The river springs just beyond the Seal House had always been a place of healing.
Tonight, the moon hung full above the water, the steam thick and soft around the stone edges. A few floating lanterns drifted nearby, their flames flickering against the mist.
Tsunade sat waist-deep, her golden hair pinned up, skin glowing like warm silk beneath the water.
She didn't turn when Naruto stepped in behind her.
She just said softly:
"They all carry you now."
He paused.
"And you?"
She exhaled. "I carry too much. Regret. Time. Duty."
Then she turned.
And her eyes, warm but sharp, met his.
"I want to carry something else now."
He stepped into the water.
The moment his hands touched her shoulders, her strength melted.
Not because she was weak.
Because he let her stop holding everything.
They kissed.
Slow.
Full.
No hunger.
Just promise.
Tsunade rose from the water, droplets rolling down the curve of her breasts, the slight swell of her belly that had nothing to do with pregnancy — and everything to do with being real.
Naruto laid her down on a warm flat stone at the water's edge.
And entered her slowly.
Her moan was deep.
Resigned.
Relieved.
"I'm not young," she whispered.
"You're perfect," he answered, kissing her breast, stroking her thigh.
They made love like the water flowed.
Gentle.
Guided.
Endless.
His cock filled her with slow, rolling thrusts — not to conquer, not to overwhelm…
But to plant.
Tsunade arched, nails in his back.
"Don't pull out," she whispered.
"I won't."
"Fill me."
"I will."
When he came, she wrapped her legs tight around him, gasping as his seed pulsed deep into her.
Her hands cradled his head as her womb fluttered.
And in the warm air of the springs…
She smiled.
"I hope she's strong."
He kissed her.
"She will be."