Twice in one day?! Who is she?!

-Spliced

Doctor Yakushi sighed and looked Reina deep into her eyes. "You need to relax. You're thirty-three weeks in, and your baby is due very shortly. This is a critical time for you, Lady Reina."

"Doctor Yakushi, I greatly appreciate your concern, but I have an important mission tomorrow to execute and there is no time to waste," Reina stated. "This is critical for the lives of the villagers and more."

Madara interjected. "Doctor Yakushi, may I have a word with Reina in private?"

Doctor Yakushi bowed. "Of course." She left the room and quietly shut the door.

Madara turned to Reina. "Reina, I doubt the Miyashita clan thinks we are as onto them as we are. You can afford to take a few weeks off before they make any concrete moves. Yes, the mirrors may be distributed by the time you begin nursing, but that doesn't mean we've lost."

Reina looked up at him. "I know, but that makes so much more work. And we would require Hashirama to back us up on any further movement if we don't get this next mission done."

"Not quite. We are capable of doing lots on our own." Madara held her hand. "Have you even fully sorted out this plan of yours?"

Reina looked at him. "I think so." She shrugged. "A life may be lost… or two. But that's the nature of these jobs."

"Reina… be honest." Madara looked her in the eyes. "You can't focus at the moment, can you?"

Reina lowered her head. "I am so tired, and my brain is muddled all the time."

"Then let's give it time and wait until you give birth." Madara placed his hand on top of hers, gently holding her hand like a clam covering its pearl. "Please. Call it off with the ANBU Black Ops. Have the baby. Then resume work."

Reina sighed. "I don't look forward to planning beyond that."

"Don't worry," Madara smirked. "I've got your back." He let go of Reina's hand and walked towards the door. He slowly opened it and called Doctor Yakushi.

Doctor Yakushi stepped inside and sat down on her stool, facing Reina and Madara. "I hope all is well."

Reina looked up at the doctor. "I am sorry. You are right. I will take off work until the baby comes."

Doctor Yakushi smiled. "Thank you for taking my advice. I will see you in two weeks then."

Reina waddled into the house in frustration with a bag of food in hand and made a b-line to the refrigerator. She set her bag down on the counter, took out a jug of orange juice, hastily shutting the fridge door, and grabbing a glass from the cupboard. She poured herself a glass of juice and pulled a pork katsu sandwich from the bag. She angrily took a bite, but she looked more like a hungry, pregnant bunny than anything.

Madara followed in with much less gusto and chuckled at the sight of his pregnant wife scarfing down a sandwich in rage. "Reina, I know you're unhappy, but it's the best thing to do."

Reina looked at him with dead eyes. "I know." She said plainly before taking another bite. She swallowed her food and took a swig of OJ before setting the glass down with a firm clank. "I just hate it. It makes me so anxious. I feel like this is more on our shoulders than ever."

Madara nodded. "I understand." He pulled out his sandwich and began eating alongside the standing woman. "You should sit at the table."

"I am fine here." Reina took another bite, like a hamster stuffing its cheeks. "This sandwich is amazing."

"I can tell you like it." Madara pulled out a third sandwich. "Glad I got you another."

Without looking, Reina pulled the sandwich towards her and began unwrapping it while chewing her last bite of the first one. "Thank you."

Madara chuckled. "Anytime."

For the next week, Reina took her frustration out on community service projects. She gave her aid to the community garden, volunteered at the Ninja Academy, and even helped build a new pavilion in Konoha's central park.

Later one evening, after a long day of landscaping, Reina came home to see Jun standing at her house's front gate. "Jun?" She called.

Jun bowed. "Lady Reina, forgive me for stopping by so late."

"Oh, don't worry. It's always a pleasure to see you." She smiled. "What can I do for you this evening?"

Jun bowed and handed her an envelope. "Please take this."

Reina took the envelope and opened it up. "Oh my goodness. You're getting married in a month?"

Jun nodded. "Yes, we understand you are due any moment, but we would love for you to attend our wedding."

Reina flashed a sweet grin. "Jun, for you? Anything."

Jun bowed and cleared his throat. "Well, I ought to get going." The gruff teddy bear of a man said with a faint blush. "Thank you for your time. We look forward to seeing you then."

"Have a good night!" Reina waved and watched him leave before entering her house and retiring for the evening. Madara was busy with work and was going to be home late, so she decided to go to bed early.

Madara sat at an oval table with his Uchiha council members to update them on important affairs. "Let us begin this meeting." He took in a deep breath and began to speak. "As some of you may know, Reina and I are investigating the Miyashita clan. This clan has been the sole entity of various attacks across our nation. In the beginning, we had support from both Hashirama and Tobirama Senju, but as time had passed, their support dwindled as they felt more pressing matters needed to be tended to. You might think that technically, that isn't a bad move, since the Hidden Leaf Village is by no means in charge of the Land of Fire. The Daimyo and Feudal Lords can only request our assistance should they need to make a move. However, these attacks aren't some petty actions to cause chaos. These attacks are intended to gradually infiltrate the Daimyo and Hidden Leaf Village with the sole purpose of taking control of Reina and her power." Madara paused as he heard everyone gasp in surprise.

"We cannot allow that to happen." One council member spoke up.

"That would mean the end of everything we fought for." Another member agreed.

Madara nodded. "One issue is, in fact, that the Uchiha are part of Reina's protective measures. If she is taken, the Senju can blame us and cause a political uproar."

"Do you really think, after all this time of peace and tranquility and togetherness, that the Hokage would allow that?" A woman spoke up.

"Allow me to extrapolate," Madara stated. "The Miyashita clan won't just come for Reina; they will wreak havoc and kill most of our villagers, putting Lord Hokage into submission if not the Daimyo alone. This will, in turn, hurt the Uchiha clan as Reina and I were designated, by Hashirama, to spearhead this mission. Are you starting to see where this can get ugly for us?"

The members lowered their heads. One gentleman spoke, "But, if there are such grand casualties that affect our nation and many others, isn't it selfish to only worry about the face of the Uchiha clan?"

Madara composed himself before speaking. "Isn't it selfish to abandon one's own family member and put the lives of villagers in two people's hands just because said person doesn't deem such a matter to be of greater importance?"

The council was torn. On one hand, Madara was right. Hashirama was, if not unintentionally, setting up the Uchiha clan's demise. But on the contrary, there is a chance everything is being blown out of proportion due to underlying mistrust. If that were the case, there would be unnecessary strife during such a "peaceful" era.

Madara continued. "Regardless of your opinion, keep in mind that Hashirama has called the shots. Any casualties are on his shoulders. Not ours. Never let anyone belittle our clan for the Hokage's negligence. Keep this in mind and check where your loyalties lie." He hissed. "Are you all really that afraid of minute conflict for the greater good? After all, we fought for?" Madara stood up from his chair. "Never forget where we came from, but do not let it dictate your future…" He began walking away. "This meeting is adjourned."

Another week had passed, meaning it was time for an appointment with Doctor Yakushi. Reina shuffled down the hallway and tapped on Madara's office door. "Honey. I'm ready to go."

Madara sat on the other side, his head in his hands. He picked his head up at the sound of Reina's voice and slowly stood up. "I'll be right there." He called.

"Okay!" Reina called from the other side. She smiled and waddled to the genkan to put her boots on.

Madara stepped out of his office and met her in the entryway, where he put on his greaves. "It's been two weeks already?"

Reina nodded. "Yeah, my thoughts exactly."

The two left the house and met with Doctor Yakushi. Afterward, they went grocery shopping and returned home to prepare lunch. As the two were in the kitchen, Reina noticed Madara was somewhat fatigued lately.

"Are you alright, Madara?" She inquired softly.

Madara nodded. "I'm just fatigued."

"Have you had difficulty sleeping?" Reina wondered while pulling out the cutting board.

"A little bit." He stated and sat down at the kitchen island, watching Reina cut vegetables.

Reina was preparing cucumbers for pickling when she stopped and set her knife down. "Madara… You can talk to me. What's on your mind?"

Madara shrugged. "I'm not sure. It might just be in my head."

"Are you nervous about the baby?" Reina rubbed her tum.

Madara shook his head. "No. Well, yes, but that's not it."

Reina gave a weak laugh. "I'm so fucking nervous. You have no idea. But anyway, go on."

Madara sighed. "I had a meeting with my council, as you know."

Reina nodded. "Mhm…"

"I told them about our thoughts in regards to the Hokage being dismissive about the Miyashita clan attacks and how that affects your safety, the village's safety, and essentially the safety of the world." Madara shook his head. "And they seemed to be against me."

Reina furrowed her brows. "How so?"

Madara looked up at her. "They were afraid that my concerns would spark warfare, I believe. I wouldn't say they were against what I had to say, but they were by no means understanding or agreeable. This is a huge deal. I asked them to look inward and check where their loyalties lie. I just- I'm speechless and stressed about their behavior. What if the entire clan is fine with the Senju being careless for the sake of this false "peace." What if they are fine being slandered and having the Uchiha name tarnished due to another man's incompetence? What if they are fine with lives being lost, as long as no war is started? How will this affect us in generations to come?"

Reina nodded. "I understand your concern. There has to be something we can do to ensure the Uchiha clan doesn't take the brunt for Hashirama's negligence. If things even get to that point with the Miyashita Clan." She sighed. "So, you're concerned about your clan turning your back on you?"

Madara nodded. "Essentially, yes."

Reina smiled. "I know this won't bring you any comfort, but even some of the best leaders have been abandoned by their people. People are strange. Only in time, when their children and their children's children are affected, will they realize the mistakes that they have made." She picked up her knife. "But, I will have you know that no matter what happens, I will always be by your side. I will follow you. If you leave, I leave. You got that?"

"I wouldn't want that. I want you to be happy here." Madara looked at her, distressed.

Reina shook her head. "I'm not happy here. I never was. I am only happy where you are, and the baby will be too."

Madara sat there with a stone face as his eyes grew glassy, and tears brimmed his eyes. He stayed there in silence as tears streamed down his cheeks. Reina walked over to him and held his head against her body. Madara softly exhaled as he rested his head against Reina and inhaled her scent. He felt her warmth and remained still with her and his unborn child. He took in this very moment, feeling Reina's love radiating into him. She was his home as he was hers, and he will never forget her words.

"I love you, Reina," Madara spoke softly.

Reina kissed his head. "I love you too."

"I love you so much." Madara leaned even more into her embrace. 'I am nothing without you.'

Madara was in the secret, underground room of the Naka Shrine with Jun. It was late, and the two men were meeting covertly. Madara looked at the man and handed him a scroll. Jun bowed and accepted the scroll.

"Jun Uchiha, if I defect, am exiled, die, or am killed, I would like for you to be the new leader of the Uchiha clan in my place," Madara stated firmly.

Jun looked up at Madara. "Lord Madara, why would you-"

"Do you accept?" Madara asked seriously.

Jun nodded. "Yes, my lord." He bowed on one knee. "I accept your request with honor and without question."

Madara looked at the Uchiha stone tablet. "Thank you…" He paused and looked down at his friend. "The council did not receive it well."

Jun was gradually filled in on everything that has been transpiring as time passed. He was Madara's right-hand man; therefore, he knew the relevant details of everything that both he, Hashirama, and Reina did. It was part of Madara's agreement with Hashirama that he disclose said information with Jun to keep the balance of power. However, Jun did not expect the rest of the clansmen to be so against Madara. This meant that if anything were to happen to Madara's status, where Jun had to assume power, he would have a whole mess to clean up.

Jun looked up at Madara before slowly standing up. "I am sorry… So, you are concerned that everyone will eventually turn against you?"

Madara nodded. "I can feel it." He turned to Jun. "I'm not sure how it will happen or when, but it will."

Jun nodded. "I am certain Reina will have something up her sleeve to quell even the slightest bit of doubt against the Uchiha clan that it won't even happen."

"She shouldn't have to worry about such a thing," Madara said plainly. "It's unfortunate. I am deeply sorry to bring such a heavy topic forward when your wedding is only a few weeks away."

Jun shook his head. "This is not a burden. This is an honor, Lord Madara."

The following week, Reina and Madara were invited to the Hokage's tower for a celebratory dinner in the garden. As Reina was due any minute, they decided to celebrate the end of pregnancy with an intimate party. Mito, Hashirama, and Tobirama all adored Reina's pregnancy belly and talked about her birth safety procedures. Of course, they talked about more trivial matters, and eventually, everyone got to drinking. Reina was left out but got to of course laugh at everyone's drunken stupidity. She watched Madara have a good time, something that was much needed for him. She couldn't help but feel bittersweet. She knew he loved Hashirama dearly, but had an inkling that this would be the last time they would be able to drink like brothers. It was as if the world was falling down, and crumbling around them, only to leave them drifting aimlessly in the void that is space.

The following week, Reina met with Doctor Yakushi for another checkup. The baby was in perfect position, and everyone counted down the days until Reina gave birth. After thirty-seven weeks, a baby is no longer considered premature if delivered. Therefore, her baby could come at any moment. Thankfully, the nursery and "birthing prison," as Reina liked to call it, was set up for it.

One day, Reina decided to harvest flowers from their outside garden to welcome the baby. It was a chilly spring day, but Reina was bundled up for the task. She brought the flowers in and set them up in vases. She was in prime nesting mode and was constantly cleaning and organizing. Eventually, Reina felt unusually drained and exhausted. She went upstairs and decided to take a nap. After a few hours, Reina woke up around dinner-time. She yawned and stretched, slowly getting up. For some reason, she still felt incredibly groggy, but she wanted to ensure she made dinner in time.

Reina peeled herself out of bed and sauntered downstairs. She heard Madara come through the door and perked up. "Madara?"

"That's me," Madara called from the entryway. He walked down the hall, bags in hand, and greeted her with a kiss. "I brought home dinner. No need to cook."

"I was just about it. Thanks for saving me the trouble." Reina smiled. "What did you get?"

"Salad, gyoza, inarizushi, pickled veggies, sashimi. The works." Madara smiled. "You hungry?"

Reina blinked for a few seconds until she realized, she for some reason, wasn't. "Surprisingly, no. I'm just fatigued."

"Did you want to go to bed early?" Madara inquired while taking the contents out of the bags.

"I just woke up from a nap." Reina shrugged.

"Oh, yeah, that's not the best idea." Madara grabbed two plates in case she changed her mind about dinner. He set them down on the island. "Mind helping me set the table?"

Reina shook her head. "Not at all." As she walked by him, Madara gave her a drive-by kiss. Reina giggled and went to organize the food onto a plate when she felt an intense cramp shoot like lightning through her back and abdomen.

Reina lurched over the sink and vomited due to the pain. Madara heard the commotion and immediately rushed over towards her, holding her long hair back. "Reina, are you alright?" He asked.

Reina nodded and turned the faucet on. "I-I'm sorry, I just got a horrible cramp."

"They're more frequent, huh?" Madara asked softly.

Reina nodded and washed her mouth and the vomit down the drain. "I'll sanitize the sink."

"No, no, no. I'll take care of it. Let me walk you to the bedroom where you can relax." Madara escorted Reina upstairs and tucked her into bed. "Can I bring you something?"

Reina shook her head. "No, I'll be good. I just need to relax."

"Okay… Let me know. I'm going to be eating, and then I'll be in my office for a short while, okay?" Madara said, concerned for her well-being.

Reina nodded. "Okay." And with that, Reina drifted off to sleep.

"You are likely going into labor soon," Kaguya spoke. "Isn't that exciting?"

"No." Reina shook her head. "Not at all. I am not ready for this. Why did I think this was a good idea?"

Kaguya laughed. "Now imagine that feeling when you tear."

"What?!"

Lightning struck, and Reina bolted upright from her slumber. She gasped and looked at the clock. She was only out for forty-five minutes, but it felt like hours. She cursed Kaguya for making her paranoid about labor and birthing pains. Reina got out of bed and walked downstairs. She entered the kitchen to get a glass of water when she felt a shift in her lower abdomen and a liquid start trailing down her thighs.

Reina gasped as she felt a cramp and bent over in pain. "Aaah!" She hissed, grabbing hold of the counter as support.

Madara heard something in the kitchen and opened his office door. He hastily walked towards the sound and saw Reina panting and holding her stomach in pain. "Reina! Are you okay? Is it time?"

Reina nodded. "Y-yeah… I think it's time."

Madara made a shadow clown. "Go tell Doctor Yakushi and the others."

"Right." His clone said and disappeared in an instant.

Madara scooped Reina up and carried her to the wall panel leading to the room beneath the house to give birth. "Okay, down we go."

Reina nodded and held onto him. "Ah!" She yelled as another cramp shot through her body.

"You're doing fine. You're doing great." He reassured her as he brought her downstairs. He rested her on the medical bed and began taking her pants and underwear off. "Everything will be alright. Doctor Yakushi and your family will be here any moment."

Reina nodded and gave a faint whimper as another contraction hit her. "A-aah!" She clutched the bedsheets as she breathed through the pain. "This was a horrible idea."

"Giving birth here?" Madara inquired as he cleaned her legs up.

"No, having a baby," Reina said. "This was a terrible idea."

Madara chuckled. "Just you wait." He gently took her shirt off and reached for the medical gown to dress her in. "Hey, do you think it's going to be a girl or boy?"

Reina shrugged and shook her head. "I don't know."

"We have to place a bet," Madara said, trying to keep her mind off of the pain.

Reina laughed and sat up to help put the gown on. "Boy."

"A boy?" Madara smiled. "I'm betting girl then." He grinned. "Have any names in mind?"

Reina nodded. "Maybe one."

"What's that?" Madara finished dressing her and held her hand.

Reina smiled. "You'll find out if I win."

Madara nodded. "Okay." He kissed her hand. "Do you need water or anything?"

Reina shook her head. "No, I need this to get started so that it can be over with." She heard noises upstairs since the panel was open. "Is that them- Aaah!" She squeezed her eyes shut and gripped Madara's hand as another contraction hit.

Madara saw as his shadow clown lead everyone downstairs to the prison. Doctor Yakushi came with medical supplies, and the others helped her carry things. "That was fast."

Doctor Yakushi smiled. "You gotta work fast on D-Day."

Hashirama walked towards Reina's bedside. "How are you doing?"

"I'm in pain," Reina stated.

"How often would you say you feel contractions, Reina?" Doctor Yakushi asked as she and Mito helped set up.

"Every five minutes or so," Reina stated.

"Wow. We are going in full force." Doctor Yakushi stated with slight excitement. "How long has this been going on for?"

"Um…" Reina shrugged. "The past twenty minutes or so."

"Okay, so we still got time. Hopefully." Doctor Yakushi smiled.

Hashirama turned towards Mito. "I'm going to place a barrier outside."

Mito nodded. "Right. I'll stay here in case Reina's chakra goes out of control." She watched as Hashirama raced upstairs.

"I'll guard the outside of the room," Tobirama stated.

Madara nodded. "I can take care of any infiltrations from in here."

Tobirama went upstairs and shut the panel door. Doctor Yakushi walked around the medical bed and put on a pair of gloves. "Okay, Reina, I'm just going to see how dilated you are."

Reina nodded. "O-okay."

Doctor Yakushi inserted her fingers and then nodded and pulled out. "You're about 5 centimeters dilated. So, halfway there. I give it about an hour, and you'll be in active phase."

Time passed, and as Doctor Yakushi said, Reina's contractions become stronger and more frequent. Reina cried out in pain. "Aah! Aaah!" She yelled as tears streamed down her face. Madara let his hand be crushed as Reina pulled through the pain.

He kissed her hand. "Breathe, Reina. You got this. You'll be just fine." Madara encouraged.

Fifteen minutes later, Doctor Yakushi checked her dilation. "You're at nine centimeters."

Reina cried as her contractions his every minute and lasted for one as well. She was in constant pain and simply wanted to get this over with. Thunder cracked as clouds rolled over the village. Lightning struck as the skies cried with her. Reina was in agony.

Doctor Yakushi checked again and turned to Madara with a slight nod. "It's go time."

Madara nodded and swallowed a large lump in his throat. "Okay, Reina. This is the hardest part."

Mito prepared herself for Reina's chakra to go out of control. "Reina, give it your best."

Reina nodded. "Okay." She looked at Doctor Yakushi. "I'm ready."

Doctor Yakushi positioned herself in front of Reina's opening. "Okay, Madara, I need you to pull one leg back. Mito, you pull the other back for her."

Madara nodded and pulled her right leg back. "You can do this, Reina."

Mito pulled her other leg back. "You got this, honey."

Reina nodded and listened as Doctor Yakushi explained. "Okay, Reina. I need you to give me a nice, big push. But I need you to pull your abdomen in, pull your legs back, and hold for ten seconds. Can you do that?"

Reina nodded as tears streamed down he cheeks. "Yeah…"

"Okay, on the count of three. One… two… three.." Doctor Yakushi counted.

Reina pushed and crunched her body, feeling her baby move. "Aah!"

"Okay, relax a bit." Doctor Yakushi said. "Take a few breaths. Your baby is already crowning. Just a few more big pushes. Okay?"

Madara kissed her leg. "You're doing great, Reina."

Mito nodded. "Yes, good job."

Doctor Yakushi counted again. "Okay, one… two… three…" Reina pushed harder, yelling in agony at the burning sensation she felt. After a few more pushes, Doctor Yakushi looked her in the eyes. "Reina, we need one more big push and you get to see your baby."

Madara was beyond excited about those words and held his wife's hand. "Boy or girl, Reina? Last chance."

Reina laughed through her pain. "Boy!"

Mito chuckled. "We'll see."

Doctor Yakushi counted once more. "One… Two… Three…"

"Aaah!" Reina pushed hard and felt as Doctor Yakushi helped pull and guide her baby into the world. Reina felt Madara and Mito gently plant her legs onto the bed.

Doctor Yakushi held the baby, wiping mucus from its mouth. "It's a boy!" She cheered and placed the baby on Reina's chest as it began to cry. "There, meet your mama."

Reina looked down at the bloody, mucus-covered baby and began to cry. "Oh my gosh… you're really here." She weakly wrapped her arms around her baby as it continued crying.

Madara wiped the tears from his eyes. "Wow, he's really here."

"Congratulations." Doctor Yakushi said.

Mito nodded. "You're a father." She turned to Reina. "What's his name?"

Reina turned to Madara. "Kagami… Kagami Uchiha."

"Let's get both you and baby Kagami cleaned up. Then you can spend the rest of your lives together." Doctor Yakushi smiled and gently took the baby.

Reina nodded and waved at her baby. She turned to Madara. "Never again."

Madara laughed. "Your call."

Reina smiled and turned to Mito. "Can you tell my brothers?"

"Of course." Mito nodded and left the birthing prison.

Doctor Yakushi placed the baby in a bassinette while she cleaned Reina up. "Luckily, you didn't tear."

Reina sighed in relief. "Miracles really do exist."

Once Reina was cleaned up, Mito brought Hashirama and Tobirama into the room. There, they laid eyes on Reina, cradling her newborn baby. Hashirama began tearing up. "Oh my, isn't he the cutest!" He walked over towards Reina. "What's his name?"

"Kagami." Reina smiled. "Kagami Uchiha."

"He's perfect." Hashirama pulled Tobirama closer. "Look at him."

Reina handed Kagami off to Madara. "Here. Pass him around."

Madara welcomed Kagami into his arms. He felt overjoyed, holding his son for the very first time. He could help but start to tear up. "Hey, little guy. Nice to meet you." He kissed his head. "My sweet son." He grinned from ear to ear. "You truly are perfect." He looked up at Reina. "He has your eyes and my nose."

Reina nodded. "He's got my wavy hair, but your color."

Madara nodded. "You're so handsome." He admired his baby and sensed his chakra. "He's got a beautiful chakra. He'll be strong, for sure." Madara walked over towards Mito and handed Kagami off. "You helped, so you get him next."

Mito smiled and gently took the baby. After her, it was Tobirama. Then lastly, Hashirama. Hashirama, however, did not want to let go. "He's the cutest thing." He wept.

Reina laughed. "You're too much, Hashi."

Hashirama cried. "I don't want to let go of him."

Reina giggled. "How about you carry him upstairs for me then."

Madara smiled. "And I will carry you upstairs, mom." He said to Reina.

Doctor Yakushi sighed. "Well, my work here is done."

Mito giggled. "I'll help you pack up."

With that, everyone packed up, put Reina and Kagami down in the nursery, and bid their farewell. Once everyone left, Madara stayed in the nursery with Reina and Kagami. He smiled. "I know you need to stay here in this medical bed and be with the baby, but I'll miss you tonight."

Reina smiled. "Sleep well."

Madara nodded. "You as well. You deserve it." He kissed her and then turned off the light as he left the new mother and child to be.