"Tsunade-san? You wanted a word with me?"
"Yes. Yondaime-sama, you must be very excited to be having a child."
"Of course."
The medic's eyes are sharp, dissecting his expression. It would not be becoming of the brave Hokage to look away from a woman's gaze, but at that moment he really wants to. "You are aware that Rin is not at an advisable age to be carrying a child, aren't you?"
"Tsunade-san, could you please be more direct?"
"Very well. Rin is two months short of her sixteenth birthday. She will not live to see that day. Her body is too young, too small to deliver a child. I can save your son, Yondaime-sama, but not your student."
His mouth is dry. It takes several moments to be able to ask, "Does she know?"
"No. I'll let you tell her, if that's what you want."
"Yes. Yes, I'll tell her."
"Kayaku?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
"Well…I'll tell her that, too."
You look good. Your face is glowing. You're beautiful, Rin-chan.
I want my son to become something.
.o.o.
.o.
.o.o.
:just a little pinprick, there'll be no more ahhhhh, but you may feel a little sick: