Ch-31:I will support you!

"Clink!"

The sound of two glasses meeting echoed in the quiet izakaya.

Kurenai Yuhi picked up her drink and drained it in one go.

"Haruto, you've probably heard already. Asuma called me a slut in front of everyone today!"

She slammed the empty glass on the table, her tone carrying both anger and sorrow.

"We grew up together. If anyone should understand me, it's him! He knows exactly what kind of person I am! But... he actually said that!"

Her voice cracked, and her fiery anger faded, replaced by quiet despair.

"Ah, maybe it's understandable that he couldn't handle the news of my pregnancy," she muttered, her voice low and hollow.

"But what hurts the most... is that he only cares about appearances. He doesn't love me—not enough to listen to my explanations."

Her words hung heavily in the air. Kurenai picked up the empty glass, her hand trembling slightly as memories overwhelmed her.

"Asuma was always impatient, even as a child," she continued. "He had a strained relationship with his father, always stubborn and rebellious. When he turned eighteen, he ran away from Konoha and wandered for years. He thought he was some kind of hero, living by his own rules."

She shook her head, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.

"He only did what he wanted, never caring about anyone else's feelings. He left me here, alone, for years."

Kurenai paused, taking a deep breath. Her voice softened as she spoke about the man she once loved.

"I heard news of him occasionally. He became one of the Twelve Guardian Ninjas for the Fire Daimyo. He always wore that emblem on his waist, proud of his so-called achievements.

"But I knew better. If not for the Hokage's behind-the-scenes efforts, his arrogance and temper would've disqualified him immediately. The Daimyo only chose him to save face for the Hokage.

"When he returned to Konoha, he had changed. Losing so many comrades during his missions made him more mature, more understanding. He even reconciled with his father, and with me. For the first time, I felt hopeful about our future..."

Her voice broke, and she clenched her fists tightly.

"And then this happened."

Haruto remained silent, allowing Kurenai to vent her frustrations. Her red eyes glistened with unshed tears, the alcohol amplifying her sorrow.

"We'd been having problems even before this," she admitted, her tone bitter. "Do you know he was jealous of you, Haruto? Of you? Can you believe that? His paranoia nearly drove me insane..."

As Kurenai continued to pour out her heart, Haruto stayed quiet, listening intently. She talked about their love, their fights, and the betrayal she felt. Her words tumbled out alongside sip after sip of her drink—or rather, the water Haruto had cleverly replaced it with.

The minutes turned into hours as Kurenai recounted every detail of her relationship with Asuma, from their happiest days to the heartbreak of the present.

She even confessed moments she had never shared with anyone—the first time they kissed, her own doubts, and the humiliation of facing public scorn while pregnant.

When she finally paused, her voice was hoarse, and her energy had dwindled. She leaned back in her chair, staring blankly at the ceiling.

"I've been talking for hours," she mumbled. "Haruto, don't you have anything to say?"

Haruto smiled faintly, meeting her gaze.

"I was waiting for you to finish," he said gently.

"Well... I'm done now."

"Then it's my turn," he replied, his tone suddenly serious.

Kurenai sat up, her heart pounding inexplicably.

Haruto leaned forward, his dark eyes locking onto hers as he spoke with calm determination.

"I will support you, Kurenai. Marry into the Uchiha clan."

Her eyes widened in shock.

"Bang, bang, bang..."

Her heartbeat thundered in her chest. She stared at Haruto, unable to process what he'd just said.

The words lingered in the air, heavy with meaning.

Kurenai's mind raced. She had always admired Haruto. From the moment she saw him wield the fearsome Susanoo with such grace and power, a part of her couldn't help but feel drawn to him.

But admiration wasn't love. And now, as he offered her the very thing she'd lost hope for—a future, a family—she felt conflicted.

"Haruto, don't joke about something like this," she stammered, her voice shaky. "You're perfect, and I... I'm pregnant. How can someone like me be worthy of you now?"

Haruto's gaze didn't waver.

"Kurenai, that child is mine."

Her breath caught.

"Don't... don't say things like that," she whispered, her cheeks flushing. "I haven't even agreed to anything yet."

"I'm not joking," he replied firmly. "Whether you agree or not, this child is mine. I am the father."

Kurenai stared at him, stunned into silence.

---

The once-buzzing izakaya felt eerily quiet as Haruto's words settled in. Kurenai didn't know what to say, her emotions a tangled mess of fear, hope, and uncertainty.

Finally, she broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Why... why would you do this, Haruto? You don't owe me anything. You could have anyone you wanted. Why me?"

Haruto leaned back, a soft smile gracing his lips.

"Because I believe in you, Kurenai," he said simply. "You're strong, compassionate, and fiercely loyal. The Uchiha clan needs someone like you. And so do I."

Tears welled up in Kurenai's eyes, and for the first time in days, she felt a glimmer of hope.

"I... I don't know what to say," she admitted.

"Then don't say anything now," Haruto replied. "Just think about it. You and your child—our child—deserve happiness. And I'll do whatever it takes to give you that."

---

For the first time in what felt like forever, Kurenai smiled—a genuine, heartfelt smile. Haruto's unwavering support and quiet strength had touched her deeply.

As the night wore on, the two continued to talk, their bond growing stronger with every passing moment. And though the road ahead was uncertain, one thing was clear: Kurenai wouldn't face it alone.

Haruto would be by her side, every step of the way.

---