The sun beat down on Reina and Jun as they panted from exhaustion. They had just finished sparring each other and were drenched in sweat and dirt. Jun had cuts and bruises on him, while Reina didn't have a single scratch on her body. Reina grinned as she examined Jun's physical state compared to hers. She smiled and slowly walked in for a high-five.

Jun raised a tired arm and met her with a loud clap. "Great job, Reina."

Reina snickered. "I can't believe I finally outdid you in taijutsu."

"You progress rather quickly…" Jun panted. "Your speed and power grow exponentially with every training session."

Reina blushed and turned away. "Thank you. I need to get stronger in order to help others. It's all thanks to you that I've been able to get this far."

Jun smirked devilishly. "Now, imagine if you actually took training seriously."

"What?! How rude!" Reina pointed with a heated expression. "I take my training very seriously, thank you very much!"

Jun snickered. "I'm messing… sorta."

"HEY!" Reina roared like an angry child.

"Well, to be frank, there isn't much else I can do for you except teach you strategy." Jun put a hand on his hip, standing akimbo as he slowed his breathing.

"What do you mean?" Reina walked over to a nearby tree and rested against it to cool off in the shade.

"What I'm saying is that you've certainly surpassed me… that's saying something." Jun sighed. "I know you don't want to hear this, but perhaps you'd benefit from training with Lord Madara-"

"No!" Reina immediately protested, shaking her head in disapproval of the idea. "He's always busy with paperwork anyway. He has a lot on his plate. There's no need for me to take him away from his responsibilities to train me."

"Lady Reina, belie-"

"Reina." She corrected. "I don't need honorifics."

Jun sighed. "Reina, believe me when I say that he most certainly can accommodate you in his schedule and would be more than willing to. He genuinely cares for you and wishes to see you blossom into a sensational kunoichi."

Reina's jaw clenched as she looked at him with eyes as sharp as razors. "I refuse."

"Reina." Jun took a few steps forward. "If you want to get stronger, you must train with Lord Madara! I can't offer you anything anymore." Jun furrowed his brows in frustration. "When was the last time you've even spoken to him?"

Reina looked up at the leaves fluttering on the branches as a light breeze swept past them. "Mmm… about three weeks? Maybe four?"

"Then perhaps you should communicate with him. He is your husband. He is our clan lord. Show him some respect. Mend your rift and rebuild the bridge that connects you two. If not, you will never reach your fullest potential. You will stop here and now." Jun stated with absolute sincerity.

Reina's face softened as she looked at her friend. "I-…" She had no words. "I can't just do that… And what? I just get on his good side to be trained by him? That's manipulative."

"That's your problem to deal with. Perhaps if you tried forming a solid bond, then maybe things will be different." Jun walked over to the same tree and leaned against it. "I know Lord Madara has been in the wrong. He was in a dark place… and still is. But if you want to move forward you have to find the strength within yourself to forgive him. A newfound strength that'll launch you into a better future- together."

Reina nodded. "I understand…" She bit her lip in contemplation. "I hate this."

"So does he… I know it." Jun glanced over to the petite woman next to him. "He hates seeing you so depressed and despondent. Even when you fake a smile, he knows how hollow you are on the inside."

"Ouch, Jun." Reina looked at the ground. Though his words stung, she knew he was right.

"Someone has to say it." Jun looked away and pushed himself off the tree. "Wanna grab some lunch?"

Reina took in a deep breath as the wind blew a cool gust in her direction. "Yeah…" She exhaled. "My treat."

One week later, Hashirama, Tobirama, Madara, and Reina were all in the Hokage's office with the blinds down and curtains shut. Minimal light illuminated the office. The room was sealed off and guards were standing outside the perimeters of the office. The group had a map stretched across Hashirama's table as they discussed the Miyashita clan's pattern of attack.

Reina circled the locations in which they attacked and the approximate order in which the events occurred. "It seems as if they've jumped around, but stayed within the same area…"

Hashirama nodded. "Yes, however, we got word today that attacks have been occurring southwest in the Land of Wind."

Reina looked up at him with surprise. "How can a mass of individuals travel that quickly?"

"Perhaps their clan's teleportation jutsu?" Tobirama rubbed his chin. "But the speed in which they would have to have traveled… And not everyone is capable of it."

Madara perked up. "Reina! Wasn't there one village in which they stole a plethora of mirrors?"

Reina nodded. "Yes, do you think they're using them for teleportation?"

"That or they're using them as a way to obtain currency. Mirrors are expensive and the larger they are the more money they can get." Hashirama stated. "If an entire clan is behaving in such a sporadic, nomadic manner, they need to be able to afford resources which they can't steal. Resources from people whose trust is needed."

Reina pursed her lips. "Perhaps both?"

"What makes you think that?" Madara inquired.

"Why not?" Reina shrugged. "We have to think of every avenue in which they'd use the mirrors. So, when we launch a physical investigation, perhaps we can interrogate locations in which a large sum of money was exchanged for goods along with mirrors set up in odd locations."

"As in, set up as a trap of sorts for their jutsu to work?" Tobirama inquired. "If that's the case, we're working with people who can move essentially at the speed of light."

Hashirama looked at the map with a stern expression. "Our foes might be more formidable than we anticipated." He sighed. "I'll start seeing what we can do for internal protection in the event of an attack. For now, this meeting is adjourned."

Reina sat on her balcony as she played with the teddy bear in her hands. She wiggled its little arms and squeezed its bunchy feet. She read the name at the bottom of its foot and gave a bittersweet frown before bringing the bear to her chest for a warm embrace. Reina took in a deep breath before exhaling through her nostrils. She closed her eyes and prayed for Nao's well-being.

Madara stepped onto the balcony and interrupted her thoughts. "What's wrong, Reina?"

Reina shook her head. "Nothing. I'm fine."

"You're somber and you haven't spoken to me in over a month." Madara sat down across from her. "That teddy bear-"

"Nao made it for me." Reina let go and held the teddy bear in the air as she admired its craftsmanship. "His name is Tadao. It means a sincere or loyal man. When Nao can't be here, Tadao can be… That was the intention at least."

Madara couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat. The way Reina talked about another man so lovingly. The sadness in her eyes glistened in the sun. The glimmer of hope and the absolute hopelessness in her expression. The pain in her voice. The feelings he couldn't change, but so desperately wanted to. Then again, Reina never had time to grieve her separation from Nao. She was thrust into marriage and then learned that her old lover might be dead. Madara sighed and lowered his head.

"I understand how much you loved him." He looked up at Reina with a solid expression. "Would you rather be with him, Reina?"

Reina's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"The question is simple." Madara at her with the utmost sincerity. "Do you love him more than me to the point you'd rather live your life with him? Is that truly what you desire?"

Reina's mouth parted as she looked at Madara with both pity and pain. She could finally see how much she was hurting him. Not only that, but she couldn't answer. Her face said it all. It had, 'how could you ask me something like that?' written all over it. All of a sudden, Reina felt so lost. What did she want? What was she fighting for? Was it that she truly wanted Nao or was it that she hated the fact that she was forced to be with Madara? Could she truly love him after all he had done to her? She was starting to care for him at one point… that is, until the abuse came to be too much. However, maybe Madara meant everything he said. Maybe, perhaps, he actually wanted to try. Reina stared as her thoughts ran amock.

Madara gave a faint smile. "That gives me hope."

Reina's breath got caught in her throat. "He read me."

Madara stood up from his chair. "It's good to know you don't completely hate me." He said while walking away. "Because I love you, Reina…" With that, Madara left Reina alone to process her thoughts and emotions.

Tears streamed down Reina's cheeks as she stared blankly at the empty chair before her. "Do I love him?" She thought to herself. "What do I want anymore?" She shuttered before clutching her head and leaning forward, weeping into the teddy bear. "What is this?!"

Madara was working in his office when there was a knock at the door. "Come in!" He called.

The door slid open to reveal a puffy-eyed, rosy-nosed Reina. "Hey…" She called softly.

Madara looked up and was taken aback by her condition. "Reina are you-"

"No!" She shook her head and began weeping as she stood cemented in place. She covered her face with her hands as she cried harder.

Madara shot up from his chair and jumped over his desk to be by her side. He carefully placed an arm around her and guided her to a chair. "Sit. Sit." He said sweetly as he ushered the vulnerable woman in. As Reina sat down, he kneeled beside her. "Reina, look at me."

Reina removed her hands and wiped her face. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Madara held her hand. "Tell me what's wrong." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

Reina sniffled and nodded as she looked down at him. "I feel so bad… for hurting you."

"But I've put you through so mu-"

"No!" Reina shook her head. "I must learn to forgive! You are trying so hard and I'm being so petty and rude and I just keep disregarding your efforts." She wiped her nose with her sleeve. "And- I know you hate when I talk about Nao, but at the same time, I can't keep you in the dark. You're not an idiot. You know that I loved him, but at the same time, I don't think I can leave you, because… at one point I loved you too."

Madara nodded. "I know, and I crossed you. Which means I have to work to regain your love and trust." He gave her a soft smile. "I know things have been difficult for you. Your lover didn't follow you home. I manipulated everyone and everything, forcing you to marry me. I treated you kindly until I got what I wanted, and then I ruined everything. This is my burden to bear."

"But I want to forgive you!" Reina let out a small cry. "Even if we're not meant to be, I don't want to hurt you… It's just- I'm not ready."

"Then you can't force it." Madara gently wiped away her tears. "I'm sorry if I made you feel guilty."

"No." Reina shook her head. "I am guilty, Madara."

"Reina, I recognize that your forgiveness will take time." Madara held her chin and forced her to look at him. "You might not love me yet, you may never love me, but I've grown to love you and I promise I'll be here by your side whenever you need me. I won't give up on you until you come to an answer."

Reina nodded. "Thank you." She crawled out of the chair and sat down on the floor with him. "The truth is… I don't even remember everything I had with Nao."

Madara looked both perplexed and intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Reina gave a sad smile. "It's been almost a year since I've seen him and we didn't leave on good terms. Not only that but so much has happened since then. I don't know how I feel about him, but I want answers and I want to see him. He may not love me and that's okay. Hell, he may not even be alive."

"Do you feel as if you wanted to find him just for the sake of getting closure?" Madara inquired.

Reina looked up at him and blinked as she frowned. "I have no idea anymore. I don't know what to feel. Who to like. Who to hate." She sighed. "What if he was killed by the Miyashita clan? What if he is a member of the Miyashita clan? How am I supposed to feel? What if I'm chasing a ghost?!"

"Then we become paranormal investigators together." Madara pulled Reina in for a hug.

Reina crawled into his arms and leaned into the embrace. "I'm so tired." She closed her eyes. "My head hurts from crying."

Madara leaned his head against hers. "Perhaps you should have some water and lay down."

Reina nodded and whispered back. "Yeah…"

"You have much to learn." The regal woman in white said casually to Reina. "You really exposed yourself to that man."

"I had no choice." Reina sighed. "I am a proponent for communication. Secrets don't get anyone anywhere with their loved ones, now do they?"

"Oh? Learning from the past are we?" She taunted back.

"I remember the repercussions." Reina crossed her arms.

"As do I." The woman chuckled. "You have a point. Communication is important… you can gain trust, manipulate, wound… the list goes on."

"Thank you for stating the obvious." Reina sneered. "You have quite the god complex."

"As do you and your husband."

"Hopefully I can reach that tier one day."

"You must train with your husband. You will only halt your future by training with that man, Jun, was it? He said so himself."

"I'm aware."

"You have quite the attitude as of late. You've been rather emotional."

"I'm aware."

"I blame the fruit you bear."

Reina raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

"Why should I tell you anything? You haven't shown me respect this entire time… and I am you. Show yourself some more respect."

Reina bowed. "I sincerely apologize."

"Thank you." The woman bowed in return.

Reina straightened her back and met the woman's gaze. "So, what is it that you mean by the 'fruit' I bear?"

The woman pointed to Reina's stomach. "It's early, but you're pregnant."

Reina gasped and shot out of bed awake. She panted and held her head. "Just a nightmare." She looked down at her stomach and placed a hand on it. "My emotions… because of pregnancy?" Reina shook her head. "I'm losing it." She hopped out of bed and walked to the bathroom. "I'm emotional because I have a lot on my plate." Reina splashed some water on her face before drying it off. She turned to the side and lifted her shirt. "Looks flat to me." She mumbled and shrugged, knowing that was denial at its finest, before leaving the bathroom.

Reina made her way downstairs, went to the kitchen, and noticed Madara poking through the refrigerator. "Watcha doing there?" She inquired.

Madara sighed. "Trying to see what we could eat for dinner, but it's been a while since we've gone grocery shopping."

"Well, I have a lot more energy from that nap and I could use some fresh air. I don't mind going grocery shopping or picking up food for us." Reina grabbed a glass and filled it up with room-temperature water. "Just tell me what you want." She sipped her water as she looked at him.

"Do you really not mind?" Madara inquired. He would've volunteered to go out, but the truth was he was slightly behind on work.

Reina lowered her glass. "Not at all. What do you want for dinner tonight?"

Madara pondered. "How about katsudon with some tempura shrimp and veggies on the side?"

"In the mood for fried foods, huh?" Reina gave a cheeky grin. "Sounds good to me."

"Perfect. I've been in the mood for it. I'll make a list of other things we need if you want to go upstairs and get dressed." Madara pulled out a piece of paper and a pen.

Reina looked down and noticed she was only wearing a T-shirt and underwear. "Oh, I didn't even notice." She giggled. "No wonder I napped so well. I'll be right back." She scurried back upstairs.

Madara chuckled while shaking his head. "Don't trip!" He called.

All of a sudden there was a thud from upstairs followed by Reina yelling, "FUCK!"

Madara busted out laughing at her stupidity and nearly collapsed on the floor. "That imbecile." He mumbled as he began writing a list to help Reina out with her shopping endeavors.

"What can I do for you this late, Lady Reina?" Doctor Hojo gave her a peachy smile.

"I'm so sorry for coming to your practice so late in the evening, but…" Reina looked at him nervously. "I think I'm pregnant and I want to be tested."