Uchiha Chiga used his Time based ability to adjust Rin's body slightly, aging her appearance so she wouldn't look awkward standing between Obito and Kakashi.

But as Rin grew, her top instantly turned into a crop top, and her shorts became even shorter. Obito's nosebleed came immediately, while Kakashi's eyes went wide—until Rin kicked him back to his senses.

Chiga shook his head, then pulled out the green vest Kaguya had bought earlier and handed it to Rin.

Truthfully, the outfit was ugly, and Chiga had refused to let Kaguya wear it, but for Rin it became a lifesaver. She was naturally conservative, and now, dressed like some provocative "street idol," her embarrassment was unbearable.

Wearing the oversized vest, which hung on her like a turtle shell, Rin finally felt safe.

With that handled, Chiga left the three of them to themselves and returned home.

Inside, Kaguya was already awake, sitting on the sofa in the living room, staring blankly into space.

The moment Chiga stepped through the door, she quickly rose to greet him. Her demeanor had changed greatly; compared to before, she was far more open, wanting to remain close to him at all times.

After spending some quiet moments together, Chiga placed a hand gently on her stomach.

"How are you feeling? Any discomfort?"

Kaguya's face softened with a rare maternal glow. She held his hand, smiling faintly.

"Master…"

Chiga returned her smile. This side of Kaguya, no longer cold and distant, warmed something inside him.

With this child, Chiga felt anchored to the Naruto World. He decided he would remain here, at least until the birth.

But time passed strangely. More than a year later, Kaguya's belly had only rounded slightly, showing no sign of imminent delivery.

Chiga was dumbfounded.

What is this child, Nezha? Must he stay in the womb three years before birth?

Nearly two years had passed since his return to the Naruto World. Restlessness grew within him—he wanted to see the Pirate World again.

The thought of the others waiting stirred his mind. They had probably grown impatient.

Since Chiga had already lifted the restrictions on dimensional travel, he explained the situation briefly to Kaguya. She, however, wished to stay until the child was born.

Chiga didn't press her. His estimation told him the birth might take another two or three years. That was enough time to visit the other world.

After bidding farewell to Minato and his companions, Chiga opened a dimensional portal and stepped into the Pirate World.

In the Holy Land of Marineford, Hancock and Nerona walked together through a field of flowers.

This was the very spot where Chiga had left two years ago. It had since been declared a forbidden zone, accessible only to a few high-ranking Marine officials—and to Hancock and Nerona.

Nerona bent down to pluck a crimson blossom but quickly tossed it aside with a pout.

Hancock frowned softly.

"Nerona, what's wrong? You seem troubled."

The girl pouted again, her voice sulky.

"I miss Chiga! He hasn't sent a single message in all this time… What if he doesn't want me anymore?"

At the mention of Chiga, a similar ache stirred in Hancock's chest. She sighed quietly and brushed a hand over the cowlick on Nerona's head.

"Don't think like that. How could Chiga sama not want you? If anything, I think he cherishes you the most."

The cowlick shot upright. Nerona blinked in surprise.

"Really?!"

But almost at once her face fell again. She mumbled,

"No… impossible. Hancock, you're much prettier than me. Chiga probably likes you more…"

She began muttering and counting on her fingers.

"Kalifa has become his secretary, then there's Gion, Ain, Robin… ugh! They're all so incredible! What can I even do?"

Her voice cracked, and soon tears welled up in her eyes.

Hancock could only sigh helplessly. Somehow, Nerona always managed to break herself down.

She reached out, pulling Nerona gently into her arms, about to soothe her when a familiar voice interrupted:

"I never expected you, idiot, to do anything. Just be my mascot."

Both women froze, turning toward the source of the voice.

At the far end of the flower field, arms crossed, Uchiha Chiga stood watching with a faint smile.

Their eyes widened. Nerona's lips trembled.

"Chiga? Is that really you?"

Chiga lifted his fist, shaking it with mock threat.

"Don't recognize me? Looks like you need another spanking."

For a moment Nerona stood frozen, then tears spilled down her cheeks as she wailed.

Startled, Hancock quickly rubbed her back, trying to calm her like a mother comforting a child. But Nerona only cried harder.

Helpless, Hancock cast Chiga a pleading look.

In the next instant, Chiga appeared beside her in a flash. He smoothed Hancock's long hair, tangled from Nerona's sobbing, then pulled Nerona into his own arms.

The crying lessened immediately. Curled against him like a small kitten, Nerona sniffled softly.

Chiga pinched her nose with a teasing grin.

"Trying to wipe your snot all over me?"

"Hmph… It's your fault for leaving so long. Do you even know how much I missed—" She cut herself off, burying her face in his chest again.

Chiga flicked her lightly on the head.

"You missed what? Say it."

Hancock chuckled behind her hand as Nerona whimpered, rubbing her head. Finally she muttered in a muffled voice,

"I missed you…"

Chiga's smile softened. He cupped her face, looking straight into her eyes.

Nerona blinked, startled.

"Chiga… why are your eyes golden?"

"This is called the Tenseigan. What, do you prefer the old Rinnegan?"

"No! They're your eyes anyway. Both are beautiful… but these, these are even more dazzling."

Hancock nodded in agreement. Indeed, Chiga's golden Tenseigan was breathtaking, like twin suns shining in his gaze.

If merchants ever saw them, they would no doubt scramble to sell false imitations of that golden light.

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