266-270

Chapter 266: "Wearing the Same Pants? No, the Same Skirt!" 

Shindai's research had yielded results, but there was one small flaw: he didn't have enough chakra alone to use the "Supernova Ring." He needed Uchiha Hikari's help. What a relief for Shindai was that he didn't have to pay for damages. This underground research base was scheduled to be abandoned anyway. If he had to pay, even selling his last pair of underwear wouldn't be enough! 

Minato Namikaze seemed a bit disappointed that Shindai had already chosen a name, but after a few instructions, he sent Shindai, Uchiha Hikari, and the ANBU members back. 

Sarutobi Hiruzen puffed on his pipe, watching the aftermath of Shindai's Supernova Ring from afar. He remarked, "That power is truly impressive, isn't it, Minato? But it's time to confirm with her. I believe she'll join the Hidden Leaf now, right?" 

Minato Namikaze smiled. "Yes, I'm confident too. Once Kushina gives birth, I'll formally confirm with Asuka." 

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, "Oh, by the way, have you told Kushina about that matter yet?" 

Minato Namikaze shook his head. "Not yet." 

"Then after you're off work, Biwako and I will go with you to explain it to Kushina." 

Minato Namikaze agreed. 

Now that the underground research base was destroyed, Shindai couldn't continue his research. It was still early, so Shindai and Uchiha Hikari decided to go find Yakura and head home together after her shift. 

Shindai asked worriedly, "Hey, Asuka, you used your Mangekyo like that just now. Are your eyes okay? Will it affect your eyesight?" 

Uchiha Hikari replied, "No, it won't." 

"That's good... But don't Mangekyo Sharingan techniques usually affect eyesight?" Shindai asked, puzzled. 

Uchiha Hikari explained, "Because of the unique nature of Yasaka no Magatama, it doesn't put much strain on me. As I mentioned before, Yasaka no Magatama can transfer chakra from imprinted individuals to me or others, regardless of distance. This chakra can also enhance my dojutsu and reduce the side effects of using it. However, if I use the dojutsu too frequently, my eyesight will still be damaged, but no one has pushed me to that extent yet." 

Shindai grinned mischievously. "Ooh, you're so arrogant~ But I like it! So, if I ever run out of chakra, I can just get you to transfer some of yours, and I'll have a mobile power bank, right?" 

Uchiha Hikari scoffed, "You should go to sleep now. You'll find everything you want in your dreams." 

Shindai shamelessly leaned in. "Don't be so stingy! We're practically inseparable, aren't we?" 

Uchiha Hikari pushed Shindai's face away. "Who's inseparable with you? Do I even know you that well?" 

Shindai strained his neck, preventing Uchiha Hikari from pushing his face away. "Don't say things that break our bond! We're practically wearing the same pants!" 

Uchiha Hikari scorned, "Wearing the same pants? I think you mean wearing the same skirt, don't you? You've been secretly wearing my and Yakura's skirts, don't think I don't know!" 

Shindai froze instantly. "Y-you... how did you know?" 

Shindai didn't have any peculiar fetishes; he was just purely curious. Since Uchiha Hikari and Yakura loved wearing skirts so much, he suddenly wondered what he'd look like in one. Shindai could swear he'd only tried them on once... or twice. Okay, fine, every time Yakura and Uchiha Hikari bought new skirts, he'd tried them on, and honestly, they were just meh. 

Uchiha Hikari sneered, "How would I not know? Yakura knows too, but she's too embarrassed to say anything. Since you love saying we're 'wearing the same pants,' then I'll just tell everyone about you wearing skirts!" 

Shindai immediately panicked. "No! You can't do that! I'll be humiliated!" 

Uchiha Hikari scrutinized Shindai's face. "Humiliated? Do you even have a face? All I see is a thick layer of callus!" 

All the way home, Shindai begged Uchiha Hikari to keep his secret. However, Uchiha Hikari actually had no intention of spilling the beans. First, it truly was too embarrassing to spread around. Second, she could totally hold it over Shindai's head and keep him from annoying her and Yakura all the time. 

Preparations for a Secret Delivery 

Meanwhile, at Minato Namikaze's house, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Sarutobi Biwako sat on chairs, while Minato Namikaze helped Uzumaki Kushina into her seat. 

Sarutobi Hiruzen addressed Uzumaki Kushina, "Kushina, you're about two months away from giving birth. There are some things you need to know. Lady Mito, the previous Jinchuriki, almost had her seal broken during childbirth. To be safe, I apologize, but we'll have to ask you to give birth within a barrier a bit further from the village." 

Minato Namikaze smiled, reassuring Uzumaki Kushina, "You don't need to worry. Since it concerns the seal, I'll be by your side during the delivery." Hearing that Minato Namikaze would be with her, Uzumaki Kushina's worries instantly vanished, and she smiled at him. 

Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "Minato, Taji from the Anbu, and my wife Biwako will be by your side. All of this must be done discreetly. Of course, the Anbu and the Hokage Guard Platoon will also provide protection." 

Sarutobi Biwako sternly told Uzumaki Kushina, "When the delivery day approaches, I will escort you there." 

Uzumaki Kushina nodded. "Okay, I understand." 

Jiraiya's Shocking Return 

Three days later, since the underground research lab was destroyed, Shindai decided to take a few days off and also work on his pending orders, so he stayed in the shop's workshop making puppets. 

At that moment, a person stood utterly dumbfounded in front of the shop, staring at the huge poster by the entrance. 

"Wha—wha—what is this?!" 

Indeed, that person was Jiraiya. He had returned to the Hidden Leaf Village after hearing that Uzumaki Kushina was about to give birth. After meeting Minato Namikaze at the Hokage's office, he heard that Shindai's shop had opened, so Jiraiya decided to check it out. No wonder Minato Namikaze had told Jiraiya to mentally prepare himself before he left. If he hadn't, Jiraiya might have fainted on the spot. 

Jiraiya's steps were unsteady; he walked into the shop with a stiff, almost robotic gait. Uchiha Hikari looked up at Jiraiya for a moment, then immediately looked away. Just some perverted middle-aged man, who seemed vaguely familiar. 

Kabuto Yakushi immediately greeted Jiraiya. "Lord Jiraiya, you're back!" 

Uchiha Hikari's gaze returned to him. So that was Jiraiya! No wonder he looked so familiar; he was the subject of the poster Shindai had put up by the entrance. "Super perverted middle-aged man," assessment complete. 

Jiraiya asked in a strained voice, "The poster outside... what's going on with it?" 

Kabuto Yakushi lowered his head. What could be going on? He was being used as an advertisement, of course. Kabuto Yakushi feigned ignorance. "Oh, that... I don't know. Lord Jiraiya, you can go ask Big Brother Shindai in the workshop." 

Kabuto Yakushi decisively sold out Shindai; he couldn't take the blame himself. Jiraiya walked heavily towards the workshop. 

Chapter 267: Naruto 

Jiraiya entered Shindai's workshop with a heavy heart. Shindai was focused intently on making a puppet, muttering to himself. 

"What the heck? I wanted to rest for two days, but I still have to work during my break. Still... I like it. These are little bits of cash. Sigh, research is so expensive, and no one is sponsoring mine. It'd be great if someone would sponsor me." 

Suddenly, a voice filled with resentment rang out. 

"I sponsored and invested a million ryo in you, and this is how you treat me, Shindai!" 

"Oh, my Asuka, Pakura!" 

Startled, Shindai's hand slipped, and the puppet arm he was working on fell to the ground. 

Seeing it was Jiraiya, Shindai patted his chest in relief. "Lord Jiraiya, why are you as elusive as Lord Orochimaru? When did you get back? Why didn't I hear anything?" 

Jiraiya, full of bitterness, retorted, "I think you have a guilty conscience! No wonder you only asked for a photo back then. You used my picture for promotion! You've ruined my reputation!" 

Shindai shrugged. "Lord Jiraiya, your reputation is already kind of... well, everyone knows you love peeking into women's bathhouses. It's not that different, really." 

Jiraiya's face stiffened. Darn it! He can't argue with that! 

Jiraiya's face darkened. "This is different! What you did..." 

Before Jiraiya could finish, Shindai interjected, "Lord Jiraiya, summon your puppet. I'll upgrade it for you! More movements, more voice lines, you know~" 

"Alright!" 

Jiraiya immediately unrolled a scroll and summoned the Tsunade puppet. Jiraiya suddenly froze. What was he doing? He had resolved to teach Shindai a lesson, no matter what, so how did it turn out like this? 

Jiraiya watched as Shindai began upgrading his puppet and made an excuse for himself. Things were already this way; punishing Shindai wouldn't change anything, so this was fine. 

Jiraiya's Weakness 

Half an hour later. 

"Done! Give it a try, Lord Jiraiya." 

Jiraiya eagerly tried it out. After he pressed a button, the Tsunade puppet blinked at Jiraiya, then hugged his arm, saying in a gentle voice, "If you're tired, why not stop for a moment and find some peace with me?" 

Jiraiya's dopamine surged instantly, and a blissful expression appeared on his face. He gave Shindai a thumbs-up. "You're the best! This is amazing!" 

"So, about that poster..." 

Jiraiya said grandly, "Use it all you want! Is that enough? If not, I'll even take two more photos for you, as long as you keep upgrading it for me whenever you have new techniques!" 

Shindai chuckled slyly. Hmph, he couldn't control Pakura, nor Uchiha Hikari, but he could definitely control this old pervert, Jiraiya! 

Jiraiya was now impatient to go explore the new upgraded features. After a few words of encouragement to Shindai, he hastily left. Uchiha Hikari and Kabuto Yakushi watched Jiraiya leave with disdain. He had gone in looking like he was about to punish Shindai, but came out looking like he'd struck gold, his face flushed with satisfaction. Anyone could see Shindai had completely bamboozled him. One of the Legendary Sannin... not so impressive after all! 

Naming Naruto 

That night, after having dinner at Minato Namikaze's house, Shindai, Uchiha Hikari, and Pakura went home. Jiraiya, after meeting with Sarutobi Hiruzen, arrived at Minato Namikaze's house. 

"Oh, reading my Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Ninja? Well, it is my debut work, so the writing is a bit raw, and many parts aren't handled well." Jiraiya looked embarrassed, scratching his head, but his expression was incredibly proud. 

Minato Namikaze smiled. "No, not at all. Although I read the rough draft, reading it again, I still find the story very exciting. Many of the tales in it are adapted from the legends you left behind, so it feels like your autobiography. But wasn't the original title Tale of the Steadfast Ninja?" 

"The publisher thought Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Ninja sounded better," Jiraiya sighed, scratching his cheek. "But, you know, it's not selling at all. For my next work, I'll just add in some of my specialties, like the perverted elements. I think it'll be a huge hit." 

Minato Namikaze praised, "The protagonist of this book, who never gives up until the very end, is so cool. This protagonist feels a lot like you, Sensei." 

Jiraiya's face flushed slightly from Minato Namikaze's praise. "R-really?" 

Minato Namikaze suddenly made a decision. "I've thought about it! I hope my child, who is about to be born, can also become a ninja like this protagonist. So, may I borrow the protagonist's name from this novel?" 

Jiraiya stared blankly at Minato Namikaze. "Is that really alright? It's just a name I casually thought of while eating ramen." 

Uzumaki Kushina, heavily pregnant, walked out, smiling. "Naruto, that's a wonderful name." 

Jiraiya stared blankly at Uzumaki Kushina. "Kushina..." 

Jiraiya scratched his head again. "Honestly, does this mean I've become a naming father? Is it really okay for someone like me?" 

Uzumaki Kushina walked over to Minato Namikaze, and the two exchanged sweet glances, making Jiraiya feel a pang of bitterness. His student and his wife were so sweet and loving, while he could only be with a puppet... Sigh, the more he thought about it, the more tearful he became. But thankfully, he still had a puppet to comfort his lonely heart. 

Minato Namikaze said very earnestly, "It has to be you, Sensei. When it comes to great ninjas with true ninja skills, there's no one else but you." 

Jiraiya hadn't realized he was such a great person in Minato Namikaze's eyes. However, Jiraiya didn't feel great himself. Jiraiya showed a troubled expression. "With you praising me like this, Minato, I can't not work hard now." 

Minato Namikaze asked, "Lord Jiraiya, will you be staying in the Hidden Leaf after returning this time?" 

Jiraiya shook his head. "No, my main reason for coming back this time was just to see you, Kushina, and your unborn child. I'm leaving tomorrow. I need to continue seeking my own destiny and find inspiration for my next novel. I've already decided on the title for my next novel: Make-Out Paradise!" 

Suddenly, a commotion of squawking and barking erupted from next door. 

"Ah! How was I supposed to know you two were bathing together, and for so long?! I just wanted to pee! Stop hitting me, stop hitting me! I didn't see anything! Ow!" 

Jiraiya exclaimed in surprise, "Is it always so lively next door?" 

Minato Namikaze smiled helplessly. "Yes, it is. It's basically like this every day." 

"That annoying brat...!" Jiraiya gritted his teeth. How could that annoying brat be so enviable?! 

Chapter 268: About to Give Birth 

The day of Kushina Uzumaki's delivery was getting closer and closer, dattebayo! 

Shindai was already prepared. Today, Shindai, Obito, and Kakashi—who had just returned from a mission—arrived at the Hokage's office. 

Minato Namikaze looked at the three of them, asking, "Is there something you need?" 

Obito and Kakashi both looked at Shindai. Even they weren't sure what was going on; Shindai had just dragged them along. 

Shindai spoke to Minato with a serious look, "Lord Minato, the three of us want to be Sister Kushina's guards!" 

Minato let out a puzzled, "Hmm?" 

Shindai explained, "Sister Kushina is special, and to be safe, she probably won't give birth in Konoha, right? Instead, you'll find a place outside the village. That's why we want to be her guards, to protect Sister Kushina's safety!" 

Minato smiled, looking pleased. "You're thoughtful, but Kushina's protection is already very tight. I'll be there too, so you don't need to worry." 

Shindai pleaded, "Lord Minato, please let us join!" 

Now understanding the situation, Obito and Kakashi also chimed in, looking serious. "Sensei Minato, we want to be guards!" 

Minato saw how persistent the three of them were and agreed, "Alright then, you can join my Hokage Guard Squad when the time comes." 

After leaving the Hokage's office, Shindai went to the workshop at his shop to hold a small meeting with Obito and Kakashi. 

Shindai asked, "Obito, Sister Kushina is giving birth soon. When that happens, you'll be acting with me. I'm the captain, so listen to my orders. Obito, you might need your Mangekyo Sharingan then. Asuka!" 

Uchiha Hikari walked in, and Shindai pointed at Obito, saying, "Give him one." 

Obito was confused. "Give me one? Give me what?" 

Uchiha Hikari activated her Mangekyo Sharingan, and Obito's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "What?! Mangekyo Sharingan? Asuka, how do you have a Mangekyo Sharingan?!" 

Kakashi also looked at Uchiha Hikari in surprise, never expecting her to be from the Uchiha clan. 

"Because I do, that's why." 

Uchiha Hikari's gaze met Obito's eyes, and she placed her hand on his body. "Yachimata!" 

Uchiha Hikari inscribed a mark on Obito. 

Then, Uchiha Hikari deactivated her Mangekyo Sharingan and said to Shindai, "I did what you asked. Don't bother me again!" 

Shindai grinned like a loyal dog. "Got it! You worked hard!" 

"Hmph!" Uchiha Hikari tossed her head and walked out of the workshop. 

Obito asked blankly, "What did Asuka just do to me? She must have done something, right? I don't feel anything." 

Shindai explained, "She put an inscription on you. It can strengthen your dōjutsu and reduce the side effects when you use your Mangekyo dōjutsu. But it's not permanent, so don't be foolish and think you can just spam your dōjutsu. Only when Asuka strengthens you like that will the side effects be reduced." 

Obito was ecstatic. "Really? That's awesome! I've barely used my dōjutsu since I awakened my Mangekyo Sharingan." 

Kakashi frowned. "So, Shindai, you think something bad will happen on the day Lady Kushina gives birth?" 

"Not necessarily, you know? It's just a precaution. I'd rather nothing happen at all. Alright, that's all for now. Dismissed!" 

Shindai had given all the necessary instructions and made all the preparations he could. 

Now, all he could do was wait for that day to arrive. 

He hoped nothing would happen, but if it did, he wouldn't be caught off guard! 

Meanwhile, at the Akatsuki hideout... 

Tendo Pain said expressionlessly, "Zetsu has confirmed it. Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is about to give birth. They've set up a birthing room in a cave outside Konoha. The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki will give birth there. 

We accept this mission. Now, I, Konan, Tobi, and Sasori will move out to assassinate Minato Namikaze and unleash the Nine-Tails on Konoha. Kakuzu and Zetsu, you will remain at the organization's base." 

"Understood!" 

Seven days later, on Kushina Uzumaki's due date. 

Minato Namikaze summoned Shindai, Obito, and Kakashi. 

"You guys said you wanted to be guards, right? The Anbu have already departed. You'll go with my guard squad. Shisui." 

Uchiha Shisui appeared in the Hokage's office. 

Minato Namikaze said to Uchiha Shisui, "Shisui, these three will be acting with your squad from now on. Kushina and I will follow a little later." 

"Understood, Hokage-sama!" 

Uchiha Shisui spoke kindly to the three of them. "Please take care of me from now on." 

Shindai's grin nearly stretched to the back of his head. 

Shisui the Teleporter is here too?! Then there's nothing to fear, believe it! 

If the Akatsuki dare to show up, he'll totally crush them! 

Shindai was brimming with confidence now. 

Uchiha Shisui announced, "We'll gather at the Konoha village gate in one hour. You're dismissed for now!" 

Shindai went home to pack his things. 

Upon returning home, Shindai instructed Pakura and Uchiha Hikari, who had already finished work and were home: "Pakura, Asuka, I'm heading out. Later, if I need chakra, I'll contact you via the walkie-talkie." 

Uchiha Hikari nodded. "Okay." 

Pakura cautioned, "Be careful! Once Sister Kushina gives birth successfully, let us know the good news immediately. If you need us to fight, tell us right away, and Asuka and I will come to support you!" 

"Don't worry. Oh, and please give this to Sister Kushina for me. Make sure she keeps it with her at all times. I'll be going now." 

Shindai pulled out a spherical object from his backpack, handed it to Pakura, and then slung his backpack on as he left the house. 

Pakura watched Shindai's departing back, frowning as she said to Uchiha Hikari, "I don't know why, but my heart is pounding so fast." 

Uchiha Hikari also said gravely, "Yeah, I have a rather unpleasant feeling too." 

Shindai, Obito, and Kakashi met up at the Konoha village gate. 

An hour hadn't passed yet, so Uchiha Shisui hadn't arrived. 

Shindai opened his backpack, pulled out a monocular, and tossed it to Kakashi. "This is an upgraded monocular, equipped with Lord Orochimaru's combat assist system. I also made some improvements to make it more suitable for you. It's much smarter than your current one." 

Kakashi caught it and immediately put it on. "Thanks." 

An hour later, Uchiha Shisui arrived, bringing five members of the Hokage Guard Squad, all elites from various ninja clans. 

"Everyone's here. Let's depart then." 

Led by Uchiha Shisui, they headed to the prepared birthing cave outside Konoha to provide protection. 

Meanwhile, in a dark room... 

Danzo's cold laugh echoed. "Minato Namikaze, your death is coming now!" 

Chapter 269: Labor Begins, Attack! 

Shindai, Obito, and Kakashi followed Shisui Uchiha to the delivery room located outside of Konoha Village. Masked Anbu guarded the cave's perimeter, and inside the cave was a sealing barrier. No one knew how to enter it except Minato Namikaze and Sarutobi Biwako. Shindai's group of three and the escort team led by Shisui Uchiha stood guard at the entrance. 

At Minato Namikaze's home, Sarutobi Biwako had already arrived. "It's almost time to move, Minato, Kushina." 

Minato Namikaze gently took Uzumaki Kushina's hand, smiling. "Let's go, Kushina." 

Uzumaki Kushina squeezed Minato's hand. "Okay! Let's go!" 

Minato Namikaze, Uzumaki Kushina, and Sarutobi Biwako left their home and headed for the delivery room outside Konoha. On their way, they encountered Uchiha Mikoto, holding baby Sasuke, who was just over two months old, with little Uchiha Itachi by her side. Before Sarutobi Biwako could stop her, Uzumaki Kushina had already walked up to Uchiha Mikoto, looking at the adorable Sasuke, and asked curiously, "Is it a girl?" 

Uchiha Mikoto smiled blissfully. "It's a boy." 

"So cute~ Mikoto, what's his name?" 

"Fugaku named him Sasuke." 

Sarutobi Biwako also admired the cute Sasuke. "He shares a name with Hiruzen's father." 

Uchiha Mikoto replied, "Indeed. I hope he grows up to be an excellent and strong ninja. Kushina, you're due soon too, right? It's best to have a name ready." 

Uzumaki Kushina reached out and gently ruffled Sasuke's hair. "We've already picked one! It's Naruto. He'll be classmates with Sasuke, so you two better get along!" Uzumaki Kushina then quietly asked, "Mikoto, by the way, it's really painful, isn't it?" 

Behind Uzumaki Kushina, Minato Namikaze clasped his hands together in a pleading gesture. He hoped Uchiha Mikoto wouldn't say anything about it being painful. He didn't want Uzumaki Kushina to feel anxious and wished for her to have a good mindset for the delivery. Uchiha Mikoto saw his gesture and immediately understood Minato Namaki's meaning, replying, "It's not too bad, really. You don't need to worry so much. But it's surprising that even Kushina has something she's afraid of." 

Sarutobi Biwako checked the sky. "It's time to go, Kushina." 

"Okay, see you next time, Mikoto~" 

After saying goodbye to Uchiha Mikoto, the three of them continued their journey towards the outskirts of Konoha Village. 

Sarutobi Biwako reminded her, "Kushina, your delivery is a secret. Try to avoid familiar faces during the transfer." 

Uzumaki Kushina said apologetically, "Okay, sorry~" 

"Also, even though we're far from the village, since it's a secret, try not to cry out too loudly when labor pains start." 

Uzumaki Kushina vowed confidently, "Yes! I'll definitely endure it!" 

Labor Begins 

Uzumaki Kushina and the two arrived at the entrance of the delivery cave. 

"Hahaha, this is pretty serious, isn't it, Shindai, Obito, and Kakashi? I'll be counting on you three for my safety later, okay?" Uzumaki Kushina patted Shindai's back, making his eyes turn into Kakashi's signature dead-fish look. 

Shindai looked at Uzumaki Kushina exasperatedly. "Talk all you want, but can you please not hit me? It really hurts! Kushina-nee, don't you have any idea how strong you are?" 

Just as Uzumaki Kushina was about to speak, her expression suddenly twisted, and sweat instantly broke out on her face. Minato Namikaze, who was supporting Uzumaki Kushina, asked worriedly, "Kushina, what's wrong?" 

Uzumaki Kushina said painfully, "M-my stomach hurts so much." 

Shindai pointed to a puddle on the ground, shocked. "It hurts that much? It hurts so much you peed your pants, Kushina-nee?" 

Sarutobi Biwako glanced at the ground and then said seriously, "It's not pee; her water broke. Kushina is about to give birth! Minato, quickly open the barrier! We need to prepare for delivery!" 

"Right!" 

A flustered Minato Namikaze quickly opened the barrier, helped Uzumaki Kushina into the cave delivery room, and laid her down on the bed. Sarutobi Biwako pulled up Uzumaki Kushina's clothes to reveal the sealing formula on her abdomen. Sarutobi Biwako told Minato Namikaze, "Minato, you maintain the seal on Kushina!" 

Minato Namikaze immediately formed hand signs, hovering his hands over Uzumaki Kushina's stomach, and began maintaining her seal. Then, Sarutobi Biwako turned to Taji, an Anbu who was there to assist, "Taji, now help me deliver Kushina's baby!" 

"Yes!" 

Uzumaki Kushina officially began labor. 

"Ah! It hurts so much!" 

Minato Namikaze looked at the suffering Uzumaki Kushina, both heartbroken and worried. "This is the first time I've ever seen Kushina cry out in such pain. Is she really going to be okay?" 

Sarutobi Biwako replied, "She'll be fine. Your priority is still to keep an eye on the Nine-Tails' seal." 

Looking at the agonizing Uzumaki Kushina, Minato Namikaze's heart felt as if it were being squeezed. "But... like this..." 

"As the Fourth Hokage, don't be so flustered. A man might have already died from this pain, but women are very strong!" 

The seal on Uzumaki Kushina's abdomen began to change as she was in labor. This indicated that the Nine-Tails was desperately struggling to break free from the seal. Minato Namikaze worked hard to maintain the seal, preventing the Nine-Tails from affecting Uzumaki Kushina. 

"You can do it, Kushina! You can do it, Naruto!" Minato Namikaze cheered on Uzumaki Kushina and the unborn Naruto. 

The Akatsuki's Arrival 

At this very moment, outside the delivery room. 

Pain (Deva Path), Konan, Sasori, and Uchiha Setsuna stood on a mountaintop. Pain (Deva Path) said with a cold expression, "It has begun. It's our turn to act. Obito, use your dojutsu to sneak in, assassinate Minato Namikaze, and release the Nine-Tails. We'll handle the people outside." 

Uchiha Setsuna replied, "Understood!" 

Unaware of all this, Shindai listened to Uzumaki Kushina's screams from inside, his face scrunched up. "It hurts that much? I don't know who told me before that giving birth was just like pushing, and the baby would pop right out." 

Obito scoffed, "Do you think you're taking a dump? 'Pops right out.' Only you would say something like that." 

Kakashi said with absolute certainty, "I bet the person who told you that was definitely not a girl." 

As Shindai and the others chatted, three figures appeared on the water in front of them. Everyone's gaze fell upon the three individuals. 

Shisui Uchiha immediately shouted, "Who goes there?!" 

And as Shindai recognized the three figures, he went completely numb. It was Pain (Deva Path), Konan, and that damn Sasori! 

Sasori was the first to act, firing a mechanism from his Hiruko puppet's left arm, which was loaded with cylinders containing more than ten poison needles. The cylinders scattered in all directions, and as they did, the poison needles inside shot out. The indiscriminately dense barrage of poison needles fired like shotgun pellets. 

Chapter 270: Bastard, Face Me! 

Tendo Pain, Konan, and Sasori appeared, launching their attack! 

Sasori used Hiruko: Needle Senbon, firing poisonous needles in every direction. It was so sudden that most of the Anbu ninja guarding the area were hit, quickly losing their ability to move due to the potent venom. 

But the moment Sasori moved, Shindai summoned Kannazuki, using Kannazuki's magnetic properties to draw all the incoming poisonous needles onto her body. That's why Shindai and the other Hokage Guard Squad members standing at the entrance weren't hit by any of the needles. 

Shindai looked at the three of them with a grim expression. He hadn't expected Obito to not go rogue, only to have these three troublesome individuals show up directly. 

Sasori looked at Kannazuki, then turned to Shindai in surprise. "Oh? So it's you." 

"You trashy, pathetic little animal who only knows how to use dirty tricks, how dare you show your face in front of me again?! Last time, I knocked out one of your baby teeth, and today, I'm gonna finish you off for good!" Shindai immediately started spewing venom at Sasori, leaving Obito and the others stunned. 

Obito whispered, "You know him?" 

Shindai replied, "Yeah, a rogue ninja from the Sand Village, Granny Chiyo's grandson – Sasori of the Red Sand!" 

Sasori's face darkened. He'd barely said a word before Shindai started cursing him out. Seeing Sasori's expression, Shindai guessed that Sasori of the Red Sand hadn't yet transformed himself into a human puppet. After all, human puppets don't show expressions. 

Uchiha Shisui drew the small katana from his back and activated his Three-Tomo Sharingan. "Engage the enemy! Don't let them get one step closer!" 

The remaining Anbu ninja and Hokage Guard Squad members charged forward, unleashing a barrage of ninjutsu, shuriken, and kunai towards Tendo Pain, Konan, and Sasori. 

Tendo Pain raised his right hand. "Almighty Push!" 

A powerful repulsive force erupted, deflecting all the incoming ninjutsu, shuriken, and kunai. 

"Universal Pull!" 

Tendo Pain pulled an Anbu ninja towards him. A black receiver rod appeared in Tendo Pain's hand and pierced the Anbu ninja's chest. 

Konan used her secret technique, Dance of the Shikigami, transforming her body into countless paper fragments. Her lower body detached, forming a pair of paper wings, and she soared into the sky. Then, Konan controlled the paper, shaping them into spears, and fired them at the Anbu ninja and guard squad members below. 

Sasori also launched attacks using the mechanisms and traps on Hiruko. In an instant, the Anbu ninja and the Hokage Guard Squad suffered heavy casualties. 

Uchiha Shisui formed hand signs and used his Sharingan to create multiple phantom clones. The phantom clones and Shisui's real body attacked Tendo Pain and Sasori together, but Tendo Pain used an Almighty Push to deflect Uchiha Shisui, who was hidden among the phantom clones. 

These three were incredibly strong, and their abilities were completely unknown. So, Uchiha Shisui decided to adopt a defensive strategy, trying to figure out their strength and abilities. Thus, Uchiha Shisui directed the remaining combat-ready ninja to launch a defensive counter-attack. 

Shindai, Obito, and Kakashi had also joined the battle. Right now, the most troublesome opponent wasn't Tendo Pain or Sasori, but Konan in the sky. Controlling the air meant controlling the advantage. 

So, Shindai, who could also fly, confronted Konan. Shindai, through his research into magnetic fields, could now fly without needing his Iron Sand Wings. 

Shindai immediately took off from the ground, formed hand signs, and unleashed a large-scale attack to restrict Konan's movements. 

"Magnet Release: Iron Sand World Method!" 

Shindai used iron sand to form a large, spiky barrier in the air. Konan flapped her wings, dodging the sharp iron sand spikes piercing towards her. At the same time, Shindai manipulated Kannazuki to soar freely within the barrier, attacking Konan. 

Tendo Pain looked at Konan, whose movements were restricted in mid-air, and aimed his palm towards her. 

"Almighty Push!" 

The repulsive force destroyed a large number of iron sand spikes, helping Konan escape the predicament. After helping Konan, Tendo Pain aimed his palm at Shindai again. 

"Universal Pull!" 

A powerful attractive force pulled Shindai towards Tendo Pain. 

"Magnet Release: Iron Sand Spear!" 

Shindai compressed the iron sand to a high density, forming sharp spear shapes, and hurled them at Tendo Pain. If Tendo Pain continued to pull, the iron sand spears would pierce his body first. 

Sure enough, Tendo Pain interrupted his Universal Pull. 

Shindai pulled out his walkie-talkie. "Asuka, send chakra to Obito and enhance his dōjutsu!" 

At home, Pakura and Uchiha Hikari's eyes sharpened. Had something gone wrong? 

Uchiha Hikari immediately activated her Mangekyo Sharingan and transferred chakra to Obito. Obito, who was on the ground fighting alongside Kakashi and the others in a defensive counter-attack, suddenly felt a surge of chakra throughout his body. 

Shindai's voice came through the earpiece in Obito's ear: "Obito, you can use your dōjutsu now! Twist that guy's dog head off for me!" 

As soon as Obito heard he could use his dōjutsu, he was thrilled. "Alright!" 

Obito activated his Mangekyo Sharingan, focusing his gaze on Tendo Pain's head. 

"Kamui!" 

The area around Tendo Pain's head began to warp. Just as Tendo Pain's head was about to be twisted off and sent to the Kamui dimension, Tendo Pain once again unleashed an Almighty Push, applying the repulsive force to his own body, forcing his position to change. 

Obito's Kamui failed to hit Tendo Pain. 

Tendo Pain's gaze fell upon Obito's eyes. "Another pair of Mangekyo Sharingan?" 

Uchiha Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan, and now Obito had another pair, a Magnet Release kekkei genkai user, and a group of Konoha's elite ninja who had reacted to the situation. Tendo Pain judged that they alone couldn't take them all on. 

At this time, Tendo Pain hadn't fully formed the Six Paths of Pain yet; he had only created three Pains, with the other two Pains staying behind in the Hidden Rain Village. However, their goal was simply to create a diversion. 

Tendo Pain looked at Konan in mid-air. "Konan, come fight near us." 

The situation had now reversed, with Tendo Pain, Konan, and Sasori adopting a defensive counter-attack. 

Shindai was now focused on Sasori, manipulating Kannazuki and using Magnet Release ninjutsu to attack him, all while trash-talking: "Genius puppet master? Seriously, any trash can call themselves a genius these days! In my eyes, your human puppets are just garbage! What's wrong? Only brave enough to hide behind those two? Where's your Third Kazekage human puppet? Too scared to face me directly? Bastard, face me if you've got the guts!" 

Sasori was incredibly annoyed by Shindai's trash talk. How dare he look down on his art! However, Sasori also couldn't understand how Shindai knew about it, as he hadn't officially used the Third Kazekage as a human puppet in battle since creating it. 

Sasori unrolled a scroll and summoned the Third Kazekage. 

"Then, as you wish!"