Konohagakure's Kakashi Hatake & Nina Sarutobi have only lived & prepared to die by the Shinobi rules.
Amid an intensive investigation into a spate of mysterious deaths, a birthday party for the elusive Copy-Nin sets off a chain reaction no one quite...
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(Friday> September 19> Konoha's Medical Clinic)
~Kurenai~
Kurenai weaved her way through the crowded waiting room of Konoha's Medical Clinic. Asuma's towering height was a blessing in times like this, but he was currently out on a mission with his Team Ten.
"I'm so sorry about the wait. It's been chaos around here," Shizune apologised from over her shoulder. "The younger medics are—"
"It's okay, Shizune," Kurenai said, placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder as she stepped into the treatment room.
Thanks to the onset of morning sickness, she'd barely seen her own team as of late. Shino and Kiba hadn't spent more than one night in the village in weeks, and in between low-ranking missions, Hinata had picked up additional shifts at the hospital and medical clinic.
Truthfully, Kurenai had a soft spot for the Hyūga girl. It was becoming increasingly apparent how alike her student was becoming to herself. Hinata Hyūga would become a strong woman sure to teach, love and save the younger generations.
Maybe even...
"Baby is growing well, Kurenai," Shizune announced, discarding her latex gloves into the bin. "Do you have any questions?"
Naturally, Kurenai had reservations because she and Asuma were shinobi at the end of the day. She sighed, letting her hand drop to her belly. A baby—half him and half her—that they would shower with love and watch grow, learning and discovering who they were and where they fit into this big, wide world.
Their excitement overrode all their worriment.
"No. At least, not about the pregnancy," Kurenai answered.
Shizune had her head down, making notes in her file. "Anything I can help with?"
Kurenai waved her hand in front of her face, quickly remembering that she and the others agreed not to tell a soul about the bet. "No, sorry. Ignore me. I'm just...thinking out loud."
Asuma didn't seem fazed, citing something about a 'brother's intuition'. Honestly, she had no idea what sometimes went through that man's head. There wasn't bad blood, per se, between the Sarutobi siblings. Nonetheless, there was an unspoken tension that she'd attributed to Asuma's absent years. She'd never spoken to Nina about it. Who knows, one day, maybe she would. Kurenai had often witnessed—unbeknownst to Asuma—how the guilt of his teenage decision and the impact on his younger sister weighed on him.
It was pointless prodding for further clarification regarding his brotherly intuition and the bet. She trusted Asuma and respected the notion of 'Que Será, Será'—whatever will be, will be.
"Anyway, I best let you get to your other patients," Kurenai stated, sliding open the door.
"Mm, yes," Shizune agreed. "Sorry again for the wait."
