Returning to the compound, Sogetsu nearly walked straight into the clan leader's wife.
"Ah—Sogetsu?" Mikoto smiled, one hand on her round belly. "I haven't seen you lately. Fugaku's been muttering for days—he wants to discuss something with you."
"Is that so? He hasn't told me." Sogetsu adjusted his glasses, studying her. Time had rounded her figure; the thin robe did nothing to hide it. Calm brows, gentle eyes—an effortless, mature grace. Like a ripe red apple inviting a bite.
"Mm… maybe it wasn't important." Mikoto nibbled a fingertip; despite being so close to motherhood, the girlish gesture escaped her. "Or I forgot. Lately I forget everything—sorry."
"Pregnancy can do that. If your sleep's poor, memory slips." Sogetsu's smile was soft.
"Yes. He keeps kicking." Her mild complaint couldn't hide the glow at her lips. "Such a handful before he's even born. I wonder how naughty he'll be later."
"I have a feeling," Sogetsu said, "that this child will shock the village when he grows."
"Hahaha—I feel that too." Mikoto's palm circled her belly, full of maternal fondness. "I can tell he'll be a good, filial boy."
…Let's not be too filial, Sogetsu thought dryly.
"Have you decided on names?"
"Mm. Fugaku already has." She lowered her gaze. "If it's a boy—Itachi. If a girl—Yuki."
"Itachi is a fine name." Sogetsu clapped once, genuinely pleased. "I'm certain it's a boy."
"I'll take your blessing." Mikoto laughed behind her hand. "I hope so too." She brightened suddenly. "If it's a boy—may he apprentice under you?"
"…Apprentice… under me?" Sogetsu's brain ran hot for a heartbeat. "Why me?"
"What, you're unwilling?" She puffed her cheeks, hands on hips, play-acting cross.
"Not unwilling—curious." He shook his head. "There are many stronger and more experienced in the clan. Why me? I'm still young; I'd hate to disappoint you and Lord Fugaku."
"You're too modest." Mikoto's glance held a sly warmth. "Among the young, you're the strongest. With you teaching, we'll be at ease."
…Can't dodge this one, Sogetsu decided, face unchanged. "If you and Lord Fugaku trust me, I'll accept. I'll do my best by the child."
One Obito. One Itachi. A heavy road, he added silently.
"Anything else, Lady Mikoto?" He doubted she had stopped him just to chat.
A tiny, guilty tongue-stick. The blend of shy wife and lively girl made for a quietly devastating charm. "There is… a small personal matter."
"I'm listening."
"I haven't been sleeping. I'm irritable, snapping for no reason—Fugaku moved to a side room." Her voice fell to a whisper. "As the due date nears, I feel… pressure."
"Understood. You're looking for therapy."
"Yes!" Hands together, she pleaded. "Don't tell Fugaku. He's so strict—no this, no that. He even bans ice cream 'for the child's sake.'"
Sogetsu's brow twitched. "…All right. I'll help. But—please let go of my sleeve, Lady Mikoto."
"Hee—thank you, Sogetsu." Color touched her cheeks; she seemed embarrassed at herself. Why does being near him feel… She cut off the thought, patting her face, forcing the blush down. "C-could we go to your room?"
Danger. Sogetsu's temple throbbed. "Lady Mikoto, please watch your words." He sighed. "This way."
She crept along like a child sneaking sweets, peeking left and right. Seeing no one, she tiptoed in her white socks into his room.
This looks worse, Sogetsu thought, eye twitching.
"S-sorry to intrude." She knelt with perfect manners, still pink. "Y-you can begin. I'm ready."
Sogetsu covered his face. If Fugaku heard just that line… Months of carefully built reputation would go up in smoke.
Blame the System. The last few items had all boosted charm. Keep this up and he'd become a male succubus.
Knock, knock.
Both flinched. A silhouette crossed the paper door.
"Sogetsu? It's Fugaku."
Eight syllables—enough to make Sogetsu's control nearly slip.
Speak of the devil. Fugaku had arrived.
…
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