(2023/07/26) Author's note: Hey folks!
I ended up finishing this chapter sooner - so here it is! This is a major chapter which lays out a few things for the upcoming final fic in this fanfic series. Next chapter will probably come out in a few weeks. I've been busy with work and my mental health is getting bad again, so I will most likely be taking a short break from posting for a little bit. But when I come back, I hope to publish two chapters!
I;ve also been doing edits of Sand and Snow's early chapters to fix up the grammar and to smooth out dialogue. Some new lil tidbits were added in too. So if you're a fan of the previous work in this series, I recommend checking out the recently edited chapters.
As always, thank you for reading! xx
Content advisory: childbirth
Chapter 30
Snow Lily
Snow roared outside, swallowing everything in its path.
A storm of such strength was not seen in Yamagakure in over a century. Houses were buried, and the towering sentinels and pines soon disappeared with howling white winds. Civilians and shinobi alike were crammed in the great hall of the chieftain's manse as the hearth burned bright and vibrant. It seemed as though every citizen was brought inside. Those who did not choose the comfort of the fire remained trapped in their homes – but many had seen this type of weather before in their lifetimes. Especially the Yamamori who travelled from the far northeastern reaches of the Land of Frost. But Kyō's men did their best to rally all young families and the elderly to the manse. Most came without any or much trouble. Their only cause for concern was how long they would be sealed inside the ancient palace. Great commotion and the roar of the hearth drowned out the howling winds.
But if one wandered far enough down the winding corridor, Nomasaki's screams rang.
Laying on the chieftain's bed of many furs and adorned pillows, Nomasaki wept and wailed while handmaidens hastily dapped her forehead with cold towels and prepared for the impending birth. Gaara was at her side, holding her hand as she fought through the contractions with grit and will. But they grew more painful as time went on. She had been writhing for under two hours and was nearing the worst.
Kyō stood by the door helplessly as he frantically watched the handmaidens and midwives run about the room in a flurry. Adorned in white and red robes, they carried out their duties in meticulous urgency. Some of the midwives had purple eyes – Yamamori. Even Sayuri, Nomasaki's friend and most trusted attendant in the manse, was clothed in such a way as to assist as much as she could. But Nomasaki's screams and cries did nothing to soothe his worries. He could do nothing as a father watching his only daughter give birth.
A sudden knock at the door jolted him, and when he turned, a Yama-nin was standing guard. "Kyō-sama, all evacuees are accounted for. The women and children and the elderly, mostly."
He half-nodded as his thoughts raced elsewhere. "Where is the doctor?"
"My lord -," The Yama-nin flinched as Nomasaki cried out, shuddering at the pain-laced roar that left her lips. "H-He is unable to come to the manse. The weather… it's really bad."
Kyō put his hand to his face. "Damn it! Will the midwives be able to deliver?"
"Oh, yes, sir, they would." The elderly medic-nin glanced at him, her dulled eyes sharp and her wit full of edge. It was the same healer who administered the antidote to the poisoned villagers when Tenbu attacked eight months ago. Her dark eyes held wisdom and unbending iron. "I've assisted in many births on this mountain… even those of your wife. And I've taught my midwives everything I know. We should have no trouble assisting Nomasaki-sama."
Gaara turned, observing her walk across the room to the bath doors.
Her words struck him as an odd choice. Those? Could this woman have known about Temujin?
When she returned, she held a basin of warm water and towels were slung over her worn shoulders. Nomasaki was still writhing and probably did not hear what she said – and Kyō seemed to not notice or pick up on it. Gaara decided it was for another time.
"Sayuri," The healer called. "I will need more towels."
Sayuri nodded. "Yes, ma'am!"
A shrill, agonized wail burst from Nomasaki's lips. Tears swam down her hot cheeks, the pain growing greater with each breath. "It hurts… so much!"
"My poor baby…!" Kyō frantically turned to the healer. "Is there anything I can do?"
"Leave the birthing to our lady and the delivery to the midwives." The elderly woman scoffed.
Kyō took her quip with a grain of salt and stood at his daughter's bedside. She was panting. Sweat beaded heavily on her brow, and pain washed over her face in waves. Her grasp on Gaara's hand was tight but soon eased as she managed to keep the contractions at bay. Kyō was so proud to know he had a daughter as mighty as the mountain where she was born. And it was in the same place where Mikomi had given birth to her amongst furs and snow lilies.
His heart grieved for Mikomi to witness such strength.
"Father," Nomasaki breathed, fighting off the pain. "Make sure those damned Iwa-nin and the daimyo don't leave… I want them to stay… until I can force them to leave me with their tails between their legs…!"
"That's my girl," Softly, he kissed her forehead. A warm smile formed on his bearded lips. "You're strong. You'll get through this. I know you can. Just like your mother did those long years ago."
Nomasaki smiled back, but it was short-lived as the contractions returned.
She cried out, her voice nearly becoming beast-like.
Sayuri timidly approached the chieftain. "Kyō-sama, you must wait outside. We'll summon for you when the time has passed."
Briefly, Kyō turned to Gaara and exchanged a glance of trust. "Alright. I leave my faith in you."
Once he was ushered from the room, the midwives began to hastily reach the end of their preparations. It was a different world than the one she gave birth to Kyōkurō. Where the Sunagakure Hospital was a concrete, white realm of beeping machines and medical personnel, the chieftain's manse was one of warmth, furs, and in the land of her people. Nomasaki felt strangely at ease, but her heart still wished for Meiyumi to be at her side as she once was before.
Tears fell from her shut eyes, and she shuddered. "I'm so sorry, Gaara…" She wept. "I didn't mean for our child to be born in Yamagakure of all places."
"Yamagakure is a strong village. I'm proud this will be the first place they will see." Gaara placed a finger under her chin, drawing her eyes to his. She blinked, the violet shimmering from her tears. Gaara could not help but smile as he took her in. The admiration he held for her was unfathomable. "They will breathe in the fresh air, see snowflakes, and feel the warmth of the hearth. Just as you did when you were born in this room. Your father said it himself."
Nomasaki was touched. Tears flowed from her eyes, and no matter how many times she blinked or how much she laughed in joy, they would not stop. "I'm already crying, Gaara. Don't make me cry more," She smiled warmly up at him. "I love you."
Gaara put his lips to the hand he held. "I love you, too."
Another wave of unbridled pain ripped through her, breaking her focus. She cried out, gnashing her fanged teeth. "Gaara, the pain is… unreal! I think it's close… I'm going to be honest… I'm scared. Even though it's the second time,"
"I'm right here," Gaara assured, holding her hand. His ringed-eyes met hers in unwavering protection – adoration. "You delivered our first under far worse circumstances. It's only a storm… no assassins, blood-seals, or Uchiha."
She snickered, but the pain forced her to wince. "It hurts to laugh, too… Gods, the pain… ungh!"
"Sayuri," Gaara turned to the handmaiden as she made the final preparation. "How is she doing?"
Sayuri placed a towel at Nomasaki's feet and arranged the necessary medical supplies in order. Satisfied, she stood. "Should be anytime now," She turned happily to Nomasaki, who was panting laboriously. "Anytime now, Nomasaki-sama!"
"Bring the warm water and the towels!" The elderly healer called. "Our lady will start pushing soon,"
Gods, the pushing, Nomasaki dreaded, Desert or Mountain gods… whoever you are, and whoever is listening to me… have mercy. Pain thundered through her, and she cried again. "Please help me! I can't…-!"
"You're doing great, Nomasaki-sama," Sayuri eased her and slowly pulled the sheets and furs over her lady's lap. "Deep breaths,"
The elderly healer scoffed. "My lady, you must spread your legs or else your child won't come out!"
Nomasaki tearfully nodded, choking back the agony that swam at her throat. Slowly, she inched her bare feet and spread her thighs. It felt as if a fire was trying to birth itself from her womb. She cried out again, the pain reaching its peak. Her clutch upon Gaara's hand turned clawed, pricking the Sand Armour that coated his mortal form.
"She's close!" The purple-eyed midwife observed excitedly. "Alright, my lady, you need to start pushing – now!"
Fear jumped out of Nomasaki's quivering lips. "I wish Meiyumi was here…-,"
"You'll be fine, Nomasaki." Gaara cupped her hand in his, eyeing her intently. "You can do this. I have faith in you."
Tears gleamed in her violet eyes as she smiled.
"On the count of three, I need you to push." The healer shouted. "Ready – one, two, three… push!"
Taking a deep breath, Nomasaki did as she was told.
She cried in agony as she pushed with all her strength, her hips clenching and burning as the pressure grew. Her jaws became fanged, and her fingers turned to claws, digging into the furs and Gaara's shattered hand. It was still not enough. Her knees buckled, and her lower body writhed. But she was closer to reaching the end.
"Nomasaki-sama, one more strong push should do it!" The purple-eyed midwife called, supporting her leg. "Breathe in, and breathe out – this has to be a big one, okay?"
Anxiety fluttered in Nomasaki's heaving chest. Tears flowed from her eyes again. Only the pain and the fear grew into too much to bear. Never had she been in so much pain. The blood-seal seemed like a walk in the park compared to what she was forced to do on this day. She would have a hundred blood-seals if it never meant experiencing childbirth again.
She wept. "Gaara, I don't know if I can do this…-,"
"You can," Gaara squeezed her hand tighter and met her glistening eyes. His gaze held a firmness in his belief – his devotion. "I know you can. You've done this before, Nomasaki. Just think of meeting our child, and when Kyokuro gets to meet them." Sand swirled amongst their joined hands. "I know you can do this… You can."
She shut her eyes tightly as tears ran down her cheeks. "Don't let go of my hand,"
He squeezed, the sand soothing from his touch. "I never will, I promise."
"My lady, it's time to give a final push!" The healer shouted from the foot of the bed. "One, two… push!"
Her core buckled, and Nomasaki released an agonizing roar from her fanged jaws.
Blood boiled within her veins, the beast inside exerting all its power to her aid. The cry she let out was not just her own – but it was coated in the roar of a beast. A wolf. With the release of her pain, she pushed with all her remaining strength. A great weight left her suddenly, and the midwives' excited gasps rang deaf to her ears. All was quiet as her head fell back into the embroidered pillows. Her breathing eased, and the air was no longer parched from her lungs. Nomasaki's eyes closed, her sweat running down the bridge of her nose.
There was no sound, no pain – all was tranquil.
And then a shrill cry broke the silence.
Nomasaki opened her eyes, her heart pounding. I did it… They're here.
Sayuri gasped in awe. "My lady, what a beautiful child!"
When Nomasaki blinked, she hazily saw the midwives clean and swaddle the crying infant. But soon, all she saw was their backs. Her heart longed to see her child. She endured another nine months of pregnancy and had survived – like the last. And, like the last, fatigue overwhelmed her. She rested her head, closing her eyes once again as the final tendrils of pain passed through her core and out with each breath from her lips.
It was over.
It was done.
And now she could be at ease.
"It's a daughter, as fair and beautiful as her mother!" The healer strode to the bedside holding the swaddled newborn. A warmed, proud smile was on her aged lips. "Congratulations, my lady."
A daughter.
Nomasaki's eyes widened in disbelief. The joy soon overwhelmed her, and she no longer cared that she was crying. Carefully, the elderly healer brought their newborn child between them. Nomasaki's violet eyes shimmered with tears as she took in the sight. The baby was whimpering lightly, a restless child. She had brilliant, feathery red hair just like her father and older brother, but when she blinked her little eyes, Nomasaki saw that they shared the Yamamori's long-lasting legacy. A light purple shade, reminiscent of the lilacs of spring. Like Kyōkurō, the infant was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. And Nomasaki loved her instantly.
"A daughter," Nomasaki wept, her exhausted face beaming warmly. "Gaara, we have a daughter…!"
"A daughter," He repeated, awed and lost for words.
He nearly felt his lips quiver from the joy that filled his heart.
They named her Setsuka, after the snow lilies that grew in Yamagakure.
Gaara suggested it, and Nomasaki could not think of a name more fitting than 'snow lily'. And like her mother, Setsuka was named after a flower of the ancient mountains where the wolves roamed. It was not long after that Kyō would be summoned back to see his granddaughter for the first time. Even the Fence-Sitter and Kurotsuchi had a chance to meet the Kazekage's youngest child.
The child was born in a storm of snow and ice.
And so the summit did gain another delegate.
The blizzard raged on into the night.
But by the first hour of the morning, the winds had calmed, and the snow ceased. A gentle flurry now danced in the skies above Yamagakure. Villagers slowly emerged from their homes to shovel their way out, while others helped their neighbours and offered hot meals to those digging. Soon enough, the chieftain's manse was once again quiet – save for the few Yama-nin and handmaidens scurrying about the tatami floors. Those who sought shelter from the storm had left contently and returned to their homes, escorted by waiting Yama-nin in case they needed assistance. Fortunately, none had perished in the blizzard – except for some seedings planted in the manse's garden.
Nomasaki was able to sleep after the delivery. Gaara was wide awake, however. Sleep again alluded him, his insomnia exerting its overbearing presence at a time when he wanted nothing more than to sleep. But he accepted it, just this once. Handmaidens and midwives went about the room when Nomasaki woke, bringing her fresh towels, offering her food, and escorting her carefully to the bathroom. Setsuka miraculously slept through the loudest parts of the morning and only woke up when her mother returned to nurse. Once the handmaidens and their litter had left, Nomasaki loosened her robe and allowed her newborn to latch. And thankfully, one try was all it took. Lovingly, she ran her fingers delicately through her baby's red hair – admiring her child.
Gaara was mesmerized, the warmth filling his heart as he observed.
Nomasaki snickered. "She's caught on quite fast,"
"She's so healthy," Gaara smiled. "Like her mother."
Nomasaki smiled back, her violet eyes shining in the scarce sunlight vibrantly.
A knock on the door prompted her to ease Setsuka from her breast.
"Nomasaki-sama, Kazekage-sama,"
It was the healer.
Gaara gingerly took Setsuka into his arms and swaddled her in furs, easing back into the wooden chair. As the healer entered, Nomasaki adjusted her robe and concealed her swollen, engorged breasts. Just touching them ached. Keeping a calm face, she sat up straight and leaned her back into the pillows against the headboard.
"I just came by to see how you're doing," The village healer said, entering the room. "Even after a mere few hours, your vitality is strong, my lady. Although I wouldn't advise you to leave the bed for another day. Rest is paramount to a full recovery." She smiled kindly. "May I bring you clean sheets?"
Nomasaki nodded. "Thank you for everything. May I… have your name?"
"Toki, if you'd be so kind."
She bowed her head, truly grateful. "Toki-sama, thank you."
"Is there anything else I can assist with?" Toki asked. "I will send the handmaidens to check in an hour, should you need anything then."
A lump settled in Nomasaki's throat.
Gaara glanced at his wife, sensing the hurt that lingered in her stare.
"Toki-sama, there's actually something you can do for me – for us," Nomasaki began, her voice flat. "May we speak privately?"
Toki nodded. "Yes, my lady."
A stream of sand closed the door, and Toki sat on one of the chairs at the bedside.
Nomasaki flitted her eyes from the healer to her lap, and once she gathered her thoughts, she glanced back to Toki with a look of emptiness and grief. Pain. "I may have misheard, but yesterday as I was about to give birth… you said that you delivered my mother's children. Is that correct?"
Solemnly, Toki nodded. "I did, my lady. I was a midwife who served Yama in the times when there was still Yamamori on this mountain. I delivered your mother, Mikomi, and her two elder brothers. And when it came time, I delivered you, and…-," Her words choked. She raised a sleeve to her face, wiping away what Nomasaki realized were tears. "Forgive me, my lady. I assume you wish to ask about… the second?"
The second…
Temujin…
Nomasaki's heart sank, remembering the cruelty laced in her brother's stare when they last met. She was haunted by it. Swallowing back the sob, she remained firm. "Was there a second child? After me, did my mother have another child?"
Toki let out a sigh. Averting her gaze, sorrow glazed over her faded eyes. A painful memory. "I don't want Kyō-sama to hear… but yes, there was another." She looked back to meet Nomasaki's eyes, keeping her composure. "A son, born nine months after Kyō-sama left Yama as Sunagakure sent out their hounds. A strong and hearty child – much like you, Nomasaki-sama. Sadly, the child didn't survive. It passed hours after taking its first breath." She lowered her head, grief coating her aged voice. "Your mother begged me to not tell Kyō-sama or the villagers of what happened. I returned to the manse to see how she was recovering, and she wept over the empty woven crib…"
Nomasaki bit her lip, quelling her rising sobs.
Gaara entered, remaining stoic. "You didn't see the child?"
Toki turned to him, her glossy eyes firm. "Mikomi-sama forbade me from entering any further. Even when I tried to console her grief, it was clear she needed time to be alone." She sighed, looking back to her lap. "The poor woman… Her husband was forced to flee for his life, only for her to endure a loss of unimaginable grief… She had dealt with so much loss, that one."
Then the Uchiha was telling the truth, Gaara realized, Temujin is Nomasaki's brother… and he was stolen. Still, there was more they needed to know. "And where did you go after? Why not tell Kyō of this after her passing?"
"Back then, Yama was in steep decline." The healer began. "It was a poor shinobi village of a minor nation that often went forgotten, and the Yamamori clan had dwindled to a sole member, Mikomi-sama, and her infant daughter. I left Yama a year or so after and moved to the capital of the Land of Mountains to be closer to my ailing mother. I also taught midwifery there while I made it my home." She sighed, closing her eyes. "As for Kyō-sama… Mikomi-sama begged me to not tell him, so I kept my promise. I don't feel it's something he has to know. It will only bring him more pain when remembering his late beloved wife… and his regret." Her aged eyes met Nomasaki's distraught glance. "And my lady, I give you my condolences for the loss of your brother. I suggest you keep this a secret from your father as well. No good would come of it… only mournful sorrow." Eloquently, she stood. "I will return with warm towels and check your vitals before supper. If you need anything, please inform the handmaidens to send for me."
Toki bowed her head and then took her leave.
The door slid shut quietly, and Gaara eased their newborn into the woven crib at the bedside.
Nomasaki shuddered, emotion forcing its way from her throat. Gaara took her hand and held it tightly, swallowing back the tears through fuming breaths. "Then it's true… Curse Genji! That vile man, he stole him! And my poor mother…-," She shook as she inhaled a deep breath, releasing it along with all the rage that sweltered in her boiling blood. "And he's out there – Temujin… in the clutches of the enemy! My father doesn't even know…"
"We'll figure out a way. We have time." Gaara assured, smoothing a hand over her back. "The seal on his heart will be broken soon. You'll be able to free him. When we return to Sunagakure after the storm, you and Shijima will resume your training, and Maki-sama will be there to help you unlock your fuinjutsu. It will all fall into place." He could feel her claws grip his palm, threatening to break his sand. Eyeing her protectively, he drew her tearful gaze. "But Nomasaki, you need your rest. You just delivered our daughter. Don't add any further stress to yourself. You've been through a lot, as it is. There's time to rest… so please,"
As she stared into his eyes, her rage and grief slowly subsided. Pain still beat through her heavy heart, but Gaara was right – she had endured enough for one day. Giving birth to their second child was a difficult task alone. Her body still ached from the contractions and pushing, and she barely had the strength to lift herself from the bed. The midwives told her she had expelled the placenta, but Nomasaki felt the warmth of blood coat her inner thighs. It was all part of post-partum, according to the midwives. Some of the 'joys' of childbirth were more obvious to her now as, this time, she did not go under for emergency surgery. Thus, she got to experience it all. For her sake, she hoped it would be her last pregnancy. And she knew Gaara would not dare ask for a third. She breathed easy, admiring her beautiful baby, who slept soundly in the crib.
"She's so perfect," Nomasaki awed. "She has a good temperament like her brother… and her chakra is so vibrant. I'm glad she's able to sleep."
A thought jolted through her.
Gaara noticed her widened eyes and her body frozen against the pillows. She was distressed. "What's wrong?"
"Where's Shijima? Have you seen her?"
"Not since before the summit started," He shook his head. "Do you sense her chakra?"
Nomasaki averted her gaze to her lap in thought, confused by it all. "No, I don't," Where could she have gone? This is all so strange… For her to just leave when all this happens… Nomasaki felt a tinge of betrayal sink into her heart. Her bodyguard had fled. "Shijima…"
A knock once again came at the door, but urgent.
"Kazekage-sama," A Yama-nin called. "The Earth and Iwa delegates have reached a decision regarding Yamagakure and the Land of Mountains. They need you to rectify the pact."
"Already?" Bewildered, Nomasaki watched him lift himself from his seat. Insomnia was marked heavily in his ringed-eyes. "Gaara, what could this mean?"
"I'm not sure, but I'll find out." Tenderly, he kissed her forehead and softly smoothed over Setsuka's feathery red hair as she slept. He gave Nomasaki a light smile of promise. "I'll be back soon. Have some rest."
Nomasaki nodded, and Gaara soon departed.
Moments after, Sayuri emerged from the hall with fresh sheets and pillows. Clutching the blankets in his desperate clawed hands, Nomasaki eyed her back and hoped she would turn around. "Sayuri?"
Sayuri paused. "Yes, my lady?"
Nomasaki's expression grew as firm as a mountain.
Her lips hesitated. "I need you to do something for me,"
"You concede?"
Gaara locked his gaze on the Earth daimyo as the other delegates stayed silent.
Shocking the room, the Earth daimyo slowly nodded. "I have no idea why I was even brought here in the first place! Ever since that strange Wind diplomat began showing up at my court, strange things have been occurring." He slammed a fist on the table. "My guard, my personal staff – all replaced slowly and covertly under my very nose!"
Gaara's glance narrowed. So it was definitely Genji's doing. It wasn't a hunch. Still, the decision eased him. There was to be no war. He already felt his lungs breathe in a sigh of relief. "So you surrender all claims to the mines of the Land of Mountains and Yamagakure?"
"I keep telling you! I never claimed them!" The daimyo's shouts were strained – desperate. "We of Earth may be uneasy about Yamagakure's revival and presence near our southern borders, but it cannot be helped in this new age of peace and coming prosperity. Earth agrees to leave Mountain and their borders to themselves. Iwa will therefore abandon its settlements located within Mountain's borders."
Ōnoki tsked under his breath. "Damn! So close…!"
Kurotsuchi smirked, leaning her cheek into her balled fist. "You almost seem disappointed, gramps."
"Those mines would've made us rich, Kurotsuchi!" The Fence-Sitter gaped. "Richer than stone quarries ever could!" He slumped. "There goes our economic boom…!"
The Earth daimyo shuddered. "And that she-wolf… she's not coming back, is she?" He averted his wide eyes to his lap, fidgeting with his quivering fingers. "I… would rather not deal with such lot. I don't have the capacity to endure such… viciousness. That monstrous stare…"
"My lord, she's gone," An attendant assured. "Nomasaki-sama is resting from childbirth as we speak."
"As long as the woman stays away, I will remain!" He shuddered again. "Wolves are… frightening beasts."
That they are, Gaara thought as he watched the daimyo quiver with smug satisfaction. Pride swelled in his chest. Nomasaki will appreciate this… It was a good thing she came to Yama at this time. If not, the daimyo may not have been swayed. Pride soon faded as suspicion took over, polluting his racing thoughts. He narrowed his ringed-eyes to the daimyo. However…
The daimyo's advisor rose, utterly confused. "My lord, are you sure about this? Just a day ago, you were wishing for war and suggesting a strategy to your generals on how it should start! Why such a change of heart?"
"Have I not told you this?!" The daimyo was indignant. "I never said such things!"
It had come this far… War was close. "Earth daimyo," Gaara approached. "I mean no blatant disrespect, but I believe you were under a genjutsu."
The daimyo blinked. "A genjutsu, you say?"
"A powerful one at that," Ōnoki entered, hovering above his seat. "I haven't seen the likes since the Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron! It was Danzō of Konohagakure – using the stolen eye of an Uchiha to hypnotize the samurai mediator Mifune-sama to go along with his schemes. Thankfully, the bodyguard of the Mizukage was able to break the trance, much like the Yamamori here who snapped you out of whatever genjutsu took hold." He grinned, looking in Gaara's direction. "Reminiscent of the Five Kage Summit, isn't it, Kazekage-sama?"
Gaara sighed. "I hate to agree in this case, but yes."
"But who has the skill to use such a technique?" Kyō stepped in, alarmed. "We have genjutsu experts amongst our few shinobi, but I haven't seen anything quite like this. And to span over days… surely a political trap, if I may be so bold."
Ekashiba agreed. "Aye."
"Tenbu," Gaara said. "It was Tenbu. There was no other way." He looked at the daimyo, meeting his distraught eyes. "What was the name of the diplomat in your court?"
The daimyo pondered, putting a wrinkled finger to his lips as he mouthed names and curses. Even his own advisors had whispered amongst themselves. The delegates waited with bored anticipation, the pondering leaving a long, cold silence in the great hall. It was as if the name was purged from his memory.
The daimyo gasped. "Genji! Genji of the Kurogane! That was his name!" He turned to the other delegates, anger miring his aged features. "He was a diplomat of the Wind court for years but decided to change factions after the war. He claimed it was the economy that pushed him from Wind and Sunagakure, so I assumed there was a falling out with the Suna Council."
After I stole away his chance at grabbing power, Gaara thought, After I chose Nomasaki.
He decided it was time to come clean.
Sunagakure be damned.
"Genji controlled the water sources for the southern lands of Wind and had previously expressed an intent to seize power in Suna through marriage ties with the Kazekage family – my bloodline. That failed, of course, but he is a persistent bastard." He almost hesitated, his tongue silent. But he made it this far – so it made sense that Earth and Mountain be made aware of the truth. He decided there was more for Genji to lose than himself – or Sunagakure. "He even hired Tenbu to assassinate my wife on multiple occasions… all of which had thankfully failed. But his allegiance with these terrorists puts not only we of Suna at risk but the shinobi world as a whole. Suna no longer recognizes his authority. He can't be trusted."
The delegates all silently nodded in approval.
"Why the shinobi world? What do you mean by this nonsense?" Ōnoki tsked. "Surely nothing could surpass the might of Uchiha Madara and the ten-tails! We Five Kage saw to that!"
A thought lingered in Gaara's mind, guilt rising in his chest. "…There is a prophecy,"
"A prophecy?"
He closed his ringed-eyes, remembering the words. "'The world will grow dark in shadow, with only a red sun in the skies. Cold will follow, and bones will stir in their desert crypts. A mountain of fire will be awakened, and a dark god will be birthed from its ashes." He opened his eyes, meeting those of the stunned delegates. "That is the prophecy spoken of by Hakuto-sama, the heiress of the Hoki family, before her death at the hands of Tenbu. They wanted that prophecy, but she gave it to me instead."
It was a memory he wished he could forget.
Before leaving the Nara residence that cold winter night, Hakuto grabbed him by the sleeve and confided in him the prophecy. She had only seen it moments earlier before the sounds of the forest made her wake. The look in her eyes was unlike anything Gaara had seen. She was horrified.
"You must never tell a soul," Hakuto told him, "Not until the red sun first appears. It is too dangerous in the wrong hands! Tenbu wanted it – was waiting for it. They knew of my visions… And now it came,"
"I won't," He assured. A white lie – but one of necessity.
"Time is cardinal, Kazekage-sama. Time is cardinal…" And Hakuto drifted back to sleep.
Gaara did not even tell Nomasaki – not yet, at least.
But when he would tell, he knew she would understand the gravity of the words.
Ōnoki flinched, uneasy. He sank back to his chair, blank with thought. "Well… I was hoping with my old age that I could retire someday, but that doesn't seem likely. Another prophecy… a red moon was bad enough! A red sun? Will the world burn, then?"
"I don't know, but it's possible," Gaara admitted. He eyed the rest, stern-faced. "We must tighten our borders and snuff out these agents where they appear! Wind and Earth are their primary targets, but other nations and shinobi villages are neither safe. I will press for this at the next Kage Summit, but I am asking you, as Wind, Earth, and Mountain – don't lower your guard. We may be at peace, but just earlier, war was at our doorstep over a misunderstanding and political interference. We must not act rashly."
Kyō nodded. "I agree with Kazekage-sama," He glanced at his guests. "Earth, Iwa - where do you stand?"
"We stand with you," Ōnoki agreed. "Iwagakure will call off its embargo with Suna, and relations will be smoothed in the coming days following our return. I will press for a Kage Summit within the next month. Surely, the other Kage will have the proper sense to agree!"
Gaara stood firm, the tension reluctantly leaving his shoulders. "Earth surrenders all cause to the border of Mountain, and Iwa is to end the embargo. All in favour?"
Mountain and his delegates shouted. "Aye!"
"Aye!" Came from the Earth daimyo and his advisors, save for one who was less enthusiastic. "Aye…"
Kyō nodded. "Aye, Kazekage-sama."
But luckily, all were in agreement.
"Then it's settled," Kyō stood from his chair, allowing himself to rest on his cane. "Thank you all for coming to your senses… May our issues be few and far between from this point onward."
Ōnoki grinned at the Kazekage, almost proud. "Not bad for mediation, runt! And congratulations!"
Gaara smiled. "Thanks,"
Kyō sniffed. "I can't believe I have a granddaughter! I've been blessed yet again for no reason!" Tears of joy ran down his cheeks and into his greying beard. "The desert gods have been very kind to me… for all I've done!"
"Kyo-sama," Ekashiba coughed into his closed fist. "Maybe you shouldn't cry in front of our foreign delegates…?"
"S-Sorry, Ekashiba."
And the summit had come to a close.
The hallway reaching the master bedroom was unusually quiet.
When Gaara slid the door open, Nomasaki was not in the furs. The bed was freshly made and vacant. His heart jumped. "Nomasaki?" He paced the room, hoping she would emerge from the bath or across the hall. His heart thundered. "Nomasaki -,"
"Oh," Turning, Gaara saw Sayuri placing Setsuka into the woven crib. "Kazekage-sama, how went the delegations?"
He approached, urgency glinting in his ringed-eyes. "Sayuri, where is she?"
"Oh, Nomasaki-sama? She…-," Sayuri hesitated. Panic sprawled over her face. "She said to tell you not to worry! But she went to see the clan matriarch! She said she had no time, that she must go today. I told her she shouldn't move since she has a risk of bleeding from birth, but she was insistent. She asked me to put Setsuka in her crib, so I did as I was told… It was the first time she was demanding, so I couldn't argue." She averted her gaze to sleeping Setsuka. "I'm sorry, Kazekage-sama."
And Hakuto's words rang in his thoughts.
Birthing bed.
Blood.
"Your wife will die in childbed,"
Urgency propelled him. "Where can I find her?"
"It's a small cabin on the mountain, just north of the village." Gaara immediately turned on his heel, rushing out the open door. "Wait! Kazekage-sama!"
And when he stepped out the grand doors of the manse, snow greeted him
A storm was still brewing.
Notes: Setsuka is named after a flower that blooms in Yamagakure. In Japanese, "Setsuka" (雪華) literally translates to "snow flower". Outside of the story, "Setsuka" is also the name of a character in the Soul Caliber series of video games.
