Chapter 57: Approaching Childbirth
Orochimaru and the Third Hokage exchanged letters, yet he remained hesitant to apply pressure on the Daimyō. After repeated persuasion from Orochimaru, the Third Hokage finally relented, sending someone to confront the Daimyō's office once more. As the most formidable force in the Land of Fire, he should have taken this step long ago.
At this time, Sakumo and Duy had returned to Konoha. Their wives were due to give birth any day, and they had also brought the young children back home.
Konoha's First Public Hospital.
In a private room, Nayuki lay on her side in a hospital gown, her belly large with child. In her hand was an apple that Sakumo had just sliced for her. She carefully broke off a piece along the cut, a small smile forming at the precision of his knife skills.
Onimaru, the family pet, lounged lazily in the corner, occasionally casting a glance toward Nayuki.
"Tsunade, when is Nayuki going to give birth?" Sakumo asked, setting the fruit knife back onto the plate. His face betrayed his worry as he watched his wife. Several days had passed since her admission to the hospital, and they were already overdue.
"Don't worry, Big Brother. With Tsunade here, everything will be fine," Kawakaze reassured him. Kawakaze had already asked Tsunade to prepare ample blood supplies, and Tsunade herself was overseeing the delivery. There was no room for error.
"Sakumo, it's normal for delivery to go past the due date," Tsunade added with a calming smile. "Why don't you take Sister Nayuki for a walk?"
"That's a good idea," Sakumo agreed immediately. He turned to Nayuki with a warm grin and stepped forward to help her. "My dear wife, let's take a stroll."
Nayuki chuckled, taking his hand as she sat up to put on her shoes. "You're so nervous—where's your fatherly composure?"
"Haha, you say that now, but you haven't given birth yet," Sakumo joked, leading her out of the room for a walk.