This is a shorter chapter of Rengoku family with baby. Thank you so much for reading my story.

Outside the room

"Senjuro sit down," his father said with some annoyance in his voice.

The younger Rengoku alternated between pacing back and forth and standing close to the door.

"I'm sorry Chichue, but I heard the baby cry. I figured they would let us in by now," Senjuro said sitting next to his father.

Minutes later, the door slid open and the midwife poked her head out.

"You two can come in now, just be sure to be quiet. I'll be back next week to check on mother and baby," she said.

Shinjuro handed her some money, "Thank you for your time and trouble coming out here this late." He bowed to her.

"Babies are my profession. They're my life really. Goodnight to both of you," the elderly lady bowed then left.

The father and son duo entered the room where Hotaru and the newborn were resting. Name looked up when she saw them enter. Senjuro felt his breath catch in his throat. He could see Hotaru holding a small bundle, a tuft of golden hair was visible. Hotaru smiled with tears in her eyes and reached a hand out towards them inviting them to come closer. Senjuro moved quickly to her side so he could see his nephew. Shinjuro sat a bit further away to give space.

"Would you like to hold him?" Name asked the younger Rengoku. Senjuro nodded excitedly.

Hotaru gently laid the bundle in his arms. Senjuro held him a bit awkwardly as if he were holding fragile glass plus he'd never held a baby before.

"Support his head, Senjuro, like this," Shinjuro moved closer to his son and adjusted his son's arms so that the baby was resting comfortably in Senjuro's arms.

"He's so cute and small," Senjuro said with a wide smile on his face.

"You and your brother looked like that when you were born," Shinjuro said with a small smile on his face. "Your brother was excited to hold you after you were born."

Hotaru let a few tears slip when she heard Shinjuro say that to his younger son. She knew how much Kyojuro loved his younger brother and the image of him holding Senjuro touched her heart.

"Here, Chichue," Senjuro passed the baby over to his father.

Shinjuro gently took his grandson from Senjuro's arms and cradled him against his chest. Name thought she could see wetness behind his eyes. He studied his grandson's face.

"Have you thought of a name for him?" he asked.

"Takeo, Takeo Rengoku," Hotaru said with unshed tears. "If he is allowed to have his father's name."

"I've given you my consent to his father's name the first day you came here," Shinjuro said gently, looking at her.

"He's beautiful, Hotaru," Senjuro said, then turning his attention to the baby in his father's arms he said, "Hello little one. I- I wish your father, my brother was here to see you. He- he would be so proud to have you as his son."

Senjuro wiped his eyes then continued, "Someday when you're older, I'll tell you stories about him, how he set his heart ablaze to achieve his goals of becoming a hashira. He's the best big brother I could ever ask for."

He reached out and ran a finger over his nephew's tiny hand. The tiny fingers instinctively curled around his bigger finger.

After a few more minutes, Shinjuro handed the baby back to Hotaru.

"We'll leave you two to rest," Shinjuro said exiting the room, Senjuro following behind.

Hotaru gently laid her baby boy next to her on the bed and laid down next to him. She let herself be consumed by sleep.