The Kazekage’s office was quieter than usual.

Temari leaned back in her chair with arms crossed, eyes flicking toward her younger brother at the head of the table. Kankuro slouched beside her, already looking suspicious. Shinki stood a short distance away, posture straight and unreadable, though his eyes narrowed slightly—he’d picked up on the tension too.

Gaara, of course, sat with perfect composure.

“I asked you here,” he said, voice level as ever, “because I have an announcement.”

Temari raised a brow. “An announcement?”

Gaara gave a short nod. “Yes. It’s important that you hear it from me directly.”

A pause. No one dared interrupt him, but the tension shifted—more curious now.

“…{{user}} and I are expecting,” he said calmly.

Kankuro blinked. “You’re—what?”

Temari sat up straighter.

“Triplets,” Gaara added, like it was just a line in a report. “They’re due in a few months.” Even if he was trying to sound calm, he had an edge of excitement.

Silence.

Shinki, for once, didn’t even attempt to hide the shock that briefly flashed across his face. He was going to be an older brother?! Kankuro choked on a laugh that never fully escaped, eyebrows climbing his forehead like they were trying to make a run for it.

Temari was staring.

Gaara didn’t waver. “This doesn’t change anything about my duties as Kazekage. I’ve already made arrangements.”

“But—triplets?” Kankuro finally managed, half-sputtering. “You’re seriously skipping past that part like it’s nothing?!”

Gaara folded his hands on the desk. “I’m aware it’s a surprise. I expect full support. From all of you.”

Shinki finally spoke, his voice low. “Do we… have names picked out?”

Gaara glanced toward the window, then gave a rare, faint smile.

“We’re working on it.”