(2023/04/10) Author's Note: Hi all,
New chapter is here! This is where we finally approach the latter half (third?) of the fanfiction, so we're getting closer to the beginning of Red Iron. I'm going to try to get as many chapters done as possible because I want to finish this series and move on to working - and finishing - my Game of Thrones fic. This chapter is long like the last few (10k words) and has a cameo by one of my favourite criminally underused supporting characters in Naruto (read and find out for yourself!). I'll be working on the next few chapters concurrently and will hopefully update by next month.
Also, if you like what you read, feel free to leave a comment! I love to read them, especially when I'm stuck in writer's block - they give me that boost I need to power through a tough section. I'm so happy people like my work! You make sharing my stories worthwhile.
As always, thank you for reading! xx
Chapter 26
The Palace of Earth
The geysers hissed upon the plateau, their vapours shrouding the lands in mist.
Gaara decided to travel to the capital of the Land of Earth directly from the beach house rather than waste time travelling to Sunagakure only to be bogged down by further council squabbling. His work found him often while the sun shone through the large windows until there was nothing but the darkness of night and the sea. He completed all the paperwork he arrived with – only for the council to send more in its wake. But for the two weeks at the beach house, it was a true marvel that he could get any work done. It was like a second honeymoon, and the Kazekage and his wife could barely keep their hands off one another. And with no chance of intrusions from duty or his siblings and no messengers to barge in to interrupt. It had been a while since he and Nomasaki had been so close, and he was thankful the getaway proved fruitful.
But now the time had come to speak with the elderly Tsuchikage.
The fence sitter himself, Ōnoki.
When dawn broke that day, the attendants arrived on their carriage train to take their belongings back to Suna. Shijima came with them, having received Nomasaki's letter the day prior. Nomasaki dreaded the trip to the Land of Earth, not only for her apparent crimes but for what may lay waiting beyond the border. Assassins, bounty hunters, and missing-nin – all waiting for their chance to kill the famed she-wolf of Yamagakure, thanks to her entry in the Bingo Book. Her father had tried unsuccessfully to pressure the Earth daimyo to rescind the order, but the lord was firm in his convictions. And she had yet to prove her innocence for the destruction of Earth outposts and the brutal murder of an Iwa guardsman.
She was guilty of the latter.
If Iwa and Earth hadn't fallen victim to Tenbu's lies, this wouldn't be happening. Satoshi would still be alive… and I wouldn't have had to take justice into my own bloodied hands. But no matter how many times she told herself, nothing would change. I have to make firm my case… Even if they won't believe me. The truth must be heard!
Nomasaki walked beside her husband in calm composure as they saw the city walls faintly on the horizon. She had been to the Land of Wind's capital city only once, a sprawling estate flanked by stucco and clay buildings that weaved on for miles. Suna was an outpost in comparison to its size and wealth. And Yama would only be a single household if anything. When she and Gaara first visited the capital of the Land of Claws, it was a shell of a dying city only hidden within an old palace. But the Earth capital, which she now saw in her sights in the distant horizon, was a city of evident magnitude. Geysers sprayed hot vapour as they walked through the breaking mists, masking the total view of the city shrouded by a forest of green pine.
Her cloak slapped in the rising winds. "Yamagakure is just to the northeast," She said without thinking, but in her heart, it was true. "I wish we were going there instead…"
"Soon enough," Gaara promised. "We'll only be at the Earth capital for a day and a night."
Nomasaki paused, and Shijima soon appeared at her side with a hand on her blade's hilt. "Still…" Nomasaki went on, her voice trailing. She was cautious, apprehensive. "Is this… even safe? I can sense chakra just ahead… waiting."
The winds cracked against the Kazekage's hat as Gaara stopped and returned to meet her face. Her expression was wary, her eyes guarded. "They can't attack a Kage on the road. If they do, the Shinobi Union pact is null and void."
"Did that stop them in the past?"
A smile near cracked Gaara's lips, but he remained stoic. "No," He sighed. "The First Kazekage was ambushed upon crossing this border and was killed. And more recently, the interim Sixth Hokage was killed by the Akatsuki after the Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron four years ago."
Nomasaki remembered his name. "Reto, the man who founded two villages."
Gaara nodded. "Yes,"
"We of the Hōki even heard about his feats," Shijima entered, standing with her hand firm on her katana's hilt. "Such a powerful shinobi to unite the desert-folk into a single village."
And to massacre the dissidents and seal away the Kekkei Genkai of those who rivalled his strength, Nomasaki thought, To think Gaara and our child share blood with that horrible man. "He must be spinning in his grave at our marriage," She turned to him, discontent in her gaze. "Your father, too."
Gaara agreed. "Unless Kyō could coax him to accept it."
As the Kazekage continued on the plateau, the thought flickered. Would his father truly accept his wife – his family? If Rasa was one thing, it was a sadist. He ordered his best friend – his only friend – to exile in the western desert, the wastes. All for leaving his post and marrying a woman from another land. Rasa did not understand love, and it was made clear when he forced his own wife to undergo the sealing for Shukaku. Gaara would never have made Nomasaki suffer such a tragic fate.
Never in a million years.
He no longer held undying hatred towards his father, but if alive, he hoped Rasa would have seen reason. He wondered if Rasa would have ended Kyō's exile earlier or not have exiled him at all if Kenzō had not meddled in the affair. And he hoped Rasa would come to admire Nomasaki as much as Gaara did for all her strength, knowledge, and grace. And that he would love his grandchild as much as Kyō did.
If father was truly Kyō's friend, he would have come around… eventually.
"Well, if anyone dares to ambush us, good luck to them." Nomasaki sighed, following close beside him in the haze of mist. "I feel sorry for putting you in this situation. I don't have my powers back fully… I feel like such a burden."
Gaara glanced at her firmly. "You're never a burden. Never."
Nomasaki said nothing but nodded.
Walking alongside her husband, she clenched her fists under the cover of her sleeves. She vied to be in her true form, to feel the cold winds and frost grace her white fur, to hear her howl thunder in the mountain air, and to be a giant amongst men. She missed making the hunt, feeling the hot rush of blood grace her fanged lips. A part of her was still missing, but she knew they were deep inside, waiting to be free again. But the worst thing about remaining only human was the burden of guilt she felt she bestowed upon Gaara and any who challenged her foul luck at life. She wanted to believe she was not as much of a burden as she thought, but doubt clung to her like moss to a stone. But if Gaara felt she was not a burden, it must have been true.
She took his words with genuine comfort.
That might be, she thought. Her chest tightened, sensing the frost on the northern winds. Her heart cried out, grieving for the strength to change. Her blood simmered, reminding her of what lurked in slumber. But soon… if that ritual surely does happen and it doesn't kill me… I'll be whole again. I'll be me.
A chakra shot through her senses, freezing her instantly.
The scent was foreign to her, unfamiliar.
Someone is here… and their chakra is palpable. Yet, I don't recognize it.
She whipped her head to the west, eyes scanning frantically along a towering cliffside that sprouted behind the wall of ancient pines. Then, atop the cliff, she saw them. Her glance narrowed, drawing daggers in their presence. The chakra was brash, hot-blooded, and seeping with stubborn strength. A strength of stone.
I remember.
Behind her, she heard the faint clink of Shijima slowly drawing her blade. "No, Shijima."
Shijima obeyed, letting it fall back into its scabbard. "My lady,"
"You sense someone?" Gaara paused, looking where she stood.
Nomasaki nodded, saying nothing.
When he followed her gaze, the mists cleared. Upon the shattered cliffside they now stood under, he saw a figure masked in shadows by the risen sun. Tall, slender, with a hand placed on their hip in a cocky nature. Taunting them. Somehow, he knew who they were. It had been years since the war, but the memory faintly lingered. He hoped he just imagined things, but there were no such mirages in the lands of geysers and plateaus.
Kurotsuchi of Iwagakure, the granddaughter of the Third Tsuchikage.
Rumours travelled fast across the Shinobi Union. Since the finale of the Fourth Shinobi War, Ōnoki the Fence-Sitter had taken quietly to discussing his inevitable retirement. The elderly Tsuchikage was nearing his eight-fourth birthday and was not getting any younger. Arthritis plagued him and his sharpness was beginning to dull, as much as he was in denial. Similar to Sunagakure, Iwagakure preferred to have the succession follow familial ties. His sons were also in the twilight of their lives, with all three of them retired by the war's end. His only blood relative skilled enough to be considered for the mantle was a woman and his own granddaughter at that. Kurotsuchi was a year Gaara's senior but did not lack experience, having accompanied her grandfather on many of his missions and summits outside of Iwagakure in recent years. But unlike her grandfather, Kurotsuchi had a high temper that was spiked by a short fuse. And like her grandfather, she was highly audacious. With his retirement imminent, the Shinobi Union was not ready for what Kurotsuchi may throw their way – especially if she sided with the Earth daimyo against Yamagakure and the Land of Mountains.
Gaara hoped the responsibility would change her ways, if possible.
"There you are!" Her chin-length ebony hair swayed in the winds, revealing the flash of her teeth. "I heard a wolf crossed the border, but I didn't think to see you here… Gaara. Gramps will be pleased, at least. It's been a while since we had a good fight on our hands."
Gaara glared up at her, dismayed. Just what we need. "Kurotsuchi, we don't want to fight!" He shouted back. "Your grandfather is to meet us at the Earth Court. Why don't you save your grievances for then? We'll gladly take them."
"Grievances?!" She spat. "Kazekage-sama, I expected better from you. I thought you were smart. You led the Shinobi Alliance to victory, yet you harbour a traitor to that very pact!"
Nomasaki stepped forward before Gaara could say anything more. "Kurotsuchi," She called, remaining calm and dignified. "We fought alongside each other during the war! I'm not your enemy!"
Kurotsuchi snorted. "Tell that to the families of the man you slaughtered!"
Nomasaki tightened her fists, flashing her barred fangs. "You Iwa-nin targeted my clansmen, looking for me! I'm not the one to blame here!"
Gaara turned, his narrowed ringed-eyes fraught with guarded caution. If she said the wrong thing to set off Kurotsuchi, things could turn ugly quickly. "Nomasaki,"
Shijima pulled her blade, taking her stance at Nomasaki's side.
Kurotsuchi saw, gnashing her teeth. "Just because you're the Kazekage's wife doesn't mean you're exempt from facing your crimes!" Kurotsuchi crouched as if ready to pounce. "You have a bounty on your head… I might just take it off!"
She leapt down from the cliff, careening into the earth.
The Suna-nin narrowly avoided her strike, leaping back until the mists of the geysers once again concealed all around them. Gaara's sand mobilized, emerging from his gourd and forming a thick layer in the space between.
Gaara turned to Shijima urgently. "Shijima, get to the palace! Stall Kurotsuchi if you must, but don't you dare die!"
Taking her stance, Shijima nodded. "The likes of this one will never come close to touching me, I assure you."
"Bold words for a shinobi who can't dare show their own face!"
Kurotsuchi emerged from the mists, poised to strike with her earthen fists.
Swiftly, Shijima evaded her advances and countered with her blade. With any luck, nothing more would arise from the battle. Gaara could only hope. He then looked to his wife. "Stay close and don't let go,"
Nomasaki nodded and clung to his arm as the sand materialized under their feet. Like their time in the desert, the sand became a platform ready to take to the skies. They began to levitate, rising from the mist-covered plateau. Gaara guided her to a crouching position, and the sands ignited. And they flew away from the chaos that followed.
"You're not getting away that easily!"
Gaara glanced back and saw Kurotsuchi flying after them. Hot on their trail, near as fast as the sands. He tsked. "She takes after the fence-sitter, that's for sure. The wrong side of the conflict… as was expected." He felt Nomasaki's hair whip his cheek, prompting him to grasp her hand tight. "Don't look back! It will only goad her further."
Shijima appeared above Kurotsuchi, taking her off guard.
"You're not to attack my lady! Stay your aggression, and I will show mercy!"
The Hōki woman landed a kick to the Iwa-nin. Kurotsuchi blocked the attack, gnashing her teeth. "Who the hell do you think you are?!"
And the two kunoichi fell back to the lands of geysers and mist.
Nomasaki looked onward to the skies ahead as if sulking. "If I had my powers back, she would regret this day…"
Gaara scoffed, forcing back his prideful smile that dared to crack his lips. "I'm sure she would." He leaned closer to her, his grasp on her hand firm with protection. "Hang tight, I'll be going at full speed."
With her nod, the sands flew across the cold winds.
Nomasaki's hair slapped her face, her violet eyes lost in a dwelling thought. Deep down, she wondered if she was in the wrong for her actions. If she acted too brashly against Earth and Iwa that day in the mountains. The day she let loose her arrow of death. The day she killed in cold blood. The rage that simmered behind Kurotsuchi's icy glare spoke volumes – they were the same eyes she had against the border guards who had slain Satoshi. What the meeting had in store for her, she was undoubtedly unprepared. Her stomach twisted, and her heart weighed heavy in her breast.
And the Earth capital was now within their sights.
The palace looked as if a thousand years old.
Cobble pathways, arched roofs, and moats surround the grand castle, with guards posted at every corner. Birds sang in the gardens, the only sound spoken within its towering walls. It was like a fortress. Long before shinobi nations, no doubt a slew of kings reigned from that same palace, each from a different dynasty and creed spanning the centuries that marked its stones. Gaara had not been here either but had heard of its grandeur in passing. But, taking it in, it made the Wind capital appear underwhelming.
Shijima met them at the gates, not a scratch or wound upon her.
It appeared her clash with Kurotsuchi had left her unscathed, relieving Nomasaki. She had not said a word since they descended from the skies to the foot of the grand palace. Anxiety plagued her violet eyes, but her face was eerily calm. It had taken great courage for Nomasaki to come to this place, and now the challenge remained to survive it. Her training with Shijima and her recent mission has led to breakthroughs in her mind, but her body trembled beneath her cloak as she followed her husband to the golden carved gates.
Gaara felt her fear, so he sent a gentle dusting of sand to caress her hand.
It swam under her blue sleeve, swirling her palm and drawing her focus away from her troubled thoughts. She glanced down, watching the nearly invisible grains dance at her fingertips. A warm smile shone on her face, bringing a sense of calm to her world of storms and turmoil.
She welcomed the gesture, closing her fingers around its touch.
Gaara hid any and all displeasure when approached by the guards. They instantly knew who he was upon seeing his garb and recognizing the symbol on his head. The guard's glance drifted to Nomasaki, scowling almost. Gaara produced the scroll, and the guard examined it thoroughly before returning it.
"This way, Kazekage-sama. The Tsuchikage is expecting your arrival."
Gaara nodded. "Very well,"
The guard led them through the giant chamber doors, which opened after uttering a command to the guards stationed at the tower. Inside was a floor covered in ornate carpet, exquisite vases along the walls, and a throne encrusted with golden dragons. It lay empty, a tomb. The daimyo was visibly absent.
"Where's the Earth daimyo?"
The guard kept on, leading them into a wide corridor. "He can't be bothered, Kazekage-sama. My lord has a meeting with his council."
Of course, he does… Gaara said nothing, following the guard on his path.
The hall was long and seemingly endless.
Guards stood near every chamber door, posing as if they were armoured statues in a museum. Tapestries clung to the beautifully painted walls, telling stories of legend and conquest as they strode by. Finally, the guard paused by a pair of tall chamber doors.
"The Tsuchikage is inside," He said. "When your meeting is done, an attendant will show you to your room."
Gaara inclined his head. "Thank you,"
The doors swung open slowly, grinding against the carpeted floor.
Ōnoki was sitting at the head of a grand table, drinking sake at his leisure, while Kurotsuchi chose a seat a distance away at his right hand. Her boots were crossed over its immaculate surface as she leaned back into her chair, displeased at the notion of a diplomatic visit. Bored was a simple way of describing it. Gaara gave a curt nod as he made his way toward the left side of the table, across from the Iwa-nin that attempted to kill them earlier.
A wise decision, if any.
"Kazekage-sama," Ōnoki snorted. "So nice of you to finally join us. I trust the roads gave you no trouble?"
No thanks to you. Gaara took his seat, eyeing the kunoichi. "Kurotsuchi, I see you found your way here."
Kurotsuchi furrowed her brow.
Shijima tensed behind Nomasaki's chair, and Nomasaki felt every fibre of her chakra do so. A smirk near lined her lips, but she forced a stoic façade. Shijima may have only stalled her, but not a scratch to be seen. As expected from my sparring partner. "Did she give you much trouble?"
The Hōki shook her head subtly. "No, my lady. It was an easy task to throw her off course."
"Shut your trap, red-eyes!" Kurotsuchi spat. "You only used a genjutsu, not a ninjutsu of any substance! I wasn't expecting a Sharingan trick from you… given your allegiance."
Nomasaki glanced at her, shocked. "You used your eyes?"
Shijima nodded. "It was the best course of action, Nomasaki-sama. If I didn't, the fight would have grown dire… for both ends." She raised her chin to eye the disgruntled kunoichi directly, drawing her ire. "I don't want to stir any international controversy for besting the granddaughter of a Kage."
This one… Damned freaks, the lot of them. Kurotsuchi slammed a fist to the table. "Why you…!"
"Enough, Kurotsuchi!" Ōnoki scoffed, then looked to the Suna-nin with an audacious grin. "I sent my granddaughter to escort you in case you desert-folk got lost,"
Gaara met his glance, unmoved. He looked to Kurotsuchi and saw the anger flash in her onyx eyes. "As long as her itching to fight has passed, her presence is welcome."
Kurotsuchi huffed in rebuttal.
"And you brought the she-wolf, I see." Ōnoki sighed, meeting the stoic and deadly calm of Nomasaki's violet eyes. "So, I take it the lure of a bounty was unsuccessful? Your father, the Deserter, could not coax the daimyo to remove your execution order… It seems now you've finally been convinced."
Nomasaki nodded. "Tsuchikage-sama,"
A smooth, grainy hand drifted to her lap under cover of the table. She flinched at the touch and blinked at her husband. He kept his expression firm and steely. Covert. Breathing easily, she squeezed his hand over her kimono's lap and faced the Tsuchikage with him together.
The doors swung open, and a gangly courtier entered.
All glances were drawn to the neurotic young man standing at the opposite end of the Tsuchikage. Too nervous to even take his seat. Gaara mentally cringed. Not this one again, He remembered, He acts as if he's scared of his own shadow. The courtier was an underling of the daimyo – a steward but a painfully ineffectual mediator. The meeting of the Five Kage last spring proved that fact. Of all the courtiers they could have sent, the daimyo sent his least equipped. Something reeked of distaste, and Gaara would not put it past Tenbu's meddling.
The courtier was about to be sent to the wolves for all he knew.
And with his luck, there was one in that very room.
The courtier fidgeted his hands into his wide sleeves. "G-Good afternoon, m-my lords and ladies. I-I'm a steward of the Earth daimyo, and I'll be your mediator for the discussions today." A tremble danced down his spine while he forced a nod to the shinobi present. "P-Please speak from one party to the next, and no interrupting. No ninjutsu is allowed, so please refrain from fighting."
Tension emanated throughout the chamber, drawing a stark silence.
A scoff nearly escaped Gaara's closed lips. Easier said than done.
The courtier coughed into his sleeve. "Tsuchikage-sama, you may speak first."
"Hmph!" Ōnoki shot his stare to Nomasaki. "Such disrespect! I thought you were an ally we could trust, given your marriage to one of the Five Kage – the former Regimental Commander, at that! But it seems that bestial nature of yours runs as deep in you as the rest of your accursed clan."
Nomasaki felt her blood stir.
She pinched her clawed hands into her lap and grasped Gaara's hand tighter. She met the Tsuchikage's glare with one evenly matched, the rage simmering behind pools of deadly lilac. She reminded herself to be a sheep – but the wolf was sure to burst through sheep's clothing if tempted enough. Staying calm, she breathed out her flaring nostrils and kept her fangs at bay.
Ōnoki continued, his old eyes narrowed as if to pierce through her defences. "Tell me, did you relish in the slaughter of my border guard? He was so maimed he was nearly buried in pieces. And the second guard… he lost his entire arm! Torn from the elbow by an arrow loosed from your bow!" Her silence struck him as insolence. "Well?! Speak, wolf!"
Closing her eyes, Nomasaki breathed in.
Gaara glanced at her at his side, holding her hand comfortingly as he waited for her response. When she breathed out, she eyed the Tsuchikage with a dignified calm and a grace she saved best for the Suna Council. As eloquent as she was, Gaara hoped she kept any tongue lashings for when they left the delegation table. They were already on thin ice as it was.
And so she spoke.
"Tsuchikage-sama," Nomasaki began. "I… am so very sorry for the pain and suffering I have caused their families… especially the man I killed. I invoked a violation of the Shinobi Union's pact for my… act of aggression. I'll admit I did it out of spite. I… hated that man for what he did to my fellow-clansman. I wanted vengeance." A wolf glared at him through her violet eyes, snarling with a rage that vowed to devour all. A monstrous thing. Fangs flashed behind her soft lips. "I'm glad I let my arrow fly… I only wish the arrow severed his head from his body."
Ōnoki stood, slamming his palms to the table. "Why you -!"
This isn't going as planned. Gaara turned to his wife. "Nomasaki, stay your rage…"
"Something I wish to make clear," Nomasaki ignored him and kept firm on the Tsuchikage. "Satoshi was killed by your border guard… who was told to slay me! I have done nothing to invoke such retaliation from Iwagakure or the Land of Earth!" Her voice was smooth as a frozen lake, beautiful from afar but dangerous to provoke. "I may know blood-sealing and its workings, but I was not the one destroying your land's outposts. That was Tenbu, Tsuchikage-sama. Please know this."
"What?!" Ōnoki flared.
Kurotsuchi took her boots from the table, firming herself in the seat as if to lunge across and resume her fighting. Gaara saw what unfolded and quickly poised himself. "If I may speak,"
The courtier flinched and nodded. "Y-Yes, Kazekage-sama. Y-You have the floor."
Gaara nodded. "Thank you," He eyed the Tsuchikage, drawing his attention away from Nomasaki. "We have proof that Nomasaki of the Yamamori clan is innocent of the outpost incidents."
"Proof?" Ōnoki snorted, falling back in his chair. "Have you conjured it with your sand in hopes of saving your marriage, Kazekage-sama?"
Gaara ignored the remark.
"Tenbu has three known assailants that use blood-sealing. Two men and one woman. Uchiha Sasuke has encountered all three and has provided these surveillance images. Hokage-sama gave me permission to share these with you." Reaching into his cloak, he produced several photographs and laid them out for all to see. And the cold that graced Nomasaki's hand with his absence made her heart sink in preparation. "I was hoping to save these for the next Five Kage Summit in Kumogakure later this year, but the matter is urgent and can't wait."
Nomasaki knew what they were, so she did not bother to incline her head.
She did not need the reminder.
However, the Iwa-nin at least were interested enough to lean over the table just to see what they contained. There were at least five photographs, all notated with the date and time they were taken. And shinobi dressed in the black garb of Tenbu were pictured in each of them, all in separate settings. It was a combined effort from Suna and Uchiha Sasuke – the former producing photos from the hospital attack while the latter provided photos from an undisclosed location. Each appeared the same. Black garbs, no face, and blood-seal jutsu.
Kurotsuchi narrowed her eyes, examining the shinobi pictured. "Tenbu, huh?"
Although blurry, the security camera still managed to capture the Tenbu assailant who broke through the defences at the Sunagakure Hospital. Gaara wished he would not be pushed as far to provide such evidence. The day was painful enough to remember as it was. He was not there to protect his wife – and she nearly died for it. The only saving grace for that day was the birth of Kyōkurō, but if anyone asked, they liked to say he was born the day after.
If only it were true.
"These were taken by the security cameras at the Sunagakure Hospital… the day Nomasaki was attacked by them herself and went into labour," Gaara gestured to the pile beside it. "These ones were provided by Uchiha Sasuke, from his travels during the same period,"
Nomasaki kept her gaze averted while Gaara explained the photos to the Tsuchikage, her heart thumping in her chest. If she so much as glanced, all the calm she built up would burst like a fractured dam. And all the hard work she put into her memory collection would spill out of her throat. She could sense the bile already burning her throat the more she visioned it.
Ōnoki tsked, leaning back in his seat. He stroked his white beard, perplexed. "So it appears you're not in the photos after all, Nomasaki-sama. But this still doesn't explain your disappearance before you slaughtered my guard!"
"I was in the Yamamori Forest, training." She near blurted, her calm façade starting to waver. "I was there for a month and was attacked by Tenbu. I… was poisoned. I barely survived the assassination as it was, and their chakra… was definitely human, but they used puppet ninjutsu to escape. They also attacked Yamagakure, injuring many villagers. None of Tenbu were captured alive, however. They used decoys… they fooled us."
Gaara put his folded hands to his lips, leaning into them as he narrowed his ringed-eyes at the fence-sitter. "We suspect Tenbu has been planting false narratives in the Earth Court, targeting my wife and her clan. They are using the Yamamori and Yamagakure as scapegoats, trying to bait us all into another war. They know of the bad blood between your nations… and are betting on that to sow the seeds of discontent." He saw a crack in the old Kage's face, realizing he had been duped. You old fool, he wanted to say, but he respected him too much to further injure his ego. "Ōnoki, you have been Tsuchikage for a long time. Surely you must see reason."
"Tsuchikage-sama,"
Nomasaki's voice drew them all in, waiting.
She swallowed her distress, keeping a firm glance. "When I formally met you at Naruto's wedding, you said I had a good head on my shoulders. You showed me respect and admiration as a kunoichi of a foreign land, of a clan disgraced and hated by your people. You even came to our wedding, gave us well wishes, and went as far as to give us a wedding present." Her glare eased, marked by concern. "I don't view you as the enemy - Tenbu is our enemy, our shared enemy. I only want peace between Suna, Iwa and Yama."
Kurotsuchi snorted.
The Iwa kunoichi crossed her arms behind her head and leaned into her chair. Bored and annoyed, clearly. "Regardless of what Gramps thinks, we must follow what the daimyo says." She sighed. "If the daimyo considers your clan a threat, we are poised to defend. If the daimyo claims he wants the disputed territory, we must invade on his orders. We shinobi are slaves to our village and Kage to our daimyo. But of course, you should know that… or does the chain of command stop once one steps foot in Yama?" She saw the appalled silence on Nomasaki's face and scoffed at the sight of her mouth near agape. "Nice performance, by the way. Might it be more convincing if you cried a little? How about baring those fangs of yours I hear so much about?"
Nomasaki shot up from her seat.
Her clawed hands pounded against the table, denting it. "I'm telling the truth! Tenbu wants me dead! Don't you see? This is what they want! They want us to fight, to hate each other! How will they ever succeed in usurping power if we get along?"
Silence.
Kurotsuchi sat straight, raising a brow. Ōnoki only watched, waiting for her wolfish rage to overturn the discussions void. But his satisfaction ran out once Nomasaki began to breathe frantically, broken. Her heart thundered rapidly in her chest, and she felt certain she was in terrible danger. An impending sense of doom. She recognized the panic, the threat. Her blood simmered as she hyperventilated, her breath desperately trying to regain control.
Gaara watched carefully, concerned. "Nomasaki?"
Breathe in, breathe out. Nomasaki felt her fingers twitching where they left their clawed mark. The wood was undoubtedly scarred, thanks to her. "I-I'm fine,"
Before Gaara could ask if she was okay, Nomasaki slowly eased herself back into her seat. "She's telling the truth, Ōnoki." His attention was on the Tsuchikage. "As Kazekage, I suggest a solution."
Ōnoki huffed. "And what is that?"
Stepping out from the shadows, Shijima slid a scroll over the table.
Ōnoki rolled it open, reading its contents. "This is…-,"
"Tariffs to Iwa from Suna are eliminated," Gaara explained. "As such, Suna will allow those with Earth passports to cross the border more fluidly. We will also initiate a joint training program, such as the one we fund with Yamagakure. These will strengthen the bond between Suna and Iwa, making our nations of Wind and Earth closer."
It was the second phase of the solution that made Gaara reluctant.
He discussed it long and hard with the council before departing for the beach house and again with Nomasaki once they had a break from the marriage bed. She turned silent, stone-like. She said whatever it took for Iwa to agree to rescinding the execution order, she would do it. Gaara hoped that was the case – if Iwa even agreed to such measures.
Gaara breathed, keeping his stoic gaze upon the elder fence-sitter. "In exchange, Nomasaki will be removed from the Bingo Book – immediately. She will no longer be listed as an S-rank criminal in any of the shinobi nations. Further…" He swallowed the lump in his throat, sensing Nomasaki's stare. Of what they agreed on before arriving. Firmly, he met the Tsuchikage. "My wife will be prohibited from her ambassador duties for two years, and will verbally apologize to the family of the slain border guard."
Nomasaki's stomach dropped.
"Hmm…" Ōnoki placed the scroll on the table, pondering. "I must say, Kazekage-sama… These are exceptional terms. However, I want access to those mines that Mountain daimyo keeps from me. The gold doesn't interest me. It's the iron I want. The iron would make for decent tools and pump some life into our failing economy."
Knots tied in Nomasaki's stomach, and the taste of bile swam up her throat.
Gaara protested. "Those mines are not of Suna's authority -,"
"But you're married to the chieftain's daughter," Ōnoki grinned. "Convince that Deserter on that mountain to swallow his pride and sign over ownership to Iwa, as they once were centuries ago."
"That is disputed land," Gaara pointed out, frankly. "This could cause a fissure in the tension that's already brewing. That would be overstepping my bounds as Kazekage to lobby the leader of another village."
The fence-sitter snorted. "What makes it different than what we're discussing?"
"Yawn," Kurotsuchi sighed, leaning on her hand. "Geez, gramps. Make a decision already! We don't have all day!"
Ōnoki grumbled. "I'm getting there!" From the corner of his eye, he noticed the she-wolf was hyperventilating loudly. She stood, cupping her mouth. Heaving – she was heaving. "Is something wrong, she-wolf?"
The bile swam further.
Nomasaki stumbled out of her chair to the nearest standing vase, dunking her head inside and vomiting out the contents of her nervous stomach. The sound was ghastly, echoing in the chamber for all to hear. Her hands clutched the vase so tight she thought it would shatter. She retched again, her stomach seizing once it was finally empty.
His sands brought Gaara to her side instantly. "Nomasaki! Are you alright?"
Nomasaki shook her head over the vase, now stinking of her half-digested lunch. Gaara placed an arm around her shoulder, supporting her in case she needed to retch again. Fortunately, it came to pass. Horrified, the courtier shivered, near gagging himself.
And silence once more intruded.
Slowly, Gaara guided Nomasaki back to her seat.
"We'll… at least agree to remove Nomasaki-sama from the Bingo Book," Ōnoki decided. "As for the mines, we'll be pressing our daimyo about this. I expect you to follow through with your end of the bargain, Kazekage-sama."
The courtier flinched. "D-Does this mean you reached an agreement? Y-You don't require a mediation?"
"You there! Stop your blabbering!" Ōnoki shouted, forgetting he was still present. "Get over here!" The courtier half-turned towards the door but then walked to the vacant seat at the table. "Write down the Kazekage and Tsuchikage have agreed to end hostilities. Furthermore, Suna has agreed to end tariffs and open their borders to Iwa and Earth… as such, Iwa has decided to end the embargo on Suna exports. Further, Nomasaki of the Yamamori will be placed on house arrest for two years, and she is to apologize in person to the family of our slain Iwa-nin." The courtier wrote slowly, which only provoked Ōnoki's impatience and temper. "Send that to the Shinobi Union – now!"
The courtier jolted up, nodding profusely. "R-Right away, Tsuchikage sir!"
His footsteps echoed out the open chamber doors into silence.
"We'll be on our way," Gaara said, donning his Kage hat. "Thank you for the delegations."
Ōnoki huffed, watching the Suna-nin leaving their chairs and heading for the door. They said nothing as they went, not even exchanging a single glance back at the elder fence-sitter. The elderly Tsuchikage did not blame them. He did not know what was more embarrassing – the trajectory of how the discussions unfolded or having the she-wolf retch loudly into one of the daimyo's prized vases.
He went with the latter.
Indeed, it would be a funny story once the storm calmed.
Kurotsuchi yawned, stretching her tired limbs that ached of travel. "So boring… I thought we'd get to at least fight or something," She grimaced. Being a Kage really is just dull political talks… Sheesh… She turned to her grandfather, sitting with eyes focused only on the scroll. "Can we at least have supper before we leave?"
"You can, Kurotsuchi," He finally answered after a long silence. "I lost my appetite…"
It was cold outside, just what Nomasaki needed.
A weakness thundered through her as she walked to Gaara's side. Only his arm linked to hers was why she could even stand. She felt his sand at her fingertips again, soothing her. How embarrassing. She dreaded ever seeing the Tsuchikage again after that. But depending on how the daimyos of Earth and Mountain delegate in the coming months, she may have to see more of the fence-sitter Kage. She shuddered at the thought.
Strangely, as soon as she took in the late autumn air, all weakness subsided.
Shijima asked first when they reached the entrance courtyard. "My lady, are you alright?"
"I don't know, I… I just felt sick all of a sudden." Nomasaki was not sure what to make of it. She was anxious about the meeting, but not that anxious. She had only thrown up in recent memory when she and Shijima began her training when she had to revisit the trial of Kenzō. She gave her bodyguard an assuring smile. "I think I'm okay now. Maybe I was just stressed by the discussions?"
Gaara met her eyes, a hint of concern behind his stoic stare. "How are you feeling?"
"Relieved," Nomasaki sighed. Then, the despair set in. She held her arms in comfort, making herself small. Fear and grief fought inside her, only hidden by the cascade of gold that shrouded her lowered head. "Although… I don't know how I will bring myself to apologize to that poor family…"
He held her face in his hand, drawing her gaze back. In his ringed-eyes was utter protection and devotion. "You can handle it, Nomasaki. I know you can. Don't worry about that now."
When she smiled back, he knew she was alright. But a sinking feeling struck his chest. He was a killer long before they met, a monster bathed in the light of his own darkness. If he had to apologize to every one of his many victims, he would surely have fallen further into madness. Moreover, it was unfathomable as a shinobi. For shinobi were tools of their Kage, of their daimyo. To them, shinobi were merely puppets tied by strings. But in the realm of democracy, Nomasaki had to hold up to their end of the bargain.
If peace was to be achieved once more.
He started towards the gates. "Let's get you some water and something light to eat."
"I would like some lemon cakes,"
Gaara turned, confused. "Lemon cakes?"
Nomasaki smiled, a snicker passing her lips. "I feel hungry, funny as it is."
Strange for someone who lost their lunch only minutes ago. Gaara sighed, his lips curving into a smile. "Well, let's find the palace baker and ask for some lemon cakes before we turn in."
Timidly, Nomasaki reached for his hand. "Thank you, Gaara," She kept her glance ahead firm. "You defended me, not just as Kazekage but also as my husband. Thank you for that, really."
Gaara understood. "I know you would have done the same."
A scent of dark chakra and familiarity made Nomasaki freeze in her tracks.
She squeezed Gaara's hand hard, her fingernails near clawing him. He felt his Sand Armour fracture, and his alarm was immediately drawn. "What's wrong?"
Nomasaki sensed the chakra, the scent. No. Not today. Please, no.
Shijima tensed behind her. "My lady,"
"Shijima," Nomasaki spoke through barred fangs, her glance locked on the silhouettes approaching in the distance. "Can you meet us back in our room? The attendant should be waiting."
The Hōki nodded. "As you wish, Nomasaki-sama."
Once Shijima was gone, Gaara followed Nomasaki's stare to the two shinobi approaching their path from the open gates. Even from a distance, he saw the gold hair shine under the sun's rays and the glint of violet from his eyes. Something twisted in the pit of his stomach, foreboding.
Genji of the Kurogane – and his son.
He's here, Gaara thought, And that man with him… it's Temujin. He gave her clawed hand a light squeeze and calmly looked at her distraught expression. "Breathe, stay calm. He doesn't know."
Nomasaki nodded, swallowing back the anguish and rage.
And they face the two men together.
Only when they were close enough did Gaara part his hand from his wife, contemplating using his sand to ensnare the head of the Kurogane family. But one international crisis at a time, he realized. They were at the Earth Court – any crime they committed in their lands would be considered treason. So as much as they wanted to rip Genji to shreds, they had to tread lightly.
Temujin stood next to Genji, as still and silent as stone. His violet eyes were steely, cold. His war-axe was freshly honed and sat on his hip, and he wore the finest hunting tunic and leathers money could buy. It seems Genji treats his pawns well, Gaara thought, All Kenzō ever gifted were curse seals. Temujin's eyes flickered to Gaara's, narrowing back in equal measure. Gaara felt his chakra on the winds with his sands.
Dark, empty void.
"Kazekage-sama," Genji spoke, pausing before them on the cobbled road. He narrowed his glance to Nomasaki, sensing her discontent. "And… you,"
Nomasaki's breath seethed, but she clenched her clawed fists under cover of her sleeves.
"Genji-sama," Gaara drew his attention, allowing Nomasaki to calm herself. He put on an iron-firm expression, a deadly calm. "Have you had business with the Earth Court? My proxies inform me you frequent here from time to time… such as a few weeks ago."
"Do they now?" Genji sighed, folding his hands behind his back. "It's interesting, as my proxies have informed me of a disturbance far below. There appears to have been an infiltration of a secret black-market ring in Sunagakure recently. Have you… heard of any such thing?"
Nomasaki only glared at him.
She imagined what she might do to him should she ever have the chance. Turning into her true form, she would tower over him and rip him to shreds. She would start with his legs, taking his will to live. Then his arms. No jutsu would ever be cast by him again – and no genjutsu. Finally, when he cried out, she would change back into a human, prick out his eyeballs with her clawed fingers, and then behead him with his own blade to finally silence his cries.
Just like Kenzō.
Keeping calm was impossible, for her stolen brother was right across from her – and she could not do anything to bring him back. A pawn for Genji to use as he saw fit, just as she was once a pawn for Kenzō. Despite their different lives, they lived the same life path. A painful, lonely path of isolation, fear, and suffering. But when she glanced at her younger brother, his eyes held no concern for her. He did not even bother to register her in his presence.
Blinking away, she glared back at Genji.
Gaara met his narrowed, dark eyes. "No."
"Pity."
"If the Kurogane business is so important to you, rescind your conditions and allow the water to flow to Sunagakure as it once did." Gaara countered, his patience waning. "I'd advise you to make the right decision if familial ties are what you value above all else."
"Seems you both value familial ties," Genji scoffed, eyeing the couple contemptuously. "Your foreign wife causes an international crisis, and you lobby Iwa in the court of its own nation. So tell me… do your interests lie with Suna, or do they lie with Yamagakure? Or the bed of the wolfish whore you married?"
Sand swirled in his gourd, vying to break free and slice his head in two.
Gaara's chakra swam violently, rage near cracking his Sand Armour. He breathed in and out slowly and carefully, matching his glare with a viciousness he rarely dared to surface. He wants us to fight… He wants us to be the aggressors. I swear I'll kill you but not today. That'll be too easy.
Eyeing Nomasaki, Genji snorted. "Your disgraceful father, the Deserter… He valued family over Suna's best interests. Look where that got him. His honour was stripped, his she-wolf wife died before the end of his exile… and his daughter was a treasonous criminal. It would be wise for you to confess your sins and pay your sentence… as justice must be served."
Insults and bestial rage swam at her lips, but Nomasaki kept her eyes narrowed and her expression as unmoving as a mountain. "It would be wise for you to do the same," Her voice was as cold and sharp as ice. "As justice must be served. Don't you agree, Genji?"
Genji tsked, his temper flaring. "You blasted woman -,"
"Genji-sama, we should be leaving." Temujin cut in, standing between them. Sensing her chakra, he scanned her presence with his narrowed violet eyes – her eyes. An eery, deadly calm painted his pale face, near chilling her to the bone. "If you flicker your chakra like that, I might have to kill you."
It was not fear that sank in Nomasaki's chest – it was void.
Genji scoffed. "Temujin, please. This is the Kazekage's wife. You can't say such things."
"Forgive me, sir." Temujin stepped back in line, heeding his master's call. "I sensed the hostility, and it got the better of me."
Emptiness overcame her.
Helplessness.
Genji has him under a spell, she thought, And his chakra… there's something in him… Something blocking my senses… She sensed harder, focusing on his chest. Her eyes widened, shocked. His heart… There's something over his heart. A blood-seal?
It felt as if pure darkness.
Hatred.
Temujin… What have they done to you?
Overwhelming despair.
Can you sense my chakra like I can with yours? Do you feel the pain I feel when I look at your face? Can you sense my thoughts, my fears, my grief? You are my stolen brother… You never knew our father or mother before she…-, Nomasaki clenched her fists, Temujin, you are being used by Genji and Tenbu. They wanted to kill me… They'll try to kill you, too. They want your wolf's blood… like they did mine.
Temujin just stared at her, unmoving.
Gaara saw, and his chest hollowed.
"Please excuse us," Genji said, starting for the palace doors. "We have more important things to occupy our time rather than squabble with blood-traitors and treasonous beasts."
Reluctantly, Temujin's glare slid off Nomasaki as he followed his master.
And soon, they were nothing but silhouettes once more.
"Did you sense it?"
Gaara nodded. "Yes… I did."
"There's a seal on his heart," Nomasaki spat through fanged teeth, tears swelling in her eyes. "It's a black void, like the curse seal that was once inflicted upon me. But… something about this seems more sinister. It feels like the blood-seal that was on me."
"Let's tell Maki when we get home," Gaara offered, placing a hand on her shivering shoulder. "We'll find a way to free your brother. I promise."
She bit her lip, quelling her urge to cry. "Okay."
An attendant came from the palace to escort them to their temporary lodgings.
The room was large enough for a war council, draped in ornate tapestries and carpets of gold, burgundy, and deep blues. An exquisitely furnished bed sat in the middle. A canopy of red silk clung to the four posts of its frame. A bowl of apples was placed next to the wash basin, drawing Nomasaki in immediately to subdue her gnawing hunger.
Once the attendant left and Shijima took to her usual shadows, Nomasaki slammed her cloak to the bed in anger.
"That foul-mouthed bastard!" She fumed. "I swore if I wasn't as calm as I was, I would've torn his throat out! How dare he!"
Gaara sighed in agreement. "Trust me, I wanted to. What he said was he own undoing… if I didn't have to worry about his clan rising up at his death." A smile nearly curved on his lips as he looked at her back, seeing her breathe heavily. For someone with a dormant but volatile temper, she could control the blood that boiled under her skin. Gaara had to give her credit for that. "You did well, Nomasaki. You kept control in a tense situation. You should be proud -,"
She bolted into the bathroom, cupping her mouth.
The sound of her vomiting echoed throughout the room. Nomasaki's head was fully in the toilet bowl, her clawed fingers grasping the rim for dear life. All that she ate after that accursed meeting had been retched up. Gaara appeared with his sand at her side, pulling her hair back from her slick face and pressing a comforting hand onto her quivering back. She threw up until nothing but bile was left. Her throat burned, reminiscent of Kenzō's foul mark upon her tongue. Like a hot branding iron was thrust past her lips.
Gaara assessed her state worriedly. "Nomasaki?"
Clutching the bowl, she hung her head low and kept her eyes shut tight.
A shadow appeared behind them, kneeling at her side. Shijima. "My lady, are you alright? This is the second time you've gotten sick since arriving."
Gaara placed his hand on his wife's wet forehead. "You don't have a fever, but you're flushed and obviously distressed. Did you eat anything since the meeting?"
"Just… Just some apples, the ones here…" Nomasaki choked back. "That's all I ate,"
A realization crossed his mind.
Genji – Tenbu.
His eyes narrowed. "Those bastards… They couldn't have,"
Nomasaki turned, confused. "Couldn't have what?"
"Poisoned you," He said flatly, standing from the tiled bathroom floor. "We should leave. We need to have Meiyumi take a look at you… we might not have time -,"
"Gaara, it's not poison." Nomasaki sighed. "I'm immune, remember? From Shukaku's wound. And my nose can smell it, even when it is scentless -,"
Her heart dropped.
It had been months, not since before the night of the solstice and the mountains. The night of sake, magic mushrooms, and the bed of furs. The night before she departed into the mountain forest alone. She placed a trembling hand over her abdomen, her mind racing in every direction. Even if it was caused by stress, it was nothing like this before.
What if…?
She brushed off the thought before it could take root, but it continued to gnaw at her.
She turned to him, her eyes frantic and face gone white as a sheet. "But… You're right. We should leave. I'd like to go home, and sooner than later."
From her look alone, Gaara knew.
He left the bathroom, donning his cloak and fastening the gourd to his belt. A tightness filled his chest, propelling him to haste. He put the Kazekage hat on his head and shouted towards the bathroom. "Shijima, gather my wife's things. We're leaving – now."
"Yes, Kazekage-sama."
And so, the Suna-nin left the palace of Earth.
The hospital was near empty when they arrived that night.
Patiently, Gaara waited outside the examination room for nearly an hour as the tests were conducted. Nomasaki insisted on privacy, which he obliged. However, it did nothing to ease his worries. To be fair, Nomasaki was worried as well – and hardly said a word as they flew back to Sunagakure on his sands. He just hoped it had nothing to do with Tenbu or the daimyo's ambitions.
Finally, the door opened, and Meiyumi waved him in.
Clothed in her white coat with a stethoscope slung around her neck, Meiyumi directed the couple to sit as she printed the final results. Nomasaki was sitting still, her breathing deep and her folded hands resting tensely upon her dress' lap. Gaara massaged her back, assuring her things would be alright. As the printer groaned and squeaked, she eased herself into his touch. But even still, he could sense the tension at his fingertips.
Meiyumi gasped, and Gaara withdrew his hand discretely.
The medic-nin frantically flipped through the lab reports, scanning every page. "This… This can't be right! These results… They are…"
Nomasaki grew worried, nearly clawing her knees. "What's wrong? Is it…?"
"Nomasaki, when was your last period?"
There it was.
Nomasaki flinched, her eyes gone wide. Sweat beaded on her forehead, her palms clammy and shuddering as they sat closed on her lap. "Um… the week before the solstice."
Silence.
It all made sense.
Her mood swings, insatiable hunger, and her nausea. It had been only two months since that passionate night in Yamagakure under the glow of the solstice, but longer since she last bled. Nomasaki sat wide-eyed, blinking only once as the shock travelled to every nerve. Gaara was bewildered by the news, and for a moment, he thought the world froze over.
Gods, Gaara thought, Impossible.
"Then that explains everything…" Meiyumi sighed. "Nomasaki, you're over two months pregnant."
Nomasaki's lips quivered, distraught. "What? No way, that's impossible!" She looked to her friend, confused. "Isn't it?"
Meiyumi flipped through the reports again. "Well, your hCG hormone is very high. That would not be possible if you weren't pregnant, for starters… so you're at least eight weeks along." She met her bewildered stare, using her best bedside manner. "When Tenbu attacked last time, you lost an ovary and its fallopian tube, so the odds of you conceiving another pregnancy were slim to none. I don't blame you for not expecting this." She sighed. "You surely do have the worst luck, Nomasaki."
A quivering, warm smile beamed on Nomasaki's lips. Emotion near overcame her, happiness bursting through her beating chest. "N-No, I'm happy. I mean… unexpected, yes." She fondly glanced down, placing a caring palm over her abdomen. "But this… It's incredible this was even able to happen."
His touch caught her off guard.
Holding her hand tenderly, Gaara smiled. "You'll be fine,"
She met his eyes, nearly moved to tears. "It looks like Kyōkurō will be a big brother soon," Her lips hesitated. "Are you… happy? Is this alright?"
"Of course," He caressed her cheek. "Kyōkurō is getting a sibling, and I get to be a father again."
She placed a hand upon his forearm, meeting his loving gaze. "I love you,"
Softly, he kissed her forehead.
"A-hem!" Meiyumi coughed.
Awkwardly, Nomasaki flinched in her seat while Gaara retracted his hand, folding his arms against his chest. It was a rare thing for them to become lost in the moment. As scatterbrained as Nomasaki could be in some situations, it was expected. But in Gaara's case, distraction rarely got the better of him. Although his glance narrowed on the medic, a fragment of embarrassment tightened in his chest. No doubt, when Kankurō heard, he would never hear the end of it.
Meiyumi began, her voice serious in tone. "I don't mean to interrupt your touching family moment, but we must discuss your high-risk situation."
"High-risk?" Nomasaki repeated. "I thought with the blood-seal gone, I wouldn't have any problems -,"
"You drank sake!" Meiyumi reminded, urgency marked in her glare. Her medic-side was showing, her expression disappointed. "During your mission in that cistern, Kankurō told me you downed an entire bottle of sake! An entire bottle! Come on, Nomasaki… You know better."
"What?" She turned to her husband, confused. "How did he see that?"
Averting his glance, Gaara sighed. "I saw it… with my Third Eye."
Nomasaki flinched. "Y-You… did?"
Meiyumi groaned. "You must have known something was off if you missed your period this long!"
"How should I have known? I've only had one since I birthed my son!" Nomasaki snarled back. "And when I was on that mission, I took a food pill to neutralize the alcohol in my system… just in case I was pregnant." She exchanged glares with her husband and her medic friend, sighing. "You both know me better than that! Honestly…"
But it was something Nomasaki felt she did not have to divulge.
She felt off since returning from Yama, even more so once she missed her monthly bleeding. She assumed it was stress or from her injuries, but she kept to herself. And she and Gaara were feuding. She did not want to add more stress to that – she did not want to be a further burden. So she kept the food pills in her satchel pocket, carefully sneaking them in during her mission beneath the village streets. As fate later revealed, taking the food pills was a good call.
Gaara turned to her. "I never doubted you."
She nodded. "I know,"
"Good!" Meiyumi clapped. "And just so you know, I may not have Gaara's intrusive sand, but I'll be keeping a close eye on you for the rest of your pregnancy!" Her pen began writing diligently on the clipboard, making Nomasaki nervous. "That said… Let's start your vitamin regimen. And your monthly check-ups…"
Meiyumi went on, naming every test and procedure.
"Save me," Nomasaki muttered.
Gaara sighed, humoured. "We'll be home soon."
Softly, he held her hand.
And for the first time in so long, the future seemed bright.