Reina and Jun were exchanging blows as they sparred in front of Madara. Jun was fast and strong, but Reina was sharp and fluid. Madara admired the two of them as he judged Reina's capabilities. About a week after Reina confessed her struggles to Madara, she approached him about training her. Jun claimed that Reina was ready for her to move onto a more difficult regimen with Madara, but the battle-savvy clan lord wanted to see it with his own eyes.

The two kept fighting when Reina jabbed a left spear hand into Jun's liver, causing a devastating blow for sparring practice. Jun immediately collapsed and his face turned pale as a wave of nausea overcame him. "That's enough," Madara called as he began walking forward. "Will you be alright, Jun?"

Jun nodded. "Yes, Lord Madara. I'll only need a minute."

Reina looked up at Madara. "What's the verdict?"

"Well, you haven't got a scratch on you and you nearly knocked Jun out with that liver shot among other things." Madara crossed his arms. "I think you're ready to train with me."

Reina smiled with anticipation. "Really? When can we start?"

Madara kicked Reina's chest with a sidekick and sent her flying across their training field. "Now."

As Reina sailed through the air she mentally cursed herself for not keeping her guard up. She reacted in time to block her sternum and ribcage with chakra. If not, Madara surely would've broken her bones with the force of his kick. While flying backward, she enjoyed the spring breeze as she watched the sky above her. It was a beautiful day. Surely she would want to enjoy it rather than be crippled in bed from receiving a beating.

Just as Madara flashed from below, Reina rotated her body mid-air to face him on the ground as she continued sailing. Reina watched as he jumped up to punch her, but she blocked it just in time to ruin his combination attack. Reina rotated her body as if undoing a spool of thread until she reached the ground. Once she landed, she looked up to see Madara's fist inches from her face. She swiftly dodged it by shifting her head to the side, but as Madara's fist went past her head he hooked his arm around the back of her neck and pulled her into him in a headlock. He went to knee her in the stomach, but Reina blocked his strike with everything she had.

"How is he this fast… and strong?" Reina thought to herself, slightly intimidated by his strength. "Jun is the general, second below Madara… and their skill gap is this vast?" She gritted her teeth as she opened her hand and went to send a palm strike to his abdomen.

Madara let go of his headlock and jumped back to avoid the hit. "Seems like you're fatigued from your fight with Jun. I'm surprised this is too fast-paced for you." He called.

Reina furrowed her brows. "Well, going from zero to one thousand in a tenth of a second is something I've yet to learn." She stated. "Seems you haven't lost your edge," Reina said, but she knew during this entire training session she'd be on the defensive. Not only that, but she couldn't afford to get hit in the stomach.

Reina sat on the medical examination table, swinging her feet as she waited for Doctor Hojo to return. She was thinking of groceries so as not to worry when there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" She called.

Doctor Hojo entered the examination room with a clipboard in hand. "Well, Lady Reina, I have your results."

Reina took in a deep breath. "What do they say, doctor?"

Doctor Hojo smiled. "You were correct. You are indeed pregnant."

Reina gave an uncertain smile. "Really?"

"Yes. As per the information you've given us and the urine sample, you are almost halfway through your first trimester." Doctor Hojo smiled. "I recommend scheduling appointments with our maternal specialists to check to make sure your pregnancy goes smoothly. They'll also prep you for childbirth and motherhood. Would you like to set up those dates now?"

"Yes! I need to know everything." Reina jumped. "When will I start showing? Do you know?"

Doctor Hojo chuckled. "Someone is eager." He handed her a packet. "Here is everything you need to know until you visit for your first appointment. Not every pregnancy is the same, but you are most likely to start showing between the end of your first trimester and the middle of your second trimester."

"So, I can wait to tell others for a bit?" Reina inquired.

"Are you asking in case you miscarry?" Doctor Hojo inquired.

"Sure- yes! Because- I don't want to tell everyone and then miscarry like last time. That would be embarrassing and then I'd have to deal with everyone's sympathy when it's not necessary and-" Reina smiled nervously. "I'm sure you understand." Reina's point was valid, but she was lying through her teeth.

"Absolutely, and though you shouldn't ever feel shame for something as natural and as common as a miscarriage, your concerns are valid." Doctor Hojo nodded with bright eyes. "Most miscarriages happen within the first trimester. About eighty percent, actually."

"So, by the time I start showing?" Reina flipped through her packet.

"Yes, just about." Doctor Hojo smiled. "Now, let's walk you to the receptionist and schedule some appointments for you."

Reina clenched her fists. "I have to do this. I have to train with Madara as if nothing's wrong, or else he and my brothers will surely catch on. They'll never let me be involved in the Miyashita investigation if I tell them I'm pregnant."

Madara sighed and began walking away. "We'll continue in a few days. I've already gauged where you're at."

Reina's face turned bright red. "What?! I'm safe?!" She nodded and blinked in surprise. "Um, wow. Sure. S-sounds good to me." Reina ran back over to the two of them. "Well, thank you for approving of our training." She bowed towards Madara. "I appreciate you taking out the time to evaluate my performance."

Madara looked down at Reina. "Still so rigid with me." He smiled and gave a curt bow in return. "It's my pleasure. I look forward to our training sessions."

Reina bowed to Jun as well. "Thank you for everything you've done as well, Jun."

Jun rubbed the back of his neck and gave a slight blush and a small bow. "Of course, it is my duty."

Reina smiled. "Well, I'm off then! See you two later." She waved and jogged back inside their house and bolted upstairs.

Reina went into their bathroom and undressed herself. She turned on the shower and waited for the water to heat up. She took her hair down and looked at her reflection in the mirror while leaning against her sink. Reina tightened her jaw and placed a hand on her stomach as she imagined her extended belly. All of a sudden a wave of nausea overcame her. Her face turned pale and she lurched for the toilet. Reina held her hair back and threw up inside the porcelain thrown. She coughed and spat, making sure she was done vomiting. She used toilet paper to wipe her mouth and flushed the toilet. Reina panted and held her head in frustration.

"Fuck this shit-" She whispered to herself, before having the energy to pick herself up off the floor and take a shower.

Another week had passed and Reina, Madara, Hashirama, and Tobirama were in the Hokage's office again. They were discussing internal affairs involving village safety. Tobirama cleared his throat. "Pardon me, but I was actually thinking of creating an underground group of highly capable shinobi to carry out specialized missions to maintain tranquility on the surface"

"Like a special investigation assassination team?" Reina inquired.

"Precisely." Tobirama nodded. "They can carry out specialized missions that might seem more political and covert to the average citizen. For example, if we have infiltrators within our village and none of our elite shinobi notice, those tactical assassins hiding in the shadows can arrest or dispatch them."

"That sounds like a lot of work, but for now it's doable," Hashirama commented.

"It's a brilliant idea, but I do have one stipulation," Reina interjected.

Tobirama gestured toward her to speak. "And what might that be?"

"Perhaps it's just me, but I feel as if a job like that requires individuals who not only operate at a high caliber, but also those who have personalities where assassination, political, or "dirty" jobs won't ruin them emotionally and mentally. That is a very demanding role to ask ordinary shinobi to fill. We would need talented and hardworking individuals, which comprise of an already select pool of people, and then we need them to find peace in the darkness, which shrinks that applicant pool down to a puddle." Reina shook her head. "We can't have shinobi who will break down in front of their loved ones and leak information. Not only that, but we aren't going to find people who are completely well-rounded in stealth, information retrieval, combat, target disposal, interrogation, and medical ninjutsu, which means we would have subcategories to worry about."

Tobirama nodded. "I agree, and I was thinking along the same lines. Perhaps you would like to partner with me in creating this group of individuals?"

Reina nodded. "It would be my pleasure."

Madara raised a hand. "May I also say that we are extremely behind in creating a protective barrier for this village?"

"Yes. I am guilty. I haven't been exactly up to par in regards to that." Hashirama sighed.

"Hashirama, we've discussed this almost a year ago." Madara was growing impatient. "This is a legitimate issue now that our village is growing and expanding and we have a clan of bandits attacking various lands."

Hashirama bowed his head. "I'm terribly sorry. We will operate on bringing your idea to fruition this week."

Reina looked at the map before her. "I still can't imagine how they move so quickly." She bit her lip. "I'm happy I have more on my plate, but between this and growing a baby inside me things will be much more stressful."

Madara looked over to Reina. "You seem like you're deep in thought."

"My mind is always racing." Reina retorted. "I'm just trying to figure out what these people are about. What is their jutsu if they even have a kekkei genkai of sorts?"

Hashirama closed up the map. "As much as I hate to admit it, I haven't got a clue. Reina, if I'm being completely honest, you probably have the best odds at discovering what this clan is capable of."

"What do you mean?" Reina looked at him with genuine curiosity.

"Well, though we are all strong and intelligent individuals, we still have our core strengths." Hashirama gestured towards Madara. "Madara knows battle strategy and strength the best. Tobirama knows mainland strategy and can plan for the future the best. I have political power, empathy, and specialize in humanitarianism and healing. Then, there is you." He pointed directly at her. "You have incredible investigative skills, foresight, and can string two opposing ideas into one coherent piece. You can solve the most complex puzzles, because your mind never stops. You find connections in the oddest of scenarios, but somehow, you're always right. Therefore, this answer comes down to you."

Reina nodded. "I understand."

"Well, we will reconvene in a week. Madara, let's meet in two days. The Uzumaki clan will be paying us a visit. We can ask about a seal or barrier jutsu from them." Hashirama stated. "For now, this meeting is adjourned."

Two days later, Madara was discussing the formation of a protective barrier with Hashirama, Ashina Uzumaki, and Mito Uzumaki as promised. Meanwhile, Reina and Tobirama were in an underground prison with a central room that was connected to various hallways. They both sat down in the underground prison made of stone as they began brainstorming ideas.

Tobirama pointed to the various hallways. "I'm thinking of turning this into our base of operations."

"This is supposed to be a prison." Reina raised a brow.

"And it will remain a prison- partially. Important, classified individuals will remain imprisoned here rather than petty criminals." Tobirama leaned back using his hands as support. "As you said, we need to have various divisions for our shinobi."

"When was this even created?" Reina looked around at the expansive structure.

Tobirama cleared his throat. "It's been underway since a few months into the foundation of the Hidden Leaf."

Reina turned to him with narrowed eyes. "But… why?"

"Political distrust." Tobirama crossed his arms. "We figured we'd have our enemies early on."

Reina's jaw clenched. "So, time and money went into the formation of a vacant prison, but the village still has no ninjutsu protection?"

Tobirama held up a hand as if commanding her to stop. "We are taking care of that now, are we not?"

Reina wanted to punch her brother. "Do that again and your hand gets eaten."

Tobirama lowered his head. "I apologize. I simply don't want to get into a disagreement with you."

"Fine…" Reina nodded. "Circling back, for the divisions, I'm thinking regular combat and disposal division as one. Another for stealth and information retrieval. Perhaps also a division for stealth and assassination as compared to regular combat."

Tobirama chimed in. "If we are going to have them operate in teams it would be good to have those who act as tanks. So, perhaps, a protector and investigator division."

"Absolutely." Reina nodded in agreeance. The siblings kept conversing for hours before finally leaving the underground facility.

"Reina, even though this tactical squad was my idea, I think you would be an excellent commander once this starts," Tobirama stated once they finally came into contact with sunlight.

"You mean you want me to lead at the forefront?" Reina blinked. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I can work out the kinks and functions while you can take charge of training and commanding. You would almost act as a lifeline to me." Tobirama stuck out a hand. "What do you say?"

Reina shook it. "I'd be more than happy to. Let's continue discussing this soon."

Reina and Madara were getting dressed in semi-formal kimonos since they were invited to have dinner with the Senju and Uzumaki clans. Madara, for once, was excited for the gathering, whereas Reina was dreading the dinner. The reason? She would be the only one not drinking.

"Fuck." Reina mumbled.

Madara tilted his head and chuckled. "Is there any reason in particular why you're swearing?"

"There is." Reina nodded and stood up from her vanity. "Am I really going to do this?" Reina turned to face Madara. "I don't feel like drinking and getting wasted and everyone else is going to party and be merry. I just don't want to drink and deal with the pressure. I've had a headache and I haven't felt like myself lately. It just sounds like a hassle and dehydration is my enemy right now."

"Then, only drink a little bit. Or don't drink at all." Madara shrugged. "It can't be that difficult to say no."

"That's not the point," Reina grumbled. "The point is I don't want to have to deal with it." She leaned in closer to her mirror as she applied a light dusting of blush on her cheeks.

"Then, just tell everyone in advance." Madara adjusted his kimono. "I'm sure they'd understand. They're your family and friends. They won't push you."

Reina froze and thought about the scenario of her telling everyone she wasn't drinking and what that inherently meant. "Yeah, no can do."

"Why not? That's literally the answer to your problem." Madara was confused.

Reina sighed in frustration. "Damn it, I can't do this."

"Can't go to dinner because you don't want to drink?" Madara tilted his head.

"No!" Reina set her brush down and walked over to him. "There's something I have to tell you."

"Okay… I am all ears." Madara looked down at her.

Reina took in a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "What I said was true. My head was hurting. I haven't felt like myself. I don't want so much attention directed at me. But… there's a reason for that." Reina took his hands in hers and gave them a light squeeze. "Madara, I-I-'m… I'm pregnant."

Madara looked at her with wide eyes. "Really?"

"Yes, really, but I didn't want to announce it until after the first trimester since there's a much lower chance I'll miscarry at that point." Reina looked away nervously. "And at that point, I might actually start showing."

Madara blushed and gave a small smile. "So, that's why you were so good at blocking your stomach."

"My arms paid the price." Reina giggled. "You hit hard."

Madara bent down and kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry, but that's the only way to make you stronger." He bent down and faced her stomach. "And I'm sorry to you too."

Reina chuckled and looked up at him with sincerity in her eyes. "You mean… you're…-"

"Happy? Excited?" Madara smiled. "Yes, absolutely."

Reina began to grin, but quickly cleared her throat. "There's one more concern." She regained composure. "I don't want to be taken off the investigation for this. I don't want to not train and not fight. I might be pregnant, but I'm not helpless."

Madara nodded. "I agree. You aren't. Well, as your husband and as the child's father, I am fine with you continuing with the investigation and being in positions of power so long as you are careful."

"Thank you," Reina said softly. "Well, let me put on my lipstick and we can head out." She let go of him and walked back over to her vanity.

"Hey, Reina." Madara called.

"What's up?" She said while selecting a lip color.

"Regardless of what happens, thank you for telling me the truth." Madara sat down on her dresser.

"Of course…" Reina applied a berry-colored lipstick and smiled as she faced him. "I'm never going to hide anything from you."

"What will you tell your family?" Madara inquired.

"Well, I guess I'll have to tell them the truth. They knew what happened last time. What have I to lose?" Reina got up and walked over to their bedroom door. "Come on, let's crash the party." She smiled while leaving the room.

"If you insist." Madara hopped off the dresser and walked downstairs with her where they slipped on their shoes and headed out.

The two made their way back to the Hokage's tower where they had an outdoor dinner party in the garden. The spring weather was perfect for the gathering. The skies were clear, giving off a beautiful sunset. The air was cool, but a warm breeze complimented it. By the time Madara and Reina arrived, everyone had already started drinking. They entered the garden and greeted the higher-ranking Uzumaki clansmen, Hashirama, and Tobirama.

Mito walked up to Reina and Madara, double-fisting drinks. "Hello! I'm so happy to see you! How long has it been?!"

Reina chuckled. "Too long!" She hugged Mito.

Mito bowed to Madara. "Madara, I hope you've been treating her well. How have you been?"

Madara's brow twitched at her comment, but bowed in return. "Splendid, Mito. Thank you for asking."

"Here! I brought drinks for the two of you." She grinned with rosy cheeks.

Madara took one drink. "I appreciate it."

Reina held her hand up. "Actually, I'm not drinking."

Mito stopped and looked almost insulted for a moment. "What do you mean?" She said with despair. "You're my drinking buddy! YOU MUST!" She thrust the drink forward.

Reina looked at Madara with a face that said. 'I told you so.' She gave a nervous grin and turned her head back toward Mito. "Mito, I don't think you understand… I'm. Not. Drinking."

Mito shook her head. "Maybe I've had too much to drink, but I just don't get i- OH MY GOD! NO WAY!"

"There it is!" Reina pointed a finger toward her head. "You pieced it together, genius."

"Oh my God. Oh my God! OH MY GOD!" Mito squealed. "Holy shit that baby's gonna be a powerhouse."

"Mito. Please keep your voice down. I want to announce it to everyone myself." Reina asked as she tried to hush her.

Mito chuckled. "Whoops! I'm sorry!" She covered her face while snickering. "Hello! Everyone! CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!"

Madara and Reina began laughing their asses off at how chaotic, hyper, and tipsy Mito was. "The woman has lost it," Madara remarked.

Reina nodded while laughing. "Oh dear God, here it comes!" She did her best to regain her composure.

"CAN I HAVE EVERYONE'S ATTENTION PLEASE!" Mito called. Once everyone turned toward Mito, she grinned. "Okay, I actually didn't need your attention, but these two do. Take it away, Reina!"

Reina and Madara joined hands and faced the small crowd. "Thank you, for gathering the entire village's attention, Mito." Reina nodded in her direction. The crowd chuckled at her remark.

"Anytime, love." Mito gave her a thumbs up.

Reina smiled and turned her attention back to the crowd. "Madara and I would like to announce that we are expecting a-"

"AAAAHHH! I KNEW IT!"

"YEAH!"

"CONGRATULATIONS!"

"NICE ONE, MADARA!" The crowd roared before she could even complete her sentence.

Hashirama, Tobirama, and Mito walked over to the couple and each gave them a congratulatory embrace. The other guests all bowed and shook hands with them, congratulating them on their milestone. After everyone was finished drinking and having hors d'oeuvres, everyone sat down for a delicious meal. Everyone laughed and carried on; sharing stories as the sunset faded and the night sky blanketed them with stars.