The war between Kumogakure and Konoha is continuing and is getting more intense.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Kirigakure is recuperating and licking its wounds.

Sunagakure and Iwagakure were also just waiting and watching, with no intention of getting involved.

Sunagakure launched the Third Ninja War due to logistical supply problems. They gained very little from the war, and in total, they still suffered a lot of losses.

In addition, the fourth generation Kazekage Rasa has just come to power, and Sand Hidden Village is in dire need of development. He, the Kazekage, needs to personally intervene in many areas, such as the lack of water and funds, and negotiating with the daimyo of the Kingdom of Wind.

.

They had already experienced the power of Konoha in previous wars.

Although Kumogakure was fierce, even after losing the Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato, Kazekage Rasa didn't think Kumogakure could defeat Konoha on a frontal battlefield.

It was precisely because he was his opponent that Rasa understood how terrible Konoha was.

As for Iwagakure, it was purely because there were no available manpower.

Konoha's strength also makes the third-generation Tsuchikage very fearful, and he is already old. Finding a suitable fourth-generation Tsuchikage is more important than assisting Kumogakure in the war against Konoha.

There is no need for the other ghost kingdoms to get involved in the disputes between the five major kingdoms at this time.

Focusing on cultivating the younger generation of ninjas, utilizing effective technology, and continuing to enhance the development of the military and people's livelihood are the most important indicators at the moment.

Soon it was the end of December, and the winter of snow, ice and snow arrived.

Plus it was night, so there were far fewer pedestrians on the streets of Ziyuan City.

The fireplace is radiating heat, filling the room with a warm atmosphere.

"How's your body?"

Shiraishi looked at Ayane lying on the bed and asked.

Ayane smiled and said: "Don't worry too much, no matter what, I am also a ninja and I will not be as weak as an ordinary woman."

Shiraishi would not question this.

Ayane's physique has always been better than that of him and Ruri. In a head-to-head confrontation, even Kumogakure's Fourth Raikage was no match for her.

Next to her, there was a newly born baby, with its eyes barely open, but moving a little hesitantly, as if trying to understand its current situation.

But lacking sufficient knowledge, he could only rely on his eyes to observe this world that seemed unwonderful to him.

Ayane gave birth to a healthy boy, but it was unclear whether he had the qualifications to become an excellent ninja.

After all, there are only a few "freaks" like Yi Ji, and it is impossible for that kind of accident to happen again.

Although there is no way to give him excitement and surprises like Yiji, this kind of ordinary child is more reassuring.

However, being too honest like Asuka will make people helpless.

Fortunately, Yi Ji is not so bad as to cheat Asuka away from her birthday gifts, but she will give them the New Year's money after a while... I just hope Asuka can grow up quickly.

"what's on your mind?"

"I'm thinking about Feiniao. I'm going to give him New Year's money soon."

Shiraishi said without hiding anything.

"What's wrong?"

"I feel like I will be defrauded out of all my money by Yiji again, but I come to me with the 'cheap goods' I exchanged from Yiji to show off their brother-sister relationship."

After hearing this, Ayane also laughed.

"That child, Yi Ji, is different, but I think Asuka is not bad either. He can become an excellent man when he grows up."

Ayane said with certainty.

"You like him very much?"

Shiraishi paused, this was something he had not expected.

But if you think about it carefully, it’s not too surprising. Ayane basically spent this year raising her baby at home, and spent more time with Asuka and Ichihime. In addition, Asuka is easier to get in touch with than Ichihime, and she has a good relationship with Ayane.

It's also reasonable.

On the contrary, it would be a bit surprising if Kazuki and Ayane develop a good relationship.

Because the characters of Yiji and Liuli are so similar, domineering, savage, and cold appearance, but there is a wild nature beyond ordinary people.

"Flying birds... can grow up freely under the sky. Isn't it a good metaphor for an unfettered flying bird? He might become a great man in the future."

Ayane answered like this.

Shiraishi did not answer, but looked at the baby next to Ayane.

Ayane also looked at him. Although she had not fully recovered from the fatigue after childbirth and her complexion was worse than usual, the smile on her face did not diminish much, but instead covered up the fatigue on her face.

"I always feel that I can no longer be willful."

Ayane said this, with a hint of complaint in her tone.

Looking at this child, I felt a strange sense of responsibility in my heart.

Adding weight to her body was the most annoying thing for Ayane in the past, and it reminded her of many unpleasant memories.

But now this kind of 'weight-bearing' makes her disgusted.

Perhaps, the burden once given by the family and the burden given by one's own children are originally different things.

It's more like encouragement and growth than a burden.

So...should we learn to be more dignified and elegant in the future?

Ayane was thinking about such things.

"Why not? If you want, you can always."

Shiraishi doesn't care about this.

"No, I always feel that many of my previous behaviors were childish."

"Living the way you want, isn't it the future you want?"

Shiraishi asked strangely.

"I used to think so, but I always feel that after having this child, life is different. I feel that Shiraishi-kun is no longer necessary to comfort me."

Ayane had a sly smile in her eyes.

"..."

Shiraishi smiled slightly.

What is this? Abandoned?

"Just kidding, after all, I don't want to lose to her in this kind of thing."

Ayane suddenly felt energetic and her face became energetic.

"What?"

"The second child."

"?"

"Isn't the Kingdom of Ghosts now encouraging the second child? I am also responding to the call."

Ayane said.

"You want a second child?"

"It depends on the situation. Because Liuli gave birth to Asuka and Yiji all at once, and she didn't want to lose to her."

"Don't compare on this kind of thing."

"I don't want to lose, I just don't want to lose. Think about it, how many times have I lost to her? When I sparred with her before, I basically never won. Her genjutsu is too strong, stronger than the Sharingan genjutsu."

Because Ruri's real genjutsu does not rely on Sharingan to activate, but uses touch to activate it.

Illusions can even be lodged on shurikens and other ninja tools, so that the enemy can be hit without direct physical contact.

Liuli is now more mature in using this illusion.

Shiraishi wanted to say "just let it happen" because he had been through the same process, but after thinking about it, with Ayane's personality, she would probably never bow to Ruri in her whole life.

"But I am also better than her. So, if you have a second child, you have to work harder. I can't do it alone."

A smile broke out on Ayane's face.

"let's discuss it later."

Shiraishi shook his head.

Ayane gently picked up the baby next to her and looked at Shiraishi.

"Shiraishi-kun, what kind of person do you think this child can become in the future?"

"What kind of person does he become? Then what kind of person do you want him to become?"

Things in the future are too vague and uncertain, and even good things may change due to unexpected events.
To be continued...