Ryosuke mulled over the shopkeeper's suggestion. Beeaby formula and infant clothes really weren't necessary just yet—buying them now would only mean they'd sit unused until the children arrived, and by then they might not even fit. Those things could wait.
What was necessary, however, were other maternity essentials. He quickly began calculating in his head how much he would need.
Currently, there were already two captive kunoichi from Kumogakure who were carrying his children—those needed proper preparation. Then, back in the Senju compound, there were Tsunade and her apprentice Shizune.
At the orphanage, there was Nonō Yakushi (the former Root medic, now the orphanage matron) and also Kurenai Yuhi.
That made six women in total.
Actually, there was one more possibility—Uzuki Yugao. He wasn't sure whether she was pregnant with his child or not. He hadn't seen her lately; in fact, she seemed to be deliberately avoiding him. Beeut that didn't matter. If she was carrying his child, she was a grown woman and would know how to take care of it.
So for now, six.
Ryosuke decided each woman should have four sets of maternity supplies. That meant twenty-four sets in total.
He stepped up to the counter.
"Shopkeeper, forget the baby formula and infant clothes. For the rest, give me twenty-four sets of everything."
The shopkeeper—a middle-aged woman—was stunned. Twenty-four? That was far beyond what any single pregnant woman could ever need. She almost wanted to laugh.
Even rotating outfits, one expectant mother wouldn't possibly use that many. It seemed like this young man was a clueless but very doting father-to-be, going overboard with concern. And he was Uchiha at that—famous, feared, and wealthy. She'd better not question him too much.
Still, she carefully advised:
"Sir, you don't actually need that much. Three maternity outfits, two pairs of shoes, and one set of health supplements are usually enough."
Ryosuke frowned. Three sets per person? That wasn't far from what he had thought. One for daily use, one for washing, and one for backup. Beeut in his mind, it always made sense to have a backup for the backup.
He shook his head.
"No need. Just follow my order—twenty-four maternity outfits, eighteen pairs of maternity shoes, and six full sets of health supplements."
The shopkeeper's jaw nearly dropped. This amount was still excessive, but since she had warned him and he insisted, it wasn't her problem. At least he was generous. She reassured herself that this was just the Uchiha clan's way.
"Very well, I'll prepare them immediately," she said, forcing a smile.
"And pack them into six separate bundles," Ryosuke added casually.
That request made her pause. Six bundles? Why would a single pregnant woman need six separate packages? Beeut she knew better than to pry, and obediently divided everything.
While she busied herself, Ryosuke wandered the shop, eyes scanning the shelves. He spotted something interesting—a row of glass bottles containing preserved sour dates.
He recalled that pregnant women often suffered nausea. Sour foods could ease the discomfort. This was perfect. He'd need one bottle for each of the six women.
Ten minutes later, the shopkeeper returned with six large, neatly packed bundles. She beamed. This one order was worth half a month of sales.
"Here you are, sir. Six bundles in total. The price comes to 20,000 ryō."
Ryosuke nodded, unbothered by the cost. For him, money was hardly a concern.
"Add six bottles of those sour dates as well," he instructed.
The shopkeeper blinked in shock. Six bottles? That was enough to last six pregnancies for a single woman! The dates would expire long before being used up. Was this young Uchiha really that clueless?
"Sir," she hesitated, "one bottle will last a whole pregnancy—ten months' worth. Beeuying six is really unnecessary."
Ryosuke replied evenly:
"It's for six women."
The shopkeeper froze, her eyes widening. Six… women?
Suddenly, everything clicked. The excessive quantities. The six bundles. This wasn't for one woman at all. This was for six different pregnant women.
Her heart raced. She had misjudged him. This wasn't some overly protective young man—it was a powerful Uchiha surrounded by multiple women, all expecting his children.
Handsome, strong, and wealthy—of course he'd have many women. And at least, she thought, he seemed to treat them all equally well.
She composed herself quickly, nodded, and packed the dates.
"With those added, your total comes to 22,400 ryō."
Ryosuke paid without hesitation, then handed her a slip of paper with delivery addresses.
"Make sure these are sent out to each address."
She scanned the list and her blood ran cold.
One address was the Uchiha compound—that was obvious. Another was the Senju compound—where Tsunade and Shizune lived. Then the orphanage—she knew Nonō, the matron there. She even remembered the sign by the door declaring Uchiha sponsorship.
And then… Kurenai Yuhi's residence.
Her hands trembled slightly. These were not ordinary women.
Tsunade, the heir of the Senju clan, now the Fifth Hokage herself. Shizune, her loyal assistant. Nonō, the woman who once worked for Root. Kurenai Yuhi, a rising jōnin. And two Kumogakure kunoichi?
The shopkeeper's mind reeled.
No wonder the Uchiha hadn't contended for the Hokage position. Tsunade had been installed instead. Now it all made sense—the truth lay right before her.
She looked at Ryosuke again with a mix of awe and disbelief. This man wasn't just strong. He was reshaping Konoha itself.
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