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-Spliced

Reina placed a hand on her baby bump and rubbed it as she read a book. She gently caressed her tummy as she reclined in her comfy chair. Just as she finished reading a poem, there was a light tapping outside the library door.

"Come in!" She lightly called. The door opened about an inch, but then quickly shut. Reina raised an eyebrow and turned back to her book when she heard commotion in the kitchen. "What is going on out there?" Reina placed her book upside down on a nearby table and got up. She sauntered over to the door and slowly opened it, peeking her head out of the doorway. She slinked out and made her way to the kitchen, where she saw Madara setting up dinner. "Oh, you're home?"

"Yes, I just got in. I was hoping to surprise you with dinner. You were reading, right?" Madara smiled.

"I was. Did you see me?" Reina inquired.

"No. I simply assumed since you're quite the bookworm." Madara smiled. "I brought home lots of food."

Reina furrowed her brows. "So… did you need help?"

Madara shook his head. "No, why? What's with that look?"

"You didn't knock on the library door to ask for help?" Reina inquired. "I definitely could've helped."

"No, I didn't knock. I wanted to surprise you. I can do this much." Madara smiled and walked past her, carrying a stack of plates and giving her a drive-by peck on the cheek.

Reina stood there, puzzled. "That's not why I asked…" She turned around and followed Madara into the dining room. "Honey, I'm going to just go upstairs and get something warmer to wear. I'm a tad cold."

"Oh! Okay. I'll put the kettle on then." Madara smiled and continued setting up their take-out dinner.

Reina turned around and left, actually leaving to secretly inspect the house for intruders. She didn't want to get Madara involved, as she had a gut feeling whoever or whatever this was tended to shy away when Madara was there. She was convinced someone brought her to her bed that one night months ago. It could be the same person. Perhaps it was no one. Perhaps it was a spirit. Whatever it was, she wanted to get to the bottom of it.

Reina searched every room high and low. Eventually, she made it to their storage room and peaked behind various boxes and miscellaneous items, but to no avail. Reina turned around and went to the bedroom to put on pants and a robe. She made her way downstairs and to the dining room. "I've returned to feast on this delicious bounty."

Madara chuckled as he brought in a pot of tea. "All set." He sat down across from her.

"Thank you for the meal." Reina and Madara said at the same time.

The couple ate and conversed about their days. Reina cleared her throat. "So, I was wondering, what room are we going to put the nursery in? And we haven't decided where I was going to give birth."

"Now that you mention it, we do have to start making decisions about these things." Madara thought to himself as he chewed on a piece of inarizushi. He swallowed his food and turned to her. "What about an at-home birth?"

Reina blinked and looked down at her food in surprise. "I-Isn't that a bit risky?"

"I think it's riskier to leave," Madara stated genuinely. "We do have a room appropriate for it."

"Well, any bathroom will work." Reina shrugged.

"No, that's not what I meant." Madara chuckled.

Reina furrowed her brows. "The... bedroom?"

Madara looked guilty and shook his head. A few hours after dinner and conversation, he brought her to a panel on the opposite side of the house. He applied chakra to the wall, and the wall pushed itself backward and to the side to reveal a dark, wooden staircase.

Madara turned to her. "Down here."

"Since when did we have this?" Reina looked startled.

"Since the construction of the house." He rubbed the back of his neck. "It was meant for you since the beginning, just not necessarily for childbirth."

Reina's face paled a bit. "This was where you would've kept me… If I was- Oh my-" She shook her head. "Alright, take me down."

Madara held out his hand for her. When Reina gently placed his hand on hers, he took her down. As he stepped onto the first stair, torches lit up the entire descent. "It's not terribly far down. Only three flights to muffle most sound and hide chakra signatures when sealed properly."

"How lovely," Reina spoke sarcastically.

Madara chuckled. "Well, now we have a better use for it."

"You can say that again." Reina followed him down until they reached a stone floor.

"Here we are." Madara smiled at the empty room. "We can set up medical stuff. Have someone come in and help deliver the baby."

"But what will my family think of this room and its intentions?" Reina inquired.

"Oh, Hashirama encouraged it. Except, I told him it was a safety bunker." Madara smirked. "It'll be fine. No one will suspect a thing. Not our friends, nor our foes."

Reina took in a deep breath before sighing with her eyes closed. "I sure hope so."

Madara snickered. "Well, we ought to go back up and get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

"Oh! That's right." Reina placed a hand on her head. "The date totally snuck up on me. I completely forgot."

"Good thing I picked up your robes for you." Madara smiled as he guided her back upstairs.

"This baby brain thing is really killing me." Reina giggled with embarrassment. "Thank you, Madara."

"Of course." Madara tapped the exposed panel, and it shut as they began walking away. "Did you want me to draw you a bath before bed?"

Reina shook her head. "No, thank you. You spoil me too much."

"Is that a crime?" Madara inquired.

"I mean... No, but I can't get used to it." Reina pouted. "Then I will get lazier than I already am and expect it all the time." She sighed. "And when was the last time I did something really nice for you?"

Madara raised a brow and opened the bedroom door for her. "Did you want to do something really nice for me?"

Reina giggled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Madara pulled her in and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. "I think you know exactly what that means."

The next day, Reina was dressed in a ceremonial kimono with the Uchiha clan crest on the back. The kimono was black with silver branches, leaves, and fish stitched in. There was also a sun, mountains, flowers, and other details stitched in a shining red. Her hair was up high in three buns, and a crown made up of golden, rectangular plates, as if the sun's rays were shining from her head. She had golden, dangling earrings to match, black sandals, and her make up done on blush-tones. Madara stood beside her in black and silver robes with the Uchiha clan crest on the back. His clothing was much less ornamental, but nonetheless regal. Madara and Reina stepped inside the open temple and sat down on one side as Hashirama and Mito walked hand in hand to the altar.

Reina eyed Mito. She was like a ghost with a head full of fire as her bright hair contrasted with her white wedding kimono. Reina couldn't help but slightly pity the woman who was wading through the uncertain waters of her own sexuality. She wished she could do more for her, but could only bring her secret to the grave and support her when needed. Reina watched as the two placed their saplings on the altar and were prompted to place wedding bands on each other's fingers. Reina lowered her head with lips slightly pursed, feeling cold-hearted at the institution of marriage, but also conflicted by her friend and brother's union. She concluded that it wasn't healthy to think further about it and decided to devote herself to simply support their relationship as if nothing happened.

Reina watched as the couple left the temple and entered their carriage, where they would be taken to the venue for the after-party. Madara gently took Reina's hand, and the two walked out of the temple to their own private carriage.

Once they got in, Madara sighed with relief. "That was shorter than I thought it would be."

"Still, it was rather long." Reina retorted. "Well, now we get to feast."

"And socialize," Madara said gloomily.

Reina groaned. "I don't want to talk to peeeoplllleeeee."

Madara chuckled. "Do you think I want to either?"

Reina shrugged with a cute pout. "You're more diplomatic than I am and have more patience."

Madara laughed. "I'm glad you think so."

About two hours into the after-party, Reina finally made it over to the hors d'oeuvres tables. She sneakily began loading food onto a small plate when someone called her name. Reina froze and turned, looking to hear who called for her when she realized it was Hiroko Sarutobi, approaching her with food in hand, pregnant as ever.

"Oh, Lady Hiroko!" Reina bowed formally, putting on an act. "How are you this evening?"

"Greetings, Lady Reina." She bowed back. "I'm splendid, but starving." She leaned in closer to her. "And I'm just about over acting like I'm important."

Reina hid a laugh behind a hand and flashed wide eyes at Hiroko not to make her erupt with laughter in public. She cleared her throat and smiled, having more respect for Hiroko since she too hated the bullshit that came with being a clan head.

"Aside from recognizing our archaic roles in society…" Reina said snarkily. "How are you and the baby?"

"Oh! Wonderful, thank you for asking." She patted her large bump. "Thirty weeks in."

Reina's eyes widened. "Wow. It's almost time then?"

Hiroko giggled sweetly. "Almost. About a month and a half or two. Then we will meet little Hiruzen."

"Hiruzen?!" Reina gasped. "You know it's a boy?"

Hiroko shook her head. "We don't know for certain, but I have a hunch." She stuffed food in her face in secret. "Honestly, I'm glad I'm not the only pregnant woman stuffing her face here."

"What are you talking about? Even if I wasn't pregnant, I would still be stuffing my face here." Reina and Hiroko laughed. "And then Lady Shika would scold me and say I couldn't eat since I wasn't expecting."

"Oh! I would have laughed." Hiroko smiled. "Honestly, I miss being able to have sake the most."

Reina nodded her head. "I was more of a whisky person-"

"There you are!" Reina heard someone call from behind, only to see Madara.

Reina smiled. "Oh! Hello, Lord Madara."

Madara stood beside her and bowed to Hiroko. "It's a pleasure to see you, Lady Hiroko."

Hiroko bowed back. "The pleasure is mine, Lord Madara." She smiled. "Are both you and Lady Reina ready to have your baby?"

"We still have some preparations to make, but mentally yes." Madara smiled. "Thank you for asking. Actually, I was just speaking with Sasuke. He said that you two are set on having a boy."

"Yes! We already have a name picked out." Hiroko grinned. "Hiruzen Sarutobi."

"A splendid name indeed." Madara smiled and held his mouth open for Reina to place an hors d'oeuvre in his mouth.

Reina popped a shrimp in his mouth and giggled. "So, you actually came here to eat with the pregnant ladies?"

Madara nodded and swallowed. "Yes, I'm starving."

"The truth comes out." Hiroko joked. "So, what are you two hoping for? Boy or girl?"

"Boy!" Reina piped up.

"I want a little girl." Madara grinned.

Hiroko placed a hand on her heart. "That's so very sweet."

Their conversation was interrupted as there was an announcement that dinner was going to be served. Reina gasped in delight. "This is music to my ears."

Madara held his hand out for her. "Shall we then?"

"You already know the answer." Reina laughed. "Let's talk sometime soon, Lady Hiroko."

"Of course!" Hiroko bowed as the two left.

After dinner, there was more socialization and traditional dances until late at night. Most had already departed to their lodging when it was just Madara, Reina, Hashirama, Mito, and Tobirama left. Reina walked up to her brother and sister-in-law to say good night.

"Congratulations, once again." Reina hugged the two of them. "I'm so happy for you." Reina held Mito's hands in hers. "Live your life to the fullest. This is the beginning of many things, both challenging and beautiful."

Mito nodded and began tearing up. "Yes, I shall." She sniffled and pulled Reina in for a hug. "I love you so much. If you need anything, I am always here."

Reina held her in a loving embrace. "Likewise. You know where to find me."

Madara walked up to Hashirama and stood in front of him with a hand extended. "Congratulations, my friend."

Hashirama gave a faint smile and shook his hand. "Thank you for supporting me and being here."

Madara nodded. "Of course. I could not imagine being anywhere else, but here."

Hashirama nodded and down as the two let go. "Madara, I-" He stopped as he felt his friend embrace him.

Madara felt Hashirama hug him in return. "Whatever you are going to say, don't… Don't be sorry… Don't think… Just be content as life gives you this fleeting moment of love and bliss… We don't know where life will take us from here. Live in the moment, my friend."

Hashirama closed his eyes as tears streamed down his cheeks. "Yes, I will."

Tobirama watched the waterworks with his arms crossed. "You Uchiha really know how to get a reaction out of people." He muttered as he sipped on sake.

Reina pulled away from Mito to scold him. "Silence. You're hammered."

Hashirama turned to face Tobirama. "Buzzkill."

Madara chuckled and let go of Hashirama. "Kick his ass."

Hashirama laughed and wiped his eyes. "I know, I should."

Reina walked over to Tobirama and tilted her head. "That's the first time you've referred to me as an Uchiha and meant it."

"You deserve it." Tobirama shrugged.

"I can't tell if that's a good thing or bad thing with you." Reina flicked his forehead.

Tobirama shrugged. "I probably deserved that."

Reina giggled. "Get home safe."

"Will doooooo," Tobirama grumbled.

Reina walked over to Madara. "Ready to head home?"

Madara nodded and linked his arm with hers. "Have a good night, and congratulations again." He said to Hashirama and Mito.

"Thank you," Hashirama stated as the two bowed and watched the Uchiha couple depart.

Reina cleaned out a room adjacent to their bedroom and smiled when her cleaning was complete. "Okay! Done!"

Madara smiled as he brought a box outside the door. "Perfect. This will be the nursery then?"

Reina nodded. "Mhm! This way, if the baby cries, we are right there." She pointed in the direction of their room.

"Sounds efficient to me." Madara began opening boxes full of baby furniture. "Okay, time to assemble."

"What's in here?" Reina began rummaging through various bags of clothing and other things they bought when she stopped. She gasped lightly and placed a hand on her belly.

Madara turned to her with concern. "Is everything alright?"

Reina's face relaxed into a soft grin. "Yeah, I just finally felt movement."

"What?" Madara stood up and walked over to her, placing a hand on her tummy. He waited when he felt something kick his hand. "Whoa!"

Reina giggled, earning more movement from the baby. "Someone's happy."

Madara grinned from ear to ear as he felt his child move inside Reina's stomach. "That's crazy."

"It took me by surprise." Reina smiled. "I actually don't like it at all."

Madara furrowed his brows. "Then, why are you smiling?"

"Out of complete discomfort." Reina laughed nervously. "I hate this."

Madara sighed and placed a hand on his forehead. "I should've known this would be your response."

Reina frowned. "I'm going to do more work. Baby. Stop moving. Stop moving right now."

Madara chuckled and continued assembling the crib. "That's one strong kick, though."

Reina and Madara were in Hashirama's office talking about the lack of movement of the Miyashita clan. Hashirama sighed. "It's worrisome, to say the least. There is a storm brewing, and we are completely blind to it."

Tobirama nodded his head in agreeance before speaking. "There has to be a reason why they are laying low."

"Do you think Reina's ANBU Black Ops scared them into making brash moves?" Madara inquired.

Hashirama nodded. "They very well could have. Or, they could have caused the termination of one plan and the beginning of another."

Reina spoke up. "Remember that mirror shop we visited on our way to the Land of Waterfalls? The gentleman there said they stole his expensive mirrors. We didn't find this unusual since the Miyashita clan pillaged mirrors and other objects all the time. But perhaps we missed one critical detail."

"And what might that be?" Hashirama inquired.

"What if they are infiltrating the market?" Reina grinned. "Think about it. Instead of continuously stealing, they can keep what they need, sell the rest, make money, and continue flipping until they have enough money to bribe or influence great nations and other political figures."

"Wouldn't that be too long of a process to take control?" Tobirama rebutted.

"Many great schemes take decades to complete." Madara defended her case.

"I wouldn't discard Reina's thought just yet, Tobirama. However, it is unlikely." Hashirama clenched his jaw. "What are we missing?"

Reina furrowed her brows at everyone's doubt. "Lord Hashirama, I really think you should consider my idea as being valid. Even if it isn't completely correct, it can lead us to a possible conclusion as to what is actually happening."

"That would be a waste of time and resources," Hashirama stated.

"How can you worry about that when we know how formidable they are?" Reina asked with growing frustration.

"They could simply have backed down for good. It's been about two months since any activity has been detected." Tobirama stated.

"But that's what they want," Madara said again. "We need to dig deeper."

Hashirama sighed. "I understand we all want to get to the bottom of this since it has been such a prevalent issue for over a year now, but some issues solve themselves."

"In what universe?" Reina raised a brow. "You're not thinking of abandoning this mission altogether, right?"

Hashirama looked Reina in the eye. "I think it should not be a priority right now. I think we should focus more on countermeasures and village safety."

"But solving this is a countermeasure," Reina said firmly. "Hashirama… listen to me-"

"Reina, what Lord Hokage says, goes," Tobirama interjected.

Reina looked up at him with a fury so intense she was calm. "Okay, then I think we are done here." She turned to Hashirama. "May I take on this mission solo?"

"You do not have to do it solo. Feel free to have Madara or the ANBU assist you. I am passing this onto you." Hashirama stated.

Madara looked up at him as if he sprouted three heads. "You are passing on a Hokage's duty to someone with a lesser title? With all due respect, are you out of your mind, Hashirama?!" Madara slammed his hand on Hashirama's desk.

Reina grabbed onto Madara's sleeve and shook her head. "I offered. I know I can do this. It's fine."

Madara turned to her and sighed in defeat. "Okay… I trust you know what you are doing."

"Thank you," Reina stated sincerely.

Hashirama cleared his throat. "If you make significant headway, Reina, we will all jump back in and provide you with any resources you need."

"Is that a promise?" Reina asked sternly.

Hashirama nodded. "You have my word."

Madara growled as he watched the koi fish swim in their garden pond. "By jumping in when needed, they literally will take all of the credit for the work of an Uchiha!"

"But it's better than nothing. We cannot let our ego get in the way of our villagers' safety and the shinobi world. If we don't stop them now, mayhem will spread like wildfire." Reina spoke comfortingly. "I know you are upset, and I understand that you do not think Hashirama is a suitable enough leader, but this is beyond that now. Remember? This is you and me against the world."

Madara sighed. "I apologize for losing my temper."

Reina leaned her head against his shoulder. "We will get through this."

"Ohhh! I've had such an itch to kill these days." Arata said while flipping a coin.

Nao sighed. "We need to lay low as per the plan."

"I know. I know." He grinned and slinked near Nao. "So, how is your girl?"

"Pregnant," Nao stated with irritation.

"Well, that's old news," Arata grumbled. "Almost done with your work?"

Nao nodded. "This should do it." He set the last mirror up. "You put the sign up?"

Arata nodded. "All done."

The brothers had set up a boutique alleyway mirror shop in the Land of Stone, where they also acted as distributors for major customers. Not many would know about its location, but it would attract the right customers. It was minimalistic, warm, and exclusive; the perfect combination for wealthy and important consumers.

"We will distribute from the Land of Stone, the pride location of the material of 'our' mirrors," Arata stated. "With our markings, we can sell these to the daimyo, feudal lords, and villagers alike to infiltrate political factions, villages, and secluded territories with ease." He smirked. "All silent, but all chaotic."

Nao smirked. "As long as no one thinks to investigate on paper, we are golden."

Arata placed a hand on his hip and turned to Nao. "You don't think little miss detective will catch on?"

Nao perked up. "Oh, I'm certain she already has, but she has no support. As long as her progress is slow, we can strike just in the knick of time."