When Shin Uchiha heard Mikoto's words, he understood the care she had put into this. After all, everyone in the Uchiha Clan knew she was the clan leader's wife, even though Shin Uchiha had now sent Uchiha Fugaku away and intended to make sure he never returned.
Still, Uchiha Mikoto could not openly be with Shin Uchiha. What would their clansmen think of them?
Especially now that Uchiha Mikoto was pregnant, looking after Shin Uchiha had become even less convenient. So when the Elder came to discuss it with her, she took the opportunity to help find two young girls she trusted to care for Shin Uchiha in her place.
Shin Uchiha set down the pastry in his hand, reached out, and gently drew Mikoto into his arms. Slowly patting her back, he said, "You've had to put up with so much, Mikoto."
Uchiha Mikoto knew what Shin Uchiha meant. She closed her eyes and leaned into his embrace, stroking her lower abdomen, her face glowing with maternal warmth. "I haven't," she replied. "I chose to bear your children, Shin. You should know that even though you used Kotoamatsukami to control me, it only prevents me from doing anything that would harm you. Being with you is something I chose willingly. So don't feel guilty. As long as you come to see me and our child often, I'll be perfectly content."
Hearing Mikoto's words, Shin Uchiha said nothing more. Instead, he placed his hand over hers, and together they felt the stirrings of the little life in her belly.
After a while, Shin Uchiha frowned slightly and gently released the arm around Mikoto. Meeting her puzzled gaze, he explained quietly, "Those two Little Girls are almost at the door."
Uchiha Mikoto understood at once. She sat up out of Shin