You're hiding something from me, Konan-senpai!"
Oborotsuki's sharp eyes zeroed in on her abdomen.
Konan immediately pretended to adjust her clothes, tugging the fabric down to cover the slight swell of her belly.
"Stop talking nonsense and eat. When you're done, come with me somewhere."
Konan changed the subject.
"Konan-senpai… were you bullied by someone?"
Oborotsuki put down his chopsticks with mock seriousness. "I may be the youngest in the organization, but I'm not clueless!"
With that, he lowered his head and stared straight at Konan's belly.
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