Accompanying Miroku; News of Jiraiya

A month passed quietly.

Land of Demons, the Miko's palace.

Morning sunlight streamed through the exquisite window lattice, spilling into the quiet room carpeted with soft rugs.

The air carried the soothing scent of incense and faint medicinal herbs, tranquil and peaceful.

Chiyo sat on a cushioned couch by the window while Miroku nestled against his side, her head resting lightly on his shoulder.

Her lower abdomen had begun to swell slightly, though it was not yet obvious.

Yet Chiyo's hand would always unconsciously rest upon it, incomparably gentle.

As though, through her clothing, he could feel the little life growing within, connected to him by blood.

"How have you been feeling lately?"

Chiyo asked softly. With his other hand, he brushed a lock of hair away from Miroku's cheek, his movements so tender that they were utterly unlike the ruthless decisiveness with which he commanded life and death on the battlefield.

"Much better. The medicinal meals you had prepared have been very effective."

Miroku looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with contentment and reliance.

"I just still feel a little weak sometimes."

"That's normal. Your Spiritual Power is resonating with the fetus, so your energy consumption is greater than that of an ordinary pregnant woman."

A thread of extremely gentle Yang-natured Chakra appeared at Chiyo's fingertips and slowly flowed into Miroku's meridians like a warm current, nourishing her slightly uncomfortable body.

"Don't worry. I'm here."

Miroku narrowed her eyes comfortably. Like a cat being stroked, she snuggled even deeper into his embrace.

This past month had been a rare period in her life, one wholly immersed in peace and happiness.

Chiyo had set aside the Federation's many affairs and remained almost constantly by her side. Even when handling official matters, he did so in the side hall, caring