TL Note: Bonus chapter today!
Leaving the Hokage Building, Kurenai said goodbye to Gai and Kakashi before hurrying toward the Hyuga Clan compound.
Since this was not an emergency mission, even as a jonin, she could only move quickly through the streets rather than leaping across rooftops.
Among the Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans, Kurenai least liked visiting the Hyuga household. The place had too many rules, and as someone from an ordinary family, Kurenai truly disliked such formality.
Since it was already late, visiting the other two clans—both considered mid-sized with fewer formalities—wouldn't be a problem. But the Hyuga Clan... Heh, better to get this over with quickly.
Upon arriving at the Hyuga compound, Kurenai was met with the piercing gazes of numerous Byakugan. Following protocol, she formally requested a meeting and was eventually led to Hiashi Hyuga and Hinata.
"Sensei?"
Hinata, ever the polite and reserved girl, timidly stood up and bowed toward Kurenai under Hiashi's stern gaze.
Kurenai nodded and gestured for Hinata to sit back down.
Among her three students, Hinata was undoubtedly her favorite. She was well-behaved, unlike Kiba, who was troublesome, or Shino, whose presence was sometimes barely noticeable.
A gentle and obedient girl—exactly the type Kurenai liked best.
"Clan Head Hyuga-sama, I apologize for visiting so late. Please forgive the intrusion."
Hiashi was a man who adhered to rules, but he was not an inflexible old relic. Although he was not particularly fond of Hinata, she was still his daughter. At most, he was merely disappointed in her perceived lack of progress.
He understood Kurenai's character—she was a steady and reliable shinobi.
For her to visit this late, it was clearly something important.
"We're about the same age, Kurenai-sensei. You can just call me by name."
Hiashi's unexpected politeness caught Kurenai off guard. However, she had no intention of taking advantage of it—there was no need.
"I'll get straight to the point. I have an urgent mission outside the village tomorrow, so I won't be able to oversee Hinata's training for a while."
"That's understandable." Hiashi's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he had just realized something, but he didn't press further. "We are all shinobi. Going on missions is a natural part of our duty."
"Thank you for your understanding, Hiashi-sama!" Kurenai finally felt relieved. Of the three clans, this was the one she had been most reluctant to visit. Now that this matter was settled, she could move on to the other two.
"Even though I will be away, I don't want Hinata's training to stagnate. I'd like to ask for your support in continuing her regimen. Also, they're still young, so I hope Hinata can take on more D-rank missions with her teammates in the coming days. What do you think?"
"No problem. We'll follow your instructions, Kurenai-sensei. We were all at that age once, and Hinata needs to grow."
"Good. Then it's settled. It's getting late, and I still need to visit the Inuzuka and Aburame clans, so I'll take my leave."
"Hinata, escort Kurenai-sensei to the door."
Hinata timidly followed Kurenai outside.
"Kurenai-sensei, where are you going for your mission?" Hinata asked curiously but then quickly recalled the shinobi confidentiality rules. "If it's inconvenient to say, never mind."
Kurenai chuckled and ruffled Hinata's hair. "I'll tell you when I get back. You have talent, Hinata. Even while I'm away, make sure to train hard, alright?"
"Mm!" Hinata nodded firmly.
She liked Kurenai—not just because she was beautiful, but because being around her was far more comfortable than being at home.
"Be good and wait for me to return. I'll bring you a souvenir."
"Thank you, Kurenai-sensei!"
"Go back inside, Hinata. After training, make sure to visit the Hokage Building to take on missions."
"Understood, Kurenai-sensei!"
After saying farewell to Hinata, Kurenai hurried off.
The Inuzuka and Aburame clans were both respected families. Visiting them too late would not be appropriate.
This time, Kurenai decided to follow the route and visit Inuzuka Kiba first, then Aburame Shino.
The reason why the Aburame Clan was located far from the Hyuga Clan was quite obvious. The Byakugan could perceive internal structures within the body. Though it was rarely used in such a manner within the village to avoid unnecessary trouble, there was always the possibility of an exception.
The Aburame Clan, whose bodies were host to countless insects, naturally preferred to stay out of the Byakugan's field of view as much as possible.
When Kiba saw Kurenai arrive, he warmly welcomed her. Upon learning that Kurenai was going on a mission, he expressed his support, though his persistent questioning earned him a smack from his mother, Inuzuka Tsume.
After a brief exchange, Kurenai moved on to visit Shino's home.
Arriving at the Aburame compound, she was once again greeted by a group of mysterious figures—each wearing hoods and dark glasses.
Their almost assassin-like presence sent a chill down Kurenai's spine.
Of course, despite their secretive nature, the Aburame were polite. They understood the need for Kurenai's mission, and Shino, more mature than Kiba, did not ask unnecessary questions.
On her way home, Kurenai felt noticeably lighter.
At this moment, she only wanted a long, hot bath and a good night's sleep to be fully refreshed for her mission.
She had to prove to everyone that Yuhi Kurenai was not just a pretty face.
Upon reaching her small residence, she saw a familiar bearded figure waiting at her door—Asuma.
"Kurenai!"
Asuma greeted her warmly as she approached.
"Asuma, what are you doing here?" Kurenai, exhausted from the day, didn't pay much attention to her tone.
The speaker might not have meant anything, but the listener took it to heart.
Hearing this, Asuma felt slightly annoyed.
"Kurenai, I'm heading out tomorrow to undergo the Summoning Contract Trial for Enma. It'll take a while, so I wanted to talk to you before I leave."
As he spoke, Asuma glanced at the house, making his intentions obvious.
It was cold outside. Wouldn't it be more comfortable to talk inside, maybe under a warm blanket?
"What a coincidence!" Kurenai replied absentmindedly. "I also have a mission tomorrow, so I won't be able to see you off. Since you have a trial ahead, you should get some rest early."
Asuma opened his mouth, looking at Kurenai. He really wanted to pull her into the house and explain a man's needs.
But if he did that, the image he had maintained for so long would crumble instantly.
"Kurenai, we won't be seeing each other for a long time after tomorrow. Don't you feel even a little reluctant to part?"
Kurenai gave him a puzzled look. "I have a mission too. It's normal for shinobi to be apart. But you... You seem off tonight. Are you feeling unwell? Did you catch a cold?"
Asuma: 'Damn it. I'm just horny, and I came here to relieve some tension. Why are you playing dumb?'
Taking a deep breath, Asuma maintained his composure.
"I haven't heard of any missions lately. Are you leading a squad tomorrow? Where are you headed?"
"Asuma, you should know about shinobi confidentiality. Even if we were married, I couldn't tell you. I really do have a mission tomorrow. It's late, you should go home."
Asuma gazed at the sky, feeling as if his affections had been thrown to the wind.
'Woman, when I succeed and return, I'll make you regret rejecting me!'
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