Reina sailed through the trees of the Forty-Fourth Training Grounds, observing her ANBU Black Ops during their training session. They were to work as a team to gather information while traversing through the treacherous territory and return intact with everything requested. It was a difficult drill, but Reina had to ensure her people were prepared for the most daunting of missions. She observed another team and mentally graded their performance. Tobirama was waiting at the central tower for teams to report back to when they completed their mock mission. Tobirama dismissed various teams as they came. Eventually, Reina made her way back to the central tower to meet with her icy brother.

Reina walked in with a smirk. "Good afternoon, Tobirama."

Tobirama uncrossed his arms. "Good afternoon, Lady Reina."

Reina sighed as she worked her sore shoulder. "I am impressed with how the ANBU have developed."

Tobirama nodded. "Agreed, you've done a splendid job."

She gave a slight bow. "Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate you being part of the exercise."

"It was my pleasure." Tobirama gestured to the doors. "Shall we take our leave?"

Reina nodded. "Sounds good." The siblings sped through the Forest of Death and made their way to a bathroom area outside the gate. Reina changed into a tan, flowy dress that came to her knees and a pair of white sandals. The siblings made their way to the main street off Konoha.

Tobirama turned to Reina. "Don't you have a doctor's appointment today?"

"I do." Reina nodded.

"Then I'll take you there." Tobirama flashed a small smile. Though Tobirama was dutiful when working, he was an amicable sibling who showed his affection through actions rather than words.

As the two made their way to Doctor Yakushi's clinic, Reina spotted Madara at the entrance. "Madara!" She waved shyly.

Madara turned his attention toward her and smiled. "Reina! How was your training?"

"It went well." Reina walked up to him with a slight blush.

Madara looked past her to see Tobirama standing with a stern expression as per usual. "Thank you for walking her here. Though it wasn't necessary."

Tobirama's face softened by the faintest glimmer in his eyes. "It was my pleasure." He waved. "I'll leave you two to be. Have a great afternoon."

Madara bowed. "You as well."

Reina narrowed her eyes with a curious but pleased expression. It seemed to her that Madara's trust for her clan was greater than his trust for Tobirama, but now the roles seem to be reversing. "How peculiar."

Doctor Yakushi rolled on her stool. "How are we feeling at 17 weeks?"

Reina took in a deep breath with a shrug. "Better? I'm less moody, but colder? And I'm not as hungry. More flatulence, but not by much."

Doctor Yakushi scribbled notes down on her clipboard. "All normal. Any pains?"

Reina shook her head. "No, everything has been fine."

"And how is ninjutsu training in regards to your baby's developing chakra?" Doctor Yakushi carefully inquired.

"Oh, there are no issues there." Reina gave a small smile.

"That Uzumaki clan really is something." Doctor Yakushi smiled. "Okay, well, I am going to take your vitals, make sure everything with the baby's development is going well, and then we'll schedule your next appointment."

Reina was relaxing next to the koi pond in their garden, gently rubbing her tiny baby bump. She watched the fish swim around while listening to the chirping of crickets. The evening was cool, but she was comfy as a warm breeze swept over her. Reina smiled and closed her eyes before peering back into the pond. When she glanced down into the water, she noticed all of the fish had swum away. Reina tilted her head and furrowed her brows, climbing onto all fours to gaze into the water. There in the water, images began to flash before her very eyes in an indigo cast. She could see herself traversing sand dunes, giving birth, black bile, familial altercations, fighting in battle, corpses, Madara holding her in a loving embrace, a massive funeral, monuments being placed, kissing her baby, setting villages ablaze, and seizing land.

Reina gasped and splashed the water with the swoop of her hand. "Stop it!" She shrieked with wide eyes and gritted teeth. "I would never!" Reina clutched her head with her right hand clawing at her hair. "Why do I need to see this… If I know turbulence is to come?" She panted.

"Perhaps to change the future for the better."

"I would never do all of those things." Reina shuttered as tears slipped down her cheek. "I would never."

The door to the garden slid open, and Madara came rushing out into the garden. "Reina! Is everything alright?"

Reina watched through her hazy vision as the koi fish continued to swim near her. "No,…" She whispered.

Madara came to her side and bent down on one knee. "What happened?"

Reina whipped around and clutched his yukata with both hands in an iron grip. Her knuckles paled as she spoke through gritted teeth. "They are going to try to use me!"

Madara's breath hitched in his throat, startled by Reina's volatile behavior. "What do you mean?" He asked, now intrigued.

Reina's intensity didn't let up. "Everything I feared is coming true… They're going to use me!"

Madara held his hand up. "Okay, I need you to try to relax. You're not making any sense. Who is trying to use you and wh-"

"MY BROTHERS!" She cried out with rage. Reina's eyes smoldered in a focused fury. "They want to use me to take over other lands. I know it! They're going to propose it soon. I just know it!"

Madara held her hands that were attached to his clothing. "Reina, how do you know this?"'

"I-" Reina's face softened as her hands fell. "I just do… like how I knew we were to marry." She looked up at him. "You know I'm not wrong about these things, Madara! You have to believe me!"

"I do! I do." Madara gently held her hands in his. "Do not worry. I believe you… we simply need to make sure to counter any plans they might have to infiltrate other lands." He held her face with one hand. "We won't let them cause any turmoil… Though I'm not certain as to why they would."

"If I am right, I will tell you then." Reina's eyes pierced his. "I promise you."

Madara nodded. "Okay…"

Reina lowered her head. "I'm sorry for my outburst. I apologize."

"No, do not be sorry…" Madara stared up at the moon. "I can only imagine how it must feel to be taken advantage of or have your clan turn their back on you."

The next day Hashirama summoned Reina to the Hokage's tower. Reina knocked on the office door before entering. Hashirama grinned. "Nice to see you, Lady Reina."

"It's a pleasure, Lord Hokage." She bowed. "What can I do for you today?"

"As you know, the Miyashita clan has been rather active around the northeast and eastern areas of the Land of Fire." Hashirama stood up. "Lady Mito needs to be escorted to the Land of Whirlpools for wedding arrangements, and I would like for only top shinobi to guide her during these perilous times."

"Absolutely, Lord Hokage. I can have a platoon of my finest performing ANBU members by her side as early as noon." Reina said confidently.

"While I do appreciate the gesture, I would like for you to be her escort." Hashirama placed his hands behind his back. "Will that be a problem?"

Reina wanted to punch him. "And when is this mission to be carried out?"

"Today, but not at noon. I was hoping for ten o'clock to travel in complete daylight." Hashirama smiled. "And you will stay with her until she has arrived back to the village safely."

"May I ask how long I should expect to be gone for?" Reina tried to simmer down, but she couldn't help but glare at him like a lion ready to pounce.

"About one week." Hashirama unclasped his hands from behind his back and placed them down on his desk. "I- sincerely apologize for assigning such an unexpected request, but as a shinobi, we are expected to execute missions at a moment's notice."

Reina nodded. "I understand, Lord Hokage. But what will happen to the ANBU Black Ops for the duration of my absence?"

"I'm certain you can figure that out. After all, you are a top shinobi and intellectual at that." Hashirama grinned and sat down. "That will be all."

Reina looked up at the clock above him. "I only have forty-fucking-five minutes to make ANBU arrangements, pack, tell Madara, and be back here to escort Lady Mito! What is he playing at?!" Reina smiled and gave a polite bow. "I shall carry out the mission and safely escort Lady Mito to and from the Land of Whirlpools."

Hashirama looked up at her and nodded. "Safe travels." As he watched Reina leave, Hashirama felt a coldness coming off of her. He knew he was a bit brusque, but he couldn't help but feel as if Reina was beginning to dislike him. Hashirama didn't know how to respond. "R-Reina!" He called out to her before the door shut. He ran from behind his desk and caught up to her as she opened the door back up. "I mean, Lady Reina." He rubbed the back of his head. "I'm sorry for being terse. I'm still trying to get used to this."

Reina looked up at him. "It will take time. What can I do for you?"

Hashirama looked down at her with a softened expression and lunged in to hug her. "I love you… and I'm saying this as your brother, Hashirama." He let go of her and gazed down at her with twinkly eyes and a puffy face. "I know the role of Hokage never ends, but I'm still your brother. I can't help but feel that you're distant. I don't know why."

Reina looked up at him with an empty sadness. "I can't help but feel that you hide things from me… How can I trust you if that's the case?"

Hashirama paused and looked down at her. "Is that what this is all about?"

"You tell me." Reina looked up at him with tension building in her expression. "I'm not wrong."

Hashirama looked down at Reina, not knowing what to say. "I'm not hiding anything to hurt anyone. Some things are just better left unsaid. I deal with a lot of complicated ordeals-"

"That's not the point!" Reina snapped. "Your secrets and miscommunications are going to spark a war. Your lack of resolve and backbone is going to lead us to destruction! You aren't setting up the village for the success of future generations. You're keeping war at bay. I see right through you."

Hashirama closed his eyes. "I see where this is going."

"But you're not going to do anything about it. I know you." Reina sneered. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Some Hokage- some brother- some friend you are…"

"No! I will figure something out." Hashirama looked down at Reina with devastation in his eyes. "Please tell me there is a way to fix it…"

Reina peered behind him at the clock and chuckled. "I don't have time for this."

"What?" Hashirama turned around and watched as the clock ticked. He turned back to face Reina, but she was gone.

Reina stormed through the halls of the ANBU hideout and barged into Tobirama's office. Tobirama looked up at her with furrowed brows. "You can knock first."

Reina appeared in front of him and nailed him square in the face with a punch. "That's for the future!" She snarled. "Take care of the fucking ANBU while I'm gone!"

"What on earth is happening?" Tobirama asked as he held his bleeding nose. "You really popped me there."

"I have a mission. I'll be gone for a week." Reina stated coarsely.

"Oh?" Tobirama raised his eyebrows.

Reina glared at him. "You fucking knew about this, didn't you?" She went to attack him again, but Tobirama held his hand up in defense.

Tobirama sighed. "I have no idea what you're talking about, and I have no idea what I did to deserve this." He lowered his head. "But I am simply not going to question it. Safe travels."

"Fucking bet." Reina flipped him off while backing out of the office before disappearing down the hallway.

"Reina, I understand you're upset, but you can't go around punching everyone who pisses you off." Madara lectured. "It's cute, but now is a critical time to practice self-control."

Reina sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. But I'm doing it for our imaginary audience."

Madara chuckled. "Oh, are we team Uchiha?"

"All day. Every day." Reina said while angrily stuffing her clothing into a bag. "Get in!" She groaned.

Madara sighed. "Reina, I will be fine. I'm more worried about you being safe. Though it was inconsiderate of Hashirama, he is right."

"I know. And that pisses me off even more." Reina latched her backpack shut.

Madara snaked his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek while rubbing her tiny bump. "Well, fuel your rage into attacking any enemies. Do not hurt Lady Mito out of spite, either."

Reina was walking down a dirt path with Lady Mito, masquerading her rage as focus. "I should just knock her out right now."

"Why? She hasn't harmed you."

"I want to be alone. Why couldn't we take a carriage that I could sit on the roof of?" Reina recognized she was clinging to her fury, her hormones not helping, and took in a deep breath. "Wow, this autumn air smells nice."

Mito, who was secretly admiring her this whole time, turned her head and looked away, focusing on the path. "Yeah! Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It's beautiful in the Land of Whirlpools."

"Oh? Why is that?" Reina raised a brow while tilting her head to the side to look at her.

Lady Mito blushed excitedly. "Well, the leaves change more than they do here. The colors are vibrant. And the running water mixed with the dark skies is surprisingly soothing. Some people find it depressing, but I find it breathtaking."

Reina smiled. "I always knew we were friends for a reason. Dark and stormy is the way to go."

"Right?" Mito smiled. "You're going to like it there."

Reina looked at the path ahead of her. "So… why do you have to return to the Land of Whirlpools for wedding arrangements?"

"Well, the Uzumaki clan has their own wedding garment, and I can only get fitted for it in the Land of Whirlpools. That and there are other things I need to speak with Lord Ashina about."

"I understand." Reina sighed. "Wedding politics?"

"Exactly." Mito sighed with her. "I wish the world was peaceful, so politics didn't have to exist. A world where people could just be. But alas, here we are, thrown into the center of it."

Reina nodded. "Don't get me started."

Reina was relaxing in a large, steaming bathtub, relaxing her joints and muscles after the long trek. She gazed out the window to admire the sunset in peace when the door to the bathroom slid open. She turned her head and waved. "Oh, hey, Mito."

Mito waved as she stepped inside. "Mind if I join you?"

"Not at all." Reina smiled and continued looking out of the window. "After all, it's meant to be shared."

Mito chuckled. "Yes, but you didn't strike me as the public bath type."

"What do I strike you as?" Reina inquired with a small smirk.

Mito hung her towel up and slowly stepped inside the bath. "Hmmm… the private, regal type."

Reina chuckled. "What does that even mean?"

Mito shrugged. "Beats me."

Reina rubbed her small belly while she relaxed. "Damn, I forgot how nice it was to just be still for a moment."

Mito rested her head back on the edge of the bath and closed her eyes. "Yeah… sometimes you want to be alone with your thoughts, and other times you want to be alone without them, but it never works like that. You always have to run around to distract yourself."

Reina turned her head and looked at her with slight concern. "Are you… alright?"

Mito turned her head and opened her eyes to meet Reina's gaze. "What do you mean?"

"You're never this woeful and whimsical when you're alone with me. You're usually chipper and stupid, the antithesis to how the public perceives you." Reina said bluntly.

Mito gasped. "Wow, rude." She giggled and shrugged. "I'm not sure."

Reina scooched over to her. "You know you can tell me, right…"

Mito smiled and turned her head away and closed her eyes. "It's nothing."

Reina scooched closer and elbowed her. "You can tell me. Tell meee."

Mito laughed, eyes still closed and slapped Reina's arm playfully. "Really… I'm fine."

"I call bullshit." Reina climbed out of the rub, crouched down behind Mito, and bit one of her buns, shaking her head around like a dog playing with a chew toy.

"Ah! What are you doing?!" Mito squealed. "Bad Reina! Bad!"

Reina let go and laughed. "Do you not want to marry my brother or something?" She said while walking over to grab her towel.

Mito's eyes shot wide open, and she shook her hands furiously. "No! No. It's not that. Really…"

Reina dried herself off and then discarded the towel. She put a robe on her body and some house slippers. "Well, I won't pry anymore. I'll be in my guest room if you need me."

Mito nodded. "Alright, I'll stop by." As Mito was left alone in the bathtub, she was tormented the surmounting tension between Reina and her family, along with her own wedding arangements. This must be a small scale of what Reina felt, and now she was just beginning to get a taste of what it meant to be caught in the crossfires. Mito sighed, unable to relax. She climbed out of the tub, put on a robe, and walked over to Reina's room. She knocked on the door and waited. "Reina, it's me!"

Reina opened the door and smiled, already dressed in pajamas. "What's up?"

"Can I talk to you about something?" Mito said in slight frustration.

Reina grinned. "Of course. Come on in." She shut the door behind her and sat down on her bed, patting a seat next to her. "Come sit."

Mito slowly sat down and lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry to come in so soon."

Reina waved her hand. "Don't be. I was tempted to knock you out earlier just for the sake of being alone. Call it even."

Mito laughed. "You're funny."

Reina giggled. "I had to ease the tension somehow." She smiled. "So, tell me. What's going on?"

"I have a confession to make." Mito looked at her with dismay. "Promise you won't judge me."

Reina bowed her head. "You have my word. This stays between us, and I won't judge you."

"Okay, here goes…" Mito took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She looked up at Reina with insecurity written all over her face before blurting, "I'm super stressed."

Reina paused and simply gave her a blank stare. "Wow, really? Never woulda guessed."

Mito nodded. "Yes. Between the wedding and whatever is going on between you and your family… and you and yourself… I feel overwhelmed."

"My and myself?" Reina narrowed her eyes.

Mito looked up at her. "You just seem like you're dealing with darkness yourself and I feel like I am the only one who can truly see that."

Reina nodded and looked down. "I appreciate your concern, but it's nothing I can't handle."

"But you can tell me-" Mito began to protest.

"But I can't." Reina gave a bittersweet smile. "Don't worry about me. Let's circle back to you."

Mito nodded. "Yeah…"

Reina sighed. "I am terribly sorry to hear that this is becoming a lot for you. I wish I could do more to support you, but my plate is full. However, if you need to speak with me at odd hours, even just to vent, I'm here."

Mito gave a soft smile. "Thank you. I feel like such a whimp compared to all that you've gone through. I- I fucking thought I was ready for all this!" She laughed to herself. "But, I miscalculated… Something you would never do. I admire that about you."

Reina furrowed her brows. "I don't follow."

Mito craned her neck before looking down at her lap. "Like, you would go into marriage knowing all the politics to be expected and the family drama and the this and the that." She shook her head. "I just happily was like, 'Oh, look at me. I get to wed the man I love.'"

Reina chuckled. "How eloquently put." She sat up. "You know what that is though?" When Mito looked up at her, Reina leaned in. "Privilege. It doesn't always help you out either. It can disconnect you, and you allowed that to happen. It hurts to hear, but you never once placed yourself in someone else's shoes, have you?"

Mito shook her head. "No… not really… I never thought about my shortcomings as a lack of empathy or comprehension… interesting." She sat with herself for a minute.

Reina smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "But it doesn't make you weak, Mito. It makes you young. You have room to grow. Just don't stop trying to understand others. And- listen, everyone has a different threshold for stressors too. It doesn't mean yours are any less valid. You simply have to learn how to make room for other things in your mind and heart, and learn how to process that. That's all. You're very strong and aware for even coming this far, so be proud." Reina smiled at her.

Mito nodded with a bittersweet grin. "Thank you…"

Reina let go of her. "Now, I'm hungry…"

"Chow?" Mito stood up, with glee.

"Yes. Chow." Reina giggled.

Mito sighed. "Yeah, put on some real clothes, and we'll get some food." She said while getting up and walking towards the door.

"Real clothes? Says the woman in the robe." Reina hopped off the bed. "Meet you back here in ten."

"Will do." Mito shut the door behind her and walked to her room with a smile.