The martial arts tournament concluded, and people began to leave the arena. The locals of the Land of Waves left with pride and satisfaction, while those from outside the nation seemed relieved. The declaration of absolute neutrality by such a powerful force as the Land of Waves was welcome news.
Even though it was a time of peace, nobody knew how long that peace would last. National interests could quickly spark a war at any moment. The Five Kage were incredibly relieved, as they preferred to handle their conflicts internally without the Land of Waves intervening. Given its newfound strength, the thought of the Land of Waves potentially annexing their countries was a genuine concern.
Now that Zhang Miao had announced the Land of Waves' stance of absolute neutrality, the Five Kage resolved to instruct their ninjas to steer clear of the Land of Waves' territory and maintain a respectful distance.
Unbeknownst to Zhang Miao, who wasn't preoccupied with their thoughts, he suddenly heard the system's notification in his mind.
"Ding... Congratulations, Your Majesty. The Grim Reaper has fully matured within you. Please choose its birth method: 1. Spiritual Birth, 2. Physical Birth."
"Hmm?" Zhang Miao's face lit up with surprise. "Oh, there's a choice? System, explain the differences between the two options."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The system immediately explained.
"Spiritual Birth involves using Your Majesty's mental energy for childbirth, which will consume a significant amount of your chakra. Physical Birth involves using Your Majesty's physical energy, which, given your current state, will have almost no cost."
"There's a catch," Zhang Miao immediately grew suspicious, knowing the system's tendencies. "Why did you say 'almost no cost'? Explain the physical birth process in detail."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The system continued.
"Since Your Majesty is male, Physical Birth will be through the rectum, causing it to rupture and result in intense pain. However, due to Your Majesty's robust constitution, it will heal within seconds after childbirth, hence the term 'almost no cost'."
Zhang Miao: "..."
Damn, a ruptured rectum is considered 'almost no cost'?
"It's usually me who ruins others' backsides; I can't believe mine was nearly at risk! Good thing I asked more questions!"
Feeling relief, Zhang Miao took a deep breath and decided.
"I've got plenty of chakra. I'll use Spiritual Birth. Forget the physical option!"
Typically, the system would directly accept Zhang Miao's orders. However, this time, it provided another notification.
"Your Majesty, due to the Grim Reaper's maturation, you only have less than ten percent of your chakra remaining. Opting for Spiritual Birth will severely drain your mental energy, requiring a year to recover. Do you still wish to proceed?"
"Yes, I insist!" Zhang Miao replied without hesitation.
Compared to the excruciating experience of a ruptured rectum, taking a year to recover chakra was a manageable trade-off. Plus, with his cadre of "super bodyguards," he could take it easy without facing much risk.
With Zhang Miao's firm decision, the system proceeded.
"Understood, Your Majesty. Spiritual Birth will deplete your remaining chakra, so please find a safe place to lie down first."
"Uh..." Zhang Miao was initially taken aback; then, he nodded in realisation. "Childbirth requires lying down, right? I get it. I'll go lie down now!"
Zhang Miao returned to his quarters and settled into bed.
"Alright, I'm ready. By the way, do I need to spread my legs? Should I feed the baby after it's born? And..."
Unable to bear Zhang Miao's chatter, the system interrupted.
"Spiritual Birth commencing!"
"Uh..."
As the system spoke, Zhang Miao felt his strength ebb away, and a wave of dizziness overtook him. Soon, he lost consciousness.
When he woke up, a childlike voice greeted him.
"Father God, you're awake at last!"
Zhang Miao: "..."
Father God? What's that supposed to mean?
Turning his head toward the voice, Zhang Miao saw a strange-looking child. The child appeared about two years old with greenish skin, a somewhat sinister appearance, and white hair that couldn't conceal the two red horns protruding from his forehead. He wore a white robe and a string of red prayer beads around his neck, with a short blade at his waist that seemed to move slightly when Zhang Miao looked at it.
Realising the uniqueness of the blade and the child, Zhang Miao's expression shifted.
"This blade isn't ordinary, and neither is this child. Who is he?"
As he pondered, the child kneeled before him.
"Thank you, Father God, for granting me a divine body, allowing me to stay in this world forever. From today, I will protect you eternally, ensuring those who dare offend you suffer unending torment!"
"Uh... Are you the Grim Reaper?"
Zhang Miao suddenly understood, his face filled with disbelief.
"How are you already this big? Have I been asleep for two years?"
Seeing Zhang Miao's incredulous look, the child with sharp teeth like a shark's laughed.
"Hehe, I was nurtured within your divine body for twenty-seven months and born through your divine power. That's why I look like this. You've only been asleep for three days, Father God!"
"Oh, that's a relief!" Zhang Miao sighed. "If I'd been out for two years, it would've been a problem. I still need to deal with Orochimaru!"
"Orochimaru?" The Grim Reaper stood up immediately. "Did that mortal offend you, Father God? I'll fetch his soul right away!"
Seeing him about to leave, Zhang Miao quickly stopped him.
"Wait! Orochimaru is still useful for now. We can't kill him yet!"
Zhang Miao intended for Orochimaru to be Sasuke's teacher. Killing him would throw the plot into chaos.
The Grim Reaper stopped and knelt beside the bed again, not knowing Zhang Miao's plans but adhering to his will.
"Father God, mortals call me a ghost or a Grim Reaper, but I hope you can give me a new name. May I ask for your blessing?"
Seeing the hopeful look in the child's eyes, Zhang Miao paused and nodded.
"Alright. You were once a spiritual entity, but now you've transcended those bounds. I'll name you Lingbai."
"Thank you, Father God, for the name!" The newly named Lingbai smiled brightly at Zhang Miao's blessing.