Malachite

The two women giggled and talked as they both waited for their respective turns. Mikoto told her about Itachi and how he was excited about a sibling. Mebuki says she relates to that because of her own eldest child. This is Mikoto’s second birth and her mom reassures her of the ease. They talk about their sons and how Itachi, even at four, is excited to attend the academy, and how Kaede, at nine, is excited to graduate and get a team.

At some point, Mikoto gave into Sakura’s wiggles and pleading noises and held her close to her chest, slightly resting on her tummy. 

Sakura, vindicated and relaxed, subconsciously released a coo and some of her medical chakra. She hasn’t felt this calm in months, she realizes. She’s used to having one of her boys close by.

“Oh!” Mikoto gasped as Sakura was lulled to sleep by the smooth thrumming of Sasuke’s chakra and Mikoto’s heartbeat.

“Is everything ok? She’s usually a very calm baby as soon as she gets cuddled to the chest.”

“Oh yes.. it’s - it just felt like her chakra went through my system is all..” Mikoto looked at the sandy-blonde woman in shock. Mebuki’s own shock showed on her face and she furrowed her brow.

“That’s impossible, she shouldn't be able to feel her chakra let alone control it..” Mebuki said back, but she believed it. Fear was palpable in the slightly older woman’s eyes. Her mind goes back to two weeks ago when Sakura chose the kunai and stethoscope. How she always seemed to giggle or turn her body in a certain direction, right when someone walked into the room.

Mikoto nodded in understanding as she shared eye contact. This kind of thing was unprecedented and usually implied only one thing.

Almost hesitantly, they both whispered the dreaded word, “Prodigy..”

Mebuki’s eyes teared up and Mikoto’s face paled. She had a prodigy son and nephew at home. She knew exactly what the career path for both of them was heading toward. And she did not like it. And though the Haruno clan was renowned for their monks and pacifistic nature, everyone knew that Harunos attended the shinobi academy to learn about chakra. Ninshu monks needed chakra after all, even if they used it differently than shinobi. And certain dark figures would do a lot to take advantage of the girl.

Both women discreetly looked around the waiting room, Mikoto’s sharingan flickered on as she quickly scouted the area for eavesdroppers and Mebuki, with her paltry sensing ability scanned for ominous signatures. 

Both women turned back to the other and Mikoto handed Sakura back to Mebuki, “Would you and your family like to come over for dinner sometime? I would love to make a new friend. Sage knows my husband could too.”

There was a serious undertone to the invitation, but Mebuki caught the humor.

“We’d be delighted. When should we come over?” Mebuki asked, her grin sharp and eyes dancing in mirth.

They made a vague plan and exchanged details in a purposely broken Konoha Sign Language.

“Haruno-sama, we’re ready for Sakura-chan!” A nurse called out.

“It was nice meeting you Mikoto-chan.”

“Of course nee-sama. We’ll meet up again soon, I’m sure.”

The two women parted, Sakura still blissfully asleep in all her newborn glory, completely missed the most important part of the conversation.