Chapter 8

Kushina looked at Minato, concern reflected in her eyes. "Minato, are you sure it's alright to do this?" Her voice was soft but carried the weight of her anxiety.

Minato held her hand more firmly, conveying all the confidence he possessed. "Yes, Kushina. I don't want you to sacrifice yourself. Nor do I want to leave and make our son an orphan. If something happens, I'm sure the Third Hokage would take care of Naruto, and...," he hesitated for a moment, "we can't forget about Jiraiya. He wouldn't leave Naruto unsupported. He would be like a father to him."

There was a mix of sadness and determination in his voice. Minato knew that the choices they were making at that moment were crucial not only for them but also for the future of their village and their son.

Kushina nodded, comforted by Minato's words. "Yes, Jiraiya is trustworthy. He has always been more than a master to you."

Shifting focus, Minato asked a question that had been weighing on his heart since the beginning of that tense meeting. "How is Naruto? Is he alright?"

Kushina promptly responded, with a touch of pride in her voice. "He's with the original at the Uchiha clan. He'll be safe there."

Minato, still concerned, couldn't help but question the current situation of the Kyuubi. "I don't want to doubt your word, Kushina, but... is the Kyuubi still inside you? Are you still connected to it?"

Kushina's expression became contemplative. "Inside, I think not, but connected, yes, I still am. Kurama is not completely free. The bond hasn't been cut, and that's important."

Minato looked into Kushina's eyes, his concern palpable. "Do you trust the Kyuubi? I don't want to doubt your judgment, but do you think he's reliable?"

Kushina sighed. "I don't know, I don't trust him anymore. There's not much I can do right now. If he tried to attack the village, I would certainly do everything to stop him. Not to mention that... he helped me."

Minato nodded slightly. "Well, let's trust him for now. The important thing is that you're okay and that nothing happened to you and Naruto."

Inside the Uchiha house, where the clan was taking care of their own affairs, Kushina let out a sigh of relief. Mikoto, who was beside her holding little Sasuke in her arms, noticed the sudden relaxation of her friend.

"Did something happen?" Mikoto asked, noting the change in Kushina's expression.

Kushina shook her head, giving a light smile. "No, it's all right for now," she replied, trying to convey tranquility.

Mikoto, still with an expression of concern, continued, "Was the situation resolved? Where is the Kyuubi?"

Looking outside, as if trying to catch a sign of the creature that had been part of her life in such an intimate way, Kushina replied, "He ran away from the village, where he is right now, I do not know." The answer brought a mix of relief and uncertainty, aware that physical distance didn't necessarily mean the end of worries.

Kushina looked at her own belly, feeling a Ferris wheel spinning inside, and her cheeks took on a red hue as intense as her hair, a clear sign that hunger was beginning to make its presence known.

Realizing the situation, Mikoto couldn't contain a mischievous smile. She looked at her friend with amusement but kept her laughter low and controlled, careful not to disturb the peaceful slumber of Naruto and Sasuke.

"I see someone is starving," Mikoto commented with a smile still dancing on her lips.

Kushina, whose cheeks now seemed to compete in hue with a bell pepper, cast a glance at Mikoto. "Cut it out," she retorted, feigning indignation and trying to maintain an angry expression, which only served to highlight how graceful she looked in that moment of lightness between the two.

Mikoto, with a twinkle of mischief in her eyes, teased even more. "I wonder if the ramen you love so much is open right now, 'red pepper'?"

The combination of embarrassment and irritation caused Kushina to give Mikoto a light pinch, as a playful form of reprimand. "Don't call me that," said Kushina, trying to keep a stern face, but the truth was that the affection and comfort of their friendship were clear, even amidst the light teasing and provocations.

Mikoto let out a muffled laugh, holding the arm where Kushina had pinched her. "Ouch, Kushina, that hurt!" she exclaimed, but the smile of complicity did not leave her face, even though her eyes expressed a hint of pain.

"You deserved it for reminding me of the nickname I hate so much," Kushina replied with a sly smile. There was a glint of satisfaction in her eyes, a light and friendly revenge that could only exist between two people who shared a true friendship.

"Yeah, my bad," said Mikoto, her laughter turning into a nostalgic smile. "Those times were so peaceful..." Seriousness took over her face, a sign that the memory of simpler days weighed on her heart.

"Peaceful for you maybe, not for me," Kushina responded with a smile. Even having gone through a kidnapping in her youth, it was evident that she valued the path life had taken since then, as she had found the love of her life, Minato, and now had a son, Naruto.

At that moment, the bedroom door opened quietly, revealing a boy with black hair and curious eyes. He looked at Mikoto and asked, "Mom, hasn't dad come back yet?"

"He'll be here soon, dear. He's just resolving an issue that came up in the village." Mikoto answered with a peaceful smile, conveying security to her son. She wasn't worried; she knew that Fugaku was more than capable of handling the affairs of the Uchiha clan, and the greatest threat, the Kyuubi, was no longer in the vicinity of the village.

Kushina, noticing the presence of the boy, waved her hand. "Hi there, big guy, aren't you going to say hello to your aunt?" Her voice was welcoming and cheerful.