NARUTO SI: A Burdened Soul (Elder Brother to Itachi SI)

The air in the sealing tower was thick with the scent of old paper and dust, a testament to Kushina Uzumaki’s endless delving into her clan’s forgotten archives. Outside, the Third Great Ninja War raged, a distant, ominous hum that served as a constant reminder of her gilded cage. As a jinchuriki and an outsider, friends were few, and each was treasured.

“Kushina-sama, you have a visitor,” the ANBU guard’s voice cut through her focus. Excitement bubbled; could Minato be back so soon? But the answer was unexpected.

“It is Mikoto-sama.” Her eyes widened. Mikoto Uchiha, her old friend from genin years, a formidable kunoichi whom Kushina had always looked up to. She rushed to the door, a wide smile spreading across her face, eager to embrace her.

“Mikoto!” she greeted, flinging herself forward. But just as she reached her, Mikoto sidestepped, causing Kushina to stumble and wince.

“Ouch,” she grunted, rubbing her chin. Mikoto chuckled, offering a hand. “How many times have I told you to be more careful?”

“I would have been fine if you hadn’t jumped away,” Kushina retorted, taking the offered hand. As Mikoto pulled her up, Kushina noticed it – a slight, but unmistakable, protrusion beneath her friend’s clothes. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the sight.

“Kushina, Kushina,” Mikoto’s voice called, but she was lost in thought. Then, a sudden realization hit her, and she shouted at the top of her lungs, “You are pregnant!”