"My sweet Reina…" Nao whispered; his face relaxed as he admired Reina in a peaceful slumber. "Oh, how I've missed you." He outstretched his hand and softly placed hers in his. "I'll come for you soon. I promise I will keep you safe no matter what." Nao felt Madara's presence nearby and gritted his teeth. "Bastard…"

Madara was walking through the lobby of the resort when he felt a strange shift in the atmosphere. It wasn't like a presence appeared and vanished, but more like a presence remained with a change in energy. He hurried through the lobby and once he made it to the staircase, he flew up the various flights to his master suite. Madara unlocked the doors and pushed through them as he raced towards the bedroom. He opened the double doors of the bedroom with a forceful thrust of his palms, only to see Reina sleeping peacefully with a teddy bear at her side.

Reina stirred at the loud noise and opened her eyes. "Madara?" She squinted with a slightly bewildered expression. "How was your walk?"

"Was anyone here?" Madara inquired.

Reina shrugged. "I was sleeping this entire time and all the doors were locked, why?"

Madara sighed. "It's nothing… my mind must be playing tricks on me." He smiled softly. "My walk was lovely. How was your nap?"

Reina gave him a confused expression before relaxing her face, deciding to brush it off. She sat up and stretched. "It was decent." She flung the covers off of her body and situated herself on the side of the bed. Her feet connected to the cold wood floor causing her to shiver. "Damn, these floors are cold!" She mumbled before standing up and scurrying over to her dresser to put clothing and shoes on.

Madara leaned against the wall and crossed his arms as he watched her dress. "Is there anything you wanted to do today?"

Reina turned to him with a sheepish grin as she tied her hair up in a wavy, messy ponytail. "Eating and shopping."

Madara chuckled, lowering his head. "I should have known." He pushed himself off the wall. "Whenever you're ready I'm ready."

Reina walked over to him and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. "Let's go explore the town."

Madara held open the bedroom door for her. "After you."

"HELP ME! PLEASE DON'T HURT MEEE!" Cried a woman shackled within a cage. She was in tattered clothing and was covered in dirt. Her orange hair was matted and greasy. The shackles on her neck, wrists, and ankles had spikes facing inward, forcing her to remain still as not to puncture her skin. "LET ME OUT OF HERE!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.

"Will somebody shut her up?!" Demanded a young man clad in black clothing. He was tall and slender with light skin and dark, slick-backed hair. His eyes were a piercing hazel that nearly glowed they were so striking.

"Yes, Lord Arata!"

"Yes, Lord Arata!" Two clansmen said as they ran over to the cage to reprimand the woman.

"Sheesh! The nerve of livestock these days." Arata crossed his arms and turned to face his brother, reclining on a boulder. "So, how is she?"

Nao looked at his older brother with indifference. "Healthy… She seems to be assimilating well with that Uchiha monster." He gritted his teeth. "I cannot have her remain with him much longer."

"Do you still think she loves you?" Arata placed one foot on the boulder, stretching his hamstrings out in a lunge.

"I think she does, but it's buried underneath all of life's troubles that have been thrown her way." Nao tilted his head side-to-side, cracking his neck. "She knew Madara was simply playing politician to obtain her as a weapon. There's no way he has changed so drastically in such a short amount of time. That and I know Reina better than anyone. I doubt she fully trusts him."

"Do you think she convinced herself loving him would be easiest and is too deep into the act?" Arata inquired.

"That I'm not certain of, but regardless, the fact that she is married to him makes things more difficult for us. Two of the strongest clans in the shinobi world united. Anyone who disturbs that will be branded badly." Nao sat up and crossed his legs. "Not like we aren't already doing underhanded shit."

"We simply have to act fast once we have her. It's all in the plans." Arata sighed. "I wonder if they saw through me. I look like you, I acted like you, Reina definitely enjoyed my company... Well, 'Arata Mita's' company."

"They could have, but at the same time, I firmly believe her party was only for political gain. They were going to have her marry Madara the entire time, but wanted to appear as equal opportunists to other powerful clans." Nao licked his front teeth. "Madara, that toxic bastard… He manipulated the Senju like marionettes."

"If only our clansmen didn't fuck up back then." Arata chuckled. "Things could've been so much easier."

"Yes, you're right. I could've gone with Reina to the Hidden Leaf Village, married her, had a family, and had some pull with the Senju to create peace within our clans while maintaining power." Nao stood up on the boulder. "But that damn Uchiha clan always has to get in the way. Now we sit here, having to kill for power."

"I have a question for you," Arata smirked. "What will you do if she has a baby?"

Nao observed his clansmen taking care of various ceremonial preparations. "If it brings Reina happiness I must allow it."

"Even if it is of Uchiha blood?" Arata chuckled. "Wow, you really are head over heels for this woman." He sighed. "I guess that would benefit us. Imagine how much power we can utilize from both her and her baby."

Nao snapped in his brother's direction. "Reina isn't a tool to be used! She must do everything on her own free will! That is what we agreed upon." He hissed while looking at his brother directly in the eyes.

Arata simply shrugged him off. "I know, I know. Stop getting so defensive." He smiled and met his younger brother's gaze. "Do you not think I learn from the past?"

Nao tilted his head upward while looking down at his brother. "I suppose you would be smart enough to learn from other's mistakes."

"Glad you still have a shred of faith in me." Arata furrowed his brows. "Though I would love to punish her for all she has done."

"Reina only did what she did because our people were careless." Nao watched as the screaming woman was led out of the cage. "Besides, killing the man she supposedly 'loves' will be punishment enough." Nao grinned at the thought of Madara dying by his hands. His blood rushed and his eyes widened with an animalistic, ravenous glee.

Arata noticed that the surrounding clansmen were becoming uneasy by Nao's presence. "Easy there, brother. Your bloodlust is disturbing the peace." He playfully backhanded his leg. "Come now, it's time to sacrifice the Fuma girl."

Nao held his face with his right hand, calming himself down. "Yes… Let us begin…"

The double doors to the bedroom slowly pushed open as Reina entered with a tray of freshly brewed tea. She shuffled over towards Madara's side of the bed and set the tray down on his end table. She gently sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed his arm.

"Wake up, honey. It's time to get up." Reina softly encouraged.

Madara yawned and rubbed his eyes as he gradually began to wake up. His eyes rested on her face and for a moment all he could do was admire her beauty. "Good morning…" He slowly sat up with a sigh. "Wow, I haven't slept that well in a long time."

Reina smiled. "I'm glad you're well-rested. Would you like some tea?" She steadily poured him a cup of tea and carefully handed it to him.

"Oh, thank you." Madara smiled as he graciously accepted the morning caffeine jolt. "I love it when you brew tea. It always tastes better when you do it for some reason." He took a small sip. "Nice and hot."

Reina smiled. "Somehow I woke up first so I thought I'd wake you up this way."

"I appreciate it." Madara yawned and sipped his tea more before resting the cup on his lap. "I have a surprise for you today."

"Oh, really?" Reina grinned. "What is it? Wait- don't tell me." She shook her hand to negate her curiosity.

Madara chuckled and shook his head. "I am not going to tell you, but I think you're going to like it."

A few hours had passed and Reina and Madara went to the spa located in their resort building. Reina looked at Madara with a nervous smile as they entered the spa lobby. "What are we doing?"

"We're having a day of luxury." Madara gave her a light kiss on the forehead before walking up to the concierge's desk.

"Hello! Checking in for your services?" The woman greeted cheerily.

"Yes, we have services under Madara Uchiha and Reina Uchiha," Madara stated.

"Perfect, I do have both of you scheduled for a body scrub, a deep tissue hot stone massage, and facials." She smiled. "If the two of you would wait in your respective waiting areas the therapists will bring you down to your services. If you need help storing your belongings, attendants will be there to help in each waiting room."

"Thank you." Madara nodded.

"So, I guess I'll see you after our services?" Reina raised a brow, thankful that he didn't book them a couple's massage simply because she typically preferred to be alone during services.

"Yes, I'll meet you out here." Madara smiled. "Relax and enjoy yourself."

"Thank you." Reina smiled and the two went their separate ways into the men's and women's waiting rooms.

That evening, Reina and Madara went out for dinner where they ate local cuisine. They returned to the resort and decided to soak in their hot springs for the remainder of the night. Reina stared up at the stars as they relaxed in the hot water. Madara was enamored by her as she gazed into the stars. There was something almost other-worldly about Reina. She was vastly different from the rest of her family but managed to be adored by all. He couldn't identify her peculiarities, but what he did know is that he loved them.

Reina was tough, but nurturing. Level-headed, but compassionate. Disliked the spotlight, but was an excellent leader. Isolated, but involved. Practical, but a day-dreamer. Well-accepted, but heavily misunderstood. Madara juggled these thoughts in his head as he watched his wife in peace.

Eventually, Reina yawned and got out of the hot springs. "I'm kinda tired."

"Going to bed?" Madara watched her leave.

"Yeah…" Reina nodded as she yawned. "I'm really fatigued for some reason. You gonna join me?"

"Eventually. I would like to soak in the springs some more." Madara reclined against a rock as he sat in bliss.

"Alright." Reina walked over to him and bent down to give him a peck on the cheek. "Enjoy."

"Thank you, my love." Madara smiled softly as he closed his eyes and relaxed in springs.

For the next two days, Reina and Madara experienced all the joys and luxuries the Village Hidden in the Waterfalls had to offer. They did outdoor activities, ate, shopped, hit the spa, had sex, and slept whenever they wanted. After the fourth night, they checked out of their resort and began their trek southeast.

Reina sighed to herself. "Aaah, I wish we could have stayed a bit longer." She stretched with her arms in the air while walking through the lush forest with Madara. "That was a great honeymoon." She smiled sweetly.

Madara smiled back at her. "I am glad you enjoyed yourself. I think this trip was just what we needed."

"Yeah, but it's time to get back on the grind." Reina took in a deep breath. "I actually miss work."

Madara chuckled. "You always did have quite the drive. I envy you."

"You're just as dedicated." Reina tilted her head as she gave him a side-eye.

"Yes, but you have endless energy reserves. I actually require some downtime as I age." Madara kicked a pebble.

Reina rolled her eyes. "Yes, how dreadful it is to near your late twenties." She said sarcastically.

Madara cackled. "You're an ass." The two continued walking and once they entered the Land of Fire, Madara directed them down a veering trail. "This way." He pointed east.

"Aren't we supposed to go this way?" Reina pointed straight south.

"Yes, if you want to go home." Madara simply stated.

"Wait, we're not going home?!" Reina looked at him in surprise. "Where are we going?"

"You will see." Madara smiled. "I think you'll appreciate it." The sun beat down on the couple as they traversed through rocky terrain. Eventually, they made it towards a vast river. "Here we are."

"This is beautiful! I didn't even know our land had a river this grand." Reina said as she gazed at the flowing water.

"I have one more thing." Madara weaved hand signs and placed his hand on the ground. "Summoning Jutsu!"

A giant cloud of smoke erupted, but it cleared out as a loud roar erupted from within the cloud. "Kurama?!" Reina gasped.

The nine-tailed fox spirit grumbled before locking eyes with Reina. "Reina… You're alive."

"Yes!" Reina croaked with a bittersweet smile. "It has been a while… How have you been?"

"I have been better." He turned his attention and glared at Madara. "You… release me from your binds."

"I cannot allow that," Madara stated. "I did not want to take control of you for the sake of power, Nine Tails." He took a step forward and looked the beast in the eyes. "I have placed you under my control for the sake of the village. Imagine if other rogue shinobi took control of you and used you to gain power and start another war."

"That would be troublesome." Kurama agreed. "Though I do not like being shackled to the likes of a mere human, I do not desire war."

"Thank you for understanding." Madara simply stated.

"However… If you were to ever use me for your own personal gain, I will do everything in my power to exact revenge against you." Kurama bared his teeth. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Nine Tails." Madara crossed is arms. "However, you never have to worry about that. I know that crossing you is like crossing Reina. She loves and cares for you and I would never harm or manipulate her loved ones. You have my word that no one from the Uchiha clan nor will I ever do such a thing. I am a changed man and my clan only seeks the light."

Kurama chuffed and blew hot air out of his nostrils. "I beg to differ. You may adorn these tethers by your seemingly noble agenda, but you have yet to prove yourself to me."

"I understand." Madara nodded.

"Kurama…" Reina stepped forward. "Really, a lot has happened since we last saw each other. Madara has changed."

Madara furrowed his brows at her before looking up at the fox spirit. "Kurama? So, you have a name?"

"Yes, we all do," Kurama said before turning towards Reina. "I believe that you will do everything in your power to help Madara Uchiha prove himself, however, as much as I trust you, I cannot believe you."

"I respect that." Reina walked up to him and pet his snout. "I missed you."

Kurama grumbled. "Enough with the sentimental stuff. It's making me sick."

For part of the afternoon, Reina and Madara filled Kurama in on what had transpired since their fight near the Miyashita clan's abandoned campsite. The talked and relaxed and Kurama soaked up the information that was fed to them.

"If a war breaks out between you and these rogue shinobi, please keep me out of it," Kurama stated.

"We would never use you," Reina said reassuringly. "This is the Land of Fire versus them. Don't you worry."

"Just be safe, especially if you have a baby by then." Kurama lowered his head.

"I appreciate the concern." Reina pet his cheek. "You will be able to meet it too. I promise!"

Kurama yawned and lay down, resting his head on his arms. "No need. Kids are nasty anyway."

Reina chuckled. "I agree, but it will be a part of me."

Kurama closed his eyes. "Perhaps I will meet it for the sake of giving you one more diaper to change."

Reina snickered. "Sounds like a plan." She kissed the fox spirit on the snout before backing away. "Well, it's time we head out, don't you think?" She turned towards Madara.

Madara nodded. "Rest up, Kurama. We will see you sometime soon."

"You do not have the honor of calling me by my name." Kurama yawned. "Good-bye."

Madara made a hand sign and dispelled the jutsu. "Tough crowd."

Reina smiled and walked over to him. "He's a whole other animal."

"Literally." Madara retorted and the two continued their trek back to the Hidden Leaf Village.

It was sundown by the time they made it back to the Hidden Leaf Village. As they approached the village gates, they could see a group of figures standing at the entrance.

Reina smiled and perked up. "Hey! It's my brothers, Mito, Jun, and some two other guys!"

Madara chuckled to himself. "Looks like they are here to welcome us home."

"How sweet." Reina smiled softly. As they walked up the group of shinobi they bowed. "Hello, everyone."

Madara bowed. "Good evening."

Hashirama smiled. "You're back safe!" He ran over to the two and hugged them both. "Oh! How I've missed you two." A dramatic waterfall of tears streamed down his cheeks.

"Brother! Get a grip!" Tobirama muttered from behind him.

"I just- I can't help it!" Hashirama squeezed tighter.

"T-Tobirama…" Madara said as air escaped his body.

"Help us…" Reina requested in a breathy voice as Hashirama squeezed her ribcage tighter.

Tobirama was about to step in when Mito reached for the back of Hashirama's collar and yanked him back. "Let them be!"

Hashirama gasped and outstretched his arms as he was ripped away from them. "But Mito!"

"Enough already!" She pouted.

Jun walked up towards Madara and bowed. "Greetings, Lord Madara. Shall we take your bags?"

"We?" Reina inquired.

Behind Jun was a teenager with short spikey black hair with side-swept bangs. He stepped out from behind him and bowed nervously. "Greetings, Lord Madara and Lady Reina."

"Daisuke!" Reina grinned. "So nice to see you. It had been too long."

"Y-you remembered my n-name?" The boy faintly blushed as he looked at the beautiful young woman with twinkly eyes.

"Of course I do. You brought Madara and me a delicious pot of tea the first time I ever visited his workspace." Reina smiled.

"W-why thank you." He rubbed the back of his neck. "May I take your bags?" He offered while outstretching an open palm.

"Of you don't mind." Reina slid her bag off her body and handed it to the teen. "Thank you."

Madara gave his bag to Jun. "Thank you, Jun."

"My pleasure. You must be rather fatigued and famished after such a long journey." Jun slung the bag of his shoulder. "Shall we have food delivered to your house?"

"Yes, please. Reina, is there anything you would like?" Madara turned to her.

Reina placed a hand on her chin while she thought to herself. "Hmm, perhaps sushi and some sweets?"

"That is what we will have then." Madara verified with Jun.

"Perfect. We will have an assortment delivered to your door. Let's take our leave, Daisuke." Jun nodded towards the direction of the inner village with his head.

"Yes, sir!" Daisuke ran after him.

Reina chuckled. "He's sweet. He just needs more confidence."

Madara nodded with a small smile. "He'll get there. I sense he has much latent talent."

Reina turned towards her siblings, Mito, and the other person with them. It was a man with spiky, medium brown hair that pointed backward. He had a stern face and long lashes. She furrowed her brows as he looked rather familiar. "Hello, I am sorry, but have we bet before?"

"We could have in passing, though I cannot recall." The man smiled with a bow. "It's a pleasure to formally meet you, Lady Reina."

Reina bowed in return. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well. Are you a member of the Sarutobi clan?"

"Yes! You could tell?" The man inquired with a kind smile.

Reina nodded. "Yes, you remind me very much of Hyousuke Sarutobi. We met at my birthday party as he was eligible to become my suitor."

"Oh, yes. That is my younger brother." The man chuckled. "I would have been in his place, except I was already married by the time of your party."

"Oh! That's quite comedic." Reina smiled cordially.

Madara stepped towards Reina's side. "Too bad you could not have been there, Lord Sasuke Sarutobi. It was quite the birthday bash."

"Ah, I am certain of it. So many splendid ninjas in one place all mingling in harmony." Sasuke smiled. "It would have indeed been a sight to behold."

Reina cleared her throat. "So, um, do you have a name, or are you just Hyousuke's older brother?"

"Ahahah!" The man rubbed the back of his neck. "Forgive me; I am a bit socially awkward at times. My name is Sasuke Sarutobi. I am the head of the Sarutobi clan."

Reina waved her hands. "There's no need to apologize. It is all in good fun."

Hashirama walked over to the trio. "She's got some heat, doesn't she?"

Sasuke laughed. "Ah, yes, both Reina and my wife would get along. She is kind, but quick with a good quip." He sighed. "I can only imagine how she's going to be when she reaches her second trimester. Lord, help me."

"Oh? You're having a baby?" Reina piped up excitedly.

Sasuke nodded. "Yes, my wife is… oh, let me do the math… five or six weeks in?"

"That's wonderful news." Madara smiled. "We are actually trying to conceive."

"Really?!" Sasuke perked up. "What a coincidence! Imagine if our children climb the shinobi ranks together and become wonderful friends."

"That would be the cutest!" Reina giggled.

"Ah! Then it is settled. The two of you must come over for dinner in the near future. I insist." Sasuke grinned from ear to ear.

Hashirama interjected. "Even better yet. How about all of us have a dinner party together?"

"The more the merrier." Sasuke nodded in approval.

Tobirama leaned in towards Mito as he muttered, "Those two are really cut from the same cloth."

"You mean Hashi and Sasuke?" Mito inquired earning a nod from Tobirama. "You're right."

Hashirama smiled. "Anyway, it is about time we head back into the village. Sasuke, will we be able to discuss the safety bunkers some more tomorrow?"

Sasuke nodded. "Absolutely. Is noon alright?"

"Sounds perfect to me." Hashirama smiled and the two gave a curt bow.

"Bunkers?" Madara inquired. "We are finally starting that project?"

"Yes, and since the Sarutobi clan has expertise in military tactics, they will be in charge of it." Hashirama smiled.

"That's a relief." Madara turned to Sasuke. "Thank you for your cooperation. I know I have been out of town for the past five days, but Hashirama and I have been discussing precautionary safety units for our villagers for quite some time now. Knowing they have an escape route and can be out of harm's way gives us peace of mind. Thank you, again." Madara bowed.

Sasuke bowed back. "Anything for our people and the village you two worked so hard to create."

Reina smiled. "Well, we will see you soon, Sasuke."

"Yes, have a good evening, and good luck on having your baby." Sasuke bowed to Reina.

Eventually, the group of shinobi dispersed and everyone went their respective ways home. The door to Madara and Reina's house opened up as the two stepped inside. They took their shoes off and were about to leave the entryway when there was a knock on the door. Madara backpedaled and opened up the door to see Jun and Daisuke with their belongings and food. Madara thanked them and saw them off before heading back inside with their bags and delicious goods. Madara brought their bags upstairs while Reina set the dining room table and made tea. The couple reconvened as they dined on sushi and sweets together before heading off to bed.