"Scorpion, refrain from making comments that undermine the unity of the organization," Pain interjected, cutting short the Red Sand Scorpion's taunts aimed at Uchiha Itachi.
"Let us proceed with recruiting new members," he instructed firmly.
"Itachi, you will head to the river near the base. Your new partner will meet you there soon. Like your previous teammate, he is also one of Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen," Pain added. "Once you've acquainted yourselves, both of you, alongside the Red Sand Scorpion, will travel to the Land of Earth. Your mission is to locate a child named Deidara and recruit him into the organization. I will guide you through the route."
"As for the rest of you, continue with your tasks."
"Dismissed!"
With that, the members' figures vanished one after the other.
---
Konoha Village – Inside a Luxurious Hotel
Haruto Uchiha and Kurenai were lying together on the bed, but the quilt had somehow fallen onto the floor.
The morning sunlight flooded into the room, gently waking Kurenai from her slumber. She squinted at the light, her sleepiness making her groan. Turning to escape the sunlight, she rolled over—only to collide with something firm and warm.
"Huh? What is this?" she mumbled, reaching out groggily.
When her fingers made contact, her eyes flew open in shock.
"Aaaaah!"
Her scream startled Haruto awake. He sat up immediately, his dark eyes wide with concern.
"Kurenai, what's wrong?" he asked groggily, running a hand through his messy hair.
Kurenai, clutching the quilt to her chest, looked at Haruto with a mix of confusion and embarrassment. "Haruto! Why are you here? And why am I—what exactly happened last night?"
Haruto blinked a few times, trying to shake off the sleep. Then, realizing her misunderstanding, he offered a soft smile.
"Relax, Kurenai. Nothing inappropriate happened," he reassured her. "You're pregnant. How could I even think of doing something like that? We just spent the night... bonding in some creative ways."
"Creative ways?" Kurenai echoed, her voice rising. Her face flushed as memories of last night began to trickle back. She recalled the izakaya, Haruto's tender smile, and his promises to be there for her.
"Yes, creative ways," Haruto replied, smirking slightly. "For example, I shared some stories about my clan's traditions, and we... Well, let's say we explored companionship differently."
Kurenai's jaw dropped as Haruto explained further, making her realize just how unconventional their evening had been.
Her gaze darted nervously to the sheets, checking for any evidence of impropriety. There were no signs—no blood, nothing to suggest they had crossed any forbidden lines.
Yet, Haruto's vivid descriptions of their time together made her cheeks burn even more.
"Kurenai," Haruto said gently, pulling her attention back to him. He had already gotten out of bed and was holding out a neatly folded white robe. "Get dressed. Let's head back to the Uchiha compound together. From this moment, you're mine."
"Yours?" Kurenai repeated, her voice barely a whisper.
"Yes," Haruto said firmly. His expression was soft but filled with conviction. "I told you last night—I'll marry you, care for you, and your child will be raised in a family full of love and support."
Kurenai stared at him, her emotions swirling. His sincerity was overwhelming. The memories of Sarutobi Asuma's indifference and lack of understanding flashed through her mind. Compared to Asuma, Haruto's affection and devotion were like a soothing balm to her wounded heart.
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Are you really serious about this?"
Haruto chuckled softly. "Do I look like someone who makes promises lightly? I might come across as carefree, but when it comes to the women I care about, I've never broken my word."
Kurenai's heart skipped a beat. The warmth of his gaze melted her defenses. Memories of their shared laughter and tender moments the night before replayed in her mind. Slowly, she began to see a new future—a life filled with love, respect, and happiness.
---
Haruto busied himself helping Kurenai dress. He wrapped the white robe snugly around her, carefully tying the sash with practiced ease. His movements were precise, almost ceremonial, showing just how much care he put into even the smallest gestures.
Once finished, he extended a hand toward her. "Come, let's grab some breakfast before heading home."
Kurenai hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his. His warmth, both physical and emotional, filled her with a sense of security she hadn't felt in years.
Together, they walked out of the hotel, hand in hand, their steps perfectly in sync. Kurenai stole glances at Haruto, marveling at how effortlessly he carried himself.
Her thoughts wandered. This man... Could he really be the one for me?
By the time they reached a bustling street filled with breakfast stalls, Kurenai found herself smiling. Haruto turned to her, his eyes filled with mischief.
"From today onwards," he said softly, "you're Kurenai Uchiha."
Kurenai's face turned crimson, but she didn't pull away.
---
Uchiha Compound
Meanwhile, back at the Uchiha compound, Retsu stood by the courtyard, watching the children of the clan play with sticks and leaves.
She glanced up when she heard footsteps approaching. Ketasu, Haruto's trusted ally, approached her with a scroll in hand.
"Retsu," Ketasu began, his tone serious. "We've received word from Konoha's council. They're requesting Haruto's presence immediately."
Retsu frowned. "What do they want now? Can't they see he's been working tirelessly to rebuild the clan?"
"They're likely wary of his growing influence," Ketasu replied. "With the Uchiha's numbers rising, thanks to his efforts, Konoha's leadership is becoming increasingly nervous."
Retsu sighed. "They should be grateful instead of suspicious. Without Haruto, the Uchiha would have faded into history."
Ketasu nodded. "You're right. But it's in their nature to distrust what they don't control."
As the two conversed, Haruto and Kurenai entered the courtyard, their arrival drawing everyone's attention.
"Haruto," Retsu called, striding over to meet him. Her eyes shifted briefly to Kurenai, then back to him. "You have a message from Konoha. They want you at the council meeting."
Haruto's expression darkened. "Of course, they do. They can't stand seeing someone succeed without their approval."
Kurenai touched his arm gently. "If you need to go, I'll wait here."
Haruto smiled at her, his earlier frustration melting away. "Thank you, Kurenai. But don't worry, I'll deal with them quickly."
He turned to Ketasu and Retsu. "Prepare the clan for any eventuality. If Konoha pushes too far, we'll remind them why the Uchiha name is feared."
---
As Haruto headed toward the village council, his mind raced with thoughts of his growing responsibilities. The Uchiha clan was flourishing, but the road ahead was fraught with challenges.
He knew that Konoha's leadership would continue to test him. Yet, with allies like Ketasu, Retsu, and now Kurenai by his side, he felt invincible.
Haruto's journey was far from over, but he was ready to face whatever came next.
---