Nanhe River.
A river steeped in history.
What unfolded by this river was far more legendary than the story Bai Ye had casually mentioned.
This was where Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara's bond blossomed, fractured, and ultimately fell apart.
A tale of friendship... perhaps even something deeper.
Bai Ye narrowed his eyes. "To let go of Izuna's death and create Konoha with the Senju... That's not just friendship. That's love."
"It's a shame Black Zetsu, that meddlesome third party, ruined everything."
"Hashirama misunderstood Madara's goal. He never craved chaos. He wanted unified peace—true peace."
"But a rift in vision led to tragedy."
"A love story marred by misconceptions."
"And that despicable third party—he was just trying to save…"
Bai Ye's gaze shifted to Black Zetsu, smiling warmly.
But the black goop felt only cold terror. On this beautiful spring morning, a storm raged in his gut.
"I-I have something urgent... I must go!"
Black Zetsu trembled as he stood.
"Wait."
Bai Ye's voice echoed behind him.
Wait?
Hell no.
This man knows everything. The Eye of the Moon Plan. My true identity. Kaguya!
If not now, when do I run?
Abandoning all pretense, Black Zetsu instantly merged into the earth with the Mayfly Technique, disappearing from view.
"Huh... Ran again?" Bai Ye sighed.
He glanced at the discarded rod and fishing basket. "I was just going to tell him not to forget his rod."
Clearly, the loyal Black Zetsu had been spooked.
Yes, Bai Ye knew exactly who he was.
But so what?
This was his off day. Not Konoha. No threat.
Black Zetsu didn't pose a risk. Not really.
If Bai Ye wanted, he could erase him with a flick of the wrist.
He just didn't care enough.
Even the Eye of the Moon Plan?
Let them try.
Nagato? Let him bring all his "God" power—see how far he gets against Konoha under Bai Ye's protection.
"But you gotta respect the kid's devotion," Bai Ye muttered.
Filial piety wasn't common in the ninja world. A world of betrayal and ambition.
But Black Zetsu... that freak planned a thousand years to bring his mother back. That's real.
He might be a villain, but in some twisted way—he was the most devoted child the world had ever seen.
"No one else would plan a thousand years to save their mother."
Even Bai Ye had to admit—it was impressive.
Kaguya, still in her rabbit form, nestled in his arms, pondered quietly.
He knows...
He knows my child's true purpose.
Yet he let him go?
Kaguya blinked in confusion, raising her head to meet Bai Ye's calm gaze.
"What're you staring at?" Bai Ye flicked her forehead playfully.
You dare!
Kaguya bared her little teeth, mock-angry.
But her puffed-up cheeks only made Bai Ye laugh harder. He hugged her tight, smothering her in teasing affection.
Simple pleasures.
Fishing, teasing a rabbit goddess, taking long walks...
Not a bad life.
As he packed up and strolled back toward Konoha, humming off-key, Kaguya jumped from his arms.
She glanced back at the calm river and the man ahead of her.
If... a thousand years ago... she could have lived like this…
Would it all have been different?
She'll never know.
Even if she followed Bai Ye's carefree lifestyle, she would still be stopped.
Hamura.
The true historian. The true manipulator.
He wouldn't allow an alien like her to rule over the world.
The seal was inevitable.
He was the true conspirator behind the ninja world's fate.
---
Later That Night
Her shift was over.
The apartment was small, dim, and a bit stuffy.
Kushina, disguised in ordinary clothes, stood silently at the table.
Staring at a bowl of instant noodles and nearly expired milk.
"You... normally eat this?" Her voice was too calm.
Naruto, only four, tilted his head, confused but polite.
"You're…"
Even though a strange sense of warmth rose in his chest, Naruto stayed cautious.
"You really eat this every day?"
Kushina's fingers trembled as she pointed at the sad meal.
Rage slowly welled behind her soft expression.
"Yeah. It's cheap," Naruto said earnestly.
He hesitated, then smiled faintly. "Do you want some? There's one more in the fridge. I'll share."
Kushina's tears fell without warning.
"You're supposed to get a stipend…"
"How—how is this all you eat?"
Naruto, a bit embarrassed, reached into his pocket and pulled out a worn wallet.
"This is the money I just got."
Enough for basic food. Barely.
But it should've been more.
Kushina's face turned pale.
There should be family savings. Her savings. Minato's too.
The Fourth Hokage had completed countless missions. His income alone should've secured Naruto's life.
Where was it?
"Isn't... anyone taking care of you?"
Naruto shook his head. "They call me a demon fox."
"You're the first to come here."
Demon fox.
Kushina flinched.
She remembered that time. When the village turned cold, when whispers followed her. When she became a Jinchūriki.
That same loneliness in Naruto's eyes—she knew it.
And now, she understood.
Understood Bai Ye's heavy gaze.
Understood why he said she'd be disappointed.
That man... was right.
She gripped Naruto's hand tightly. Her voice cracked.
"Let's go."
"Huh?"
"We're going to find someone."
"But… I'm the demon fox. People don't like me."
"It's fine. He won't care."
"But how can I repay him?"
"From now on," she whispered, "call him Dad."
Naruto blinked, wide-eyed, then nodded.
He didn't really understand.
But for the first time, he felt safe.
He wanted to believe.
---
Outside
A shift change for the Anbu had just occurred.
But when the team returned, they were greeted by a furious red-haired woman dragging Naruto and carrying a carton of milk and noodles.
"Stop right there!"
That's the Jinchūriki!
She shouldn't be out!
Shouldn't be with anyone!
But in a flash, her raven-black hair turned a fiery red. Chakra swirled wildly.
The Adamantine Sealing Chains erupted.
Uzumaki Kushina had returned.
She was dead. But not anymore.
Now, she was a mother.
And she wanted answers.
She only feared one thing—Bai Ye's anger.
She'd promised to move on. Even changed her name to Uchiha Naraku.
But this?
Seeing her child like that?
Unforgivable.
If Naruto had been well cared for, she could've watched silently from the shadows.
But now?
No way.
She'd give Bai Ye more children if needed—two, three, ten.
But right now?
She had rage to unleash.
With a roar, she launched the restrained Anbu into the air and marched toward the Hokage Building.
---
BOOM!
One punch.
The doors flew open.
Her hair billowed in crimson waves as she stormed into the Hokage's office, dragging Naruto behind her.
Sarutobi looked up—stunned.
Kushina. Alive?
Holding Naruto's hand.
How?!
He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"You're giving this to the son of Hokage?"
Kushina held up the pathetic meal.
"Y-you…"
Sarutobi stammered.
He'd spent days trying to handle Tsunade's investigation.
Now this?
Naruto?
Kushina?
"Is this what the son of the Fourth eats?"
Crash!
She crushed the milk in one hand and threw the dripping remains onto his desk.
Naruto's eyes dimmed.
"Dinner... gone…"
But Kushina already turned, pulling him away.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen."
Her voice was cold as ice.
"I swear."
"You'll pay for this."
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