Chapter 44 “What are you two girls talking about?”

Hiro grinned, pulling Mikoto closer to him. "That's how we stay ahead, isn't it?" he said softly, kissing her gently on the lips.

Mikoto, though slightly wary of Hiro's ambition, trusted him. Over time, they had faced countless challenges together, and she knew that when Hiro set his mind to something, he usually succeeded.

But there was always a risk in manipulating someone as guarded as Konan. Mikoto could only hope that Hiro's gamble wouldn't backfire.

Weeks passed, and Hiro continued to make subtle moves, positioning himself as a trusted friend rather than a romantic interest.

He didn't push too hard, instead allowing Konan to see him as a reliable companion—a steady presence in the chaotic world they lived in.

During one of her visits, while sitting by the fire, Hiro initiated a conversation that seemed innocent enough at first. "You know, it's strange how people's pasts shape them, isn't it? How they leave marks—whether we like it or not."

Konan didn't immediately respond, but she glanced at him with a slight curiosity. She wasn't one to discuss her past, but Hiro's tone was casual, not probing.

"I've been through a lot myself," Hiro continued, his voice genuine. "I know what it's like to lose people you care about… to feel like no one really understands what you're going through."

Konan's expression didn't change much, but there was a flicker of recognition in her eyes. She, too, had suffered loss. And while Hiro didn't directly mention her former lover, his words resonated.

Over the next few visits, Hiro continued to open up about his own struggles, sharing bits of his life and the pain he had endured though all was made up. It was never a direct confession, but it was enough to make Konan feel that she wasn't alone in her suffering.

Then, one evening, Hiro brought up the topic again, but this time more deliberately.

"You know, I can tell there's something you're holding onto from your past," Hiro said softly as they sat by the fire. "Something painful. You don't have to talk about it if you're not ready… but just know, I get it."

Konan looked at him, slightly surprised. "What do you mean?"

Hiro smiled gently, shaking his head. "You don't have to tell me everything. But I've been around long enough to recognize when someone's carrying a heavy burden. I've seen it in your eyes since the first time we met."

Konan frowned slightly but didn't deny it. Instead, she let out a quiet sigh. "It's not something I like to talk about."

"I figured as much," Hiro said, his tone soft and understanding. "But sometimes, sharing those things can help. It doesn't have to be with me… but just know I'm here if you ever want to."

Konan remained silent, but Hiro could see that his words were slowly breaking through her defenses.

As time passed, Hiro didn't push for details about her past. Instead, he continued to be the reliable friend she could lean on—a source of comfort amidst the chaos.

One evening, as they were sitting alone after Mikoto and pakura had gone to rest, Konan finally opened up a little more.

"I had someone once," she admitted quietly. "Someone I cared for deeply. But he's gone now."

Hiro nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said sincerely. "I can't imagine how hard that must've been."

"It was," Konan replied, her voice distant. "But I don't like to dwell on it. Life moves on."

"I understand," Hiro said gently. "But sometimes, it's hard to fully move on when the past still weighs you down."

Konan glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "What makes you think I'm still weighed down by it?"

Hiro smiled softly, not wanting to push too far. "I don't know for sure. But I know loss like that leaves a mark, whether we realize it or not."

Konan didn't reply immediately, but Hiro could sense her barriers slowly crumbling. She was starting to see him not just as a friend, but as someone who truly understood her pain.

In the following weeks, Hiro continued to offer support, allowing Konan to open up at her own pace. He didn't pry, nor did he reveal any knowledge of her past. Instead, he let her come to him when she was ready.

Little by little, Konan began to trust him more, seeing Hiro as a confidant rather than just another ally. It wasn't romantic—yet—but Hiro knew he was laying the groundwork for something deeper.

on the 2nd month as konan left she usually comes onces in a week to check out on them..

as she left he turned towards the cave well the cave dose not looke like cave anymore it has a big bed there is a kitchen everything a house has it can be said a house

He looked at both Mikoto and Pakura sitting on the bed laughing together dont know what they were talking about

Hiro sat down beside Pakura, his presence calm yet curious. He glanced between the two women, their laughter having softened into quieter giggles as they noticed his arrival.

"What are you two girls talking about?" Hiro asked, his voice playful.

Mikoto exchanged a look with Pakura, a mischievous smile forming on her lips. "We were just... discussing what we'd do if one of us became pregnant," she said, her tone light but with a hint of seriousness.

Pakura nodded, grinning. "Yeah, you know, how we'd take care of a baby, especially out here in the middle of nowhere. It's kind of a funny thought, right?"

Hiro chuckled, leaning back against the bed. "A baby, huh?" He glanced around the cave-turned-home, as if imagining the scene. "Well, I think we've done a pretty good job making this place comfortable, but I never considered it as… baby-friendly."

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Oh, and Tsunade shows up in chapter 50, I think!