Suddenly gaining a son was a completely new experience for Zhang Miao, who had maintained his virginity across two lifetimes. Naturally, the feeling was not entirely pleasant.
"Damn, if I can give birth myself, why would I need a woman?"
This thought scared Zhang Miao. He quickly discarded it and kept reminding himself:
"I am straight. I am a tough guy. Even though I've given birth, I still like pretty girls. I want to get married and have 108 concubines..."
After repeating this in his mind several times, Zhang Miao finally calmed down. He then stroked his chin and pondered.
"My 'Super Happy Ninja Running Contest' has ended, but I can still hold a '108 Concubines Contest'... Hmm, since I have time now, I can start preparing for it, maybe with some preliminaries or qualifiers to let the girls fight it out first..."
Just as Zhang Miao considered this, a knock came at the door.
"Knock knock knock... Boss, it's Kakadong. I have something to report!"
"Come in!" Zhang Miao quickly pulled his thoughts back and responded.
"Yes, sir!"
With Zhang Miao's permission, Kakadong opened the door and walked in. However, he was clearly taken aback when he saw the Grim Reaper, Lingbai, standing by Zhang Miao's bed.
"Boss, this child..."
"Sigh..."
Seeing the surprised look on Kakadong's face, Zhang Miao sighed helplessly and shook his head.
"Don't ask about him; it's too complicated to explain in a few words. Just tell me what you came here for."
"Yes, boss!"
Straightening up, Kakadong took out a scroll and handed it to Zhang Miao with both hands.
"Boss, this scroll just arrived from the Hidden Leaf Village. It says that in a little over two months, in July of this year, the village will hold the Chunin Exams, and they are inviting our village to participate. The scroll is signed by the Third Hokage."
The Chunin Exams, though named exams, were essentially a way for villages to compete and show their strength during peacetime, attracting more missions. Zhang Miao knew this well. So, upon hearing Kakadong's words, he took the scroll, opened it, and saw Sarutobi Hiruzen's signature. He nodded.
"Yes, it's indeed the Third Hokage's signature. But only Genin can participate in the Chunin Exams, right? Do we have any Genin?"
"Yes, we do!"
As soon as Zhang Miao spoke, Kakadong nodded.
"Our ninja academy has been running for almost seven years, with the same six-year curriculum as the Leaf Village. The first batch of students has graduated, and I've already selected the candidates. Here they are."
Kakadong handed another scroll to Zhang Miao, who opened it to see photos of three twelve-year-olds and their personal information and mission records.
After reviewing the information, Zhang Miao nodded.
"These three are good choices. Let them go. By the way, I remember Big Pillar has mentioned wanting to visit the Leaf Village several times. Let him lead the team as a Jonin. Don't forget to have him use a transformation jutsu or wear a mask. That's all; you may leave."
"Yes, boss!" Kakadong nodded again and left.
Once he was gone, Zhang Miao smiled at Lingbai's red horns.
"Hehe, Lingbai, the Chunin Exams sound like a lot of fun. It would be a shame to miss it. Let's go together and join the excitement, okay?"
"Yes, brother!" Lingbai nodded immediately. "I will always be by your side and will not let those foolish mortals offend you!"
"Uh..."
Zhang Miao's mouth twitched at Lingbai's words.
"I almost forgot. We need to change your title. From now on, don't call me Father God in front of others; it sounds weird. Just call me brother. I don't look old enough to be a father anyway."
Currently, Zhang Miao looks about fourteen or fifteen, while Lingbai appears just over two years old. So, Zhang Miao decided it was better for Lingbai to call him brother.
Though Lingbai didn't understand Zhang Miao's reasoning, he was always obedient to him. He nodded immediately.
"I understand, brother!"
Seeing Lingbai's compliance, Zhang Miao's smile grew wider. He waved Lingbai over.
"Come here, Lingbai. Sit next to me. Let me teach you how to deal with those foolish mortals. First, you can't just go around killing people, nor can you take out your anger on others. There's a saying: 'A master who commands respect,' and another: 'Injustice has a leader, and debt has an owner'..."
Zhang Miao knew that Lingbai, as a Grim Reaper, didn't regard mortals highly. If Lingbai lost his temper, with his quasi-god eleven-star strength, it would be a disaster for any country or ninja village.
So, Zhang Miao's task was to teach Lingbai some basic social norms to contain this "disaster" within manageable limits.
For the next two months, Zhang Miao taught Lingbai while resting to recover his chakra. The days he passed peacefully and productively yielded positive results.
First, Lingbai no longer spoke of taking souls at the slightest provocation. Instead, he used a more diplomatic phrase: "I want to kill you!"
Though this change seemed minor, Zhang Miao considered it a significant improvement for Lingbai.
Moreover, after two months of recovery, Zhang Miao's chakra recovered nearly twenty per cent, equivalent to an average Kage's, giving him some self-protection ability.
"It's time to visit the Leaf Village!"
Having decided, Zhang Miao informed Kakadong and others, then set off with Lingbai.
Unexpectedly, as Zhang Miao reached the village gate, he saw a figure in blue ninja armour with a metal headband waiting there. Due to Zhang Miao's naming habits, it was none other than Tobirama Senju, now known as Senju Workshop,.
Seeing Senju Workshop waiting at the gate, Zhang Miao raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doing here? Do you want to go to the Leaf Village with me?"
"Yes, boss!"
Senju Workshop knelt on one knee before Zhang Miao.
"Publicly, I oversee the Anbu of the Hidden God Village, so protecting you is my duty. Personally, I was the Second Hokage of the Leaf Village, and I wish to visit it again. Please grant me this request!"
Moved by Senju Workshop's sincerity, Zhang Miao couldn't refuse. He nodded.
"Alright, since Big Pillar is going, it makes sense for you to go too. Just remember to wear a mask!"
"Yes, boss!" Senju Workshop nodded immediately.