The sun hadn't risen yet.
But Tsunade was already awake.
She sat wrapped in a thin sheet at the edge of the bed, one hand on her belly — fingers tracing just below the navel, as if listening.
The water from the river springs still clung to her skin.
But something new shimmered beneath it.
Something… within.
Naruto stirred behind her, eyes half-lidded.
She didn't speak.
Just let him wrap an arm around her waist, his hand sliding slowly down until it met hers.
"You feel something," he whispered.
She nodded.
"I'm not sure… but it feels like waiting. Like chakra getting ready to split."
He kissed her shoulder.
"You think you caught?"
"I think…" She exhaled. "I want to believe I did."
Naruto shifted lower.
Lower.
Until he was on his knees in front of her — face at her stomach, hands warm against her hips.
"Then I'll start loving her now," he whispered.
He kissed her belly.
Once.
Then again.
And then lower.
Tsunade gasped as his lips found her folds — still swollen, sensitive, soaked with memory.
He didn't fuck her this time.
He just worshipped her.
Tongue slow.
Gentle.
Deep.
Her thighs trembled as she clutched his head, her voice breaking:
"N-Naruto—don't stop—if you love me, don't stop—"
He didn't.
Not until she came so softly she cried his name into her own shoulder.
When he finally rose, she pulled him close.
And whispered:
"If I'm carrying now… then I don't need to be strong anymore."
Naruto touched her cheek.
"You never had to be alone to begin with."
In the hallway beyond, the other girls stirred.
But for now?
The strongest woman in the world let herself be held.