November 12th, the autumn chill deepened.
Shun stood at a high point in the village, overlooking the bustling scene.
People on the streets bustled about, strolling leisurely, enjoying the lively yet harmonious atmosphere.
In the center of the street, there was a spacious square where children played freely.
Suddenly, a maid ran over in a hurry, her breathing ragged.
"Your Highness, Tsunade-sama... her water broke, a week earlier than her due date."
Shun's breath hitched, and he instantly appeared outside Tsunade's bedchamber. He was about to push the door open when he heard Tsunade's calm and composed voice from inside.
"What's the panic? It's just 7 days early, everything is within my expectations."
Tsunade's voice was strong and full of vitality. If not for the occasional heavy breathing, it would be almost impossible to tell she was in labor.
"Hot water, clean cloths, and the herbal medicine I prepared are all ready. Everyone else, wait outside."
Shun walked into the room and saw Tsunade leaning against the couch. Her forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, yet she remained in command.
"What are you doing in here? Don't cause me trouble, get out."
Shun hurried to her side and took her hand. "How could it be so much earlier? Have you been too tired recently?"
Tsunade gripped his hand back with surprising strength, a pained yet confident smile on her face. "I am the best medical ninja myself. I know the baby's condition better than anyone. Being a week early is completely within the normal range, don't worry unnecessarily."
Just then, a contraction hit, and she clenched her husband's hand tightly, her knuckles turning white, but she bit her lip to suppress a cry of pain.
Shun knelt by the couch, gently stroking her sweat-dampened hair. "If it hurts, don't hold it in. I'm here."
Tsunade scoffed, "It's just giving birth. I've had much worse pain from injuries on the battlefield. As for you, the Daimyo, looking so flustered, what will the servants think if they see you?"
...
The midwives and maids quietly and swiftly prepared everything.
Despite the intense pain, Tsunade maintained her clear instructions. "Labor is faster than expected, get ready... Ugh!"
She had another spasm, her nails almost digging into Shun's palm.
She panted, saying, "Go wait outside. This is no place for a man."
Shun shook his head, his gaze firm. "I've seen countless lives and deaths on the battlefield. Am I afraid to be with my wife during childbirth?"
He took a cloth and gently wiped the sweat from Tsunade's forehead.
A female medical ninja at the side exclaimed admiringly, "I've delivered many babies, but I've never seen such vigorous fetal movement. This child is surely not ordinary."
Tsunade smiled with difficulty. "Of course, this is my and Shun's child. Shun... you should go out."
As labor progressed, Tsunade's instructions were gradually replaced by groans of pain.
Hearing this, Shun could only leave the room, waiting with a heart full of worry.
The female medical ninja encouraged her, "Almost there, Tsunade-sama, push."
Tsunade gritted her teeth, finally letting out a suppressed roar.
Immediately, the female medical ninja carefully cut the umbilical cord.
"Wah... wah..."
An unusually loud cry pierced the tense atmosphere.
A female medical ninja exclaimed, "It's a healthy boy! A full 12 pounds, with such vigorous vitality. I've never seen a newborn like this."
Hearing this, Shun, standing outside the door, let out a long sigh of relief.
Tsunade took her son from the midwife's arms. The little one kicked restlessly in her embrace, crying loudly, a pair of bright eyes curiously taking in the world, the color of his pupils faintly showing a hint of pale gold.
Tsunade leaned weakly against the pillow, but her face was full of pride. "This boy is so strong right from birth, no wonder he made me work so hard. With a voice like that, he's sure to be a restless one later."
A while later, Shun was allowed to enter the room.
He leaned over and gently kissed Tsunade's forehead. "You worked hard, Tsunade."
Tsunade smiled, exhausted but content. "Let's give him a name."
Shun examined his son, pondering for a moment. "Shiryu. Uchiha Shiryu. Purple signifies auspiciousness and nobility. A dragon can be hidden or manifest, obscure or bright, symbolizing power and infinite possibilities. May he be as strong and free as a dragon, mastering his own power."
Tsunade whispered the name, her eyes shining with relief. "Shiryu... much better than a certain bloodthirsty name."
Shun gave an awkward laugh and said, "This little guy is so strong, he's a good candidate for learning Taijutsu later."
He picked up the little male infant and gently played with him.
...
December 13th, Miroku's due date arrived.
Inside Miroku's delivery room, the female medical ninjas were quietly preparing.
Shun stood outside the delivery room, able to feel the gentle yet powerful vitality flowing within the room, the aura emanating from natural energy.
A female medical ninja came out, smiling as she reassured him. "Your Excellency, please rest assured, Miroku-sama's baby is in a very good position, and everything is going smoothly."
Indeed, after only a moment, a clear and pleasant cry sounded from within the room.
The sound seemed to carry a purifying power for the soul, bringing peace to those who heard it.
A female medical ninja walked out, holding the wrapped baby girl.
Her face beamed with joy as she said, "Congratulations, Your Excellency, it's a daughter. Everything went smoothly, and both mother and daughter are safe."
Shun held the infant in his arms and quickly walked into the room.
Miroku was sitting up in bed, her face slightly pale, but her expression was serene, radiating maternal glow.
She looked gently at the baby girl brought before her and whispered, "This little one is very quiet, very much like..."
The baby girl's eyes were closed, her small hands slightly clenched, and a peaceful aura of natural energy surrounded her.
Shun's said in an exceptionally gentle tone, "Let's call her Shion. It means purple garden, a beautiful, peaceful place. I hope her life will always be lived in beauty and tranquility, like a flower blooming in the Pure Land."
Miroku's eyes welled up with tears of emotion when she heard the name. "Thank you, Shun."
Shun leaned down and kissed his wife's forehead. "Miroku, you worked hard."
Miroku smiled softly and shook her head. "This child is very considerate of her mother, so she didn't cause me much pain. Everything went very smoothly."