Labor Support (Family Line)

Nakayama Hayao was an extremely light sleeper. The moment he heard the commotion, he threw on his clothes and got up.

"Master, the young master called. The young madam's water has broken, and she's in the hospital's labor waiting room now."

Nakayama Miyuki woke as well and reached out to turn on the bedside lamp.

"Prepare the car. Have the driver turn the heater on in advance," Nakayama Hayao instructed. His tone was steady; it was a habit he had developed over his many years at the helm of Sega. The more sudden the situation, the more one had to remain calm.

The door to the room next door opened a crack, and Kazuki, who was nearly five, poked his head out, rubbing his eyes.

He was wearing pure cotton pajamas printed with Sonic, and had no socks on his feet as he stepped onto the wooden floor.

"Grandma, where are you going?"

"Kazuki's mommy is going to have the baby. We're going to the hospital. Kazuki, be good and sleep at home. Tomorrow morning, you'll be able to meet your little brother or sister. Auntie Keiko will stay at home with you." Nakayama Miyuki walked over, wanting to coax her grandson back into his room.

Kazuki shook off his sleepiness, ran out, and hugged Nakayama Miyuki's leg.

"I want to go too. I want to wait for Mommy."

The little fellow rarely made unreasonable demands, but on this matter alone, he was unusually stubborn.

Nakayama Hayao walked over and looked down at his grandson.

"If you go to the hospital in the middle of the night, you'll have to stay up late. Once you're there, you can't cry or make a fuss, and you can't run around. Can you do that?"

"I won't cry, and I won't run around."