Request from a reader! They only wanted a middle of no where Jiraiya doing his best to help his reader give birth. I had fun with a war era thing.
Life has a funny way of turning out, doesn't it?
You had always expected to be on one path. You'd grow up under your father's wing. Once of age and wise enough, you'd take over his position as leader. From there you would continue his legacy and put your people first. At least that's what you had planned. That's what everyone had planned for you.
But they didn't account for one thing.
Love.
It sounds cliché as all hell but it's true. You fell in love with a man from another nation. You fell in love with the enemy. And his presence in your life knocked everything off course.
Maybe if it weren't in the middle of a war then you wouldn't have had to do this. But there's no room for error like this.
Over eight months ago, you returned to the little abandoned house where you meet Jiraiya. He'd been staying there on the down low, having had taken responsibility over three war orphans. You have done your best to keep patrols and spies away from this place so they can go about their business in peace. They don't need your comrades to come around and bother them. Or possibly hurt them. He's doing a good thing here and giving those kids a chance to do good in their life. But... you had news.
"What's wrong?" Jiraiya asked you, holding you tightly when you showed up and practically squeezed him in your embrace.
"Jiraiya I..." You stopped as you choked on the words. You clutched tighter onto him, scared and worried. Tears began to fall from your eyes. "I'm pregnant..."
He was shocked. You don't blame him. This wasn't the plan at all. Your affairs with him was passionate and many. Most times it was without protection. But you just... fell so hard for him that the risk didn't matter. You know he feels the same.
"It's alright." He told you. "We'll figure this out. Okay?"
You nodded. He offered you a smile and kissed you. He kept saying that everything will be okay. You and him will figure it out.
Unfortunately the hardest choice was the best. You can't go home. Hanzo, your father, doesn't know. And when he finds out he won't let you be until he knows who the father is. Then who knows what he'll do. He'll kill Jiraiya. He may even kill your baby. He doesn't like any kind of foreign ninja and having one that he spared knock up his daughter would certainly make him livid.
Nor could Jiraiya return with you to Konoha. As a Rain ninja there is no way that you would be accepted into the village. Your father murdered a whole platoon. How would it look if one of the three he spared came home with the daughter of the man who murdered so many of their people? They wouldn't trust you. They wouldn't trust Jiraiya anymore. They would probably execute you, pregnant or not. Then Jiraiya would probably be reprimanded or imprisoned.
So to preserve one another's lives, the lives of those orphans, and your unborn child, you and Jiraiya decided to leave. Both you and him told Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan to deny ever knowing you or him. Together you and your partner buried the marked headbands that kept you and him divided. And like that you were a rogue. So was Jiraiya. It's the only way to be together.
You followed his lead. Jiraiya knows the other territories better than you do. He's travelled them before the war and was eager to explore them again. This time it would be better since he had someone he loved to share all the sights with. To exist as peacefully as possible, he stuck to neutral lands. Ones that were small and had no ninja to buy or lend out. They were more or less just waiting it out, hoping that no pushy shinobi from bigger lands come to assimilate or take their stuff.
It was never easy. Despite not having headbands people could tell. They weren't willing to house any kind of ninja, good manners or not. As you started to show more people did soften up a little. They took pity on a pregnant lady without a home. Most would let you sleep in their spare room or their barn. Some were still weary of Jiraiya even if he was completely polite. Sometimes he would beg people to at least house you if they weren't comfortable with him.
He doesn't tell you, but he's worried. He knows that there are people out there looking for you. They're looking for him too. He is long past the rough date he proposed to Hiruzen for his return. And when a scout goes to see an empty abandoned house where he once was they'll know something happened. At least it was a head start. He can't say the same for the Rain. He's seen them and he knows he's the target. It's unfortunate but... he can't afford getting found. His job right now is to take care of you and make sure you stay safe. Which meant sacrifices had to be made.
Some resources are scarce. There are times where despite days of effort you and Jiraiya could barely scrape together a decent meal. He always insisted you eat first. Despite how much he tells you it's for the health of the baby you shove food into his mouth before he could complain. He's getting skinny for his large frame. What good will he be starved and exhausted?
It is both amazing and concerning how quickly Jiraiya can weave a lie. He managed to convince a fisherman who is risking the passage of refugees into Nagi Island that you and Jiraiya were just that... refugees. The old man was on the fence about taking along a pregnant woman. You are nearly at nine months. You could have the baby at any moment. But Jiraiya was convincing, telling the fishermen that you and him are desperate to find a peaceful place away from all the fighting to have your baby. Which wasn't a lie.
The rocking of the boat didn't make you feel great. It's nauseating. Jiraiya held you and rubbed your back. The bumps hurt your belly. You didn't stop hurting when getting off of the boat. Your arms are wrapped around your middle tightly. Oh god it hurts!
"Jiraiya."
He looks up from you. You didn't call for him. His blood freezes. Leaf headbands. On the shore standing on the path was Tsunade leading a team. From beside him you whimper and clutch at your middle tighter.
"Jiraiya..." You cry out quietly.
Chaos exploded. You fall against him and wail in pain. Fluid splashed on the ground from between your legs. Your water broke. You are in labour. His old comrades stare in shock as they put together that you are with him. Kunai flew from the trees inland towards the Leaf team. They were taken aback but blocked most of them. One got through and struck one of Tsunade's team. Hanzo broke from the trees with his own team. Your father himself came to find you!
Jiraiya turned around to see the boat was already pulling away. The other refugees were screaming in fear and breaking away into the woods to get away from the fighting. He picked you off of the ground and carried you into the woods. He must get away from the fighting! He must hide you. You... You're having his baby!
There's a mix of your name and his name resounds as both fighting parties cry out. You are crying out in pain near constant. He runs swiftly. The farthest he can get from all of this the better.
"Just hold on!" He begs you.
Another call of his name and it sounds closer. The bridge connecting the two islands is in view. It's beginning to rain. Your father can't be far behind. His feet hit wood and he books it across. Once across he span around and chanced letting you go with one hand to cut the ropes. The bridge groans the boards bash together and rattle. From across the other island he can see Tsunade slip and skid to a halt right at the edge of the bridge as it falls. It's a far enough gap to require some other way of getting across. Most likely they'll have to climb down and scale up the side of Ouza Island in order to follow him. He can't read her expression but he knows she's confused. But he can't risk it.
Jiraiya whips back around. He runs into the trees. Your face contorts into pain. A painful contraction hit you hard.
"Jiraiya! Stop please..." You whine. "T-The baby!"
"I know! I know, babe just hold on a minute!"
You cry out again. He turns swiftly. Your vision is blurry. You don't know what he's doing. Soon the cool rain stopped hitting your skin. The smell of wet wood and mould hits your nose. He set you down. Your back is against a wall. It's dark in here. Wherever here is.
It has to be enough time. Jiraiya tosses away all of the outside world. He kneels down in front of you and pulls off your bottom layers. This old shrine is the only place with decent cover. It's small and long abandoned. It's a shame it has been left behind. But it's so small it can barely hold him and you under it's roof. Most likely it was left and a better location for a much bigger shrine could be built to hold more prayers.
You cry out again.
Jiraiya put all his focus on you. All that matters is you and getting you through this. You lurch forward as you clutch tightly at your middle. He watches with a growing fear.
He has hardly a clue what to do.
His brain wracks for information. What was he told again? Once long ago Tsunade wouldn't stop talking about it for part of her medic course. But he never paid attention. It sounded gross and scary. At the time he figured that info wouldn't be useful to him.
"Er... how far apart are your contractions?" He asks.
"Close!" You bark out.
You scream in pain and your body goes tense. He looks down. He has no other choice. It's horrific. Your vagina is doing things that he had no idea it could do. A lump is emerging from you as you contract. Then in retracts back in.
Oh god. Oh fuck. He has no clue!
"I... the-they're coming!" You cry out.
Something is squeezing against your insides. It's hard to describe. You just know it's almost time. Your body has the intense urge to push.
Jiraiya pulls off his cloak. He's had it since taking refuge in the Rain to train his first team. Dry skin is very important to survive there. Of what little he does know about babies is that they need to be warm and dry. This cold wet weather they are about to be born in is going to be bad for them. He set the clothing under your legs. Okay... what else?
He feels helpless. He pretty much is. There's nothing here he can do to make this easier. He grabs your leg and braces it against his shoulder. He leans forward and grabs your hand. You are sweaty and panting. He squeezed your hand.
"It's going to be okay... okay?" He assures.
You nod.
Your lover helps you breathe. He keeps his eyes on yours, holding your gaze as he breathed in. You followed him and exhaled. Your body hitched and you had to hold your breath as you push. Your one leg curls up while the other pushes against his shoulder.
"Good! That's great, babe."
You can't reply. Your body slumps against the soggy wall as you heave for air. Jiraiya uses his free hand to give your thigh an encouraging rub. His calmness is comforting. You know you're safe with him. You can do this!
Your break doesn't last long. Your body squeezes horribly again. You brace and push. He keeps telling you to keep going. You keep trying. Your hand grip the uneven floor and his hand tightly. The internal pressure this is causing is insane. You may just explode.
"I don't know if I can do this!" You whimper. "It hurts so much!"
"You can! They're almost here!" He encourages you. "You got this, babe."
You stare into his eyes. They are bright and alive with adrenaline but he's not freaking out. He's staying as your rock. You inhale and exhale with him, focusing on it. You push against him and he pushes back, not letting you slip or get away. It hurts but... it's bearable with him.
It goes on for so many agonizing moments.
Suddenly Jiraiya gasps. He pulled his hand away and you whimper. You want to keep holding it during this. But he put both hands in between your legs. He kept his hands as gentle as possible. It felt wrong to pull or help. Babies are so fragile after all. He just helped guide the newborn out into the safety of his arms rather than the floor.
They don't really cry like how movies and tv show it. There's immediate concern as there's no sounds from the babe. Jiraiya grabs his cloak and began to clean off the pink little baby as he wonders why. It's not supposed to be like that right? He cleans off the little one's face, making sure to get the mouth and nose.
"What's wrong?" You ask. "Why aren't they doing anything?"
"I don't know."
You begin to cry, fearful of the state of your still baby. Jiraiya wasn't about to give up. He gently put his finger into the child's mouth and wiped out more birthing fluid. He rest his hand on the chest of his baby and did feel a heartbeat. But it won't last long if they don't take a first breath. Okay... what to do now?
Surely mouth to mouth can't be all that different from a a baby to an older person? He's saved a kid from drowning before this can't be that different from that. He put his mouth close to the little thing's and exhales a breath. He was afraid to get any closer, scared he would blow up the newborn like balloon.
Crying.
The baby started to cry! They drew in a breath and let it out. Their mouth opened wide and they began to wail. A flood of emotions ran through Jiraiya. He chuckles. There's no other way to let out all his worries. But at the same time he's thrilled. There's no tragedy today! Before swaddling his brand new child he took a look over the rest of them.
"It's a girl!" He announces. "We have a daughter."
You burst into further tears. He gave her to you and you held her close. While you were distracted Jiraiya kept going. He can't just leave it like this. He unfolded the swaddle and pinched the cord. From what he does remember from shows and books they always pinch it before cutting. He pulled out a knife and cut it. It wasn't as gory as he thought. As for all the stuff that comes after..?
Perhaps that's a problem for later. Right now it's time to get better acquainted with the baby. You look so happy. You are smiling widely at the new little life you birthed. She's so cute!
"What should we call her?" You ask.
"I don't know."
Jiraiya stopped short of speaking again. His ears perked to a noise outside. Rustling and pattering of people trying to sneak around.
They're already caught up. And he knows what he must do to protect his family. The baby had calmed down already. She's quiet and staring at you. You are absolutely enamoured.
You look up from your newborn to him. He's caressing your cheek and smiling softly. Then he pets the squishy soft head of his baby.
"I love you."
"Jiraiya?" You ask in confusion.
"Keep her quiet. I'll lead them away."
"No... No you can't leave!"
He hushed you. He kisses you. He has to do this. You beg him not to do this. To not be rash and to take you with him. He apologized... everything he's done was for nothing. He did all he could to protect you but it wasn't enough. There is no peaceful place for you and him to live...
Jiraiya turns and drags himself out to the rain. He would rather stay and bond with his baby but he can't risk them getting hurt. The icy drops penetrate his clothing and skin. It's weirdly silent. The air is tense.
Something flew past his sight to the left. He turned his head. From the opposite direction something approached just as swiftly. The air was beat out of his lungs with a swift kick. Hands press on his shoulders and he is forced to his knees.
Hanzo was standing in front of him with two cohorts holding him down. He holds his hands out in surrender.
"Where is my daughter?" Hanzo asks curtly.
Before he could lie, his old comrades enter the fray. They stop short nearby, observing the dangerous predicament Jiraiya was caught in.
"Where's the woman?" One of them asked.
"Yes boy." Hanzo growled and pulled out a kunai. He presses the blade to Jiraiya's neck. "What have you done to my child?"
Tsunade raised her brows. She had no clue that Jiraiya had gotten involved with the daughter of the leader of another village. He's in much deeper shit than thought. Now everyone is awaiting his reply.
"She's dead."
"What?" The other man snarled and grabbed his hair. The blade pressed harder against his neck. "What have you done?!"
The aggression added outrage from Tsunade's squad. She dared to approach and grip Hanzo's wrist with her iron grip. She stares him down evenly, not backing down.
"What about the baby?" She asks, glancing down to Jiraiya.
"Baby?" Hanzo was confused.
"Both are... gone." Jiraiya replied flatly. Even if he is lying the words are horrible enough to nearly choke on. "To.. Too much blood. She didn't stop bleeding and... it all was for nothing."
"For nothing?" She repeats. She frowns as she processed the implications. "Stillbirth?.. but the probability of that..."
"You always said that medical situations are unpredictable..."
"I..." She can't really argue that. "I'm sorry."
Hanzo finally understood. His eyes went wide. Then his face turned red with rage.
"You knocked up my daughter and left her to die!"
Tsunade had loosened her grip as she thought. Hanzo's hand moved out of it and rushed with the intention to slice open Jiraiya's neck. She moved quicker, gripping her friend's head and pushing him in the same direction. He cried out in surprise as he fell down cheek first into the muddy earth. The knife narrowly avoiding slashing open his throat. All that was left was a thin red mark, like a cat scratch.
"Get out of my way! He killed my family!"
"No!"
Hanzo and Tsunade were about to clash. His men began to move to attack her and her backup. A fight broke out between the rival factions. Jiraiya laid there without much choice as Tsunade was standing on top of him to protect him.
It's loud. The clash of metal. The full noise of fists hitting things. The rain.
Then a new noise began to rise. First to notice was him. His eyes went wide as he stared at the shrine. Slowly it dawned on everyone else. They began to slow down to a halt as the strange foreign sound that doesn't belong on a battlefield. Newborn baby wails.
No.. not now!
"Get away from there!" Jiraiya shouts.
With determination, Hanzo pushed past everyone to go into the abandoned building. Jiraiya reacted. He scrambled to his feet to follow. But he was grabbed. A ninja from each village grabbed him. No matter who he pleads to it won't matter. They both want him to stay in their sights.
In the meanwhile, your father had found you. You are curled up holding your new baby in the same place you were left. The way in which you curled up was protective around the crying newborn.
"You... you are alive." Hanzo said quietly. He fell to his knees in front of you. "Thank god."
When he reached out to touch you, you curled up tighter and whimpered. Your one and only concern is your baby. You don't want her to get hurt. You hush her and rock her gently, trying to get her to stop. Hanzo looks to the wee little thing. What a cute little child... that's his flesh and blood too, just a generation later.
It's terrible that you left because you feared what he would do...
"This is why you disappeared? I thought you were captured by Leaf ninja."
"N-No... not captured..." You mutter. You raise your teary gaze to him. "I fell in love with one."
For once Hanzo was at a loss. Both sides were. With a baby involved no one wanted to be violent. There's always that strong need to protect something so innocent. Hanzo didn't want to hurt you or your baby. All he wants is his family back.
Once convinced it was safe to come out, you did. You ran right to Jiraiya, who was still being held between two grunts. He could still hold you. He broke free of the hold on him and hugged you tightly. He does everything he always does when he comforts you. Wipe your eyes. Kiss you. He looks down at the baby and asks how she is.
"Fine... Just fine." You reply.
Both leaders of their respective teams were watching the two. It's so strange to see. The embrace of a man and woman from two opposing sides celebrating the birth of their child. It is really heartwarming. To your father it's the happiest you've ever been. To Tsunade it looks the same, her friend found someone so precious he deserted in order to stay with her. It's poetic. Such joy during grim times is nice...
"Jiraiya will remain with my daughter in my village." Hanzo stated.
"What?" Tsunade argued. "Why yours?"
"My daughter is a woman of standing. She is the child of a leader. Jiraiya has... only honour by reputation. He has no prominent family nor any title waiting for him back in Konoha." He explains. He casts a look at the woman. "You may have him back one day. When the war is over and it's safe for traveling. He will remain a citizen of mine until then."
"A citizen? You won't make him fight?"
He shakes his head. That would be unusually cruel. It's clear Jiraiya still has strong loyalty to Konoha. He wouldn't fight until he was faced with no other option. He lied in order to protect you. He nearly died because of it. He's a good boy even if he did get you pregnant.
Jiraiya agreed to the terms. He didn't have much choice. He needs to be with you no matter the cost. He kept himself close to you and was mindful of everyone else. While it seemed that Hanzo had agreed that no one will die he's still cautious. Tsunade sent one of her men ahead to inform Hiruzen of the new developments. She had to accept the situation for as it was. She can't outfight Hanzo alone and chancing the health of a new mother and baby would be too horrible to try. They offered safe passage through the Land of Fire but Hanzo wouldn't allow it.
"None of you Leaf ninja will get any closer or many near my child or grandchild."
It took longer but you and your family were back in the rainy village. Tsunade let it be and left with her remaining teammate back home. For now that was that. Hanzo escorted you and your family to your house. He took his leave for now. Everyone needs time to adjust. He trusts Jiraiya enough to not pull a fast one. Right now this little family needs rest.
Your house was left untouched. It was nice to be back in it. There was no place for the baby yet but that can be easily fixed. You smile as you stroke the cooing newborn's face. She's no longer red. Her skin tone cooled off to a nice mixture of yours and Jiraiya's. It'll be interesting to see how she'll grow up to look and how she'll be as a person. He was quick to find a towel and replace the grungy swaddle she was in to something cleaner.
"Did you think of a name yet?" He asks while stroking her soft little face.
"Yeah... I think so." You say.
"What is it?"
"Subaru."
A smile grew on Jiraiya's face. That is a good name. One that means unity. Hopefully soon you and him can show her a world that reflects her name.
"Do you like it?" You ask.
"I love it." He says as he turns his gaze back up to you. He gives you a kiss. Then he leans back down and places a kiss on his daughter's head. "Welcome home, Subaru."
You hand her over to him to hold. Then you hug him. He's done so much for you. And now he's sacrificing even more just to be with you. You could tell just by how your father was looking at you and Subaru that he was willing to do anything to get you home.
"I love you..." You utter.
"I love you too."
You resist the urge to cry. As weird as being back home is, it's also kinda... nice. There's shelter. Food isn't as plentiful but it's a lot more than it was on the run. It's your turn to take care of Jiraiya. This isn't his home but you will do what you can to make him feel welcomed and safe.
And maybe one day you can travel with him again with Subaru. It would be nice to show her a world she can grow up proud in.