Chapter 23: Konoha

Madara's brows remain in a worried furrow as Kazue throws up again. Her small shoulders heave for the third time before she rises and washes her mouth out with water, a bead of sweat on her forehead. Travelling was not sitting well with the pregnant Uzumaki, she was pale and nauseous within the first mile they'd travelled though she insisted on continuing to Konoha. Other than help her back into the carriage, Madara had decided not to make any comments suggesting they stop for a while, he had been met with a very angry glare the last time.

Kazue huffs in some relief as she settles down into the carriage again. Madara had had a concerned expression across his face the whole journey but he'd kept silent, helping her only when she asked for it. Perhaps it had something to do with the look of frustration she shot at him earlier when he said she was pregnant and 'needed to let others help her'. She bites her lip and shuffles closer to him in quiet apology, Madara seems to understand and his frown smooths slightly as he wraps an arm around her. Pregnancy was definitely a strange challenge Kazue had no experience to apply to. Her reactions to situations were the same as before, but her emotions appeared augmented and uncontrollable at times. Madara would cop the worst of it… One moment she wouldn't be able to take her hands off him, then she'd be sitting at the corner of their bed in tears if Madara came home a few minutes later than he promised. She felt bad, but her pride wouldn't let her express that to her husband.

Madara accepts her unspoken apology and pulls her closer, he was prepared to ensure she had every comfort she ever needed. For their unborn child, he could handle some emotional chaos. He signals the others to continue on the route, Izuna rides past them on his horse and looks for a confirmation from Madara who gives a small nod. The clan had prepared diligently for their move to Konoha, Hashirama had promised plentiful housing and support during their integration into the village.

Hours pass by slowly as Konoha's familiar terrain comes into view. Kazue sits slumped against Madara in exhaustion from the nausea and discomfort of the journey. Madara, almost equally exhausted, smooths the ruffled hair on his wife's head, relieved she was asleep at last. Izuna rides ahead to notify Hashirama of their arrival while the rest of the clan begin preparing to unload their luggage. A feeling of anxiety niggles at Izuna as he passes through the gates to Konoha. Several passers-by had given him a sideways glance already. He shakes it off soon after and feels an encouraging sensation of belonging when he sees Hashirama and Mito standing with open arms to greet him.

Seven months later.

"You look beautiful." Kazue giggles as Madara's lips find the ticklish spot behind her ear. He grins in satisfaction as her bright smile appears. In the last few months his wife's belly had grown considerably which had put a lot of strain on her. She found it difficult to sleep at night or bend down. Luckily, Kanako attended to her every need when he couldn't be there. If he was being honest, he couldn't wait for the child to come.

"But seriously love, does this make me look chubby?" Kazue stares intently at a surprised Madara, his eyes flit uncomfortably from the door to her questioning eyes. Not this again.

"Not at all, Kazue, you're pregnant afterall-" He realises shortly after Kazue's eyes darken that he had expressed the wrong response.

"Preg-!" Kazue's voice picks up volume only to be interjected by another,

"Kazue! I hope you'll excuse us, Madara and I have some business to attend to this afternoon." Hashirama's chirpy voice issues from the door and Madara is swiftly picked up and lead from the room before Kazue can protest.

Kazue slumps into her chair with a huff of annoyance. She knew she was being over-sensitive, she was close to nine months pregnant afterall! In the months the Uchiha had settled into Konoha, the economy of the village had improved and integration was going well for the most part. Some groups still had their concerns about each clan, though there had been no increase in crime or any rumours to quell. The rogue-nin had been close to silent in these months, few reports of their whereabouts had surfaced, no one had heard of any malicious activity. The fact that she was so close to delivering worried her, it would be a vulnerable time for her and Madara. The thought of someone taking advantage of that vulnerability made her extremely anxious. Even if there was any unrest, Kazue was almost certain that Hashirama, Mito and Madara would keep her out of the loop and sheltered which frustrated her even more.

"Nee-san, it's going to be okay." Haruo pops his head through the open window, startling Kazue.

"Haruo! I told you not to use the windows! We make doors for a reason." She grumbles but she's unable to maintain her stern tone as he gives her a charming grin and hops into the room to sit beside her.

"Sorry, Nee-san. Don't worry about everything, I'll keep you company." He declares, resting his head onto her lap.

"Thank you." She chuckles, sifting her fingers through his dark hair. The young boy she had met a year and a half ago was slowly growing taller and more mature. Her love for the young boy had only grown, he was almost a son to her. She couldn't wait to introduce their child to Haruo and she couldn't wait to see how much he would achieve in the future.

"Madara, there's been a report of unrest in the southern borders." Hashirama's previously cheerful expression dissolves as soon as Kazue is out of sight.

"I had a feeling." Madara sighs, a familiar feeling of dread rising in his chest

"This is a trying time, one where the enemy knows we're compromised I'm certain."

"Kazue hasn't stopped worrying about this in weeks. I want her to be kept safe and away from this all until after she has given birth and recovered."

"We will endeavour to ensure this, Madara. But we don't yet know what our enemy is capable of."

"Then I'll stay by her side myself and keep watch until after the birth." Madara raises a confident brow.

"I thought you'd say that. Which is why I want to request something of you." Hashirama settles into his desk and gives a small smile

"Now, I'm concerned."

"Would you stay in Konoha and keep it under your instruction and protection for the next few days? I'll lead a team of jonin to the border to investigate and return in the mean while."

"Me?! You must be joking." Madara laughs

"I'm serious, Madara. I know you wouldn't leave Kazue and I know that you're the only one who can stay here and keep her and Mito safe."

"I'm not you, Hashirama. I'm an Uchiha and they won't accept my leadership, even if it is temporary."

"You'd be surprised! This would be the perfect opportunity to showcase your ability as a leader."

"Why not let Tobirama do it?"

"Tobirama isn't ready for such a responsibility. He does not compromise and he possesses more bias than you. You've also changed a lot since your marriage and your character is better suited to this role!"

"What about Mito? She's more than capable and highly suited to being a leader."

"You're absolutely right. For selfish reasons, I don't want there to be a target on her head." Hashirama bows his head, "Please Madara, I'm sure you understand why I'm being like this."

"Of course I do. Love makes us selfish in stupid ways, doesn't it?" Madara concedes, "Alright, I'll do it."

"You will?! Thank you, Madara my friend!" Hashirama leaps from his chair, his previously sullen voice now filled with excitement.

"Only if Mito leads alongside me, I won't put her in any harm's way but she knows this village better than anyone else, I need the people to know we are working together."

"Absolutely!" he grins, "Now you just have to tell Kazue!"

"Wh-what?! You can't leave me alone for that!" Madara looks up to see no trace of his pesky friend around. He curses under his breath.

Madara approaches Kazue carefully so as not to startle her. He admires her burgundy hair glimmering under the soft glow of the sun, her small frame sways gracefully side to side as she walks through the gardens. Her fingertips brush over the tall grass beside her and he can hear her measured breaths.

"Won't you join me, Madara?" She's turned to look at him before he notices she'd stopped walking. He gives a bashful nod in agreeance and jogs to walk with her.

"You know, when I look at you I see such a bright future ahead." He wraps an arm around her as their steps synchronise.

"As long as I've got you with me, I see the same thing."

"I'm trying to get things into place so that we can have a comfortable life here. Although it might mean my absence from time to time."

"Madara, I know you're trying to break it to me slow. But I know you and Hashirama-ni-san have business to attend to soon." Kazue wraps her arm around his slim waist.

"You knew?" He raises his brows

"Mito told me and I'm not upset at you. I understand, it's been difficult for me to sit back and not help you all actively but I know you all only want my safety."

"It'll only be a day or two. I'll return as soon as possible, even if Hashirama stays on a while longer, I'll be there when the baby is ready to come." He stops in front of her and holds her hands in his.

"I know, love. I'll wait patiently for you to walk through those gates." Kazue smiles and kisses his hands.

Madara pulls her gently to his chest, feeling the bump of his child in Kazue's belly in their embrace. How he couldn't wait to hold his baby, to watch the child grow, to teach and love and challenge them… He calms his heart and kisses Kazue's forehead with a smile on his lips, they had a lifetime ahead to share many more moments like this.

After half a day of travelling, Madara and Hashirama stand at the border of what used to be a field of crops. The foliage had been stripped from the earth and pushed aside to the circumference of a huge circle of soil. At its centre, they see a figure lying face down in the mud, it's limbs sprawled in a slightly unusual way. Madara notices the unrest in the jonin with them and signals them to remain posted while he and Hashirama venture closer to the body. There were no chakra signatures around or any traces of suspicious presence around the area. They approach the circle centre cautiously and Hashirama eventually kneels beside the figure. Turning the figure over, his stomach drops. It was a man. Everything about him was perfectly normal excluding his mouth, which had been slit in a gruesome fashion to mimic a large, menacing, grotesque smile. His teeth had been filed to look sharp and jagged. The sun begins to set when Hashirama notices it's shirt is soaked in blood. He unbuttons it to reveal something that turns their blood to ice, a sharp tool of some kind had been used to engrave a word on to the man's bruised stomach:

UZUMAKI

Hashirama looks to Madara as they both realise what has happened.

It had all been a diversion.

Konoha was in danger.

Kazue was in danger.

Madara bows his head to the ground before Hashirama sees the glow of blood red in the darkness where the Uchiha stood.

The faint sounds of fearful screaming, crashing and fire reach Kazue with increasing volume. Kazue gingerly manages to roll out of bed and stumbles to her window to see a stream of white figures pouring through the gates of Konoha. Before long, Tobirama's water jutsu materialises and Izuna and Mito start sealing the masses of creatures into the earth. She straps her kunai to her hip and throws open the windows to join them.

"It's a cold night, Uzumaki. Much too cold for someone as vulnerable as you to be left completely defenceless." A humanoid shadow materialises from the darkness behind her, she didn't need to see it's beady yellow eyes to recognise the creature.

"What business could you have here?" She maintains a firm tone, her mind flitting through what she would do next. The village was in grave danger now with Madara and Hashirama away. How would she call Mito to her?! Hard as she tried, her chakra would not cooperate or materialise in any jutsu she called on. It felt as she was trying to empty the ocean with a perforated spoon. Beads of sweat form on her pale forehead with the effort.

"My business concerns you, Lady Uchiha. You're the reason I'm here, the reason I'm presenting you such elaborate displays around the land of fire. I left gifts for the Senju and the Uchiha too. But it's all for you."

"Speak your intentions clearly, demon." She shoots back

"That's no fun." It sneers, edging closer to her.

The silver glint of a kunai whizzes through the space between them before the creature takes a measured step backwards. Soon after, Kanako has managed to enter the office and stand in front of Kazue, another kunai in her hand.

"Kazue-sama, stay back! I will not allow this criminal to come near you!" Kanako stands between her and the creature, her knuckles are white from her grip on the weapon in her small hand.

"Kanako, you have to get out of the way!" Kazue stumbles forward to push her aside.

"NO!" Kanako's voice resounds throughout the room as Kazue feels the older woman rush forward to charge at the creature.

In the moment Kazue blinks, the sound of metal piercing flesh fills her ears. When she opens her eyes, she sees Kanako looking down, an expression of shock but not pain on her face. A frown of confusion forms on Kazue's face as Kanako steps back.

Kanako steps aside to reveal another small body in front of her clinging to her waist. Bright red blood stains the floor and tears overflow from the old woman's wrinkled eyes.

"Nee-san?"

Haruo's small lifeless body slumps onto the floor with a muted thud.

"Such a dramatic waste of time." The creature snickers.

Kazue falls to her knees in disbelief, her face remains expressionless for several moments before she starts trembling at the horrific sight before her. A gasp escapes her as a wetness between her legs becomes increasingly evident, hard and excruciating cramps in her abdomen follow soon after. Kazue screams and sets herself onto all fours as the cramping stops. Kanako grabs hold of her back.

"I'll kill you." Kazue's voice shakes with unfocused hatred as deep scarlet chakra begins to spill from her.

"You're no threat to me in the weakened state you're in now." He sighs

"You bastard!" Kazue manages to gain her footing to push past Kanako and run at the despicable murderer in front of her.

Strong arms wrap around Kazue in a gentle embrace and hold her back. Kazue recognises the touch around her as Madara. The chakra in the room dissipates immediately.

"Madara?! M-Madara he killed him, Madara… H-he-" Kazue can barely finish as the cramps begin again, Madara supports her weight against him. His eyes fall onto Haruo's small frame on the floor. A sting of hatred swells in his heart, a desire to kill grows louder in his mind.

"Kazue, please forgive me." Madara presses his lips to her forehead but his words are monotone and bereft of emotion, Kazue is unable to see his eyes, he hides them behind his obsidian hair. Hashirama appears with a look of anxious concern on his face, not for the murderer before them but his eyes stay affixed on Madara.

"Madara, take Kazue to Mito and do not leave her side, she needs you now more than your desire for revenge. Leave it to me." Hashirama stands between them and the creature. With the slightest nod, Madara appears to shake out of something and scoops Kazue into his arms, Kazue sees a quick flash of red in his eyes before they revert to their original colour. Beads of sweat form on her forehead from the pain signalling the beginning of labour.

Madara lays Kazue onto the sheets as Mito sets up water and towels. Kazue turns and writhes in agony. Madara's previous anger dissipates into concern and anxiety, seeing his wife in so much pain was unbearable, he wishes he could take it for her. He kneels by her side and holds her small hand in his.

"Kazue, hold on for me, my love." Madara's brows furrow in worry.

Three hours elapse, Kazue's red hair is drenched dark with sweat and her face pale and clammy. Kazue kneels on the bed with her arms wrapped around Madara's neck, he holds her and rocks them side to side cautiously. Burns cover Madara's chest and arms where Kazue's chakra overflows, though he holds her delicately. Mito nods at Madara as if to say the time has come. Madara kisses Kazue's forehead and whispers this to her. Kazue looks up with weary eyes and nods. Kazue continues to push as Mito facilitates the newborn's head. Madara presses his forehead to Kazue's, the two of them maintain eye contact the whole time. It isn't until a small high-pitched cry sounds from behind them that they blink in disbelief.

"A girl." Mito's voice shakes with heavy emotion.

Kazue crumples, weak with physical exhaustion. Madara lifts her onto the bed as Mito presents a small bundle to them. Kazue pulls the small baby to her chest and rests her lips gently onto her forehead, her tired eyes overflowing with endless tears. Madara observes this in speechlessness and pure joy, his own eyes filling with tears. Kazue whispers to him before he realises he isn't dreaming. Madara sets himself up to hold his baby girl. He blinks in disbelief, her tiny body almost fits into one of his hands and her murmurs cease when their eyes meet. It was as if this small human held every star in the entire universe in her tiny brown eyes, the small tuft of burgundy hair flutters occasionally atop her hear under his heavy breaths. Madara had seen a great many incredible things in his lifetime but none compared in the slightest to the miracle in his hands.

"Thank you, Kazue." He makes no attempt to wipe away the tears from his eyes.