Ruka Hiden : Tangled Paths, Love's Redemption

[8]

"Hinata~" Ruka smiled warmly. "Are all the preparations for the reception finished?" she asked, sitting down on the bench outside her and Kiba's house, sipping tea leisurely.

The girls had decided to gather at Ruka's house to make things easier for her, given her advanced pregnancy. Walking around too much had become a strain.

"Yes, most of it is ready," Hinata nodded, her soft smile calming as always.

"Anyways..." Ino trailed off, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "I'm still surprised that the first one out of our group to get married is you and Naruto." Her gaze shifted to Ruka, teasingly. "Although Ruka did almost tie the knot once..."

"True, but she's the first one to get pregnant!" Sakura added with a grin, making the other girls laugh and Ruka sigh.

"Oh well..." Ruka shrugged, her hand resting on her large belly.

Tenten, gently caressing Ruka's nine-month pregnancy bump, asked, "Do you think he's coming soon?"

Ruka let out a tired sigh. "I hope not. I want this moment to focus on Hinata and Naruto's wedding, not this little guy inside me stealing the spotlight."

Hinata giggled sweetly. "I wouldn't mind if he did, though. I can't wait to meet him," she said, her soft gaze full of anticipation as she looked at Ruka's belly. "Have you decided on a name yet?"

"No," Ruka smiled. "Kiba and I decided to wait until he's born to choose his name. It feels right to meet him first."

As the conversation drifted back to the wedding plans, Ruka found herself distracted by a soft kick from her baby. She placed her hand over her belly and smiled inwardly. Despite her desire to keep the focus on Hinata and Naruto's big day, a small part of her couldn't help but wonder if her little one was getting ready to make his entrance soon.

"Speaking of babies..." Ino leaned in closer to Ruka, "Do you think Kiba's ready for fatherhood? I mean, he's still the wild dog we all know."

Ruka chuckled, thinking about her husband. "Oh, he's more than ready. He's been secretly decorating the nursery room for weeks without telling me. I think he's more excited than I am."

Suddenly, a bark echoed from inside the house. Akamaru, sensing the girls' conversation had gone on long enough without him, trotted out to join the group, his big, fluffy form plopping down beside Ruka. He nudged her belly with his nose, as if to say he was ready for the baby too.

Ruka laughed, patting Akamaru's head. "See, even Akamaru's excited."

The girls laughed together, a sense of peace and excitement filling the air as they prepared for the wedding of their dear friends while also awaiting the arrival of Ruka's new chapter in life.

-

-

"Absolutely not," Ruka said firmly, crossing her arms as she stood in front of Konohamaru. Her brows were furrowed, and her protective gaze bore into him. "You're not going to the Land of the Sand, Konohamaru."

Konohamaru looked at her, clearly frustrated. "But big sister, I'm fifteen now! I'm not a kid anymore! You should let me travel there with Kakashi-sensei—he's the Hokage! What could possibly go wrong?" His voice was edged with determination, trying to make his case as convincingly as possible.

Ruka's eyes softened for a moment, but she shook her head. "I don't care how old you are. You're still too young for a mission like this. And the Land of the Sand is a long way from home. Anything can happen out there."

"But Kakashi-sensei will be with me! He's the Hokage, Ruka! You trust him, don't you?" Konohamaru argued, stepping closer with his fists clenched in frustration. "You've been letting me do missions on my own for years now! Why is this any different?"

Ruka sighed, placing her hand on her growing belly, her eyes flashing with a protective instinct that was hard to deny. "Konohamaru, it's different because you're still my little brother. And maybe you don't understand now, but there are things I worry about... especially with the baby coming soon. You're young, and I... I just want to keep you safe."

Before Konohamaru could protest further, Kiba, who had been listening from the other room, stepped in with a calming grin. He walked over to Ruka and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "Hey, Ruka, I think you're being a little too hard on him," Kiba said softly, trying to ease the tension. "He's right. He's not a little kid anymore. And he's with Kakashi, of all people. Nothing's going to happen to him."

Ruka turned to look at Kiba, her expression still conflicted. "I just don't like the idea of him being so far away. Anything could go wrong."

Kiba smiled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "I get it. You're being extra protective because of your mother instincts kicking in—especially with the baby almost here. But you've gotta remember, Konohamaru's capable. He's grown into one of the most skilled shinobi in his generation, and you've raised him to be strong."

Konohamaru's eyes softened as he watched Kiba reassure Ruka. "I'll be fine," he said, his voice now gentle. "I promise. I'll make sure to send big brother Naruto the best wedding greeting ever, and I'll be back before you know it."

Ruka bit her lip, finally letting out a deep sigh. She looked at Konohamaru, her protectiveness still evident but giving way to understanding. "Fine," she said quietly. "But you better come back in one piece. And if anything goes wrong, you let Kakashi know immediately, okay?"

Konohamaru grinned widely, relief washing over him. "I will! Thank you, big sister!" He then ran over and hugged Ruka gently, being careful of her pregnant belly.

Ruka smiled, her heart softening as she hugged him back. "You're growing up too fast... Just be careful."

"I will," Konohamaru said confidently, pulling away. He gave a nod to Kiba. "Thanks for backing me up, Kiba."

Kiba chuckled. "No problem, kid. "

As Konohamaru darted off to prepare for his trip, Ruka looked at Kiba, her worry still lingering but eased. "Was I being too overprotective?"

Kiba smiled at her. "A little, but that's what makes you such a great big sister—and soon, a great mom. He'll be fine, don't worry."

Ruka sighed and leaned into Kiba, finding comfort in his presence. "You're right. He's strong. But it's hard not to worry."