Months later, at the Daimyo Mansion in the Land of Water.
The cold wind of January, carrying fine snow, danced in the air. White snow accumulated on the bare branches, and occasionally a few stubborn withered leaves shivered in the wind.
Chie sat closest to the fireplace, her hands cradling her rounded abdomen, a slight frown on her brow.
Her due date was January 26th, only twenty-something days away, and each fetal movement filled her with both anticipation and nervousness.
Sāra handed her a cup of warm ginger tea, smiling as she asked, "Chie, is the little one kicking again?"
Her own due date was February 5th, and her abdomen was also greatly distended, yet her movements remained elegant and composed.
Chie nodded, took the teacup, and sipped. "This little one has been getting more and more active lately, especially at night."
Mikoto caressed her own belly, which had just begun to show and said, "Mine isn't due until July 23rd. Right now, I can only feel slight movements."
Tsunade stood alone by the window, her gaze sweeping over everyone present.
Yukari and Ami's due dates were June 20th and June 18th respectively, and their abdomens were only just beginning to swell.
Shun had six consorts, five of whom were already pregnant, only Tsunade had yet to show any signs.
As the maids passed her with tea and snacks, they unconsciously lightened their footsteps.
"I heard the Head of Medical Department was scolded to tears by Tsunade-sama again yesterday." A young maid whispered softly.
An older maid lowered her voice, "Shh... She's in a bad mood right now. Chie-sama is about to give birth, and Sāra-sama too, but only she has no movement."
"I heard it's because she's old now, already..."
As a Kage-level expert, Tsunade's hearing was naturally excellent. No movement within dozens of meters could escape her ears and eyes. Hearing these gossipy remarks, her fingers suddenly tightened, and the window frame let out a groaning 'creak' under the strain.
The maids turned pale with fright and hastily retreated.
Sāra's voice sounded from behind her. "Tsunade-nee, who made you angry?"
Tsunade's gaze swept over their swollen bellies, her eyes complex. "I'm just not in a very good mood."
She left the warm hall, walked through the long corridor, and arrived at her own bedchamber.
Looking at the falling snow, she rubbed her hands and exhaled a white breath.
"Damn winter..."
It wasn't that she couldn't conceive, but that after each time she was intimate with Shun, she would use medical ninjutsu for contraception.
On the table, a faded photograph rested. It was her last photo with her younger brother, Nawaki. The young man in the photo smiled brightly, forever frozen at twelve years old.
Her fingers gently caressed the photo, and she murmured, "Nawaki, just wait a little longer. Sister will definitely revive you."
...
Night fell, and the Daimyo Mansion was brightly lit.
Maids bustled between the various consorts' bedchambers, especially Chie's residence, where the medical team was already on standby.
After bathing, Tsunade, wrapped in a heavy fur cloak, walked towards the Daimyo's bedchamber. The bedchamber was warm as spring, and Shun was sitting at his desk, reviewing documents.
Hearing the door open, he looked up, put down his brush, and gestured for Tsunade to come over.
Shun asked, "How is Chie today?"
Tsunade untied her cloak, revealing the thin nightgown underneath. She picked up the wine pot on the table and took a swig.
"There are still over twenty days left, you don't need to be so nervous. The medical team is on standby 24/7, they've practically moved the delivery room into her bedroom."
Shun chuckled, reaching out to pull her into his arms. "And Sāra?"
Tsunade leaned against his chest and whispered, "I can tell she's starting to get nervous too. Shun, I don't want to be Hokage anymore."
Shun's fingers ran through her yellow hair, his movements gentle. "Because of those gossipy remarks?"
Tsunade looked up directly into his eyes. "It's not just that. I need more time to research
Hashirama cells."
A meaningful smile appeared on Shun's lips. "Then how about we invite Orochimaru back to be the Sixth Hokage?"
Tsunade sat up happily. "He's been a rogue ninja for so many years..."
Shun, with the confidence of one who controls everything, said, "He established Otogakure in the Land of Rice Fields, and we Uchiha have invested a lot of money in him. Tomorrow, I'll send people to 'invite' him back."
Tsunade's eyes sparkled with surprise. "You're confident you can get him to come back?"
Shun laughed heartily, his eyes filled with confidence and authority. "I never do anything without confidence. But before that, you'll have to reward me a little."
Tsunade leaned forward, her red lips covering his.
Shun chuckled softly, then took the initiative, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her towards the large bed in the inner room.
Tsunade's hands gently kneaded his neck, kissing him fiercely, as if to vent all the unpleasantness in her heart.
Shun whispered in her ear, "Don't play too wild. I still have court tomorrow."
Tsunade flipped over, pinning him beneath her, her hair spread out like a waterfall.
The bed curtains swayed, and gasps intertwined.
Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting the two's constantly entwined figures on the floor.
Outside the bedchamber, the guards tacitly retreated to the far end of the corridor, turning a deaf ear to the sounds emanating from within.
...
Early morning, Shun quietly got up, careful not to wake the sleeping Tsunade.
After dressing, he leaned down and kissed her forehead, then quietly left.
In the council hall, Shisui knelt on one knee, his black short hair still carrying snowflakes from outside.
Shun stood by the window, looking out at the snow-covered courtyard.
"Shisui, the Land of Rice Fields should also be covered in heavy snow by now. I want you to go to Otogakure and bring Orochimaru back, he will become the Sixth Hokage."
Shisui looked up and asked, "If he doesn't cooperate, should we use force?"
Shun turned, his face calm. "I will have the new Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist accompany you, consider it a training exercise for them. Finally, use your Kotoamatsukami. Remember, I want a living, complete Orochimaru, his knowledge is crucial to us."
Shisui bowed. "I understand, clan head."
A moment later, seven figures arrived, treading through the snow.
Shun's gaze swept over the group as he said, "Since the new Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were formed, they haven't undergone a true test. Today, I want you to go to Otogakure in the Land of Rice Fields and bring Orochimaru back. Additionally, I want to use him to test your strength."
The seven responded in unison, their voices echoing in the hall, "As you command, Your Excellency!"