"Reina!" Hashirama commanded. "Your presence is crucial in this operation. It is a shame that our world has come to this, but it cannot be helped."

Reina stared at her brother with wide eyes. "What do you mean?"

"You must annihilate every outpost village between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. It is the only way." Hashirama declared with the utmost sincerity.

Tobirama walked over toward his side. "Reina Uchiha, you must do as Lord Hokage says. As the ANBU Black Ops Chief Commander, you should know that shinobi mustn't allow their emotions to get in the way."

Reina shuttered. "I hope you never become Hokage." She shook her head while lowering it towards the ground. "How has it come to this?" Reina looked up, and her eyes fell on Lady Mito. Mito simply hid her face with her hand-fan, turning her head away in dismay. Reina could not fathom the degree of betrayal occurring in the Hokage's office. She gritted her teeth and took in a shaky breath. "Shame on all of you… How dare you weaponize your own family."

"This is not the time for empathy!" Tobirama said with growing impatience.

"Reina…" Hashirama spoke up. "We are not weaponizing you. You are defending our nation and making us stronger. Eventually, we will have more control, so history does not repeat itself, and no mass casualties occur ever again."

"YOUR PERSPECTIVE IS WARPED! WE ARE HARMING SO MANY OTHERS!" Reina roared in protest.

"Reina! Think about your husband and child!" Mito finally piped up. "Do it for them… Please…" There was an underlying message in Mito's eyes when she said it. She was not stating this from a place of oppression, but rather a place of desperation.

In an instant, Reina was transported to a village set ablaze. She soared from rooftop to rooftop, invading houses and setting them ablaze with no remorse for those inside. Her face was hardened, but eventually, tears started streaming down her face as she began slaughtering those who attempted to oppose her. Her eyes remained wide as blood splattered across her face. The fire ripping and the song of screams lulled her into a state of true darkness and helplessness as she was trapped in this endless cycle of destruction.

Reina gasped awake and bolted upright, clutching her bedsheets and staring at them with wide eyes. "Not again-!"

Madara stirred and sat up. "Reina, what's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?"

Reina noticed the sun was barely over the horizon and flung the covers off of her body. She sprung out of bed and hurried to the bathroom without a word.

Madara gave a confused, tired expression before climbing out of bed. "Reina?" He asked with growing concern. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not doing enough!" She shrieked while stripping naked to shower. "I'm not doing enough!"

Madara blinked at her volume. "You… said that twice… what do you mean?"

"That premonition I had of being used by my family and destroying other settlements… I had a dream of that but in greater detail." Reina gritted her teeth and jumped into the shower.

Madara began to come to more. "What do you think it means?"

"As you can tell, I have uncontrolled powers of divinity. From what I can gather, this dream means that I have yet to change the course of a dark future." Reina said while scrubbing herself up and down. "Which means I am not doing enough."

Madara furrowed his brows. "I understand. How can I aid you in this endeavor?"

Reina turned the water off and jumped out of the shower while haphazardly wrapping a towel around her body. "I need you to come with me to Land of Wind and Land of Earth… and also that mirror shop in that luxury village where we met Hito and Ma."

Madara nodded. "I see where you're going with this."

Reina began rummaging through her clothes as she hurriedly got dressed. "If I am not mistaken, the Miyashita clan is going to cause mass destruction resulting in a large-scale casualty. As a result, I will be weaponized and kill both evil and good in the process. Nations will be at war unless I am used to oppress them completely. However-"

"If you take care of the Miyashita clan, then that outcome will be avoided," Madara said as he began stripping. "I see. I'll shower and meet you downstairs when you're ready."

"Perfect!" Reina started packing backpacks for the two of them.

Madara was about to take off his pants when he froze and furrowed his brows. He turned back around towards Reina, leaning against the doorframe. "I just have one question."

"What's that?" Reina asked, preoccupied.

"What if we fail?" Madara stated softly.

His words rang in Reina's ears, and her heart began racing. "That cannot happen. We cannot afford to fail."

"But if we do?" Madara inquired with slight concern.

Reina met his gaze and slowed down to a halt. "I-I'll think of something." She said abruptly before continuing to pack rapidly.

"We will come up with something." Madara did not like the element of uncertainty, but nonetheless accepted her answer and hopped in the shower.

Before sundown, Reina and Madara made their way to the Hokage's tower. They knocked on the door to the Hokage's office when they heard chatter and laughter on the other side. Reina slowly opened up the door and bowed upon entering. "Hello, everyone. Sorry to intru-"

"Lady Reina! Lord Madara!" Sasuke Sarutobi grinned with a wave.

Reina blinked in surprise at the excited greeting. "H-hello. This is a pleasant surprise."

Madara stepped inside. "Hello, Sasuke." He gave a curt bow.

"I was just about to come fetch you guys after if you weren't busy." Sasuke gave a small smile.

"What's going on?" Reina inquired sweetly.

"Hiroko had the baby," Sasuke said as a grin spread across his face.

"Sh-she had baby Hiruzen?!" Reina gasped.

"Yes, we were all going to visit her in the hospital before visiting hours were over." Sasuke walked over towards the couple. "Care to join us?"

Reina turned towards Madara with a slight shrug. "Can't hurt to make a slight detour?"

Madara nodded. "Why not?"

Hashirama furrowed his brows. "Did you two come here to speak with me about something?" He tilted his head. "I can't help but notice your backpacks."

The couple nodded and Reina spoke. "We are going to continue the Miyashita investigation. We wanted to make you aware before departing."

Madara continued. "We will only be gone for about a week as Reina has to return for her check-up with Doctor Yakushi. However, after taking care of our routine duties, we depart again depending on the success of this week's investigations."

Hashirama nodded. "Very well. Thank you for being by Reina's side during this endeavor, Madara. I mean it."

Madara nodded. "I promised to look after her. You have my word."

Hashirama turned toward Reina. "Will you be taking any ANBU members with you?"

Reina nodded. "We were going to stop by the hideout next. I summoned them to meet me in about an hour."

Tobirama nodded and crossed his arms. "So that's why you summoned me as well."

Reina nodded. "Yes, I will give you a briefing before the meeting with the ANBU members."

Sasuke smiled. "I hope you two have safe travels and succeed in whatever you intend to do."

"Thank you, Lord Sasuke." Reina smiled sweetly. "That's all we really came to say. Shall we visit Hiroko?"

"Of course." Sasuke walked over to the office door, and everyone began following him out of the tower and down the street to the hospital. Sasuke walked up to the receptionist and signed in. After everyone followed suit, he brought them up a few flights of stairs and down the hall to Hiroko's room. He gently tapped on the door before sliding it open. "Hiroko, honey, we have visitors…" He cooed.

As the door opened, everyone slowly stepped inside, and Hiroko's tired eyes beamed with appreciation. "Hello, everyone." She bowed her head.

Reina eyed the exhausted woman with frazzled hair before noticing the little red baby bundled up in a cozy blue blanket. "There he is…" She smiled and walked over to her bedside. "Hello, Lady Hiroko."

Hiroko grinned. "Reina, it's been a while. Your belly got so big." She outstretched a hand to touch her belly. "Wow… so, beautiful."

Reina smiled and took a peek at the baby. "He looks very healthy." She waved to him and spoke softly. "Pleased to meet you, Hiruzen."

"You can hold him if you'd like." Hiroko saw Reina's apprehensive expression and took her hand. "Touch him." She brought Reina's hand to Hiruzen's face, where the baby stroked her finger. He wrapped his hand around her finger and gave it a light squeeze before letting go. "See? No need to be afraid. He won't break."

Reina bit her bottom lip. "I-I don't know…"

"Here, hold your arms like mine." Hiroko lifted the baby and placed him in Reina's arms. "There."

Reina froze as she cradled the baby in her arms but then relaxed as she realized that he was completely comfortable in her embrace. "Oh… wow." She giggled. "He's adorable."

Madara turned his head away, face heating up and eyes stinging. He blinked a few times before turning back to look at his wife in awe. 'She truly is a goddess…'

Reina looked down at Hiruzen, where she felt an odd sensation. It was like an aura that she could pick up on. Reina relaxed and honed in on her senses, where she felt a sensation of pink emanating from the baby. "Love…"

Hiroko tilted her head. "What was that?"

"This baby… He's full of love." Reina mumbled, her eyes watering. 'This baby has untainted, pure love. It doesn't want to be a fighter. It will only yearn for peace. It will be an aspect everyone adores, but will be his greatest downfall.' She thought to herself. 'Hiruzen, I hope we create a better future for you. For all that it's worth… I am so sorry.' Reina smiled and slowly handed Hiruzen back to Hiroko. She sniffled and wiped her eyes with a nod. "He's beautiful! Congratulations."

Hiroko began tearing up with her. "Thank you." She gave an appreciative smile. "I can't wait to meet your baby too. They can grow up together and be friends. They can train together. All that good stuff."

Reina nodded with a giggle. "Yes. I can tell that Hiruzen will be a splendid shinobi." She cleared her throat. "It was wonderful seeing you, Lady Hiroko. I hope you have a speedy recovery."

"Leaving so soon? Are you going somewhere?" Hiroko inquired, truly wanting Reina to stay.

Reina nodded. "Madara and I have a mission."

Sasuke spoke up. "Those adversaries I was telling you about the other day that could spark war within all great nations… Reina and Madara have taken up the responsibility to take care of them."

Hiroko gasped with shaky eyes and looked up at the Uchiha couple. "Really? Please be careful. And thank you for all that you do. I mean it with all sincerity."

Madara and Reina gave a curt bow. "Thank you. We will do our best," Madara spoke. "Shall we go to the ANBU hideout?" He asked Reina.

Reina nodded. "Now would be a good time." The couple waved before leaving the hospital room. After Reina clicked the door shut, she and Madara stopped as they met each other's glare. They began walking down the hallway, and once they were out of earshot, they began to converse. "How much does Sasuke know?"

"What I hate is that now we are painted as being solely responsible for this chaos. If we fail, the Uchiha clan will once again be eternal enemies of many shinobi." Madara scowled.

"He said it as if we volunteered to take this on. It was thrust upon us because if no one stepped up, this world would end up in turmoil." Reina clenched her jaw. "I cannot believe this."

As the couple made their way to the ANBU hideout, Madara cleared his throat. "I noticed you had a very profound moment with baby Hiruzen."

"You could tell?" Reina looked genuinely surprised.

Madara nodded. "Of course. I've slowly learned to read you. After all, you are my wife." He smiled. "So, what was that about?"

Reina opened up her office door in the underground hideout. "I tried to pass it off in a positive light, but Hiruzen is a human of profound love. His spirit does not agree with combat, even when necessary. It will be a strength to some who admire and adore him, but it will be his greatest downfall in the end."

Madara accompanied Reina as she finalized preparations for her departure, and eventually, the two left for the atrium where Tobirama stood. Reina approached her brother and directed him on necessary procedures during her absence. Eventually, the ANBU Black Ops filed in, and at the start time of the meeting, Reina commanded everyone's attention.

"I thank you all for coming to HQ on such short notice, but there is imperative business that must be done." Reina began pacing as she spoke. "Tonight, three ANBU teams will be dispatched across the shinobi lands. One in the Land of Earth, one in the Land of Wind, and the other here in the Land of Fire." She stopped in front of the platoons. "I have gathered the necessary materials for each platoon and have taken the liberty of assigning which squad goes where." Reina cleared her throat. "Here are the assignments: Team K will travel to the Land of Wind, Team M will travel to the Land of Earth, and Team R will remain in the Land of Fire. These three teams have proven to have the utmost proficiency as a shinobi squad and have perfect abilities for this assignment. Due to the dangerous and invasive nature of this mission, there will be a significant pay bonus of double your monthly income as a reward."

Reina paused as she heard some pleased whispers and spotted subtle head nods. She knew that being an ANBU Black Ops member, let alone a shinobi, is a grueling occupation. Therefore, she wanted to ensure her people were being treated right for their sacrifices. Reina cleared her throat and continued. "I will personally review the necessary procedures for each mission with each platoon and have you memorize all written contents I have available. While I debrief one group, please go through the bags behind you and become familiar with their contents. Any questions?"

"NO, MA'AM!" The ANBU rang in unison.

"Perfect. Team K! Let's talk." Reina pulled them aside and began her explanation of the mission.

Madara watched Reina and turned to Tobirama. "She has really become something."

Tobirama smirked. "She always was something but didn't have the necessary environment to grow. It has been an honor witnessing her growth as a leader."

Madara nodded. "I could not agree more."

At the end of the meeting, Reina rallied her troops back as she commanded their attention. "As I have told each group, I will be scouring each area in which you will be investigating. This mission should be complete in one week, but we will resume a week later if not. With that said, you are dismissed!"

"YES, MA'AM!" With that, the ANBU disappeared in a flash and began embarking on their mission.

Reina turned to Tobirama. "Thank you for stepping up while I am gone. We will be back before you know it."

Tobirama nodded. "Stay safe."

"Thank you." Reina turned to Madara. "Shall we?" And with that, the couple disappeared in a flash.

Roughly a day and a half had passed when Reina and Madara made it to the outpost village they once stopped during their honeymoon. Reina was pleased to see that the village was untouched. Madara pointed to the mirror shop and took her hand, bringing her over to the specialty store.

"They repaired everything." Madara smiled. "I am glad."

Reina nodded. "Yes, they're doing well."

"After you." Madara opened the door for her and stepped in afterward.

Reina smiled when she saw Hito at the counter. "Hito!" She grinned. "How are you?"

The man peered up from his paperwork, and a grin spread across his face. "Get out of town! It's been a while!" The man said in his grumbly voice. "And you have a bun in the oven!"

"It has!" Reina smiled and patted her belly. "Yeah, this also happened."

Madara waved. "Nice to see you, Hito."

Hito walked around the counter to greet them. "What a pleasure." He shook Reina and Madara's hand. "What can I do for you two today?"

"We are conducting an investigation." Reina gave a sheepish smile. "We kinda need your help."

"Well, shit. What's going on?" Hito furrowed his brows.

Reina sighed. "It has a lot to do with those mirrors stolen from your shop a while back."

Hito clenched his jaw. "I knew something was up with those guys… Damn it." He ran a hand through his messy black hair. "What do you need to know? I'll do anything I can to help."

"Thank you," Madara spoke this time. "We have some questions we would like to ask if that's alright."

"Shoot." Hito encouraged.

"Perfect." Madara produced a notebook and pencil. "What are common materials mirrors are made out of?"

Hito raised a brow, but didn't question it. "Well, it depends on the purpose. Religious or ceremonial mirrors are often comprised of highly polished obsidian. Common beauty mirrors are typically made out of glass and a highly reflective compound material."

"Where are the materials typically acquired?" Madara asked.

"Placed with rock or sand. That's where the majority of material distributors reside along with mirror specialists." Hito stated.

"So, you're saying there is a greater market in these areas?" Madara inquired.

Hito nodded. "Correct. However, specialists like us are rare and perfect the craft more than locations like that where mirrors are mass-produced. Therefore, we often get more regal clientele who can afford our prices. Very few shops such as this that reside in the Land of Fire dominate the market."

"I see." Madara continued writing.

They continued the questioning for a bit longer until Reina piped up. "If I may interject, you said your mirrors are for more wealthy clients, if not regal?"

"Yep." Hito nodded. "This includes business people, Kage, daimyo, other feudal lords, clan leaders, and so on."

Reina turned to Madara with an expression that said, 'That's not good.' She turned her head and smiled at Hito. "Well, that's all the questions we have for today. Can we buy you lunch for your troubles?"

Arata finished calculating their revenue and grinned from ear to ear. "Wow, we are really raking in the dough!"

"That's literally the least of our concerns." Nao sighed while sweeping the shop floors, a bandana tied around his head.

"Yeah, but you have to admit, it's a nice perk." Arata yawned and stretched. "I can't believe how much these 'clients' pay for these things."

"They are some of the finest mirrors in the world," Nao stated while placing the broom in the utility closet. He shut the door and walked over to the counter where his brother stood. "That's why they go for so much." He smirked. "Their quality is so renowned that people simply buy them for status… which is why we will now be able to infiltrate the castle of the daimyo."