Chapter 71: The end to a new beginning

3rd POV

As kids ran down the street while playing with their friends the sound of crunching leaves could be heard under each step they took. The familiar sound of sweeping could be heard as shop employees brushed away the falling sleeves.

Sitting on the veranda enjoying the cool air Yukino held up her gloved hands to her ears focusing on the sounds. With summer behind her, she was learning to take her time enjoying the sounds of the home she had built. As the wind picked up slightly they tickled the edge of a small stack of reports by her side, before they could be swept up with the mischievous wind she held down the pages with a chuckle. "Alright, I had enough." Hopping off the veranda she felt relief at the pressure change her stomach was under. Looking down at her growing stomach and at the obvious bump that had grown she wrapped the haori around her as she felt the wind on her skin.

Although the cold was no issue for her before, the more she progressed through her pregnancy the more sensitive to the temperature changes she became and the more she craved warmth. Heading inside with the reports the wind was keen on taking she set them down on the kitchen table and pulled out her purse. Looking up at the time she had an hour before her secretary came to pick up the completed reports. Wanting to go outside she felt reluctant, almost all of Uzushio had seen her face during the coronation so people were still figuring out how she should be addressed whether as chief or their ruler. Not wanting to go through that at the moment she decided to just wait and send her secretary out to get her something sweet. Purse in hand she moved to the living room and taking off her haori she laid down, adjusting the pillows she got comfortable before pulling her haori over herself like a blanket. Staring into the fibers of the pillow her eyes fluttered shut as sleep overtook her with the thought of fresh bread enticing her into sweet dreams.

・・・

Squinting at the strong light she sat up feeling her side begin to ache, opening her eyes she wished she was in a dream.

Staring out at a lake that had long since been flattened by Pain she clutched her chest letting out a bitter laugh. 'I thought I was done, so why…' Having believed all loose ends to have been tied back to the beginning she reluctantly accepted her position.

Taking in her possessions, she realized the haori she used as a blanket before falling asleep was gone, leaving her in her short-sleeved dress. Looking around she spotted her purse and let out a sigh of relief, as her cravings hit again a small hope bloomed. Getting up she walked along the streets with familiarity hoping that this time she could get some joy out of her trips to the past.

As the scent hit her she picked up her pace and rounded the final corner coming to a stop. Sweeping the fallen leaves outside the shop, Aunty Uruchi stepped back inside her shop. Mouth-watering Yukino followed, as she entered she rang the bell above the door bringing back fond memories. Looking into the shop she hadn't seen in more than a decade she was left in awe as she felt a shiver from the warm air inside.

"Hello there I've never seen you before!" Aunty Uruchi smiled as she brought out a tray of freshly baked loaves. "Come in dear it's getting cold outside, what would you be interested in?"

Quickly stepping in to stop the warm air from leaking outside, and approached the friendly shop owner. "I heard of your famous senbei(rice crackers) but I have to say the smell of the bread from a few streets down made it hard to not come here."

"What a sweet girl you are. If you don't mind waiting a bit, my husband will come out with a fresh batch from the fire." Thankful she looked around asking for recommendations on the other baked goods they sold. Eagerly helping the new mom, the elderly woman provided some suggestions as well as other promising restaurants in the area. Focused on their conversation they failed to hear the bell ring as another customer stepped in.

"Aunty Uruchi, Uncle Teyaki I'm here for…" A new customer called into the shop her eyes shut as she entered trying to shield herself from the wind that picked up outside. As she entered the warmth and safety of the shop she froze her onyx eyes widened and her breath hitched in her throat. Many thoughts rushed through her mind at how she could be seeing the red-haired woman before her. Her words came out in all but a silent whisper only one managed to reach Yukino's ears, "Kushina…"

Ears perking up, sapphire eyes glanced behind her and glistened for a moment at the sight of the Uchiha woman. "Oh dear…" Uruchi sighed. Coming to her senses Mikoto regained her composure and cleared her throat pretending to not have uttered that name. A name uttered in confusion and stress over the events she was under the last few days.

Even so, she had heard. "Do you know her?" Yukino blurted out the words trying to grasp for a bit more time with the Uchiha woman. "Can you tell me where she is? I...I," As her mind flipped through the lies she bit her lips. "She's my cousin. If you know where she is, can you please tell me."

"I…I'm sorry you must've misheard." Quickly turning back to the door she rushed out having the opposite of her intended results.

The older woman behind her let out a sigh. "Please forgive her, the past week has been hard for all of us." Wringing her hands she took in a deep breath, "I will admit the moment you came through my door I also mistook you for someone else, you see hair of your color is not too common around here."

"Then can you tell me what happened to her? The other lady with red hair?"

"I wasn't too close to her but Mikoto-san was… she came here a few times but…" Realizing when she had stopped seeing her, her mind made a connection, "If I had to guess she probably died when the nine-tails attacked."

"I see… Thank you for telling me." She said pretending to be disheartened even though she already knew the answer, having found it herself when she snooped a bit. Paying for her bread she left the warm store and walked back to the lake she found herself in when she first opened her eyes, as she did she finally noticed the wary looks the Uchiha clan threw her way. 'Past week.' trying to rack her brain for past events that could have caused this she stopped and looked down at her stomach and felt her heart drop. She couldn't deny she felt lighter a bit too light in comparison to what she had grown accustomed to the last few months. Although her stomach still retained its shape she couldn't sense her children. Taking in a deep breath she knew freaking out on a public street would just draw even more unwarranted attention. Ignoring the clan's gaze she kept walking as she returned to the lake.

Sitting under the tree-hugging the bag of bread and basking in its warmth she clutched her neck sensing for the seal but it was gone as well. 'Does that mean this isn't my physical body?' Remembering the last few times she or Ryota had slipped into the past the experience was always like that of a dream. Their eyes would always seem to close at one moment in time and then open in another. She never really thought too much of it and how it really worked but she felt some relief that her prisoner seal she had made attached itself to the vessel. Thanks to the Shinigami's candle, it was a necessary loophole she needed to add for herself to prevent her home from being discovered. If the seal were to be bound to the soul and if she were to die her body would most likely reform back at the broken shrine in Konoha past the bounds outlined in the seal therefore exposing her location. But of course, she wasn't going to exploit this loophole since she made a promise and was set to do her best to uphold it.

Taking a rice cracker out the familiar scent hit her making her mouth water. Biting into a rice cracker a flash of memories flooded her mind and warmed her body more than a fire could at the moment. As her eyes drifted to the sky and slow-moving clouds she fell into a trance as she let herself sink into her memories basking in the safety of the past, and failing to notice the approaching Uchiha police officer.

Having spotted her earlier as she left the shop a couple of concerned villagers brought up their concerns of this possible outsider in their midst. Not familiar with this new face either and this stranger's brazenness through their compound instead of the wariness the villagers often showed he had reasonable cause that their concerns were founded. "Ma'am I'll have to ask you for identification." He asked only to be met with silence as deep blue eyes stared out into the sky although looking towards it her eyes were elsewhere. "Excuse me, ma'am!" He asked again, this time managing to snap her out of her daze. "Ma'am I'm asking for your identification. If you cannot provide it or a merchant association cannot vouch for you we will have to hold you for questioning."

"There's no need for that." Eyes looked behind them to the woman who spoke, holding her head high Mikoto spoke sternly to her husband's subordinate. "She's my guest. We were supposed to meet up here and I was running late." She nudged the bag of baked goods in her arms, a bag she was supposed to pick up earlier but left behind in embarrassment. Even so, it didn't take long for the guilt to set in so she came back looking for her.

"Lady Mikoto," the Uchiha man bowed his head in respect before glancing at the woman behind him with doubt. "Forgive me but I've received concerned comments about her presence."

"Your wife is currently pregnant. You should know she isn't a threat, not while this heavy. It's also not her fault her hair stands out." Eyes turning to Yukino she waved her over. "Come, you'll get a cold if you stay out any longer." Without being told twice she sped walked to her side. As she looked at her she smiled as they were both near the same height. A heavy feeling settled in her things she never thought of before were now possible. How easy would it be to stop and just tell her, "Mikoto-san it's me Yukino! I grew up fine and now I'm happy!" Even as the words bounced around on her tongue she closed her eyes

But she bit her tongue knowing she couldn't and fate would most likely steal her words even if she tried.

・・・

Settling in the Uchiha household's kitchen she nervously fidgeted with the seams of her skirt as the woman that brought her here put away the bread she bought. Looking behind her as the fridge opened she saw a slice of castella cake covered in plastic wrap, at the sight of the intact cake the Uchiha woman sighed as a pit of worry began to weigh on her heavily. It's been a few days since she last saw her and even though her guardians told her she was just sick she still couldn't help but worry. Hearing the red-haired woman shift behind her she pulled out a water pitcher from the fridge.

"Are you alright with water?" She asked the pregnant woman she dragged to her home. For whatever reason something told her to not leave her behind. Noticing her heavy belly and no friend or partner in sight as she was being interrogated she felt her body move on its own to protect her.

"As an outsider, you should keep your identification records on you while inside the village, or you'll be mistaken for a spy and arrested." She warned her as she poured her water and placed it before her.

"I know." Taking the cup Yukino traced the rim of her cup as the lies spilled from her mouth with ease. "But I had to make sure she was alright but…" As her crocodile tears pooled in her eyes, she made a show of trying to sneakily wipe it away with the palm of her hand. "The shop owner already told me… that she might have died a few years ago so there's nothing for me to find."

Mikoto, knowing of Kushina's child, wanted to tell this stranger, doubting that they were an enemy from another nation. If she was, this approach was the one to most likely fail as she was almost caught a while ago if not for her intervention. Even so, going after the jinchūriki was a death sentence; there was no way the pregnant woman before her would be able to take away the village's jinchūriki not without a whole team behind her ready to take on the ANBU. "I'm sorry but Kushina didn't leave anything behind," she lied, "and her parents died when we were young." Seeing the way her body withered under the news she felt the urge to kneel by her side and comfort her. Holding herself back she stood back, 'If she was telling the truth about being family maybe that's why those eyes…' Remembering the glimmer in her eyes as she ate her bread underneath the tree by the lake she couldn't shake the resemblance she bore to the young girl who had been sick the last few days.

With nothing else to add and the hesitancy in her stance, Yukino took in a deep breath and stood up feeling she had overstayed even though she wished for nothing more at the moment than to stay a bit longer. "Thank you for your hospitality and for the answers I was looking for… I… I'll make sure to leave by tomorrow."

"Do you have a place to stay?" She quickly replied worried about her going back out there and getting interrogated again.

"Don't worry, I have enough money to stay at an inn."

As she smiled to reassure her, the familiar smile of the young girl she was raising flashed through Mikoto's mind. Some part of her felt guilty of keeping her hidden but Yukino already had an adoptive family that cared for her, while the red-haired woman before her was nothing more than a stranger to her. Even so, a part of her worried for her. Although her dress was long her sleeves were short and with nothing more than small gloves that only went up to her wrists her arms were left exposed.

"Wait." Leaving the room she quickly came back with a dark purple scarf, "You'll get sick if you stay out there like this for too long." Tossing it over her shoulders she adjusted it making sure it covered her well. As she did her eyes noticed the necklace she wore, 'Doesn't Yu–'

Momentarily surprised, Yukino clutched the scarf. "Thank you Mikoto-san." The woman beamed, cutting off her thoughts. "I'll try not to lose it," she chuckled, to her the resemblance was uncanny but she supposed that would be the case for someone partially related to the young girl she cared for. Guiding her back to the front door she saw her son putting on his shoes, "Ita–" Knowing sensing her he quickly got up and left pretending to not have heard her.

"Teenagers huh I have to say I'm a bit worried when they reach that age." The red-headed woman let out a dry laugh as she stepped into her sandals.

"Even I can't give advice, I'm just as new to this experience as well."

Yukino's POV

Leaving the Uchiha residence behind I felt a bit sad seeing it again. Saying my final farewell to it I felt it was time to leave the compound or risk getting caught again. With the sun beginning to set the walls around me were dyed with a vibrant red. Following along the usual paths I once took as a kid to avoid the surveillance towers from the Anbu I walked calmly knowing my red hair would be hard to notice as the walls of the village glowed in hues of red and orange hiding my peeking head over the walls in plain sight. Reaching the forest as the sky began to turn purple I followed my old trails with familiarity with no final destination in mind other than the tugging feeling in my chest to guide me. As the trees came to an end I found myself at a lonely house nestled at the forest's edge.

'Am I going to see myself?' Feeling my heart beating in my chest I quietly jumped up into a nearby tree hoping for a glimpse of myself. Standing on a branch I craned my neck trying to look into my room to no avail as the wind blew my hair in front of my face. I realized that it was a full moon.

Looking up into the night sky I caught the soft glow coming through the leaves above. Hearing the balcony chair creak my eyes quickly zoned into it and I held my breath. In a long white gown, a tiny figure quietly crawled up into the chair before curling themselves in the chair making sure to pull up their long skirt and tucked it to their sides so it wouldn't peek out.

Remembering the time I had done this I quietly jumped down. Seeing their tilted head down in an effort to remain hidden I stopped all thoughts and gently tilted her head up as the autumn wind brushed our hair. With my other hand, I gently tugged on the bandages loosening them just enough for it to unravel itself. Quickly I jumped away and watched the look of wonder in my eyes as I saw once again. As my past looked around puzzled I inched towards the shadows thankful for the dark scarf masking me into the darkness. As my past turned her eyes to the full moon above I smiled feeling that this was what I was intended to do. Turning away I froze as a kunai blade was pressed on my neck. At that moment I felt disappointed at myself for letting down my guard. Even in this position, however, I didn't feel threatened since I could recognize the chakra of the one threatening me.

"Speak," the young boy warned, "what are your intentions being here?"

Knowing he was eavesdropping back at the Uchiha residence while I was with Mikoto I knew by the timeline he was already aware of the time slips. "I don't want anything. Why would I harm myself?"

Feeling the Kunai drop, I slowly removed the scarf covering my hair and turned around, stepping a little bit into the moonlight. As his eyes met mine I saw the recognition and smiled relieved that I wouldn't have to fight him. "It's been a while for you hasn't it?"

Stunned he stared up in disbelief analyzing my face carefully. Understandably I remained in place. I had seen him already at this stage but to him, he had seen my future growth in the span of a few months. Remembering my younger self on the balcony a moment ago I understood the feeling well, in the span of two decades I had changed completely yet at the same time some things remained the same.

Not knowing how long I would remain here there was one more place I wanted to visit again. Jumping down a hand quickly grasped my shoulder as I landed to steady me. "Thank you." Appreciating the gesture I wanted to reassure him that a jump like that wouldn't affect me but explaining my theory of how the timeslip worked would take precious time for us both. Wrapping the scarf around myself better I marched into the forest.

"Wait," I heard him call out. "Why have you come back?" He asked.

Wondering if I could even answer, I hummed and changed the subject. "Your dad disowned you right? How are you feeling?"

"I'm not worried about that there are more pressing matters for me to worry about." He said and knowing the time we were at I knew that stopping the coup was the issue he was focused on. With Shisui dead their original plan was gone and with the growing animosity between the Uchiha and the Leaf, he could sense that it was only a matter of time before the coup was put into action.

"How are you feeling?" I asked knowing I should have asked that back then. But too lost in my grief in the past I failed to ask the person who witnessed it firsthand. "His death was too sud–"

"Yukino I'll have to go if I'm gone for too long it will look suspicious." Partially telling the truth, I accepted his deflection having seen firsthand myself all those years ago how he was accused of being behind Shisui's death.

"I understand. Until I leave I'll be at the abandoned shrine on the village outskirts." Giving a slight nod he jumped into the trees and disappeared into the shadows. Looking at him fading away into the darkness I lowered my eyes knowing the path he would soon take and the fate that would befall him. As my vision blurred I covered my mouth and turned away.

3rd POV

Curled up on the broken steps of the abandoned shrine, a lonely figure slept soundly under the stars. Wrapped in a dark scarf her white hair draped around her like streaks of moonlight over the night sky.

As the wind blew off the scarf the young boy tucked the scarf under her arm so the wind wouldn't try again. Intending to return home and forget tonight, her friend's words from a few months ago teased him. Looking at her face he noticed the bags under them and worried what he was doing in the future for her to look so tired. 'Do I become so useless in the future that I can't ease her burdens?' He already saw what his mom needed when she was pregnant with his little brother so he had some idea of what to do to help. Recollecting her friend's words he theorized if he wasn't present then whatever relationship they had that they teased her so much about ended at least amicably.

"If you keep staring you'll burn a hole through me." Trying to sit up he helped pull her forward, as she sat up with a sigh and thank you, tugging on the scarf she looked up at him. "Why did you come back?"

Looking down at her tired smile, the softness remained even years into the future. "I…" Hesitating, he decided not to talk about his assumptions about the future. "Tonight is cold, even if you don't mind getting sick you should at least worry about your child." He made his worries known.

"I know. I know." Looking down she touched her stomach hoping if her soul theory was true even if she was exposed to the cold they would be alright. "Don't worry I'm doing fine." Looking up, she noticed the shadow that fell over his eyes as his mind went elsewhere. "Want to?" She gestured to her stomach.

For a moment his eyes flickered up to her and then back at her stomach, hesitantly he placed his hand on her stomach, closing his eyes he looked for the slightest movement under his hand.

Ba-dump.

Surprised at the extra beat Yukino touched her stomach wondering if she had imagined it. As she pondered her theory she failed to notice the growing regret in the young boy before her. "Shisui should have…" as the thoughts crossed his mind of the life taken too soon, thoughts on what could have been done differently repeated in his head. Thoughts of a future he never considered a future his friend should have been able to see.

Hearing his murmur her eyebrows furrowed with worry, Itachi, Hearing her voice in his mind he pulled away knowing she could delve into the mind, and with age he knew there was a slight chance her abilities had only gotten stronger.

"Leave my head." Pulling back she raised her hands up and purposefully made her presence known in his mind so when she let go he could feel it giving him some peace that his mind was free of her.

"Sorry, it's a bad habit of mine." She apologized as this was already second nature to her as speaking. Of course, she knew better than to do it to those who weren't aware of her skill but for a moment she fell into old habits forgetting that at this point in time this method was taxing on her body.

Like a blanket being pulled off her warm presence in his mind faded, he could recognize the difference in skill even though their presence was the same. Taking in a deep breath he felt the questions burning at him wanting to know. But he knew enough from his previous meeting he could never receive such answers. "I have to go." He clenched his fists, turning away wanting to let go of the false hope he was feeling.

Seeing the flash of pain in his eyes she felt her heart suffocate her as she witnessed the burden he's been dealing with in secret this whole time. Quickly rising to her feet she reached out and hugged the boy. He didn't push away or reciprocate, he just limply accepted the embrace. As the scarf shielded him from the cold her warmth only brought forth just how alone he was.

His clan had turned their back on him and he was now a suspect in his friend's death. His father has disowned him, and there was no comfort to be sought from his mother who would always side with his father. And his brother… his innocent little brother naive to it all had no idea this was going on.

Yukino knew all this well now that she was older and understood better what Itachi had to go through alone. This simple embrace was all she could give. "I'm sorry I can't answer any questions of the future. Even if I tried, my words would go silent." She clarified knowing that in his time of uncertainty, he was looking for an answer but even though she had an answer it was one he would understand Shisui would never accept but it was the only one he was presented with. "But know this no matter what path you take I'm sure Shisui would never hold it against you and neither will I, we're your friends after all." Feeling the quiet tears soak through her clothes she gently rubbed circles on his back wringing out his sorrows. Wanting to provide words of comfort she couldn't bring herself to lie about what was to come, to bring false comfort knowing the tough decisions he would be presented with. At that moment she felt a lump in her throat knowing what kept him going all those years she sucked in her emotions and spoke steadily to hide her feelings. "You know… the decisions ahead don't get any easier, but remembering the things that bring me joy makes the troubles easier to bear."

Hearing a sniff he pulled away. "Is your future that bad?" he tried to jab playfully.

"Adulting is tougher than I expected to say the least," she joked before thinking of something to compare it to. "It's like… traveling around the open road in bad weather if you go at it for too long it will eventually wear you down but thinking about the ryokan at the end of the road makes it all worth it when you eventually reach it," She said alluding to his future life in the Akatsuki with his lifeline during those years was knowing Sasuke's safety was guaranteed. Reaching out to touch his head, water collected from the surrounding air as a memory was reflected onto it. A happy memory of the times they shared before fate decided to play with their lives. "This is my ryokan to you," she placed the memory marble into his hand, "a memory you will never forget even as age ails you." 'a sight you will always be able to see no matter how dark your world becomes.' She thought as she tapped her mouth with a glowing fingertip. As she began to fade she ignored it to convey her final words to him. "Swallow it so you can always go back to it and never forget you are our dear friend."

Carefully cupping the colorful marble in his hands he looked up at the smiling woman as her skin began to glow fading into particles of light. He never really understood Shisui's teasing but he couldn't deny the warmth he felt at the brief moment of comfort he received.

Instead of returning home, he turned back around to check on her younger self now that she had awakened. The day after Shisui died he sensed her leave in a hurry without a word and not long after her guardians appeared telling them she caught a cold but as the days passed she remained sheltered in her home. With every attempt to visit, he caught the scent of medicinal herbs and her home was bustling with activity as its guests moved between the two floors. Any crow that got too close would be shooed away but even so, it didn't hide the sound of weeping that came from her room. It didn't take a genius to put two and two together that the news of Shisui's death had reached her ears. Seeing the house lights on for the first time in a while he stepped up on the veranda holding his hand up to knock.

"No fair! You cheated!" He heard another voice yell from inside the home. Peering inside he saw Naruto inspecting her sleeves for any hidden cards.

"Nuh uh! You just suck." She laughed sticking out her tongue. Her appearance was more gaunt than the last time he saw her but she seemed to have regained some of her spirit back.

"Rematch!" Seeing them both laugh he smiled at the sight, at the normalcy of their lives, and stepped back.

Although Shisui had roped her into their plans for her abilities he also passed on part of their burden. Objecting at first he saw the reason for his choice Yukino and her family were already close to Naruto the key to the coup's takeover so they would no doubt protect Naruto whether asked to or not. Being aware of the plan just made them more prepared.

A burden shared is a burden halved and the only other person who he shared it with was now gone. And he had no intention of shifting his burden to another again. Especially not to someone as naive as his brother. Just seeing how much of a toll Shisui's death took on her, the last thing he wanted was the guilt she would have to carry if his plans failed and war broke out. The weight of the village's life on her hands would be too much for someone so willing to help yet powerless to do anything. Even if she wished to help he wouldn't give in, to protect that smile into the future she had to remain in the dark alongside her brother.

Looking down at the happy memories he wished to protect and the many other happy memories the rest of the village held he steeled himself for the thorny path he alone would take to protect everyone else's happiness. Popping the stone into his mouth he swallowed, feeling the marble dissipate and warm his body as a rush of memories flooded his mind almost as if sinking into a warm tub of water.

・・・

In the present time, tired eyes fluttered open at the sound of her doorbell ringing. Slowly getting up she called out for her secretary to just enter the open door having already rigged the house's barrier to allow those she wished. Handing over the completed reports to her assistant alongside the additional task of picking up some lunch for her she saw the young secretary off before laying back down.

Staring up at the ceiling she let out a sigh as she reached out to look at her hands remembering the tug that brought back her sight. At that moment she realized the scarf hanging on her arm. Sitting up she stared at it bringing more questions on how the time slips worked. Feeling her head hurt she let the matter go and folded up the precious item. Tracing over the clan crest she felt her heart burn.

Danzo was dead and with the era of peace they were entering the elders were probably still alive living free of the consequences for their actions that left nothing more than a path of pain for their enabling behavior. It was still early and life was moving towards peace but she knew the old relics of war would take the slightest hiccup as an opportunity to plant suspicion and distrust in the Hokage and start the cycle again. Knowing Kakashi he would not fall so easily for such baseless words but they held influence and could manipulate the weak daimyo. She couldn't let the peace everyone worked so hard be destroyed by selfish people.

The Kage's first mistake was trusting her seal was actually all binding. Although her body couldn't leave the island it didn't stop a shadow clone from leaving so long as the portion it held was less than a twentieth of her chakra. Nothing too bad all she had to do was create 20 shadow clones and send out only one.

She'll make sure to succeed in where Sasuke failed but instead of barging into the leaf with a sword in hand she'll just do what she was best at. Sending a shadow clone into her mystic space to retrieve the plans she'd been secretly concocting ever since she found out the truth behind the Uchiha massacre but had stopped once the news of war broke out. Her new poison would work but for someone so protected a rapid decline in their health would be all too suspicious. The cause would be found soon, especially while Tsunade and Sakura were still around.

No, she couldn't have that.

Her experiences over the last few months taught her how important memories were. So that's what she will do. She'll slowly siphon away their memories and as a result, the village would strip them of their power. It didn't matter how much of an honorable elder they were, the moment they start acting senile they will be forced to step down. She had to admit this was partially revenge and to protect the precious peace her children deserved.

But to see success she needed more intel on their day-to-day behavior surely one of her many rogues who have been scorned by them would know. Once her secretary returned she would tell them to reach out to Kosuke-san once he returned from the mainland with the rest of the Wolves. Of course, she knew that for all her hatred for them, if over this time they had turned over a new leaf she would let go for the sake of peace.

?: Yukino?

Yukino: Hm? Oh sorry, I zoned out for a bit.

?: Did anything happen after you woke up?

Yukino: I woke up with the scarf. My son has it now and he cherishes it quite a lot. So all in all that trip was the most pleasant one I had. Now aside from Ryota becoming the unwilling clan head we can skip a few months ahead.

A couple months later… Late January

Grand Shrine

As the snow gently fell outside the shrine the private ceremony inside concluded as family and friends gave the married couple their best wishes for the future. Looking out from under the wataboshi emerald green eyes sparkled as her new family surrounded her.

"It feels as if you've been part of the family for a long time, Emi." Shina smiled seeing her happy daughter-in-law holding hands with her son. Holding her daughter's image with watery eyes she felt her loss even more today. Even though the gods gave her another for the one she lost she wished for nothing more for both. But she knew mourning on such a happy day would disappoint her daughter so she smiled brightly for them both. "I'm your mom now so if you ever need help you can always come to me."

"Thank you," Hesitating as the words got caught in her throat, Emi shook away the memories of her old family, of the people who claimed to be such. "Thank you… mom." Happy but bashful the two women looked down trying to remain composed.

The men in the family forgotten as the two talked just watched happily. "Ryota," Tamotsu, his father, said. The ever-silent man held out a hand and pulled his son in for a hug. "I'm proud of you, if you love her, never betray her."

Letting out a quiet laugh he returned the hug. "I know Dad, you taught me that." Looking up at his brother he flipped him off with a smile. Rolling his eyes an idea came to mind and he smiled back. Joining the hug he squeezed the air out of his younger brother.

Witnessing everything from the sidelines, sapphire blue eyes recorded every little detail of this day for her friends. She remained quiet and listened attentively to everything so her friends would have a recording of this day for years to come.

"How are you doing?" Ryota asked as he walked over to his pregnant friend.

"Akane hasn't been too much has she?" Emi asked as her hands hovered over her sleeping daughter, she wished to hold her but didn't wish to wake her from her sleep.

"I'm fine, Akane has been well behaved, she must know it's your special day." Looking down at their little baby girl in her arms, Yukino smiled at the resemblance. "Don't worry and go take your pictures. I'll watch from here."

"Are you sure?" Emi asked, hoping the extra responsibility wasn't too much for her.

Nodding she motioned behind them to the photographer heading their way. "Go, I'll be fine."

"Alright try not to overexert yourself. We'll be back soon." Looking back as they headed outside with their family, Yukino took a deep breath and slowly pulled herself up. Exiting the reception room to the engawa she looked out seeing the newlyweds pose together in the snowy landscape. As the photographer guided them she caught the glint of the rings on their fingers. On top of Emi's silver engagement ring a golden band sat on top of it, and Ryota's fingers it was the opposite; his golden engagement band was now together with a silver wedding one. Smiling at the sight of the two she looked down at their one-month-old.

The memory of her birth was so fresh that she was surprised to see the wedding so soon. Not a month ago she was just treating her team to lunch when the news reached them.

・Flashback start・

Wanting to be by her side to at least provide some encouraging words or even lend her hand to grip the doctors barred her entry worried it would induce her labor. With no other choice, she could only wait for the news. Anxiously waiting she couldn't sit still and stepped out into the cold to cool her nerves. Wrapped in a puffy warm coat her face squinted at the cold but even so, she could see the red on the trees telling her the winter peonies were in bloom.

When she returned she was met with the good news from her students that her friend had given birth with no complications and she now had a healthy baby girl. Giddy with excitement they rushed up to their room but upon reaching it she froze and held up a finger as they peeked inside.

Blubbering with joy, Ryota held his tiny daughter in his arms. "I know, I know." they could hear Emi smile, sounding exhausted but well. "You guessed it the flowers would be in bloom during this time so you win the bet. Akane it is… I really like it, it suits her hair." They could hear as her hand reached out to stroke the little tufts of red hair that sprouted from her head.

"Gasp, Emi…" Looking down at the baby's unfocused eyes, Ryota held her up to show his love. "She has your eyes." Hearing their laughs from the other side of the door Yukino and her students quietly backed away, giving the couple more time to take in this moment with their new bundle of joy.

・Flashback end・

Looking down at their rapidly growing child she felt as if it was just yesterday when she first held Akane in her arms. Returning to the reception room and her seat she tried to return to that comfortable position she was in before she got up. Struggling to breathe she looked down at the massive bump she carried. She was 8 months in and try as she might research on triplets was rare but based on records about twins she should have been due by now. 'I just hope it's not today of all days.'

From the corner of her eye, a head peeked out from around the corner catching her attention. Looking over she sensed the familiar chakra and smiled, waiting for them to peek again she kept her attention turned the corner. As the boy popped his head out he jumped in surprise and she stifled a chuckle as she called him over for a quick chat.

Glancing at the crowd the dark-haired boy slid his feet across the floor as quietly as he could to greet the pregnant woman. As she looked up at his face she smiled seeing that his once sunken features were now properly filled out as a young boy his age should be. "It's good to see you again, Nagisa. I heard the good news, has your family settled in yet?" Receiving the report outlining the good news just a week ago she was glad to be tipped off of the boy's parents in Amegakure. The shinobi there had been keeping a close eye on the couple after they began asking for Amegakure's white-haired princess. The parents being wary of the attention they drew to themselves were forced to lie low waiting for the attention to die down. Thankfully they managed to reach out in time before they managed to leave.

But good news was followed by the troubling news that rogues were starting to make the Land of Rain their new base. 'A shame not everyone can settle for this new era of peace, but with peace shinobi will eventually become obsolete and relegated to low-ranked missions.' Money was everything to make a living and with such a rapid transition it was clear that missions were given priority to others. 'Luckily we don't seem to have been hit as hard as most of our income comes from our exports and our 'wandering healers'.' Unfortunately due to this uptick in rogues and underground dealings they had to pause their rebuilding not to mention that they adamantly rejected Konoha's offers to help. 'The past can't be so easily forgotten.' She understood that sentiment well. 'I'll send a few teams over to check out the situation.' If the matter was out of their league or would take up years to clean she would step in as she promised Konan, she hoped though it wouldn't come to that so Ame would grow to rely on itself.

"Greetings Your Majesty."

"Please, we all know our Highness has paler eyes than mine."

Nodding in understanding he hesitated, "Yukino-san," he tested the waters. The well-mannered boy made a face but moved on. "Thank you for finding my parents. We'll be moving to Kazahana soon, lady Fuyuko has recognized my talents and has made the moving process easier for us." He spoke his words carefully conveying his feelings as well as the words of his parents.

"I'm glad to hear that. If it isn't too much, would you like to share a meal with me before you move? They raised you well given their circumstances so I would like to meet them." Happy from the praise he couldn't utter words in thanks and just gave a nod before turning around and running away. "You can always find me in my office." She called out hoping he heard.

"Akane! Yukino!" Coming in from the cold her parents slid by the sitting woman's side. The photographer hot on their heels didn't miss the chance for the surprise photo and took it catching them off guard.

"Wait, no fair I wasn't ready." She straightened herself as her friends chuckled knowing what picture they would frame in their home to forever tease their friend.

February…

Sunagakure

In the middle of the day, a space in the middle of the Kazekage manor's living room began to waver. As a glowing opening formed a red-haired man stepped out, his red eyes scanned the building for its residents. Sensing one of the two brothers above he quietly went up the stairs, standing before a set of double doors he pushed one of them open and saw the puppeteer working on one of his puppets.

In his studio, Kankuro looked up from crow and paused his repairs to glance at the red-haired man who invited himself in, the one who foresaw this outcome. "It's time," Ryota said. "Whether you want to come or not is up to you."

Wanting to be snippy after months of silence he realized what he meant and put his things aside. "Gaara is in his office." Before he could leave the room he found himself in his brother's office but before he could question how that was possible, Ryota stepped forward.

"Sorry to intrude without a prior appointment Kazekage-sama," Ryota said lowering his head as he felt his anger boil as he remembered what his friend had to endure during her stay. As a Wolf himself he had read the report Hakaku submitted. But he didn't know if he could hold himself back without the mask of formality. "As Yukino's friends, you two are the only ones aware of her situation as such we invite you for support during this time."

"What do you mean?" Gaara asked, his brow scrunched slightly as he quickly got up from his seat. "Is she alright?"

"She has gone into labor and requested her friends to be there for support. You two are invited but it's up to you whether or not you'd like to attend. There's already a few people by her side so do not feel bad about rejecting if you are too busy." Ryota explained as best he could knowing this was part of the deal Gaara and Yukino had previously agreed to but now had no idea of.

Seeing his brother's face fall, Kankuro quickly stepped in. "Hey, I think we should go, remember how scared Temari was? It wouldn't hurt to be there for support."

Closing his eyes he gave a nod. Writing a note to explain his absence, he looked to Ryota. "Lead the way."

With a sigh, he closed his eyes and walked towards the double doors. Opening it they stared wide-eyed at the concrete hallway on the other side. "Well, what are you waiting for? Go through." Puffing his chest Ryota walked behind them and nudged them through.

Once on the other side Ryota calmly walked down the hall, his steps echoing with each step before holding a door open for them. Inside there was a narrow stairway heading up to a room with a few rows of seats.

In said room, there were already a few people inside. Sitting in the back row talking to each other were seven individuals. Veiled Haruka spoke calmly to Kuzunoha who was brushing her white hair anxiously, with Hina and Haru waiting by their sides ready to receive an order. Sitting silently in the row before them a Misa looked down, reassuring two of Yukino's students who were present, Kohaku and Kiyoshi held their hands together sending silent wishes. Next to them was Kitaro who looked down anxiously with Kamen standing to the side silently next to Emi.

Turning their eyes to see what had caught everyone's attention they saw the red-haired woman on her back. Her red hair was splayed wild around her and her forehead was heavy with sweat. Her eyes were closed and her brows were scrunched up in pain.

"Anything change?" Ryoto asked Emi, holding their child in her arms.

"She's finally dilated enough." Her brows furrowed with worry for her friend.

"It'll be alright my mom is with her," He tried to comfort her as he glanced down at his mom in the operating room below. His mom could be seen sending comforting words to the mom-to-be while simultaneously instructing her nurses and Fumio. Even though it was a conflict of interest they were the best they had to treat her if something went wrong, his mom with her chakra and Fumio with his control over Ice release that he learned from Yukino. Not to mention they knew her pregnancy was high risk and the additional risks her body carried.

Looking back at the two brothers he was about to instruct them to sit down when he realized they were gone. Quickly he ran down the stairs and looked down the hall when he heard voices. Rounding the corner he saw them talking to a nurse. "Even if you want to provide support, we strongly advise against it. You really should have asked for more details about the seal before agreeing to it." He quickly spoke before they got the ok to go in.

"What do you mean?" Gaara asked.

"That seal has a proximity restriction to prevent the one cursed from trying to kill the bearer." He calmly explained. "Get too close and you'll just be causing her more pain. Kankuro can enter if you're that worried but unfortunately you can't."

Turning to his brother his eyes begged him to go. "You don't even have to ask, I'll go."

"Remember, follow the nurse's instructions and don't get in the way." Nodding to the nurse she took in Kankuro and Ryota guided the Kazekage back to the observation room.

・・・

In the other room, Yukino grunted in pain as she tried to push with no success. Her mind was fuzzy and her sense of time had escaped her. Her student was in the same room and held a cool rag to her head trying to provide some comfort to his sensei as the pain medication would be useless to her. Without it, she felt everything and without a safe dosage for her that wouldn't harm her children if a c-section was needed, she would be fully aware of the surgery. Looking up and seeing the worry on Shina-sensei's face he worried that they would have to prepare for it if this went on for much longer. "Yukino do you have the strength to stand up?"

Taking in a deep breath she gave a single nod. "Good. Fumio, help her to her feet."

Raising her arms Yukino clenched her hands into fists as she wrapped her arms around her student as they helped pull her up. The nurses in the room quickly grabbed a side and helped her to her feet before letting her lean against the birthing bed. Quickly getting into position everyone cleared the space as Shina got in feeling the baby begin to crown.

By his sensei's side, Fumio placed his hands on the back of his teacher's head and looked her straight in the eyes. "Yukino-sensei you're doing well, steady your breathing and push." Reassuring her she gave a nod and followed his advice. As she did that he closed his eyes and focused on lowering his body's temperature. Feeling the change her neck leaned into his cold hands in relief but as the contractions started again she gripped the bedsheets in pain and muffled her screams.

In a moment of silence, her eyes widened as her firstborn came into the world. With no cry to be heard she lifted her head and tried to move towards Shina who held her child but Fumio kept her in place. "Congratulations Yukino, it's a boy." Placing the baby before the new mother Yukino stared down at the quiet baby and let out a tearful laugh.

The little tufts of black hair were unmistakable; she didn't have to wait to see the others to know who this was. Lowering her face to her newborn's, her face touched theirs just enough to not put any unnecessary pressure. "Haruki…" She said, her voice almost breaking. "Welcome to the world…" She lovingly whispered, brushing his small pink cheek. "I'm sorry it took me so long. I just wasn't ready then." Suddenly she pulled back her body and her hand away as a jolt of pain shot up from the end of her spine. Gasping tightly onto the bed sheets she looked up at her student and he understood. Quickly taking away her firstborn she crumpled onto the bed muffling her screams once more. As he stepped away to finish cleaning them. He passed by the nurse who had been guarding the door and the Kazekage's brother. Recognizing him he ignored his curiosity and quickly got to doing what he was tasked to do.

The nurses spotting the newcomer raised their eyebrows as he stood in the room clueless on what to do not wanting to get in the way. "Moral support here." The nurse who guided him in handed him a pail with ice and water alongside a rag. "Wipe her down and tie up her hair."

Rushing over her tired eyes looked up. "Hey, what time is it?"

"Uh… I don't know, like six pm?" He tried to remember as frantically tried to lift and tie up her long now messy red hair into an equally messy bun.

"It's been a day now huh? That's good it's almost over. You know how pain– ARGHH!" She yelled again as she held onto the sheets under her tighter. Panicked, Kankuro quickly dipped the rag into the water and wrung it, feeling the cold water numb his hands even so he followed their orders and helped in the only way he could as everyone above watched.

Hearing a cry they froze as Shina gave the news. "Congratulations Yukino, it's a girl." Handing Yukino her second child she nodded weakly before placing her forehead near the crying child's. "Shh, shh it's alright… I'm sorry for scaring you Airi." She softly whispered into her newborn's red hair before grunting from the pain once more.

As before Fumio swooped in and took her second to be cleaned she could hear Shina speak up once again. "Almost there Yukino-sama. Please hold on just one more to go."

"Mhm…" Giving a weak nod she looked up at Kankuro. She knew her body and its limits, usually brimming with energy she could feel the nurse's increasing rush to get her children out the longer she bled out. It would only be a matter of time before she passed out and if she was lucky they would be able to proceed with surgery to fix her up. As much as she tried to hold on, the pain she was under was unbelievable and feeling Kankuro's trembling hands as he tried to help she knew how unfair it would be to keep him longer than he should.

"Kankuro," Managing her strength to not crush his wrist she grabbed his arm and pulled him close enough to whisper without being heard, "that there was your niece and the next one is your family too… Once they come out I want you to leave and tell the others to head to Level 1: Nursery."

"What about you?"

"I'll," holding in her groan of pain she let go and pulled it away before she could harm him. "I'll be fine, just make sure to leave right after." She urged him, knowing well of his fear and the reason why he was so reluctant to form a family much less risk it by even entertaining the idea of a relationship. She had told Ryota of the seal extending her life but everyone in that room and her former lover above weren't. If the worst went down she didn't want that trauma to resurface and reopen up old scars.

"I won't leave I promised–"

Hearing a cry, relief set into her body. "It's a–" The words blurred together and she couldn't hear what was said as her world tilted even so she held firm.

"Shina-san, she's losing a lot of blood." One of the nurses panicked at the sight of it all. "Her placenta hasn't–"

"What's wrong?" Kankuro asked and the nurses fell silent looking up at the doctor in charge.

"The procedure is over, we have to give the new mother her privacy." Looking up at the one-way observation glass she signaled for her son to tell the spectators to go. Things weren't looking good and this wasn't for the weak-hearted.

Ushering the man out they helped pull up the barely conscious woman onto an operating bed. Looking at what they were dealing with the amount of blood she was losing, things were looking worse as the flow wasn't slowing down. "Get me some pads, and you," she pointed to the nurse that was guarding the door, "request type B blood quick!"

・・・

As everyone left the observation room Ryota grew worried. "Emi, would you take everyone to the nursery, please?"

Understanding she gave a firm nod as she instructed the summons to follow, and as he was about to head back to the operating room, a nurse pushed out Kankuro as he tried to go back in. Wanting to go in as well he knew what she would want and instead gripped the puppeteer's shoulder. "They know what they're doing she'll be fine," he told him not trusting the words that came out of his mouth as uncertainty sat heavily in the air.

"Tell us honestly," Gaara spoke, his voice hoarse from suppressing his thoughts the entire time he was forced to watch helplessly from above as his brother stood in his place.

"You know her, she'll be fine." At that moment a nurse rushed out of the room and ran down the hall opposite of where Emi and Yukino's family went. Feeling his heart drop in fear Ryota knew enough they wouldn't run for any simple reason.

"If we stand here we'll just be in the way." He pushed down his worries as he pulled along the two men to follow. "She'll be fine." He told himself trusting in his mom's abilities. As the elevator dinged and they stepped in he turned around to see the nurse return with a cooler in tow. Recognizing it he let out a sigh in relief hoping that blood loss was the only complication she had.

"How did this happen?" Gaara asked the moment the doors closed. Looking over Ryota saw his ever-composed face begin to contort in anger and understandably so. Even though Gaara felt hurt at the thought she could have moved on so quickly after all they'd been through he couldn't shake the feeling something was off about all this. The fact that her family and friends were the only ones present during this important life event with no lover in sight told him two things: that her lover was either a deadbeat who didn't deserve her, or she had no lover to begin with adding to it all her previous mentions of the elders wanting an heir only made him suspect the worst.

"I… can't say," Ryota told the truth, fully aware of the deal. "But know this was her choice."

Kankuro, knowing the truth, kept quiet the whole ride up and only spoke once the elevator doors opened. "She shouldn't have been in so much pain." He spoke of his concerns having been outside when his sister gave birth. He knew it was painful but the extent that he had witnessed just a few minutes ago had him shaking.

"I know," Ryota answered in a soft voice, his usual confidence and haughtiness to his voice gone, "there is nothing for us to do, her resistance is just too strong." he began to break down at losing his new family. "The pain medication won't work on her without it harming the child first." Walking over to the chairs he plopped himself on them and looked over at the small crowd down the hall in front of the nursery. "I'm not like them, not Yuu-chan, my mom, or Emi. The info just doesn't stick that well. I'm no medic-nin like them." Sighing he held his head in his hands. "We can't even put her to sleep, without the pain waking her up first." Clenching his fist he wanted to curse his weakness but held back to not draw the other's attention.

Sitting silently Ryota kept his head low focusing on the faint chakra signature a few floors below. Sensing her signature flicker before becoming a bit brighter he let out a deep sigh in relief. "Listen sorry for snapping at you," wiping his eyes he looked up at the worried man, "she's through the worst of it. I… have to go tell the others. Just come up to me when you want to leave." Standing up he headed over to the bunch at the opposite end of the hall leaving Gaara to his own thoughts.

Gaara's POV

As he stepped away he could only look at his red rat tail trailing behind him as he was left alone. Looking towards the doors that led them to this level he stared intensely at it waiting for someone to come up and confirm what they were all waiting to hear.

That she was fine and in the clear. That like always she managed to pull through without issue. Looking down at his arm he pulled down his sleeve trying to feel for the seal but unable to, knowing it would only appear if she left the set boundary, 'He's right I should have asked.' Had he known, could he have convinced her to change its rules? But most of all he feared that with no way of seeing it until it was activated that it would not appear even if she were to die and he would remain unaware of such news unless someone had told him. Even now the seal didn't react to her decline in health.

"She wouldn't like you to worry so raise your head." Hearing her father's voice I looked up to see the masked man take a seat beside me. "Even though you two are not able to touch I will make sure to give you the opportunity to see her if you so wish." He told him vaguely hinting that he knew more.

"Did she tell you?" He asked, a feeling he couldn't quite put into words made his heart flutter.

"She told me," he confirmed. "It must have been tough for you to cut things off, how are you feeling?" Kamen probed a bit.

"I'm doing fine. What about her? Is she happy here?"

Letting out a sigh he took off his mask. His eyes closed and he nodded. "It's calm. Just how things once were." His eyes smiled as he reminisced before he pinched the bridge of his nose. "She has gone through every book she can get her hands on and taken on as many hobbies as your mind can think of during her free time."

Hearing this he couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "So she's bored. That's good to hear." He smiled happy to hear that that was the worst of her problems.

"What about you, how have you been?" surprised, his eyes looked up at the stoic man's smiling brown eyes as he looked down while cleaning his mask.

"Me?"

"Ryota hasn't exactly been quiet about his dislike towards you." He motioned to the red-haired man down the hall who now held his newborn while his tired wife took a nap. "That kid has always been so sharp-tongued but don't take his words at surface value; it always stems from a place of love. The last two days have been frightening to us all so we're on edge. We didn't call you two here until she was close."

'Two days?' For two days she had been suffering and he did not even get an inkling from the seal he bore. "What you wear is the leash to her curse." Kamen said pointing at his wrist with gloved hands. "Don't let the other Kage see you care if they do, they will begin to doubt your ability to hold it. If anything I feel glad you were the one to hold it." Putting on his mask he stood up. "As long as your life is tied to hers your health comes first so take care of yourself more. You are an adult now and there won't always be someone to pull you away from your desk."

"Kamen-san! Kazekage!" Running over two twins held out a hefty sandwich for them both. "Misa-san returned, want some?"

"Thank you." Taking both sandwiches he held one out for him to take. Thanking them he turned to the twins who gave a nod.

"Ah you should both know," the male twin started. "We can enter the nursery now!" The female twin ended with a squeal.

"Thank you Haru and Hina. Well Kazekage, why don't you join us?" Kamen held out a free hand. "It is much better than to be stressed by this door."

Glancing at the doors he heard a tsk. "Now now, don't be like that, join us!" Both twins chuckled, grabbing him by his wrists and pulling him up from his seat.

"Now you can't object." Kamen chuckled and he gave him a nudge forward. "That's the rule." Pulling down the lower portion of his mask he saw the wide on his face before he turned around to eat the sandwich he was given.

Before he knew it he was in scrubs as he was led towards the small group consisting of Emi, Ryota, Kitaro and the quiet woman with flowers on her head.

Letting out a suppressed squeal Hina carefully inched her way closer to the black haired woman as she held up the baby with black hair. "Look at you, you must be Haruki." She beamed a wide smile on her face as she leaned her head on the quiet woman's shoulder. In response the woman gave a firm nod, "Mhm you can already tell the resemblance." She added as if agreeing to a silent conversation.

"Hey don't push." Looking behind him his brother entered the room as Haru fastened the scrubs on him.

"No excuses so hurry, we only have 15 minutes with them and the nurses here are strict." Going around him he confidently walked between the rows of bassinets. Each one spaced out enough to give guests and their caretakers space to move around without bumping into the nearby bassinets.

Confidently he leaned over one of the bassinets and picked up a girl and passed her off to Kankuro who was equally shocked to be given one of her children to hold. "You're too tense, relax a bit." The boy chuckled as he helped him get comfortable with his hold. "Didn't you hold your nephew a few months back?"

Amused he watched as the girl's face scrunched up making them both fall silent as a single cry could start a chain reaction in this room. Feeling a light tap on my shoulder I turned around to see the quiet woman I had noticed earlier. From behind me the twin pushed my arms inwards from my elbows and the quiet woman just smiled and placed the bundle she held into my arms.

Tensing up I held my breath as I held something so delicate. Unlike Kankuro he had not even held his own nephew yet the thought of accidentally hurting something so precious was too much, he preferred to wait until her son grew stronger to even try. But now right in front of him was a newborn not even a day old. Their body was wrapped in two layers with the outermost one supporting his head even so he dared not move, even so the child in his arms did not agree with his form and they began to fuss.

Kazekage, Hearing a voice in his head he looked up and around. The woman before him gave a nod. Apologies for the late introduction. I'm Misa. Pardon my rudeness. She said as she gently touched his arms and moved him to the baby's liking. The baby in question let out a sigh as they resumed their sleep.

"Thank you."

No worries, I can see you've never held a child before. But do not worry, unless you drop them holding them as tensely as you were won't break them. Walking over at the fussing newborn his brother held he saw the panic in his and the white-haired boy's faces as they looked around for anyone to help. Taking the child Misa lifted her to her shoulder and began smacking her back until she heard a burp. To stunned to speak we all stared wide-eyed as she just handed the child back, before checking up on the child in my arms. They were fed a while ago if they start fussing like Airi bring him to me.

"I understand, what's his name?" He asked, seeing how the one with black hair had been named Haruki and the one his brother held, Airi.

Unfortunately she wasn't able to name him yet but she will once she wakes up.

"How is she?"

My knowledge is the same as yours. We will know when– Head turning to the glass I looked over to see those that had been waiting outside talking with the red-haired doctor from below. Her face looked grim and she lowered her head, seeming to apologize for something. But the three that were present only shook their heads and had her lift her head. The veiled woman lifted a wrinkled hand and patted her shoulder gently with the white haired woman giving her a hug. Hearing a sigh Misa looked away, She is out of the OR. If you wish to see her you can choose to do so now or you can remain here until the nurse kicks you out. It's your choice. As she told me that Ryota and Emi passed us to see what was going on. Worried as well, I chose to wait to give them privacy.

・・・

You're holding the bottle too low, lift it up a bit, remember the liquid has to be horizontal. Misa instructed him and his brother as they were the only ones left in the nursery. Their time had come and gone but weren't kicked out due to the working nurse needing to tend to the other babies in the nursery. As such they were now on feeding duty.

Pulling out the bottle she lifted Haruki onto her shoulder and smacked his back to burp him as she did every two to three ounces he drank. Every time he saw this he grew amazed at their resilience, not even a day old and they could withstand pats that shook their tiny bodies. Seeing Airi begin to fuss he tried imitating Misa and carefully flipped her onto his shoulder. Patting her back he looked over at Misa for guidance. You can go a bit harder.

And so he did, blegh.

Fearing he patted too hard Misa chuckled before putting down Haruki back in his bassinet and walking over. Taking back Airi she looked over at the nurse and motioned to me. "Oh my, right away." Quietly leaving the room she turned her eyes to me. Don't be afraid it's normal for babies to spit up. I would suggest you go get cleaned up.

"She puked on you." Kankuro clarified with a stifled laugh. Looking at my reflection on the glass I saw what everyone saw. As the nurse returned and put a rag over the spot I was led out and out of my scrubs.

Looking into the nursery as my brother helped finish with feeding I couldn't help but smile at how gentle he was being. 'It's been a while we should return to Konoha soon to check up on Temari.'

"Are you ready to head up?" Looking next to me Kamen stood by silently looking into the nursery. "Everyone has said their piece, all that's left is you." Taking his offer I followed him.

・・・

Entering the cold room my eyes looked towards the window seeing the curtains were drawn shut leaving the room to be illuminated by the white hospital light above. Placing a hand on my shoulder Kamen stopped me and pointed down at the floor, looking down there was bright yellow tape marking a 5-foot radius around her bed. Standing on the edge I watched as Kamen moved towards the divider and pulled it back. As he carefully pulled the curtain back I held my breath as I started to see the various tubes and needles going in and out of her body.

Her once vibrant face was now pale and sickly and now he could only stand to the side and watch because even getting too close would cause her pain. As Kamen quietly left I stood in the room alone staring at her sleeping figure, "I met the rest of your family, I can tell they love you dearly. Even though they were excited at the new life you brought into this world you were still first in their mind. I'm glad to know you won't be alone…" Hearing the beeping of the machine in response he took a step back wanting nothing more than to touch her hands or lay his head on her chest to hear her heart, something to confirm she was truly awake and that she wouldn't fall into another long slumber. "I'm sorry for not setting the line with the council better, for not being able to provide the comfort you sought… and for being the one to hold your curse." Feeling regret over it all, he couldn't help but let out a dry laugh knowing her response would've been to laugh it off and act unbothered by it all. Knowing her she would just smile as she would begin to concoct something to solve her issues. Her sly smile as an idea came to mind was mischievous but welcome.

Even so the difference in the way she lived in the Suna was vastly different than what he saw today. During the time she was at his home she was like a bird in a cage, lonely and cramped. But here it was clear the amount of people that were meant to surround her and he finally accepted in his heart he could never take her away from it. "Please take care and get healthy not for me but for everyone else who depends on you." Three words remained in his heart but he couldn't bring himself to say them so he quietly gave his respects and left the room hoping the next time they met she had reclaimed her light. Even so he held a tiny hope for a day where such a separation would no longer be needed.

Yukino's POV

"...we did the best we could but even after giving birth there was too much blood, the medicine wasn't working so we had no choice but to perform a hysterectomy."

Her face was calm as she heard the news. "I see that explains why I'm so tired." She automatically replied as her eyes drifted to the clock on the wall across from her but even then she wasn't so sure how much time had passed, Shina probably mentioned it but her mind was too groggy to listen. "How are they?" her hands drifted to her stomach by habit as she felt a bump still there.

"The swelling will go down in time but your babies were all born healthy and they're currently feeding. If you want we can bring them in once they finish."

"No, it's fine. I'm a bit tired."

"Understood. We'll bring them in once you wake up again." Ushering her nurse out they left the chief to her own thoughts.

Laying on my side once she heard the curtains around her bed pull shut she cracked open her eyes and stared out the window and the blue sky above.

She knew there was a reason the germination seal was forbidden and was ready to use one of her lives to give birth without complications. But she lived and lost something she wasn't sure her body would regenerate. She had been through worse so she was hopeful it would but if there wasn't… 'Are there even procedures to restore it? They can restore bone and muscle there should be.' Pressing the button on her bed she sat up and stared out at the city outskirts and snowy mountainous surroundings, spotting a bit of pink amongst the snow a flower came to mind the ume blossom. 'Resilience and perseverance.' As its meaning flashed across her mind a small smile bloomed on her lips and she let out a chuckle. 'Well if there's no procedure I guess I'll have to come up with it whether I regenerate it or not.' The bad news she received before didn't seem so bad anymore. It was a shame she wouldn't have any more children anytime soon but it was for the best, there was no time for romance her children were now her priority. Staring out into the snowy landscape she fell asleep.

・・・

A rustling to her left jolted her awake. Heart pumping rapidly she felt relief seeing Emi at her side. Calming her heart she couldn't wait until she was discharged and sent home to her family.

"How are you doing?" Emi asked with a bundle in her arms.

"I'm doing well," Yukino smiled, relieved that out of them both she was the one with the complications. "I don't feel as tired as I did yesterday." She sighed feeling the strength in her muscles.

"I'm glad," she said a few words still in her throat, I'll look into how to restore what you lost. I know how much you wanted children. She confessed in the way she felt most comfortable.

"I know Emi… but don't worry three children is enough at the moment." She reassured her but felt happy she was willing to dive into research for her. "But enough about that, how's Akane? She's been oddly quiet."

"She's with Ryota," Confusing Yukino for a second she wondered how Emi got her hands on another kid, "right now I have Haruki with me," Emi chuckled, helping out her pregnancy brain. "Do you want to hold him?"

Looking between the quiet bundle and her friend she nervously held her breath as Emi leaned over her, passing the child into her arms. Haruki groaned at the change of hands but sighed as he was placed once more in a comfortable position. Afraid of waking them up she quietly exhaled, flexing her free hand to calm her nerves she carefully reached out and touched their chubby face watching with adoration at the little frown that formed as a response. Squinting she gasped as their eyes blinked open and familiar onyx eyes stared back at her. "Hi, Haruki it's me, your mama," She cooed, as they stared back at her wide-eyed. Curious she tilted her head side to side watching him follow her outline. As he did his small hat fell off revealing his head of black hair. Stroking the little tufts of hair they did have she felt happy seeing that shade of raven hair she didn't think she'd see again. "What's this?" Among the little tufts of hair a little strand of red popped out to her. Separating the hair and following it to the root she laughed, 'Maybe he'll take after me too.'

Hearing a creak she turned to look at the door as Emi returned wheeling in two bassinets at some point she had left the room for the twins. Straightening her back Yukino craned her neck trying to see above the bassinet's edge and got a better look as Emi rolled the two right next to the empty bassinet by the bed.

Looking she saw their sleeping faces, "Good they have eyebrows." she chuckled.

"And they have your hair." Emi cooed. Looking up from the twins she looked behind her and pointed towards the door. "I'll give you some time."

Hearing the door click I looked back at the twins feeling a gap. Furrowing my eyebrows I sighed fearing this would happen. I had read an instant connection was not always the case even so. "What's wrong with me?" Looking down at Haruki I kissed the top of their head before putting them back into their bassinet. As I moved my torso I felt my stomach throb from the pain. Taking a moment to breathe I looked over at my twins and sighed. I carefully looked them over their tiny puffy faces, their little red hairs, their tiny eyelashes. In both of their faces I could see a mix of myself and Gaara.

Airi groaning let out a huge yawn that made me chuckle as I looked in at her toothless mouth. Falling back asleep I looked over at her brother and stared back at my own eyes. His eyes were wide yet unblinking as he just stared at the giant looming over his sister. "I haven't named you yet have I?" Smiling at his clear blue eyes, a name I've been considering spilled from my lips. "Makoto." I smiled as I reached out to stroke their red hair. The inspiration for his name was an homage to the woman who helped raise me but it was also a wish. A wish for him to live a more honest life than I had.

The connection wasn't innately there but there was no doubt I would come to love all three of my children equally.

13 years later…

Uzushiogakure - Yukino's Residence

"...a few things happened over the years but nothing I couldn't take care of. Our stories intertwined due to our deal and even though there were a few bumps one thing remained true. I gave my children the life I wished for myself and I couldn't be happier. The end." Finishing the last drop in my cup I looked over at Kankuro, his face a bit conflicted at what he had learned but ultimately understood that in my time trapped here I meant no harm.

"Fine, but you can't just decide to pop in for the Chunin exams. You have to at least let the organizers know."

"Oh but I did, the daimyo were quite happy at the trade potential." I chuckled as I watched him groan with exasperation.

"Yukino!"

"What? We have to lighten up the mood after last year's exam's. Even though Naruto and Sasuke stepped in to deal with the threat, people are still bound to be worried about the exam's safety." Crossing my arms I also stated the obvious. "Since Boruto is participating this year you know our appearance will help take some attention off him after you know… the scandal." I sighed, shaking my head as even news of that reached Uzushio. We all saw live the reveal of the Shinobi Gauntlet and it was clear the dangers that such a weapon could bring in the hands of the inexperienced. Had it been shown off in its own category for scientific development all would have been fine but the fact that it was used so dishonestly and had been kept a secret until he was caught was nothing but shameful and disrespectful for everyone else who took part in the exam using their own strength.

"But he saved the world."

Rolling my eyes I tilted my head to look at Kankuro. "You should have your ear more to the ground you know. He may have dealt the final blow but he did not bring his opponent to that point. People are saying he stole victory from the true heroes." Letting out a sigh I looked up at the clock. "It's almost time we should start heading to Kairi. Are you ready? You didn't forget anything did you?"

"Even if I did, you can easily return it."

With a smile she admitted it was true. "Well the kids are still upset at you so are you ready to be trapped on a boat with them for the next few hours?"

"Let's just get this over with." He sighed. Even though the kids wouldn't say why they were so upset she had a feeling that during their last visit the council must've figured out her children's identities and most likely said some stupid stuff thinking they weren't nearby to listen. But alas they were kids and just like her they were like little mice scuttling around in secret and hearing the most interesting things.

Taking in a deep breath I walked to the staircase and yelled. "Kids, it's time to leave. I will not be portaling back home so you better not forget anything!" As my voice resounded I heard scuttling from above as they got their things ready. Heading to the main entrance I opened the door and took in the sight of the bright blue summer sky. Shielding my eyes from the sun I hummed sensing freedom in the horizon.

A/N: I thought long and hard and decided to not follow the story set by Boruto [spoilers skip to the next paragraph to avoid it] so anyways considering Yukino's story it wouldn't feel right for her to leave Amegakure to fend for itself without providing aid after the promise she made Konan. And it wouldn't feel right for Naruto or the leaf to forget to help Ame for the damage they caused in the past wars after promising to do so.

Aside from all that, be prepared for the coming epilogues.

But the usual song and dance projects and assignments have been non stop for a while so I was stalling with this.