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"Scorpion, don't make comments that harm the organization's unity," Pain interrupted as the Red Sand Scorpion continued to mock Uchiha Itachi.
"Let's move on and focus on recruiting new members."
Pain turned to Itachi. "You'll go first and wait by the river near the base. Your new partner will meet you there soon. He's one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of Kirigakure, like your previous partner."
"Once you're acquainted, the two of you, along with Red Sand Scorpion, will head to the Land of Earth to recruit a young shinobi named Deidara. I'll communicate the route telepathically."
Pain looked around. "The rest of you, resume your assignments."
With that, the figures faded from sight.
---
Meanwhile, in Konoha Village, inside a lavish hotel suite, Uchiha Kingsu and Yuhi Kurenai lay on the bed, a tangle of limbs beneath them. The quilt had fallen to the floor sometime during the night. Neither could recall who had been responsible for its disappearance.
Sunlight streamed through the window, filling the room with a soft glow and stirring Kurenai from her slumber. Her eyes fluttered open, but the brightness urged her to turn over, seeking refuge from the light.
As she shifted, she felt something solid against her side.
"What is this…?"
Curiosity roused her, and she opened her eyes to examine the mysterious object in her hands.
"…!"
A scream tore from her throat, startling Kingsu, who jolted awake.
"Kurenai, what's going on?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
"Kingsu! Why are you—? And I—? What on earth—?"
Yuhi Kurenai's mind flashed back to the memory of Kingsu leaning close to her last night at the izakaya, his face mere inches from hers. But her recollection blurred after that, fading into a haze of images.
Kingsu noticed her expression of panic. Smiling softly, he walked over, picked up the quilt, and draped it over her. "Relax. Nothing happened. You're pregnant, remember? I wouldn't take advantage of you."
Kurenai exhaled in relief, but her curiosity lingered. "But… if nothing happened, then why are we—?"
Kingsu chuckled. "There are other ways to spend the night together. You don't have to be alarmed."
He continued, describing each "alternative method" with an innocent smile, and Kurenai's cheeks flushed as he spoke.
She glanced nervously at the sheets but found no trace of anything suspicious. It seemed that Kingsu had told the truth; they hadn't crossed any physical boundaries. But the alternatives he described left her feeling bewildered and slightly embarrassed.
While Kurenai processed this, Kingsu began dressing. Finished, he extended his hand to her with a gentle smile. "Get dressed, Kurenai. I'm taking you back to the Uchiha clan's residence. You belong with me."
Her eyes widened. "Are you… serious?"
Kurenai's thoughts raced back to the moment at the izakaya when Kingsu had looked into her eyes and declared his intent to marry her. He'd said he'd accept her child as his own.
Kingsu's expression softened. "Of course I'm serious. I might be known as a bit of a playboy, but my intentions are genuine. When I make a promise to someone special, I keep it."
As he spoke, a surge of warmth filled Kurenai's heart. The memory of their closeness, his gentle touch, and the sincerity in his words stirred something deep within her. In that moment, she realized that Kingsu had given her something no one else had, not even Sarutobi Asuma—a sense of safety, acceptance, and genuine tenderness.
Lost in thought, Kurenai remained quiet as Kingsu wrapped her in a loose, elegant robe. He had become so adept with the garment that he tied it with ease, creating an arrangement that was both practical and refined.
With her heart racing, Kurenai placed her hand in Kingsu's, and a smile spread across her face as they stepped into the morning light, walking together toward a street bustling with breakfast shops.
"For now and always, I am yours, Kingsu…"
---
After their meal, the couple strolled back toward the Uchiha district, savoring the quiet moments. The morning air was crisp, filled with the sounds of villagers beginning their daily routines. Kingsu led the way, his hand never leaving Kurenai's, and his warm presence beside her felt like a promise.
As they entered the district, a few curious eyes turned their way. News of Kingsu's recent romantic ventures was common knowledge, yet his tender care for Kurenai was a sight that surprised even the most seasoned onlookers.
They soon reached the clan's main residence, a grand structure nestled within the district. Kingsu brought Kurenai inside, guiding her through the halls until they reached a spacious, sunlit room overlooking a beautiful garden. "This is where we'll be staying," he said softly, looking at her with a gentle smile.
"Kingsu… thank you," Kurenai whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she took in the surroundings.
Kingsu placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You don't need to thank me, Kurenai. You're here because I want you here. This is where you and our family will belong."
Just then, a knock sounded on the door, and a clan elder entered, bowing respectfully. "Kingsu, forgive the interruption, but there is a matter we need to discuss concerning the clan."
Kingsu nodded. "Understood. Kurenai, why don't you take some time to rest? I'll return soon."
Kurenai watched him go, feeling an unfamiliar sense of calm. Alone in the room, she placed a hand on her belly, envisioning the life she was about to embark on with Kingsu by her side.
---
Back at the Akatsuki hideout, Itachi had arrived at the designated meeting point by the river. He stood silently, lost in thought, until a figure emerged from the mist—a tall, muscular shinobi with a menacing aura and a massive sword strapped to his back.
"Are you Uchiha Itachi?" the stranger asked, his voice cold and commanding.
Itachi nodded. "And you must be my new partner from Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
The man grinned, revealing a row of sharp teeth. "Name's Kisame. I hear we're going on a recruiting mission."
Itachi's expression remained neutral. "Yes. We're to meet Red Sand Scorpion and travel to the Land of Earth. Our target is a young shinobi named Deidara."
Kisame shrugged, clearly unfazed by the assignment. "Sounds straightforward enough. Shall we?"
Together, they walked along the riverbank, falling into a comfortable silence as they journeyed. Itachi noted that while Kisame's demeanor was intimidating, his presence felt strangely steady—a quality Itachi found reassuring in a partner.
Soon they reached the edge of the forest, where Red Sand Scorpion awaited them.
"About time," Scorpion muttered, his voice laced with impatience. "Pain has already provided directions to Deidara's location."
Without further delay, the three members of the Akatsuki set off toward the Land of Earth, each with their own thoughts on the mission ahead.
---
As Kurenai settled into her new home, she felt as if her life had taken an unexpected, yet beautiful, turn. Memories of her previous relationship with Asuma began to fade, replaced by a newfound hope for the future she would build with Kingsu.
Each day that passed brought her closer to the other members of the Uchiha clan, and though life within the clan was challenging, Kurenai found herself surrounded by kindness and support. Kingsu's dedication to her and her child never wavered, his love an anchor that kept her grounded.
Under Kingsu's care, she felt cherished, her heart filled with a happiness she'd never thought possible. And as she looked toward the future, she knew that with Kingsu by her side, she could face any challenge that came their way.
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