Chapter 1
The Invasion of Konoha Was Hell
The roar of explosions shook the village, black smoke rising to cover the sky like an omen of death. Screams and orders mixed in the desperation of battle as the shinobi fought to defend their home from Pain’s relentless attack. Amid the chaos, Shikamaru ran, his mind working at full speed to coordinate strategies, evacuate civilians, and minimize casualties. But then, something happened that completely threw him off his plan.
Kurenai was on the battlefield.
Shikamaru didn’t realize it until he heard her scream—a heart-wrenching sound that made him turn with his heart clenched. He saw her fall to the ground with a grimace of pain, her hand clutching her swollen belly, where her unborn child still rested. She had insisted on helping, despite her body no longer being fit for combat. But a single misstep, a simple trip in the wrong place, and everything changed.
"Sensei!"
Shikamaru ran towards her, dodging debris and enemy attacks. An explosion shook the ground, but his focus was solely on Kurenai. When he reached her and carefully turned her over, horror filled his face. Blood was spreading beneath her, dark and alarming, seeping into the cracks of the destroyed street.
"No…" Kurenai gasped, her face pale, lips trembling. "It’s not time yet…"
Her body convulsed with an indescribable pain, her breathing ragged. The battle still raged around them, but for Shikamaru, everything had narrowed down to the woman lying before him, with a life clinging precariously within her.
Hinata, who had been searching for Naruto with her Byakugan, saw the scene from afar. The desperation in Shikamaru’s gestures, the blood… the terror in Kurenai’s eyes. Without hesitation, she ran towards them, weaving through the chaos of the invasion. Her heart pounded wildly as she dropped to her knees beside her teacher.
"Kurenai-sensei!"
"Hinata…" Kurenai looked at her, a weak smile forming on her lips. But it was a farewell smile. Hinata knew it in that instant. "Save my baby…"
Hinata’s stomach twisted. "Don’t say that, sensei. Hold on. I’m going to help you!"
Hinata wasn’t an expert medical ninja, but she had received basic training. She couldn’t afford to panic. With trembling hands, she examined Kurenai, pressing on the wound in an attempt to stop the bleeding. But the blood wouldn’t stop.
"We have to move her." Shikamaru carefully took Kurenai, feeling how weak she had become. "There are no medics nearby."
With great effort, they managed to carry her to a half-destroyed building, hidden from enemy sight. Kurenai gasped with every step, her fingers clutching Hinata’s clothing in desperation. When they arrived, Hinata spread her cloak on the ground and helped Kurenai lie down.
"The baby… is coming…" Kurenai gritted her teeth, tears of pain streaming down her face. "It’s too soon…"
Hinata felt a chill run down her spine. She knew what an unassisted premature birth meant. She looked at Shikamaru, anguish in her eyes. They had no choice but to try to save the baby.
The birth was hell. Kurenai screamed in pain, her body weak and trembling. Hinata worked quickly, trying to stay calm as she assisted her teacher. Shikamaru stood guard at the entrance, his mind split between the battle outside and the fight for life inside.
"Just a little more, sensei." Hinata’s voice trembled.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a faint cry filled the room.
Hinata held the baby in her arms, tears streaming down her face. "It’s… it’s a girl."
Kurenai sobbed, reaching out a trembling hand. "Mirai… her name is Mirai…"
Hinata carefully brought the baby closer. Kurenai looked at her with infinite love, but her strength was fading. She turned her gaze to Hinata and Shikamaru. "Please… promise me you’ll take care of her. I don’t want her to be alone. Hinata... promise me"
Hinata felt her world shatter. "I promise, sensei…"
Kurenai gave one last smile before her eyes slowly closed. Her chest stopped rising and falling. Her hand went limp.
Hinata let out a choked sob. "No… no…" The baby in her arms stirred restlessly, as if sensing the tragedy of her birth.
Shikamaru shut his eyes tightly. His sensei, Asuma’s partner, Mirai’s mother… was gone.
But there was no time to mourn.
The invasion continued. The sounds of battle and explosions were getting closer.
Shikamaru swallowed the lump in his throat and looked at Hinata. "We have to go. Now."
Hinata looked at him, her eyes clouded with tears. "We can’t leave her…"
"We have no choice." Shikamaru clenched his teeth. "If we stay, Mirai will die too. Kurenai wouldn’t want that."
Hinata sobbed, but forced herself to move. Holding Mirai tightly, she followed Shikamaru, dodging debris and hiding in the shadows. Finally, they reached the underground shelters, where terrified villagers welcomed them.
Hinata collapsed in a corner, cradling the baby against her chest. Silent tears ran down her face. Kurenai, her teacher, her maternal figure, was gone. And now, she had a promise to keep.
Shikamaru cast her one last look before returning to battle. Naruto was still fighting. The invasion wasn’t over yet.
In the end, Naruto won.
But Hinata wasn’t there to see it. She had spent the entire invasion holding a child who now depended completely on her to survive.